This page is your hub for resources that will allow you to conduct research on the job market and careers that interest you. Remember that making a good career decision involves balancing knowledge of yourself with knowledge of the job market!
Sources of Information
Online Sources of Job Market Data
Idaho Department of Labor
- Occupational and Industry Projections – Learn about Idaho’s top jobs, what industries are growing the fastest, and which are declining.
- Occupational Employment and Wages – Find out how many people work in particular occupations in Idaho and how much they make.
Other States’ Labor Departments
US Department of Labor’s Index of Individual State’s Labor Departments – Plan to live elsewhere? Visit that state’s Labor Department website to find job market information.
Collegiate Employment Research Institute
Recruiting Trends Reports – Click on the latest Recruiting Trends Reports to learn about hiring outlook by industry and geographic region, in-demand degrees, and more.
Center on Education and the Workforce
- Center on Education and the Workforce Reports – Find reports providing job market and educational requirement projections.
- CEW State Reports – Find reports relevant to the state in which you want to live.
Career Information Databases
- US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook – View lists of fastest growing or highest paying jobs, or look up occupations of interest for detailed information and employment statistics.
- Career OneStop (Sponsored by the US Department of Labor) – Learn about what industries are growing or declining. Also a centralized place to look up occupations of interest and get job market data for whatever state you’re interested in.
- O*NET (Sponsored by the US Department of Labor) – Find occupations that match your personality, abilities, or values and get summary occupational and job market info.
- Idaho Department of Labor’s Idaho Career Information System – This Idaho-specific career information database lets you view employment statistics for specific occupations by region of the state, and also view lists of Idaho employers.
Other Sources of Career and Job Market Information
While reviewing data is important, it’s equally as important to talk to people in the field you plan to go into. Professionals working in the field can give you more of a real life perspective on the job market for that profession, as well as a better sense of what the job looks like day-to-day, and how well it really fits your criteria.
- Informational Interviews – Sit down with someone working in your intended career field and ask questions about their job, the job market, and how to make yourself competitive.
- Networking Events – Boise State and Career Services provide a variety of opportunities for you to connect with employers and professionals to ask questions.
- Professional Organizations – Connect with relevant professional organizations for your career field to learn more and meet people who can help you achieve your goals.
Additional Resources
- What Can I Do with This Major? – Learn about career paths pursued by others in your major, employers, and strategies.
- Vault – Access industry guides, employer profiles, and internship information.
- Boise State Graduates’ Employment Plans – Access data from prior surveys of students’ employment plans at the time of graduation.