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 your superiors are taking your hard work for granted. Or maybe you're just hungry for a new challenge.
But before you rush into a voluntary job change, take some time to develop a strategy to help make sure you land a better job than your current one. This brochure can help you assess whether it’s time to make a move, and will look at your options should you decide that it is time.
This chapter also discusses ways to change jobs without being financially penalized. How do you continue to have insurance coverage during and after your move to a new employer? And, what should you do with whatever retirement money you have coming?
Be Prepared
Good luck is what happens when opportunity meets preparation. Whether you might be changing jobs in the next six months or the next six years, keeping your skills up-to-date works to your advantage. Even if you’re not planning on leaving your job, an opportunity may come up that you’d want to pursue-such as a chance for promotion or a job across town that sounds like it was made for you. And keeping on top of your profession keeps you sharp for whatever you’re doing today.
Perhaps there’s a computer program you could learn. Maybe a business writing course or public speaking seminar could enhance your communication skills. Would a second language or management training make you more valuable in your field?
Also, pay attention to what’s happening in your company and industry. The economy, the community, employment trends and competition can affect your job and you. Ideally, you want to be able to identify and recognize career opportunities as well as obstacles. Here are some questions to help assess how secure you and your employee are:
•Where do I see myself, with my present employer, in one year?
•Do other companies offer positions comparable to mine?
•What qualifications are employers asking of recruits for positions similar to mine?
•Does my boss, and his or her position, seem secure within the organization?
•Have there been recent changes in the top management of my company?
•Is my company involved in