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Economics – Personal Finance Project Job Descriptions and Salaries Art Director – Average Salary $55,000 / year This is a fast-paced, creative position that is most often found in large media organizations such as newspapers, magazines, publishing houses, production companies and advertising firms. In larger organizations, the Art Director may report to a Senior Art Director, while in other organizations he or she may report directly to the Vice President or other executive staff. The Art Director will typically manage junior associates including graphic designers, photographers and other junior creatives. A person in this role will usually work closely with the organization’s Marketing Director or other creative lead. He or she will also work with vendors and clients outside of the organization, cultivating and maintaining these important relationships. To succeed in this role, a person should be creative, have strong communication skills, exhibit a great attention to detail, easily build rapport with others and excel at managing and motivating team members. This role should be held by someone who can successfully manage shifting priorities, tight deadlines and last minute requests. This person would also need to be well versed in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator, and he or she should have a love of typography and design. Accountant – Average Salary $46,000 / year An accountant will spend most of the time within an office setting. Standard working hours are first shift Monday-Friday. In order to meet the requirements of becoming an accountant, one must posses certain qualities. A sense of organization is strongly needed, as there are many records within the company that the accountant must keep track of. Records will include but may not be limited to: liabilities, assets, tax liabilities, profit and loss, and any of the organization's other financial activities. The accountant will also be responsible for preparing the financial reports by reviewing and analyzing the financial data received from the company. Management will also require the accountant to generate and interpret financial records. In addition to preparing reports and maintaining records, the accountant will also be in charge of maintaining the general ledger. Holding a Bachelor's or Master's degree in accounting is typically required for this position. The majority of this job revolves around the use of numbers and computations, and much of the work will be done on a computer. The accountant will often times have to talk to upper management, and it will be necessary to not only have written, but verbal communication skills as well. This position can be mentally stressful at times, but an accountant must be willing to pay attention to detail each and every day. The accountant will be trusted with the financial data of the company and will be required to examine the data to make sure that all financial records are accurate. Attorney/ Lawyer – Average Salary $75, 000 / year Attorneys apply the law to specific situations and advise their clients on a course of action based on legal rights and responsibilities. Some attorneys work in the business world, providing counsel to corporate clients on business transactions. Other attorneys work with persons in the legal system, advocating on their behalf and representing them in court actions. Attorneys specialize in an area of law, such as contracts, criminal cases, or patent litigation. Most lawyers work in private practice, either self-employed or with a group of attorneys hired by clients for specific matters. Some lawyers work as in-house counsel for a corporation or government entity. Since much of the legal system is time-sensitive, most attorneys must work long hours. Most attorneys work in an office environment, law library, or a courtroom setting. Attorneys must complete many years of education; after attaining an undergraduate degree, they must complete a program, typically three years long, at a law school to obtain the juris doctorate degree (J.D.). To practice as an attorney, one must pass a lengthy, difficult examination that varies state by state. Attorneys must have excellent analytic ability and be able to interpret laws and legal rulings. They must be skilled at gathering and applying information, as well as be very detail-oriented, able to retain large amounts of information, and accurate in execution of their duties. Attorneys must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and be able to generate persuasive arguments. They also must excel at problem-solving tasks. Bank Teller – Average Salary $10/ hour = Approx. $25, 000 / year Bank tellers hold one of the most visible positions at any bank or credit union. Whether it’s withdrawing funds or depositing them, at some point, each bank customer interacts with a teller; that means customer service skills are paramount in keeping the customers happy. The position also requires absolute accuracy, as being off on your “drawer” is not allowed. The average day for a bank teller requires a wide variety of skills. The bank teller must have the ability to perform basic arithmetic; counting money can be a tedious task, but it is one of the most important in a bank. Besides customer service and math skills, a bank teller must be proficient with computers and inputting data; most banking-related tasks require constant and consistent record keeping. A bank teller will usually work alongside other bank tellers and staff, reporting the bank’s management staff. The primary focus of the bank teller is working the customer, so interactions with customers comprise most of the teller's day. Tellers are needed from the time the bank opens in the morning until close in the evening; some banks have tellers work long shifts, but most have shorter shifts to break up the work load among various tellers. Bank tellers hold an entry-level position in the financial industry. Educational requirements usually include a high school diploma or GED, and the banks provide training and certifications based on company policies and regulations regarding tellers. Carpenter – Average Salary $18 / hour = Approx. $40,000 / year A carpenter must be able to build closets, counters, shelves, cabinets, doors, bulletin boards, window, wall panels and other related finish carpentry items. The work is mostly physical labor, but mental ability is needed as well. A carpenter must have good math skills to be able to measure correctly. The job involves bending, lifting and some repetitive motions. A carpenter must be able to work with the general public and accommodate their needs. He or she must be able to work from blueprints, sketches and drawings in addition to following verbal and written descriptions to accomplish the job. They must be able to select lumber, materials and supplies; and dismantle or demolish and remove designated items prior to the commencement of repairs. A carpenter ust be able to use a variety of power tools and hand tools. Work can be inside or outside in most any weather. Almost all types of businesses have a need for a carpenter eventually. Work can be done in solitary or with a team of other carpenters and supervisors. Most companies that hire carpenters are looking for experience or apprenticeship work or some kind of formal training. A carpenter usually works a typical daytime shift, but could be asked to work non-typical hours that do not coincide with the client's work hours so as not to disrupt the normal business. Carpenters can have a specialty that they are proficient in, such as cabinetry, or can do general carpentry work. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) – Average Salary $10/ hr. = Approx. $25,000 / year A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an health medical professional that works in a variety of healthcare environments, including hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, and physician offices. CNAs generally work under the supervision of a registered nurse, performing direct patient care tasks. Job duties of a CNA may include taking patient vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living (bathing, eating, and mobility), administering medications, and attending to patient needs. The CNA reports any changes in patient condition to the registered nurse for further assessment. To be employed as a CNA, one must first complete a technical program to learn the skills necessary to be successful in the field. Coursework in a CNA program includes basic anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing skills. Programs generally range in length from 6 months to 1 year. After completion of a formal program, the title CNA is earned via passing a state certification exam. To be successful as a CNA, several qualities are needed. A good CNA must be organized, efficient, and able to multi-task. Attention to details is key. The job, although indoors, requires some physical ability. The strength to lift and move adult patients is required. CNAs generally work the same schedule as other health care personnel, either five 8-hour shifts per week or three 12-hour shifts per week. Hours can vary, and may include nights, weekends and holidays. Overall, a career as a CNA is a perfect choice for career stability and those dedicated to helping others. Chemical Engineer – Average Salary $75,000 / year Chemical engineers find solutions to problems such as pollution, world hunger, and energy demands. They also conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes that are more efficient and less harmful to the environment. They typically work indoors in laboratories, utilizing the newest and most advanced technology. Chemical engineers will typically find themselves working in teams with other engineers. All of them may be specialized in different areas in order to cover all aspects of a project. A forty to fifty hour week is typical for a chemical engineer. Their average work day consists of performing calculations and experiments, going over variables, and creating computer models. Chemical engineers perform density, gravity, and pressure tests at various stages of production in order to ensure accurate results. They are constantly faced with challenges that require innovative thinking. They are efficient with time and money, consistently evaluating the time and cost to complete projects. Since they work with dangerous chemicals, they are concerned with developing safety procedures for themselves and others working close to possible chemical reactions. Most chemical engineering positions only require a bachelor's degree, but leadership opportunities and higher salaries are available to those who have a master's or doctorate degree. All types of industries employ chemical engineers, from food and textile companies to aerospace, electronic, and pharmaceutical companies. Chemical engineers can depend on finding consistent and challenging work in any field. Computer Programmer – Average Salary $52,000 / year The basic role of a Computer Programer is to create and modify the software programs that provide the instructions that tell a computer how to accomplish a specific task. They write these programs in special languages known as programming languages (such as C++) that allow computers to understand and accomplish the desired goals of the program. In addition to writing and creating computer software Computer Programers also are responsible for the maintenance and repair of existing software, as well as modifying programs to meet the specific needs and desires of the end-users of the programs. To effectively understand and obtain the desired results from their software programers work collaborate closely with both end-users and the systems administrators of the networks running the software. When issues arise with their software, programmers in conjunction with Network Administrators and Help Desk Support Techs, troubleshoot the problems and develop fixes for the specific problem. For software intended for used by a large customer base or in an enterprise environment Computer Programers very often work on development teams with Software and Hardware Engineers to write software programs that avoid potential issues caused by known hardware/software conflicts. The ability to brainstorm ideas, collaborate with others and troubleshoot work process are the basic traits of successful Computer Programers. Once Computer Programers have written their software they work very closely with the individuals who will write the actually documentation that will provided instructions to the end-users of the software. In some cases the end-user documentation may be written by the Computer Programer who actually wrote the software. As Computer Programers gain experience and knowledge they ofter progress on to becoming Software Engineers, a role requiring more experience and technical education. Dental Hygienist – Average Salary $31 / hour = Approximately $60,000 / year A Dental Hygienist’s responsibility is to help prevent dental related diseases in their patients. Dental Hygienists will usually work with a certified dentist to meet the oral health concerns of patients. Some basic job responsibilities and tasks include, giving patients routine cleanings in order to remove plaque and other caustic substances from all surfaces of the teeth, testing patients’ teeth for cavities and other abnormalities, assessment of the patient’s health history, applying anesthesia to patients going through surgery, applying different treatments such as fluoride in order to prevent future cavities and diseases, taking and developing dental X-rays in order to assess current and future dental problems, and assisting dentists with their work. It is also the responsibility of a Dental Hygienist to talk to their patients about proper dental care and promote good nutrition habits in order to prevent further dental health problems. Along with these hands on activities, Dental Hygienists also perform general documentation procedures and office management involving their patient’s documented information. To become a Dental Hygienist, one can go through a variety of different accredited academic programs offered at Universities, Technical Schools, Community Colleges and Dental Schools. The dental hygiene programs offered at Universities will more than likely require two years of schooling in order to get a Baccalaureate or Master's Degree. Community college programs are also usually two years but will require you to take additional examinations in order to become a licensed dental worker. Dentist – Average Salary $120,000 / year Dentistry is a field of medicine that pertains to the health and treatment of the teeth and mouth. Dentists can be general practitioners or specialists; specialties include dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Dentists typically go through four years of dental schooling after completing a bachelor's degree program. Dentists seeking further accreditation in specialty areas often additional years of schooling. Once they complete the program, they will receive a DDS or DMD degree, allowing them to practice. Dentists prevent, diagnose, and treat problems with the mouth, teeth, or gums. They can treat diseases (such as gum disease), injuries, or malformations that occur. Dentists examine x-rays to identify underlying problems with a person’s mouth and help correct those issues. They fill cavities and place sealants where necessary. Dentists can also repair broken teeth or correct the orientation of crooked teeth by strengthening them. Dentists often help patients improve their smile by using cosmetic dental procedures such as whitening. They can develop molds of a person’s mouth to create dentures for missing teeth. They advise patients on how to maintain the health of their teeth by brushing, flossing, and other aspects of dental care. Most dentists are self-employed, building up their own practices and working full time. This usually requires a start-up investment. They must hire and train dental hygienists and secretaries; having staff means dentists provide medical insurance and other benefits to their employees. Elementary School Teacher – Average Salary $41,000 / year To work as an elementary school teacher, patience is a requirement. You should be able to use audiovisual aids in order to help teach lessons and lectures. Duties include preparation and correction and grading of assignments and tests, ability to counsel students when there are classroom issues, keep up with attendance as is required by the school, coordinate educational field trips, and maintain order of a large group of children in and outside of the classroom while on school property. Minimum requirements include certification from the state in elementary education and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Elementary school teachers are required to be able to listen and speak for long periods of time and spend hours walking, standing and occasionally sitting. This is a physical and mental job. Most company will include a classroom of students grades 6 or below and on occasion other teachers or school principal. This job is 5 days a week in the classroom from morning to mid afternoon and requires time spent at home to be focused on work, grading, and creating outlines of study plans as well. Elementary school teachers may be employed in elementary schools only and should have prior experience in dealing with children, especially for long periods of time. Special knowledge in certain subjects such as English and early education mathematics is also necessary for this job. Teachers are also expected to keep track of grades and have open communication with both students and their parents and be able to maturely address any issues that may arise with behavioral problems or grades. Event Coordinator – Average Salary $37,000 / year An Event Coordinator is a person who is hired by a client or employer that needs assistance in planning one or many events. The job of the coordinator is to meet with clients in order to plan, brainstorm and budget the event that will be held. The coordinator will then hire staff, decide who caters, they hire the bands and all the little accessories that go along with any event. They can also be in charge of the guest list and the marketing of the event. The coordinator is the “Go To” person. They ultimately are the one in charge of everyone working on the event. If a problem surfaces they are who must set up another plan. If someone cancels they find a replacement. The duties are endless and the responsibility is overwhelming at times. There is more to an Event Coordinator then picking colors and deciding what food will be served. The coordinator must be a leader, they must take charge and be decisive. They have to be bookkeepers and secretaries. They are an essential part of an event. They are the part that makes things run smoothly and in an orderly fashion. They time the food and the dances. They resolve the problems that can be caused by a hundred different things. The job is heavy and the Event Coordinator must always be on top of things. And when the event is over the coordinator is who makes sure the staff is paid and the venders get back equipment that was borrowed. Family Nurse Practitioner – Average Salary $80,000 / year A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) with a specialty certification in family practice. To become a FNP, one must first be licensed as a registered nurse. A minimum of a master’s degree in nursing is required, which generally takes 6 years of continuous studies. Some college programs have begun requiring a minimum of a doctorate degree for entry into practice. Most master’s degree programs have strict requirements for entrance, including experience, volunteer work and excellent references. The program is intense, requiring both classroom and clinical components. It is ideal not to maintain employment for the duration of the program. Family Nurse Practitioners are nationally certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and individually licensed by each individual state board of nursing. The scope of practice of an FNP/ARNP varies by state. In general, an FNP provides primary care services to men, women and children under the supervision of a physician. The FNP role includes assessment, diagnosis and treatment of common conditions, as well as preventative care services. FNPs may order laboratory work, medical tests, and prescriptions. They may also assist physicians during surgery or complicated medical procedures. FNPs work in a variety of settings, including physicians' offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and urgent care clinics. Working conditions are very favorable. Generally, FNPs work a constant schedule of Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nights, holidays and weekends are rare for the FNP. A career as an FNP is a great choice for those interested in both medicine and nursing. Front Desk Receptionist – Average Salary $11.00 / hour = Approx. $25,000 / year The front desk receptionist is the first line of contact with those who contact the office, including visitors, customers, and the general public. As the position requires a great deal of interaction with people, a socially outgoing and gregarious person would do well in the job. The receptionist will greet and respond to all manner of inquiries (in person, by phone, or by other means such as mail or email) from customers, visitors, and the general public, as well as announce visitors and keep a log of office guests. The ability to operate a telephone switchboard to answer, screen, and transfer calls as well as make outgoing calls are key elements of the job, as are taking down and relaying messages to coworkers when necessary. The receptionist will be responsible for administrative support duties that include the use of computers, calculators, and fax machines as well as other standard office equipment. The position requires mastery of typing and proofreading skills (impeccable English skills are a must), and the receptionist will also be asked to prepare and process outgoing mail and sign for deliveries that are brought to the office. The position is full-time, and the receptionist would be expected to work during normal business hours on weekdays, with occasional additional hours on weeknights to finish any extra administrative work that was not completed during standard hours. The front desk receptionist reports directly to the office manager, though the receptionist may be asked to complete tasks for other professionals in the office. General Manager (Restaurant) – Average Salary $43,000 / year The general manager of a restaurant is responsible for overseeing all of the restaurant's operations, which includes hiring and firing staff, purchasing food, supplies and equipment, and dealing with suppliers and vendors. The general manager also oversees maintenance and upkeep of the dining areas, kitchen, and exterior grounds of the restaurant; scheduling of staff; decisions regarding the menu; budgeting, accounting, payroll, and other financial matters; promoting and advertising the restaurant; and dealing with the legal and regulatory issues involved in running a business. The general manager is likely to be on the premises much of the time, particularly during busy dining times or busy seasons. They may interact with customers from time to time, but are more likely working behind the scenes to keep the whole operation running smoothly. There may be additional areas of responsibility, such as marketing and promotion, or finding entertainment or scheduling other events. The general manager must be skilled in handling stressful working conditions, be an excellent multitasker, and be able to deal with frequent interruptions calmly and decisively. Depending on the size of the restaurant, the general manager may not directly involve themselves in every aspect or task in the restaurant; that means delegation is a key skill for any manager. Extensive experience with restaurant employment and management is helpful to the general manager. High School Teacher – Average Salary $44,000 / year A high school teacher is instrumental in the education of our youth. These teachers help to shape the future by providing not only knowledge to high school students, but a sense of confidence and self-worth, as well. Students in high school look to their teachers for accurate information on the class subject matter as well as fair and honest grading on assignments, as only with good feedback can students improve and excel. A good teacher is attentive to detail and is able to work with teenagers with a sense of patience and understanding. A teacher should be able to determine if the class is moving too fast and be able to slow things down so that students can keep up. High school teachers should also be familiar with the signs of domestic abuse, and are required to report any such suspicions to the appropriate state agencies. A degree in education is preferred, but a bachelor's degree in a related subject area may also be accepted. Teachers must have passed the PRAXIS or other state-required exam, and must have a teaching certificate in the state of employment. High school teachers should be familiar with any state testing requirements, and should know what level of accountability will apply to the teacher. A good teacher will be able to work with the state-required curriculum as well as that teacher’s own plans for the classroom. Good interpersonal skills are essential, not only for working with the students but for maintaining a good working relationship with other teachers, with the school’s administration, and with the other staff employed by the school. School days are typically Monday through Friday, and a teacher can expect to spend time at home planning lessons and grading papers. Interior Designer – Average Salary $41,000 / year An interior designer works with clients and contractors from a variety of fields to transform the interior space of residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Whether decorating or completely remodeling, an interior designer takes the lead of a team that may include carpenters, architects, engineers and plumbers. An interior designer shoulders the ultimate responsibility of creating an interior environment that the client finds beautiful, functional and safe. Unlike some other creative fields for which one's work may supersede the need for formal education, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is standard for interior design. The need for a specialized degree is commensurate with the scope of a designer's responsibilities. In addition to an appealing aesthetic sensibility, an interior designer must possess expert knowledge of a wide range of practical design elements, including architecture, finishes, fabrics, furniture, lighting and paint, to name only a few. An interior designer must understand the business side of design, as well, and is expected to both capably estimate the cost of proposals submitted for client approval and orchestrate a collaborative effort with contractors from a wide range of disciplines. This requires knowledge of building codes, computer software, and excellent communication skills. Many interior designers work for firms within the design services industry, while others are employed as staff members of architecture and engineering firms. Some designers prefer to specialize in any of a number of different sub-fields, such as industrial spaces, airports or kitchens. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2010, about 30% of interior designers were self-employed. Marketing Associate – Average Salary $41,000 / year Marketing associates generally work in entry-level positions within a marketing team. They can work in numerous industries, such as medical or entertainment fields, and they often work with a team of other marketing associates and are usually overseen by a company's head of marketing. While some marketing associates do a lot of administrative duties, this job is not limited to just that. They might do research, edit marketing copy or follow industry trends. An important part of marketing is being able to analyze information, so a marketing associate might help with collecting data on customer demographics, forecasting marketing and sales trends, assessing the satisfaction of employees and customers, and finding and implementing advertising needs. Marketing associates may also serve as a liaison between their company and its clients, and they may assist with planning events and handling social media. Marketing associates are usually required to have a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing or business. Having top-notch communication and writing skills is also necessary. Familiarity with industry style guides -- such as the Chicago Manual of Style and/or AP Style -- is also usually a plus because preparing press releases is not out of the norm for marketing associates. Those with creative sides can do well in this field because finding new, original solutions to marketing needs is a constant part of the job. Network Administrator – Average Salary $53,000 / year Network administrators are responsible for the upkeep of computer hardware and software systems. They usually focus on the network components within their company. In some cases it is the responsibility of network administrators to design and implement new networks. Although some of the responsibilities for network administrators may vary depending on the size and locations of the company they work for, there are still some common responsibilities that all administrators will share. They are generally in charge of network address assignments, management and implementation of protocols. They also handle the maintenance of networks and file servers. When working for smaller companies, network administrators are also usually in charge of conducting maintenance on computers, printer, routers, smartphones, etc. Their duties include network monitoring, testing for weaknesses, handling updates, installing and implementing security programs, and evaluating network management software. Network administrators are also responsible for ensuring that the network used by the organization is working effectively and is properly maintained. Administrators who work for smaller companies also have the responsibility of making sure that licenses are paid for and up to date, checking for security breaches, and maintaining proper installations and applications. In order to become a network administrator it is important to have extensive technical knowledge. It is also important to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, mathematics, or another related field. Working as a network administrator can be stimulating and exciting for those with an interest in technology and computer networks. Pastor – Average Salary $43,000 / year A pastor leads a congregation at a Christian church in prayer, song, and general spiritual guidance. In many modern Christian sects, pastoral duties are reserved for men. While the exact requirements for pastors vary depending on their sect, the pastor leads the routine worship services, in which Christians gather in prayer and listen to sermons. A pastor must have strong writing and speaking skills to create and deliver speeches emphasizing the importance of faith in the lives of the congregation's members. A strong command of scripture and biblical history, as well as the ability to interpret and relate this information to their congregation, is a must. Work is traditionally indoors, inside church auditoriums and offices. Although the work schedule varies by church, most pastors lead services at least several times on Sunday, and they often lead a service at another point in the week. A pastor almost always must be officially ordained by church authorities and have a college degree in theology or religious studies. Most services regularly incorporate song into their programs, so singing skills may be helpful. They must also have strong communication skills to work with other members of the church's leadership and congregations. Fundraising abilities are occasionally important to bring in necessary donations. Pharmacist – Average Salary $102,000 Pharmacists are trained health professionals who work with a variety of prescribed and over-the-counter medications each day. A pharmacist is required to properly handle medications to ensure patient safety and dosage requirements that have been ordered and prescribed by the patient's doctor. Pharmacists frequently interact with patients and answer any questions or concerns related to the medication that is being prescribed to them. It is also the pharmacist's responsibility to understand the laws about each type of medication that is being prescribed to be aware of any potential liability from selling the medication to an underage patient or distributing a medication that is not legal for purchase at the time. Abiding by all federal and state laws when distributing any type of medication is required for all pharmacists. Researching and consistently learning about new medications and prescribing trends helps to ensure patients are not receiving medications that can cause a negative interactions or side effects. Keeping patients from abusing medications that are being excessively prescribed is also a duty of anyone working as a pharmacist. Pharmacists also understand how to store, use and monitor the side effects of all prescribed drugs. Most pharmacists work within dispensaries at hospitals, doctors' offices and drugstores and generally have traditional work hours. Physical Therapist – Average Salary #63,000 / year A physical therapist is a health care professional who possess a four-year degree and is front and center in assisting individuals who have suffered from a severe accident and need physical rehabilitation. A physical therapist assesses a wide variety of their clients' movements, looking specifically at such elements as strength, range of motion, balance and flexibility. After assessment, a physical therapist will then create a treatment program designed specifically for each individual patient and will address their specific needs. A physical therapist may work with a wide variety of individuals, including athletes, the elderly, children with disabilities, and anyone who has suffered a workplace injury. Physical therapists can play an important role in their patients' lives, helping them to recover and return to their normal lives. A physical therapist may be employed in numerous settings, such as a specialty clinic, a school with children suffering from neurological or orthopedic disabilities, a facility working specifically with those who need assistance in returning home after an illness or injury, and general hospitals. Physical therapists also potentially travel to patients' homes to provide treatment. Police Officer – Average Salary $47,000 / year A police officer is part of one of the three areas of our criminal justice system. Members of the police force are responsible for enforcing the law. An officer will patrol neighborhoods to deter criminal activity as well as monitor any threat to public safety. A police officer will respond to incidents and complaints reported to the police department, document interactions with suspects, victims, and witnesses, and collect evidence at the scene of the crime. Police officers arrest offenders and suspects, collect evidence from them, and testify in court about cases in which they were involved. A member of the police force will also work with the community to coordinate community service events and outreach programs and to offer educational services to the neighborhoods the officer patrols. A police officer must complete the police academy training program, and quite often a certificate or degree in a criminal justice program is required. People applying to join the police force must pass a strict background check including their criminal history, driving record, and credit reports, in order to ensure that all members of the police force are upstanding members of society who will be a good fit with the community. A police officer must be in and remain in good physical condition, as the job may sometimes require strenuous physical activity. Hours for the position vary and are subject to changes based on the availability of other employees, and quite often a police officer will work night shifts and weekends. Project Architect – Average Salary $63,000 / year A project architect coordinates the many parts of a project; they are in charge of product design, development of plans, construction documents, and consultation with other experts about the job being completed. The duties of a project architect depend greatly on the size of the project assigned to them. They oversee the workers involved in the design of the project, and they also are in charge of coordinating different pieces of the project with staff and clients. In some cases, the project architect also is responsible for communicating with the engineers and city officials that may be involved with the design phase of each project. They also determine the construction materials and the best methods for the project. They make sure that each project meets local zoning and building codes. It is important for a project architect to have exceptional leadership and communication skills; they also need to have good knowledge of architectural software programs. A bachelor's degree in architecture is required, and some employers may require a master's degree as well. Registered Nurse – Average Salary $28.00 / hour = Approx. $56,000 / year A registered nurse (RN) may be employed in a variety of medical settings, including physicians' offices, schools, hospitals, prison settings, and assisted living facilities/nursing homes. RNs provide direct care to patients under the order and supervision of a licensed prescriber (physician, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant). Daily activities of a nurse may include receiving a patient assignment, assessment of each patient, administering daily medications, attending to patient needs, facilitating patient, family and physician communication, assisting the physician with bedside procedures, monitoring laboratory results, delivering meals and snacks as needed, and monitoring for any changes in condition. The RN creates a daily care plan to manage patient care. The RN may also supervise ancillary staff. Attention to detail and organization is key. The RN must keep meticulous medical records, and may be required to use computers for charting. Health care promotion and education is also a key role of the RN. To become employed as a RN, one must complete a minimum of a 2-year degree in nursing, pass a national nursing certification exam (NCLEX) and become licensed as a registered nurse in the state of residence. Employers show preference to those with a 4year nursing degree. Specialty areas of nursing (such as critical care, labor and delivery, etc.) may require additional certifications and training. The schedule of an RN varies based on employment location. Hospital-based nurses generally work a total of 3 twelvehour shifts per week. Office-based nurses work 5-day, 40-hour weeks. Overtime is occasionally required. Shifts for hospital-based RNs can include nights, weekends, and holidays. The RN role may include heavy lifting of patients, exposure to bodily fluids, and large amounts of time on one's feet. With the new health care laws, careers as an RN are in high demand as access to medical care increases. Retail Manager – Average Salary $41,000 / year Retail managers are in charge of overseeing the operation of a retail store, including hiring and firing store employees, overseeing inventory, and managing customer service. The responsibilities of a retail manger vary depending on the size of the store. Many times, managers in small stores have a wider range of responsibilities than managers in larger ones. Managers of small stores typically control inventory and set prices; in some cases, they are in charge of deciding when inventory goes on sale. Large retail shops usually have computers track their inventory and do not have much control on pricing or sales; in these cases, it is the manager’s responsibility to ensure that the inventory is priced correctly. Retail managers are in charge of hiring staff, and they are expected to review all job applications and conduct interviews. They also are in charge of securing the store during times store is not in operation. Managers also are responsible for securely storing or depositing store revenue. While no college degree is needed for this position, an associate's or bachelor’s degree may help a store manager acquire necessary skills in business. Previous management and retail experience typically required. Social Worker – Average Salary $41,000 / year A social worker will work closely with patients and their families to assess and treat a myriad of issues, and to help in understanding and coping with emotional and social problems of various natures. Excellent communication skills are integral to the job, as the social worker must be able to facilitate education, work with support groups, and provide referrals to patients. The employee will have the resources and research abilities to find information that is relevant to issues particular to a patient’s case and disseminate that information in a way that the patient and his or her family can understand. A social worker must have good time management and organization skills to maintain a caseload and sufficiently document cases as patients are reevaluated at appropriate intervals throughout their treatment. The worker will be the patient’s advocate and will provide the patient with resources that can help in dealing with his or her issues and learning to function as a normal member of society. Education requirements typically include a master’s degree in social work (MSW), and a social worker must be licensed in the state of employment or must be able to obtain a license before the first day of work. An applicant should be able to work with people of all walks of life, and be comfortable with a diverse patient base as the issues that strike patients do not discriminate on any basis. Knowledge of other languages is helpful for a social worker, but is not a requirement for employment. Truck Driver – Average Salary $16.00 / hour = Approx. $35,000 / year Truck driver/tractor-trailer drivers must have knowledge of commercial driving regulations in order to transport all types of goods from livestock to materials over longdistance hauls. They must know how to maneuver the truck into the unloading and loading positions. Truck drivers must know how to go through a weigh station before and after loading. They also have to go through weigh stations while on the road. Truck drivers must maintain a log according to I.C.C. regulations. The log is presented to any law enforcement that requests it or to an employer. Some only drive during the day on short haul trips. Others may drive cross-country and take many days to get there. They are only allowed to drive 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Truck drivers must navigate through big cities, small towns, rain and snow. Knowledge of how to drive in any weather condition is a must. Truck drivers have to go to school to get the special license. They must complete a CDL (Commercial Driver License) class. They must have a CDL-A in order to drive a heavy truck. Tests and classes are given at a truck driving school. Truck driving must be taken very seriously. Truck drivers put their own lives and other people's lives in the line of fire by being careless. Safety is essential for this job. Veterinarian – Average Salary $70,000 / year The main task of a veterinarian is to examine animals to detect and determine their health status as well as diagnose any injuries or illnesses they may be afflicted with. A veterinarian must then be capable of providing treatment, advice, and/or prescriptions to treat whatever may be ailing the sick animal. If a veterinarian is unable to treat the animal himself or herself, then he or she must be able to refer the pet's owner to a specialist who can treat the animal. In addition to treating the animal, a veterinarian must be able to professionally interact with the pet's owner(s). He or she must be able to counsel pet owners regarding the best form of treatment, as well as provide calm assistance during difficult times for a family who may have to euthanize their pet. The work of a veterinarian is both physically and mentally demanding. The veterinarian must be capable of standing on his or her feet for long periods of time, and should be able to lift heavy patients and equipment. The work also requires the constant use of one's mental abilities. A veterinarian must always be ready to diagnose any illness or injury, as well as be able to identify the best form of treatment for both the patient and the family. A veterinarian typically works indoors in a veterinary hospital or clinic. He or she must be able to work well with many other people, including nurses, assistants, and veterinary technicians. Extensive education is required to become a veterinarian, including high school, college, and postgraduate training. Web Designer – Average Salary $43,000 / year The main task of a web designer is to plan and set up websites and interactive mobile technologies for various clients. Web designers communicate with customers and work with internal teams to code websites to the latest standards. They also provide technical support and solve website-related problems for clients and co-workers. Designers must be able to give clear feedback and suggestions to improve existing and newly developing websites. A strong interest in graphic design and a passion for clean code are necessary for web designers. A background in web marketing, website design, or information technology gives a candidate an advantage in the field. Web designers must show their ability to write HTML and CSS code, and many companies require candidates to complete a competency test to evaluate their design and coding skills. Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Javascript, and underlying web technologies is helpful in the area of web design. Familiarity and experience with search engine optimization techniques and web marketing strategies are a plus. Web designers often work full-time, but freelance web designers set their own hours. They may work with PCs or Mac computers and must be able to learn new tools and software quickly. The ability to multi-task allows web designers to manage more than one project at a time, and an eye for detail is important to ensure clients are satisfied with the final websites. Web designers should be team players since much of the work is handled by multiple designers and content creators.