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ELT111 - Finding Potential Employers in Electronics: Learning About SIC/NAICS Codes and Types of Companies

Before You Start

Understanding what Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and North American Industry Classification Codes (NAICS) are and how they work is very useful for company searches. This guide will show you how to look up codes for different industries and how to use those codes to find companies that may be potential employers.

Finding SIC or NAICS Codes

Many business directories have a look-up feature or cheat sheet that lets you find a code that will represent the type of business you're looking for.  Here are some other places to search by key words to find an appropriate code:

What Kind of Company Is It?

The kind of company may be a factor in whether you find it in a given directory.

  • A public company is one that sells stock on the open market
  • It is relatively easy to find detailed information about U.S. public companies, because they are required to register with and report to the Securities and Exchange Commission; their stock prices are reported daily
  • Small, local companies are usually private
  • A large company may be either private or public
  • Some large companies are private, e.g., Levi Strauss & Co.
  • Private companies are not required to disclose financials and other information

If you do not find a large company in a directory, it may be private; many directories include only public companies. Another possibility is that the company you are looking for is a subsidiary, or smaller branch, of a larger company.

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