Research Industries
Why care about industries?
An “industry” describes the collection of employers, companies and organizations connected with producing a particular product or service, such as cars, software, health care, or energy.
“Focusing on the industry lets you find your interest, but navigate in a way that gives more options,” says Career Educator Kathy Koppy. “Instead of locating organizations one by one, it lets you see all the opportunities in your area of interest and opens up more possibilities that you might never have connected.”
Researching by industry also allows you to learn which industries are growing, hire the most employees and pay the best, all of which means more career opportunities for you, not just now but when you’re ready to advance in your career.
While some job roles are specific to an industry, many job roles are available across industries, such as careers in many IT roles, human resources, sales, marketing and communication, business analysis, and administration.
Career Clusters are related industries clustered together, opening up endless possibilities. Each cluster provides opportunities to explore job roles and industries, common job titles and in-demand, specialized skills. You can start your exploration into UA clubs and organizations, then venture further out and discover professional organizations and job boards.
Instead of asking, "What can I do with a major in ___?," think about what big questions, issues, work environments, and job duties excite you, and start exploring from there. These pages can help.
Interested in multiple career clusters? No problem. Explore them all. You never know where your interests may take you!
Other Resources to Explore
Discover which industries are in demand, have the largest employment, are experiencing declining employment, pay the most, and more. Sharpen your job search or career planning by learning where industry growth and decline are occurring.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Bloomberg Businessweek
CareerOneStop
Related Events
Explore a job role, industry or company.
Career Exploration
Explore an industry, organization or job function during a one-of-a-kind opportunity to shadow professionals in the field. Offered during winter, spring or summer.
Exploration. Preparation.
Career Exploration and Preparation
LifeLab is designed to support any student — from first-year undergraduates to graduate students — to identify values, skills, receive feedback and suggestions to improve your resume, or begin the search process for internships, grad school, or full-time jobs.