List of Careers
Below is a list of careers which you may find useful if you are wanting to make yourself
a checklist.
Some of these careers are clickable, which will take you further down this page to
their associated descriptions and background information, which is provided by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics for public knowledge.
Account Manager Accountant Actor Actuary Acupuncturist Administrative Assistant Administrator Advertising Advertising Agent Advertising Executive Agriculture Agronomist Air Traffic Controller Aircraft Engineer Aircraft Maintenance Airline Pilot Allergist Analytical Chemist Anesthesiologist Animal Behaviouralist Animal Breeding Animal Welfare Anthropologist Antiques Dealer Appliance Repairman Appraiser Aquaculture Arborist Archaeologist Architect Archivist Art Museum Director Art Restoration Worker Art Teacher Artist Arts Administrator Asbestos Contractor Assembly Worker Astrologist Astronaut Astronomer Astrophysicist Athlete Attorney Auctioneer Auditor Author Automechanic Auto Salesman Auto Shop Owner Baker Band Leader Bank Teller Banker Banquet Coordinator Barber Barrister Bartender Baseball Umpire Beautician Bed & Breakfast Owner Beverage Distributor Biochemist Bioinformatics Biologist Biomedical Science Biotechnology Blue Print Serviceman Boat Salesman Book Binder Book Keeper Book Publisher Botanist Bowling Alley Owner Brew master Bricklayer Bridal Consultant Building Contractor Building Inspector Building Superintendent Bum Bus Driver Business Analyst Business Consultant Business Data Analyst Business Developer Business Lawyer Butcher Butler Cabinet Maker Camp Counselor Candle maker Cardiologist Career Counselor Carpenter Carpet Cleaner Cartographer Case Worker Cashier Casting Director Catchment Management Caterer Census Taker CEO Certified Nursing Assistant Chairman Chauffeur Chemical Engineer Chemist Childcare Worker Chimney Sweep Chiropractor Christmas Tree Grower City Planner Civil Engineer Cleric Climatologist Clinical Psychologist Clinical Scientist Clown Coach Coin Dealer Color Consultant Columnist Commercial and Operation Analyst Commodities or Futures Trader Commodity Broker Communications Coordinator Communications Engineer Communications Officer Community Musician Community services Officer Composer Computer Consultant Computer Dealer Computer Hardware Engineer Computer Programmer (see "Computer Software Engineer") Computer Software Engineer Computer Support Specialist Conductor Congressman Construction Engineer Construction Worker Consultant Contractor Cook Copywriter Corporate Lawyer Corrections Officer Cosmetologist Costume Designer Cost Estimator Counsellor Counselor Court Reporter Crime Scene Investigator Crop Duster Curator Custodian Custom Framer Customer Service Consultant Daddy Dairyman Dance Instructor Dance Teacher Dancer Database Administrator Defence Industry Deliveryman Demolition Contractor Dental Assistant Dental Hygienist Dental Therapist Dentist Denturist Deputy Dermatologist Designer Desk Clerk Desktop Publisher Developer Development Officer Diagnostic Technician Diesel Mechanic Dietician Diplomatic Corps Disc Jockey Diving Instructor Doctor Dog Musher Doorman Drafter Drilling Engineer Drycleaner Drywall Contractor Ecologist Economic Researcher Economist Ecotourism Editor Education Coordinator Education Officer Electrical Engineer Electrician Electronic Publisher Emergency Dispatcher Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Employment Agency Worker Employment Consultant Endodontist Engineer Engineering Technician Engraver Entertainer Entertainment Industry Entomologist Entrepeneur Environmental Biologist Environmental Chemist Environmental Consultant Environmental Engineer Environmental Geology Environmental Management Environmental Project Officer Environmental Scientist Equipment Operator Escrow Agent Estate Planner Ethologist Event Production Excavation Contractor Excavator Executive Assistant Fabrication Worker Farm Management Farmer Farrier Fence Builder Fiberglass Fabricator Field Technician Film Director Finance Manager Financial Adviser Financial Analyst Financial Planner Financial Services Officer Firefighter Fisheries Researcher Fisherman Fishing Tackle Dealer Flagger Flight Attendant Floor Installer Florist Fly-fishing Guide Food Engineer Food Service Worker Foreign Affairs Foreman Forensic Engineer Forensic Science Forester Foster Care Giver Foundation Contractor Framer Fund and Portfolio Manager Funeral Home Director Furniture Dealer Garbage Hauler Gardener Gas Contractor General Contractor General Manager Geochemist Geologist Geophysics Geotechnical Engineer Glass Manufacturer Glazier Golf Professional Government Officer Graduate Admin Assistant Grape Production Graphic Artist Graphics Editor Grocer Groomer Guard Gunsmith Gymnastics Teacher Gynecologist Hairstylist Handwriting Expert Harbour Engineer Hazardous Waste Worker Health Administrator, Hospital Administrator or Manager Health Care Worker Health Club Owner Health Educator Health Science and Business Administrator Heating Technician Helicopter Pilot Herpetologist High School Teacher Highway Worker Hobo Home Builder Home Health Care Worker Home Inspector Horse Breeder Horse Trainer Horticulturalist Hospitality Hotel General Manager Hotel Manager House Cleaner House Sitter Housekeeper Human Resources Assistant Human Resources Manager Humanitarian Aid Worker Hydrogeologist Hypno-Therapist Ichthyologist Illustrator Importer Industrial Engineer Industrial Organiser Information Analyst Information Officer Inn Keeper Instrumentation Engineer Insurance Agent Internal Revenue Agent International Government and Trade Policy Adviser International Trade or Business Analyst Internet Commerce Worker Internet Consultant Internet Marketer Internet Provider Internist Interpreter Investment Counselor IT Manager Janitor Jazz Singer Jeweler Jewelry Designer Jockey Journalism Judge Judicial Associate Karate Teacher Kayak Instructor Kennel Owner Knife Maker Laboratory Manager Laboratory Technician Land Resources and Land Care Landscape Architect Landscape Consultant Landscape Contractor Landscape Designer Law Clerk Law Enforcement Worker Lawyer Leech off of your parents Legal aid services Legal Officer Legal Secretary Librarian Life Scientist Linguist Livestock Production Loan Officer Locksmith Logger Longshoreman Lottery Winner Machinist Magician Maid Mail Carrier Mail Clerk Maintenance Worker Malacologist Mammalogist Management Consultant Manager Managing Director Manicurist Manufacturing Engineer Marine Biologist Market Research Analysis Market Researcher Marketing Marketing Director Marketing Manager Marriage Counselor Mason Massage Therapist Mathematician Meat Cutter Mechanical Engineer Medical Physicist Medical Scientist Medical Technician Medical Transcriptionist Messenger Meteorologist Meter Reader Millwright Mineral Exploration Mining Engineer Minister Ministerial Adviser Molecular Biology Mommy Mortician Motivational Speaker Mower Museum Director Music Critic Music Journalist Music Teacher Music Technologist Musician Nanny Nanotechnology National Parks National Security Advisor Natural Resource Manager Natural Resource Planner Nematologist Network Engineer Neurologist Neuroscientist News Presenter Newspaper Editor Newspaper Photographer Newspaper Reporter Noise Control Engineer Notary Public Nuclear Engineer Nurse Nursery Owner Nutritionist Obstetrician Occupational Health and Safety Officer Occupational Therapist Oceanographer Oil and Gas Analyst Olympics Event Planner Ophthalmologist Optician Optometrist Oral Surgeon Organic Chemical Engineer Ornithologist Orthodontist Orthopedist Outdoor Outfitter Outfitter Painter Painting Contractor Palaentology Paralegal Paramedic Park Ranger Parks Management Parliamentary Adviser Parliamentary Member Pathway to Veterinary Science Paving Contractor Pawnbroker Payroll Clerk Pediatrician Periodontist Personal Trainer Personal Research Officer Pest Control Pet Shop Owner Petroleum Engineer Petroleum Exploration Pharmaceutical Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies Representative Pharmaceutical and Scientific Equipment Sales Representative Pharmaceutical Scientist Pharmacist Pharmacologist Pharmacy Technician Photo Editor Photographer Physical Therapist Physician Physician Assistant Physicist Pile Buck Pilot Pipe Fitter Planning Officer Plant Breeding Plastic Surgeon Plumber Podiatrist Poet Police Officer Policy Adviser Political Advisor Politician Pollution Control Engineer Pop Singer Porter Potter Power Generation Engineer PR Consultant PR Director Press Secretary Priest Principal Printer Prison Guard Private Investigator Producer Product Developer Production Assistant Professional Art Museum Thief Professional Athlete Program Manager Programmer Project Officer Psychiatrist Psychologist Psychotherapist Public Health Public Information Officer Public Relations Officer/ Publicist Public Servant Public Works Publisher Publishing Quarterback Queen Quilter Race Car Driver Radio Engineer Radio Producer Radio Show Host Radio Station Manager Radiologist Railroad Engineer Railway Engineer Rancher Real Estate Agent Receptionist Recording Engineer Recreation Worker Recreational Therapist Recruiter Red Cross Director Registered Nurse Remodeler Remote Sensing and GIS Repairman Reporter Research Assistant Research Associates Research Scientist Reservoir Engineer Resort Operator Resource Manager Respiratory Therapist Restaurant Manager Retail Retail Sales Retirement Planner Revegetation Robotics Engineer Roofing Contractor Safety Consultant Salesman Sanitarian Satellite Engineer Satellite Project Scientist School Services Officer School Superintendent Science Communicators Science Educators Scientific Data Analyst Scientific Officer Scientist Sculptor Seafood Dealer Secretary Security Guard Seismologist Service Station Owner Service worker Sewer Contractor Sheriff Ship Captain Ship Deck Hand Ship Fitter Ship Pilot Shoe Designer Shoe Repairman Siding Contractor Silk Screener Singer Ski Instructor Skydiving Instructor Social Worker Soil Conservation Solicitor Space and Astrophysical Research Space Scientist Sports Announcer Stadium Manager State Senator Statistician Steel Fabricator Stock Broker Stone Cutter Structural Engineer Superintendent Surgeon Surveyor Swimming Coach Systems Analyst Systems Engineer Systems Support Tailor Talent Agent Tattoo Artist Tax Preparation Taxation Officer Taxi Driver Taxidermist Teacher Team Leader Technical Officer Telecommunications Analyst Telecommunications Engineer Telecommunications Technician Theater Director Theater Teacher Tile Setter Tombstone Maker Tool & Dye Maker Tour Guide Tourism Towing Operator Town Planning Engineer Toxicologist Translator Translator Travel Agent Truck Driver Tutor TV Camera Operator TV Installer TV News Anchor TV Pitchman TV Producer Typist Union Organiser Upholsterer Urban Planner Urologist Utility Contractor Vehicle Engineer Veterinarian Vibrations Engineer Video Game Tester Video Producer Vineyard Management Waiter Waitress Wallpaper Hanger Waste Water Treatment Operator Water Resources Engineer Web Developer Webmaster Wedding Consultant Welder Welfare Officer Well Driller Wilderness Guide Wildlife Officer Wine Making Wine Taster Wine Marketing Winery Engineer Wood Worker Workplace Consultant Writer X-Ray Technician Yoga Instructor Zookeeper Zoologist
Career Descriptions
Accountant Career Description
Accountants and auditors keep track of a company's money. The company's managers and people outside the company read their reports. Managers look at the accountants' reports to see how well their companies are doing. Governments use the reports to tell how much tax a company should pay. Some people read them to decide if they want to do business with the company. Others use them to decide if they want to lend money to the company or not. There are four kinds of accountants. Public accountants work for public accounting companies. Some have their own businesses. They do many different kinds of accounting for people outside the company. Management accountants keep track of the money spent and made by the companies for which they work. Internal auditors make sure that a company's accounting records are right. They check the records to see that no one in the company is stealing. They also check to see that no one in the company is wasting the company's money. Government accountants and auditors' make sure that government accounting records are right. They also check the records of people doing business with the government. Accountants and auditors work in offices. They generally work a standard 40-hour week, but some work 50 hours a week or more. Tax accountants often work long hours during the tax season, from January to April.
Actor Career Description
Actors perform in stage, radio, television, video, or motion pictures. Most actors work hard to find steady work. Only a few become famous "stars." Some well-known, skilled actors may be in supporting roles. Others work as "extras," with no lines or only one or two lines. They also teach in high school or college drama departments, acting conservatories, or public programs. Actors work under constant pressure. Many face stress from the need to find their next job. Actors need patience. Most acting jobs only last a short period of time—from 1 day to a few months—which means that they can have a long time between jobs. Actors must have extra jobs in order to make enough money. Actors work long hours. They may do one show at night and another during the day. They also might travel with a show. Evening and weekend work is a regular part of an actor's life. Actors should be in good physical condition. They must endure heat from bright lights. They get water breaks so they will not get tired or sick from heat or thirst.
Actuary Career Description
Actuaries deal with risk. They decide how likely things such as death, sickness, injury, disability and loss of property are to occur. Actuaries also decide how much money it will take in order to get a certain amount of retirement income. They help design insurance policies and pension plans and try to make sure that they are sound. Most actuaries work for insurance companies. Some work in life and health insurance. Others work in property and casualty insurance. Actuaries make tables that show how likely it is that a claim will be made by a customer. They use these tables to decide how much the company will have to pay in claims. They make sure that the company charges enough to pay these claims. This amount must be enough for the company to make a profit. It must also be in line with what other insurance companies are charging. Actuaries work in offices. They often work at least 40 hours a week. Some actuaries may travel to meet with clients.
Agriculture Career Description
How can farms use less labor? Control pests and weeds? Conserve soil and water? Do all of the above, yet still grow more food? Agricultural and food scientists look for the answers to these kinds of questions. They solve problems in agriculture and food production. Agricultural and food scientists study farm crops and animals. They use the principles of biology, chemistry, and other sciences. They find new ways of making crops into food. Food scientists and technologists work in the food processing industry. Some work in universities and some work in government. They try to create food products that are healthful, safe, tasty, and easy to use. They find better ways to preserve, process, package, store, and deliver foods. Some food scientists discover new foods. Others analyze foods to see how much fat, sugar, or protein is in them. Others search for better food additives. Plant scientists study plants. They specialize in agronomy, which is a branch of science that deals with the production of field crops. Some work in plant breeding. Others work in entomology (the study of insects). Agronomists and crop scientists help farmers grow more food. They look for ways to improve the nutrition in foods. They also work on making better seeds. Soil scientists study what is in soils. They study how soils help plants grow. They see how things like fertilizer can improve soils. Many soil scientists conduct soil surveys. They classify and map soils. Some provide information and advice to farmers. They help farmers make the best use of their land. Animal scientists work to develop better ways of making meat, poultry, eggs, and milk. Some animal scientists inspect and grade food products. Animal scientists also work as extension agents or consultants. They advise farmers and ranchers on how to best raise livestock. Some agricultural scientists work regular hours in offices. Some work in labs. Food scientists may work in test kitchens. Animal scientists may spend part of their time outdoors. Soil and crop scientists also spend time outdoors. They might do work at farms or agricultural research stations. Entomologists work in laboratories. They also may spend time studying bugs outdoors.
Architect Career Description
Architects design houses and buildings. They plan offices and apartments. They design schools, churches, and airport terminals. Their plans involve far more than a building's looks. Buildings must be safe and strong. They must also suit the needs of the people who use them. Architects look at all these things. The architect and client first discuss what the client wants. The architect sometimes helps decide if a project would work at all or if it would harm the environment. The architect then creates drawings for the client to review. If the ideas are OK, the architect draws up the final plans. These plans show how the building will look and how to build it. The drawings show the beams that hold up the building. They show the air-conditioner, furnace, and ventilating systems. The drawings show how the electricity and plumbing work. Architects used to use pencil and paper to draw their plans. Today, more and more architects are using computers. Architects generally work in comfortable conditions. They spend most of their time in offices. However, they spend some time at building sites to see how projects are going. Architects may feel stressed sometimes. They might work nights and weekends to meet deadlines. Almost half of all architects work more than a 40-hour week.
Artist Career Description
Artists make art. They use many styles—painting, sculpting, or picture. They use many materials—oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, pencils, pen and ink, plaster, clay, and computers. Their art may show objects, people, nature, or events. Artists fall into one of three groups. Art directors design and look at material that is going to be in magazines, newspapers, and other printed or digital form. They decide which art to use. Multi-media artists and animators create art on film, on video, or with computers. They draw by hand and use computers to create the large pictures that form movies, television programs, and computer games. Fine artists create original art. They specialize in one or two art forms, such as painting, illustrating, sketching, sculpting, printmaking, and restoring. Illustrators create pictures for books, magazines, and other publications. They also create pictures for products such as wrapping paper, stationery, greeting cards, and calendars. Illustrators work directly on a computer. Medical and scientific illustrators combine drawing skills with knowledge of biology or other sciences. Cartoonists draw cartoons. Some cartoonists work with others who create the idea or story. Sketch artists draw using pencil, charcoal, or pastels. Sculptors make artwork using clay, glass, wire, fabric, plaster, wood, or stone. Some combine materials to make art. Printmakers create printed images. They use wood, stone, or metal. Painting restorers restore damaged and faded paintings. Many work in art studios. Others work in their homes. Some share studio space, where they also may show their work. Work areas have a lot of light and air. However, artists may be exposed to fumes from glue, paint, ink, and other materials and to dust from filings, splattered paint, or spilled fluids. They may get back pain or eyestrain, or feel tired. Artists may work extra hours to meet deadlines. Self-employed artists can set their own hours. They spend a lot of time selling their art and building a reputation.
Automechanic Career Description
Automotive service technicians and mechanics fix cars or light trucks that have broken down. They must be able to figure out the source of the problem quickly and correctly. They must know automobiles well. The type of work they do has changed over the years. It used to be simple mechanical repair. Today it is a high technology job. Cars and trucks today are run by electronic systems and computers. The computers tell the automotive service technicians and mechanics how well the car or truck is performing. To do their job, technicians must know a lot about how complex parts of the car and truck work together. They must be able to work with electronic equipment that tells them what is wrong. They must be able to read and understand manuals that are computer-based. At the same time they must be able to use tools they have used in the past. About half of all automotive service technicians work a 40-hour week. Almost 30 percent work more than 40 hours a week. Many who put in long hours work for themselves. Some service shops are open in the evenings and on weekends. Most service technicians work indoors in repair shops. Many times technicians must work with dirty and greasy parts. They often lift heavy parts and tools. Minor cuts, burns, and bruises are common. Technicians usually avoid serious accidents when the shop is kept clean and in order. It is also important that they follow safety practices.
Book Keeper Career Description
Expenditures. Receipts. Accounts payable and receivable. Profits and losses. Any organization that uses money has to keep records—records of where money came from and where it went. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks, and other financial clerks, keep these financial records. Bookkeeping clerks add, subtract, multiply, and divide many numbers each day. They must be able to use computers to calculate and record data. There is a wide variety of bookkeeping clerks. Certain clerks handle only specific accounts. Some bookkeepers maintain books for an entire company. In small businesses, bookkeeping clerks handle all financial recordkeeping. They post debits and credits. They produce financial statements. They prepare reports and summaries for managers. Bookkeepers also prepare bank deposits. They verify and balance receipts. Then they send cash and checks to the bank. They also may handle payroll and make purchases. They might prepare invoices and keep track of overdue accounts. In large companies, accounting clerks have more specialized tasks. Their titles show the type of work they do: accounts payable clerk, accounts receivable clerk. Their duties vary. Entry-level accounting clerks post transactions, total accounts, and compute interest charges. They also may monitor loans and accounts. They make sure that payments are up to date. More advanced accounting clerks may total, balance, and reconcile billing vouchers. They might ensure completeness and accuracy of account data. Many bookkeeping clerks use special software. Computers have enabled them to take on more duties. They might write letters, make phone calls to clients, and interact with other workers. So, good communication skills are becoming more important. Most bookkeeping clerks work regular business hours. They may work longer hours at certain times to meet deadlines. For example, they might work more hours during tax time. Audits usually mean more work. Bookkeeping clerks in hotels, restaurants, and stores may work overtime during peak holiday and vacation seasons. Bookkeeping clerks work in offices. Most use computers every day.
Carpenter Career Description
Carpenters build things from wood, like buildings and boats. They cut, fit, and join wood and other materials together. Carpenters who work for a special trade contractor do only one or two things, like forming molds for concrete or building a frame. A carpenter may also work for a general building contractor. This carpenter performs many tasks, including putting in doors and windows, hanging kitchen cabinets, and installing tile ceilings. Sometimes carpenters have to follow local rules that tell them where they can use certain materials. Most carpenters follow the same basic steps when getting ready for a job. They must layout or design the project. Design includes measuring, marking, and arranging materials. The carpenter then cuts and shapes the material. Carpenters use different hand and power tools, such as chisels, saws, and drills. Finally, the carpenter joins the items together with nails, staples, or glue. They use rulers or framing squares to increase the accuracy of their work. When working with ready-made parts, such as stairs or parts of walls, the carpenter's job is easier. A carpenter may install these parts all at one time. Carpenters may also replace glass, ceiling tiles, and doors. Some carpenters repair desks and cabinets; put in doors and windows; change locks; and repair broken furniture. In a factory, carpenters may help move or install machinery. Carpentry work is sometimes stressful. It often involves standing for a long time, climbing, bending, and kneeling. Carpenters risk getting hurt from slipping or falling, or from working with sharp or rough tools. Some carpenters change jobs when they finish a project. Others switch back and forth from between working for someone else and being self-employed on small jobs.
Chemist Career Description
Chemists and materials scientists find ways to make chemicals useful to us. They also try to improve things that people use daily, such as paint, medicine, and cosmetics, as well as cars and airplanes. Chemists also search for new chemicals in nature. They search for ways to save energy and reduce pollution. Their research on living things helps doctors, farmers, and food preparers do their jobs better. Chemicals are a part of all physical world around us. Some chemists watch what happens when they mix two or more chemicals together. They explain what they might see, smell, or feel. From their research, they can create new products. Chemists can also improve products we already have and show us new ways to use them. Some chemists and materials scientists work in factories. They tell plant workers which ingredients to use to make a chemical. They also tell the workers how long to mix chemicals, and how hot or cold the mixture should be. They watch the whole process to make sure that they get the right product at the end. They test samples to make sure they meet industry and government rules, and record and report on test results. Chemists and materials scientists usually work regular hours in offices and laboratories. Labs have all sorts of equipment to do experiments. Research chemists spend most of their time in labs. Sometimes they work in offices when they have to write reports on their lab work. Some of the large labs have factories or places where workers make examples of the real products. For example, materials scientists may work closely with engineers and other workers in manufacturing facilities. Chemists may also do some of their research in a factory or outdoors. For example, when they go outside, they can get samples of the air to test for pollution. Some chemists work around dangerous chemicals. They have to wear protective clothing and follow rules to keep them safe on their jobs.
Childcare Worker Career Description
Childcare workers teach and care for children while their parents are away. They make sure children are safe. They might also help them play games, do art, and read books. Childcare workers need to be energetic, fun, and patient. They help kids gain new skills and learn how to get along with others. Many childcare workers are babysitters. They bathe, dress, and feed children; watch them while they play; and clean up after them. They might put kids to bed, read to them, and take them to activities. People who are in charge of babies make bottles and change diapers. Nannies are babysitters who care for children for a long time. They might watch children all day, and they might work with the same family for years. Nannies often clean, cook, and do laundry, too. Some nannies travel to work. Others live with the children they watch. Childcare workers in schools and daycares take care of groups of children. They greet young children as they arrive and help them find something fun to do. Childcare workers plan daily activities before the children come. Each day usually includes playing, reading, arts and crafts, and rest time. Childcare workers also make snacks and nutritious meals. They make sure children are healthy and clean. To help children learn, these workers play educational games. To teach language, they might tell stories, read books, or help kids act out stories. To teach math, they might help kids count blocks or cut out shapes. To teach science, they might mix colors when painting. They might also teach music and dance. Some workers care for older children before and after school. These workers might help with homework, lead sports and other activities, and keep everyone safe. They might take children on field trips. Some workers also bring kids to and from school. Childcare workers spend most of their day with children. But they also meet with parents or guardians to talk about how their child is doing. Childcare workers also write notes about what children do. It's important for childcare workers to look for problems children have and to tell their parents or guardians. Watching children grow and learn can be fun. But the job also can be hard because workers have to run, clean, play outside, and lift up children. It can also be hard to have patience. Workers need to care for children who have different needs and are sometimes upset. The work hours of childcare workers vary widely. Workers can decide to work in early morning or late evening. They can work full time or part time. Nannies who live with the children they watch usually work longer hours.
Civil Engineer Career Description
Civil engineers design things. These might be roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, or water supply and sewage systems. This is one of the oldest types of engineering. Many civil engineers manage people and projects. A civil engineer may oversee a construction site or be a city engineer. Others may work in design, construction, research, and teaching. Civil engineers usually work in areas that are industry and business centers. Often they work at construction sites. Some times they work in places that are far away from cities.
Coach Career Description
Coaches help people learn how to play a sport. They start by teaching them the basics. They show them the proper form and technique. Coaches have practice sessions to do drills and improve the athlete's skills and stamina. They also manage the team during competition. They help motivate players to do their best. Coaches also devise strategies to give their teams the best chance of winning. Coaches may evaluate or "scout" the opposing team prior to the competition. Coaches may also select and store equipment and other supplies. Some coaches are full-time workers. Others just do it part time, like many high school teachers who also coach a school team. Coaches get a lot of satisfaction from seeing kids succeed in their sport. Coaches often work irregular work hours. Coaches often work Saturdays, Sundays, evenings, and holidays. Full-time coaches usually work more than 40 hours a week for several months during the sports season. Coaches who work with outdoor sports have to deal with different types of weather. Coaches often travel to sporting events by bus or airplane.
Computer Hardware Engineer Career Description
Computer hardware engineers design computer chips, boards, systems, modems, and printers. Computer hardware engineers are much like electronics engineers, but work only with computers The rapid advances in computers are a result of their work. To keep up, these workers must stay up to date on what they know
Computer Software Engineer Career Description
The impact of computers on our lives means there is a need to develop new software. Computer software engineers apply computer science, engineering, and math to design, develop, and test software. Software engineers first analyze users' needs. Then they design, construct, test, and maintain the needed software or systems. In programming, or coding, they tell a computer, line by line, how to function. They also solve any problems that arise. They must possess strong coding skills, but are more likely to develop algorithms and solve problems than write code. Software engineers often work as part of a team that designs new hardware, software, and systems. A core team may have engineering, marketing, factory, and design people who work together until the product is done. Software engineers normally work in well-lighted offices or labs. Most work at least 40 hours a week. If a big project is due, they may have to work nights or weekends to meet deadlines. Like other workers who sit for hours at a computer, they are susceptible to eyestrain, back ache, and hand and wrist syndromes. Software engineers who are employed by vendors and consulting firms spend time away from their offices to meet with customers. As networks expand, they may be able to use modems, laptops, e-mail, and the Internet to identify and fix problems from their own office.
Computer Support Specialist Career Description
When people have computer trouble, they ask these workers for help. Computer support specialists help people use computers. When something goes wrong, support specialists figure out why. Then, they try to fix it. Many support specialists answer questions over the phone. Others help people face-to-face. Computer support specialists also install printers, software, and other computer tools. Then, they teach people how to use them. Sometimes, they write instruction books. Some specialists check computer systems every day to make sure they are working well. To be good at these jobs, workers need to be good listeners and good at solving problems. Most computer specialists work in offices or computer labs. They spend a long time sitting in front of computers. This can strain their back, wrists, and eyes. Some specialists work at night or on weekends.
Cost Estimator Career Description
Cost estimators figure out how much a project or product will cost. This helps business owners and managers decide whether to build a structure or manufacture a product. If a business doesn't think it can make enough money, it will not do it. Cost estimators also find out which jobs are making a profit. They study information on all of the things that can change the cost of a project. This includes supplies, labor, location, and special equipment, like computer hardware and software. In construction, they look at drawings and visit the site of the project. They determine the amount of materials and labor the firm will need. They tell the architect, construction manager, or owner if they think the project will be profitable or not. In large companies, they may specialize. For example, one may estimate only electrical work and another may focus on concrete. In manufacturing and other firms, they are assigned to the engineering, cost, or pricing departments. They estimate the cost of making products, including materials and labor. They make a list of parts to see if it is better to make or purchase the parts. The cost of computer software development is one of the fastest growing and hardest to estimate. Some specialize in this. Estimators use computers a lot to do all of the necessary paperwork. This allows them more time to study and analyze potential projects or products. They spend most of their time in an office. However, construction estimators visit project worksites. They can be dusty, dirty, and sometimes unsafe. In manufacturing, they spend time on the factory floor. It can be noisy and dirty. Estimators sometimes work extra hours. They work under pressure because if they make a mistake, their firm can lose a lot of money.
Court Reporter Career Description
Official records can be made up of written accounts of spoken words. Texts of spoken words may also be needed for letters and other uses. Court reporters make word-for-word reports of court cases, meetings, speeches, and other events. Court reporters play a critical role in legal proceedings. They are expected to create a complete and accurate legal record. Accuracy is crucial. Legal appeals can depend on the court reporter's transcript. Many court reporters organize official records. They may also search them for specific information. Court reporters provide closed-captioning and translating services for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons. Stenotyping and voice writing are the two main methods of court reporting. A stenotype machine allows the court reporter, or stenotypist, to press more than one key at a time. Doing so records symbols that represent sounds, words, or phrases. These symbols are saved on computer disks or CD-ROMs. They are then translated and displayed as text. This is called computer-aided transcription. Stenotype machines used for captioning are linked directly to the computer. As the reporter keys in the symbols, they instantly appear as text on the screen. This process is called communications access realtime translation or CART. It is used in courts, in classrooms, and for closed captioning on television. The other method of court reporting is called voice writing. Voice-writing involves a court reporter speaking into a stenomask-a hand-held mask containing a microphone. The reporter repeats the testimony into the recorder. The mask has a silencer so the reporter won't be heard. Voice writers record everything that is said by persons in the courtroom. Gestures and emotional reactions are also recorded. Some voice writers produce a transcript in real time, using computer speech recognition technology. Other voice writers translate their voice files after the event is over. Voice writers can pursue careers as closed captioners or CART reporters for hearing-impaired people. Many court reporters record official proceedings in courtrooms. Some take statements for lawyers. Others record meetings, conventions, and other events. Some people need captions on television programs. Stenotypists and voice writers do the captioning on television. These workers are known as stenocaptioners. They work for television stations or networks. They might caption news, sporting events, or emergency broadcasts. Imagine an emergency, such as a tornado or a hurricane. People's lives might depend on the captions made by the stenocaptioner. Most court reporters work in comfortable settings. More court reporters work in home offices as independent contractors, or freelancers. Work in this occupation presents few hazards. Sitting in the same position for long periods can be tiring. Workers can suffer wrist, back, neck, or eye problems. Workers also risk repetitive motion injuries. In addition, the pressure to be accurate and fast can be stressful. Many official court reporters work a standard 40-hour week. Self-employed court reporters can work flexible hours. Some work on an on-call basis.
Dancer Career Description
Dancers express ideas, stories, rhythm, and sound with their bodies. Some dance in ballet; others perform modern dance. Dancers work in musical shows, in folk, ethnic, tap, and jazz dances. Opera, musical comedy, television, movies, music videos, and commercials often include dancing as well. Many dancers sing and act, as well as dance. Dancers often work as a group. A few stars dance solo. Many dancers also teach or choreograph dances. Choreographers create new dances. They may also add changes to older dances. Some teach dancers to get the results they want. Dancing is hard work. Rehearsals often are long and usually take place daily. Many rehearsals take place on weekends and holidays. Weekend travel is common when a show is on the road. Dancers must also work late hours and practice during the day. Because dancing is hard work, most dancers stop working by their late thirties. Sometimes they become dance teachers and coaches.
Database Administrator Career Description
The Internet and electronic commerce (e-commerce) generate lots of data. Computer databases that store information on customers, inventory, and projects are found in nearly every industry. Data must be stored, organized, and managed. Database administrators work with database software to find ways to do this. They identify user needs, set up computer databases, and test systems. They ensure that systems perform as they should. Database administrators often plan security measures. Data integrity, backup, and security are critical parts of the job. Database administrators work in offices or labs. They usually work about 40 hours a week. But evening or weekend work may need to be done to meet deadlines. Telecommuting—working from home—is common for computer professionals. Database administrators may advance into managerial positions. For example, a promotion to chief technology officer might be made on the basis of experience managing data and enforcing security. Like other workers who spend long periods in front of a computer, database administrators can suffer eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems.
Designer Career Description
Designers have a desire to create. They mix knowledge with artistic ability. Designers focus in a specific area of design such as cars or Web sites. The first step is to find out why the design is important to the client. They must think about the size, shape, weight, and cost of the design. Designers make drafts or drawings by hand or with a computer. Most use computer-aided design (CAD) tools. Designers need up-to-date computer and telephone equipment. Most specialize. Some work in more than one area. For example, commercial and industrial designers develop man-made products like toys and furniture. Fashion designers make clothing and accessories like belts and hats. Floral designers cut and set up live, dried, or fake flowers into designs. Graphic designers use computer software to design newspapers and other publications. More graphic designers are making Internet Web pages. Interior designers plan the interiors of places like homes, offices, and hotels. Merchandise displayers and window dressers, or visual merchandisers, plan and set up windows and interiors of retail stores. Set and exhibit designers create sets for movie, television, and theater productions. Designers may work in their own office or in their clients' home or office. They set their schedules to please their clients. They may work long hours, including evenings or weekends, to meet deadlines. Some may travel. Those who are paid by contract are under stress to please clients and to find new ones to keep a steady income.
Desktop Publisher Career Description
Using computer software, these workers combine printed material, numbers, pictures, and charts, to prepare publications. They also write and correct text. They make graphics to go with the text. They change pictures and drawings into digital pictures and then use them. They design page layouts and develop presentations. Some things produced by desktop publishers include books, business cards, calendars, magazines, newsletters, and newspapers. They prepare some material for the Internet. They use scanners to capture photographs, images, or art as digital data. It can be added directly into electronic page layouts with the use of computer software. They can then correct mistakes. Depending on the company employing these workers, they may be called publications specialists, electronic publishers, DTP operators, or desktop-publishing editors. They may also have job titles like electronic prepress technicians, electronic-publishing specialists, image designers, typographers, compositors, layout artists, and web publications designers. They spend many hours in front of a computer monitor. They usually work an 8-hour day, 5 days a week. Some work nights, weekends, and holidays to meet deadlines.
Disc Jockey Career Description
Disc jockeys, sometimes called "deejays," put music on the radio. They also talk about the news, sports, and weather. Sometimes they do commercials, talk with guests, and tell what's going on in the community. Disc jockeys most often work at radio stations. They work in small rooms called studios. These rooms have good light, air-conditioning, and are soundproof. But it can be lonely. Full-time Disc jockeys talk on the radio 5 or 6 days a week for about 4 hours at a time. However, their job takes more time than just that. Every day they must prepare for the radio show. Sometimes they write the commercials, too. Most radio stations are on the air much of the day. Some stations are on for 24 hours every day. Because of this, Disc jockeys don't usually work regular hours. They often must start early or work late into the night. They also must get to work, even if the weather is very bad. Disc jockeys may also work outside the station. They can work at schools or community events. Some do extra work at weddings and parties.
Doctor Career Description
Physicians, or doctors, have an effect upon all our lives. When we are sick, they tell us what is wrong. They give us medicine and other kinds of treatment. They examine us and listen to us tell them how we feel. They tell us what is good for us to eat and how we can have better hygiene. They may be part of a team that works together for our health. There are two types of doctors: the doctor of medicine (M.D.) and the doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.). M.D.s treat all kinds of diseases. D.O.s focus on our muscles and bones. They stretch, knead, and align our bones and muscles to help us feel better. About one-third of M.D.s and more than half of D.O.s are family doctors, baby doctors, or doctors who know about our insides. They are usually the first doctors we see when we get sick. They tend to see the same patients over and over. And they treat all kinds of ailments. When they need to, they refer patients to other doctors, called specialists. D.O.s can also be the first doctors we see when we get sick. But they can also be specialists. Many doctors work long hours, at all times. Almost one-third of physicians worked 60 hours a week or more in 2002. Often, older doctors have fewer new patients and tend to work shorter hours. Physicians who are on call may have to go to the hospital when someone gets sick. Sometimes, doctors must travel between their offices and the hospital to care for their patients.
Drafter Career Description
Drafters make drawings and plans. These drawings and plans are used by others to build things. Some of these things are manufactured. These include things like toys, toasters, and machinery. Some are structures. These include things like houses, office buildings, and oil and gas pipelines. The drawings that drafters make help guide others. They show technical details of products and structures. They show the dimensions, materials, and procedures. Drafters use drawings, rough sketches, and information given to them. Drafters use technical handbooks, tables, calculators, and computers to complete their work. In the past, drafters sat at drawing boards. They used pencils, pens, compasses, protractors, triangles and other tools to do their job. Most drafters now use computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) systems for their drawings. CADD systems let drafters make changes and copies easily. There are a number of different types of drafters. Aeronautical drafters prepare drawings to be used to make aircraft, missiles, and related parts. Architectural drafters prepare drawings of buildings and other structures. They may work on just one type of structure, such as residential or commercial. They may also work with just one type of material, such as concrete or steel. Civil drafters prepare drawings used in major construction or civil engineering projects. These include such things as highways, bridges, and pipelines. Electrical drafters prepare drawings used for electrical equipment and wiring. Electronics drafters prepare drawings used to make, install, and repair electronic devices and components. Mechanical drafters prepare drawings of machinery and mechanical devices. Process piping or pipeline drafters prepare drawings used in the oil and gas fields, refineries, chemical plants and other systems. Most drafters work a 40-hour week. A small number work part time. Drafters usually work in comfortable offices that are set up for their tasks. They work at computers much of the time. As a result, they may get eye strain, backaches, and hand and wrist problems.
Economist Career Description
Economists do research. They prepare surveys to collect data, and then figure out what the data mean. They also do forecasts of what may cause the economy to change and how it may change in the future. They study topics such as prices, wages, employment and unemployment, taxes, interest rates, and the stock market. Other economists study money and banking system or trade with foreign countries. Doing reports on their research, so that the average person can understand it, is a very important part of their job. Some economists work for Federal, State, or local governments. They help governments figure out policies related to taxes, the minimum wage, safety and health in the workplace, how much to charge foreign countries to sell goods in the U.S., and many other topics. Economists should like working with numbers. They also need to be able to work with detail. Economists have regular work schedules. They often work alone writing reports and using computers. However, they also may be part of a team. Most must meet deadlines. They may work overtime. Some may travel.
Electrical Engineer Career Description
A global positioning system that can pinpoint a car's location. Giant generators that can power entire cities. Electrical and electronic engineers work on high-tech projects like these. They work in many areas—aircraft and automobiles; broadcasting and communications systems; lighting and wiring in buildings; machinery controls; power generating and transmitting; and radar and navigation systems. They design new products. They test equipment and solve problems. They also estimate project costs. Most work in offices, labs, or industrial plants. Others may work at construction sites. Some travel a lot. Many work a normal 40-hour week. At times, deadlines may require longer work hours. The work of many of these engineers is related to computers. However, engineers who work only on computer hardware are called computer hardware engineers.
Electrician Career Description
Without these workers, there would be no lights, no computers, and no TV's plugged into our walls. Electricians bring us electricity. They put in the wires that carry electricity through houses, offices, and factories. They also fix electric machines. Electricians start by reading maps—called blueprints—that show how electricity flows. Blueprints show where to put wires, electrical equipment, and outlets for plugs. When working on a new building, electricians draw new blueprints. Then, electricians put tubes or pipes inside the walls. They also put small boxes on the walls to hold switches and outlets. They pull wires through the tubes to connect the boxes and make a path for the electricity to follow. A path for electricity is called a circuit. Electricians also add circuit breakers, transformers, and other equipment to control how electricity flows. They make sure the right amount of electricity goes to the machines that use it. Electricians follow strict rules about how to wire buildings. After they finish wiring, electricians use ohmmeters, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes to measure the amount of electricity running through the system. Electricians also install wires for telephones, computers, and fire alarms. Sometimes, they use fiber optic cable. Maintenance electricians fix electric machines or broken wiring. Some focus on houses. They might rewire a house. Or they could replace an old fuse box with one that can run more appliances. Some electricians work in factories. They might fix motors, generators, and electronic robots. They also inspect equipment and fix it before it breaks. They tell managers when equipment is dangerous and should be replaced. Electricians put in new electrical equipment, too. Electricians use wire strippers, knives, hacksaws, and power tools. Some work is hard because electricians stand for a long time and climb ladders. Some electricians work in dusty, dirty, or hot places. But others work in clean places. Workers need to be careful to avoid falls, cuts, and electric shock. They need good hand-eye coordination and to be good at seeing the different colors of wire. Some electricians work nights and weekends instead of weekdays. Some travel far to get to jobsites.
Engineering Technician Career Description
Engineering technicians solve technical problems. They work in various fields. Some of them help engineers and scientists in research and development. They build or set up equipment. They do experiments. They collect data and calculate or record results. They help make a first model of newly designed equipment. Some work in quality control. They look over products, do tests, and collect data. In manufacturing they may help in design, development, or production. Most engineering technicians specialize in certain areas. For example, there are civil engineering technicians and electrical and electronics engineering technicians. Most engineering technicians work at least 40 hours a week. They work in labs, offices, factories, or on construction sites. Some times they can be exposed to hazards.
Environmental Scientist Career Description
These scientists study the earth and how it changes. Some find ways to protect the environment. Some predict volcanoes, earthquakes, and other dangerous earth events. Others find oil and gas in the earth. Environmental scientists find and fix pollution and other environmental problems. They figure out what is in the air, water, and soil to make sure that the environment is safe. They also give advice on how to clean the environment. For example, they might design a safe way to get rid of trash. Some of these workers mix environmental science with other sciences, such as chemistry or biology. Environmental chemists find out if different chemicals hurt the environment. Environmental biologists focus on protecting animals and plants. Some environmental scientists help to make laws about protecting the environment. They also help companies follow the laws. Environmental scientists work in laboratories and offices. They also work outside, taking measurements. They use math and computers. Geoscientists study the earth and what it is made of. Some try to figure out the history of the earth by looking at rocks and fossils. Many try to find oil and gas inside the earth using science, math, computers, and high-tech measuring tools. They spend time outside, finding rocks, making maps, and taking measurements with special outdoor instruments. They also work in laboratories. They might use lab instruments to study the chemicals in a rock. They might also do experiments about how water or oil flows through rocks. Geoscientists have different names depending on they type of work they do. Geophysicists, for example, use physics to study the Earth, gravity, and magnetism. Hydrologists study how water moves in lakes and rivers and inside the earth. They also study what is in the water. Oceanographers study how water moves in the ocean. They study how heat and wind change the ocean and how the ocean changes the environment. They also study the chemicals in the ocean. And they study the ocean floor. Mineralogists study minerals and precious stones and how to find them in the earth. Engineering geologists help to prevent landslides and other dangers. They also help people find safe places on the earth to put roads and buildings. Environmental scientists sometimes work long hours. Some travel to far away places in trucks and helicopters. They might dig dirt, chip rocks, or do other physical things. Scientists who look for oil often work in foreign countries. In addition to doing science, many of these workers write reports and help find money for their projects.
Farmer Career Description
The U. S. farm sector grows enough to meet needs here, with enough left over to sell to other countries. American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers direct farm activities. Farmers and ranchers usually run family-owned farms. These might be crop farms; livestock, dairy, and poultry farms; horticultural farms; or even aquaculture farms. Crop farms grow grains, fiber crops, fruits, and vegetables. Preparing, tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, spraying, and harvesting are the work of the crop farmers. Then they make sure the crops are properly packaged, stored, or marketed. Livestock, dairy, and poultry farmers must feed, and care for animals. They keep barns, pens, coops, and other farm buildings clean and in good condition. They also oversee breeding and marketing activities. Horticultural specialty farms grow ornamental plants and nursery products. Their output includes flowers, bulbs, shrubbery, and sod. They also grow fruits and vegetables in greenhouses. Aquaculture farmers raise fish and shellfish. They take care of ponds and floating net pens. They stock, feed, protect, and care for aquatic life. Their products are sold for people to eat or to use as bait. Farmers and ranchers have many different duties. Farmers on small farms have to do many kinds of work. They keep records, operate and service machinery, maintain buildings, and grow vegetables or raise animals. Most farms employ just the farmer and one or two family workers or hired hands. Large farms can have 100 or more full-time and seasonal workers. Some of these employees work as truck drivers, salespeople, bookkeepers, and computer specialists. Farmers make many decisions. They decide when to plant, fertilize, harvest, and market. They also negotiate with banks and other lenders. Most farm output is sold to food processing companies. Some farmers, mostly on small farms, sell their goods at farmers' markets. They may also sell through co-ops. Like other businesses, farming has become more complex. Farmers use computers to keep records and to manage many aspects of their businesses. A farmer's work can be very hard. Hours are long, often sunrise to sunset. During planting and harvesting seasons they rarely have days off. The rest of the year they plan for the next year, market their crops, and repair machinery. But many prefer rural life. They enjoy working outdoors, being self-employed, and making a living off the land. On livestock farms and ranches, work goes on throughout the year. Animals, unless they are grazing, must be fed and watered every day. Dairy cows must be milked every day. Livestock farmers must attend to the health of their herds. To get away, these farmers must hire an assistant or a temporary substitute. Farm work also can be hazardous. Farm machinery can cause serious injury. Workers must be alert on the job.
Financial Analyst Career Description
Financial analysts help people decide how to invest their money. They work for banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, and securities firms. They often meet with company officials to learn more about the firms in which they want to invest. After the meeting, they write reports and give talks about what they found out. Then they suggest buying or selling that firm's stock. Financial analysts may specialize. Those in investment banking study the companies that want to sell stock to the public for the first time. They also might study the pros and cons of a merger or takeover. Financial analysts who are called ratings analysts find out if companies that issue bonds can repay their debt. Financial analysts usually work in offices. They may work long hours. Some may have to travel to visit clients or talk to investors, sometimes on evenings or weekends. Many also face the pressure of deadlines. They may do research on various firms after office hours, because their day is filled with telephone calls and meetings.
Firefighter Career Description
Every year, fires take many lives and destroy billions of dollars worth of property. Firefighters help protect people and property. They are often the first at an accident or emergency. Firefighters put out fires, which is not as simple as it may sound. Fighting fires is dangerous and complex, and it requires organization and teamwork. Firefighters also save people who are trapped. They treat people who are hurt or ill, both at fires and in other situations. In fact, most calls that firefighters respond to involve medical emergencies. In between alarms, firefighters must clean and repair their equipment. They practice firefighting and they may perform fire inspections. They exercise to keep fit. There are firefighters in cities and suburbs. Some work at airports or in factories. Others work in forests and rural areas. Special firefighters, called smoke jumpers, fight forest fires. They parachute from airplanes to remote areas. The local fire marshal and fire inspectors work to prevent fires. They conduct building inspections. They make sure that laws related to fire safety are enforced. They also work with builders and city planners. Fire prevention workers often visit schools to teach fire safety. Some firefighters become fire investigators. Fire investigators study fires to see how they started. Fire investigators collect evidence from the scene. They also may talk to witnesses. Firefighters are at fire stations much of the time. Fire stations usually have living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. When the alarm sounds, firefighters must respond rapidly. Firefighting is dangerous work. During a fire, floors can cave in and walls can topple. Flames and smoke can burn or kill. Firefighters may come in contact with poisonous gases or other hazardous materials. These substances may make them ill. To protect themselves, firefighters wear protective gear. The protective gear can be heavy and hot. Many firefighters work more than 50 hours a week. Some are on duty for 24 hours straight. Then they get 48 hours off. They also get an additional day off on a regular basis. Others work a 10-hour day shift for 3 or 4 days. Then they work a 14-hour night shift for 3 or 4 nights. Then they have 3 or 4 days off.
Human Resources Assistant Career Description
Human resources assistants keep the records of a company's employees. These records might include name, address, job title, pay, and benefits like health and life insurance. Every day, they write down information and answer questions about employees. They also may set up reports for managers in the company. Some human resources assistants answer the phone or open mail. Some are involved in hiring. They sometimes do research on the Internet to find qualified applicants for various jobs. They notify people about job openings in the company. They get information from job applicants like their education and work experience. They give out tests, explain the company's rules. They ask for references from present or past employers. They call or write applicants to tell them if they got the job or not. Human resources assistants generally work a basic 40-hour week.
Judge Career Description
Judges work for our court system. Judges are in charge of trials to make sure that they are fair. They deal with a wide variety of cases from minor traffic violations to more serious crimes like stealing and murder. They resolve differences between opposing lawyers during trial. Judges often hold pretrial hearings for cases. They may decide whether a case merits a trial. Judges also tell juries about the law. They research legal issues. Sometimes lawyers or law clerks do research for judges. Judges also write opinions on the law. In criminal cases, judges decide how long someone will go to prison. In civil cases that may involve money but no crime, judges decide how much money one person must pay another. Judges' duties vary. Some judges deal with cases involving serious crimes. Other judges decide cases about traffic rules, families, and small amounts of money. Some oversee cases dealing with Social Security benefits, the environment, and many other issues. Judges need to know the law very well. Good judgment and patience are important assets. Judges do most of their work in offices, law libraries, and courtrooms. Sitting in the same position in the courtroom for long periods can be tiring. Most judges wear robes when they are in a courtroom. Judges often work a 40-hour week. However, many work more than 50 hours a week.
Landscape Architect Career Description
Residential areas. Parks. Playgrounds. Colleges. Shopping centers. Golf courses. Industrial parks. What do these places have in common? They all look better with good landscaping. Landscape architects design outdoor areas that are useful, but beautiful. They design landscapes that are in harmony with nature. They decide where to put flowers, shrubs, trees, walkways, and other landscape details. They work with architects, surveyors, and engineers, to find the best place to put roads and buildings. They work with environmental scientists to find the best way to conserve or restore natural resources. Real estate developers, local governments, and many other kinds of organizations employ landscape architects. Landscape architects must first consider the purpose of a project. They analyze the natural elements of the site. These include the climate, soil, slope of the land, drainage, and vegetation. They observe where sunlight falls at different times. They look at existing buildings, roads, walkways, and utilities. Then, landscape architects prepare a draft design. They must comply with any local, State, or Federal regulations. Computer-aided design (CAD) is an essential tool for most landscape architects. Many landscape architects use video simulation to help clients see the plans. Landscape architects also use geographic information systems (GIS) technology. Once the design is complete they produce written reports, sketches, models, photographs, land-use studies, and cost estimates. These are submitted for the client and regulatory agencies to approve. When the plans are approved, landscape architects prepare working drawings. They outline the building methods and draw up a list of needed materials. The general contractor or a landscape contractor usually directs the actual construction. Some landscape architects work on all kinds of projects. Others specialize in a specific area. For example, they might concentrate on residential areas, street and highway beautification, waterfront improvement, or parks and playgrounds. More and more landscape architects are working on environmental remediation projects. Historic landscape preservation and restoration is another important area. Landscape architects who work in government do landscape design for government buildings, parks, and other public lands. They also prepare environmental impact statements. Some restore degraded land, such as mines or landfills. Landscape architects spend most of their time in offices. There they create plans and designs, prepare models and cost estimates, and do research. They also meet with clients. When they're not in the office, they're outdoors at the places where the landscaping will be done. Landscape architects usually work regular hours. They may work overtime to meet a project deadline. Hours of self-employed landscape architects vary.
Lawyer Career Description
People and companies hire lawyers to tell them what they can and cannot do under the law. Sometimes, they hire lawyers to take their side in court against other people or companies, or against the government. To be a good lawyer, a person must be good at finding legal facts in books and other places. He or she must also be able to speak and write well in order to pass those facts on to others. More and more lawyers are using computers to find the facts they use in their work. Most lawyers work for themselves or in companies with other lawyers. Other people and companies hire these lawyers when they need them. Some lawyers work for only one person or company all of the time. A few lawyers teach other people to be lawyers. And some lawyers work for the government. Lawyers do most of their work in offices, law libraries, and courtrooms. They sometimes meet in clients' homes or places of business. When necessary, they may meet clients in hospitals or prisons. They may travel to attend meetings, gather evidence, and appear before courts, legislative bodies, and other authorities. Lawyers often work long hours, especially during a trial in court.
Librarian Career Description
Librarians help people find facts. They organize information and help people locate books and other items. Librarians choose and buy books and magazines. They arrange the books and magazines so that people can find them. Many librarians work in teams to get the job done. Some work in one subject such as art. Others read stories to children. Librarians work in schools and public libraries. They also work in special libraries, such as libraries at companies. Today, most libraries have computers as well as books and magazines. Librarians may develop data bases for use in these computers. They also help people use the computer to find what they need. Librarians generally work in nice places. They spend much of their time at their desks or at the computer. They spend time helping people. Many librarians like this part of the job best. Librarians may work part time or full time. Sometimes they have to work weekends or evenings. School librarians work when schools are open; they are off during school vacations. Special librarians usually work 40 hours a week. They may work longer hours at busy times.
Loan Officer Career Description
Loan officers help people apply for loans. This lets people do things like buy a house or a car, or pay for college. Loan officers help businesses by loaning them money to get started or to buy equipment. Loan counselors help people who want a loan but have problems that could keep them from getting it. There are three kinds of loan officers. Commercial loan officers work with businesses. Consumer loan officers work with people who want a loan for things like a car. Mortgage loan officers work with people who want to buy real estate or get new real estate loans for property they already own. Loan officers usually have to travel a lot. Commercial and mortgage loan officers often have to work away from their offices. At the same time they must keep in touch with their offices and customers. Commercial loan officers sometimes travel to other cities. This can be necessary for more complicated loans. Mortgage loan officers often work out of their home or car. They visit offices or homes of customers while filling out applications. Consumer loan officers and loan counselors are likely to spend most of their time in an office. Most loan officers work a normal 40-hour week. Sometimes they have to work longer hours if they have a lot of customers who want loans. Mortgage loan officers often work long hours. This is because they can take on as many customers as they choose. Loan officers are very busy when interest rates are low. This is because more people will want to borrow.
Musician Career Description
Musicians, singers, and related workers may compose, arrange, sing, and play music. This can be done either alone or as part of a group. They perform in record studios and on stage. They also perform on television and in movies. Not all their work is performing for audiences. They also make records and CDs. All musicians, singers, and related workers spend a lot of time practicing and rehearsing. Musicians, singers, and related workers record songs and music videos in sound studios. They also appear "live" on radio and television. They go on concert tours to big cities in the U.S. They also sometimes perform in major cities around the world. This requires a lot of travel. They often perform at night and on weekends. All this can be tiring. Musicians, singers, and related workers work with a lot of different people. These include people in the music business, such as other musicians and singers, and crews who help them with equipment. They have to deal with sponsors who give them money to pay their expenses. They depend on agents to find them jobs. They also work with movie stars and other famous people. Most musicians and singers work indoors, but some may perform in outdoor concerts. The hot lights used on stage can be uncomfortable. Music is very loud and can cause hearing loss. There can be danger from fans that become excited. Many musicians find only part-time work or are unemployed between performances. They often work other jobs while waiting for their next performance. The life of a musician is not a quiet one. Many jobs are in New York, Los Angeles, or Nashville. These cities are where entertainment and record studios are most often found.
Nurse Career Description
Nurses take care of sick and injured people. They also help people stay well. They watch for the signs of being sick. Nurses then help doctors examine and treat patients. They give people medicine. Nurses tell people how to take care of themselves and their families. Hospital nurses or staff nurses are the largest group of nurses. Staff nurses provide bedside care. Hospital nurses usually work in one area such as surgery or the ER. Some of them rotate among jobs. Office nurses help doctors in private clinics and offices. They also help with medical tests, give medicines, and dress wounds. Some also do routine lab and office work. Home health nurses go to people's homes to help them. Public health nurses work in government agencies, clinics, schools, and other public settings. They teach people about health and help prevent disease. They also show people what's good to eat and tell people how to take care of their kids. Most nurses work in clean, well-lighted facilities. Home and public health nurses go to patients' homes and other sites. Nurses spend a lot of time walking and standing. They need emotional strength to cope with stress. Nurses should also be caring and sensitive. Nursing has its hazards. Nurses care for people with diseases they can catch too. These include diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS. Nurses must guard against these and other dangers such as radiation, chemicals, and drugs. Because patients need 24-hour care, nurses may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Office, industrial, and public health nurses are more likely to work regular hours.
Paralegal Career Description
Paralegals help lawyers in their day-to-day work. They perform some of the same tasks as lawyers. They are also called legal assistants. Paralegals look at the facts of cases to make sure that all important information is included. They write reports that lawyers use to help prepare their cases. They also keep track of the documents related to the case. Paralegals also do many other important things. Their duties vary depending on the type of business for which they work. For example, they may help write contracts and mortgages. Some help prepare income tax returns and other financial documents. Paralegals often use computers in their work. They must enjoy doing research. Most worked a typical 40-hour week. Most work year round, but some are only employed during busy times of the year. In law firms, some work very long hours. Most of their work is done at desks in offices and law libraries. Sometimes they have to travel.
Pharmacist Career Description
Pharmacists sell medicine to people who are sick when a doctor says that they need it. They tell people how to use the medicine correctly. They warn doctors if the doctors have asked their patients to take any medicine that might hurt them. Sometimes, pharmacists mix the medicine themselves. Most often, though, they sell medicines that have been made for them. Pharmacists most often work in drug stores. These stores are clean and have a lot of light. Many pharmacists must stand most of the time while they work. Pharmacists must wear gloves and masks when they work with things that could hurt them. Some pharmacists work at night or on weekends. This is because sick people may need medicine at any time. Most pharmacists work about 40 hours a week, but some work longer hours.
Photographer Career Description
Photographers take pictures of people, places, or things. They want us to get a special feeling when we see their pictures. They take pictures to sell products, entertain people, report the news, or bring back memories. Photographers know how to choose the right tools to give them the best picture. They use different things such as lights, lenses, and film to create a picture. New digital technology is being used more and more by photographers. A lot of them use computers to finish their work. Have you ever had a photographer at your school? Most photographers take pictures of certain things. Some photographers take pictures only at schools or weddings. Others take pictures of only cars, clothes, buildings, or animals. Other photographers take pictures for your textbooks. Some photographers work 40 hours a week. Others work longer hours and at different times during the day or night. News photographers must be ready to work when they get a call from their offices. Photographers who work for themselves have a lot of freedom. They can choose the type of pictures that they want to take. They can make their own schedules. However, they may not always have a job to do. They must find people who want pictures. This can be stressful. Some photographers work in their own studios and sometimes they travel. Others travel near and some travel far away and stay for a long time. They might work in harsh or dangerous areas. Sometimes, photographers and camera operators wait a long time to take a picture. They wait in all kinds of weather for an event to take place. They have to stand or walk for a long time. They also have to carry heavy equipment. Photographers often have to get their work done quickly. They have to meet deadlines and please their clients.
Physicist Career Description
Physicists study the physical world. They learn about what makes up things and how things behave. They also study energy. They learn how it is created and transferred. Some physicists study theoretical stuff. For example, they may study the nature of time and how the universe began. Others take what they learn and apply it to practical areas. This includes things such as the development of advanced materials, electronic and optical devices, and medical equipment. Physicists design and perform experiments. They observe and analyze. Then they try to explain laws about the forces of nature. These include such things as gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear interactions. They also find ways to take physical laws and theories and apply them to problems in such areas as electronics and optics. Most physicists work in research and development. Some do basic research to increase the pool of knowledge. Others conduct applied research. They take what is learned in basic research and use it to build new devices, products, and processes. Physicists also design research equipment. Many times this equipment has more than just the use for which it was designed. For example, after the laser was created for its original use, it was found that it could be used in surgery as well. Astronomy is sometimes considered to be a part of the field of physics. Physicists often work regular hours in labs and offices. At times, those who are doing work that is deeply involved in research may work long or irregular hours. They also may have to work away from their homes for short periods of times. This is because they may not have the equipment they need where they usually work.
Pilot Career Description
Pilots fly airplanes and helicopters to do many jobs. Most pilots fly people and cargo from place to place. Some pilots test new planes, fight fires, do police work, or rescue people who are hurt or in danger. Before they take off, pilots plan their flight carefully. They check their plane to make sure that it is working properly. They also make sure that baggage or cargo has been loaded correctly. They check the weather forecast to see if they will run into any bad weather on their trip. They then decide what route they should take, and how high and fast they should fly. Takeoff and landing are the hardest parts. Pilots must be especially careful during those times. The rest of the flight is fairly easy, if the weather is good. Planes have computers and other machines to tell pilots if their trip is going according to plan. These machines show whether there is enough fuel, whether the weather is changing, and whether the plane is on course. Pilots must check these machines often during the trip to be sure that all is going well. If problems come up, the pilots take steps to solve them. The law says that pilots who work for an airline cannot fly more than 100 hours a month or more than 1,000 hours a year. Most airline pilots fly about 75 hours a month, and work another 75 hours a month at other parts of the job. When they are flying, airline pilots must very often stay away from home overnight. Airlines have flights at all hours of the day and night. This means that airline pilots often are asked to work odd hours. Pilots who do not work for the airlines can have unusual work schedules, too. For example, they may fly 30 hours one month and 90 hours the next. Most of them do not have to stay away from home overnight, but they may have to work odd hours. Pilots who fly very long distances may have "jet lag." This is fatigue caused by moving through different time zones. The work of pilots who test new planes may be dangerous. Pilots who work on farms or who help police and firefighters also might get hurt on their jobs. Flying does not involve much hard physical work. Pilots can feel a lot of stress because they know that they are responsible for the safety of their passengers. They must be careful and quick to react if something goes wrong.
Police Officer Career Description
Police and detectives enforce laws. They catch criminals. They collect evidence. At times they testify in court. Others patrol set areas to prevent crime. Some patrol and give out traffic tickets. Some police direct traffic. Most police wear uniforms. Detectives and special agents work in regular clothes. Most detectives are part of regular police forces. Special agents work for Federal and State agencies. They file reports about what they've done during the day. Most police work on foot or ride in cars. Some, however, ride horses, bikes, or motorcycles. Some work in boats on rivers and in harbors. Some police work with dogs. Most police and detectives work at least 40 hours a week. When they work longer, they get extra pay. Because police work is a 24-hour-a-day job, some police have to work nights and weekends. They have to be ready to go to work at all times. Police may work very long hours on a case. Some have to travel a lot, often on short notice. Some police work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Some take very big risks when they chase criminals in cars or when they make an arrest. The job can be very stressful for the police officer. The officer's family may worry a lot. Good training, teamwork, and good equipment reduce the number of injuries and deaths among police officers.
Politician Career Description
Politicians run Federal, State, and local governments. They are the Nation's chief executives and legislators. They get their jobs by being elected. They make and pass laws that affect all of us. You know some politicians. The President and Vice President of the United States are politicians. The governor of your State is also. So are your Senators and Representative in Congress. The mayor of your town is a politician. So is your elected school board member or county council member. Chief executives are responsible for their organizations. They work with people who make laws. They set goals and then decide how to reach them. They hire heads of offices and they make budgets. They also nominate people for other jobs in government. They get bids from contractors to do public work, like building roads. They meet with other executives to solve problems. They rely on many people to help them do this work. In small towns, they do most of the work themselves. Legislators pass laws. They bring up bills and vote on others. In preparing legislation, they work with all parties with an interest in it. They approve budgets and appointments submitted by the chief executive. Chief executives and legislators also perform many ceremonial duties. Time spent at work can vary a lot. A local council member may meet only once a month. A U.S. Senator may work 60 hours or more a week. Many State legislators work full time while in session (usually for 2 to 6 months a year) and part time the rest of the year. Most local elected officials work a full-time schedule. The schedule often includes unpaid duties. Government chief executives and legislators who do not hold full-time positions usually keep working in the job they had before elected. Some jobs require some out-of-town travel. Others involve long periods away from home when the legislature is in session. In rural areas, the drive to work may be very long.
Professional Athlete Career Description
Very athletic people might want to consider getting a job as a "pro" athlete. But they should know that very few athletes ever make it that far. It's a good idea, then, to have another job in mind as well. Professional athletes include baseball, football, and basketball players, tennis players, golfers, ice skaters, skiers, stock car drivers, rodeo riders: anyone playing a sport for money. Professional athletes play in front of an audience and get paid for it. Fans enjoy seeing these athletes play so much that they are willing to pay to watch. Professional athletes are performers or entertainers. In this way, they are a lot like actors and musicians. They must perform well in each game or risk losing. If they don't play well, they won't last long. The work of professional athletes is very demanding. This includes both physical and mental stress. They must be in the best possible shape. Most modern athletes work out all year, both during the season and in the off-season. They must be able to perform their jobs at the highest level at all times. Professional athletes also face the constant threat of injuries that could end their careers. For these and other reasons, this kind of job can be quite stressful. During the regular season, professional athletes often practice more than 40 hours a week. They may have other duties related to the team as well-for instance, going to meetings or watching films about the opposition. Athletes often move to the place where their team is located. If management decides to trade them, they may have to move again. At least in team sports, professional athletes often have curfews and other restrictions on what they can and can't do. They can't just leave the job at the office like workers in other jobs can.
Psychologist Career Description
Psychologists study the human mind. They also try to explain why people act as they do. They do research to test their ideas about people's actions. Research methods vary. They may get data from lab tests, interviews, and surveys. Psychologists usually specialize. Some help people with mental problems. Others help people deal with divorce and death of a family member or friend. They work with people of all ages, but some work mainly with old people or young people. Psychologists help people deal with problems of everyday living. Some work in schools to help students with behavior problems. Others help solve problems in places where people work. Some psychologists do research at colleges and private research centers. They study behavior using human beings and animals, such as rats and monkeys. Working conditions vary. Some work as part of a team. Some psychologists have their own offices and set their own hours. However, they may also work evenings and weekends to meet with their clients. Those who work in schools and clinics usually work regular hours.
Real Estate Agent Career Description
Real estate agents help people buy and sell houses. They must be able to say approximately how much money a house is worth. They need to know what the neighborhoods in their towns are like. They must know the laws that have to do with buying or selling a house. They also can tell home buyers where to get a loan if they need more money to buy a house. In return for selling a house, real estate agents get to keep a small part of the money that the buyer paid for it. Real estate agents work for real estate brokers. Real estate brokers manage real estate offices. People who want to buy a house often ask a real estate agent to help them. They meet with the agent to tell him or her what kind of house they want. They must also discuss how much money they can afford to spend. The agent then takes them to see houses for sale. Buying a house is a very important decision because houses cost a lot of money. This means that buyers often want to look at many houses before they decide to buy one. Real estate agents also sell houses for people. They help the seller set the price for the house. To do this, they must know what the house is like. They must also figure out what people would be willing to pay for the house so that it will sell quickly. They make sure that people see ads for the house so that they can think about buying it. Once a person agrees to buy a house, real estate agents still have work to do. They must fill out special forms that let everyone know that the house has a new owner. Both the buyer and the seller of the house must sign these forms for the sale of the house to be legal. Often, the agents must help the buyer to get a loan from the bank to pay for the house. Real estate agents generally work in offices. Since much information about properties is available over the Internet, some agents can work out of their own homes. In either case, however, much of their time is spent outside the office showing houses to buyers. Sometimes they must leave the office to meet with people who have houses to sell. Good real estate agents also spend time away from the office finding out more about the houses in their town that might one day be up for sale. Agents often work more than 40 hours a week. They often must work in the evening or on weekends. This is because most buyers and sellers are free only at those times.
Recreation Worker Career Description
Recreation workers plan and teach activities that people enjoy in their free time. This may include camping, sports, arts and crafts, dance, or drama. Recreation workers organize these activities for people of all ages. Recreation workers hold a variety of jobs. Camp directors supervise camp counselors and plan the camp's activities. Camp counselors lead and teach children activities such as swimming, archery, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Fitness workers teach and help people with exercises such as weightlifting, yoga, aerobics, and karate. They help people train and meet their personal fitness goals. They also show people the proper way of doing various exercises. Aerobics instructors teach classes that help people improve their physical conditioning. Recreation workers do their jobs in different places such as health clubs, cruise ships, and parks. Those who work outdoors sometimes must deal with bad weather. Most fitness workers spend their time indoors at fitness centers and health clubs. Many workers work about 40 hours a week. Some work nights and weekends.
Recreational Therapist Career Description
Recreational therapists help people who are sick or hurt to get active again. They use sports, games, arts, crafts, and music to help patients build confidence and get back into life. These therapists are not the same as the recreation workers who conduct games and pastimes for fun. Recreational therapists find out what patients need. They do this by looking at medical records and talking to other staff. They also listen to the patients and their families. They then make up a program to help the person. For instance, they might help a right-handed girl who can't use her right arm any more to throw a ball with her left arm. Recreational therapists often work in special rooms at hospitals. They might also work with clients on a playing field or in a swimming pool. They plan events and keep records in offices. They generally work a 40-hour week. This may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Reporter Career Description
Reporters gather information and write news stories. These stories appear in newspapers and magazines. Some reporters appear on television and radio. To get information, reporters look at documents. They observe the scene. They interview people. Reporters write about events. These include things such as an accident, a rally, or a company going out of business. Radio and television reporters often report "live" from the scene. News correspondents work in large U.S. cities. Some report from foreign cities. They write about events in the city in which they work. Reporters must meet deadlines. Some work in private offices. Others work in large rooms with other reporters. Television and radio reporters encounter curious onlookers, police, or other emergency workers. Reporters work long hours. They might work odd schedules. They may have to travel. At morning newspapers, reporters might work from late afternoon until midnight. At evening or afternoon papers, they may work from early morning until afternoon. Radio and television reporters work day or evening shifts. Magazine reporters generally work during the day. Reporters may have to work extra hours to meet deadlines. They may have to change their work hours to follow a story.
Secretary Career Description
Secretaries make appointments. They put files in order. They also write letters and answer the phone. They may make travel plans. Secretaries use computers, fax machines, and copiers. Secretaries make sure that the information that leaves the office is right. Other people in the office rely on secretaries to keep things going well. Some secretaries are called executive secretaries or administrative assistants. These secretaries have more duties. Some make reports and train others. Some secretaries work in one field, such as medicine or law. Medical secretaries help doctors keep track of patients. Legal secretaries work with lawyers. Most secretaries work in offices. These offices can be in companies small or large. Secretaries work in hospitals, schools, or banks. Secretaries often must sit for a long time. Also, they spend a lot of time using computers. Sometimes this causes eye strain or wrist problems. Some companies let secretaries work at different times of the day. They also might do some of their work at home. Most secretaries work 40 hours a week, but some work part time.
Social Worker Career Description
Social workers help people overcome problems and make their lives better. They might work with people who are homeless, sick, or having family problems. Or they might help students who are having trouble in school. One of the ways social workers help is by finding resources for people. For a person with family difficulties, social workers might find a parenting class or support group. For a homeless person, they might find a place to live and a career training program. For a student, they might find a mentor or a learning disability expert. Some social workers set up resources like these. They research what kinds of help people need. Then, they set up programs to give that help. They might focus on child abuse, poverty, violence, and other problems. Many social workers give counseling. They talk to people about their lives and help them to understand and solve their problems and to make plans. There are three main types of social work. Child, family, and school social workers. Some of these workers find foster homes for abused or neglected children. They also help parents learn how to care for children better. Other social workers help with adoptions. Social workers in schools give students and teachers advice about learning problems, behavior problems, and social problems, like bullying or shyness. Other social workers help elderly people and their families. Medical and public health social workers. These workers help people who are sick or who have health problems for a long time. They give advice to people and their families about how to deal with being sick. They also find services to help, such as nutrition classes or nursing care. Mental health and substance abuse social workers. These workers are sometimes called clinical social workers. They help people with mental illness, upset feelings, or drug or alcohol abuse. They might give talk therapy-talking with people in order to identify their problems and find ways they can get better. They might also reach out to the community-finding people who have problems and offering help. Some of these workers teach classes about how to make a budget, deal with anger, or get other life skills. No matter their focus, most social workers spend the day in an office. Some travel to the people they help. Sometimes, they meet with people in the evening or on weekends. Many social workers have their own businesses. Many social workers like their work. But it can be hard to deal with people who are upset or having trouble. Sometimes, social workers are very busy because they are helping many people at once.
Statistician Career Description
Statisticians help to design surveys and experiments. They also collect, analyze, and interpret numerical data. Some work for businesses and some work in government. To give an example, some statisticians may collect data to learn how safe new products are. This must be done before the product can be sold. Statisticians often use samples to collect information. A sample provides information about a small group within a much larger group. They can then take what they learned about the small group and apply it to the larger group. Statisticians decide where and how to gather the data. They choose the sample size. They decide about the type of survey. They tell workers who gather the data how to do their job. They process the collected data and reach conclusions about the data. They do this with the help of computer software. Statisticians usually work regular hours in comfortable offices. Some have to travel to give advice to people. Some have to travel to set up surveys or gather data. Others have a lot of different duties. These include things such as setting up experiments and doing fieldwork. Some teach and do research.
Surveyor Career Description
Do you know where your backyard ends and your neighbor's yard begins? Have you ever wondered how maps are created? These are questions for a surveyor. Surveyors measure and draw what the earth's surface looks like. This occupation involves several types of workers. One is land surveyors. They measure land, air space, and water areas. They describe where a certain area of land is. They explain what it looks like, and how much is there. They put these facts in deeds, leases, and other legal documents. Land surveyors also define air space for airports. In addition, they measure construction and mineral sites. Land surveyors are the leaders of survey parties (or surveying projects). Geodetic surveyors measure large areas of the earth's surface. Geophysical prospecting surveyors mark sites for exploration below the earth's surface, usually related to petroleum. Marine or hydrographic surveyors study harbors, rivers, and other bodies of water. Another type of worker is a survey technician. Survey technicians help land surveyors when they go to a site. Survey technicians use special tools and collect facts. They might hold measuring tapes and chains. Survey technicians write notes. They also make sketches and enter the facts into computers. Some survey parties include helpers. They move bushes from sight lines, stick stakes in the ground, and carry equipment. Another group of worker is cartographers. They collect facts about the earth's surface. They prepare maps of large areas. Their work is like land surveyors, but they cover larger areas. Some specialists, called photogrammetrists, prepare maps from aerial photographs. This group works mainly in offices. They seldom visit the sites they are mapping. A new type of worker is called a geographic information specialist. This new occupational group started because of the new technology in satellites and computers. Geographic information specialists combine the jobs of mapping scientists and surveyors. Surveyors study legal records. They look for previous boundaries. They record the results of the survey. They make sure that their facts are correct. Afterwards, they draw what the area looks like. They make maps and write reports. Surveyors who set up boundaries must be licensed by the State in which they work. Surveyors usually work an 8-hour day, 5 days a week. They spend a lot of their time outdoors. Sometimes they work longer hours during the summer, when the weather is good and the sun stays up longer. Land surveyors and technicians often stand for long periods. They have to climb hills and walk long distances. Sometimes they have to stay overnight. They carry heavy packs of instruments and equipment. They face all types of weather when they are outside. Surveyors also spend time in offices. While in an office, they have to make plans, read their facts, and prepare reports and maps. Most of the time, surveyors use computers to do math problems and draw maps. Cartographers spend almost all their time in offices.
Systems Analyst Career Description
These workers figure out how to use computers to get things done. They tell businesses and other organizations which computers and software to buy, and they decide how to get those tools to work together. Computer systems analysts start their work by asking people what they need their computers to do. Then, they plan a computer system that can do those tasks well. A system can include many computers working together and different types of software and tools. After analysts understand what the system needs to do, they break down the task into small steps. They draw diagrams and charts to show how information will get into the computers, how that information will be processed, and how it will get to the people who need it. For example, analysts might decide how sales information will get into a store's computers and how the computer will add up the information in a way that makes it useful for store managers. Analysts experiment with different computer system plans. They try various tools and steps until they find the system that is fastest, easiest, and costs less. Next, analysts decide which computers, software, and tools to buy. They also tell computer programmers how to make any new software that is needed. They give the programmers step-by-step instructions. Some analysts help make the software, too. The main job for some systems analysts is getting computers to work together. They connect them into a network. Analysts decide how to get information from one computer to another. Many help people get data from the Internet. After planning a system, analysts test it to make sure it works. They check to make sure that information is processed quickly and without mistakes. They also watch to see if the system is easy to use. Often, they have to change their plans to make the systems better. Computer systems analysts work in offices or computer labs. Some work from home. Working at the computer for a long time can give these workers eye, back, or wrist problems. Sometimes, these workers work long hours to get a project done on time. Analysts usually work as part of a team.
Teacher Career Description
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers teach children to read, write, speak, do math, and much more. They use games, music, art, films, computers, and other tools to teach children basic skills. When children learn, they feel good and will do well in school later on. When they grow up and go to work and become parents, they will do a good job because of what they learned when they were young. Most kindergarten and elementary school teachers teach several subjects to one class of children. In some schools, two or more teachers work as a team. They teach a group of students at least one subject. In other schools, a teacher may teach one special subject to a number of classes. Usually they teach music, art, reading, science, math, or gym. Some teach classes of students from different grades. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers may write with chalk on a chalkboard or with markers on a dry-erase board. They also may use videos, slides, overhead projectors, or computers. All these things help children learn in different ways. With computers, children can talk with students in other countries. Computers also help students solve math problems. Sometimes they help children learn to speak English better. Many teachers use computers to record the children's grades. Teachers have to keep learning to make sure that they know how to use computers and other machines in their classes. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers work with all different kinds of children. Some are black and some are white. Some were born in the United States and some were not. Some have parents or grandparents from Europe, some from Asia, and some from Africa. With so many different kinds of children, teachers have to learn about them all. After they do learn, they make sure that all of the children can learn the way they like to. Some schools even teach teachers how to learn about different kinds of children! Kindergarten and elementary school teachers teach lessons and give tests. They listen to the children recite their lessons and make sure that no one misbehaves. They grade the children on their work and on how well they think the children ought to do. When the children are not doing as well as they should be, the teachers give them help. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers plan their lessons before they teach them. They also make tests and grade papers. They write the children's report cards. And they meet with parents to try to help their children do better in school. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers sometimes go to meetings and workshops. Teachers like it when they see children learn. Sometimes, though, they have to deal with children who misbehave. In big cities, teachers may have a lot of work to do. They may have large classes and many children who come from poor families. Some teachers leave because they are not paid very well. Many kindergarten and elementary school teachers work more than 40 hours a week. Most work from September through June. Then they go on vacation during the summer. Sometimes they teach in summer school. Or they may take another job or travel. Many go to college and continue their education. Most States have tenure laws. This means that teachers cannot be fired without a good reason. Teachers may get tenure after a certain number of years, usually 3. Tenure does not guarantee that a teacher will always have a job, but it does provide some security.
Urban Planner Career Description
City planners figure out the best way to use the land in cities and neighborhoods. They report on the best location for houses, stores, and parks. They try to solve a lot of problems. These include things such as too much traffic and increases in air pollution. Planners want to make sure that people can get to a bus or subway. They need to plan where people should drive their cars and where they can park. Planners make new plans when more people move into a community. They might tell community leaders that they need new schools or roads. Planners also are concerned about saving the wetlands, and trees. They try to find safe places for getting rid of trash. Before making plans for a community, planners need to know where everything is. They find out how many people use the streets, highways, water, sewers, schools, libraries, museums, and parks. Planners listen to the advice of people who live in the communities. With these and many other facts, they explain their new plans. They tell how much the changes will cost. Planners use computers all the time. They make reports. They draw new maps showing changes for the future. City planners spend much of their time in offices. They spend time outside to learn more about the areas that are changing. Most planners work 40 hours per week. Sometimes they go to meetings in the evening or on weekends. Sometimes they have meetings with the people whose neighborhoods will be changed. Planners have to work quickly to get their work finished because they have many other plans to make. Sometimes different groups do not agree with the plans for their community.
Veterinarian Career Description
If you like animals and science, you might want to be a veterinarian. Veterinarians take care of sick and injured animals. Like doctors, they perform surgery and give medicine. When an animal is sick, vets examine it to find out why. They look for clues in the way an animal looks, acts, and smells. For example, if a dog is walking in a strange way, that might be because it hurt its leg. Vets need to look carefully because animals can't say what is wrong. Vets also give blood tests, x-rays, and other tests, looking for clues about an animal's illnesses. Then, vets decide what kind of medicine the animal needs. Vets prevent problems by giving vaccinations and check-ups and fixing teeth. They also teach owners how to feed and train their animals. Vets use special tools to perform surgeries. They fix broken bones, take out tumors, replace knees and hips, and more. Vets also treat and cover wounds. They need to be ready to see blood, organs, and bones. Most vets treat small pets, including dogs, cats, and gerbils. But a few focus on large animals, such as sheep, cows, and horses. Large-animal vets usually drive to ranches and stables where their patients live. They check for infections in the animals and give advice to the animals' owners. Often, they help when the animals give birth. A few vets work in zoos and aquariums. They care for zebras, sharks, and other wild creatures. In addition to helping sick animals, vets can work as animal inspectors, checking to make sure that farm animals are healthy and that their living spaces are clean. Another option for vets is doing scientific research. They try to make new medicines. Vets work in many different places. Vets who do research work in clean, dry laboratories. Most vets who take care of animals work in small clinics and hospitals. But some work in large hospitals with the most advanced equipment. Many vets supervise technicians and assistants. And many own their own business and are their own boss. Because animals can get sick at anytime, vets often work long hours. Many take turns working weekends or evenings and dealing with emergencies. Many vets like their work because they can be with animals every day. But because some animals are scared or hurt, they sometimes try to bite, kick, or scratch their vets. Vets who work with large animals often work outside in all kinds of weather. The work is sometimes dirty.
Webmaster Career Description
If you've ever surfed the Internet, you already know something about what webmasters do. Webmasters make web sites. They turn words and art into Internet sites that people can use. They give computers instructions about how words and art should look on the computer screen. They make sure that people with different computers can use a web site. They might build a site in a few different ways so that it is easy for different computers to understand. Webmasters also try to make sites work faster. They keep the size of files as small as they can so that it doesn't take a lot of time for a computer to download. Webmasters test web sites, too. They watch people using a site to see if there are any parts that are hard to use. If there are hard parts, Webmasters fix them. Some of these workers also meet with designers, helping to decide how a site should look and work. They also update web sites. They spend a lot of time adding new things to the site. They fix mistakes, like links that don't work and pictures that don't show up on the screen. Some webmasters decide what kind of computer will hold a web site's information. And they decide how the information in a web site will get to the Internet. They pick the kind of software, server, and other equipment that will be used. They also decide when information will be sent to the Internet. Webmasters use computer software to do their jobs. They might learn to use many different types of software. Webmasters can also make a web site by typing direct instructions in HyperText Markup Language (HTML) or some other programming language. Webmasters do the technical, computer programming work to make a web site. They work with artists, writers, and designers who create the things that go on the site and decide how the site will look. Webmasters are only one kind of network systems and data communications analyst. All of these analysts connect computers to each other so that they can share information. Local Area Network analysts, for example, connect computers that belong to single company or school so that those computers can share private information with each other. They might set up an e-mail system or a way for people to work together on the same paper. Analysts start by planning the system. They make a model of how the computers will be connected. They test the system to see if it is fast and private. They also give managers advice about what kinds of hardware (computers, printers, monitors) and software (computer programs) to buy. Other analysts, called telecommunications specialists, connect computers to telephones and video machines. Webmasters and other analysts usually work in offices or computer labs. Some work from home. Sometimes, they work in the evenings or on weekends to solve important problems with a computer system. Sitting in front of a computer all day can hurt some workers' wrists and eyes. Many workers like their jobs because they like computers and solving problems. They also like the chance to make creative Web sites.
Writer Career Description
Writers and editors write! Writers write stories, or they write about things that really happened. They write books, and they write articles for magazines or journals. They write for newspapers, and they write for radio and television. Editors tell writers what to write about. They also decide if what a writer has written is good or not so good. If it is not so good, they change the words to make it good. When a writer begins to write, he or she gathers information. The writer may get this information just by looking or by doing research at the library. Or the writer may interview someone. Writers write something, and then they change it. Then they change it again. They keep changing it until they feel they get it right. There are different kinds of writers. Newswriters write for newspapers or news broadcasts. Columnists write about people, places, and things. Editorial writers write how they feel about something. Technical writers give instructions on how to use a machine or how to do something. Copy writers write ads. Editors write, too. They also review, rewrite, and change the words of writers. But their most important job is to plan what should be in a book, a magazine, or a newspaper. They decide what to print based on what they think readers will want to read. They assign topics to writers. And they make sure that the book, magazine, or newspaper comes out on time. Editors have people who help them do their jobs. These workers are called assistant editors or editorial assistants. Sometimes they are called copy editors or production assistants. They correct errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. They make sure that a book or a magazine is correct and easy to read. They also may do research for writers. They figure out what each page of the book or magazine should look like. Most writers and editors use computers to help them do their work. Some writers and editors work in quiet offices. Others work in noisy rooms. Some writers and editors have to travel. Others talk to people over the telephone or go to the library. Writers and editors work 35 to 40 hours a week. Some work at night or on weekends. Writers may work overtime to meet deadlines or to cover the latest stories. They often face a lot of pressure to meet the deadlines. On some jobs, deadlines are daily.
Zookeeper Career Description
Most people like animals, but it is hard work taking care of them. Animal caretakers feed, water, brush, bathe, and exercise animals. They also clean and fix their cages. They play with them and are their friends. They check to see if they are sick or hurt. Caretakers work wherever animals need shelter or help, including in zoos where they are called zookeepers. Zookeepers prepare food, clean cages and check the behavior of animals. Sometimes they help study the animals they care for. They also answer questions from visitors about the animals. In large zoos, keepers may only take care of one kind of animal. In small zoos, keepers may care for many kinds. People who love animals may enjoy working with them and helping them. Some of the work can be hard and not so nice. Keepers have to clean dirty animal cages. They must also lift heavy things like animals or bales of hay. Some animals make a lot of noise, and when an animal dies the zookeeper or animal caretaker may be very sad. Sometimes an animal will bite, kick, or spread disease. Zookeepers and many animal caretakers may work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Animals must eat every day, so caretakers and keepers must work on weekends; most work about 40 hours a week.
Ten Hottest Careers: Fastest Growing Jobs
The table below has been taken directly from "Table 3", Fastest growing occupations, 2002-2012, in
"Occupational employment projections to 2012," published in the
February 2004 Monthly Labor Review
| 2000 Standard Occupation Classification code and title | Employment | Change | Quartile rank by 2002 median annual earnings (1) |
Most significant source of postsecondary education or training (2) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2012 | Number | Percent | |||||
| Medical assistants | 365 | 579 | 215 | 59 | 3 | Moderate-term on-the-job training | ||
| Network systems and data communications analysts | 186 | 292 | 106 | 57 | 1 | Bachelor's degree | ||
| Physician assistants | 63 | 94 | 31 | 49 | 1 | Bachelor's degree | ||
| Social and human service assistants | 305 | 454 | 149 | 49 | 3 | Moderate-term on-the-job training | ||
| Home health aides | 580 | 859 | 279 | 48 | 4 | Short-term on-the-job training | ||
| Medical records and health information technicians | 147 | 216 | 69 | 47 | 3 | Associate degree | ||
| Physical therapist aides | 37 | 54 | 17 | 46 | 3 | Short-term on-the-job training | ||
| Computer software engineers, applications | 394 | 573 | 179 | 46 | 1 | Bachelor's degree | ||
| Computer software engineers, systems software | 281 | 409 | 128 | 45 | 1 | Bachelor's degree | ||
| Physical therapist assistants | 50 | 73 | 22 | 45 | 2 | Associate degree | ||
| Top 11-20 Fastest Growing Jobs | ||||||||
| Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors | 183 | 264 | 81 | 44 | 3 | Postsecondary vocational award | ||
| Database administrators | 110 | 159 | 49 | 44 | 1 | Bachelor's degree | ||
| Veterinary technologists and technicians | 53 | 76 | 23 | 44 | 3 | Associate degree | ||
| Hazardous materials removal workers | 38 | 54 | 16 | 43 | 2 | Moderate-term on-the-job training | ||
| Dental hygienists | 148 | 212 | 64 | 43 | 1 | Associate degree | ||
| Occupational therapist aides | 8 | 12 | 4 | 43 | 3 | Short-term on-the-job training | ||
| Dental assistants | 266 | 379 | 113 | 42 | 3 | Moderate-term on-the-job training | ||
| Personal and home care aides | 608 | 854 | 246 | 40 | 4 | Short-term on-the-job training | ||
| Self-enrichment education teachers | 200 | 281 | 80 | 40 | 2 | Work experience in a related occupation | ||
| Computer systems analysts | 468 | 653 | 184 | 39 | 1 | Bachelor's degree | ||
| Top 21-30 Fastest Growing Jobs | ||||||||
| Occupational therapist assistants | 18 | 26 | 7 | 39 | 2 | Associate degree | ||
| Environmental engineers | 47 | 65 | 18 | 38 | 1 | Bachelor's degree | ||
| Postsecondary teachers | 1,581 | 2,184 | 603 | 38 | 1 | Doctoral degree | ||
| Network and computer systems administrators | 251 | 345 | 94 | 37 | 1 | Bachelor's degree | ||
| Environmental science and protection technicians, including health | 28 | 38 | 10 | 37 | 2 | Associate degree | ||
| Preschool teachers, except special education | 424 | 577 | 153 | 36 | 4 | Postsecondary vocational award | ||
| Computer and information systems managers | 284 | 387 | 103 | 36 | 1 | Bachelor's or higher degree, plus work experience | ||
| Physical therapists | 137 | 185 | 48 | 35 | 1 | Master's degree | ||
| Occupational therapists | 82 | 110 | 29 | 35 | 1 | Bachelor's degree | ||
| Respiratory therapists | 86 | 116 | 30 | 35 | 2 | Associate degree | ||
|
Footnotes: |
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