Division of Student Affairs
Enriching the Educational Experience (E3)
Georgia Institute of TechnologyLeadership
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INFORMATION ABOUT
 
 

Employer Research


The primary reason to do company research is to obtain information about the organization and industry where you intend to apply your skills and experience. You will be spending a lot of time there, whether the position is for the summer, an Itern/Co-op period or full time. It makes sense to know as much as you can about your potential work setting!

Perhaps most importantly you can really shine in an interview by demonstrating in-depth knowledge of an employer and /or industry.

There are many resources to assist you in researching employers. The Career Services Library on the second floor of the Student Success Center is a good place to start and the reference desk of the campus main library is an excellent resource. Of course the Internet, on-line databases, the On-Line Career Library powered by Vault.com (may require log-in), and the Career Services Employer Profiles are essential to your research.

What to Look For when Investigating a Company:

Company Products
  • What does the employer make or provide? Are these products/services compatible with your interests?
  • Who are the customers and where are the markets?
  • Who are the key competitors?
  • Are there any recent newsworthy items?
  • What are the recent successes and/or failures?
  • What skills do you bring to this employer?

Company Diversity
  • How many divisions does the company have and what is the primary work done by each?>
  • Where are the locations?
  • Do they hire individuals of your background?
  • Are they dependent on specific suppliers or industries

Company Finances
  • Profits? Losses? How is the company performing over time? How does it stack up against competitors?
  • How has the stock performed in recent quarters?

Future Direction
  • What research and development activities are underway?
  • Is the company closing divisions? Adding new businesses?
  • Any recent layoffs?

Where to Look for this Information:

Career Services Library


Price-Gilbert Memorial Library
  • Extensive collection of directories, periodicals, and publications
  • Source of business performance information and articles relating to specific industries and companies
  • GTEL databases, on line databases provided through GT library

Employer Websites
  • Although biased, employer websites will provide organizational overviews, product descriptions, press releases on new products/services, etc. and represent a good starting point for your research.

On-Line Tools
  • Access our Career Tools page to access valuable services provided by Georgia Tech Career Services for your use

Other Resources
  • The Wall Street Journal and other business publications. Articles and features found in these publications are extremely valuable and will improve your overall knowledge.
  • Friends who are working can give good insight to and employer's culture.