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North Carolina . . . A World of Opportunity I N N O R T H C A R O L I N A CAREERCHOICES Number 21 Published by the North Carolina State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee 2004-2005 2 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Career Management Career Management Steps .............................. 3 Self-Assessment.............................................. 4 Career Exploration Work-Based Learning/Volunteering................. 6 The Cost of Working ...................................... 7 Trends ............................................................ 17 Career Briefs & Profiles .................................. 8-28 Education, Training & Financial Aid Training Choices & Financial Aid..................... 29 N.C. Colleges & Schools ................................ 30-31 Job Search Strategies Resumes & Cover Letters ............................... 32-33 Job Seeking .................................................... 34 Interviews & Applications ............................... 35 Job Keeping Skills/Contest.............................. 36 Most of us would agree that change is one of life’s constants. Another constant over the last 21 years has been Career Choices in N.C. This State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee publication continues to help North Carolinians make wise career decisions. It provides information on how personal characteristics connect with job and life choices, and what actions need to be taken to achieve career goals. Whether you are a young person deciding what kind of education you need, an adult faced with job change, or a retiree looking for new work options, you will find information here to make educated decisions. This publication contains a wealth of resources, from your neighbors to the Internet. Life is full of change, challenges and choices. Let Career Choices equip you to seize the opportunities that change brings. With kindest regards, I remain Very truly yours, 470,000 copies of this tabloid were printed at 10 cents per copy. Printed on recycled paper. Career Choices In North Carolina is an annual publication of the North Carolina State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (NC SOICC). The mission of this interagency committee is to develop and provide career information and career development products and services. Visit the SOICC web site at www.ncsoicc.org. Tabloid Production, Edition 21 Editing and Layout Patricia Edwards Shaver, Information & Communication Specialist SOICC Staff Judy Woodson Bruhn, Executive Director Tammy Freeman, Project Coordinator Jan Hastings, Career Information Specialist Vanny Conti, Administrative Assistant User’s Guides Barbara Efird, Career Counselor Barbara Wiggins, Career Development Coordinator CAREER CHOICES Table Of Contents NC SOICC Member Agencies ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Community College System www.ncccs.cc.nc.us / 919-733-7051 Department of Commerce www.nccommerce.com / 919-733-7651 Department of Correction www.doc.state.nc.us / 919-716-3700 Department of Labor Apprenticeship and Training Bureau www.nclabor.com/services_app.htm/ 919-733-7533 Department of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention www.juvjus.state.nc.us / 919-733-3388 Division of Employment and Training www.ncdet.com / 919-661-6010 Department of Public Instruction www.dpi.state.nc.us / 919-807-3300 Employment Security Commission www.ncesc.com / 919-733-3866 Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services dvr.dhhs.state.nc.us / 919-733-3364, TDD 919-733-3364 Division of Services for the Blind www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dsb / 919-733-9700 University of North Carolina www.northcarolina.edu / 919-962-1000 A Word From the Governor Michael F. Easley 3 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○○ ○○E○ ○E○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○M○ ○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○ ○N○ ○ ○A○ ○ ○G○ ○ ○E○ ○M○ ○ ○○E○ ○N○ ○ ○T○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Career management is planning for a lifetime of change in the workforce and also changes in the workers themselves. Career management requires learning how to adjust, resolve and seize the challenges and opportunities that await each of us in our dynamic and changing global workplace. Managing our careers involves managing our lives, taking risks, learning new skills and adapting to new work environments, occupational demands and technological advances. Interests Aptitude Personality Values Outlook Trends Education & Training Cost of Working Networking Résumés Interviewing Applications It is time to equip yourself with career management skills that will allow you to make numerous career choices throughout your lifetime. You will need to learn ways to cope with ongoing change while finding work you enjoy that provides you with monetary and personal satisfac-tion. The cornerstones of career management are the following “High Five” principles from The Real Games SeriesTM: • Know yourself, believe in yourself and follow your heart. • Focus on the journey, not the destination. • Be a good traveler. • Access your allies and be a good ally. You are not alone. • Change is constant and brings with it new opportunities. • Learning is life-long. Learning opens the doors to future opportunities. The steps to take to manage your career are: 1. Knowing Yourself - what makes you unique and what do you have to offer a business, organization, agency or society? • What do you like to do? • What skills do you have or wish to develop? • What is important for you to accomplish in your career and lifetime? • What in your personal style, temperament, or character-istics may determine a good fit for you? The key to self-discovery is learning how to build and maintain a positive self-image. This includes learning how to interact positively and effectively with others and looking for ways to change, grow, and develop through-out your life. 2. Exploring Careers - what occupational pathways are available at this time or are projected to have a high demand in the future? Investigate all the possible occupations by: • Attending career fairs at your school or in your community; • Ask everyone what they do, then ask yourself if that work is of interest to you; • Research occupations on the Internet, in career centers, and libraries. See what the outlook is for occupations. Notice the trends and what training is needed to enter the field. Career Exploration encompasses understanding the relationship between work and society. Good career explorers know how to research, locate, and use career information to make good career decisions throughout their lives. 3. Job Search - apply to training programs and educational settings required for the occupations of your choosing and begin your job search strategy. Job search skills include: • Networking to learn where opportunities are available. • Writing effective resumes and cover letters that get results. • Accurately completing job applications. • Interviewing with confidence and determination. Job search strategies involve learning how to find work and finding the education needed to be considered for specific occupations. Today’s and tomorrow’s workers need to participate in life long learning to continue to be employed. Sometimes workers even find that periods of unemployment provide time to update their job-seeking skills and to seek additional education. Contributed by Barbara Efird, NCCC Adopted from The Real Game Series TM by William Barry. 4 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Contributed by Barbara Efird, NCCC SELF-ASSESSMENT Self-discovery is the on-going process of analyzing who you are. Ask yourself these questions: People, Data, Things and Ideas Occupations are often arranged by the type of work tasks that are associated with similar occupations. Like the Holland types, most occupations often deal with more than one type or task. However, you can classify occupations by workers’ primary responsibilities, and then determine their second and third most important work tasks. Another method of classifying occupations is to look at whether workers in a particular occupation deal primarily with people, data, things or ideas. It is important to know that people and careers often fall into more than one category. You are probably suited for two or three of the categories. Use the Holland system to expand your options and look for related occupations in the Career Briefs section. Working for the betterment of others and/or society. This includes teachers, social work-ers, child-care workers and law enforcement People agents. Data Working with numbers, information pro-cessing, policies and procedures. This in-cludes accountants, computer scientists and customer service representatives. Things Ideas Working with concepts, themes or inven-tions. This includes musicians, writers, com-posers, artists, photographers and other artistic careers. Working with tools, equipment and ma-chines. This includes chefs, hair stylists, carpenters and heavy equipment operators. Your Holland Code You may also want to discover your Holland Code The Holland Code was developed by Dr. John Holland and is widely used by career counselors and individuals. The theory explores six distinct personality types and six distinct work environ-ments that relate to those personality types. Read the descriptions on the next page and see which types describe you the best. Choose which personality type defines you the best. Then, choose which would be second most like you and then third. Take the first letter of each category — R, I, A, S, E, C — to form your Holland Code. Write the letters in the spaces below: You can now start exploring careers that have the same or similar codes. Look at careers that contain the same letters as your Holland Code, even if they are in a different order than yours. In the Career Briefs section of Career Choices (pp. 8-28), there is a column labeled “HC.” Look in this column to see what occupations match your Holland Code. 1. Who am I and what do I love to do? Can these interests be found in occupations? 2. What are my special talents and skills? What abilities do I have and which ones seem easily attainable when I try to learn them? 3. What types of work environments appeal to me? Do I prefer to work outdoors, indoors, with a team, or independently? 4. What motivates me? What is it inside of me that is the reason and purpose of my career and my life roles? 5. Where do I fit in this world? What types of products and/or services do people need that also match with who I am? Assessing your personality and personal qualities will help you know which occupations will challenge you to grow and develop and create new possibilities for you in the future. The following tools can help you discover more about yourself. The “people, data, things, ideas method” classifies occupations by various work tasks that are similar to each other. Realistic (Things) Conventional (Data) Enterprising (Data & People) Social (People) Artistic (Ideas) Investigative (Data & Ideas) 5 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ * See a profile in the Career Briefs & Profiles section, pages 17-19 and 36 SELF-ASSESSMENT Realistic (R) Realistic Careers Cook Emergency Medical Tech. Firefighter Building Inspector Roofer Machinist Automobile Mechanic Heavy Truck Driver Carpenter Paramedic Investigative (I) Investigative Careers Audiologist Chemist Computer Programmer Architect Physician Geoscientist Physician’s Asst. Veterinarian Pharmacist Industrial Manager* Investigative People like to explore ideas and analyze data. They have skills in math and science. Inquisitive, precise and sometimes abstract thinking are some characteristics of their personality. They usually like working with data and ideas in occupational fields such as medicine, computer programming and science technologies. Do you like math and science classes? Do you like to solve technical problems? Do you have an interest in medicine? Are you competent with computer applications or programming? Are you inquisitive and curious by nature? Artistic (A) Artistic Careers Commercial Artist Musician Reporter Book Editor Singer Floral Designer Graphic Designer Author Actor Animator Artistic People like to create, sing, dance, or write and prefer an unstructured work environment. They have skills in music, art, and/or communication. They value aesthetic qualities and are more likely to relate by indirect means through their medium. They like working with ideas in occupations such as musician, designer, or architect. Do you like music, drama or art classes? Do you like writing stories or poems? Can you play a musical instrument? Are you a talented actor? Are you a creative person? Social (S) Social Careers Nursing Aide Counselor Coach Aerobics Instructor Physical Therapist Police Officer* Teacher* Religious Education Director* Social People enjoy helping others and the commu-nity. They have skills in teaching, counseling and getting along with others, and are sensitive to others’ needs. They are cheerful, scholarly, and verbally oriented. They like working with people in occupa-tions such as teacher, religous education director, or police officer. Do you like to teach children or adults? Do you like to help others solve problems? Do you like to care for sick people? Are you interested in community service? Are you an understanding and sympathetic person? Enterprising (E) Enterprising People like to persuade and influence others in areas of business or politics. They perceive themselves as popular, self-confident and social. They are skilled in public speaking and leadership. Enterpris-ing types like working with people and data in occupations like dispatcher, interpreter/translator, or attorney. Do you like competitive events or challenges? Do you like to influence others? Do you have the ability to sell products or services? Do you motivate others? Are you results oriented? Enterprising Careers Travel Agent Farm Manager Real Estate Sales Agent Financial Manager Sales Manager Lawyer 911 Dispatcher Construction Manager Interpreter/Translator* Cosmetologist Conventional People like an organized and detail-oriented work place. They are often skilled in finance, mathematics, and keyboarding, and see themselves as conforming, organized and practical. They like working with data in occupations such as accountant, bank teller, computer support specialist or administrative assistant. Do you like working with numbers or data? Do you like word processing or data input? Are you accurate with numbers, data and information? Do you like to reconcile bank statements? Do you have the ability to handle details? Conventional Careers Accountant Administrative Assistant Customer Support* Legal Secretary Insurance Underwriter Computer Support Bank Teller Library Technician Medical Records Tech. Office Clerk Conventional (C) Realistic People like to work with machines, and often with their hands to build things. Their skills include having mechanical know-how and/or stamina to work outdoors, and the ability to operate machinery. They are often practical, love nature and are good problem solvers. They like working with things and tools in occupations such as carpenter, air traffic controller, paramedic or cook. Do you like to work outdoors? Do you like to work on machinery/ equipment? Do you have mechanical abilities? Are you skilled in carpentry or building things? Are you considered a practical person? 6 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○R○○ ○ ○ ○ ○E○ ○ ○X○○ ○P○ ○L○ ○O○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○A○ ○ ○T○ ○I○O○ ○○N○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Now that you have identified occupations that may fit your characteristics and abilities, it’s time to explore the possibilities. Gather information about many occupations. Compare your interests, skills, personality and values with those in occupations that interest you. Consider work-based learning or volunteering to gain some knowledge about your top career options. Getting experience, while exploring career options, will give you a head start on your future career. Take advantage of opportunities to “try out” a career through work-based learning programs, summer or part-time jobs or as a community volunteer. Your current school or college will offer some or all of the programs below. You will find others by checking the Internet and community businesses and organizations. Explore and Get Valuable Experience Through Work-Based Learning • Job Shadowing programs usually involve going to work for one or several days with someone whose career interests you. You can observe tasks and skills required for the job, experience the work environment, and interact with people who currently work in your potential career field. • Internships usually last for a couple of weeks to several months. You not only observe individuals in your career field of interest, but also get a chance to perform some of the job tasks and duties. Internships may officially, or unofficially, incorporate mentoring by an experienced career professional who can support your career decisions and goals. Internships can be paid or unpaid. • Cooperative Education and School-Based Enterprises can easily become part of your high school and/or college program by integrating academics and vocational curricula and providing work-related experiences, often at an employer’s job site. • Youth Apprenticeship is an employer-school partnership, which offers high school students a combination of academic instruction, structured vocational training and paid work experience, usually lasting one to two years. These programs are sponsored by the N. C. Department of Labor. • Volunteering is an excellent way to learn about a career possibility while developing new skills, or applying existing skills. Volunteer opportunities are available everywhere—schools, businesses, hospitals, government agencies, and community and non-profit organizations. Participating in work-based learning opportunities, like these, will give you the edge when applying for your first job. Not only will you gain valuable work experience, but work-based learning also offers a world of networking opportunities—the best way to meet potential employers and other people who can provide job referrals. Get to work and start building your résumé today! Discover Your Career Passion By Volunteering Many people discover their career passion through hobbies or volunteer work. Here are some places where you can search for volunteer opportunities. Enjoy your voyage into the world of self-discovery by volunteering, so that you will soon be on your way to doing what you love. • Network For Good: Statewide opportunities offered in a variety of areas. http://www.networkforgood.org • North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service: Americorp, service learning, mentoring, North Carolina Promise, and more. http://www.volunteernc.org 1-800-820-4483 • Peace Corps: Domestic and overseas opportunities for college students and graduates. http://www.peacecorps.gov 1-800-424-8580 • Volunteer Match: National and Non-Profit Organizations, and Virtual Volunteering. http://www.volunteermatch.org After attending two years at the University of North Carolina, Rob Phillips was unsure what occupation he wanted to pursue. Phillips took some time off from school until he decided which career path to take. He worked in various jobs including a retail sales position with a local music store that he held for ten years. Since he was a musician at heart, this was a good fit for Phillips, but something was still missing. It was through Phillips’ volunteer role in the youth ministry at his church that he discovered his passion. “My gift is working with young people,” Phillips said. After making this discovery, the Director of Youth Ministries position at White Plains United Methodist Church (WPUMC) of Cary became available. Phillips has been working in this role for six years while attending Pfeiffer University to earn certification in youth ministry through the United Methodist Church. This certification is based on graduate degree level courses combined with pre-vious work experience. Additionally, Phillips has gained valuable knowledge by attending national youth worker conventions and workshop type retreats. Phillips dis-covered what was successful for other youth directors and considered these ideas for his ministry. The first couple of years were very tough for Phillips, but per-severance and networking for support helped him get to where he is today. One must have a “love and patience for young people,” Phillips explained. When working with youth, it is important to understand the mindset of the adole-scent, especially if a teen seeks counseling for a problem he or she is experiencing. It is important that a youth director not get too emotionally involved. “You can’t just step in and take their problems away from them,” Phillips remarked. Phillips brought his musical talents to the ministry and organized a youth worship team consisting of a six-piece praise band and a team of singers. Phillips leads the youth in singing as he plays the guitar, and sometimes he equips the youth to lead. Behind the scenes, a Director of Youth Minister may plan curriculum, coordinate activities, screen volunteers, and meet with staff members. Phillips stressed the importance of getting along with others in order to coordinate well. “We coordinate really well together,” he added. This teamwork effort gained WPUMC recognition by the North Carolina Conference of United Methodist Churches for having an outstanding youth ministry. The church is one of 400 churches nationwide chosen to participate in a study based on keeping senior high school kids involved in youth activities. At WPUMC, the youth are encouraged and motivated to service by being actively involved in local and world missions. Phillips success is linked to his passion for working with youth. What Phillips loves most about his job is seeing lives grow and change—from having low self-esteem to becoming confident leaders. His reward is seeing these youth succeed and knowing that he made a difference. For those who may be interested in his, or any occupation, Phillips advised, “Work with something that you have a passion for, and believe in, and love. To be happy in life you need to enjoy what you are doing, and know that you are making a difference.” By Patricia Edwards Shaver Volunteer = Career Opportunity 7 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○T○ ○ ○H○○ ○E○ ○ ○ ○○C○ ○ ○O○ ○○S○ ○T○ ○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○ ○ ○W○ ○ ○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○K○ ○ ○IN○N○ ○○G○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ The Cost of Living One thing to remember when job hunting is that the cost of living, which determines how much buying power your salary has, can vary widely across the state, and across the country. For example, if you want to rent a two-bedroom, unfur-nished apartment in Raleigh, it will cost you about $785.00 a month. That same apartment in Fayetteville will cost $625.00 — a $160.00 difference. The chart to the right compares costs of other common items in different areas of N.C. and other parts of the country. Learn More to Earn More The fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs usually require some kind of post-secondary education or skills training for entry, and additional training throughout your career. Recent trends also suggest a connection between your level of education and your earning power. Even so, pay can vary widely between and within occupations. (The chart below shows the median salary you can expect to earn based on your education and gender.) The key is to decide what you want to do, and then get the education or training that will best prepare you for that type of work. Proper planning makes reaching your goals much easier. Source: U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey 2003 “Budget” Is Not a Four-Letter Word What can you afford to spend on an apartment? Can you afford to buy a new car? How can you save enough money to go to the beach next summer? The simplest way to find out is to make — and stick to — a budget. A budget is a money plan. With it, you can organize and control your finances, plan for fu-ture expenses, or determine how much rent you can afford to pay each month. Figure out what your yearly essential financial needs are and divide that number by 12. Next, set up a bank account. If you have money left over at the end of the month, try to put most of the remainder into your account — you may need it next month. You’ll also need an emergency fund to cover the unexpected costs that will inevitably come your way. A successful budget will include categories that reflect the way you spend money. Think about your spending habits (buying a cup of coffee every day) to identify expense categories. The idea is to become more aware of where your money goes so you can make conscious decisions about spending. The sample budget below is typical of a recent college graduate, earning $26,400 per year, and sharing an apartment with a roommate to save money. Sample Monthly Budget Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index, 1st Quarter 2003 Whether you make thousands or millions of dollars a year, you need to know how to manage your finances. Fight the tend-ency for your eyes to glaze over when you hear the word “budget.” Stop thinking you’re too smart/artistic/sensitive/stupid to worry about or understand money management — it’s an important skill that everyone has to learn. I. Gross Monthly Income $2,200 II. Payroll Deductions Taxes (Federal, State, Social Security) - $440 Retirement Plan (6%) - $132 Other (medical, etc.) - $42 Total Deductions - $614 III. Monthly Take-Home Pay (Net) $1,586 IV. Expenses Housing (rent or mortgage) - $320 Food (groceries & eating out) - $200 Utilities (electricity, gas, cable, etc.) - $125 Clothing - $ 80 Transportation (car payment, gas, etc.) - $300 Savings (at least 5%) - $110 Debt repayment (credit card, school loan, etc.) - $200 Misc. (insurance, entertainment, etc.) - $200 Total Expenses - $1,535 Asheville Charlotte Fayetteville Raleigh Wilmington Atlanta New York Apartment Rent $775 $695 $625 $785 $652 $724 $3,520 House Price $281,336 $217,560 $214,000 $221,434 $272,180 $235,723 $947,000 Pizza $9.38 $9.59 $8.89 $9.87 $10.39 $10.95 $10.90 Hamburger $2.19 $2.29 $2.15 $2.21 $2.24 $2.40 $3.06 Movie Ticket $7.44 $7.25 $7.24 $7.25 $7.00 $8.10 $10.05 2-Liter Coke $1.16 $1.18 $1.39 $1.41 $1.24 $.99 $1.32 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 $0 $18,632 $12,217 $30,487 $20,254 $40,056 $26,474 $51,351 $34,232 $61,439 $42,301 Male Female Less Than 4 Years High School High School Graduate 2-Year Assoc. Degree Bachelor’s/ 4 Years College Master’s Degree 8 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Management Occupations This cluster includes top-level managers and middle managers. Top-level managers are concerned with policy making, planning, staffing, directing and/or controlling activities that are common to many organizations. Middle managers plan, organize, staff or direct activities at an operational level. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “people” and “data.” Many have leadership qualities and possess a high degree of creative thinking, decision making and problem solving abilities. This section outlines 229 occupations — a sample of those available in N.C. — to help you learn what educa-tion and experience is required for success. The informa-tion listed below is included for each occupation. Occupation — Titles and clusters are from the federal Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. Definitions are derived from SOC and O*Net systems. Holland Code (HC) — Holland personality types (3-letter codes) corresponding to work environments. Work Description — The nature of the duties performed in the occupation. Education Suggested — The level of education sug-gested to enter and perform the job effectively. Codes Used: • HS or GED – High school diploma or general education diploma • HS Voc. Ed. – Vocational training in high school • OJT – On-the-job training • Apprent. – Apprenticeship training • Trade – Private trade or business school, hospitals • CC – Less than one year program in community college, including continuing education • 1 yr. CC – One year program in community college • 2 yr. CC – Two-year program in community college • Bach. – Bachelor’s degree from four year college • Master’s – Master’s degree • Ph.D. – Doctorate degree, plus some medical degrees and specialities Licensed Occupations — Occupations for which a license, certification, or registration is required to practice in North Carolina. Codes Used: L, C, R Where — This refers to the industries or types of employers who are the principle hiring source for the occupation in North Carolina. Salary — The first (top) salary number (followed by e) represents the average entry wage, when available. The second salary number represents the average rate of pay for the majority of employees in their occupation. Wage data has been annualized from Employment Security Commission source (hourly wage) data. Aver-ages, therefore, may be high or low if occupation requires more or less than 40 hours a week. The actual pay for a specific job may vary between geographic areas, the qualifications of the person holding the job and the pay scale of the employer. Outlook — This gives the projected rate of increase for each occupation based on North Carolina labor market information. It is an indicator of projected growth rather than projected openings. CAREER BRIEFS / PROFILES Index Career Page Career Page Management Occupations ........................................................................ 8 Business & Financial Occupations ........................................................... 9 Computer & Mathematical Occupations ................................................... 10 Architecture & Engineering Occupations ................................................. 11 Life, Physical & Social Science Occupations ............................................ 12 Community, Social Service & Legal Occupations ..................................... 12 Education, Training & Library Occupations ............................................. 13 Art, Design, Entertainment, Sports & Media Occupations ....................... 14 Health Care Practitioners & Technical Occupations ................................. 15 Health Care Support Options .................................................................... 16 Career Profiles .......................................................................................... 18-19 Service Occupations ................................................................................ 20 Sales & Marketing Occupations .............................................................. 22 Office & Administrative Support Occupations ........................................ 23 Farming, Fishing & Forestry Occupations ............................................... 24 Construction & Extraction Occupations .................................................. 25 Installation, Maintenance, & Repair Occupations ................................... 26 Production Occupations .......................................................................... 27 Transportation & Material Moving Occupations .................................... 28 Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Administrative Services Managers ESR Plan, direct or coordinate supportive services, e.g. record keeping, mail distribution, reception. OJT 2 yr. CC Educational services; religious organizations; man-agement & public relations firms; local government; hospitals; personnel services; wholesale companies selling machinery, equipment & supplies; nursing, res-idential care facilities; commercial sports; textile mill products; electronic & electrical equipment manufactureres $27,880e $52,840 Above Average Advertising and Promotions Managers ESA Plan and direct advertising programs and activities or produce materials to create customer interest, e.g. posters, contests. Bach. Printing, publishing and communication companies; advertising agencies; wholesale companies selling machinery, equipment & supplies; chemicals, furniture and fixtures companies; real estate; family services $31,140e $60,090 Above Average Computer and Information Systems Managers IER Plan and direct electronic information services and activities, e.g. system analysis, computer programming, data processing. Bach. Master's Computer & data processing services; chemical products; industrial machinery, electronic, electrical equipment products; banks; educational services; management, research & testing firms; hospitals; government agencies $54,000e $87,990 Above Average Codes Used: • Above Average – There is above average growth in that occupation (more than 2.1 percent per year) • Average – There is average growth in that occupation (1 percent to 2.1 percent per year) • Below Average – There is growth, but rate of growth is below average in that occupation (less than one percent per year). 9 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Construction Managers ERS Work with on-site supervisors to plan and direct construction activities; study plans and estimate materials, labor and equipment required. Apprent. 2 Yr. CC Bach. Building contractors, residential, non-residential, and heavy construction; special trades; plumbing, heating, air-conditioning; electrical work; highway construction; management & public relations firms; masonry, stone-work, carpentry, flooring, other construction projects $35,150e $56,320 Average Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary ESA Plan and coordinate activities and programs at elementary, middle and high schools. Master's Ph.D Schools and local & state school systems; government agencies $45,170e $63,000 Above Average Financial Managers ESR Run financial programs or organizations; counsel individuals or companies on how to use their money. Bach. Master's Banks; mortgage bankers; wholesale companies selling auto parts, lumber machinery, equipment & supplies; computer & data processing firms; local government; management & public relations firms; educational and business services $44,180e $77,660 Above Average Food Service Managers ESR Plan, organize and direct the operation of businesses that serve food and beverages. OJT Apprent. 2 Yr. CC Bach Eating and drinking places; educational services; hotels and motels; government agencies; nursing, residential care, recreational facilities; hospitals; religious organizations $23,820e $35,960 Above Average Marketing Managers ESA Determine customers' interest in firm's products or services; develop selling and pricing plans. 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's Electronic, electric and industrial machinery equipment manufacturers; chemical companies; computer companies; banks and business services; management & public relations firms; wholesalers; textile, apparel and furniture manufacturers $49,720e $91,020 Above Average Medical and Health Service Managers SEC Plan, organize and coordinate the delivery of health care. Responsible for facilities, services, programs, staff and budgets. 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's L Hospitals; nursing and personal, home health care facilities; government and social services; medical, dental, allied health offices & labs $43,220e $68,390 Above Average Property and Real Estate Managers ESR Control the buying, selling or leasing of real estate; manage apartments, condominiums and community associations. 2 yr. CC Bach. Real estate and leasing agencies or operators; developers; residential building contractors; banks; religious organizations $25,370e $47,500 Above Average Public Relations Managers ESA Develop and direct programs for promoting the sale of a firm's products or services and for creating a favorable public impression. Bach. Religious and educational services; recreation and local government agencies; hospitals; social services; computer companies; banks; management & public relations firms $34,230e $60,990 Above Average Sales Managers ESA Direct and coordinate the distribution and sale of products or services to customers. Bach. Wholesale and retail companies selling cars, auto parts & service and industrial machinery, electronic, electrical equipment; textile, rubber & plastics manufacturers; hotels & motels; computer companies; communication and printing companies; business services $40,140e $75,900 Above Average Social and Community Service Managers ESA Organize, coordinate and oversee programs and activities of a social services or community service organization. Bach. Religious, civic & social organizations; local and state government; nursing, residential care; social, family services; hospitals $29,040e $45,110 Above Average Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers ESR Plan and direct daily activities of organizations which transport, store or distribute materials. OJT Apprent. 2 Yr. CC Bach Trucking & warehousing, transport services; wholesale companies selling machinery, equipment & supplies, groceries, apparel, paper products; government agencies; chemical, rubber products; furniture companies $36,480e $61,090 Above Average Business & Financial Occupations This cluster includes occupations primarily pertaining to planning, organizing and controlling specialized operational functions. People in these occupations generally have interests and skills in “data” and “people.” They usually have good analytical, problem-solving and/or good interpersonal skills. Their work may include examining, analyzing reviewing, purchasing, enforcing and/or personnel responsibilities. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Accountants and Auditors CES Study financial records, give advice on money matters and prepare financial statements; may examine clients' records to see if they are properly kept and reported. 2 Yr. CC Bach. Master's C Accounting and auditing firms; government agencies; wholesale companies; educational services; industrial machinery, equipment manufacturers; hotels & motels; banks; management, personnel supply, computer companies; textile product manufacturers $31,130e $49,220 Average Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators ESR Review customer claims against company to see if payments have been properly made. Bach. L Insurance agents, brokers & companies; computer companies; government, business and health services $28,330e $42,490 Average ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ g Compliance Officers and Inspectors ERS Inspect and enforce regulations and procedures on matters of health, safety, food, immigration, licensing, or interstate commerce. Apprent. Bach. CC C Government agencies; chemical companies; utilities & sanitary services; US Postal Service; insurance, health and banking related services $28,880e $43,330 Average Cost Estimators RCE Prepare cost estimates to help management bid on or determine the price of a new product or service. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 Yr. CC Plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, roofing, electrical contractors; building and trade contractors; heavy construction companies; printing & publishing com-panies; fabricated metals products $30,930e $47,070 Average Employment, Recruitment and Placement Specialists SEC Recruit, select and place workers in jobs. 2 Yr. CC Bach. Personnel supply services; computer companies; gov-ernment services; hospitals; banks and management services; eating and drinking places; $27,400e $42,860 Average Financial Analysts CIE Conduct statistical analyses of information affecting the investment programs of institutions and private individuals. Bach. Security and commodity brokers and services; banks and non-depository institutions; insurance services $34,990e $66,990 Above Average Loan Officers SEC Evaluate the credit of an individual or business applying for a loan; authorize loans or advise borrowers. 2 Yr. CC Bach. R Commercial banks; credit and savings institutions; mortgage bankers and brokers $28,240e $54,340 Average Management Analysts ESC Analyze business operations, conduct studies, and design systems and procedures to help management operate efficiently and effectively. Bach. Master's Management & public relations firms; computer & data processing firms; government agencies; banks and business services; medical & health services; wholesale companies selling electrical goods, groceries, transpor-tation equipment; engineering services; self-employed $38,220e $70,310 Above Average Personal Financial Advisors SEC Advise customers on financial plans that may involve knowledge of taxes, investments, insurance and real estate. Bach. Banks, security brokers, dealers & services; computer companies; insurance companies and services $25,960e $61,250 Above Average Purchasing Agents, except wholesale, retail and farm ESC Buy supplies and raw materials for internal use or for further processing by manufacturing firms. OJT 2 yr. CC Bach Master's Electronic and industrial machinery equipment com-panies; government agencies; business and health services $28,340e $43,910 Average Training and Development Specialists SEC Conduct training and programs to help employees make effective use of skills and to be satisfied in their jobs. 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's Banks; government agencies; computer companies; hospitals; textile products; merchandise stores; management, health and business services $27,200e $45,610 Average Computer & Mathematical Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to the application of math and/or computer science in research, development and related activities. People in these occupations generally have interests in “data” and “ ideas.” They are creative thinkers who apply mathematical principles to solve problems and research new ideas. Their responsibilities require them to organize, maintain and evaluate information. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Computer Programmers IRE Prepare information and instruction for computer use. Write programs that store, locate, and retrieve information to help people with business, engineering and scientific tasks. Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Bach. Computer, data processing firms; industrial machinery and electronic, electric equipment manufacturers; educational services; banks; wholesale companies selling business equipment; research & testing companies; textile products; hospitals; management, personnel and business services $42,010e $65,930 Average Computer Software Engineers IRE Develop, create and adapt computer applications or system software for client's use. Bach. Masters's Computer and data processing services; industrial machinery and electronic, electrical equipment manufacturers; banks; management and business services; government agencies $50,410e $73,200 Above Average Computer Support Specialists SCR Provide technical assistance and training to computer users. Answer questions and solve hardware and software problems. Apprent. Trade 2 yr. CC Bach. Computer and data processing services; banks and business services; educational services; wholesale trades; management and communication companies; industrial machinery & equipment manufacturers; government agencies; hospitals and labs; furniture companies $28,860e $46,810 Above Average Computer Systems Analysts IRE Plan and develop methods for computerizing scientific, engineering, and business tasks and improving computer systems. Bach. Master's Ph.D. Computer and data processing services; banks; industrial machinery and electronic, electrical equipment manufacturers; hospitals; chemical products; government agencies; building materials; utilities services; self-employed $32,020e $66,980 Above Average 10 11 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Architecture & Engineering Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to the design and construction of buildings, equipment, highways, roads, utilization of land and processing systems. They often have interests and skills in “data,” “ideas,” and/or “things.” People in these occupations use technical skills to perform their responsibilities and have high aptitudes in mathematics, cre-ative thinking and problem solving. Database Administrators IRS Coordinate, test, and make changes to computer data-bases and code. May plan and coordinate database development. 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's Computer & data processing services; wholesale companies selling business equipment; communication and business services; banks; electronic, electrical equipment manufactures; hospitals; health services $35,010e $61,530 Above Average Network and Computer Systems Administrators IER Install and support organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) and/or Internet systems. Maintain network hardware and software. Trade 2 yr. CC Bach. Computer & data processing services; educational services; wholesale companies selling business equipment; communication, banks and business services; government agencies; hospitals; electronic, electrical equipment manufacturers $37,850e $58,780 Above Average Network Systems Analysts IRE Analyze, design and evaluate network systems and other data communication systems. May recommend hardware and software. Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. Computer & data processing services; banks; management, utilities & sanitary services; industrial machinery & equipment, communication, business services; hospitals, health services $40,700e $61,480 Above Average Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Architects, except Landscape IAE Plan, design and watch over the construction of buildings. Also plan and design development of parks, airports, and highways. Bach. Master's R Self-employed; utilities & sanitary services; engineering & architectural firms; computer & data processing services $36,450e $55,870 Above Average Architectural and Civil Drafters IRE Prepare working plans and detail drawings for structures, buildings, highways and public works, according to specified dimensions. Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Bach. Engineering & architectural firms; metal product manufacturers; wholesale trades; building contractors $27,800e $37,780 Average Biomedical Engineers IRE Design, develop and evaluate biological and health systems and products. Bach. Master's Hospitals; chemical companies; engineering & architectural services $39,810e $53,430 Above Average Chemical Engineers IRE Develop new ways to make chemicals and related products. They also help design, build, and operate chemical plant equipment and processes. Bach. Master's R Chemical companies; engineering & architectural ser-vices; stone, clay, rubber, plastic materials manu-facturers; management, research and testing services; electronic, electrical equipment firms; textile mill and paper products $53,730e $71,540 Average Civil Engineers IRS Plan, design, and supervise the construction of structures such as buildings, roads, water and sewage systems, bridges, and dams. Bach. Master's R Engineering & architectural firms; government agencies; general building and heavy construction contractors; management & public relations firms $40,380e $57,630 Below Average Electrical Engineers IRE Design, develop and supervise the manufacture and installation of electrical equipment, parts or systems. Bach. Master's R Engineering & architectural firms; industrial machinery and electronic, electrical equipment and instrument manufacturers; research & testing services; com-munication companies; utilities & sanitary services; companies selling machinery, equipment & supplies $48,820e $70,370 Average Electronics Engineers IRE Design, develop, test electronic circuits, parts and systems, except computers. Bach. Master's R Electronic, electrical equipment and industrial ma-chinery manufacturers; communication companies; wholesale companies selling machinery, equipment & supplies; engineering & architectural firms $45,790e $64,800 Average Electrical, Electronic Engineering Technologists & Technicians RIE Help engineers and scientist's design, build, test, and install electrical and electronic equipment. Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. Communication; wholesale trades; industrial mach-inery and electronic, electric equipment companies; engineering & architectural firms; instrument manufac-turers; government agencies; research & testing services; utility companies $30,600e $44,070 Average Environmental Engineers IRE Design and plan engineering projects to help prevent or control hazards to the environment, e.g. waste treatment, pollution control. Bach. Master's R Engineering & architectural firms; government agen-cies; management & public relations firms; utilities & sanitary services; chemical companies; research & testing services; paper products $43,170e $60,250 Above Average 12 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Life, Physical & Social Science Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to research and application of scientific knowledge to specific problems and situations. People in these occupations generally have interests and skills in “ideas.” They usually have good research and problem solving skills, and do well in one or more scientific subjects. Community, Social Service & Legal Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to the needs of people and their communities, families, and spiritual development. They usually have interests and skills primarily in “people” to resolve personal and societal issues. People in these occupations value helping others and have high interpersonal skills including working with cultural diversity. They are creative thinkers, problem solvers and are good listeners. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Biological Technicians RIS Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories to operate instruments, monitor experiments, record results. 2 yr. CC Research & testing services; chemical, food companies; government agencies; management & public relations firms; medical & dental labs $26,990e $36,830 Above Average Chemists IER Study and test the properties of substances and materials to develop chemical compounds and to improve products and processes. Bach. Master's Ph.D. Chemical manufacturers; research and testing services; tobacco companies; government agencies $36,670e $61,110 Above Average Environmental Scientists and Specialists IRE Study to identify and eliminate sources of pollutants or hazards that affect health or the environment. Bach. Master's Ph.D. R Government agencies; management & public relations firms; research & testing services; engineering & architectural, utilities services; chemical companies $32,460e $46,180 Above Average Forest and Conservation Technicians IRS Work with foresters and/or conservation scientists to collect data about forests or wildlife habitats and natural resources. 2 yr. CC Bach. Government agencies; research & testing services; paper & paper product manufacturers $23,190e $31,630 Average Geoscientists IRS Apply knowledge of geology, physics, and mathematics in the study of the earth's atmosphere, oceans, and the physical aspects of the earth. Bach. Master's Ph.D. L Management & public relations firms; government agencies; engineering & architectural firms $42,750e $50,600 Above Average Market Research Analysts ISA Study labor market conditions in local, regional or national areas. May gather information about prices and sales of products or services. Bach. Master's Ph.D. Research & testing services; industrial machinery and electronic, electrical equipment manufacturers; banks; accounting firms; communication and computer companies $32,170e $74,810 Average Medical Scientists IRE Conduct research and develop cures for health problems. They study the structures of cells, tissue, and organs and the effects of drugs, poisons, parasites, and bacteria. Master's Ph.D. Research and testing services; chemical companies; management and public relations firms; wholesale companies; government, education and health agencies $44,350e $81,200 Above Average Psychologists ISE Study the ways people behave and think; seek to understand and explain people's actions. Master's Ph.D. L Educational services; offices of medical doctors and health practitioners; government agencies; hospitals; residential, family, home health care services; self employed $35,990e $53,380 Above Average Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Clergy SAE Serve the spiritual and religious needs of people; can be ministers, priests or rabbis. Bach. Master's C Churches, synagogues and religious organizations; hospitals, residential care facilities; government agencies $24,250e $37,190 Above Average Educational, Vocational, School Counselors SEA Counsel individuals or groups in educational, social or career matters. Bach. Master's Ph.D. L Schools, colleges and universities; social services; government agencies; residential care facilities; job training services $27,860e $39,820 Above Average Lawyers ESI Give advice to individuals or businesses on legal problems; study laws, write legal papers, may represent clients in courts of law. Juris Doctor (J.D.) L Law firms and legal agencies; government agencies; self-employed; commercial banks and business services $47,810e $98,850 Average Mechanical Engineers RIE Design and develop tools, engines, machines, and other equipment; direct workers who install, operate and repair mechanical equipment. Bach. Master's R Engineering & architectural services; industrial mach-inery, electronic, electric & transportation equipment companies; personnel services; rubber, plastics, stone, clay, glass, fabricated metal manufactures & related in-strument makers; textile mills; wholesale companies selling machinery, equipment & supplies; chemical companies $44,460e $62,630 Average Surveying & Mapping Technicians IER Perform surveying and mapping duties to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC C Engineering & architectural services; government agencies; utilities & sanitary services; research & testing $21,490e $26,850 Above Average 13 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Education, Training & Library Occupations This cluster includes occupations that involve direct contact with individuals to provide for their education and training. People in these occupations generally have interests and skills in “people” and value helping others to learn and develop. Their skills include speaking, listening, teaching and serving others. They demonstrate a high level of social skills. Paralegals and Legal Assistants SEC Assist lawyers research laws, investigate facts, and prepare legal papers; may specialize in one area of the law. Trade, Apprent. 2 yr. CC Legal firms and services; government agencies; banks, security brokers $21,680e $32,400 Above Average Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists SER Assist law offenders with rehabilitation, treatment, and/or employment planning. Bach. State & local government agencies; religious organizations $27,320e $32,140 Above Average Rehabilitation Counselors SEA Counsel individuals with disabilities to help them maximize their independence and employability. Master's Residential care facilities; educational, social and health services; job training and government agencies; hospitals $18,070e $26,400 Above Average Religious Activities and Education Directors SEA Direct, plan, coordinate programs or activities of a church, school or denominational group to meet religious needs of students. Bach. Religious organizations $20,100e $27,910 Above Average Social and Human Service Assistants SCE Assist social worker or case managers in working to improve human relationships. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. CC Government agencies; social service agencies; residential care facilities; religious organizations; job training services $17,510e $23,570 Above Average Social Workers, Child, Family and School SEC Counsel and assist individuals and families who need help from social service agencies; visit clients and arrange help for them. Bach. Master's C Local government agencies; social service agencies; schools, colleges and universities; residential care facilities; religious organizations $25,210e $33,460 Above Average Social Workers, Medical and Public Health SEA Counsel and assist individuals and families who have physical illness; help them understand, accept, and follow medical recommendations. Bach. Master's Ph.D. C Hospitals; nursing care, home health and allied health services; social service agencies; medical offices; government agencies $27,300e $37,330 Above Average Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Adult Literacy, Remedial Education & GED Teachers SAE Teach out-of-school youth and adults in remedial education classes, including English as Second Language and GED preparation classes. Bach. Master's Educational services; self-employed $24,300e $32,050 Above Average College and University Teachers SEI Teach undergraduate and/or graduate students in colleges, universities, and community technical colleges. They usually do research which, along with their instruction, is in specialized program areas of fields of study. They also advise students on courses and programs. Ph.D. Junior colleges, colleges and universities $33,700e $53,510 Above Average Elementary School Teachers SAE Teach basic academic and social skills to students in primary grades. Bach. Master's L Public and private elementary schools $29,560e $42,700 Average Librarians SEC Select, order, catalog, and take care of library materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, films, and records; help people find information. Bach. Master's L Schools, colleges and universities; government agencies and libraries; legal services; hospitals $29,560e $42,700 Above Average Library Technicians CSR Check books in and out; sort and shelve library materials; repair damaged books, and answer routine questions. HS or GED OJT 2 yr. CC Government agencies; schools, college, and universities $17,690e $25,000 Above Average Middle School Teachers SER Instruct students in one or more specific subject areas in middle/junior high schools. Bach. Master's Ph.D. L Middle/junior high schools $27,030e $36,780 Above Average Secondary School Teachers SER Instruct students in one or more specific subject areas in high schools. Bach. Master's Ph.D. L High schools $28,950e $39,350 Above Average Self-Enrichment Education Teachers SAE Teach non-academic and non-occupational courses. Bach. Master's Educational services; religious organizations; civic, social associations; social, recreational services; government and job training agencies; self-employed $17,260e $31,350 Above Average Special Education Teachers, preschool, elementary, secondary school SEC Teach school subjects, social, and other skills to people with special problems; may use special methods or tools. Bach. Master's L Schools, rehabilitation facilities for disabled children $28,670e $37,670 Above Average 13 14 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Art, Design, Entertainment, Sports & Media Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to the creating and performing of artistic works in various forms. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “ideas” and “people,” and some in “data” and/or “things.” Many value creativity and independence. They are skilled in creative thinking and are very expressive in nature. Many have aptitudes in writing, presenting ideas, information and public speaking and for performing. CAREER BRIEFS / PROFILES Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Actors AES Play parts in stage, TV, radio, video or movie productions. Trade Apprent. 2yr. CC Bach. Motion picture companies; producers of entertainment $15,990e $25,860 Above Average Artists AES Create original artwork including painting, sculpture and illustrations; create, design and restore artwork; illustrate subject matter to promote product sales, or to influence others. Trade Apprent. 2yr. CC Bach. Government agencies, printing & publishing companies; self employed $24,840e $35,220 Above Average Athletes and Sports Competitors ESR Compete in athletic events. HS or GED Bach. Commercial sports; educational services $14,640e $22,950 Above Average Audio and Video Equipment Technicians CSE Operate and maintain electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. HS or GED OJT Apprent. 2yr. CC Motion picture companies; producers; radio and TV companies $18,770e $28,220 Above Average Coaches and Scouts ESR Instruct or coach individuals or groups in fundamentals of sport(s) or in techniques to improve skills; recruit athletes. HS or GED OJT Bach. Commercial sports; educational services; amusement and recreational services; self-employed; civic & social associations $18,490e $39,340 Above Average Editors AES Revise, layout written materials for final publications. Bach. Printing & publishing companies; radio and TV companies; computer companies $26,500e $41,040 Above Average Film and Video Editors AES Edit motion picture soundtracks, film and video. HS Voc. Ed. OJT 2 yr CC Bach. Motion picture companies; radio and TV companies; producers $22,430e $33,090 Above Average Floral Designers ARE Design, cut, arrange live, dried or artificial flowers and foliage. Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. Florists, food and other retail stores; wholesale companies selling to grocery and home furnishings; self-employed $14,060e $18,700 Average Graphic Designers AER Design or create graphics; may use variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects. HS Voc. Ed. OJT 2 yr. CC Bach. Printing & publishing companies; mailing & repro-duction companies; advertising, management & public relations firms; wholesale companies; business services; self-employed $22,890e $36,760 Above Average Multi-Media Artists and Animators AES Create special effects, animation or other visual images using computers, film or video. HS Voc Ed OJT 2 yr. CC Bach. Mailing & reproduction services; computer & ad-vertising companies; self-employed; printing and motion picture companies $21,530e $38,440 Above Average Musicians and Singers AES Play one or more musical instruments or entertain by singing songs, in recitals or with an orchestra, band or musical groups. HS or GED OJT Bach. Master's Religious organizations; producers; self-employed $12,840e $32,360 Above Average Teacher Assistants CES Help teachers; teach and supervise students; may grade papers, check homework, maintain records, operate equipment. HS or GED Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Elementary, middle/junior and high schools; government agencies; child care and social services agencies; religious organizations $14,680e $17,630 Above Average Vocational Education Teachers & Instructors, Post-secondary SER Teach vocational or occupational subjects to post-secondary level students. 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's Public and private trade schools and community colleges $28,810e $39,350 Above Average Vocational Education Teachers, Middle & Secondary SER Teach vocational or occupational subjects to middle or high school students. 2 yr. CC Bach L Middle and high schools $26,690e $36,610 Above Average 14 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Health Care Practitioners & Technical Occupations This cluster includes occupations dealing with the prevention and diagnosis of human and animal ailments and prescribes medical and surgical treatments. People in these occupations often have interests and skills in “people” and “data” and value helping others in a medical setting. They have aptitudes in acquiring and evaluating information and also must interpret and communicate information effectively to others. Good problem solving and decision making skills are also necessary. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Audiologists ISR Assess and treat people with hearing disorders. May provide hearing training and/or research. Master's L Hospitals; offices of medical doctors and health practitioners $40,370e $54,620 Above Average Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians ICR Conduct tests on pulmonary and/or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. 2 yr. CC Bach. Offices and clinics of medical doctors; hospitals $23,570e $38,060 Above Average Diagnostic Medical Sonographers SEI Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs. 2 yr. CC Bach. Hospitals; offices and clinics of medical doctors $38,260e $52,830 Above Average Dental Hygienists SAI Treat teeth and gums to guard against disease and injury; teach people how to care for their teeth and gums. 2 yr. CC Bach. L Offices and clinics of dentists; government agencies $26,620e $46,600 Above Average Dietetic Technicians SEI Assist dietitians in the provision of food service and nutritional programs. May plan and produce meals, teach or counsel individuals. 2 yr. CC Hospitals; nursing, personal and residential care facilities $14,350e $22,500 Above Average Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics RIS Assess injuries, give emergency medical care and transport sick or injured persons to medical facilities. HS Voc. Ed.+ Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC C Local government agencies; local and suburban transportation services; hospitals $18,910e $25,760 Above Average Licensed Practical Nurses SEA Provide patient care under the direction of doctors or registered nurses; may bathe, dress, feed and give medication to patients. HS Voc. Ed. + 1yr. cert. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC L Nursing and personal care facilities; hospitals; offices and clinics of medical doctors; education services $24,670e $31,200 Above Average Medical/Clinical Lab. Technicians RIE Perform routine tests in medical laboratory for use in treatment and diagnosis of disease. Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. L Hospitals; offices and clinics of medical doctors; medical and dental laboratories; health, allied health and education services $21,330e $28,480 Average Medical/Clinical Lab. Technologists IRE Perform a wide range of complex specialized laboratory tests and procedures, in such areas as cytology, histology, and microbiology. Bach. Master's L Hospitals; medical and dental laboratories; offices and clinics of medical doctors; government agencies $29,890e $38,970 Above Average Medical Record/Health Technicians CIE Compile and maintain medical records of patients. Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach Hospitals; offices and clinics of medical doctors; nursing and personal care facilities; government agencies $18,500e $25,420 Above Average Occupational Therapists RIS Direct educational, vocational, and recreational activities to help patients restore movement, coordination, confidence. Bach. Master's L Hospitals; nursing and personal care facilities; offices and clinics of medical doctors & health professionals; home health care services; nursing care facilities; educational services $40,340e $55,940 Above Average News Analysts, Reporters, and Correspondents ASI Collect, analyze and report newsworthy events for radio, TV or news publications. HS or GED 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's Printing & publishing companies; radio and TV companies $20,650e $36,690 Average Producers and Directors ESA Produce or direct stage, television, radio, or motion picture production productions. Trade Apprent. 2yr. CC Bach. Communication and motion picture companies; government agencies $24,480e $42,680 Above Average Public Relations Specialists ESA Write, select, arrange, release favorable publicity materials to promote good will or impression. Bach. Religious organizations; educational services; com-munication and research & testing companies; government agencies; banks and business services; advertising, management & public relations firms $25,920e $41,570 Above Average Writers and Authors AES Create and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, plays, advertisements. Bach. Printing & publishing companies; self-employed; ad-vertising & computer companies; educational services $19,210e $39,930 Above Average 15 16 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Health Care Support Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to providing health services to assist medical practitioners and technicians. People in these occupations have interests and skills primarily in “people” and “data” and value helping others in a medical setting. They usually have good communication and interpersonal skills. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Dental Assistants SAI Help dentists check and treat patient's teeth and gums. HS Voc. Ed. OJT. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Offices and clinics of dentists $19,380e $26,390 Above Average Home Health Aides SER Care for elderly, convalescent, or handicapped person in their home; change bed linen, prepare meals, bathe, dress and groom; administer oral medications. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC Apprent. Home health care services; residential care and nursing care facilities; hospitals; social service agencies $14,460e $17,020 Above Average Medical Assistants SRE Assist physicians, prepare patients for exams; prepare treatment rooms, inventory supplies and instruments, schedule appointments, keep records. HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Offices and clinics of medical doctors and health practitioners; hospitals; government agencies $18,630e $24,270 Above Average Pharmacists ISE Prepare and dispense drugs and medicine prescribed by doctors and dentists; advise people on the use of medicines. Bach. Master's Ph.D. L Drug stores and pharmacies; hospitals; general merchandise and food stores; government agencies; wholesale companies $58,650e $73,930 Above Average Pharmacy Technicians REC Prepare medications under direction of pharmacist. HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr CC Pharmacies; retail and general merchandise stores; hospitals $14,580e $20,280 Above Average Physical Therapists SRI Apply techniques and treatments to help relieve pain and increase strength of people with muscle, nerve, joint or bone disease, or injury. Bach. Master's L Hospitals; offices of health professionals; home health care agencies $46,670e $61,190 Above Average Physician Assistants ISA Help doctors treat sick or injured patients and provide minor medical services. Bach. Master's L Offices and clinics of medical doctors and health practitioners; hospitals; government agencies $49,510e $70,030 Above Average Physicians, Family and General Practioners IRS Diagnose diseases, treat ill and injured people and give advice on how to prevent disease and keep fit. Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) L Offices and clinics of medical doctors; hospitals; government agencies $49,810e $123,360 Average Radiologic Technologists and Technicians IRS Take X-rays, CT and MRI scans. Administer non-radioactive materials to help doctors diagnose and treat patients. Trade 2 yr. CC Bach. Hospitals; offices and clinics of medical doctors $28,980e $38,300 Above Average Recreation Therapists SAE Plan, organize, and direct medically approved recreation programs for patients. 2 yr. CC Bach. C Hospitals; nursing and personal care and residential care facilities; home health care services $21,960e $30,010 Average Registered Nurses SIE Provide care, treatment, and health education to ill or injured people. Plan and supervise health programs and personnel. Trade 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's L Hospitals; offices and clinics of medical doctors; nursing, personal care, residential care facilities; medical, health and home health and family services; education and government agencies $36,930e $46,370 Above Average Respiratory Therapists SIR Specialize in the evaluation and treatment and care of patients with breathing disorders. 2 yr. CC Bach. L Hospitals; offices of health practioners $32,460e $40,270 Above Average Respiratory Therapy Technicians SRC Provide specific respiratory care under direction or respiratory therapist or physician. OJT 1 yr. CC Hospitals; offices of medical doctors; nursing and personal care facilities $23,560e $31,290 Above Average Speech-Language Pathologists ISR Assess and treat people with speech, language, voice or fluency disorders; may perform research. Master's L Education services; offices and clinics of health professionals and medical doctors; hospitals; self-employed $37,390e $50,300 Above Average Surgical Technologists ISR Prepare patients for operations and assist surgeons with supplies and equipment before, during and after surgery. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Hospitals $24,150e $30,570 Above Average Veterinarians IRE Diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals and advise about their care. May do research or consultation and livestock inspection. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM / VDM) L Agricultural services; veterinary hospitals or clinics; agricultural production; self employed $37,450e $69,490 Above Average 17 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○T○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○N○ ○ ○���D○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ After gaining vast knowledge and skills, many professionals desire to “give back” to their communities by bringing their valuable experiences into the classroom. Considering our current job market and North Carolina’s shortage of teachers, teaching may be an option worth pursuing. But first, you must be a good ally. After 30 Years in Broadcasting—This Man is a True Ally He moved through the sea of opportunity in the broadcasting world, from tape editing room to news director, and Emmy winner. Now he focuses his time on giving back. Doug Spero, assistant professor at Meredith College, and partner of Triangle Media Coaching, now teaches students, media professionals, politicians, and non-profit professionals the ins and outs of the broadcasting world. Spero’s original career plan was to be a cameraman or disc jockey. However, when the doors to the newsroom started to open, Spero began to walk through these doors, and soon developed an interest in news broadcasting. Little did he know that he would later end up working for network giants ABC, CBS and NBC. After a classmate told him about an available position at the Mutual Radio Network of New York, Spero started working weekends in an editing room. This part-time job led to several positions in radio and television including public affairs host, bureau chief, field producer, assignment editor, reporter, radio news operations editor, radio network news producer, and news editor. After fifteen years of perseverance and hard work, he got on the air. From there he advanced to news director for ABC, which required working with interviewers, news writers, producers, general managers, reporters, and people at the assignment desk. To succeed in broadcasting, you have to work well with ideas. You must be curious, aggressive and interested in issues and people—a people person who can communi-cate and write well. “A high standard of professionalism is necessary in this business,” Spero explains. “One must be honest, responsible, and do the job right. People must be able to count on you.” These are qualities that Spero carries over to teaching. Reflecting on his college days, Spero reminisced about well-known broadcast professionals from programs like the Jackie Gleason Show who also taught. “There’s nothing better than to have people who have worked in the industry in the classroom,” he stated. “I never forgot what they did and how they helped me. I decided to do what they did. I wanted to give something back.” Spero knew that he needed at least a master’s degree in order to teach. While working as a reporter at CBS News in New York, he attended evening classes at New York Institute of Technology. After reaching this goal, Spero began teaching at East Carolina University as an adjunct professor of Mass Communication. With 30 years of experience in the broadcast industry Spero offers students and professionals a front row seat to mass communication. In the classroom, Spero’s passion for teaching is evident as he walks about, gesturing as he speaks, and emphasizing his points clearly and articulately. He stresses the importance of supplementing a college education with experience and encourages students to gain valuable work experience while in college. “Broadcasting is tremendously competitive, but if you’ve got the right stuff, and enthusiasm, and you really want it, you can do it.” “Teaching is only part of the game,” Spero remarked. Although he has a hectic schedule and full class sizes, Spero finds time for his students. Feeling the need to help students get ready for the profession, he makes himself available to students after class, assisting them with internships, and placing them in their first job. At this point in Spero’s life, he realizes that winning over 40 awards, including an Emmy for Best Investigation, is not all there is to life. “It’s not about money for me—it’s about helping as many students and non-profit organizations as I can. It’s about seeing them go out in the industry and make it. It’s about giving back, and getting more time with my family, and watching my kids succeed.” By Patricia Edwards Shaver Jobs in Broadcasting With an Above Average Occupational Outlook Audio and Video Equipment Technicians Set up and operate sound and video equipment. Editors and Writers Writers write scripts and news articles based on information collected from reporters. Editors select, prepare, review, edit and rewrite the work of writers. Film and Video Technicians Operate and maintain electronic equipment that regulates sound and visual qualities of a broadcast. News Analysts, Reporters, and Correspondents News Analysts study and decifer broadcast news and present it as prerecorded or live transmissions. Reporters investigate news tips and leads through personal observation, document research, and interviews. This material is organized, written, and accompanied by edited video material. Correspondents report news from large foreign and American cities. Producers and Directors Producers are responsible for financial and business decisions and decide which programs or news segments are aired. Directors oversee and direct the cast and crew. Alternative Ways to Enter a Teaching Career Teach 4NC http://www.teach4nc.com/ Troops-to-Teachers www.ncpublicschools.org/troops/ National Center for Alternative Certification http://www.teach-now.org/states/northcarolina/ frmNorthCarolinaIndex.asp 18 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Profile: Customer Support Technology education evolved from the school system’s vocational department. Along with this change brought more and more females, as students and teachers, to what used to be a traditionally male course. Not only are women teaching technology education, but women also hold key decision -making positions at the state level. Those interested in a career in technology can find employment in architecture and design, engineering, manufacturing, medical, technical fields involving Microsoft applications, and teaching. To be a technology teacher, a technology education is preferred. “If you have worked in the industry, you know how it[technology] can be applicable to life,” Stephens Lindsay Wiggins, biology major and 2002 UNC-Chapel Hill graduate, has learned that accessing your allies opens the doors of opportunity. Throughout college, Lindsay took advantage of work-based learning opportunities through a UNC-Chapel Hill research lab, a marine science internship in Morehead City, NC, and as a sales associate in a retail store. As graduation from college approached, she reflected on these experiences to assist in her job search. She identified her career objective and refined her resume by using publications from the bookstore and guidance from those in the field. Through friends and relatives, she set up informational interviews. Yet, even with her credentials and contacts, four months passed after graduation before she obtained employment with a temporary agency. “I was frustrated because I thought I had good skills and experiences. But my contract work experience has opened doors for opportunity. I strongly suggest this as an option because I had good work experience to put on my resume. It is difficult to get into entry positions!” Lindsay’s contract work put her in a science lab at GlaxoSmithKline. The tasks were similar to the research lab experiences she had as an undergraduate. The research position consisted primarily of automated processes. This experience put her in touch with additional contacts. As she worked in the lab and looked around the company, she decided that she would like to have a position with more human interaction. Contract work is usually intended to last for a limited time. With this in mind, Lindsay began to research permanent position options. She updated her resume with her new skills and contact names. Through internet research, she explored potential positions. A position in Greensboro at MWG Biotech Customer Support opened up. This position provided the development of customer service skills, but Lindsay wanted to stay in Raleigh. She had a daily one-way 90- minute commute, and she was too tired when she returned home to interact with her friends. Through the experience and additional contacts, Lindsay is now employed with Biogen IDEC. She uses her research skills, works with a company that reflects her beliefs, and interacts with people daily in her support of pharmaceuticals. Lindsay believes her success is due to her willingness to be open-minded to new opportunities, commitment to explore options, exploration of positions, development of diverse skills, and ability to capitalize on her experiences. “I have worked to make something happen in each situation which has led to new opportunities. I plan to complete my Master’s in Business Administration through my current employer. When opportunities for growth are presented, I’m ready to step up to the plate! It is important to know yourself and identify your goals. Believe in yourself and follow your heart to create the combination that works for you.” Contributed by Barbara Wiggins Profile: Teacher After taking courses in engineering and design at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Dorrian Stephens realized that he did not want to be an engineer for the rest of his life. So he majored in technology. With a desire for teaching and coaching and a four-year degree in technology education, Stephens began a teaching career. That was seven years ago and Stephens’ love for teaching young adults is still strong. Stephens teaches an introductory technology course to ninth and tenth graders at Broughton High School in Raleigh. Technology education is the study of the built environment and human innovation through the application of science and mathematics. It requires the use of existing knowledge to solve problems and expand human capabilities. Introduction to Technology course material focuses on five disciplines of technology including: communication, transportation, construction, biology, and manufacturing. Skills in Excel, PowerPoint, public speaking, design, and the fundamentals of technology, are in high demand using a hands-on learning approach. Stephens encourages his students to not only develop these skills, but to also incorporate personal experience in their coursework. This teaching strategy makes the course content more interesting, meaningful, and applicable to students’ lives. explains, but teaching technology methods can be difficult without an education. To be an effective teacher, you should have patience and enjoy working with high and low functioning students. Teachers must be able to interpret students’ learning styles and be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses. “You have to do it for the love of teaching itself,” Stephens said. “There are many rewards —not monetary, but rewards greater than money.” Seeing the students’ creativity come through in their design work based on personal experiences and activities, helps Stephens to get to know his students. He strives to build good rapport and high trust levels with students, and is delighted when they discover something they like and would like to expand on. Stephens credentials make him a qualified job candidate in several occupations such as, construction, designing, mass communication, and manufacturing. However, he is content with the rewards of teaching and coaching football and varsity softball. By Patricia Edwards Shaver Dorrian Stephens is a member of the North Carolina Association of Educators and North Carolina Coaches Association, and is a 1999 recipient of Carnage Middle School’s “Teacher for the Quarter Award”. 19 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Profile: Translator / Interpreter You must also be able to work well with others because every call involves many people, and the coordination of people in overlapping jurisdictions. A typical call often involves the police, fire department, emergency management, and sheriff’s department. “It is not easy to become a bomb technician,” Luper asserts, “It is a job that requires a minimum of a five-year commitment and you face stiff competition for a job.” Anything you do to make yourself unique increases your chances of becoming part of this elite group. If interested in this career, Luper recommends that you do something that sets you apart from the crowd. A minor in Spanish, engineering, or computers, or military police experience are some options you may want to consider. Since he liked physics and chemistry, Luper took several science classes in addition to criminal justice courses. He uses physics, chemistry, and mathematics on the job, particularly geometry and algebra, which are used to calculate the safest area surrounding a bomb. Profile: Bomb Technician As a bomb technician of eight years with the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Tim Luper’s job is never boring. It is a unique, specialized, and exciting job that has been his career goal since graduating from college. To achieve his goal, he worked as a police officer before being hired as a forensic scientist for the SBI. The SBI requires a four-year college degree for all of its positions; however, bomb technicians must also acquire at least five years of Law Enforcement experience before attending FBI Hazardous Devices School. Once certified by the FBI, a technician must return to the FBI Hazardous Devices School once every three years for recertification. A candidate must also pass a rigorous background check and undergo psychological testing. Psychological testing is important because of the danger involved in this profession. Bomb technicians must be very cautious and logical in their work. Composure under pressure is absolutely necessary, contrary to what you see in the movies. A great deal of teamwork is required in Luper’s line of work. Although two technicians are involved for every call, only one person actually works with the bomb. “You need two view points, Luper said, “because one technician may see something that the other does not.” Workers in this field must be able to adapt to a changing environment, both in the field and in the office. Technological advances in the tools used to defuse bombs have lead to an emphasis on remote bomb technician work. The State of North Carolina has purchased a robot to help make the work of the technician safer. The robot is a medium size Andros F6A model that works by remote control from a control center inside a bomb squad truck. Originally, this type of robot was developed for use in nuclear plants, and was later adapted for bomb disposal work. A thorough understanding of how the robot works is necessary to keep the robot functioning properly. Bomb technicians must not only learn how to operate the robot but also to repair it. For example, last April the robotic hand manipulator stopped working. Luper had to find the problem, and fix it. While a number of occupations relate to security and robotics, Luper has found his niche. By Tammy Freeman As a child living in Mexico, Jackie Metivier did not understand why her father felt so strongly about her learning to speak fluent English. He believed that immersing her in the American culture would be the best way for her to learn English, so he sent her to Colorado to live with family members for one year. As an adult, Metivier moved to America and worked as a bilingual assistant, using her language skills and degree in Mass Communication from the Universidad Intercontinental of Mexico City, Mexico. Metivier saw a need for translation and interpretation services, and embarked on a career as an independent translator and formed Bilingual Communications, Incorporated (Bi-Com), where she is president and owner. Due to North Carolina’s growing Latino population, Metivier has seen an increasing demand for translation and interpretation services. Thirteen years ago, Metivier mostly accompanied representatives from local companies with international markets, who were selling products and services in Mexico. Since then, Bi-Com has experienced a large shift in its focus. Recent requests for translation and interpretation services now comes from local companies who want to communicate with their Latino workforce. These workers used to do seasonal agricultural work— now they are bringing their families and staying while working year-round, mostly in construction and service occupations. “Many Hispanics are not familiar with how the culture works—they don’t know the rules,” Metiever explains. Bi- Com seeks to bridge the gap between Hispanics and American culture. This is accomplished through providing translation and interpretation services to businesses, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, law firms, political candidates, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The language and cultural barriers among Spanish and English speaking citizens creates a demand for more qualified translators and interpreters in North Carolina. However, being bilingual does not mean one can translate or interpret. An effective interpreter puts personal feelings aside and interprets only what is being said. An interpreter or translator must have a thorough understanding of both languages, possess a nearly perfect use of grammar, and earn a four-year degree. Durham Technical Community College recently introduced a new 18 credit hour certification program for community Spanish facilitators. This course specializes in facilitating communication between Spanish speaking individuals and community agency settings. Metivier, like her father, seeks to raise awareness of the importance of being bilingual and using these language skills. She instills this in her children and helps other kids through the NC Society of Hispanic Professionals. Metivier is also president of the Carolina Association of Translator and Interpreters (CATI). CATI consists of 190 members from North Carolina and South Carolina representing 32 languages. Metivier’s family tradition continues. By Patricia Edwards Shaver 20 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ��� ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Service Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to providing personal and protective services to individuals. These occupations can be grouped into Personal Care and Service, Protective Service, Food Preparation and Serving, Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance occupations. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “people,” “data,” and/or “things” and work in a variety of settings. Most must serve their clients, customers and the general public with good speaking, listening and interpersonal skills. CAREER BRIEFS / PROFILES Medical Transcriptionists CSE Listen and transcribe variety of dictated medical reports, using transcribing machines. HS Voc. Ed. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Offices & clinics of medical doctors and health practitioners; hospitals $21,850e $27,230 Above Average Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants SER Help care for the personal needs of sick and injured people, such as feeding and answering call button; assist nurse with maintenance duties. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. Trade 1 yr. CC R Nursing, residential and personal care facilities; hospitals; personnel supply services; home health care services; religious organizations; social service agencies; education services $15,070e $18,390 Above Average Occupational Therapy Assistants SEC Assist occupational therapists in administering medically-oriented occupational therapy programs to assist in rehabilitating patients. 2 yr. CC C Offices of health practitioners; hospitals; residential, nursing and personal care facilities; home health services $23,150e $34,450 Above Average Opticians, Dispensing RIS Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. Assist customer with frame selection, measure customer for size of eyeglasses and coordinate frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Ed. + OJT Apprent. L Health and personal care stores; offices of other health practioners. $19,990e $29,800 Average Physical Therapy Assistants SEC Prepare patients for and administer physical therapy treatments, under the direction of physical therapist. Apprent. 2 yr. CC L Hospitals, offices and clinics of medical and health practioners; home health care services; nursing and personal care facilities. $16,200e $37,400 Above Average Veterinary Assistants ISR Feed and water pets and non-farm animals, clean cages and work areas, prepare animals and equipment for surgery, and give medications under direction of veterinarian. Apprent. 2 yr. CC L Animal hospitals and clinics; veterinarian's offices; agricultural, research & testing services; education services $13,350e $17,110 Average Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Amusement & Recreation Attendants ECS Schedule the use of recreation facilities; maintain and provide sports equipment; may operate concessions or rides. HS or GED OJT Amusement and recreation services such as golf courses, bowling alleys, pool halls; government agencies; commercial sports $12,580e $15,090 Above Average Bartenders ERS Mix and serve drinks to customers. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Eating & drinking places, hotels & motels; recreation services; civic & social associations $12,440e $15,790 Above Average Chefs or Head Cooks ESR Direct the preparation, cooking and seasoning of foods; may plan menus, order supplies and keep records. HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. Eating & drinking places; hotels & motels; recreation services $17,750e $28,750 Average Child Care Workers ESA Take care of children; may dress, feed and clothe them, plan and conduct recreational activities. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Child care services; religious organizations; self-employed; amusement & recreational services; hospitals; residential care facilities; government and social service agencies $12,610e $15,830 Above Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria RES Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, cafeterias. HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Education services; eating & drinking places; residential, nursing & personal care facilities; hospitals; child care services; hotels & motels $13,880e $17,700 Average Cooks, Restaurant RSE Plan menus and cook foods; head cooks or chefs also direct kitchen staff, plan menus, buy food and supplies. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed.+ OJT Apprent. 2 yr. CC Eating and drinking places; recreational services; hotels and motels; food stores $13,610e $18,690 Above Average Correctional Officers and Jailers SER Keep order within jails and prisons; guard, watch and escort prisoners; may instruct and help settle disputes. HS or GED OJT Apprent. 2 yr. CC C Government agencies $24,180e $26,960 Above Average 21 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Detectives and Criminal Investigators SER Conduct investigations to prevent or solve crimes related to Federal, State or Local laws, such as Police Detectives, Special Agents, Fraud Investigators, Customs Inspectors. Bach. C Government agencies $28,190e $39,040 Average Fire Fighters RES Work to control and put out fires; use fire-fighting equipment, operate emergency vehicles. HS or GED Apprent. 2 yr. CC Government agencies; business services $18,600e $28,030 Average Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors SRE Instruct, demonstrate and coach individuals or groups in exercise activities. HS or GED Apprent. Bach. 2 yr. CC L Civic and social associations; amusement and recreation; hospitals; eating and drinking places $14,680e $24,590 Above Average Flight Attendants ESR Work to insure the safety and comfort of airline passengers; give information, and serve food and drinks. HS or GED OJT Bach. Airline companies $17,700e $30,500 Above Average Food Preparation and Serving Workers SCR Perform duties that combine both food preparation and food service. HS or GED OJT Apprent. 2 Yr. CC Eating and drinking places; food stores; recreation services $12,450e $14,520 Above Average Funeral Attendants ESR Perform various tasks during funerals, such as carrying and placing casket, arranging lighting and flower arrangements, directing or escorting mourners. HS or GED OJT Apprent. Funeral services & crematories $14,530e $24,420 Above Average Hairdressers & Cosmetologists ESR Shampoo, cut, style, straighten, curl, and color hair; may give manicures, facials, advise on makeup and hairpieces. HS Voc. Ed. + OJT Trade 1 yr. CC L Beauty shops; self-employed; general merchandise stores $14,250e $22,830 Below Average Hosts & Hostesses ESR Welcome patrons, seat them at tables or in lounges, ensure quality of facilities and service. HS or GED OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC Eating and drinking places; hotels and motels; amusement & recreational services $12,810e $15,240 Above Average Janitors and Cleaners REC Keep office buildings and grounds clean and in good condition. HS or GED OJT 1 yr. CC Building services; educational services; personnel supply and government agencies; hospitals; general merchandise stores; business and health services $13,130e $17,750 Above Average Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers RCE Maintain lawns, trees, shrubs, flower gardens, and grounds, using hand or power tools and equipment. HS or GED HS Voc.Ed. Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Agricultural services; amusement and recreation services; local government agencies; real estate managers, developers; educational services $15,470e $20,900 Above Average Maids and Housekeepers RCE Maintain homes and commercial offices in clean and orderly manner; may move and arrange furniture, clean rooms. HS or GED OJT Hotels and motels; hospitals; building services; nursing and personal care facilities; real estate managers; education services $12,960e $16,570 Above Average Personal and Home Care Aides SEC Keep house and advise families on issues of nutrition, cleanliness, and household utilities. HS or GED OJT CC Residential and nursing care facilities; home health care services; social services; government agencies $13,460e $16,670 Above Average Pest Control Workers REC Use chemicals, machines and traps to kill or trap household pests, such as insects and rats. HS or GED HS Voc.Ed. OJT Apprent. L Building services; self-employed $16,910e $26,060 Above Average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers SER Patrol a specific area on foot or by car to maintain order, enforce laws, and protect life and property. HS or GED OJT Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. C Government agencies and police departments $24,830e $33,920 Above Average Recreation Workers ESR Plan, organize, and direct activities to help people enjoy their free time. OJT Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. Government agencies; civic and social associations; nursing and personal care facilities; amusement and recreation parks and services $13,150e $19,240 Above Average 22 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ �� ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Advertising Sales Agents ESA Call on businesses to sell or solicit advertising, such as graphic art, advertising time on radio or TV, advertising space in publications, custom made signs. HS or GED 2 yr. CC Bach. Printing and publishing companies; communications and advertising companies; mailing & reproduction services; public relations & management firms $21,210e $44,890 Above Average Cashiers CSE Receive money, make change, fill out charge forms, and give receipts; may sell tickets or goods, add up the cost of purchases, and operate machines. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Food stores; merchandise and department stores; auto dealers and service stations; eating and drinking places; building materials & garden supplies; apparel and furniture stores; recreation and laundry services; government agencies and business services $12,730e $15,600 Average Counter & Rental Clerks ESR Receive and/or deliver orders or services; compute costs; accept payment. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Laundries and cleaners; auto dealers, auto repair & service stations; wholesale companies selling hardware, plumbing, electrical supplies; equipment rental and video rental stores; building materials & garden supplies; general merchandise and food stores $13,700e $21,530 Above Average Demonstrators and Product Promoters ESA Demonstrate merchandise and answer questions in order to interest people in buying product. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed OJT Wholesale companies selling lumber, construction materials, drugs & groceries; general merchandise and retail stores; advertising firms; furniture and home furnishings stores $15,570e $25,320 Above Average Real Estate Sales Agents ESA Rent, buy, and sell property to clients; study property listings, interview clients, show property, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up contracts. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT CC L Real estate agents, managers and companies; self-employed; insurance companies; residential building contractors; developers $20,840e $43,680 Average Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing Products ESR Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers such as machines, tools, instruments, parts, furniture, equipment and supplies. HS or GED OJT Wholesale companies; building materials & garden supplies; communication and printing companies; furniture and retail stores; industrial machinery & equipment manufacturers; residential contractors $25,350e $49,760 Average Salespersons, Retail ESA Sell to the public any of a wide variety of merchandise; show items to customers and help them decide what to buy. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC General merchandise and retail stores; apparel, accessory goods; building & garden supply stores; furniture & home furnishing stores; auto dealers & service stations; food stores $13,070e $20,320 Above Average Securities, Commodities and Financial Service Sales Agents ESC Buy and sell securities (stocks and bonds) for customers; provide financial counseling. Bach R Security brokers and dealers; banks; personal credit institutions; self employed $29,880e $84,470 Above Average Telemarketers ESC Solicit orders for goods or services over the telephone. HS or GED OJT Business; personnel supply services; mortgage bankers & brokers; printing companies $15,960e $22,140 Average Travel Agents ECS Plan and arrange trips for customers; determine schedules, accommodations, costs. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Trade 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Transportation companies and services $19,450e $29,250 Average Sales & Marketing Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to selling goods and services, purchasing commodities and property for resale including the wholesale and retail markets. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “people” and often are persuasive in nature. They are skilled in speaking, listening and must effectively serve their clients and customers. Security Guards SEC Guard or patrol premises to prevent theft, violence or breaking of rules. OJT Apprent. L Education and business services; eating & drinking places; hospitals; general merchandise stores; real estate managers and building services; recreation services; hotels & motels $14,650e $20,970 Average Waiters and Waitresses ECS Take food and drink orders and serve customers. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Eating and drinking places; hotels and motels; nursing & personal care, residential care facilities; civic & social associations $12,420e $14,260 Above Average 23 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F��� ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Office & Administrative Support Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to preparing, transcribing, and preserving written and electronic communications and records including the collection, gathering and dissemination of information. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “data” and have to operate various types of office equipment. They often have to participate as a member of a team, and perform their duties with close attention to detail and a high level of accuracy. Those interacting with the public need good communication skills. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Bank Tellers CSE Cash checks for bank customers and help them deposit and withdraw money from their accounts. HS or GED OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Commercial and savings banks; credit unions; computer companies; business services $16,180e $20,610 Below Average Bill and Account Collectors ESR Locate and notify customers of bills past due; receive and record payments; begin repossession action. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. Apprent. 1 yr. CC Personal credit institutions; hospitals and medical offices; credit collections agencies; wholesale trades; banks and business services; communication companies; general merchandise stores $19,670e $26,350 Above Average Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks CSR Compute, order and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. Apprent . 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Wholesale companies; banks and businesses; food stores; accounting firms; government agencies; auto dealers, religious organizations; hospitals and medical offices $18,800e $26,780 Below Average Customer Service Representatives CES Interview applicants for water, gas, electric, or telephone service; receive orders for installation, discontinuance, or change in services. HS or GED Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Banks; telephone and communication companies; food stores; business and personnel supply services; health insurance companies; wholesale companies; printing companies; utilities & sanitary services; general merchandise stores $17,650e $26,510 Above Average Desktop Publishers RIE Using a computer screen, call up type and art elements from computer memory and position them into a completed page. Use knowledge of type styles and size and composition patterns. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC Printing and publishing companies; personnel supply services; variety of businesses $19,770e $29,260 Above Average Dispatchers: Police, Fire, Ambulance ECS Operate radio and telephone equipment to receive reports or complaints from the public about crimes, fires and medical emergencies; relay information to proper officials. HS or GED OJT Apprent. CC Government agencies; hospitals; local & intercity transit companies $17,900e $24,140 Average General Office Clerks CSE Type, file, record information, operate office machines, answer phones and similar tasks that help an office run smoothly. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. Apprent 1 yr. CC State & local governments; educational services; wholesale trades; trucking and warehousing; industrial machinery & equipment manufacturers; medical offices & clinics; banks and legal services; building contractors; auto dealers; real estate, business services $16,090e $22,800 Average Hotel, Motel Desk Clerks ECS Register guests, assign rooms and issue keys, give out mail and messages, answer questions, keep records, prepare bills, and collect payments. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Hotels and motels $13,870e $16,890 Above Average Human Resources Assistants CSE Compile and keep personnel records; record data, file, prepare reports. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. Apprent. 1 yr. CC Banks and business services, textile and furniture product manufacturers; hospitals and health services; government agencies $21,920e $29,090 Average Interviewers, except Eligibility and Loan CSE Interview people in order to complete forms, applications or questionnaires; record, sort, file. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. 1 yr. CC Hospitals; business and research services; management & public relations firms; medical offices & clinics $16,770e $21,730 Above Average Library Assistants, Clerical CSR Sort and shelve books, keep records, locate and issue library materials. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. 1 yr. CC Libraries and educational services; government agencies; legal services $12,970e $18,980 Above Average Postal Mail Carriers SCR Walk or drive over planned routes to deliver, collect and sort mail. HS or GED OJT US Postal Service $29,920e $36,580 Average 24 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P��� ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Farming, Fishing & Forestry Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to the production, propagation and gathering of animals, animal products, plants, and with providing related services. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “things” and “data.” They generally value working outdoors, in natural settings and with ecological systems. They often work independently and have self-management skills. Receptionists and Information Clerks CSE Greet customers and direct them to those who can help; may maintain records, schedule appointments, answer phone, type. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Medical and dental offices and clinics; wholesale trades; hospitals; government agencies; real estate agents & managers; educational, recreation and business services $15,410e 20,620 Average Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents ECS Make reservations for passengers and sell tickets for transportation agencies, such as airlines, bus companies, railroads. May direct passengers, check luggage. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. 1 yr. CC Airline companies; hotels & motels; transport and intercity transit services $14,140e $24,660 Average Secretaries, Executive and Administrative Assistants CSE Provide high-level administrative support, such as preparing reports, conducting research, handling information requests, preparing correspondence, scheduling appointments and meetings. HS Voc. Ed. Apprent. Trade 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Religious organizations; banks; government, business and personnel supply services; wholesale trades; computer and engineering firms; hospitals; education services $22,870e $30,880 Average Secretaries, Legal CSE Research and prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. HS Voc. Ed. Trade Apprent. 2 yr. CC Legal firms and services $21,630e $30,350 Average Secretaries, Medical CES Perform secretarial duties utilizing knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. HS Voc. Ed. Trade Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Offices and clinics of medical doctors and dentists; hospitals $18,410e $23,120 Average Stock Clerks and Order Fillers RCE Receive, store, and issue sales floor materials, equipment and merchandise. HS or GED OJT Food, general merchandise & retail stores; wholesale companies; textiles, apparel & furniture stores; build-ing materials & garden supplies; government agencies; trucking & warehousing companies; business & pers-onnel supply services $14,550e $20,290 Average Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Agricultural Inspectors REC Inspect agricultural products, equipment, facilities, and fish and logging operations. HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Bach. L Agricultural services; government agencies $23,720e $33,610 Below Average Farm and Ranch Managers ESR Operate farms, ranches, greenhouses, nurseries, timber tracts or other agricultural establishments. HS Voc. Ed. OJT 2 yr. CC Bach. Farms and agricultural production $22,620e $51,540 Below Average Farm Workers, animals REC Attend to live farm or ranch animals produced for animal products such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, milk and eggs. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Farms; agricultural and food production $13,900e $21,490 Average Farm Workers, crop REC Work with their hands and farm equipment to plant, cultivate, harvest, and store crops. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Farms and agricultural (crop) production $12,860e $15,720 Below Average Forest and Conservation Workers REI Plant, maintain and protect forests and woodlands. May harvest forest products, such as Christmas trees, and compile information on forest areas. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. CC Agricultural (crop) production; wholesale companies selling lumber & construction materials; lumber and logging companies; government agencies $17,220e $30,590 Average Logging Equipment Operators RCS Operate tractor or wheeled log-handling equipment to unload log trucks, separate and stack logs. HS or GED OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Agricultural (crop) production; lumber and logging companies; paper companies $16,740e $25,130 Below Average 25 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Construction & Extraction Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to working on materials at a specific site, which will change over time. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “things” and use a variety of tools to perform their duties. They must have a certain degree of physical strength in some of the occupations and mechanical aptitude specific to their occupation. Most have to effectively manage their time, materials, and resources to meet construction deadlines. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Brickmasons and Blockmasons REC Lays bricks, concrete and set cinder blocks for buildings and structures. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC Masonry, stonework and plastering contractors; building and special trades contractors; self-employed $26,040e $34,640 Above Average Carpenters REC Build, install, and repair wooden structures with hand and power tools. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC Residential and non-residential building contractors; self-employed; lumber & wood products companies $20,800e $29,060 Average Construction and Building Inspectors RIE Inspect new or remodeled construction to determine its soundness and compliance to specifications, building codes, and other regulations. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC L Local and state government; engineering and architectural firms; research & testing services $30,220e $43,300 Average Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers RCS Apply plasterboard or other wallboard to ceilings or interior walls of buildings; mount acoustical tiles or shock-absorbing materials to reduce or reflect sound. HS or GED OJT Apprent. CC Masonry, stonework, and plastering companies; residential, non-residential building and special trades contractors; self-employed $22,230e $29,710 Above Average Electricians RES Erect, install and repair wiring that carries electrical power in buildings and ships. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC L Electrical and residential building contractors; textile, rubber and tobacco manufactures; plumbing, heating, air conditioning and utilities services; heavy
Object Description
Description
Title | Career choices in North Carolina |
Date | 2004; 2005 |
Description | 2004/2005 (Number 21) |
Digital Characteristics-A | 6 MB; 36 p. |
Digital Format |
application/pdf |
Pres Local File Path-M | \Preservation_content\StatePubs\pubs_borndigital\images_master\ |
Full Text | North Carolina . . . A World of Opportunity I N N O R T H C A R O L I N A CAREERCHOICES Number 21 Published by the North Carolina State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee 2004-2005 2 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Career Management Career Management Steps .............................. 3 Self-Assessment.............................................. 4 Career Exploration Work-Based Learning/Volunteering................. 6 The Cost of Working ...................................... 7 Trends ............................................................ 17 Career Briefs & Profiles .................................. 8-28 Education, Training & Financial Aid Training Choices & Financial Aid..................... 29 N.C. Colleges & Schools ................................ 30-31 Job Search Strategies Resumes & Cover Letters ............................... 32-33 Job Seeking .................................................... 34 Interviews & Applications ............................... 35 Job Keeping Skills/Contest.............................. 36 Most of us would agree that change is one of life’s constants. Another constant over the last 21 years has been Career Choices in N.C. This State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee publication continues to help North Carolinians make wise career decisions. It provides information on how personal characteristics connect with job and life choices, and what actions need to be taken to achieve career goals. Whether you are a young person deciding what kind of education you need, an adult faced with job change, or a retiree looking for new work options, you will find information here to make educated decisions. This publication contains a wealth of resources, from your neighbors to the Internet. Life is full of change, challenges and choices. Let Career Choices equip you to seize the opportunities that change brings. With kindest regards, I remain Very truly yours, 470,000 copies of this tabloid were printed at 10 cents per copy. Printed on recycled paper. Career Choices In North Carolina is an annual publication of the North Carolina State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (NC SOICC). The mission of this interagency committee is to develop and provide career information and career development products and services. Visit the SOICC web site at www.ncsoicc.org. Tabloid Production, Edition 21 Editing and Layout Patricia Edwards Shaver, Information & Communication Specialist SOICC Staff Judy Woodson Bruhn, Executive Director Tammy Freeman, Project Coordinator Jan Hastings, Career Information Specialist Vanny Conti, Administrative Assistant User’s Guides Barbara Efird, Career Counselor Barbara Wiggins, Career Development Coordinator CAREER CHOICES Table Of Contents NC SOICC Member Agencies ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Community College System www.ncccs.cc.nc.us / 919-733-7051 Department of Commerce www.nccommerce.com / 919-733-7651 Department of Correction www.doc.state.nc.us / 919-716-3700 Department of Labor Apprenticeship and Training Bureau www.nclabor.com/services_app.htm/ 919-733-7533 Department of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention www.juvjus.state.nc.us / 919-733-3388 Division of Employment and Training www.ncdet.com / 919-661-6010 Department of Public Instruction www.dpi.state.nc.us / 919-807-3300 Employment Security Commission www.ncesc.com / 919-733-3866 Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services dvr.dhhs.state.nc.us / 919-733-3364, TDD 919-733-3364 Division of Services for the Blind www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dsb / 919-733-9700 University of North Carolina www.northcarolina.edu / 919-962-1000 A Word From the Governor Michael F. Easley 3 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○○ ○○E○ ○E○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○M○ ○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○ ○N○ ○ ○A○ ○ ○G○ ○ ○E○ ○M○ ○ ○○E○ ○N○ ○ ○T○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Career management is planning for a lifetime of change in the workforce and also changes in the workers themselves. Career management requires learning how to adjust, resolve and seize the challenges and opportunities that await each of us in our dynamic and changing global workplace. Managing our careers involves managing our lives, taking risks, learning new skills and adapting to new work environments, occupational demands and technological advances. Interests Aptitude Personality Values Outlook Trends Education & Training Cost of Working Networking Résumés Interviewing Applications It is time to equip yourself with career management skills that will allow you to make numerous career choices throughout your lifetime. You will need to learn ways to cope with ongoing change while finding work you enjoy that provides you with monetary and personal satisfac-tion. The cornerstones of career management are the following “High Five” principles from The Real Games SeriesTM: • Know yourself, believe in yourself and follow your heart. • Focus on the journey, not the destination. • Be a good traveler. • Access your allies and be a good ally. You are not alone. • Change is constant and brings with it new opportunities. • Learning is life-long. Learning opens the doors to future opportunities. The steps to take to manage your career are: 1. Knowing Yourself - what makes you unique and what do you have to offer a business, organization, agency or society? • What do you like to do? • What skills do you have or wish to develop? • What is important for you to accomplish in your career and lifetime? • What in your personal style, temperament, or character-istics may determine a good fit for you? The key to self-discovery is learning how to build and maintain a positive self-image. This includes learning how to interact positively and effectively with others and looking for ways to change, grow, and develop through-out your life. 2. Exploring Careers - what occupational pathways are available at this time or are projected to have a high demand in the future? Investigate all the possible occupations by: • Attending career fairs at your school or in your community; • Ask everyone what they do, then ask yourself if that work is of interest to you; • Research occupations on the Internet, in career centers, and libraries. See what the outlook is for occupations. Notice the trends and what training is needed to enter the field. Career Exploration encompasses understanding the relationship between work and society. Good career explorers know how to research, locate, and use career information to make good career decisions throughout their lives. 3. Job Search - apply to training programs and educational settings required for the occupations of your choosing and begin your job search strategy. Job search skills include: • Networking to learn where opportunities are available. • Writing effective resumes and cover letters that get results. • Accurately completing job applications. • Interviewing with confidence and determination. Job search strategies involve learning how to find work and finding the education needed to be considered for specific occupations. Today’s and tomorrow’s workers need to participate in life long learning to continue to be employed. Sometimes workers even find that periods of unemployment provide time to update their job-seeking skills and to seek additional education. Contributed by Barbara Efird, NCCC Adopted from The Real Game Series TM by William Barry. 4 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Contributed by Barbara Efird, NCCC SELF-ASSESSMENT Self-discovery is the on-going process of analyzing who you are. Ask yourself these questions: People, Data, Things and Ideas Occupations are often arranged by the type of work tasks that are associated with similar occupations. Like the Holland types, most occupations often deal with more than one type or task. However, you can classify occupations by workers’ primary responsibilities, and then determine their second and third most important work tasks. Another method of classifying occupations is to look at whether workers in a particular occupation deal primarily with people, data, things or ideas. It is important to know that people and careers often fall into more than one category. You are probably suited for two or three of the categories. Use the Holland system to expand your options and look for related occupations in the Career Briefs section. Working for the betterment of others and/or society. This includes teachers, social work-ers, child-care workers and law enforcement People agents. Data Working with numbers, information pro-cessing, policies and procedures. This in-cludes accountants, computer scientists and customer service representatives. Things Ideas Working with concepts, themes or inven-tions. This includes musicians, writers, com-posers, artists, photographers and other artistic careers. Working with tools, equipment and ma-chines. This includes chefs, hair stylists, carpenters and heavy equipment operators. Your Holland Code You may also want to discover your Holland Code The Holland Code was developed by Dr. John Holland and is widely used by career counselors and individuals. The theory explores six distinct personality types and six distinct work environ-ments that relate to those personality types. Read the descriptions on the next page and see which types describe you the best. Choose which personality type defines you the best. Then, choose which would be second most like you and then third. Take the first letter of each category — R, I, A, S, E, C — to form your Holland Code. Write the letters in the spaces below: You can now start exploring careers that have the same or similar codes. Look at careers that contain the same letters as your Holland Code, even if they are in a different order than yours. In the Career Briefs section of Career Choices (pp. 8-28), there is a column labeled “HC.” Look in this column to see what occupations match your Holland Code. 1. Who am I and what do I love to do? Can these interests be found in occupations? 2. What are my special talents and skills? What abilities do I have and which ones seem easily attainable when I try to learn them? 3. What types of work environments appeal to me? Do I prefer to work outdoors, indoors, with a team, or independently? 4. What motivates me? What is it inside of me that is the reason and purpose of my career and my life roles? 5. Where do I fit in this world? What types of products and/or services do people need that also match with who I am? Assessing your personality and personal qualities will help you know which occupations will challenge you to grow and develop and create new possibilities for you in the future. The following tools can help you discover more about yourself. The “people, data, things, ideas method” classifies occupations by various work tasks that are similar to each other. Realistic (Things) Conventional (Data) Enterprising (Data & People) Social (People) Artistic (Ideas) Investigative (Data & Ideas) 5 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ * See a profile in the Career Briefs & Profiles section, pages 17-19 and 36 SELF-ASSESSMENT Realistic (R) Realistic Careers Cook Emergency Medical Tech. Firefighter Building Inspector Roofer Machinist Automobile Mechanic Heavy Truck Driver Carpenter Paramedic Investigative (I) Investigative Careers Audiologist Chemist Computer Programmer Architect Physician Geoscientist Physician’s Asst. Veterinarian Pharmacist Industrial Manager* Investigative People like to explore ideas and analyze data. They have skills in math and science. Inquisitive, precise and sometimes abstract thinking are some characteristics of their personality. They usually like working with data and ideas in occupational fields such as medicine, computer programming and science technologies. Do you like math and science classes? Do you like to solve technical problems? Do you have an interest in medicine? Are you competent with computer applications or programming? Are you inquisitive and curious by nature? Artistic (A) Artistic Careers Commercial Artist Musician Reporter Book Editor Singer Floral Designer Graphic Designer Author Actor Animator Artistic People like to create, sing, dance, or write and prefer an unstructured work environment. They have skills in music, art, and/or communication. They value aesthetic qualities and are more likely to relate by indirect means through their medium. They like working with ideas in occupations such as musician, designer, or architect. Do you like music, drama or art classes? Do you like writing stories or poems? Can you play a musical instrument? Are you a talented actor? Are you a creative person? Social (S) Social Careers Nursing Aide Counselor Coach Aerobics Instructor Physical Therapist Police Officer* Teacher* Religious Education Director* Social People enjoy helping others and the commu-nity. They have skills in teaching, counseling and getting along with others, and are sensitive to others’ needs. They are cheerful, scholarly, and verbally oriented. They like working with people in occupa-tions such as teacher, religous education director, or police officer. Do you like to teach children or adults? Do you like to help others solve problems? Do you like to care for sick people? Are you interested in community service? Are you an understanding and sympathetic person? Enterprising (E) Enterprising People like to persuade and influence others in areas of business or politics. They perceive themselves as popular, self-confident and social. They are skilled in public speaking and leadership. Enterpris-ing types like working with people and data in occupations like dispatcher, interpreter/translator, or attorney. Do you like competitive events or challenges? Do you like to influence others? Do you have the ability to sell products or services? Do you motivate others? Are you results oriented? Enterprising Careers Travel Agent Farm Manager Real Estate Sales Agent Financial Manager Sales Manager Lawyer 911 Dispatcher Construction Manager Interpreter/Translator* Cosmetologist Conventional People like an organized and detail-oriented work place. They are often skilled in finance, mathematics, and keyboarding, and see themselves as conforming, organized and practical. They like working with data in occupations such as accountant, bank teller, computer support specialist or administrative assistant. Do you like working with numbers or data? Do you like word processing or data input? Are you accurate with numbers, data and information? Do you like to reconcile bank statements? Do you have the ability to handle details? Conventional Careers Accountant Administrative Assistant Customer Support* Legal Secretary Insurance Underwriter Computer Support Bank Teller Library Technician Medical Records Tech. Office Clerk Conventional (C) Realistic People like to work with machines, and often with their hands to build things. Their skills include having mechanical know-how and/or stamina to work outdoors, and the ability to operate machinery. They are often practical, love nature and are good problem solvers. They like working with things and tools in occupations such as carpenter, air traffic controller, paramedic or cook. Do you like to work outdoors? Do you like to work on machinery/ equipment? Do you have mechanical abilities? Are you skilled in carpentry or building things? Are you considered a practical person? 6 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○R○○ ○ ○ ○ ○E○ ○ ○X○○ ○P○ ○L○ ○O○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○A○ ○ ○T○ ○I○O○ ○○N○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Now that you have identified occupations that may fit your characteristics and abilities, it’s time to explore the possibilities. Gather information about many occupations. Compare your interests, skills, personality and values with those in occupations that interest you. Consider work-based learning or volunteering to gain some knowledge about your top career options. Getting experience, while exploring career options, will give you a head start on your future career. Take advantage of opportunities to “try out” a career through work-based learning programs, summer or part-time jobs or as a community volunteer. Your current school or college will offer some or all of the programs below. You will find others by checking the Internet and community businesses and organizations. Explore and Get Valuable Experience Through Work-Based Learning • Job Shadowing programs usually involve going to work for one or several days with someone whose career interests you. You can observe tasks and skills required for the job, experience the work environment, and interact with people who currently work in your potential career field. • Internships usually last for a couple of weeks to several months. You not only observe individuals in your career field of interest, but also get a chance to perform some of the job tasks and duties. Internships may officially, or unofficially, incorporate mentoring by an experienced career professional who can support your career decisions and goals. Internships can be paid or unpaid. • Cooperative Education and School-Based Enterprises can easily become part of your high school and/or college program by integrating academics and vocational curricula and providing work-related experiences, often at an employer’s job site. • Youth Apprenticeship is an employer-school partnership, which offers high school students a combination of academic instruction, structured vocational training and paid work experience, usually lasting one to two years. These programs are sponsored by the N. C. Department of Labor. • Volunteering is an excellent way to learn about a career possibility while developing new skills, or applying existing skills. Volunteer opportunities are available everywhere—schools, businesses, hospitals, government agencies, and community and non-profit organizations. Participating in work-based learning opportunities, like these, will give you the edge when applying for your first job. Not only will you gain valuable work experience, but work-based learning also offers a world of networking opportunities—the best way to meet potential employers and other people who can provide job referrals. Get to work and start building your résumé today! Discover Your Career Passion By Volunteering Many people discover their career passion through hobbies or volunteer work. Here are some places where you can search for volunteer opportunities. Enjoy your voyage into the world of self-discovery by volunteering, so that you will soon be on your way to doing what you love. • Network For Good: Statewide opportunities offered in a variety of areas. http://www.networkforgood.org • North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service: Americorp, service learning, mentoring, North Carolina Promise, and more. http://www.volunteernc.org 1-800-820-4483 • Peace Corps: Domestic and overseas opportunities for college students and graduates. http://www.peacecorps.gov 1-800-424-8580 • Volunteer Match: National and Non-Profit Organizations, and Virtual Volunteering. http://www.volunteermatch.org After attending two years at the University of North Carolina, Rob Phillips was unsure what occupation he wanted to pursue. Phillips took some time off from school until he decided which career path to take. He worked in various jobs including a retail sales position with a local music store that he held for ten years. Since he was a musician at heart, this was a good fit for Phillips, but something was still missing. It was through Phillips’ volunteer role in the youth ministry at his church that he discovered his passion. “My gift is working with young people,” Phillips said. After making this discovery, the Director of Youth Ministries position at White Plains United Methodist Church (WPUMC) of Cary became available. Phillips has been working in this role for six years while attending Pfeiffer University to earn certification in youth ministry through the United Methodist Church. This certification is based on graduate degree level courses combined with pre-vious work experience. Additionally, Phillips has gained valuable knowledge by attending national youth worker conventions and workshop type retreats. Phillips dis-covered what was successful for other youth directors and considered these ideas for his ministry. The first couple of years were very tough for Phillips, but per-severance and networking for support helped him get to where he is today. One must have a “love and patience for young people,” Phillips explained. When working with youth, it is important to understand the mindset of the adole-scent, especially if a teen seeks counseling for a problem he or she is experiencing. It is important that a youth director not get too emotionally involved. “You can’t just step in and take their problems away from them,” Phillips remarked. Phillips brought his musical talents to the ministry and organized a youth worship team consisting of a six-piece praise band and a team of singers. Phillips leads the youth in singing as he plays the guitar, and sometimes he equips the youth to lead. Behind the scenes, a Director of Youth Minister may plan curriculum, coordinate activities, screen volunteers, and meet with staff members. Phillips stressed the importance of getting along with others in order to coordinate well. “We coordinate really well together,” he added. This teamwork effort gained WPUMC recognition by the North Carolina Conference of United Methodist Churches for having an outstanding youth ministry. The church is one of 400 churches nationwide chosen to participate in a study based on keeping senior high school kids involved in youth activities. At WPUMC, the youth are encouraged and motivated to service by being actively involved in local and world missions. Phillips success is linked to his passion for working with youth. What Phillips loves most about his job is seeing lives grow and change—from having low self-esteem to becoming confident leaders. His reward is seeing these youth succeed and knowing that he made a difference. For those who may be interested in his, or any occupation, Phillips advised, “Work with something that you have a passion for, and believe in, and love. To be happy in life you need to enjoy what you are doing, and know that you are making a difference.” By Patricia Edwards Shaver Volunteer = Career Opportunity 7 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○T○ ○ ○H○○ ○E○ ○ ○ ○○C○ ○ ○O○ ○○S○ ○T○ ○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○ ○ ○W○ ○ ○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○K○ ○ ○IN○N○ ○○G○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ The Cost of Living One thing to remember when job hunting is that the cost of living, which determines how much buying power your salary has, can vary widely across the state, and across the country. For example, if you want to rent a two-bedroom, unfur-nished apartment in Raleigh, it will cost you about $785.00 a month. That same apartment in Fayetteville will cost $625.00 — a $160.00 difference. The chart to the right compares costs of other common items in different areas of N.C. and other parts of the country. Learn More to Earn More The fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs usually require some kind of post-secondary education or skills training for entry, and additional training throughout your career. Recent trends also suggest a connection between your level of education and your earning power. Even so, pay can vary widely between and within occupations. (The chart below shows the median salary you can expect to earn based on your education and gender.) The key is to decide what you want to do, and then get the education or training that will best prepare you for that type of work. Proper planning makes reaching your goals much easier. Source: U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey 2003 “Budget” Is Not a Four-Letter Word What can you afford to spend on an apartment? Can you afford to buy a new car? How can you save enough money to go to the beach next summer? The simplest way to find out is to make — and stick to — a budget. A budget is a money plan. With it, you can organize and control your finances, plan for fu-ture expenses, or determine how much rent you can afford to pay each month. Figure out what your yearly essential financial needs are and divide that number by 12. Next, set up a bank account. If you have money left over at the end of the month, try to put most of the remainder into your account — you may need it next month. You’ll also need an emergency fund to cover the unexpected costs that will inevitably come your way. A successful budget will include categories that reflect the way you spend money. Think about your spending habits (buying a cup of coffee every day) to identify expense categories. The idea is to become more aware of where your money goes so you can make conscious decisions about spending. The sample budget below is typical of a recent college graduate, earning $26,400 per year, and sharing an apartment with a roommate to save money. Sample Monthly Budget Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index, 1st Quarter 2003 Whether you make thousands or millions of dollars a year, you need to know how to manage your finances. Fight the tend-ency for your eyes to glaze over when you hear the word “budget.” Stop thinking you’re too smart/artistic/sensitive/stupid to worry about or understand money management — it’s an important skill that everyone has to learn. I. Gross Monthly Income $2,200 II. Payroll Deductions Taxes (Federal, State, Social Security) - $440 Retirement Plan (6%) - $132 Other (medical, etc.) - $42 Total Deductions - $614 III. Monthly Take-Home Pay (Net) $1,586 IV. Expenses Housing (rent or mortgage) - $320 Food (groceries & eating out) - $200 Utilities (electricity, gas, cable, etc.) - $125 Clothing - $ 80 Transportation (car payment, gas, etc.) - $300 Savings (at least 5%) - $110 Debt repayment (credit card, school loan, etc.) - $200 Misc. (insurance, entertainment, etc.) - $200 Total Expenses - $1,535 Asheville Charlotte Fayetteville Raleigh Wilmington Atlanta New York Apartment Rent $775 $695 $625 $785 $652 $724 $3,520 House Price $281,336 $217,560 $214,000 $221,434 $272,180 $235,723 $947,000 Pizza $9.38 $9.59 $8.89 $9.87 $10.39 $10.95 $10.90 Hamburger $2.19 $2.29 $2.15 $2.21 $2.24 $2.40 $3.06 Movie Ticket $7.44 $7.25 $7.24 $7.25 $7.00 $8.10 $10.05 2-Liter Coke $1.16 $1.18 $1.39 $1.41 $1.24 $.99 $1.32 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 $0 $18,632 $12,217 $30,487 $20,254 $40,056 $26,474 $51,351 $34,232 $61,439 $42,301 Male Female Less Than 4 Years High School High School Graduate 2-Year Assoc. Degree Bachelor’s/ 4 Years College Master’s Degree 8 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Management Occupations This cluster includes top-level managers and middle managers. Top-level managers are concerned with policy making, planning, staffing, directing and/or controlling activities that are common to many organizations. Middle managers plan, organize, staff or direct activities at an operational level. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “people” and “data.” Many have leadership qualities and possess a high degree of creative thinking, decision making and problem solving abilities. This section outlines 229 occupations — a sample of those available in N.C. — to help you learn what educa-tion and experience is required for success. The informa-tion listed below is included for each occupation. Occupation — Titles and clusters are from the federal Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. Definitions are derived from SOC and O*Net systems. Holland Code (HC) — Holland personality types (3-letter codes) corresponding to work environments. Work Description — The nature of the duties performed in the occupation. Education Suggested — The level of education sug-gested to enter and perform the job effectively. Codes Used: • HS or GED – High school diploma or general education diploma • HS Voc. Ed. – Vocational training in high school • OJT – On-the-job training • Apprent. – Apprenticeship training • Trade – Private trade or business school, hospitals • CC – Less than one year program in community college, including continuing education • 1 yr. CC – One year program in community college • 2 yr. CC – Two-year program in community college • Bach. – Bachelor’s degree from four year college • Master’s – Master’s degree • Ph.D. – Doctorate degree, plus some medical degrees and specialities Licensed Occupations — Occupations for which a license, certification, or registration is required to practice in North Carolina. Codes Used: L, C, R Where — This refers to the industries or types of employers who are the principle hiring source for the occupation in North Carolina. Salary — The first (top) salary number (followed by e) represents the average entry wage, when available. The second salary number represents the average rate of pay for the majority of employees in their occupation. Wage data has been annualized from Employment Security Commission source (hourly wage) data. Aver-ages, therefore, may be high or low if occupation requires more or less than 40 hours a week. The actual pay for a specific job may vary between geographic areas, the qualifications of the person holding the job and the pay scale of the employer. Outlook — This gives the projected rate of increase for each occupation based on North Carolina labor market information. It is an indicator of projected growth rather than projected openings. CAREER BRIEFS / PROFILES Index Career Page Career Page Management Occupations ........................................................................ 8 Business & Financial Occupations ........................................................... 9 Computer & Mathematical Occupations ................................................... 10 Architecture & Engineering Occupations ................................................. 11 Life, Physical & Social Science Occupations ............................................ 12 Community, Social Service & Legal Occupations ..................................... 12 Education, Training & Library Occupations ............................................. 13 Art, Design, Entertainment, Sports & Media Occupations ....................... 14 Health Care Practitioners & Technical Occupations ................................. 15 Health Care Support Options .................................................................... 16 Career Profiles .......................................................................................... 18-19 Service Occupations ................................................................................ 20 Sales & Marketing Occupations .............................................................. 22 Office & Administrative Support Occupations ........................................ 23 Farming, Fishing & Forestry Occupations ............................................... 24 Construction & Extraction Occupations .................................................. 25 Installation, Maintenance, & Repair Occupations ................................... 26 Production Occupations .......................................................................... 27 Transportation & Material Moving Occupations .................................... 28 Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Administrative Services Managers ESR Plan, direct or coordinate supportive services, e.g. record keeping, mail distribution, reception. OJT 2 yr. CC Educational services; religious organizations; man-agement & public relations firms; local government; hospitals; personnel services; wholesale companies selling machinery, equipment & supplies; nursing, res-idential care facilities; commercial sports; textile mill products; electronic & electrical equipment manufactureres $27,880e $52,840 Above Average Advertising and Promotions Managers ESA Plan and direct advertising programs and activities or produce materials to create customer interest, e.g. posters, contests. Bach. Printing, publishing and communication companies; advertising agencies; wholesale companies selling machinery, equipment & supplies; chemicals, furniture and fixtures companies; real estate; family services $31,140e $60,090 Above Average Computer and Information Systems Managers IER Plan and direct electronic information services and activities, e.g. system analysis, computer programming, data processing. Bach. Master's Computer & data processing services; chemical products; industrial machinery, electronic, electrical equipment products; banks; educational services; management, research & testing firms; hospitals; government agencies $54,000e $87,990 Above Average Codes Used: • Above Average – There is above average growth in that occupation (more than 2.1 percent per year) • Average – There is average growth in that occupation (1 percent to 2.1 percent per year) • Below Average – There is growth, but rate of growth is below average in that occupation (less than one percent per year). 9 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Construction Managers ERS Work with on-site supervisors to plan and direct construction activities; study plans and estimate materials, labor and equipment required. Apprent. 2 Yr. CC Bach. Building contractors, residential, non-residential, and heavy construction; special trades; plumbing, heating, air-conditioning; electrical work; highway construction; management & public relations firms; masonry, stone-work, carpentry, flooring, other construction projects $35,150e $56,320 Average Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary ESA Plan and coordinate activities and programs at elementary, middle and high schools. Master's Ph.D Schools and local & state school systems; government agencies $45,170e $63,000 Above Average Financial Managers ESR Run financial programs or organizations; counsel individuals or companies on how to use their money. Bach. Master's Banks; mortgage bankers; wholesale companies selling auto parts, lumber machinery, equipment & supplies; computer & data processing firms; local government; management & public relations firms; educational and business services $44,180e $77,660 Above Average Food Service Managers ESR Plan, organize and direct the operation of businesses that serve food and beverages. OJT Apprent. 2 Yr. CC Bach Eating and drinking places; educational services; hotels and motels; government agencies; nursing, residential care, recreational facilities; hospitals; religious organizations $23,820e $35,960 Above Average Marketing Managers ESA Determine customers' interest in firm's products or services; develop selling and pricing plans. 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's Electronic, electric and industrial machinery equipment manufacturers; chemical companies; computer companies; banks and business services; management & public relations firms; wholesalers; textile, apparel and furniture manufacturers $49,720e $91,020 Above Average Medical and Health Service Managers SEC Plan, organize and coordinate the delivery of health care. Responsible for facilities, services, programs, staff and budgets. 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's L Hospitals; nursing and personal, home health care facilities; government and social services; medical, dental, allied health offices & labs $43,220e $68,390 Above Average Property and Real Estate Managers ESR Control the buying, selling or leasing of real estate; manage apartments, condominiums and community associations. 2 yr. CC Bach. Real estate and leasing agencies or operators; developers; residential building contractors; banks; religious organizations $25,370e $47,500 Above Average Public Relations Managers ESA Develop and direct programs for promoting the sale of a firm's products or services and for creating a favorable public impression. Bach. Religious and educational services; recreation and local government agencies; hospitals; social services; computer companies; banks; management & public relations firms $34,230e $60,990 Above Average Sales Managers ESA Direct and coordinate the distribution and sale of products or services to customers. Bach. Wholesale and retail companies selling cars, auto parts & service and industrial machinery, electronic, electrical equipment; textile, rubber & plastics manufacturers; hotels & motels; computer companies; communication and printing companies; business services $40,140e $75,900 Above Average Social and Community Service Managers ESA Organize, coordinate and oversee programs and activities of a social services or community service organization. Bach. Religious, civic & social organizations; local and state government; nursing, residential care; social, family services; hospitals $29,040e $45,110 Above Average Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers ESR Plan and direct daily activities of organizations which transport, store or distribute materials. OJT Apprent. 2 Yr. CC Bach Trucking & warehousing, transport services; wholesale companies selling machinery, equipment & supplies, groceries, apparel, paper products; government agencies; chemical, rubber products; furniture companies $36,480e $61,090 Above Average Business & Financial Occupations This cluster includes occupations primarily pertaining to planning, organizing and controlling specialized operational functions. People in these occupations generally have interests and skills in “data” and “people.” They usually have good analytical, problem-solving and/or good interpersonal skills. Their work may include examining, analyzing reviewing, purchasing, enforcing and/or personnel responsibilities. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Accountants and Auditors CES Study financial records, give advice on money matters and prepare financial statements; may examine clients' records to see if they are properly kept and reported. 2 Yr. CC Bach. Master's C Accounting and auditing firms; government agencies; wholesale companies; educational services; industrial machinery, equipment manufacturers; hotels & motels; banks; management, personnel supply, computer companies; textile product manufacturers $31,130e $49,220 Average Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators ESR Review customer claims against company to see if payments have been properly made. Bach. L Insurance agents, brokers & companies; computer companies; government, business and health services $28,330e $42,490 Average ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ g Compliance Officers and Inspectors ERS Inspect and enforce regulations and procedures on matters of health, safety, food, immigration, licensing, or interstate commerce. Apprent. Bach. CC C Government agencies; chemical companies; utilities & sanitary services; US Postal Service; insurance, health and banking related services $28,880e $43,330 Average Cost Estimators RCE Prepare cost estimates to help management bid on or determine the price of a new product or service. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 Yr. CC Plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, roofing, electrical contractors; building and trade contractors; heavy construction companies; printing & publishing com-panies; fabricated metals products $30,930e $47,070 Average Employment, Recruitment and Placement Specialists SEC Recruit, select and place workers in jobs. 2 Yr. CC Bach. Personnel supply services; computer companies; gov-ernment services; hospitals; banks and management services; eating and drinking places; $27,400e $42,860 Average Financial Analysts CIE Conduct statistical analyses of information affecting the investment programs of institutions and private individuals. Bach. Security and commodity brokers and services; banks and non-depository institutions; insurance services $34,990e $66,990 Above Average Loan Officers SEC Evaluate the credit of an individual or business applying for a loan; authorize loans or advise borrowers. 2 Yr. CC Bach. R Commercial banks; credit and savings institutions; mortgage bankers and brokers $28,240e $54,340 Average Management Analysts ESC Analyze business operations, conduct studies, and design systems and procedures to help management operate efficiently and effectively. Bach. Master's Management & public relations firms; computer & data processing firms; government agencies; banks and business services; medical & health services; wholesale companies selling electrical goods, groceries, transpor-tation equipment; engineering services; self-employed $38,220e $70,310 Above Average Personal Financial Advisors SEC Advise customers on financial plans that may involve knowledge of taxes, investments, insurance and real estate. Bach. Banks, security brokers, dealers & services; computer companies; insurance companies and services $25,960e $61,250 Above Average Purchasing Agents, except wholesale, retail and farm ESC Buy supplies and raw materials for internal use or for further processing by manufacturing firms. OJT 2 yr. CC Bach Master's Electronic and industrial machinery equipment com-panies; government agencies; business and health services $28,340e $43,910 Average Training and Development Specialists SEC Conduct training and programs to help employees make effective use of skills and to be satisfied in their jobs. 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's Banks; government agencies; computer companies; hospitals; textile products; merchandise stores; management, health and business services $27,200e $45,610 Average Computer & Mathematical Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to the application of math and/or computer science in research, development and related activities. People in these occupations generally have interests in “data” and “ ideas.” They are creative thinkers who apply mathematical principles to solve problems and research new ideas. Their responsibilities require them to organize, maintain and evaluate information. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Computer Programmers IRE Prepare information and instruction for computer use. Write programs that store, locate, and retrieve information to help people with business, engineering and scientific tasks. Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Bach. Computer, data processing firms; industrial machinery and electronic, electric equipment manufacturers; educational services; banks; wholesale companies selling business equipment; research & testing companies; textile products; hospitals; management, personnel and business services $42,010e $65,930 Average Computer Software Engineers IRE Develop, create and adapt computer applications or system software for client's use. Bach. Masters's Computer and data processing services; industrial machinery and electronic, electrical equipment manufacturers; banks; management and business services; government agencies $50,410e $73,200 Above Average Computer Support Specialists SCR Provide technical assistance and training to computer users. Answer questions and solve hardware and software problems. Apprent. Trade 2 yr. CC Bach. Computer and data processing services; banks and business services; educational services; wholesale trades; management and communication companies; industrial machinery & equipment manufacturers; government agencies; hospitals and labs; furniture companies $28,860e $46,810 Above Average Computer Systems Analysts IRE Plan and develop methods for computerizing scientific, engineering, and business tasks and improving computer systems. Bach. Master's Ph.D. Computer and data processing services; banks; industrial machinery and electronic, electrical equipment manufacturers; hospitals; chemical products; government agencies; building materials; utilities services; self-employed $32,020e $66,980 Above Average 10 11 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Architecture & Engineering Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to the design and construction of buildings, equipment, highways, roads, utilization of land and processing systems. They often have interests and skills in “data,” “ideas,” and/or “things.” People in these occupations use technical skills to perform their responsibilities and have high aptitudes in mathematics, cre-ative thinking and problem solving. Database Administrators IRS Coordinate, test, and make changes to computer data-bases and code. May plan and coordinate database development. 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's Computer & data processing services; wholesale companies selling business equipment; communication and business services; banks; electronic, electrical equipment manufactures; hospitals; health services $35,010e $61,530 Above Average Network and Computer Systems Administrators IER Install and support organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) and/or Internet systems. Maintain network hardware and software. Trade 2 yr. CC Bach. Computer & data processing services; educational services; wholesale companies selling business equipment; communication, banks and business services; government agencies; hospitals; electronic, electrical equipment manufacturers $37,850e $58,780 Above Average Network Systems Analysts IRE Analyze, design and evaluate network systems and other data communication systems. May recommend hardware and software. Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. Computer & data processing services; banks; management, utilities & sanitary services; industrial machinery & equipment, communication, business services; hospitals, health services $40,700e $61,480 Above Average Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Architects, except Landscape IAE Plan, design and watch over the construction of buildings. Also plan and design development of parks, airports, and highways. Bach. Master's R Self-employed; utilities & sanitary services; engineering & architectural firms; computer & data processing services $36,450e $55,870 Above Average Architectural and Civil Drafters IRE Prepare working plans and detail drawings for structures, buildings, highways and public works, according to specified dimensions. Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Bach. Engineering & architectural firms; metal product manufacturers; wholesale trades; building contractors $27,800e $37,780 Average Biomedical Engineers IRE Design, develop and evaluate biological and health systems and products. Bach. Master's Hospitals; chemical companies; engineering & architectural services $39,810e $53,430 Above Average Chemical Engineers IRE Develop new ways to make chemicals and related products. They also help design, build, and operate chemical plant equipment and processes. Bach. Master's R Chemical companies; engineering & architectural ser-vices; stone, clay, rubber, plastic materials manu-facturers; management, research and testing services; electronic, electrical equipment firms; textile mill and paper products $53,730e $71,540 Average Civil Engineers IRS Plan, design, and supervise the construction of structures such as buildings, roads, water and sewage systems, bridges, and dams. Bach. Master's R Engineering & architectural firms; government agencies; general building and heavy construction contractors; management & public relations firms $40,380e $57,630 Below Average Electrical Engineers IRE Design, develop and supervise the manufacture and installation of electrical equipment, parts or systems. Bach. Master's R Engineering & architectural firms; industrial machinery and electronic, electrical equipment and instrument manufacturers; research & testing services; com-munication companies; utilities & sanitary services; companies selling machinery, equipment & supplies $48,820e $70,370 Average Electronics Engineers IRE Design, develop, test electronic circuits, parts and systems, except computers. Bach. Master's R Electronic, electrical equipment and industrial ma-chinery manufacturers; communication companies; wholesale companies selling machinery, equipment & supplies; engineering & architectural firms $45,790e $64,800 Average Electrical, Electronic Engineering Technologists & Technicians RIE Help engineers and scientist's design, build, test, and install electrical and electronic equipment. Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. Communication; wholesale trades; industrial mach-inery and electronic, electric equipment companies; engineering & architectural firms; instrument manufac-turers; government agencies; research & testing services; utility companies $30,600e $44,070 Average Environmental Engineers IRE Design and plan engineering projects to help prevent or control hazards to the environment, e.g. waste treatment, pollution control. Bach. Master's R Engineering & architectural firms; government agen-cies; management & public relations firms; utilities & sanitary services; chemical companies; research & testing services; paper products $43,170e $60,250 Above Average 12 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Life, Physical & Social Science Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to research and application of scientific knowledge to specific problems and situations. People in these occupations generally have interests and skills in “ideas.” They usually have good research and problem solving skills, and do well in one or more scientific subjects. Community, Social Service & Legal Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to the needs of people and their communities, families, and spiritual development. They usually have interests and skills primarily in “people” to resolve personal and societal issues. People in these occupations value helping others and have high interpersonal skills including working with cultural diversity. They are creative thinkers, problem solvers and are good listeners. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Biological Technicians RIS Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories to operate instruments, monitor experiments, record results. 2 yr. CC Research & testing services; chemical, food companies; government agencies; management & public relations firms; medical & dental labs $26,990e $36,830 Above Average Chemists IER Study and test the properties of substances and materials to develop chemical compounds and to improve products and processes. Bach. Master's Ph.D. Chemical manufacturers; research and testing services; tobacco companies; government agencies $36,670e $61,110 Above Average Environmental Scientists and Specialists IRE Study to identify and eliminate sources of pollutants or hazards that affect health or the environment. Bach. Master's Ph.D. R Government agencies; management & public relations firms; research & testing services; engineering & architectural, utilities services; chemical companies $32,460e $46,180 Above Average Forest and Conservation Technicians IRS Work with foresters and/or conservation scientists to collect data about forests or wildlife habitats and natural resources. 2 yr. CC Bach. Government agencies; research & testing services; paper & paper product manufacturers $23,190e $31,630 Average Geoscientists IRS Apply knowledge of geology, physics, and mathematics in the study of the earth's atmosphere, oceans, and the physical aspects of the earth. Bach. Master's Ph.D. L Management & public relations firms; government agencies; engineering & architectural firms $42,750e $50,600 Above Average Market Research Analysts ISA Study labor market conditions in local, regional or national areas. May gather information about prices and sales of products or services. Bach. Master's Ph.D. Research & testing services; industrial machinery and electronic, electrical equipment manufacturers; banks; accounting firms; communication and computer companies $32,170e $74,810 Average Medical Scientists IRE Conduct research and develop cures for health problems. They study the structures of cells, tissue, and organs and the effects of drugs, poisons, parasites, and bacteria. Master's Ph.D. Research and testing services; chemical companies; management and public relations firms; wholesale companies; government, education and health agencies $44,350e $81,200 Above Average Psychologists ISE Study the ways people behave and think; seek to understand and explain people's actions. Master's Ph.D. L Educational services; offices of medical doctors and health practitioners; government agencies; hospitals; residential, family, home health care services; self employed $35,990e $53,380 Above Average Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Clergy SAE Serve the spiritual and religious needs of people; can be ministers, priests or rabbis. Bach. Master's C Churches, synagogues and religious organizations; hospitals, residential care facilities; government agencies $24,250e $37,190 Above Average Educational, Vocational, School Counselors SEA Counsel individuals or groups in educational, social or career matters. Bach. Master's Ph.D. L Schools, colleges and universities; social services; government agencies; residential care facilities; job training services $27,860e $39,820 Above Average Lawyers ESI Give advice to individuals or businesses on legal problems; study laws, write legal papers, may represent clients in courts of law. Juris Doctor (J.D.) L Law firms and legal agencies; government agencies; self-employed; commercial banks and business services $47,810e $98,850 Average Mechanical Engineers RIE Design and develop tools, engines, machines, and other equipment; direct workers who install, operate and repair mechanical equipment. Bach. Master's R Engineering & architectural services; industrial mach-inery, electronic, electric & transportation equipment companies; personnel services; rubber, plastics, stone, clay, glass, fabricated metal manufactures & related in-strument makers; textile mills; wholesale companies selling machinery, equipment & supplies; chemical companies $44,460e $62,630 Average Surveying & Mapping Technicians IER Perform surveying and mapping duties to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC C Engineering & architectural services; government agencies; utilities & sanitary services; research & testing $21,490e $26,850 Above Average 13 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Education, Training & Library Occupations This cluster includes occupations that involve direct contact with individuals to provide for their education and training. People in these occupations generally have interests and skills in “people” and value helping others to learn and develop. Their skills include speaking, listening, teaching and serving others. They demonstrate a high level of social skills. Paralegals and Legal Assistants SEC Assist lawyers research laws, investigate facts, and prepare legal papers; may specialize in one area of the law. Trade, Apprent. 2 yr. CC Legal firms and services; government agencies; banks, security brokers $21,680e $32,400 Above Average Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists SER Assist law offenders with rehabilitation, treatment, and/or employment planning. Bach. State & local government agencies; religious organizations $27,320e $32,140 Above Average Rehabilitation Counselors SEA Counsel individuals with disabilities to help them maximize their independence and employability. Master's Residential care facilities; educational, social and health services; job training and government agencies; hospitals $18,070e $26,400 Above Average Religious Activities and Education Directors SEA Direct, plan, coordinate programs or activities of a church, school or denominational group to meet religious needs of students. Bach. Religious organizations $20,100e $27,910 Above Average Social and Human Service Assistants SCE Assist social worker or case managers in working to improve human relationships. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. CC Government agencies; social service agencies; residential care facilities; religious organizations; job training services $17,510e $23,570 Above Average Social Workers, Child, Family and School SEC Counsel and assist individuals and families who need help from social service agencies; visit clients and arrange help for them. Bach. Master's C Local government agencies; social service agencies; schools, colleges and universities; residential care facilities; religious organizations $25,210e $33,460 Above Average Social Workers, Medical and Public Health SEA Counsel and assist individuals and families who have physical illness; help them understand, accept, and follow medical recommendations. Bach. Master's Ph.D. C Hospitals; nursing care, home health and allied health services; social service agencies; medical offices; government agencies $27,300e $37,330 Above Average Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Adult Literacy, Remedial Education & GED Teachers SAE Teach out-of-school youth and adults in remedial education classes, including English as Second Language and GED preparation classes. Bach. Master's Educational services; self-employed $24,300e $32,050 Above Average College and University Teachers SEI Teach undergraduate and/or graduate students in colleges, universities, and community technical colleges. They usually do research which, along with their instruction, is in specialized program areas of fields of study. They also advise students on courses and programs. Ph.D. Junior colleges, colleges and universities $33,700e $53,510 Above Average Elementary School Teachers SAE Teach basic academic and social skills to students in primary grades. Bach. Master's L Public and private elementary schools $29,560e $42,700 Average Librarians SEC Select, order, catalog, and take care of library materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, films, and records; help people find information. Bach. Master's L Schools, colleges and universities; government agencies and libraries; legal services; hospitals $29,560e $42,700 Above Average Library Technicians CSR Check books in and out; sort and shelve library materials; repair damaged books, and answer routine questions. HS or GED OJT 2 yr. CC Government agencies; schools, college, and universities $17,690e $25,000 Above Average Middle School Teachers SER Instruct students in one or more specific subject areas in middle/junior high schools. Bach. Master's Ph.D. L Middle/junior high schools $27,030e $36,780 Above Average Secondary School Teachers SER Instruct students in one or more specific subject areas in high schools. Bach. Master's Ph.D. L High schools $28,950e $39,350 Above Average Self-Enrichment Education Teachers SAE Teach non-academic and non-occupational courses. Bach. Master's Educational services; religious organizations; civic, social associations; social, recreational services; government and job training agencies; self-employed $17,260e $31,350 Above Average Special Education Teachers, preschool, elementary, secondary school SEC Teach school subjects, social, and other skills to people with special problems; may use special methods or tools. Bach. Master's L Schools, rehabilitation facilities for disabled children $28,670e $37,670 Above Average 13 14 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Art, Design, Entertainment, Sports & Media Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to the creating and performing of artistic works in various forms. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “ideas” and “people,” and some in “data” and/or “things.” Many value creativity and independence. They are skilled in creative thinking and are very expressive in nature. Many have aptitudes in writing, presenting ideas, information and public speaking and for performing. CAREER BRIEFS / PROFILES Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Actors AES Play parts in stage, TV, radio, video or movie productions. Trade Apprent. 2yr. CC Bach. Motion picture companies; producers of entertainment $15,990e $25,860 Above Average Artists AES Create original artwork including painting, sculpture and illustrations; create, design and restore artwork; illustrate subject matter to promote product sales, or to influence others. Trade Apprent. 2yr. CC Bach. Government agencies, printing & publishing companies; self employed $24,840e $35,220 Above Average Athletes and Sports Competitors ESR Compete in athletic events. HS or GED Bach. Commercial sports; educational services $14,640e $22,950 Above Average Audio and Video Equipment Technicians CSE Operate and maintain electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. HS or GED OJT Apprent. 2yr. CC Motion picture companies; producers; radio and TV companies $18,770e $28,220 Above Average Coaches and Scouts ESR Instruct or coach individuals or groups in fundamentals of sport(s) or in techniques to improve skills; recruit athletes. HS or GED OJT Bach. Commercial sports; educational services; amusement and recreational services; self-employed; civic & social associations $18,490e $39,340 Above Average Editors AES Revise, layout written materials for final publications. Bach. Printing & publishing companies; radio and TV companies; computer companies $26,500e $41,040 Above Average Film and Video Editors AES Edit motion picture soundtracks, film and video. HS Voc. Ed. OJT 2 yr CC Bach. Motion picture companies; radio and TV companies; producers $22,430e $33,090 Above Average Floral Designers ARE Design, cut, arrange live, dried or artificial flowers and foliage. Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. Florists, food and other retail stores; wholesale companies selling to grocery and home furnishings; self-employed $14,060e $18,700 Average Graphic Designers AER Design or create graphics; may use variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects. HS Voc. Ed. OJT 2 yr. CC Bach. Printing & publishing companies; mailing & repro-duction companies; advertising, management & public relations firms; wholesale companies; business services; self-employed $22,890e $36,760 Above Average Multi-Media Artists and Animators AES Create special effects, animation or other visual images using computers, film or video. HS Voc Ed OJT 2 yr. CC Bach. Mailing & reproduction services; computer & ad-vertising companies; self-employed; printing and motion picture companies $21,530e $38,440 Above Average Musicians and Singers AES Play one or more musical instruments or entertain by singing songs, in recitals or with an orchestra, band or musical groups. HS or GED OJT Bach. Master's Religious organizations; producers; self-employed $12,840e $32,360 Above Average Teacher Assistants CES Help teachers; teach and supervise students; may grade papers, check homework, maintain records, operate equipment. HS or GED Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Elementary, middle/junior and high schools; government agencies; child care and social services agencies; religious organizations $14,680e $17,630 Above Average Vocational Education Teachers & Instructors, Post-secondary SER Teach vocational or occupational subjects to post-secondary level students. 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's Public and private trade schools and community colleges $28,810e $39,350 Above Average Vocational Education Teachers, Middle & Secondary SER Teach vocational or occupational subjects to middle or high school students. 2 yr. CC Bach L Middle and high schools $26,690e $36,610 Above Average 14 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Health Care Practitioners & Technical Occupations This cluster includes occupations dealing with the prevention and diagnosis of human and animal ailments and prescribes medical and surgical treatments. People in these occupations often have interests and skills in “people” and “data” and value helping others in a medical setting. They have aptitudes in acquiring and evaluating information and also must interpret and communicate information effectively to others. Good problem solving and decision making skills are also necessary. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Audiologists ISR Assess and treat people with hearing disorders. May provide hearing training and/or research. Master's L Hospitals; offices of medical doctors and health practitioners $40,370e $54,620 Above Average Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians ICR Conduct tests on pulmonary and/or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. 2 yr. CC Bach. Offices and clinics of medical doctors; hospitals $23,570e $38,060 Above Average Diagnostic Medical Sonographers SEI Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs. 2 yr. CC Bach. Hospitals; offices and clinics of medical doctors $38,260e $52,830 Above Average Dental Hygienists SAI Treat teeth and gums to guard against disease and injury; teach people how to care for their teeth and gums. 2 yr. CC Bach. L Offices and clinics of dentists; government agencies $26,620e $46,600 Above Average Dietetic Technicians SEI Assist dietitians in the provision of food service and nutritional programs. May plan and produce meals, teach or counsel individuals. 2 yr. CC Hospitals; nursing, personal and residential care facilities $14,350e $22,500 Above Average Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics RIS Assess injuries, give emergency medical care and transport sick or injured persons to medical facilities. HS Voc. Ed.+ Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC C Local government agencies; local and suburban transportation services; hospitals $18,910e $25,760 Above Average Licensed Practical Nurses SEA Provide patient care under the direction of doctors or registered nurses; may bathe, dress, feed and give medication to patients. HS Voc. Ed. + 1yr. cert. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC L Nursing and personal care facilities; hospitals; offices and clinics of medical doctors; education services $24,670e $31,200 Above Average Medical/Clinical Lab. Technicians RIE Perform routine tests in medical laboratory for use in treatment and diagnosis of disease. Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. L Hospitals; offices and clinics of medical doctors; medical and dental laboratories; health, allied health and education services $21,330e $28,480 Average Medical/Clinical Lab. Technologists IRE Perform a wide range of complex specialized laboratory tests and procedures, in such areas as cytology, histology, and microbiology. Bach. Master's L Hospitals; medical and dental laboratories; offices and clinics of medical doctors; government agencies $29,890e $38,970 Above Average Medical Record/Health Technicians CIE Compile and maintain medical records of patients. Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach Hospitals; offices and clinics of medical doctors; nursing and personal care facilities; government agencies $18,500e $25,420 Above Average Occupational Therapists RIS Direct educational, vocational, and recreational activities to help patients restore movement, coordination, confidence. Bach. Master's L Hospitals; nursing and personal care facilities; offices and clinics of medical doctors & health professionals; home health care services; nursing care facilities; educational services $40,340e $55,940 Above Average News Analysts, Reporters, and Correspondents ASI Collect, analyze and report newsworthy events for radio, TV or news publications. HS or GED 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's Printing & publishing companies; radio and TV companies $20,650e $36,690 Average Producers and Directors ESA Produce or direct stage, television, radio, or motion picture production productions. Trade Apprent. 2yr. CC Bach. Communication and motion picture companies; government agencies $24,480e $42,680 Above Average Public Relations Specialists ESA Write, select, arrange, release favorable publicity materials to promote good will or impression. Bach. Religious organizations; educational services; com-munication and research & testing companies; government agencies; banks and business services; advertising, management & public relations firms $25,920e $41,570 Above Average Writers and Authors AES Create and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, plays, advertisements. Bach. Printing & publishing companies; self-employed; ad-vertising & computer companies; educational services $19,210e $39,930 Above Average 15 16 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Health Care Support Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to providing health services to assist medical practitioners and technicians. People in these occupations have interests and skills primarily in “people” and “data” and value helping others in a medical setting. They usually have good communication and interpersonal skills. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Dental Assistants SAI Help dentists check and treat patient's teeth and gums. HS Voc. Ed. OJT. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Offices and clinics of dentists $19,380e $26,390 Above Average Home Health Aides SER Care for elderly, convalescent, or handicapped person in their home; change bed linen, prepare meals, bathe, dress and groom; administer oral medications. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC Apprent. Home health care services; residential care and nursing care facilities; hospitals; social service agencies $14,460e $17,020 Above Average Medical Assistants SRE Assist physicians, prepare patients for exams; prepare treatment rooms, inventory supplies and instruments, schedule appointments, keep records. HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Offices and clinics of medical doctors and health practitioners; hospitals; government agencies $18,630e $24,270 Above Average Pharmacists ISE Prepare and dispense drugs and medicine prescribed by doctors and dentists; advise people on the use of medicines. Bach. Master's Ph.D. L Drug stores and pharmacies; hospitals; general merchandise and food stores; government agencies; wholesale companies $58,650e $73,930 Above Average Pharmacy Technicians REC Prepare medications under direction of pharmacist. HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr CC Pharmacies; retail and general merchandise stores; hospitals $14,580e $20,280 Above Average Physical Therapists SRI Apply techniques and treatments to help relieve pain and increase strength of people with muscle, nerve, joint or bone disease, or injury. Bach. Master's L Hospitals; offices of health professionals; home health care agencies $46,670e $61,190 Above Average Physician Assistants ISA Help doctors treat sick or injured patients and provide minor medical services. Bach. Master's L Offices and clinics of medical doctors and health practitioners; hospitals; government agencies $49,510e $70,030 Above Average Physicians, Family and General Practioners IRS Diagnose diseases, treat ill and injured people and give advice on how to prevent disease and keep fit. Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) L Offices and clinics of medical doctors; hospitals; government agencies $49,810e $123,360 Average Radiologic Technologists and Technicians IRS Take X-rays, CT and MRI scans. Administer non-radioactive materials to help doctors diagnose and treat patients. Trade 2 yr. CC Bach. Hospitals; offices and clinics of medical doctors $28,980e $38,300 Above Average Recreation Therapists SAE Plan, organize, and direct medically approved recreation programs for patients. 2 yr. CC Bach. C Hospitals; nursing and personal care and residential care facilities; home health care services $21,960e $30,010 Average Registered Nurses SIE Provide care, treatment, and health education to ill or injured people. Plan and supervise health programs and personnel. Trade 2 yr. CC Bach. Master's L Hospitals; offices and clinics of medical doctors; nursing, personal care, residential care facilities; medical, health and home health and family services; education and government agencies $36,930e $46,370 Above Average Respiratory Therapists SIR Specialize in the evaluation and treatment and care of patients with breathing disorders. 2 yr. CC Bach. L Hospitals; offices of health practioners $32,460e $40,270 Above Average Respiratory Therapy Technicians SRC Provide specific respiratory care under direction or respiratory therapist or physician. OJT 1 yr. CC Hospitals; offices of medical doctors; nursing and personal care facilities $23,560e $31,290 Above Average Speech-Language Pathologists ISR Assess and treat people with speech, language, voice or fluency disorders; may perform research. Master's L Education services; offices and clinics of health professionals and medical doctors; hospitals; self-employed $37,390e $50,300 Above Average Surgical Technologists ISR Prepare patients for operations and assist surgeons with supplies and equipment before, during and after surgery. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Hospitals $24,150e $30,570 Above Average Veterinarians IRE Diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals and advise about their care. May do research or consultation and livestock inspection. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM / VDM) L Agricultural services; veterinary hospitals or clinics; agricultural production; self employed $37,450e $69,490 Above Average 17 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○T○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○N○ ○ ○���D○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ After gaining vast knowledge and skills, many professionals desire to “give back” to their communities by bringing their valuable experiences into the classroom. Considering our current job market and North Carolina’s shortage of teachers, teaching may be an option worth pursuing. But first, you must be a good ally. After 30 Years in Broadcasting—This Man is a True Ally He moved through the sea of opportunity in the broadcasting world, from tape editing room to news director, and Emmy winner. Now he focuses his time on giving back. Doug Spero, assistant professor at Meredith College, and partner of Triangle Media Coaching, now teaches students, media professionals, politicians, and non-profit professionals the ins and outs of the broadcasting world. Spero’s original career plan was to be a cameraman or disc jockey. However, when the doors to the newsroom started to open, Spero began to walk through these doors, and soon developed an interest in news broadcasting. Little did he know that he would later end up working for network giants ABC, CBS and NBC. After a classmate told him about an available position at the Mutual Radio Network of New York, Spero started working weekends in an editing room. This part-time job led to several positions in radio and television including public affairs host, bureau chief, field producer, assignment editor, reporter, radio news operations editor, radio network news producer, and news editor. After fifteen years of perseverance and hard work, he got on the air. From there he advanced to news director for ABC, which required working with interviewers, news writers, producers, general managers, reporters, and people at the assignment desk. To succeed in broadcasting, you have to work well with ideas. You must be curious, aggressive and interested in issues and people—a people person who can communi-cate and write well. “A high standard of professionalism is necessary in this business,” Spero explains. “One must be honest, responsible, and do the job right. People must be able to count on you.” These are qualities that Spero carries over to teaching. Reflecting on his college days, Spero reminisced about well-known broadcast professionals from programs like the Jackie Gleason Show who also taught. “There’s nothing better than to have people who have worked in the industry in the classroom,” he stated. “I never forgot what they did and how they helped me. I decided to do what they did. I wanted to give something back.” Spero knew that he needed at least a master’s degree in order to teach. While working as a reporter at CBS News in New York, he attended evening classes at New York Institute of Technology. After reaching this goal, Spero began teaching at East Carolina University as an adjunct professor of Mass Communication. With 30 years of experience in the broadcast industry Spero offers students and professionals a front row seat to mass communication. In the classroom, Spero’s passion for teaching is evident as he walks about, gesturing as he speaks, and emphasizing his points clearly and articulately. He stresses the importance of supplementing a college education with experience and encourages students to gain valuable work experience while in college. “Broadcasting is tremendously competitive, but if you’ve got the right stuff, and enthusiasm, and you really want it, you can do it.” “Teaching is only part of the game,” Spero remarked. Although he has a hectic schedule and full class sizes, Spero finds time for his students. Feeling the need to help students get ready for the profession, he makes himself available to students after class, assisting them with internships, and placing them in their first job. At this point in Spero’s life, he realizes that winning over 40 awards, including an Emmy for Best Investigation, is not all there is to life. “It’s not about money for me—it’s about helping as many students and non-profit organizations as I can. It’s about seeing them go out in the industry and make it. It’s about giving back, and getting more time with my family, and watching my kids succeed.” By Patricia Edwards Shaver Jobs in Broadcasting With an Above Average Occupational Outlook Audio and Video Equipment Technicians Set up and operate sound and video equipment. Editors and Writers Writers write scripts and news articles based on information collected from reporters. Editors select, prepare, review, edit and rewrite the work of writers. Film and Video Technicians Operate and maintain electronic equipment that regulates sound and visual qualities of a broadcast. News Analysts, Reporters, and Correspondents News Analysts study and decifer broadcast news and present it as prerecorded or live transmissions. Reporters investigate news tips and leads through personal observation, document research, and interviews. This material is organized, written, and accompanied by edited video material. Correspondents report news from large foreign and American cities. Producers and Directors Producers are responsible for financial and business decisions and decide which programs or news segments are aired. Directors oversee and direct the cast and crew. Alternative Ways to Enter a Teaching Career Teach 4NC http://www.teach4nc.com/ Troops-to-Teachers www.ncpublicschools.org/troops/ National Center for Alternative Certification http://www.teach-now.org/states/northcarolina/ frmNorthCarolinaIndex.asp 18 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Profile: Customer Support Technology education evolved from the school system’s vocational department. Along with this change brought more and more females, as students and teachers, to what used to be a traditionally male course. Not only are women teaching technology education, but women also hold key decision -making positions at the state level. Those interested in a career in technology can find employment in architecture and design, engineering, manufacturing, medical, technical fields involving Microsoft applications, and teaching. To be a technology teacher, a technology education is preferred. “If you have worked in the industry, you know how it[technology] can be applicable to life,” Stephens Lindsay Wiggins, biology major and 2002 UNC-Chapel Hill graduate, has learned that accessing your allies opens the doors of opportunity. Throughout college, Lindsay took advantage of work-based learning opportunities through a UNC-Chapel Hill research lab, a marine science internship in Morehead City, NC, and as a sales associate in a retail store. As graduation from college approached, she reflected on these experiences to assist in her job search. She identified her career objective and refined her resume by using publications from the bookstore and guidance from those in the field. Through friends and relatives, she set up informational interviews. Yet, even with her credentials and contacts, four months passed after graduation before she obtained employment with a temporary agency. “I was frustrated because I thought I had good skills and experiences. But my contract work experience has opened doors for opportunity. I strongly suggest this as an option because I had good work experience to put on my resume. It is difficult to get into entry positions!” Lindsay’s contract work put her in a science lab at GlaxoSmithKline. The tasks were similar to the research lab experiences she had as an undergraduate. The research position consisted primarily of automated processes. This experience put her in touch with additional contacts. As she worked in the lab and looked around the company, she decided that she would like to have a position with more human interaction. Contract work is usually intended to last for a limited time. With this in mind, Lindsay began to research permanent position options. She updated her resume with her new skills and contact names. Through internet research, she explored potential positions. A position in Greensboro at MWG Biotech Customer Support opened up. This position provided the development of customer service skills, but Lindsay wanted to stay in Raleigh. She had a daily one-way 90- minute commute, and she was too tired when she returned home to interact with her friends. Through the experience and additional contacts, Lindsay is now employed with Biogen IDEC. She uses her research skills, works with a company that reflects her beliefs, and interacts with people daily in her support of pharmaceuticals. Lindsay believes her success is due to her willingness to be open-minded to new opportunities, commitment to explore options, exploration of positions, development of diverse skills, and ability to capitalize on her experiences. “I have worked to make something happen in each situation which has led to new opportunities. I plan to complete my Master’s in Business Administration through my current employer. When opportunities for growth are presented, I’m ready to step up to the plate! It is important to know yourself and identify your goals. Believe in yourself and follow your heart to create the combination that works for you.” Contributed by Barbara Wiggins Profile: Teacher After taking courses in engineering and design at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Dorrian Stephens realized that he did not want to be an engineer for the rest of his life. So he majored in technology. With a desire for teaching and coaching and a four-year degree in technology education, Stephens began a teaching career. That was seven years ago and Stephens’ love for teaching young adults is still strong. Stephens teaches an introductory technology course to ninth and tenth graders at Broughton High School in Raleigh. Technology education is the study of the built environment and human innovation through the application of science and mathematics. It requires the use of existing knowledge to solve problems and expand human capabilities. Introduction to Technology course material focuses on five disciplines of technology including: communication, transportation, construction, biology, and manufacturing. Skills in Excel, PowerPoint, public speaking, design, and the fundamentals of technology, are in high demand using a hands-on learning approach. Stephens encourages his students to not only develop these skills, but to also incorporate personal experience in their coursework. This teaching strategy makes the course content more interesting, meaningful, and applicable to students’ lives. explains, but teaching technology methods can be difficult without an education. To be an effective teacher, you should have patience and enjoy working with high and low functioning students. Teachers must be able to interpret students’ learning styles and be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses. “You have to do it for the love of teaching itself,” Stephens said. “There are many rewards —not monetary, but rewards greater than money.” Seeing the students’ creativity come through in their design work based on personal experiences and activities, helps Stephens to get to know his students. He strives to build good rapport and high trust levels with students, and is delighted when they discover something they like and would like to expand on. Stephens credentials make him a qualified job candidate in several occupations such as, construction, designing, mass communication, and manufacturing. However, he is content with the rewards of teaching and coaching football and varsity softball. By Patricia Edwards Shaver Dorrian Stephens is a member of the North Carolina Association of Educators and North Carolina Coaches Association, and is a 1999 recipient of Carnage Middle School’s “Teacher for the Quarter Award”. 19 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Profile: Translator / Interpreter You must also be able to work well with others because every call involves many people, and the coordination of people in overlapping jurisdictions. A typical call often involves the police, fire department, emergency management, and sheriff’s department. “It is not easy to become a bomb technician,” Luper asserts, “It is a job that requires a minimum of a five-year commitment and you face stiff competition for a job.” Anything you do to make yourself unique increases your chances of becoming part of this elite group. If interested in this career, Luper recommends that you do something that sets you apart from the crowd. A minor in Spanish, engineering, or computers, or military police experience are some options you may want to consider. Since he liked physics and chemistry, Luper took several science classes in addition to criminal justice courses. He uses physics, chemistry, and mathematics on the job, particularly geometry and algebra, which are used to calculate the safest area surrounding a bomb. Profile: Bomb Technician As a bomb technician of eight years with the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Tim Luper’s job is never boring. It is a unique, specialized, and exciting job that has been his career goal since graduating from college. To achieve his goal, he worked as a police officer before being hired as a forensic scientist for the SBI. The SBI requires a four-year college degree for all of its positions; however, bomb technicians must also acquire at least five years of Law Enforcement experience before attending FBI Hazardous Devices School. Once certified by the FBI, a technician must return to the FBI Hazardous Devices School once every three years for recertification. A candidate must also pass a rigorous background check and undergo psychological testing. Psychological testing is important because of the danger involved in this profession. Bomb technicians must be very cautious and logical in their work. Composure under pressure is absolutely necessary, contrary to what you see in the movies. A great deal of teamwork is required in Luper’s line of work. Although two technicians are involved for every call, only one person actually works with the bomb. “You need two view points, Luper said, “because one technician may see something that the other does not.” Workers in this field must be able to adapt to a changing environment, both in the field and in the office. Technological advances in the tools used to defuse bombs have lead to an emphasis on remote bomb technician work. The State of North Carolina has purchased a robot to help make the work of the technician safer. The robot is a medium size Andros F6A model that works by remote control from a control center inside a bomb squad truck. Originally, this type of robot was developed for use in nuclear plants, and was later adapted for bomb disposal work. A thorough understanding of how the robot works is necessary to keep the robot functioning properly. Bomb technicians must not only learn how to operate the robot but also to repair it. For example, last April the robotic hand manipulator stopped working. Luper had to find the problem, and fix it. While a number of occupations relate to security and robotics, Luper has found his niche. By Tammy Freeman As a child living in Mexico, Jackie Metivier did not understand why her father felt so strongly about her learning to speak fluent English. He believed that immersing her in the American culture would be the best way for her to learn English, so he sent her to Colorado to live with family members for one year. As an adult, Metivier moved to America and worked as a bilingual assistant, using her language skills and degree in Mass Communication from the Universidad Intercontinental of Mexico City, Mexico. Metivier saw a need for translation and interpretation services, and embarked on a career as an independent translator and formed Bilingual Communications, Incorporated (Bi-Com), where she is president and owner. Due to North Carolina’s growing Latino population, Metivier has seen an increasing demand for translation and interpretation services. Thirteen years ago, Metivier mostly accompanied representatives from local companies with international markets, who were selling products and services in Mexico. Since then, Bi-Com has experienced a large shift in its focus. Recent requests for translation and interpretation services now comes from local companies who want to communicate with their Latino workforce. These workers used to do seasonal agricultural work— now they are bringing their families and staying while working year-round, mostly in construction and service occupations. “Many Hispanics are not familiar with how the culture works—they don’t know the rules,” Metiever explains. Bi- Com seeks to bridge the gap between Hispanics and American culture. This is accomplished through providing translation and interpretation services to businesses, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, law firms, political candidates, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The language and cultural barriers among Spanish and English speaking citizens creates a demand for more qualified translators and interpreters in North Carolina. However, being bilingual does not mean one can translate or interpret. An effective interpreter puts personal feelings aside and interprets only what is being said. An interpreter or translator must have a thorough understanding of both languages, possess a nearly perfect use of grammar, and earn a four-year degree. Durham Technical Community College recently introduced a new 18 credit hour certification program for community Spanish facilitators. This course specializes in facilitating communication between Spanish speaking individuals and community agency settings. Metivier, like her father, seeks to raise awareness of the importance of being bilingual and using these language skills. She instills this in her children and helps other kids through the NC Society of Hispanic Professionals. Metivier is also president of the Carolina Association of Translator and Interpreters (CATI). CATI consists of 190 members from North Carolina and South Carolina representing 32 languages. Metivier’s family tradition continues. By Patricia Edwards Shaver 20 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ��� ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Service Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to providing personal and protective services to individuals. These occupations can be grouped into Personal Care and Service, Protective Service, Food Preparation and Serving, Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance occupations. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “people,” “data,” and/or “things” and work in a variety of settings. Most must serve their clients, customers and the general public with good speaking, listening and interpersonal skills. CAREER BRIEFS / PROFILES Medical Transcriptionists CSE Listen and transcribe variety of dictated medical reports, using transcribing machines. HS Voc. Ed. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Offices & clinics of medical doctors and health practitioners; hospitals $21,850e $27,230 Above Average Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants SER Help care for the personal needs of sick and injured people, such as feeding and answering call button; assist nurse with maintenance duties. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. Trade 1 yr. CC R Nursing, residential and personal care facilities; hospitals; personnel supply services; home health care services; religious organizations; social service agencies; education services $15,070e $18,390 Above Average Occupational Therapy Assistants SEC Assist occupational therapists in administering medically-oriented occupational therapy programs to assist in rehabilitating patients. 2 yr. CC C Offices of health practitioners; hospitals; residential, nursing and personal care facilities; home health services $23,150e $34,450 Above Average Opticians, Dispensing RIS Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. Assist customer with frame selection, measure customer for size of eyeglasses and coordinate frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Ed. + OJT Apprent. L Health and personal care stores; offices of other health practioners. $19,990e $29,800 Average Physical Therapy Assistants SEC Prepare patients for and administer physical therapy treatments, under the direction of physical therapist. Apprent. 2 yr. CC L Hospitals, offices and clinics of medical and health practioners; home health care services; nursing and personal care facilities. $16,200e $37,400 Above Average Veterinary Assistants ISR Feed and water pets and non-farm animals, clean cages and work areas, prepare animals and equipment for surgery, and give medications under direction of veterinarian. Apprent. 2 yr. CC L Animal hospitals and clinics; veterinarian's offices; agricultural, research & testing services; education services $13,350e $17,110 Average Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Amusement & Recreation Attendants ECS Schedule the use of recreation facilities; maintain and provide sports equipment; may operate concessions or rides. HS or GED OJT Amusement and recreation services such as golf courses, bowling alleys, pool halls; government agencies; commercial sports $12,580e $15,090 Above Average Bartenders ERS Mix and serve drinks to customers. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Eating & drinking places, hotels & motels; recreation services; civic & social associations $12,440e $15,790 Above Average Chefs or Head Cooks ESR Direct the preparation, cooking and seasoning of foods; may plan menus, order supplies and keep records. HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. Eating & drinking places; hotels & motels; recreation services $17,750e $28,750 Average Child Care Workers ESA Take care of children; may dress, feed and clothe them, plan and conduct recreational activities. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Child care services; religious organizations; self-employed; amusement & recreational services; hospitals; residential care facilities; government and social service agencies $12,610e $15,830 Above Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria RES Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, cafeterias. HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Education services; eating & drinking places; residential, nursing & personal care facilities; hospitals; child care services; hotels & motels $13,880e $17,700 Average Cooks, Restaurant RSE Plan menus and cook foods; head cooks or chefs also direct kitchen staff, plan menus, buy food and supplies. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed.+ OJT Apprent. 2 yr. CC Eating and drinking places; recreational services; hotels and motels; food stores $13,610e $18,690 Above Average Correctional Officers and Jailers SER Keep order within jails and prisons; guard, watch and escort prisoners; may instruct and help settle disputes. HS or GED OJT Apprent. 2 yr. CC C Government agencies $24,180e $26,960 Above Average 21 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Detectives and Criminal Investigators SER Conduct investigations to prevent or solve crimes related to Federal, State or Local laws, such as Police Detectives, Special Agents, Fraud Investigators, Customs Inspectors. Bach. C Government agencies $28,190e $39,040 Average Fire Fighters RES Work to control and put out fires; use fire-fighting equipment, operate emergency vehicles. HS or GED Apprent. 2 yr. CC Government agencies; business services $18,600e $28,030 Average Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors SRE Instruct, demonstrate and coach individuals or groups in exercise activities. HS or GED Apprent. Bach. 2 yr. CC L Civic and social associations; amusement and recreation; hospitals; eating and drinking places $14,680e $24,590 Above Average Flight Attendants ESR Work to insure the safety and comfort of airline passengers; give information, and serve food and drinks. HS or GED OJT Bach. Airline companies $17,700e $30,500 Above Average Food Preparation and Serving Workers SCR Perform duties that combine both food preparation and food service. HS or GED OJT Apprent. 2 Yr. CC Eating and drinking places; food stores; recreation services $12,450e $14,520 Above Average Funeral Attendants ESR Perform various tasks during funerals, such as carrying and placing casket, arranging lighting and flower arrangements, directing or escorting mourners. HS or GED OJT Apprent. Funeral services & crematories $14,530e $24,420 Above Average Hairdressers & Cosmetologists ESR Shampoo, cut, style, straighten, curl, and color hair; may give manicures, facials, advise on makeup and hairpieces. HS Voc. Ed. + OJT Trade 1 yr. CC L Beauty shops; self-employed; general merchandise stores $14,250e $22,830 Below Average Hosts & Hostesses ESR Welcome patrons, seat them at tables or in lounges, ensure quality of facilities and service. HS or GED OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC Eating and drinking places; hotels and motels; amusement & recreational services $12,810e $15,240 Above Average Janitors and Cleaners REC Keep office buildings and grounds clean and in good condition. HS or GED OJT 1 yr. CC Building services; educational services; personnel supply and government agencies; hospitals; general merchandise stores; business and health services $13,130e $17,750 Above Average Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers RCE Maintain lawns, trees, shrubs, flower gardens, and grounds, using hand or power tools and equipment. HS or GED HS Voc.Ed. Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Agricultural services; amusement and recreation services; local government agencies; real estate managers, developers; educational services $15,470e $20,900 Above Average Maids and Housekeepers RCE Maintain homes and commercial offices in clean and orderly manner; may move and arrange furniture, clean rooms. HS or GED OJT Hotels and motels; hospitals; building services; nursing and personal care facilities; real estate managers; education services $12,960e $16,570 Above Average Personal and Home Care Aides SEC Keep house and advise families on issues of nutrition, cleanliness, and household utilities. HS or GED OJT CC Residential and nursing care facilities; home health care services; social services; government agencies $13,460e $16,670 Above Average Pest Control Workers REC Use chemicals, machines and traps to kill or trap household pests, such as insects and rats. HS or GED HS Voc.Ed. OJT Apprent. L Building services; self-employed $16,910e $26,060 Above Average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers SER Patrol a specific area on foot or by car to maintain order, enforce laws, and protect life and property. HS or GED OJT Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. C Government agencies and police departments $24,830e $33,920 Above Average Recreation Workers ESR Plan, organize, and direct activities to help people enjoy their free time. OJT Apprent. 2 yr. CC Bach. Government agencies; civic and social associations; nursing and personal care facilities; amusement and recreation parks and services $13,150e $19,240 Above Average 22 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ �� ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Advertising Sales Agents ESA Call on businesses to sell or solicit advertising, such as graphic art, advertising time on radio or TV, advertising space in publications, custom made signs. HS or GED 2 yr. CC Bach. Printing and publishing companies; communications and advertising companies; mailing & reproduction services; public relations & management firms $21,210e $44,890 Above Average Cashiers CSE Receive money, make change, fill out charge forms, and give receipts; may sell tickets or goods, add up the cost of purchases, and operate machines. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Food stores; merchandise and department stores; auto dealers and service stations; eating and drinking places; building materials & garden supplies; apparel and furniture stores; recreation and laundry services; government agencies and business services $12,730e $15,600 Average Counter & Rental Clerks ESR Receive and/or deliver orders or services; compute costs; accept payment. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Laundries and cleaners; auto dealers, auto repair & service stations; wholesale companies selling hardware, plumbing, electrical supplies; equipment rental and video rental stores; building materials & garden supplies; general merchandise and food stores $13,700e $21,530 Above Average Demonstrators and Product Promoters ESA Demonstrate merchandise and answer questions in order to interest people in buying product. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed OJT Wholesale companies selling lumber, construction materials, drugs & groceries; general merchandise and retail stores; advertising firms; furniture and home furnishings stores $15,570e $25,320 Above Average Real Estate Sales Agents ESA Rent, buy, and sell property to clients; study property listings, interview clients, show property, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up contracts. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT CC L Real estate agents, managers and companies; self-employed; insurance companies; residential building contractors; developers $20,840e $43,680 Average Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing Products ESR Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers such as machines, tools, instruments, parts, furniture, equipment and supplies. HS or GED OJT Wholesale companies; building materials & garden supplies; communication and printing companies; furniture and retail stores; industrial machinery & equipment manufacturers; residential contractors $25,350e $49,760 Average Salespersons, Retail ESA Sell to the public any of a wide variety of merchandise; show items to customers and help them decide what to buy. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC General merchandise and retail stores; apparel, accessory goods; building & garden supply stores; furniture & home furnishing stores; auto dealers & service stations; food stores $13,070e $20,320 Above Average Securities, Commodities and Financial Service Sales Agents ESC Buy and sell securities (stocks and bonds) for customers; provide financial counseling. Bach R Security brokers and dealers; banks; personal credit institutions; self employed $29,880e $84,470 Above Average Telemarketers ESC Solicit orders for goods or services over the telephone. HS or GED OJT Business; personnel supply services; mortgage bankers & brokers; printing companies $15,960e $22,140 Average Travel Agents ECS Plan and arrange trips for customers; determine schedules, accommodations, costs. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Trade 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Transportation companies and services $19,450e $29,250 Average Sales & Marketing Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to selling goods and services, purchasing commodities and property for resale including the wholesale and retail markets. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “people” and often are persuasive in nature. They are skilled in speaking, listening and must effectively serve their clients and customers. Security Guards SEC Guard or patrol premises to prevent theft, violence or breaking of rules. OJT Apprent. L Education and business services; eating & drinking places; hospitals; general merchandise stores; real estate managers and building services; recreation services; hotels & motels $14,650e $20,970 Average Waiters and Waitresses ECS Take food and drink orders and serve customers. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Eating and drinking places; hotels and motels; nursing & personal care, residential care facilities; civic & social associations $12,420e $14,260 Above Average 23 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F��� ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Office & Administrative Support Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to preparing, transcribing, and preserving written and electronic communications and records including the collection, gathering and dissemination of information. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “data” and have to operate various types of office equipment. They often have to participate as a member of a team, and perform their duties with close attention to detail and a high level of accuracy. Those interacting with the public need good communication skills. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Bank Tellers CSE Cash checks for bank customers and help them deposit and withdraw money from their accounts. HS or GED OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Commercial and savings banks; credit unions; computer companies; business services $16,180e $20,610 Below Average Bill and Account Collectors ESR Locate and notify customers of bills past due; receive and record payments; begin repossession action. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. Apprent. 1 yr. CC Personal credit institutions; hospitals and medical offices; credit collections agencies; wholesale trades; banks and business services; communication companies; general merchandise stores $19,670e $26,350 Above Average Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks CSR Compute, order and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. Apprent . 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Wholesale companies; banks and businesses; food stores; accounting firms; government agencies; auto dealers, religious organizations; hospitals and medical offices $18,800e $26,780 Below Average Customer Service Representatives CES Interview applicants for water, gas, electric, or telephone service; receive orders for installation, discontinuance, or change in services. HS or GED Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Banks; telephone and communication companies; food stores; business and personnel supply services; health insurance companies; wholesale companies; printing companies; utilities & sanitary services; general merchandise stores $17,650e $26,510 Above Average Desktop Publishers RIE Using a computer screen, call up type and art elements from computer memory and position them into a completed page. Use knowledge of type styles and size and composition patterns. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC Printing and publishing companies; personnel supply services; variety of businesses $19,770e $29,260 Above Average Dispatchers: Police, Fire, Ambulance ECS Operate radio and telephone equipment to receive reports or complaints from the public about crimes, fires and medical emergencies; relay information to proper officials. HS or GED OJT Apprent. CC Government agencies; hospitals; local & intercity transit companies $17,900e $24,140 Average General Office Clerks CSE Type, file, record information, operate office machines, answer phones and similar tasks that help an office run smoothly. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. Apprent 1 yr. CC State & local governments; educational services; wholesale trades; trucking and warehousing; industrial machinery & equipment manufacturers; medical offices & clinics; banks and legal services; building contractors; auto dealers; real estate, business services $16,090e $22,800 Average Hotel, Motel Desk Clerks ECS Register guests, assign rooms and issue keys, give out mail and messages, answer questions, keep records, prepare bills, and collect payments. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Hotels and motels $13,870e $16,890 Above Average Human Resources Assistants CSE Compile and keep personnel records; record data, file, prepare reports. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. Apprent. 1 yr. CC Banks and business services, textile and furniture product manufacturers; hospitals and health services; government agencies $21,920e $29,090 Average Interviewers, except Eligibility and Loan CSE Interview people in order to complete forms, applications or questionnaires; record, sort, file. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. 1 yr. CC Hospitals; business and research services; management & public relations firms; medical offices & clinics $16,770e $21,730 Above Average Library Assistants, Clerical CSR Sort and shelve books, keep records, locate and issue library materials. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. 1 yr. CC Libraries and educational services; government agencies; legal services $12,970e $18,980 Above Average Postal Mail Carriers SCR Walk or drive over planned routes to deliver, collect and sort mail. HS or GED OJT US Postal Service $29,920e $36,580 Average 24 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P��� ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Farming, Fishing & Forestry Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to the production, propagation and gathering of animals, animal products, plants, and with providing related services. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “things” and “data.” They generally value working outdoors, in natural settings and with ecological systems. They often work independently and have self-management skills. Receptionists and Information Clerks CSE Greet customers and direct them to those who can help; may maintain records, schedule appointments, answer phone, type. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Medical and dental offices and clinics; wholesale trades; hospitals; government agencies; real estate agents & managers; educational, recreation and business services $15,410e 20,620 Average Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents ECS Make reservations for passengers and sell tickets for transportation agencies, such as airlines, bus companies, railroads. May direct passengers, check luggage. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. 1 yr. CC Airline companies; hotels & motels; transport and intercity transit services $14,140e $24,660 Average Secretaries, Executive and Administrative Assistants CSE Provide high-level administrative support, such as preparing reports, conducting research, handling information requests, preparing correspondence, scheduling appointments and meetings. HS Voc. Ed. Apprent. Trade 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Religious organizations; banks; government, business and personnel supply services; wholesale trades; computer and engineering firms; hospitals; education services $22,870e $30,880 Average Secretaries, Legal CSE Research and prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. HS Voc. Ed. Trade Apprent. 2 yr. CC Legal firms and services $21,630e $30,350 Average Secretaries, Medical CES Perform secretarial duties utilizing knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. HS Voc. Ed. Trade Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Offices and clinics of medical doctors and dentists; hospitals $18,410e $23,120 Average Stock Clerks and Order Fillers RCE Receive, store, and issue sales floor materials, equipment and merchandise. HS or GED OJT Food, general merchandise & retail stores; wholesale companies; textiles, apparel & furniture stores; build-ing materials & garden supplies; government agencies; trucking & warehousing companies; business & pers-onnel supply services $14,550e $20,290 Average Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Agricultural Inspectors REC Inspect agricultural products, equipment, facilities, and fish and logging operations. HS Voc. Ed. OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Bach. L Agricultural services; government agencies $23,720e $33,610 Below Average Farm and Ranch Managers ESR Operate farms, ranches, greenhouses, nurseries, timber tracts or other agricultural establishments. HS Voc. Ed. OJT 2 yr. CC Bach. Farms and agricultural production $22,620e $51,540 Below Average Farm Workers, animals REC Attend to live farm or ranch animals produced for animal products such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, milk and eggs. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Farms; agricultural and food production $13,900e $21,490 Average Farm Workers, crop REC Work with their hands and farm equipment to plant, cultivate, harvest, and store crops. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Farms and agricultural (crop) production $12,860e $15,720 Below Average Forest and Conservation Workers REI Plant, maintain and protect forests and woodlands. May harvest forest products, such as Christmas trees, and compile information on forest areas. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. CC Agricultural (crop) production; wholesale companies selling lumber & construction materials; lumber and logging companies; government agencies $17,220e $30,590 Average Logging Equipment Operators RCS Operate tractor or wheeled log-handling equipment to unload log trucks, separate and stack logs. HS or GED OJT 1 yr. CC 2 yr. CC Agricultural (crop) production; lumber and logging companies; paper companies $16,740e $25,130 Below Average 25 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○C○ ○ ○ ○A○ ○R○ ○ ○E○ ○E○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○ ○B○○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○I○E○ ○F○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○/○ ○ ○ ○P○ ○ ○R○ ○ ○O○ ○ ○F○ ○I○L○ ○E○ ○S○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Construction & Extraction Occupations This cluster includes occupations pertaining to working on materials at a specific site, which will change over time. People in these occupations usually have interests and skills in “things” and use a variety of tools to perform their duties. They must have a certain degree of physical strength in some of the occupations and mechanical aptitude specific to their occupation. Most have to effectively manage their time, materials, and resources to meet construction deadlines. Occupation HC Work Description Education Lic. Where Salary Outlook Brickmasons and Blockmasons REC Lays bricks, concrete and set cinder blocks for buildings and structures. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC Masonry, stonework and plastering contractors; building and special trades contractors; self-employed $26,040e $34,640 Above Average Carpenters REC Build, install, and repair wooden structures with hand and power tools. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC Residential and non-residential building contractors; self-employed; lumber & wood products companies $20,800e $29,060 Average Construction and Building Inspectors RIE Inspect new or remodeled construction to determine its soundness and compliance to specifications, building codes, and other regulations. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC L Local and state government; engineering and architectural firms; research & testing services $30,220e $43,300 Average Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers RCS Apply plasterboard or other wallboard to ceilings or interior walls of buildings; mount acoustical tiles or shock-absorbing materials to reduce or reflect sound. HS or GED OJT Apprent. CC Masonry, stonework, and plastering companies; residential, non-residential building and special trades contractors; self-employed $22,230e $29,710 Above Average Electricians RES Erect, install and repair wiring that carries electrical power in buildings and ships. HS or GED HS Voc. Ed. OJT Apprent. 1 yr. CC L Electrical and residential building contractors; textile, rubber and tobacco manufactures; plumbing, heating, air conditioning and utilities services; heavy |
OCLC number | 514138422 |