Activity: External Influences

2. Industries

"An industry is a group of companies that are related based on their primary business activities." - Investopedia

Staying connected to your industry community/network is effective career management. 

  • You can learn about emerging trends and opportunities. 
  • You may gain industry knowledge through professional development, conferences, and/or webinars. 
  • And, you can also consider how to contribute to your industry.

For those who are in the throes of career decision-making and have not yet landed on a particular direction, identifying an industry of interest could spark the onset of a career journey. There are professions in management, human resources, and communications for example, that can work in any industry from hospitality to education to healthcare.

ACTIVITY:


Go back online again, and investigate an industry of interest (if you are established in an industry, search for another), an emerging industry, and a declining industry. You can choose from the list below or an industry of your choice.

Jot your answers to these questions in your External Influences Worksheet, or in your journal.

  • What challenges do these industries face?
  • What information did you learn that could influence your career path?
  • If you are established in your career and industry, how do you keep a pulse on your industry?

Here are some ideas for industries to investigate, or choose your own:


Here are some ideas for industries to investigate, or choose your own:
  • Technology
  • Finance
  • Manufacturing
  • Communication
  • Tourism/Hospitality
  • Energy (oil and gas, alternative energy)
  • Agriculture
  • Education
  • Construction 
  • Healthcare
  • Professional, scientific, technical services

These sites will be very helpful in your investigation:

Work BC Industry and Sector Outlooks

Government of Canada Canadian Industry Statistics