Using the words from the above exercises, what qualities do you think are most important for the following people to have?

a teacher a partner

a boss a politician

a soldier an accountant

a childminder a detective

a stockbroker a secretary

a scientist an interpreter

 

The texts given below describe you several professions. From these descriptions you can learn a lot about this or that profession.

1. Adventure Travel Guide

The job

Adventure travel guides organize and lead trips to exotic locations around the globe.

They make all travel arrangements, including reserving lodging and dining, scheduling activities and arranging for visas.

During the trip, these guides are responsible for educating the group on cultural customs, coaching individuals on the basics of various adventurous activities and overseeing all participants' well-being and safety.

Adventure travel may include activities such as mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing, horseback riding, diving, sailing, cave exploration and white-water rafting.

Skills

Adventure travel guides need effective communication and people skills as they deal with a variety of people and situations. Contagious enthusiasm and experience in a range of adventurous disciplines will ensure a successful trip.

It is crucial to be able to exercise good judgement under pressure and be resourceful when dealing with emergency situations that are bound to arise.

As a leader, adventure travel guides must be reliable and trustworthy to build the group confidence necessary for successful completion of potentially dangerous activities.

In such a small profession reputation is everything. Building and maintaining good rapport with employers and co-workers is essential.

Education

As a relatively new career, there is no accepted standard for training. Universities and travel companies are just beginning to offer programs.

While there is no specific certification required for adventure travel guides, some of the activities involved require certification that can be obtained through intensive programs.

Outlook

Although adventure travel is currently tourism's fastest-growing sector, competition is relatively high.

As Baby Boomers begin to retire and travel, there is expected to be an increased demand for adventure travel guides.

Related Careers

Camp counsellor, Naturalist, Park ranger, Tour guide.

 

2. Camp Counsellor

The job

Camp counsellors spend the majority of their time planning and organising recreational and educational activities for campers.

To be an effective camp counsellor, your campers must be having fun and learning at the same time.

This job often requires extensive physical activities.

Skills

You need to be able to keep up with your campers, so physical fitness is important.

Camp counsellors need to bring an abundance of energy and enthusiasm to work every day, as well as an ability to motivate children.

When it comes down to it, this job is all about working with kids. You must be able to relate to them and serve as a leader and role model, as well as arbitrate problems between campers.

Education

Requirements range from a high school diploma (sometimes less) to a graduate degree, depending on the position. Generally, the higher degree of education you have, the more likely you'll be put in a supervisory role.

Outlook

Employment of recreation workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2008.

Related Careers

Recreational supervisors, Recreational therapists, School counsellors, Social workers, Teachers, Youth counsellor.

 

3. Copywriter

The job

This job involves writing copy for various media that gets attention, communicates a message and prompts customers to take action as well as convey the company brand.

Copywriters build client relationships by providing information in a clear manner.

Often times, copywriters produce direct-mail pieces by creating content, establishing designs and ordering artwork.

Skills

Copywriters must have an excellent grasp of the written word and be able to alter their writing style for the material's desired impact.

They also need to be familiar with different marketing techniques and how their roles fit within that strategy. Copywriters must understand a company’s position within the industry and the world of target customers.

Attention to detail is important; one poorly chosen word can make a difference. Some copywriters juggle many projects, so time management skills are also critical.

Education

A college degree is usually required. Although some employers look for broad liberal arts backgrounds, most prefer to hire people with degrees in communications, journalism or English.

For those who specialize in a particular area, such as science, fashion or legal issues, additional background in the chosen field helps.

Outlook

The employment of writers and editors is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2008, partly because of the advent of online publications.

 

4. Coroner

The job

Coroners inquire into the cause of deaths. They decide if a death occurred under natural circumstances or due to accident, homicide or undetermined causes. Then they list the cause on the death certificate.

Coroners direct the activities of physicians and technologists who perform autopsies and tests to determine causes of death.

Coroners testify at inquests, hearings and court trials. They also direct workers to prepare documents for official records.

Coroners are appointed or elected to serve in a specific administrative area, such as a city or county.

Skills

Coroners should possess knowledge of living organisms and how they function as well as injuries, illnesses, and other defects that could cause death.

Excellent analytical and communication skills are important for getting and analyzing data or information and communicating findings to others.

They must be able to co-ordinate the work of others, make decisions and solve problems.

Education

There are different levels of preparation necessary to become a coroner, and this varies according to local law.

Outlook

Nationally, the number of jobs for inspectors and compliance officers, which includes coroners, is expected to grow about as fast as average through the year 2008.

Related Careers

Forensic science technician, Medical and clinical laboratory technologist (lab-tech), Physician

 

5. Events Planner

The job

Event planners design, organize and coordinate conferences, conventions, meetings, seminars, exhibitions, trade shows, festivals and other events.

They are responsible for participants' accommodations and transportation, facilities, catering, signage, displays, translation, audio-visual equipment, printing and security.

They also establish and monitor budgets to support these ventures.

Skills

Event planners should be well-organised and skilled in co-ordinating event logistics.

They must have excellent presentation skills as they have to clearly communicate information effectively and persuasively.

Knowledge of media relations and marketing is important when promoting events.

Education

Event planners typically possess bachelor's degrees in business administration, marketing, tourism or hospitality administration.

Related Careers

Administrative assistant, Executive assistant, Marketing professional, Public relations manager, Sales representative (sales rep)

 

6. Help Desk Representative

The job

Help desk representatives are EMTs for the knowledge economy. Providing productivity "first aid" to baffled, frustrated and sometimes clueless computer users, they combine customer service, technology training and computer troubleshooting abilities. They answer phone calls, interpret problems, provide simple technical support, keep track of issues and resolutions, use automated diagnostic programs and resolve recurrent problems.

When it comes down to it, this job is more about people than technology. If you don't enjoy helping others, lack patience and can't find satisfaction in reducing other people's stress, don't take a seat at the help desk.

Most help desks are part of a medium to large organisation's IT support function, reporting to the IT group. While even the smallest organisations need these types of services, they may not have the financial or technical resources to set one up, relying instead on an IT generalist or in-house computer guru.

Help desk representatives may be called on to work outside the 9-to-5 day if the organisations' activities require computer users to work beyond those hours.

Help desk reps can expect to straddle both edges of the technology curve. They need to constantly learn about new technologies while still supporting older installations.

Skills

Help Desk representative skills fall into four main groups:

Customer Service: including customer-oriented telephone and email/chat abilities that respond quickly, competently and patiently to customer requests.

Problem solving: gathering information, evaluating options and offering good solutions.

Product and technical knowledge: understanding both the overall systems environment, such as system maintenance, workstation support, Internet connectivity and security services, as well as the specific products in use. Familiarity with alternative products and the nature of technical problems is also important.

Training and education: knowing how to present complex technical information to non-technical audiences, an ability to design and deliver instructional training is also valuable.

An additional nice-to-have skill is non-English language fluency sufficient to conduct technical support and training in that language.

Education

Computer support specialists generally need only an associate's degree in a computer-related field as well as significant hands-on experience with computers.

Earning certifications in the specific technologies or products in use at the workplace is valuable and might be considered a prerequisite for advancement.

Outlook

The last 10 years have seen virtually every industry reshaped by the presence of computing and telecommunications technologies. The presence of these devices on every desk has not, however, made everyone sitting in front of them an expert user. In today's technologically diverse and complicated workplaces, every organisation needs help desk representatives to answer questions, get detailed information on a specific issue, resolve problems or locate further assistance.

The economic outlook for computer and data processing support services is good for at least the next six years. Ten-year forecasts in 1998 projected 117 percent growth for computer and data processing services by 2008, making it the economy's fastest-growing sector. Support functions were forecast to grow at nearly twice that rate.

Related Careers

Customer service representative, Technical sales support, Technical support representative

 

7. Interpreter /Translator

The job

Interpreters and translators convert written, oral or sign language text into another language.

Both interpreters and translators must be careful while converting information between languages. They must not change the meaning of the information or include their own interpretation.

Skills

Interpreters and translators must display the ability toremember, understand and use words in at least two languages when writing or talking.

This requires knowledge of the structure and content of both English and a non-English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar and pronunciation.

This work often requires the ability to quickly make decisions.

Education

Many colleges and universities have four-year programs in foreign languages. However, these are usually not enough preparation for translator or interpreter positions. An advanced degree is often useful.

It is very helpful to live in a country in which the language is spoken. It also helps to read magazines, ads, books and other materials in that language.

Those who are interested in a career as an interpreter for the deaf may train through certified programs offered by colleges and special vocational programs.

Outlook

Although software that translates documents between languages is available, it is limited. Thus, translators should not lose many jobs to this technology in the next few years.

Although these jobs are hard to find, there are opportunities in international business for people who know other languages and cultures.

Interpreters for the deaf are in short supply. The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has increased the need for interpreters.

 

8. Minister

The job

A Protestant minister leads the congregation in worship services and administers various rites of the church, such as baptism, confirmation and Holy Communion.

In smaller parishes, a minister will also deal personally with parishioners. Those who serve large congregations may share these aspects of the ministry with one or more associates or assistants.

Depending on the denomination, women may also be allowed to be ordained.

Skills

Ministers must be truly skilled communicators with an excellent ability to read, listen, speak and write. They must be comfortable orating in front of small and large groups alike; good ministers can motivate, enthuse and inspire their congregations.

Since ministers will often be talking to people about emotional issues, they need to be learned in conflict resolution and psychology.

Ministers usually have the ability to make people feel comfortable in their presence and can relate to wide spectrum of individuals. Knowledge of various subjects can help on this front.

Education

The ministry's education requirements really depend on the denomination. Many denominations require a bachelor's degree and study at a theological seminary.

Some denominations will accept various types of training from bible schools or liberal arts schools. And there are still other denominations with no educational requirements for ministers.

Outlook

There will always be a need for ministers. Most of the turnover in this field is due to the need to replace ministers, who retire, pass away or leave the ministry.

The competition in this field really depends on the denomination and geographic region. The best opportunities in the future will be for part-time positions at small congregations.

Related Careers

Chaplain, Priest, Rabbi, Therapist, Teacher, Youth Counsellor

 

9. Narcotics Officer

The job

Narcotics officers enforce laws and regulations relating to illegal drugs.

They conduct complex criminal investigations, carry out surveillance of criminals and infiltrate illicit drug organizations using undercover techniques.

Skills

Characteristics such as honesty, sound judgement, integrity and a sense of responsibility are especially important in law enforcement.

Knowledge of self-defence tactics and expert use of firearms are essential in this potentially dangerous line of work.

Good communications skills and an ability to remain calm under pressure are also critical.

Education

Helpful courses to prepare for a career in law enforcement include criminal justice, police science, accounting, finance, computer science and foreign languages.

Physical education and sports are helpful in developing the competitiveness, stamina and agility needed for many law enforcement positions.

Applicants for special agent jobs with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) must have a college degree and either one year of experience conducting criminal investigations, one year of graduate school or achieved at least a 2.95 grade-point average while in college.

DEA special agents undergo 14 weeks of specialized training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Outlook

The level of government spending determines the level of employment for law enforcement workers. The number of job opportunities can vary from year to year and location to location.

However, a more security-conscious society and concern about drug-related crimes should contribute to the increasing demand for narcotics officers' services.

Layoffs are rare, because retirements enable most staffing cuts to be handled through attrition.

Related Careers

Correctional officer, Detective, Investigator, Police officer, Security guard

 

10. Paralegal

The job

Paralegals assist lawyers by identifying appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles and other materials relevant to assigned cases. After they analyze and organize the information, paralegals may prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how cases should be handled.

In legal proceedings, paralegals may help prepare the legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions to be filed with the court, obtain affidavits and assist attorneys during trials.

Paralegals also organize and track important case documents, making them easily accessible to attorneys.

Skills

Ability to document and present their findings and opinions to their supervising attorneys.

General knowledge of the law and legal terminology.

Good research and investigative skills, and familiarity with the operation and applications of computers in legal research and litigation support.

Education

Formal paralegal training can be obtained through associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs or certification programs. Increasingly, employers prefer graduates of four-year paralegal programs or college graduates who have completed paralegal certificate programs that take only a few months to complete.

Participation in continuing legal education seminars to maintain and expand legal knowledge.

Outlook

Paralegals are projected to rank among the fastest-growing occupations in the economy through 2008 as they increasingly perform many legal tasks formerly carried out by lawyers.

Stiff competition is expected as the number of paralegal training program graduates and others seeking to enter the field outpaces job growth.

Private law firms will continue to be the largest employers of paralegals, but a growing array of other organizations, such as corporate legal departments, government agencies, insurance companies, consumer organizations, real estate and title insurance firms, and banks will also continue to hire paralegals.

Related Careers

Legal secretary, Abstractor, Court clerk, Claims examiner, Compliance and enforcement inspector, Occupational safety and health (OSH) worker, Patent agent, Title examiner

 

11. Park Ranger

The job

Park rangers are charged with protecting our parks and wildlife. They often work in rural and wilderness settings but can be found in city parks, historical sites, nature preserves and recreation areas.

Park rangers offer a wealth of knowledge to visitors: They prepare exhibits and informational material about the park, develop conservation programs, and lead tours and nature walks.

Rangers are also involved in conserving the lands they oversee, including studying wildlife behaviour and monitoring air and water quality to determine if the ecosystem is in working order.

In larger parks, rangers may search for lost hikers, rescue stranded mountain climbers, supervise fire-fighting crews and tend to injured park guests. Rangers are also responsible for enforcing park regulations.

Skills

A park ranger’s job often requires adapting to various situations, some of them urgent and emergency related.

The ability to work independently and with a group is especially important, as is leadership skills, as rangers often have to manage and coordinate groups of people.

Education

Some positions require a bachelor's degree, and a master's degree is very helpful for advancing to supervisory positions.

Recommended courses include park and recreation management, business or public administration and the natural sciences.

Outlook

The outlook for ranger jobs depends on economic conditions but is expected to be steady over the next decade.

Related Careers

Conservationist, Environmentalist, Park naturalist, Peace officer.

 

12. Phlebotomist

The job

The lifeblood of a phlebotomist's job is, well, blood. A phlebotomist draws blood for tests, transfusions, donations and research.

Phlebotomist draw blood samples by venipuncture, skin puncture or arterial collection.

For apparent reasons, safety precautions must be taken to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. Phlebotomists must adhere to strict policies and procedures while treating patients with care.

These healthcare professionals may work in hospitals, commercial laboratories, private physician offices, public health departments, clinics or blood banks.

Skills

One of the main qualifications is an understanding of infection control and sterilization practices. Phlebotomists must be familiar with medical/hospital procedures and environments.

Phlebotomists must also be able to perform diagnostic procedures and accurately interpret results. They need to analyse information to make appropriate recommendations.

Obviously, good bedside manners are important too. Blood may not make you squeamish, but it does tend to have that effect on some. Phlebotomists deal with those people every day.

Education

Educational requirements vary from state to state. Some states suggest certain certifications, and others require them.

There are a handful of widely recognized certifications. An organization will often hire someone as a phlebotomist, and then sponsor that person for a certification program or certify the individual in-house.

Outlook

According to an annual report from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, phlebotomists are in high demand. In fact, the report on a variety of medical occupations says, "Phlebotomists continued to be the most difficult day shift to fill, as vacancies increased significantly from 1998 at 23 percent to 27 percent in 2000."

Technological advances will continue to have two opposing effects on employment through 2008. Increasingly powerful diagnostic tests will encourage additional testing and spur employment. However, advances in laboratory automation and simple tests, which make it possible for each worker to perform more tests, should slow growth.

Related Careers

Blood bank manager, Blood bank technician, Laboratory technician (lab-tech), Licensed practical nurse, and Physician assistant, School nurse

 

13. Technical Writer

The job

Technical writers put scientific and technical information into easily understandable language.

They prepare operating and maintenance manuals, catalogs, parts lists, assembly instructions, sales promotion materials and project proposals.

Technical writers also plan and edit technical reports and oversee preparation of illustrations, photographs, diagrams and charts.

Skills

Technical writers must be able to express ideas clearly and logically and should love to write. They are also often times required to have technical proficiency.

Creativity, curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, self-motivation and perseverance also are valuable.

Education

A college degree generally is required for a position as a technical writer. Although some employers look for a broad liberal arts background, most prefer to hire people with degrees in communications, journalism or English.

Technical writing requires a degree in, or some knowledge about, a specialized field — engineering, business, or one of the sciences, for example. In many cases, people with good writing skills can learn specialized knowledge on the job. Some transfer from jobs as technicians, scientists or engineers. Others begin as research assistants or trainees in a technical information department, develop technical communication skills and then assume writing duties.

Outlook

Demand for technical writers is expected to increase because of the continuing expansion of scientific and technical information and the need to communicate it to others.

In addition to job openings created by employment growth, many openings will occur as experienced workers transfer to other occupations or leave the labour force.

Turnover is relatively high in this occupation; many freelancers leave because they cannot earn enough money.

Related Careers

Copywriter, Editor, News reporter, Creative writer

 

14. Veterinarian

The job

Most veterinarians perform clinical work in private practices and spend more than 50 percent of their time treating small animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rabbits and other animals that can be kept as pets. Some veterinarians work in mixed animal practices, and may also see pigs, goats, sheep and other non-domestic animals.

Veterinarians in clinical practice diagnose animal health problems, vaccinate against diseases such as distemper and rabies, medicate animals suffering from infections or illnesses, treat and dress wounds, set fractures, perform surgery, and advise owners about animal feeding, behaviour and breeding.

Skills

Veterinarians must understand the behaviour of domestic animals and wildlife and know animal husbandry policies and procedures.

Veterinarians should be able to perform medical tests and accurately interpret results, keep training current in use of new medical technologies, and quickly make decisions in emergencies.

They should have an affinity for animals and the ability to get along with animal owners.

Education

Prospective veterinarians must graduate from a four-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine with a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM or VMD) degree and obtain a license to practice.

There are 27 colleges in 26 states that meet accreditation standards set by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Outlook

Employment of veterinarians is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2008.

Job openings stemming from the need to replace veterinarians who retire or otherwise leave the workforce will be almost as numerous as new jobs resulting from employment growth over the next several years.

Related Careers

Animal trainer, Animal breeder, Chiropractor, Dentist, Optometrist, Physician, Veterinary technician