Find a Better Job. Michael Dolan

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СКАЧАТЬ such as having responsibility for a large number of people in potentially volatile situations, are designated as level 2. These include air traffic controllers and physicians.

      Physically demanding. Occupations considered physically demanding may require material moving, lifting, and handling. Workers in physically demanding jobs may also be required to be on their feet for long periods or may need manual dexterity and precise movement. Level 1 occupations that require occasional lifting and movement include chiropractic and recreation work. Level 2 occupations, such as logging or stonemason occupations, require a considerable amount of heavy lifting or constant movement.

      Economically sensitive. These occupations have historically prospered or suffered along with the economy. Occupations at level 1 are somewhat affected by the U.S. economy - that is, employment increases or decreases with the economy, but not markedly so. Occupations with level 1 characteristics include taxi drivers and travel agents. Employment in occupations at level 2, such as truck drivers and retail sales workers, grows or contracts with economic upturns and downturns to a much greater degree than at level 1.

      Geographically concentrated. Occupations with this characteristic have an unusually high proportion of jobs concentrated in parts of the United States. Occupations with employment in a few States or regions, such as nuclear engineers and aircraft mechanics, are designated as level 1. Occupations with employment in a small number of States or regions, including water transportation workers and aerospace engineers, are designated as level 2 - a higher level of employment concentration.

      Occupational Characteristics

      The next three criteria divide occupations into four groups of equal employment size. Occupations are then rated as very high, high, low, or very low for part-time availability, median earnings, and expected annual job openings. The latter number includes job openings projected to result from job growth and the need to replace individuals who change occupations or stop working in the occupation.

      Education and Training

      The education and training requirement for each occupation is classified into 1 of 11 categories identified in the legend for the table. Because there are a variety of ways to enter a field, occupations in the table are classified by the education and training background most workers need to be considered qualified for a job. These categories represent the minimum education and training requirement for entering and progressing in an occupation.

      For occupations requiring a college degree, the table indicates the level of degree workers need. For occupations requiring on-the-job training without attending postsecondary school, it notes the length of time workers must undergo training to become proficient. Remember, these education and training categories reflect the most common requirements for entering an occupation. For example, the educational requirement for teacher is level 5, a bachelor's degree. This is because teachers in all States are required to have a bachelor's degree for certification to teach in public schools. But in some States, teachers in public schools must have a master's degree while teachers in private schools may not have the same licensing requirements as do those in public schools.

      Reading your skills on the table

      A highly informative table matching these 22 characteristics to almost 250 jobs is available at the end of this book.

      This legend shows how to read the table:

      PERSONAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

      BLANK The skill or ability is required at a basic-level and is therefore not noted.

      οA secondary, but important, characteristic of an occupation. A practical level of knowledge and ability is required.

      •A primary, critical characteristic of an occupation. An advanced level of knowledge and ability is required.

      WORK CHARACTERISTICS

      BLANK The characteristic is uncommon and is therefore not noted.

      οA secondary, but important, characteristic of an occupation. The condition or requirement is met occasionally or somewhat.

      •A primary, critical characteristic of an occupation. The condition or requirement is met frequently or completely.

      OCCUPATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

      (VH) Very High The top 25 percent of all occupations, based on total employment.

      (H) High The top 50 to 25 percent of all occupations, based on total employment.

      (L) Low The bottom 25 percent to the top 50 percent of all occupations, based on total employment.

      (VL) Very Low The bottom 25 percent of all occupations, based on total employment.

      EDUCATION AND TRAINING CATEGORY

      1.First professional degree (such as doctor or lawyer) beyond high school

      Completion of a 6-year academic program

      2.Doctoral degree

      Completion of a 3-year academic program beyond a bachelor's degree

      3.Master's degree

      Completion of a 1- to 2-year academic program beyond a bachelor's degree

      4.Work experience plus a bachelor's degree

      Completion of a 4-year academic program or higher degree beyond high school, plus related occupational experience

      5.Bachelor's degree

      Completion of a 4-year academic program beyond high school

      6.Associate degree

      Completion of a 2-year academic program beyond high school

      7.Postsecondary vocational training

      Completion of a vocational training program

      8.Work experience

      Related occupational experience leading to development of specific skills

      9.Long term on-the-job training

      More than 1 year of on-the-job training or a combination of training and formal classroom instruction

      10.Moderate term on-the-job training

      1 to 12 months of on-the-job training

      11.Short term on-the-job training

      Up to 1 month of on-the-job training 8

      2. Changing Your Job

      Maybe you've been watching the clock more often and counting the hours until the end of the workday. Perhaps you're feeling the sting of losing a promotion, or wondering whether СКАЧАТЬ