Why Research a Sector / Industry?
Learning more about the sector / industry that you want to work within is incredibly important. You can learn about news, trends, the outlook, new technology, operating conditions, and major employers that operate in that sector / industry amongst other topics. Sector / industry research will allow you to gain perspective on employment prospects, skill development, business opportunities and challenges, and can provide you with helpful questions / conversation starters that can be used for networking and interviewing.
Industry Research Databases
- IBISWorld This link opens in a new window
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IBISWorld provides industry intelligence for over 450 Canadian industries and over 700 US industries. Global and China industry reports are also available. Reports cover standard NAICS, and specialized/niche industries. Coverage includes industry outlook and performance, key external drivers, major products, technology, regulations, profiles for major companies, business locations (provincial geographic spread), key statistics (employee growth, number of establishments, and wages), and a list of questions/answers that can be used to prepare for interviews (iExpert reports).
To find relevant reports: search with industry keywords, NAICS codes, or company names > refine results according to geography. - Conference Board of Canada e-Library This link opens in a new window
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The Conference Board of Canada is an independent, not-for-profit, applied research organization. It creates and shares insights on economic trends, public policy, and organizational performance in Canada. The Conference Board also produces research, analysis, and forecasts on Canadian industries/sectors.
*The e-Library cannot be searched with keywords. To find Industry Economics Reports: waive your cursor over ‘Topics’ > ‘Economics’ > ‘Industry Sector Economics’ > choose ‘Canadian Industrial Outlook Reports’ and/or ‘Canadian Industrial Profiles’. - Passport GMID This link opens in a new window
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A database provided by Euromonitor International, offering insights into industries and markets (by country and globally). Select an industry from one of the industry drop-down menus or enter a keyword in the top search box. - GlobalData Explorer This link opens in a new window
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GlobalData Explorer is a comprehensive database including cross-sector and market data such as sector activity indicators and global ads, expert analysis, thematic research, business fundamentals, and alternative data such as tenders, job analytics. GD Explorer meets the needs of multiple disciplines and departments with cross sector coverage.
A note about GlobalData Explorer access:
Sometimes when accessing GlobalData, you may come across a Login page (see screenshot below). If this happens, just click on “IP Access” to access the database.
Government Information
- Government of Canada: Job Bank WebsiteCreated by the Government of Canada, this website provides information on employment opportunities across Canada in addition to a variety of economic, labour market and demographic reports, including occupational profiles, projections, and outlook reports.
- University AffairsUniversity Affairs is Canada’s most authoritative source of information about and for Canada’s university community. Their website provides university employment opportunities, in addition to practical advice and tools to help with academic career building.
Researching Nonprofit Sector
- Imagine CanadaImagine Canada offers programs and resources that help strengthen charities and other nonprofits. See their 'Services' page, 'Research' page, and 'About the Sector' page which provides current research on the charitable and nonprofit sector.
- Imagine Canada: Sector SourceA project of Imagine Canada, Sector Source provides current research on the charitable and nonprofit sector.
- Charity Intelligence CanadaCharity Intelligence provides ratings and reviews on Canadian charities (including profiles for over 700 charities) so donors can be informed, give intelligently, and have impact. The organization also provides unique research on the charitable sector.
- Canada Revenue Agency: CharitiesDeveloped by the Government of Canada, CRA: Charities provides a searchable list of charities, their registered status, and their publicly available information. The website also provides further information on the sector in Canada.
Research Tip: see TMU Library’s Nonprofit Organizations research guide for further resources on nonprofits.