Prepare

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Chapter 1 in your course textbook: College Writing Handbook.

This course is designed to intentionally walk you through the steps of the research process. While research is the process whereby you locate and evaluate sources related to a specific topic, you need to start with the bigger picture! It is important to set clear goals about what general subject to research and then work to narrow that focus. You will do that with the assignments and activities in Week 2, so feel free to look ahead and examine the path you’ll take. But this discussion helps put you on the path. 

Reflect

Every professional field is different, which seems obvious though the reasons are more complex than it might seem. These differences are partly due to the specific outcomes or job titles associated with the field as well as the types of duties the profession requires. Differences also result from the particular soft skills associated with the field, the mindset required, and the actual day-to-day experience within that profession. Think about the professional field that you intend to enter. How directly is it related to your major? What do you already know about your intended profession? What has drawn you to it?

Write

In 250 to 300 words, address the following points:

• Identify the professional field (academic major or career track) that you are interested in.
• Describe what has led to your interest in this field.
  • You should write several sentences here developing both your personal and professional reasons for this.
• Explain a specific aspect about this field that most excites you.
  • Think about qualities or job duties that seem most compelling or intriguing to you.
• Examine areas within your field that you might like to know more about.
  • Knowing that you will soon begin the research process, you might consider where this research will take you.