SCSU Hilton C. Buley Library: Career Planning, Jobs, and Employment Resources: Interview Prep: Industry Research

Researching an Industry

While knowing a lot about the company you are applying to is key, you should also have an understanding of the industry(ies) in which the company operates. This will help you put the company into context.

Start by taking a look at industry reports for an overview, keep up with industry news, and learn about market share information (or what percentage of a specific market a company has).

Industry reports, available in databases, print resources, and websites, contain valuable analysis of an industry's operating conditions, driving forces, competitive landscapes, and more.

Be aware that many do not cover smaller niche industries and always check the date to see how current the information is.

Supplement these reports with information found in newspapers and trade publications.

IBISWorld This link opens in a new window
When a specific industry focus is needed for project-based classes, capstones, Entrepreneurship programs, student-managed investment funds, clubs, business model canvases/ business plans, IBISWorld gives a broad overview of the targeted industry, its product and market segmentation, cost structure benchmarks, competitive dynamics, supply chain map, the regulatory environment, macroeconomic drivers, and much more.
Statista This link opens in a new window

Trade Publications

These are specialized periodical or magazine that focuses on a particular industry, field, or profession. TPs contain information, insights, and updates relevant to professionals within that specific domain.

Recognized leaders in industries publish in trade publications. It’s a great ways to keep up with the latest trends, job postings, and even to confirm or dispel rumors.
For example, entertainment industry trade magazines are great resources for finding job leads and you may even hear about an open role before an official posting ever reaches the internet.
Examples:
- Global Trade Review (GTR): A leading news source, publisher, and event organizer for international trade and trade finance markets.
- Global Trade Magazine: A reliable source for international business news, covering trade, banking, imports/exports, shipping, and logistics.
- International Trade Magazine (ITM): Dedicated to international trade and logistics, providing insights for professionals in the UK and beyond.
- Wedding Trader Magazine: A trade magazine specifically for wedding industry professionals.
- The TRADE: Delivers insights to trading professionals at major asset managers and investment banks globally.
- Food Trade News: An authoritative source for retail food and drug industry news in the Northeast and Southeast markets.
- PRWeek: A top trade magazine for the public relations industry.

Search the library's Journal Finder or check ABI Inform Complete & Access World News (below) if you'd like to check on access to a specific trade publication. If you're unable to find full text access in the library's collection, you can often find information and some free issues on the trade publication's website.

ABI/Inform Complete This link opens in a new window
Global Trade Industry business marketing management economics finance MBA accounting commerce corporate business trends business strategy management techniques product development world United States entrepreneur economic conditions corporate strategy business case conference proceedings international national
Searches ABI/Inform Dateline, Global, and Trade & Industry simultaneously.
Access World News This link opens in a new window
Research diverse perspectives, topics and trends that align with curricular areas such as Political Science, English, Sociology, Humanities, Business, International Studies and more. Features reliable, credible information from a wide variety of international, national and local news sources. Also available remotely 24/7 on any device.