Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Job Descriptions

Click on a job description below and get detailed information on each job

Accounting & Finance
Administration & Clerical
Advertising, Sales & Marketing
Arts & Design
Computer
Construction & Extraction
Contract & Freelance
Cosmetology & Wellness
Criminal Justice & Legal
Culinary, Travel & Hospitality
Education
Engineering
Executive
Farming, Fishing & Forestry
Government
Human Resources
Installation, Maintenance & Repair
Manufacturing
Marine & Diving
Medical & Health Care
Production
Protective Service
Religion & Theology
Science & Biotech
Service Occupation
Transportation





Have you begun looking for a change?

occupation change

Start your career planning with Career Explorer's job descriptions or career training. Starting a new career choice can be intimidating at first. We want to help you learn more about the field you're considering by first taking a career aptitude test.

Then find out the answers to your questions. How long does it take to finish school for your dream job? Can you enter the field with a diploma, or do you need a degree? Career Explorer can help you answer these questions.



We want to make these first steps easier!

Easy Steps

Career Explorer wants to make it easier by providing job descriptions about dozens of major career fields, what types of jobs are available in these fields and what the duties of these jobs are.

Taking your time and researching these job descriptions can make all the difference. If you're interested in learning about career development and new opportunities, Career Explorer is here to help!

Salaries

Salaries

Accounting & Finance
Salary Range: $38,940 — $141,700
Education Level (minimum): Bachelor degree in business administration, accounting, statistics or finance.
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012): 15 – 30%



Advertising & Marketing
Salary Range: $20,155 — $151,260
Education Level (minimum): Bachelor degree in advertising, marketing, public relations, and sales and management or similar
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012): 21 – 35%






Airline & Aviation
(Mechanics and Technicians)
Salary Range $34,860 — $139,330
Education Level (minimum) High School Diploma and A & P Certificate
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%






Animal Care & Veterinary Technician
Salary Range $20,500 — $44,030
Education Level (minimum) Associate degree in veterinary technology
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 36% +





Arts & Graphic Design
Salary Range $18,928 — $76,910
Education Level (minimum) Bachelor degree in art, design or related field
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%







Automotive & Diesel Technology
Salary Range $20,200 — $60,830
Education Level (minimum) Vocational training in high school or postsecondary school
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%






Broadcasting
Salary Range $24,731 — $97,635
Education Level (minimum) Bachelor degree in journalism or communication
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 3 – 9%




Business
Salary Range $33,820— $165,635 +
Education Level (minimum) Bachelor degree in business administration or similar
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%





Computers & Information Technology
Salary Range $36,110 — $153,120
Education Level (minimum) Bachelor degree or program certificate
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 20 – 30%






Construction
Salary Range $18,570 — $150,250
Education Level (minimum) High School or equivalent
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 15 – 20%






Cosmetology & Barbering
Salary Range $15,800— $45,400
Education Level (minimum) Liscensed cosmetology or barbering graduate
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%





Court Reporting
Salary Range $25,710 — $91,280
Education Level (minimum) Vocational or Technical schools/college training
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%



Criminal Justice
Salary Range $30,920 — $119,320
Education Level (minimum) Bachelor degree in social work, criminal justice or similar
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 21 – 35%



Culinary
Salary Range $15,900 — $70,960
Education Level (minimum) Post-high school vocational program
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 3 – 9%





Dental
Salary Range $22,680 — $161,020
Education Level (minimum) Dental assisting program through trade school or career college
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 21 – 35%



Drafting & Architecture
Salary Range $29,990— $119,500
Education Level (minimum) Professional degree in architecture
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%




Education & Childcare
Salary Range $15,900 — $153,540
Education Level (minimum) Associate degree
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 21 – 35%


Electronics & Computer Repair
Salary Range $19,310 — $84,490
Education Level (minimum) High school diploma or equivalent
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 3 – 9%


Electrician & Energy Trades
Salary Range $29,400 — $111,425
Education Level (minimum) Apprenticeship program
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 21 – 35%







Engineering
Salary Range $43,200 — $147,890
Education Level (minimum) Associate degree in engineering technology
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%





Fashion Design
Salary Range $32,500— $130,890
Education Level (minimum) Associate degree in art, design or similar
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%




Film & Photography
Salary Range $17,350— $111,860
Education Level (minimum) Postsecondary training school or career college
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%




Heating & Refrigeration (HVAC) Repair
Salary Range $26,490 — $66,930
Education Level (minimum) Technical school or apprenticeship training
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 21 – 35%





Homeland Security Specialist
Salary Range $17,540— $127,604
Education Level (minimum) Bachelor degree in criminal justice or similar
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 21 – 35%





Hotel & Hospitality & Casino
Salary Range $15,163 — $87,920
Education Level (minimum) High school or equivalent
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 16 – 28%



Interior Design
Salary Range $26,380— $84,900
Education Level (minimum) Associate degree in art, design or similar
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%




Legal & Paralegal
Salary Range $29,460 — $74,870
Education Level (minimum) Associate degree in paralegal or similar
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 21 – 35%
Source: BLS Occupational Employment Outlook




Massage Therapy
Salary Range $17,970 — $69,000
Education Level (minimum) Liscensed cosmetology or barbering graduate
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%






Medical & Healthcare
Salary Range $26,210— $235,000+
Education Level (minimum) Associate degree
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 21 – 35%





Military
Salary Range $15,534— $176,263
Education Level (minimum) High school or equivalent
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%





Personal Trainer
Salary Range $17,070 — $63,400
Education Level (minimum) High school or equivalent
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 21 — 35%





Restaurant Management
Salary Range $30,480— $80,410
Education Level (minimum) Associate degree in hospitality management or similar
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%




Telecommunications
Salary Range $25,584 — $92,435
Education Level (minimum) High school or equivalent
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 7 – 10%





Theology
Salary Range Vary from community and religion
Education Level (minimum) High school or equivalent
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%





Transportation & Trucking
Salary Range $16,000 — $57,480
Education Level (minimum) High school or equivalent and driving requirements
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%
Source: BLS Occupational Employment Outlook
BLS Occupational Employment Outlook





Travel & Tourism
Salary Range $16,490 — $50,620
Education Level (minimum) High school or equivalent
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%
Source: BLS Occupational Employment Outlook
BLS Occupational Employment Outlook








Welding & Machine Trades
Salary Range $22,870 — $53,690
Education Level (minimum) Postsecondary training school or career college
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012) 10 – 20%
Source: BLS Occupational Employment Outlook
BLS Occupational Employment Outlook

Financial Aid

Financial Aid

Loans

Unlike scholarships and need-based grants, student loans are available to almost everyone. Your eligibility for student loans doesn't necessarily depend on your financial status or academic achievements. Student loans are a great way to cover college expenses, but they are by no means "free money." After you finish school, you have to repay the money you borrow with interest. If you need money for school, don't let that hold you back! Your higher education will most likely open the doors to new career opportunities where you'll earn more money than you could without a degree or diploma. Ready to look for money for school?






FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a necessary step toward funding your education. Whether you are pursuing need-based grants, scholarships or student loans to help you afford the costs of college, the FAFSA should be your first priority. Even if you don't think you qualify for financial aid, it's worth your time and effort to complete the FAFSA each and every year. After all, there are many factors affecting eligibility for financial aid, meaning that if you aren't eligible one year, you could be the next!

To apply for student financial aid from the federal government, including the Stafford Loan, Perkins Loan, Pell Grant and work-study programs, you will need to submit the
FAFSA. The FAFSA is also required by all state and many school student assistance programs. There is no charge for submitting this form. Learn more about potential funding options below or visit the Federal Student Aid web site and get started today!






Scholarships, Fellowships and Grants

See If You Qualify For a Scholarships and Grantsclick here

Undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships and student grants are forms of aid that can help you pay for your college education. There are billions of dollars in scholarships, fellowships and grants awarded each year. Best of all, this form of student aid does not have to be repaid!

People are awarded scholarships, fellowships and grants for a variety of reasons. Generally, scholarships and fellowships are reserved for students with academic, athletic or artistic talent. However, awards are also available for students who live in certain parts of the country, who are interested in particular fields of study, who are members of underrepresented groups or for those who demonstrate financial need. If you don't fit into any of those categories, you should still browse through some of the free scholarship databases online because there are more and more unusual scholarships available. You never know when you're unique skills will come in handy!





Savings

Every dollar you save is a dollar less you'll need to borrow! It is never too early - or too late - to start saving for your or your child's education. After all, time is one of your most valuable assets, so the sooner you start, the more time your money will have to grow and earn interest. However, even if college is just a year or two away, there are tax benefits to saving in a section 529 college savings plan or prepaid tuition plan. Putting a portion of your paycheck aside now will allow it to earn interest, saving you money in the long run.

It is less expensive to save for college than to borrow money. When you save, the money earns interest, while when you borrow, you're paying the interest. Either way, you're setting aside a portion of your income to pay for college. Just keep in mind that paying for college before you or your child graduates definitely costs much less than paying for college afterward!






Military Aid

If you are currently in the military or interested in pursing an Armed Forces career, there are funding and educational options exclusively for you! Many people choose armed forces careers because of the college funding options available. Here are some of the military aid options:

* Montgomery GI Bill. Military student aid, such as the Montgomery GI Bill, is one of the options for funding. The Montgomery GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for college, business, technical or vocational courses, correspondence courses, apprenticeship/job training, and flight training.
* Tuition Assistance. Tuition assistance is another program for service members. Members of the armed forces can enroll in courses at accredited colleges, universities, and vocational or technical schools. Tuition assistance can pay up to 100 percent of the cost of the course.
* Reserved Officer Training Corps. One of the best military aid options is the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). In exchange for a military service commitment, the program provides you with money for college while you're in school. If you aren't sure about military life, take comfort in the fact that there is no military commitment for the first year in ROTC. You can try out the program and see if ROTC and the military are right for you. Full ROTC scholarships pay for almost all tuition, fees and books for four years of college. Scholarships also come in one-, two- and three-year lengths. ROTC students must take one military science course along with their other college courses and, upon graduation, enter the service as a commissioned officer.
* Military Academies. Although the application process is extremely competitive, service academies are a great option for someone who is ready to commit to pursuing an armed forces career. Each branch of the service operates its own service academy as a four-year school. All students receive a full scholarship with a small monthly stipend. Upon graduation, you'll have your Bachelor's degree, be free of college debt, and already have a career! Military academy graduates are immediately commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army, Air Force or Marine Corps, or as ensigns in the Navy or Coast Guard.

Or you can try Liberty Online Degrees

Take our Career Aptitude Test!

Take our Career Aptitude Test!


Finding a career that you will enjoy can help you look forward to going to work every day! By recognizing and using your strengths, you can also open the door to professional opportunities. With our career aptitude test, we will ask you questions - about your hobbies, your talents and what you enjoy doing. Your answers can help us determine your skills and interests - and find a career field that matches them.

And - best of all - our career aptitude test is free!



What are aptitude tests and how can they help me?


Career aptitude tests use a series of questions about your interests, about your style of working, and how you interact with other people. Remember, when taking a career aptitude test, it is important to be as honest as possible. Usually your first instinct is the right one. By answering these questions, a career aptitude test can help you figure out your natural preferences and strengths. Aptitude tests then try to match these preferences and strengths with a large database of careers. A career assessment test cannot guarantee the perfect career - but it can be a wonderful tool to use to narrow down your choices or open up avenues you might never have thought to explore!

Take a career aptitude test today! Get to know where your current strengths and abilities lie - and how you can showcase them to your best advantage. By learning more about yourself and about a variety of career fields, you could just find the perfect match!
More Free Career Assessment Tests

LiveCareer - LiveCareer.com offers a free aptitude test that will help you identify your own unique qualities and match them to careers that you may find rewarding. This aptitude test can help you determine your interests, your work preferences and your work personality.

Jung Personality Test - To be truly successful in a new career, you must first understand yourself. The Jung personality test offers insight into how you interact with others and how you can be perceived, similar to the Myers-Briggs personality test.

Culinary Programs

Start Your Culinary here
Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA


Find Culinary Degree Programs Now

The right culinary arts degree can potentially help prepare you to pursue a career in the culinary or hospitality industry.

If you're interested in pursuing a career as a baker or a line cook, culinary arts schools that offer a certificate in culinary arts might be a good option for you.

Program length varies by school, but could be completed in less than a year on average (and depending on your course load).

One popular option often offered at culinary arts schools is the associate's degree in culinary arts, which can generally be completed in two years, depending on course load.

Culinary degree programs are also offered at the diploma, bachelor's, and master's degree levels.

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks was $44,780 in May 2010.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, May 2010 statistics

Possible career paths for those interested in the culinary arts include baker, caterer, food stylist, professional chef, and restaurant or hotel manager.

Find Culinary degree programs - at a school near you or online - by using our simple search tool now!

Heald

Get Your Degree from Heald College
Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA

Get Your Degree from a Name You Trust.

Since 1863, Heald College has been providing students with quality education they can use to begin rewarding careers in some of America's most popular fields. Our school's reputation for excellence helps open doors with local employers.
Popular Career Education Programs

Career education is available in these and other popular fields: *

* Medical Assisting
* Pharmacy Technician
* Medical Insurance Billing and Coding
* Criminal Justice
* Medical Office Administration
* Paralegal
* Business Administration
* Health Information Technology

* Programs vary by campus and term.

University of Phoenix

Become a Phoenix
Campus Locations
Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA

Earn your degree on your terms. Whether you choose to learn online or at a local campus, you can count on challenging curriculum and a supportive learning environment.
Higher education made Highly accessible.

Since 1976, University of Phoenix has helped thousands of working adults reach their educational goals. With online and on-campus degree programs, University of Phoenix is dedicated to building a foundation for your success.

See what sets us apart:

* Accredited university
* Faculty with real-world experience
* Course schedules that fit your life

Real degrees designed
for the real world.

From associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees to certification and single courses, University of Phoenix offers programs to fit your schedule and interests such as:

* Business
* Criminal Justice
* Education
* Nursing & Health Care
* Psychology
* Information Technology
* Continuing Education




Accreditations and Licensures

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. For additional information, visit ncahlc.org.

*
Business Accreditation

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (www.acbsp.org) to offer the following business degrees: Associate of Arts in Foundations of Business, Associate of Arts in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Business, Master of Business Administration, Master of Management, Doctor of Business Administration, and Doctor of Management.
*
Nursing Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Master of Science in Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). For additional information, visit aacn.nche.edu.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
One Dupont Circle, NW
Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036-1120
*
Teacher Education Accreditation

The Master of Arts in Education program with options in Elementary Teacher Education and Secondary Teacher Education has been approved for initial accreditation by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) for a period of five years, from December 20, 2007 to December 20, 2012. For additional information, visit teac.org.
*
Counseling Accreditation

The Master of Science in Counseling program in Community Counseling (Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona campuses) and the Master of Science in Counseling program in Mental Health Counseling (Salt Lake City, Utah campuses) are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). For additional information, visit cacrep.org.
*
State and International Licensures

University of Phoenix is approved to operate in most U.S. states and other countries, either through licensure, registration, general or specific approvals, consent or exemption. Specific approval-related statements that are required by some states or provinces are as follows:

Florida: Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 2308.

Georgia: Authorized under the Nonpublic Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990.

Indiana: Fully accredited by the Indiana Commission for Postsecondary Proprietary Education. AC-0188. Indianapolis Campus: 7999 Knue Rd., Suites 100 & 500, Indianapolis, IN 46250; Northwest Indiana Campus: 8401 Ohio St., Merrillville, IN 46410.

Ohio: Registration Number 1154320. Cleveland Campus: 5005 Rockside Rd., Ste. 130, Independence, OH 44131-2194; Cincinnati Campus: 9050 Centre Pointe Dr., Ste. 250, West Chester, OH 45069-4875; Columbus Campus: 8415 Pulsar Place, Ste. 100, Columbus, OH 43240-4032.

Oklahoma: University of Phoenix is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (ncahlc.org). College credit granted by University of Phoenix. Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.

Puerto Rico: University of Phoenix operates under a renewal license granted by the Puerto Rico Council on Higher Education.

South Carolina: 1001 Pinnacle Point Dr., Columbia, SC 29223. Licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

Tennessee: Tennessee: Memphis Campus: 65 Germantown Court, Ste. 100, Cordova, TN 38018; Nashville Campus: 616 Marriott Dr., Ste. 150, Nashville, TN 37214; Chattanooga Campus: 1208 Pointe Centre Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37421. Clarksville Learning Center: 141 Chesapeake Dr., Clarksville, TN 37040; Murfreesboro Learning Center: 2615 Medical Center Pkwy., Murfreesboro, TN 37129.

Virginia: The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia has certified University of Phoenix, Richmond Campus, to operate in Virginia. University of Phoenix, Richmond Campus, 6600 West Broad Street, Ste. 200, Richmond, VA 23230.
*
Affiliations

University of Phoenix also maintains voluntary memberships with numerous organizations, including:

o American Council on Education
o Association of American Colleges
o American Association for Adult and Continuing Education
o American Association for Higher Education
o American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business
o Council for Adult and Experiential Learning
o College and University Personnel Association
o Arizona Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
o American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
o Independent Colleges and Universities of Arizona
o American Association of Colleges of Nursing
o Western Institute of Nursing
o National Board for Certified Counselors
o National Association for Foreign Student Admissions
o Association of International Educators
o National Association of Veterans Program Administrators
o Service members Opportunity Colleges
o Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Support
o Various professional, program-specific organizations