Careerdevelopment Skillslibrary

CAREER
Development
T
by Jennifer Leonard of The Skills Library
FALL 2008
CareerDevelopmentToolkit
Preface
TheCareerDevelopmentToolkitwasdevelopedtosupportcareerdevelopmentactivitiesforschools
andyouthprogramsinMassachusetts.Itprovidesreadingsandactivitiesthatcanbeusedinavariety
ofsettings,includingstudentadvisorygroups,afterschoolandsummerprograms,workandlearning
programs,orinclassrooms.
TheToolkitwasinspiredbyprojectsthatIhaveworkedonoverthepastseveralyears.Asaself
employedconsultant,Iamfortunatetobeabletoworkwithmanydifferentprojectsservingyouthin
Massachusetts,andsoIamfamiliarwithmanyofthecareerdevelopmentgoalsandapproachesusedin
schoolsandyouthprograms.Inmypersonallife,Ihavealsovolunteeredasascoutleader,andhave
developedandimplementedavarietyofcareerexplorationactivitiesforyoungpeople.Forseveral
years,IalsotaughtEconomicsparttimeatacommunitycollegeanddevelopedavarietyofclassroom
activitiesinvolvinganalyzingandgraphingeconomicdata.Meanwhile,Ihavealsotakentimeonmy
own,apartfromanyprofessionalorvolunteerwork,toexperimentwithavarietyofcareerrelated
activities,developinganonlinecareerexplorationprojectcalledtheCareerOutlookProjectandan
onlineSkillsPortfolio,whicharebothhighlightedinthisbook.
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TheCareerDevelopmentToolkitisavailableasabookletORasapackagethatincludesaprintedbooklet
pluselectronicfilesthatschoolsorprogramscanuseforprintingorphotocopying.Awebsitewith
relevantdataandlinksisalsoavailabletoreaders.Pleaseemailorvisithttp://skillslibrary.com/careers
fororderinginformation.
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Ihopeyouenjoyusingtheseresources.Feedbackabouttheguide,storiesabouthowyouhave
implementedtheseactivities,andsuggestionsforfutureeditionsarewelcome.
JenniferLeonard
TheSkillsLibrary
Telephone:7813217894
Email:jleonard@skillslibrary.com
Website:http://skillslibrary.com
Fall2008(Updated Summer 2011)
Career Development Toolkit
Unit1:Welcome
KeyMessages
Activity1.1:Notebook/Portfolio
Activity1.2BrainstormAZJobTitles
Activity1.3:WhatDoYouWantToDo?
Unit2:CareerInterestAssessments..
Activity2.1:ExploreMassCIS
Activity2.2:CareerDirections:AnInformalChecklistforExploringYourCareerInterests
Unit3:LookingatLaborMarketData.
9
10
11
17
WhereisDataAvailable?
17
IndustryandOccupationData
18
MassachusettsEmployment,ByIndustry
18
30MostCommonOccupations
19
IndustryEmploymentProjections
20
Activity3.1:GraphingWages
22
Activity3.2:GraphingEmployment
23
Activity3.3:Discussion
24
Activity3.4:ResearchwithMassCIS
24
Activity3.5:TalkwithFriendsandFamily
25
Unit4:InformationalInterviewing&CareerOutlookInterviews
26
CareerProfile:Owner/Manager,DeliandCateringBusiness
27
Activity4.1:CollectInterviews
28
Activity4.2:BrowseInterviews
28
Activity4.3:HowImportantareTheseSkills?
28
CareerOutlookInterviewForm
Unit5:TheNewEconomy.
29
31
CareerProfile:ElectronicsEngineeringTechnician
31
Excerpt:FederalReserveBankofDallas2003AnnualReport"ABetterWay:ProductivityandReorganizationin
theAmericanEconomy"byW.MichaelCoxandRichardAlm
33
Activity5.1:LocalEconomicHistory
34
Activity5.2:EconomicResearchResources
34
Activity5.3:AMosaicEconomy
Unit6:EducationandCareerOptions
35
36
EducationPaysfromtheBureauofLaborStatistics
36
25FastestGrowingOccupations,EarningsandEducation
37
Activity6.1:GraphingEducationandEarnings
39
Activity6.2:EducationAndEarnings
40
Activity6.3:CareerProfiles
40
Activity6.4:ReadAboutApprenticeships
41
Activity6.5:LearningaboutMilitaryCareers
42
Unit7:SpotlightonScience,Technology,EngineeringandMath.
43
CareerProfile:SeniorScientist,ContractResearchOrganization
44
CareerProfile:SeniorProgrammingAnalyst
45
CareerDevelopmentToolkitTheSkillsLibraryPage1
Activity7.1:CareerSummary
46
Activity7.3:CollegePrograms
46
Activity7.3:ManufacturingChartbook
Unit8:SpotlightontheArts..
46
47
CareerProfile:ArtInvestmentandAppraisal
47
OccupationalEmploymentandWageStatistics,Massachusetts,May2006,forArts,DesignandMedia
Occupations
48
CareerProfile:CreativeandTechnicalDirector/MarketingFirm
49
50
50
Activity8.3:ArtsandtheLocalEconomy
Unit9:SpotlightontheBuildingTrades.
50
51
CareerProfile:HVACContractor
51
CareerProfile:Electrician
52
ConstructionEmploymentinMassachusetts,AnnualAverages,19902007
53
ConstructionEmploymentinMassachusetts,January2005March2008
53
EmploymentandWagesinConstructionOccupationsinMassachusetts,2007
54
55
Activity9.2:ConstructionandtheLocalEconomy
55
Activity9.3:EmploymentandEarningsGraph
55
Activity9.4:BodyAwareness
56
Activity9.5:FocusonNonTraditionalEmployment
57
Unit10:SpotlightontheHospitalityIndustry..
58
FirstJobsintheHospitalitySector
58
CareerProfile:Concierge
59
60
60
Unit11:SpotlightonHealthCare
61
CareerProfile:DirectorofPastoralCareandPatientAdvocacy
63
CareerProfile:HomeHealthNurse
64
65
65
Activity11.3:HealthcareChartbook
65
Activity11.4:CaseStudies
Unit12:Entrepreneurship.
66
67
EmploymentandSelfEmploymentinSelectedOccupations
68
Activity12.1:SelfEmploymentOpportunities
69
Activity12.2:CreativityExercises
Unit13:WorkplaceSkills.
FoundationSkills
st
70
71
71
Skillsfora21 CenturyEconomy
72
Activity13.1:DosandDontsList
74
Activity13.2:RolePlayExercises/CaseStudyExercises:
74
Activity13.3:WorkplaceSafety.
74
Activity13.4:CareerSkillsResearch
Unit14:LifelongCareerStrategies
74
76
Activity14.1:ProblemSolving
77
Activity14.2:FiveStepsofProblemSolving
78
Activity14.3:BudgetingandSalaries
79
Unit15:WritingaResume
80
Activity15.1:ResumeTemplates
84
Activity15.2:OrganizingInformation
84
Activity15.3:ListofActionWords
84
Activity15.4:ListofResumeSkills
84
Unit16:InterviewingandJobSearch
85
Activity16.1:InterviewingwithConfidenceInterviewQuestions
86
Activity16.2:InterviewingwithConfidenceEvaluatingtheInterview
87
Activity16.3:JobSearchCaseStudies
88
Unit17:NextSteps,CollegeMajorsandFirstJobs...
89
Activity17.1:DecisionMakingStyles
90
Activity17.2:WebResources
91
Appendix1:AnalyzingandPresentingDatawithGraphsandCharts.
92
DataSets
94
Exercises
101
SampleGraphs
110
Appendix2:CareerExplorationChecklists
118
Appendix3:SkillsPortfolios
124
Appendix4:Interests,SkillsandWorkValuesReflection
129
ListofWorkValues
129
Interests,SkillsandWorkValuesReflection
130
Unit 1: Welcome
Ask some small children what they want

to be when they grow up. Most likely, their
answers will cluster around a few wellknown occupations - teacher, firefighter,
veterinarian or doctor. Then ask their
parents what jobs they have and the
answers will be quite varied, including
many jobs that children (and most high
school and college students) have never
heard of.
WHATDOYOUWANTTODO?
Listfiveskillsorabilitiesthatyoumightliketousein
afuturecareer.Examplescouldincludewriting,
workingwithpeople,givingadvice,organizing
projects,performingmusic,orotherskills.
1.
2.
3.
Whenweinterviewpeopleabouttheirjobs,wefind
thatmostdidnotknowwhentheywereinhighschool
4.
thattheywouldbeintheircurrentcareers.Instead,
5.
manysuccessfulcareershavebeenshapedgradually
overmanyyears,aspeopleusetheircareerskillsto
moveintonewareasofwork.
Thisbookprovidesactivitiesanddiscussionstosupportcareerdevelopmentandcareerexploration.Youwillsee
thatcareerdevelopmentisalifelongprocessandthatyoudontnecessarilyhavetomapyourentirecareerpath
allatonce.Instead,youwilllearnhowtotakethefirststepsthatgetyoustarted.Thisbookisdesignedforusein
ahighschoolorcollegeprogramorcourse,inayouthprogram,orinanycareerexplorationorcareer
developmentprogram.
Youwillfindreallifeinterviews,readings,selfassessmentsandeconomicdatatoprovideapictureofthejob
market.Youwillbeencouragedtofindoutwhatpeopledoforaliving.Youwilllearntheimportanceoftalkingto
peopleandnetworkingthroughoutyourcareer.Youwillalsothinkabouttheskillsandabilitiesthatwillhelpyou
navigateaneverchangingjobmarket.
Theimmediategoalisthatyouwillhavesomefunandinterestingdiscussionsandwillbereadytomakefirst
stepsinhighschoolandposthighschooleducationandtraining.Wehopethatlateron,theideaspresented
herewillhelpyouasyoumanageyourcareer.
WHATISCAREERDEVELOPMENT?
CareerDevelopmentincludes:
CareerExplorationFindingoutaboutyourself,yourcareerinterests,yourpersonality,andyourwork
values,andlearningaboutawidevarietyofcareersthatyoumightenjoy.
CareerPlanningMakinginitialdecisionsabouttheeducation,trainingandexperienceneededtostart
yourcareer.
CareerManagementShapingyourcareerthroughoutyourlifetime,lookingfornewopportunitiesand
continuallydevelopingnewskills.
KEYMESSAGES
CAREERDEVELOPMENTISALIFELONGPROCESS.
Careerdevelopmentisalifelongprocessthatbeginsinchildhoodandcontinuesthroughouthighschool
andbeyond.Forhighschoolstudentsandyoungadults,itisimportanttoexploreyourgeneralinterests,
findoutwhatskillsandcredentialsareimportantinthosecareerareas,andbegintoseekoutexperiences
thatwillopendoorstothecareersyouareinterestedin.Asyoubuildyourcareer,youshouldalwaysbe
assessingyourskillsandinterestsandlookingathowyoucanbuildadditionalskillsandcredentialstotake
advantageofcurrentopportunities.
CAREERDEVELOPMENTISBESTDONEWITHOTHERPEOPLE.
Youcanstartexploringcareersthroughbooks,magazinesandsoftware,butultimatelythebestsourceof
informationisotherpeople.Therearemanyaspectsoftheworkplacethatarehardtocaptureonpapersuchas
thelatesttrendsinanindustry,newandemergingjobtitles,andtherealatmosphereoftheworkplace.Talkwith
yourparents,neighbors,friends,supervisors,jobshadowhostsandotherstofindoutabouttheircareers.Get
firsthandexperiencethroughvolunteerwork,jobsandinternships.Askquestionsandobservetofindoutallthat
youcan.
THEJOBMARKETISALWAYSCHANGING.
Theworkplacewillchangedramaticallyduringthedecadestocome.Trendsintechnology,manufacturing,
healthcareandbusinesswillreshapejobsandjobtitlesinthetwentyfirstcentury.Tobewellprepared
forthejobmarket,youshouldworkto:
Understandyourcareerinterests.
Starttofindoutwhattypesofcareersexist.
Buildcareerskillsinareaslikewriting,logicalthinking,creativethinkingandteamwork.
Beanactivelifelonglearner.
Bewillingtoexplorenewfieldsandlearnnewthingsthroughoutyourcareer.
ACTIVITY1.1:NOTEBOOK/PORTFOLIO
Startgatheringmaterialsforanotebookorportfolio.Getanotebookorheavydutyfolderandkeeppapercopies
ofcareerexplorationactivitiesthatyoudothroughthisbookandelsewhere.
Keepcopiesof:
Careerexplorationmaterials(includingactivitiesfromthisbook)
Importantschoolpapersandprojects
Jobdescriptionsfromjobsorinternships
Photosofartwork
Photosofschoolandcommunityactivitiesyouhaveparticipatedin
Copiesofnewsarticlesorbrochuresaboutactivitiesyouhaveparticipatedin
Certificatesorawardsyouhaveearned
Othermaterialsthatdocumenttheskillsandexperiencesyouaregaining
Storecomputerfilesonyourschoolcomputernetwork,homecomputer,memorystickorotherlocation.
YourschoolorprogrammayhaveaCollegeandCareerPlanorSkillsPortfoliosysteminplace.Manyschools
usetheMassachusettsCollegeandCareerPlan,theYourPlanforCollegeprogram,oravarietyofproprietary
softwareprogramstoenableallstudentstotracktheircollegeandcareerplanningactivities.Manyschoolsalso
haveeportfoliosorotherportfoliosthatallowstudentstocollectanddisplayprojectstheyhaveworkedon.You
mayalsocreateyourownportfolioifappropriate.SeetheportfoliosectionoftheAppendixforadditional
informationaboutoneformatforaskillsportfolio.
ACTIVITY1.2BRAINSTORMAZJOBTITLES
Brainstormalistofjobtitles,focusingonbothwellknownjobslikedoctor,nurseorfirefighter,andlesswell
knownjobslikeunderwriterorbiomedicalengineer.Trytothinkof3ormorejobsforeachletterifpossible.
A to Z Job Titles
A
ACTIVITY1.3:WHATDOYOUWANTTODO?
Listfiveskillsorabilitiesthatyoumightliketouseinafuturecareer.Examplescouldincludewriting,working
withpeople,givingadvice,organizingprojects,performingmusic,orotherskills.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Thisactivityisrepeatedattheendofthebook,intheCareerInterestsReflectionintheAppendix.Ifyouarenot
surerightnowaboutwhattolist,youmaygetmoreideasasyoureadthroughthisbookandasyoudoadditional
activitiesandselfassessmentexercises.
Unit 2: Career Interest Assessments
How do you know what type of career you would enjoy? If you like art, does that mean
you would like to be an artist? Or if you like being outdoors, should you try to go into an
environmental career? If you are very social, should you look for a career that is
people-oriented? If you are talented in math, or music, or sports, should your career
build on those talents? There are several different ways to look at who you are and
start to make decisions about possible careers.
Interest Checklists: Sometimes,yourinterestswillclearlypointthewaytoapossiblecareer.Youmayreally

enjoysomethingandwanttopursueitprofessionally.Youmightbeinterestedinacareerinthearts,orscience,
orsportsandfitness,ormathematics.Youmightknow
thatyouwanttoworkinteaching,orhealthcare,or
WORKVALUES:WORKINGOUTDOORSOR
government.Thequickinterestinventoryinthis
OTHERTHINGSIMPORTANTTOYOU.
sectiongivesaveryinformalassessmentofcareer
interests.Youcanfindmoreformalinterestinventories
TheMassachusettsCareerInformationSystem
online.
(MassCIS)OccupationSortlistscareersthatmatch
yourinterestsandworkvalues.Supposethatyouare
Formal Inventories:Moreformalinsightintoyour
interestedinfindingacareerthatinvolvesworking
interestsandpersonalitytraitswillhelpyoumake
outdoors,requiresfourormoreyearsofeducation,
thoughtfulcareerchoices.Forexample,supposethat
andoffersalotofindependence.Forthesecriteria,
youlovemath,butyouarentsureifyouwouldenjoy
theOccupationSortliststhefollowingcareers.
usingmathasamathteacher,orasastatisticianina
MassCIScanalsoprovidemoreinformationaboutthe
researchsetting,asanaccountant,actuaryorfinance
work,averageearnings,requirededucation,and
managerinabusinesssetting,orinamathoriented
projectedjobgrowthforeachofthesecareers.
careerlikeengineeringorarchitecture.Or,forexample,
youlovesportsandwonderifyouwouldenjoybeinga
OccupationSortCriteria:
fitnesscoach,ormanagerofafitnesscenter,ormanager
WorkingOutdoors
ofasportinggoodsstore.Formalassessmentslikethe
Fourormoreyearsofeducation
CareerAssessmentInventory(CAI)ortheCareer
DecisionMaking(CDM)canhelpyoudecidewhattypeof
Highdegreeofindependence
settingandwhattypeofjobwouldmakeyouhappiest.
AgriculturalScientists
Your Work Values.Isitimportanttoyouthatyou
AnimalBreeders
haveahighsalary?Isitimportantthatyourworkhave
AnimalTrainers
animpactonsociety?Isitimportantthatyourcareer
AppraisersandAssessors
buildonyouracademicskillsandtalents?Doyoulike
Archeologists
workingwithotherpeople?Doyoulikeworking
BricklayersandStonemasons
outdoors?Questionslikethesearepartofexploring
ConservationScientists
workvaluesandareasimportantasexploringinterests
ConstructionandBuildingInspectors
andpersonalitytraits.Inventoriesofworkvaluesgive
ConstructionManagers
youfurtherinsightintowhattypeofworkyouwould
DetectivesandInvestigators
enjoy.TheMassachusettsCareerInformationSystem
EnvironmentalScientists
(MassCIS)allowsyoutosortoccupationsbyimportant
FarmersandFarmManagers
workvalues.(Seeinformationbelow.)Theappendixto
FishandGameWardens
thisbookalsoincludesabriefchecklistofworkvalues.
Geographers
GeologistsandGeophysicists
LandscapeArchitects
Photographers
SurveyingandMappingTechnicians
ACTIVITY2.1:EXPLOREMASSCIS
EXPLOREMASSCISFORTHEOCCUPATIONSORTANDCAREERCLUSTERINVENTORYANDTOIDENTIFYJOBSIN
THECAREERAREASTHATINTERESTYOU.
TheMassachusettsCareerInformationSystem(MassCIS)isanonlinesystemprovidedfreebytheMassachusetts
DepartmentofWorkforceDevelopment.MassCISprovidesawidevarietyofcareerinformationandactivities.It
includesfreetoolsforexploringyourinterestsandworkvalues.Exploresomeoftheseinventoriesonlineat
http://masscis.intocareers.org.
TousetheMassCISsystem,students,teachers,counselorsandotherscansignupforusernamesandpasswords.
Thesystemisfreeandallinformationiskeptcompletelyconfidential.Registrationforausernameandpasswordis
recommendedbecauseyoucansaveorbookmarkinformationthatyouhavefound.However,youcanalsosign
intothesystemwithoutregistering,usingjustazipcode.
OCCUPATIONSORT:
SignintoMassCISandthenclickonOccupationSort.Youwillbeaskedtoselectfactorsthatareimportant
toyou.Forexample,doyoucareaboutworkingindoorsvs.outdoors?Jobsthatrequirecollegeeducationor
jobsthatrequiretwoyearsorlessofposthighschooleducationandtraining?Jobsthatinvolvetravel?Jobs
thatinvolvehelpingpeople?Answertheseriesofquestions,andthenyouwillviewalistofoccupationsthat
match,ornearlymatch,yourworkvalues.
CAREERCLUSTERINVENTORY:
SignintoMassCISandselecttheCareerClusterInventory.Answeraseriesofquestionsaboutthingsyou
liketodo(orwouldliketodo).Doyouenjoyplantingtrees?Helpingthirdgradersfindbooksinalibrary?
Watchingdetectiveshows?Watchingmedicalshows?Sellingcookiestoraisemoney?Basedonyour
answers,youllbegivenalistofcareerclusterstoexplore.
BROWSECAREEROPTIONS:
InMassCIS,clickonthelinkforAssessmentLink.
OntheAssessmentLinkscreen,clickonthenameoftheassessmentthatyouused(oranequivalent).
Youwillthenseealistofcareerclustersorcareergroupsthatcorrespondtothegroupingsystemusedby
thatassessment.
Clickontheclusters/groupsthatinterestyou.
Youwillthenseelistsofjobsandcanreadaboutthejobs.
Createalistofinterestingjobsineachoftheclusters/groupsthatinterestyou.
Keepassessmentresultsandlistsofjobideasinyournotebookorportfolio.
ACTIVITY2.2:CAREERDIRECTIONS:ANINFORMALCHECKLISTFOREXPLORINGCAREERINTERESTS
TheCareerDirectionschecklistasksyouwhetheryouenjoyavarietyofactivitiesfromarttowritingtohelping
otherstosports.Itisaninformalinventorydesignedsimplytohelpyoureflectonyourinterestsandtobeableto
talkaboutyourcareerinterestswithothers.
Checkasmanyitemsasyouwish.Thenselect34areasthatyouthinkmightofferinterestingcareeroptions,and
listafewjobsthatyouwouldliketolearnmoreabout.
InterestArea01:Artistic
InterestArea02:Scientific
Doyouenjoy:
Drawing,painting,andothervisualarts?
Musicordance?
Fashiondesign?
Decorating?
Writingstoriesorpoetry?
Doingcrafts?
Filmmaking?
Usingacomputerfordrawinganddesigning?
Doyouenjoy:
Doingexperimentstoseehowthingswork?
Learningaboutnutritionandhealth?
Readingabouttechnicaldevelopments?
Usingmathtosolvereallifeproblems?
Collectingandidentifyingrocks,shells,flowers,orotherthings
foundinnature?
Studyingascientifictopiclikeweather,agriculture,or
chemistry?
Doyouenjoy:
Gardening?
Landscaping?
Analyzingsoil,erosion,orenvironmentalconditions?
Caringforpetsorfarmanimals?
Trainingdogs,horses,orotheranimals?
Readingandlearningaboutnature?
Workingoutdoors?
InterestArea03:Plantsand
Animals
InterestArea04:Protective
Doyouenjoy:
Teachingothersaboutsafety?
Enforcingrulesandlaw?
Comingtotheaidofpeoplewhoareintrouble?
Resolvingproblemsanddisputes?
Gatheringfactsaboutanincident?
Beingarolemodelforyoungerpeople?
Workingwiththepublic?
InterestArea05:Technicaland
Mechanical
InterestArea06:Industrial
InterestArea07:BusinessDetail
Doyouenjoy:
Workingwithyourhands,tools,andequipment?
Doingprojectsthathaveconcrete,visibleresults?
Doingcraftsorsewing?
Buildingorassemblingproducts?
Helpingfriendstomoveintoanewhome?
Workingwithotherstopackboxes,collatepapers,orget
materialsreadyforanevent?
Workingwithotherstomakeaproduct?
Doyouenjoy:
Managingfinancialinformation?
Managingthedetailsforaspecialevent?
Helpingotherstoorganizetheirtime?
Organizingpapersormaterials?
Learningtousenewcomputersoftware?
Usingacomputertostoreaddresses,telephonenumbers,or
otherinformation?
Doyouenjoy:
Findingoutaboutthelatestproducts?
Readingaboutfashionsandtrends?
Advisingpeopleaboutwhattobuy?
Listeningtopeopletoseewhattheyneed?
Negotiatingwithothers?
Calculatingpricesorfees?
Promotingaproductoridea?
InterestArea08:Selling
Doyouenjoy:
Sketchingoutdesignideas?
Designingandbuildingmachines?
Settingupacomputerorsoundsystem?
Troubleshootingcomputerhardwareproblems?
Takingthingsaparttoseehowtheywork?
Woodworkingandcarpentry?
Drivingorrepairingcarsandtrucks?
Buildingmodels?
InterestArea09:CustomerService
Doyouenjoy:
Makingpeoplefeelcomfortable?
Helpingguestsoroutoftownvisitors?
Sellingticketsorusheringataspecialevent?
Volunteeringtohelpatafundraisingdinner?
Workingpleasantlywithallkindsofpeople?
Providingdirectservices,suchashaircareorrestaurant
service?
InterestArea10:Humanitarian
Doyouenjoy:
Talkingwithpeopleabouttheirfamilyorpersonalproblems?
Learningaboutsocialissues?
Helpingpeoplewhohavemedicalproblems?
Helpingpeoplewhohavedisabilitiestolearnnewskills?
Teachingoradvisingothers?
Takingcareofchildren?
InterestArea11:Leadership
Doyouenjoy:
Teachingortutoringothers?
Doingresearchprojectsforschool?
Readingaboutlaworcourtcases?
Managingaclub,anevent,oracampaign?
Holdingleadershippositions?
Writingarticles,advertisements,orreports?
Doyouenjoy:
Playingsports?
Outdooradventures?
Learningtherulesofagame?
Beingarefereeorumpire?
Engagingincompetition?
Coachingothers?
InterestArea12:Sportsand
PhysicalPerforming
About the Interest Areas

Artistic
InterestArea01:ArtisticWorkincludescreativejobsinthe arts,dance,music,drama,creative
writing,andmore,includingboththefineartsandcommercialwork.
Samplejobsinclude:AdvertisingcopywriterArtteacherComputergraphicartist
DanceteacherIndustrialdesignerInteriordesignerMultimediasoftwaredeveloper
PhotographerVideoproducerWriter/editor
Scientific
InterestArea02:ScientificWorkincludesresearch,teaching,andprofessionaljobsinscience
andmedicine.
Samplejobsinclude:MedicalresearcherBiotechresearcherLaboratorytechnician
BotanistMeteorologistNutritionistGeologistEnvironmentalanalystMedical
professionalStatisticianScienceteacherEducationalcoordinatorforscienceprogram
ormuseum
Plantsand
Animals
InterestArea03:PlantsandAnimalsincludesjobsworkingwithplantsandanimals,usually
outdoors.
Samplejobsinclude:Managerorworkeronafarmorinnurseries,gardencenters,zoos,
naturecenters,oraquariumsVeterinarianDogtrainerPlantbreederSoil
conservationistLandscaperAgriculturalextensionworkerEnvironmentalservicesfield
chemist
Protective
InterestArea04:ProtectiveWorkincludesjobsinlawenforcement,firefighting,security,and
relatedjobs.
Samplejobsinclude:PoliceofficerFirefighterSecuritymanagerSecurityguard
InvestigatorCorrectionsofficerParksuperintendentPoliceacademyinstructor
Communitypolicingmanager
Technical
InterestArea05:TechnicalWorkincludesjobsdesigning,buildingandmaintainingcomputers,
officemachines,industrialequipment,buildings,andmore.
Samplejobsinclude:ArchitectDrafter/ComputerAidedDesignMechanic
Engineer.ComputersystemsanalystComputertechnicianEngineeringtechnicians
Constructiontrades
Industrial
InterestArea06:IndustrialWorkincludesjobsproducing,packaging,shippingandreceiving
goods.
Samplejobsinclude:AssemblerBaker(industrial)PackerOrderpickerShipper
PrinterMachineoperatorMachinesetupProductionsupervisorQualitycontrol
specialistInventorycontrolspecialistNumericalcontroloperatorHazardouswaste
managementtechnicianEnvironmentalservicestechnician
BusinessDetail
InterestArea07:BusinessDetailincludesjobsmanaginginformationandproviding
administrativesupport.
Samplejobsinclude:ExecutivesecretaryAccountingclerkReceptionistDispatcher*
Legalsecretary*MedicalbillingclerkMedicalrecordsspecialistAdministrativeassistant
SurveyinterviewerInsuranceclaimsrepresentativeDatabaseadministrator
Selling
InterestArea08:Sellingincludesjobsinretailandnonretailsales.Thisgroupmayalsoinclude
jobsthatuserelatedskills,suchasretailbuyersorbusinesspurchasingagents.
Samplejobsinclude:RetailsalespersonSalesrepresentativeRealestatebroker
InsuranceagentPublicrelationsRetailbuyerPurchasingagentSalesengineer
StoremanagerMarketing/merchandising
Customer
Service
InterestArea09:CustomerServiceincludesjobsworkingwiththepublictoprovideavarietyof
personalservices,travelandtourismservices,andleisuretimeactivities.
Samplejobsinclude:BeauticianPersonalshopperHoteldeskclerkRestaurant
managerWaitress/waiterTourguideTravelagentBusdriverCustomerservice
representative
Humanitarian
InterestArea10:HumanitarianWorkincludesjobshelpingpeoplewiththeirpersonal,physical,
emotionalandspiritualneeds.
Samplejobsinclude:SocialworkerCasemanagerCounselorFamilytherapist
PsychologistOccupationaltherapistClergyYouthworkerResidentialcareprovider
GrouphomemanagerHomehealthaideChildcareteacher
Leadership
InterestArea11:Leadershipincludesavarietyofleadershipandprofessionaljobsinbusiness,
governmentandsocialservices.
Samplejobsinclude:TeacherLawyerWriter/editorBusinessownerUrban
plannerMarketingdirectorManagementinformationsystems(MIS)director
AccountantMarketResearcherSocialSciencesResearcherBusinessadministration
Socialservicesadministration
Sportsand
Physical
Performing
InterestArea12:SportsandPhysicalPerformingincludesjobsteaching,directingandplaying
sportsandactiverecreationalactivities.
Samplejobsinclude:AthleteCoachPhysicalEducationTeacherDanceInstructor
FitnessTeacherTrainerSportsequipment/salesSportsclubmanagerTourguide/
outdoorrecreation

Career Directions Checklist SUMMARY
Areasthatinterestme:
JobsthatIwouldliketoknow
moreabout:
TodaysDate:
Unit 3: Looking at Labor Market Data
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

(BLS) works with the 50 states to
gather information about jobs and
the economy and to provide
projections about future
employment opportunities. This labor
market data is useful for career
exploration and career planning. It
shows what industries and
occupations currently have large
number of jobs, and it shows where
expected growth in the number of
jobs will probably occur in the future.
INDUSTRIESANDOCCUPATIONS
Industry:LabormarketdatacanbeorganizedbyINDUSTRY,
meaningthetypeofbusinessororganization.Industry
groupsinclude,forexample,manufacturing,healthcare,
businessservices,orretailtrade.
Occupation:Labormarketdatacanalsobeorganizedby
OCCUPATION,meaningthetypeofworkdonebythe
individual.Broadoccupationalgroupsinclude,forexample,
healthcareoccupations,foodserviceoccupations,or
administrative/clericaloccupations.Specificoccupations
includeregisterednurse,radiologist,orhomehealthaide.
Whytwowaysofgrouping?Eachindustryprovidesjobsin
avarietyofoccupationsandeachoccupationcanbefound
inavarietyofindustries.Forexample,workersinthe
healthcareindustrymaybeinhealthcareoccupations,
foodserviceoccupations,administrative/clerical
occupations,orbuildingmaintenanceoccupations.
Datacomesfromsurveys,payrolltaxrecords,
unemploymentinsuranceclaims,andannual
andtenyearpopulationcensusdata.
Informationispublishedforthenationasa
whole,foreachstate,andforregionswithin
eachstate.Employmentdataisavailableby
industryandbyoccupation(seedefinitionsin
box).
Labormarketdataisusefulfor:
Identifyingtheindustriesandoccupationsthatofferthemostjobsinyourstateorregion.
Offeringinformationaboutpossiblefutureshiftsintheeconomy.
Providinginformationaboutsmaller,lesswellknownfieldsthatareworthconsidering.
WHEREISDATAAVAILABLE?
Labormarketdataisavailablebothinprintandonline.Itispublishedatthenational,stateandregionallevel.
NationaldataisavailableonlinefromtheU.S.BureauofLaborStatisticswebsite(http://www.bls.gov)andthe
U.S.CensusBureauwebsite(http://www.census.gov).
Statelevelandregionalleveldataisavailableonlinethroughthewebsiteofeachstateemploymentagency.In
Massachusetts,theExecutiveOfficeofLaborandWorkforceDevelopment,DepartmentofWorkforce
Developmentprovideslabormarketdata.Thewebsiteishttp://www.detma.org.
MassachusettsprovidestheMassachusettsCareerInformationSystem(MassCIS),whichisanonline,userfriendly
guidetocareerinformation,andwhichincludesavarietyoflabormarketdata.Thewebsiteis
http://masscis.intocareers.org.
INDUSTRYANDOCCUPATIONDATA
Asyouexplorecareerinformation,youwillnoticethatthereareavarietyofdifferentdataseries,andthat
differentdataseriesmayusedifferentclassificationsforindustriesandoccupations.Ifyouareinterested,youcan
readmoreoneachwebsiteabouthowthedataisobtainedandwhatclassificationsystemisused.
ThetablebelowprovidesdataonemploymentbyindustryforMassachusetts.SeetheActivitiesattheendofthis
sectionforinformationonfindinguptodatedataonline.
MASSACHUSETTSEMPLOYMENT,BYINDUSTRY,2009
Employment(#)
TotalEmployment
GoodsProvidingDomain
Agriculture,Forestry,Fishing&HuntingandMining
3,126,539
389,396
7,734
Construction
122,742
Manufacturing
258,920
ServiceProvidingDomain
Utilities
2,747,145
13,869
WholesaleTrade
127,469
RetailTrade
334,669
TransportationandWarehousing
95,619
Information
90,406
FinanceandInsurance
173,674
RealEstateandRentalandLeasing
40,417
ProfessionalandBusinessServices
465,616
EducationalServices
323,274
HealthCareandSocialAssistance
511,175
Arts,EntertainmentandRecreation
52,702
AccommodationandFoodServices
252,593
OtherServices(exceptPublicAdministration)
129,784
PublicAdministration
135,917
Source:MassachusettsDepartmentofWorkforceDevelopment.ES202DataSeries.
ThefollowingchartprovidesdatabyoccupationforMassachusetts,showingthe30largest,ormostcommon
occupations.Additionaldataisavailableonline,fornearly700differentoccupationalgroups.
OCCUPATIONALEMPLOYMENTANDWAGESTATISTICS,MASSACHUSETTS,MAY2010
30LARGEST/MOSTCOMMONOCCUPATIONS
OccupationTitle
RetailSalespersons
RegisteredNurses
Cashiers
CombinedFoodPreparationandServing
Workers,IncludingFastFood
OfficeClerks,General
WaitersandWaitresses
JanitorsandCleaners,ExceptMaidsand
HousekeepingCleaners
CustomerServiceRepresentatives
GeneralandOperationsManagers
StockClerksandOrderFillers
Bookkeeping,Accounting,andAuditingClerks
Secretaries,ExceptLegal,Medical,and
Executive
NursingAides,Orderlies,andAttendants
ExecutiveSecretariesandAdministrative
Assistants
TeacherAssistants
FirstLineSupervisors/ManagersofOfficeand
AdministrativeSupportWorkers
AccountantsandAuditors
SalesRepresentatives,Wholesaleand
Manufacturing,ExceptTechnicaland
ScientificProducts
ElementarySchoolTeachers,ExceptSpecial
Education
LaborersandFreight,Stock,andMaterial
Movers,Hand
SoftwareDevelopers,SystemsSoftware
FirstLineSupervisors/ManagersofRetail
SalesWorkers
SecondarySchoolTeachers,ExceptSpecial
andVocationalEducation
Cooks,Restaurant
SoftwareDevelopers,Applications
TruckDrivers,HeavyandTractorTrailer
MedicalSecretaries
ManagementAnalysts
MaintenanceandRepairWorkers,General
SecurityGuards
Employment
102,960
85,120
74,500
Median
$22,080
$80,260
$19,490
Mean
$26,180
$84,990
$21,020
62,050
59,210
54,250
$19,080
$32,050
$25,980
$20,400
$33,670
$28,270
$18,140
$22,510
$19,440
$21,520
$39,250
$32,680
52,920
47,230
44,800
43,540
42,880
$29,320
$35,250
$101,050
$22,410
$38,950
$30,500
$36,950
$119,110
$25,960
$39,800
$21,500
$25,460
$62,310
$18,240
$28,490
$35,010
$42,700
$147,500
$29,820
$45,460
40,680
40,520
$38,420
$28,140
$39,180
$28,970
$28,350
$23,150
$44,600
$31,880
35,980
35,740
$50,480
$25,930
$51,410
$27,590
$37,280
$19,240
$58,470
$31,770
35,180
33,290
$53,080
$69,820
$55,610
$75,030
$37,880
$48,490
$64,480
$88,300
29,670
$64,730
$73,470
$40,040
$90,180
28,890
$63,210
$62,570
$44,950
$71,380
28,570
27,100
$25,740
$100,420
$28,220
$102,220
$19,800
$74,150
$32,440
$116,260
26,340
$39,570
$42,850
$27,460
$50,550
24,730
23,610
22,750
21,730
21,600
21,470
20,820
20,700
$62,910
$26,530
$95,930
$42,330
$36,730
$87,740
$41,590
$27,340
$62,850
$27,110
$98,400
$43,670
$38,520
$100,660
$43,350
$29,030
$46,150
$21,110
$70,260
$31,940
$28,850
$57,470
$29,690
$21,420
$71,190
$30,120
$112,470
$49,540
$43,360
$122,260
$50,180
$32,840
Entry
Experienced
$18,180
$30,180
$58,650
$98,160
$18,140
$22,460
EMPLOYMENTPROJECTIONS
TheBureauofLaborStatistics(BLS)publishesdataonprojectedemploymentovertenyearperiods,basedon
economicmodelsthatlookatpastgrowthandotherfactors.Theseprojectionsallowpeopletoconsiderthe
futureprospectsinanoccupationandtomakewellinformeddecisionsaboutinvestingineducationandtraining.
BLSpublishesprojectionsbyindustryandbyoccupation.Forexample,thefollowingchartsshowtheindustries
withthefastestgrowthandthelargestnumberofnewjobs.
Noticethatsomeofthefastestgrowingindustriesmaybesmallinnumber,butincreasinginsize.Andnoticethat
someoftheindustrieswiththelargestnumericalgrowthmaybegrowingatarelativelyslowrate,buthavelarge
numbersofjobs.
Thefastestgrowingoccupationswillbepresentedinoneoftheupcomingunits,alongwitheducationandearnings
data.
%Change
#ofnewjobs
(000)
Management,scientific,andtechnicalconsultingservices
82.78%
835.2
Othereducationalservices
54.59%
316.0
Individualandfamilyservices
47.83%
530.2
Homehealthcareservices
46.08%
441.4
Specializeddesignservices
45.84%
65.6
Dataprocessing,hosting,relatedservices,andotherinformationservices
45.27%
178.9
Computersystemsdesignandrelatedservices
45.26%
656.4
Officesofhealthpractitioners
34.07%
1,265.3
Personalcareservices
31.77%
197.5
Outpatient,laboratory,andotherambulatorycareservices
31.17%
308.4
Facilitiessupportservices
30.82%
40.9
Softwarepublishers
30.00%
79.1
Independentartists,writers,andperformers
28.57%
14.4
Elementaryandsecondaryschools
27.47%
234.8
Scientificresearchanddevelopmentservices
25.29%
157.2
Othermiscellaneousmanufacturing
24.42%
78.4
Community,andvocationalrehabilitationservices
24.24%
131.1
Architectural,engineering,andrelatedservices
22.48%
324.8
Logging
22.20%
18.2
Otherprofessional,scientific,andtechnicalservices
21.90%
128.1
FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRIES (PROJECTED)

2008 TO 2018

%Change
#OFNEWJOBS
(000)
Officesofhealthpractitioners
34.07%
1,265.3
Management,scientific,andtechnicalconsultingservices
82.78%
835.2
Computersystemsdesignandrelatedservices
45.26%
656.4
Retailtrade
4.26%
654.0
Employmentservices
19.07%
599.7
Individualandfamilyservices
47.83%
530.2
Transportationandwarehousing
9.89%
445.5
Homehealthcareservices
46.08%
441.4
Servicestobuildingsanddwellings
18.16%
335.5
Architectural,engineering,andrelatedservices
22.48%
324.8
Othereducationalservices
54.59%
316.0
Outpatient,laboratory,andotherambulatorycareservices
31.17%
308.4
Juniorcolleges,colleges,universities,andprofessionalschools
15.89%
254.7
Legalservices
21.75%
253.1
Elementaryandsecondaryschools
27.47%
234.8
Accounting,taxpreparation,bookkeeping,andpayrollservices
20.96%
199.1
Religiousorganizations
11.73%
197.6
Personalcareservices
31.77%
197.5
Dataprocessing,hosting,relatedservices,andotherinformationservices
45.27%
178.9
Scientificresearchanddevelopmentservices
25.29%
157.2
INDUSTRIESWITHTHELARGESTGROWTH(PROJECTED)
2008 TO 2018
ACTIVITY3.1:GRAPHINGWAGES
Oneofthebestwaystobecomemorefamiliarwithasetofdataistospendtimecreatinggraphsandcharts.
Createasetofgraphsorchartstodisplaysomeofthisdata.
Youmayusethedatapresentedinthisunitorgoonlinetofindadditionaldata.Atemplateisprovidedbelow,but
youmayalsouseseparatepapertocreateadditionalgraphsormodifythetemplates.Forexample,thegraphof
medianwagescouldberedrawn,sortedinorderofhighesttolowestwage,ratherthantheorderpresentedhere.
Exercise:Createabargraphtopresentmedianwagesinthetenlargestoccupations.
ACTIVITY3.2:GRAPHINGEMPLOYMENT
Exercise:CreateapiecharttopresentthedistributionofemploymentinMassachusettsbyindustry.Atemplateis
providedbelow,butyoumayalsouseseparatepaper
ACTIVITY3.3:DISCUSSION
Fordiscussion:
Howwouldyouusethisdatatoguidecareerplanning?
Isitbettertofocusoncareerswithlargenumbersofjobsandlargenumericgrowth,orisitbetterto
focusoncareerswithfasterratesofgrowth,evenifthenumberofjobsissmall?
Howdoyoubalanceyourpersonalcareerinterestswiththelabormarketdatawhenmakingdecisions
aboutcareerplanning?
Hint:therearenorightorwronganswerstothesequestions!!
ACTIVITY3.4:RESEARCHWITHMASSCIS.
UseMassCIStoreadabouttheadmissionsrequirements,preparationandotherfactsaboutpostsecondary
programsofstudy.
SignintoMassCISathttp://masscis.intocareers.org
ClickonProgramsofStudyundertheEducationandTrainingheading.
Usethealphabeticalindexoftitlestochooseaprogramofstudy,suchasAutomotive Technology,
Carpentry, Fashion Design, Journalism or Civil Engineering.
ThenreadaboutProgramAdmissiontofindoutwhathighschoolclasseswillhelpyougainadmissionto
thisprogramofstudy.
Browsetheotherlinksaswell,includingResourcestolearnaboutorganizationsandwebsitesthatcanprovide
moreinformation.
ACTIVITY3.5:TALKWITHFAMILYANDFRIENDS!!
Connectwithparents/guardians,relativesandfriendstogettheirinputintoyourcareerexploration.Share
someofthelabormarketdatathatyouanalyzedinthisunit.Sittogetheratacomputerandbrowseoneor
moreofthewebsitesrecommendedinthisbook.Talkabouttheirworkandabouttheirideasforyourfuture
career.
Whatifyouareinterestedinaparticularcareerfieldandyourfamilythinksyoushouldgoinadifferent
direction?Findoutwhattheconcernsare,suchaswhetheryourchoiceispracticalorwhetherenoughjobs
willbeavailable.Findwaystodiscussoptions.Agreetogathermoreinformationandcontinuetodiscussall
possibleideas.
Someconversationstarters:
Tellmemoreaboutwhatyoudoatwork.Whatdoyoulikebestaboutyourwork?
Ifyouweremyage,whatcareerswouldyouwanttoexplore?
Whatdoyouthinkmystrengthsare?
Imightbeinterestedinacareerin______.Doyouknowanyonewhoworksinthattypeofcareer?
Whatcareerfieldsdoyouthinkwillofferthebestopportunitiesinthefuture?
Ifyoucouldchooseanycollegemajortostudy,whatwoulditbe?Why?
Unit 4: Informational Interviewing and the Career

Outlook Interview
The Career Outlook Interview is a set of questions for gathering information about jobs. It
is designed to help open up conversation about the skills, education and training, and
technology that is important in peoples careers.
Theinterviewquestionsareavailableonpaperoronline.Thepaperversionisidealfortakingnoteswhile
interviewingsomeoneinperson.Itcanbeusedtointerviewaguestspeakerinyourclassroom/program,ajob
shadowhost,amentor,aninternshipsupervisor,oraparent,familymemberorfriendwhosejobyouwantto
learnmoreabout.
Interviewsenteredintotheonlineversionarestoredtocreateadatabaseofcareerprofiles.Thecareerprofiles
usedthroughoutthisbookcomefromtheonlinedatabaseofCareerOutlookInterviews.Theinterviewasksa
seriesofinterviewquestions,andthenpresentsaSkillsProfilethataskshowimportantvariousskillsaretothis
typeofjob.
InterviewQuestions:
Whatisyourjobtitle?
Whatisyourjobdescription?Whatdoyoulikebestaboutthiswork?
Whataresomerelatedcareeropportunitiesorjobtitlesinyourcompanyorinyourcareerarea?
Whatnewtechnologydoyouthinkwillbeimportantinthisindustryinthenext10or20years?
Whateducationandtrainingdidyouhavetoprepareyourselfforthiscareer?
Whateducationandtrainingdoyourecommendforayoungpersoninterestedinthiscareer?
Whenyouwereinhighschool,didyouknowyouwouldbeinthiscareer?
SkillsProfile:Whatskillsaremostimportantforthistypeofjob?Whichskillsareleastimportant?Ratethe
followinglistofskillsonascaleof5(mostimportant)to1(notimportant).
Artistic
Athletic/Physical
Bilingual
ComputerTechnology
Coordination/Usinghands,tools,equipment
CreativeThinking
Interpersonal
Investigative/Factfinding
LeadingandSupervising
LogicalThinking
Math
MechanicalUnderstanding
SalesandNegotiation
ScientificandExperimental
Service/Helpingskills
Teaching/Instructing
VerbalCommunication
Understandingnature,plants,animals
Understandingyourself
Writing
What skills are important

to be successful in a
career? The Skills Profile
section of the Career
Outlook Interview was
designed to open up
conversations about this
question. When people
are interviewed about the
skills they use, they usually
respond with pride and
enthusiasm as they reflect
on the various skills they
use.
AlthoughtheSkillsProfile
focusesonjusttwentyskills,the
conversationoftenhighlights
additional,morespecificskillsthat
areimportantinacareer.
Theprofileontherightshowsthe
skillsthatwereratedasimportant
byanowner/managerofadeliand
cateringbusiness.Asasmall
businessowner,hewasinvolvedin
allaspectsofthebusiness,
includingthecreativeaspectsof
designingcateringmenusand
displayingfood,theactual
preparationoffood,workingwith
customersinthedeliandon
cateringcontracts,trainingand
supervisingemployees,setting
prices,orderingsupplies,and
managingbookkeepingforthe
business.Hegaveratingsof5/
veryimportanttomanyofthe
skills,includingbusinessrelated,
artisticandinterpersonalskills.
CAREERPROFILE:OWNER/MANAGER,DELIANDCATERING
BUSINESS
What do you do? I own and manage a deli and catering business.
As the owner, I am responsible for all aspects of the business.
Skills Profile: Which skills are most important in your job? Which
are less important? Rate the following skills on a scale of 1-5, with
1=not important and 5=very important.
Rating (1-5)
Artistic
Create catering menus

and ideas for clients
Athletic / Physical
Bilingual
Computer technology
Coordination / Using Hands.
Tools, and Equipment
Creative Thinking
Interpersonal
Investigative / Fact Finding
Leading and Supervising
Logical Thinking
Math
Mechanical Understanding
Sales and Negotiation
Cooking, cutting and

arranging food
Deal with employees and
customers
Pricing
Assigning tasks to
employees
Setting up operations
Bookkeeping
Knowledge of equipment
in store
Dealing with catering
clients
Scientific and Experimental

Social Service / Helping
Skills
Teaching / Instructing
Verbal Communication
Understanding Nature,
Plants, Animals
Understanding Yourself
Writing
Train employees
Speak to customers to
help with their decisions;
make jokes to entertain
customers
Know what capabilities I

have
Supply quotes on large
catering jobs
ACTIVITY4.1:CONDUCTINTERVIEWS
Duringthenextfewweeks,seekopportunitiestointerviewoneormorepeopleusingthisinterviewformat.If
possible,entertheresultsintotheonlinesystem.(SEEFOLLOWINGTWOPAGESFORINTERVIEWFORM.)
ACTIVITY4.2:BROWSEINTERVIEWS
Browsesomeoftheprofilesandsummariesintheonlinesystem.Youcan:
Findsomejobsthatlookinteresting.
Findouthowpeoplescareerpathsevolved.
Findoutwhatskillsaremostcommonlyratedasimportantinpeoplesjobs.
Website:http://skillslibrary.com/cdir/careeroutlook.asp
ACTIVITY4.3:HOWIMPORTANTARETHESESKILLS?
TheCareerOutlookInterviewisavailableonline.Interviewinformationthatisenteredintheonlinescreensis
storedinadatabase.Accordingtothecareeroutlookinterviewsstoredinthisdatabaseasofthiswriting,the
followingaretheaverageratingsforthetwentyskillsontheskillsprofile.
Sortthesebyaverageratingandcreateagraphortabletopresentthisinformation.
Whichskillsseemtobemostuniversallyconsideredveryimportant?Why?
Whichskillsseemtobeimportantinsomejobsandnotothers?Why?
AverageRating(1=not
NumberofResponses
Skill
important;5=very
1
2
3
4
5
important)
NotimportantVeryimportant
Artistic
2.59
22
18
20
8
11
Athletic/Physical
2.27
30
18
17
8
6
Bilingual
2.63
20
19
18
14
8
ComputerTechnology
4.06
2
5
13
25
34
Coordination
3.13
14
13
18
17
17
CreativeThinking
4.38
3
2
6
19
49
Interpersonal
4.73
0
0
5
11
63
Investigative/FactFinding
4.34
1
1
7
31
39
Leading/Supervising
4.04
2
4
18
20
35
LogicalThinking
4.58
0
0
7
19
53
Math
3.70
1
10
23
23
22
Mechanical
2.91
14
17
22
14
12
SalesandNegotiation
3.25
11
16
16
14
22
3.00
15
11
26
13
14
Service/Helping
3.43
15
8
12
16
28
3.94
4
3
17
25
30
UnderstandingNature,PlantsandAnimals
2.41
31
16
12
8
12
UnderstandingYourself
4.08
2
4
19
15
39
VerbalCommunication
4.58
2
0
5
15
57
Writing
3.92
6
5
10
26
32
CAREEROUTLOOKINTERVIEW
Whatisyourjobtitle?
Whatisyourjobdescription?Whatdoyoulikebestaboutthiswork?
Whataresomerelatedcareeropportunitiesorjobtitlesinyourcompanyorinyourcareerarea?
Whatnewtechnologydoyouthinkwillbeimportantinthisindustryinthenext10or20years?
Whateducationandtrainingdidyouhavetoprepareyourselfforthiscareer?
Whateducationandtrainingdoyourecommendforayoungpersoninterestedinthiscareer?
Whenyouwereinhighschool,didyouknowyouwouldbeinthiscareer?
Career Outlook Interview Page 2

Skills Profile:
Whatskillsaremostimportantforthistypeofjob?Whichskillsareleastimportant?Ratethefollowinglistof
skillsonascaleof5(mostimportant)to1(notimportant).
1
Skill
Not important
Comments
Very important
Artistic
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
Athletic/Physical
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
Bilingual
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
ComputerTechnology
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
Coordination/
Usinghands,tools,equipment
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
CreativeThinking
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
Interpersonal
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
Investigative/Factfinding
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
LeadingandSupervising
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
LogicalThinking
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
Math
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
MechanicalUnderstanding
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
SalesandNegotiation
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
Service/Helpingskills
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
VerbalCommunication
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
Understandingnature,plants,animals
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
Understandingyourself
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
Writing
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
Your Career Area (choose from list):
Arts,MediaandCommunications
Business
ConstructionandDesign
Education
Environment,AgricultureandNatural
Resources
Health
Hospitality,TourismandRecreation
HumanServices
InformationTechnology
Law,GovernmentandPublicService
Science,TechnicalandEngineering
Unit 5: The New Economy
There have been many times in history

when major shifts in the economy have
changed the way people worked and
lived. In the short history of the United
States, the economy has transformed from
a primarily agricultural economy to an
industrialized economy and then to a
primarily service-oriented economy.
CAREERPROFILE:ELECTRONICS
ENGINEERINGTECHNICIAN
What do you do? Following an engineers
instructions I build new electronic circuits or
equipment and test them.
What are some related career opportunities
and job titles in your company or in your
career area? Any electronics specialties in the

th
Atthebeginningofthe19 century,whentheU.S.wasa
medical industry will be in strong demand. This
newlyindependentcountry,morethan90%of
includes equipment for diagnoses of illnesses as
Americansworkedinagriculture.Today,morethanfour
well as equipment for people with disabilities.
outoffiveworkersareemployedinserviceproviding
What new technology will be important?
industries,includinghealthcare,education,retailtrade,
Prosthetics. More and more is known how the
businessservices,governmentandotherareas.Fewer
nervous system works. People who are paralyzed
thanoneinfiveworkersareemployeddirectlyinanyof
may be able to use their limbs again.
thegoodsprovidingindustriesofmanufacturing,
What education or training did you have to
agricultureandconstruction.
prepare for this career? High school, 1.5 years
of electronics from the US Navy, microprocessor

Thereareseveralreasonsfortheselongtermshiftsin
courses from Lowell Institute School, robotics
thejobmarket,includinghigherproductivity,global
classes from ABB Robotics, repair and
trade,anddifferentwaysoforganizingbusinesses.
programming of process controllers from Modicon,
courses in programming with Labview.

Thedecreasingnumberofmanufacturingjobshas
What education or training do you recommend
causedsomeconcernaboutthefuture.Peopleworry
for students today who want to enter this field?
thatasmanufacturingjobsarelost,therewillbefewer
High school, technical training from the military or
highlyproductivejobsthatofferhighearningsandlong
a technical school.
termeconomicgrowth.Peopleseekstrategiesto
reversesomeofthesetrendsandstrengthenthe
When you were in high school, did you know
that you would enter this field? Yes, I had a
manufacturingbaseoftheeconomy.
strong interest in electronics and computers.
However,furtheranalysisalsoprovidessomepositive
insightsaboutthelevelofinnovationintheeconomy
andabouttheinterdependenceofgoodsproducing
andserviceproducingindustries.
Althoughfewerandfewerpeopleareworkingdirectlyingoodsproducingbusinesses,manyareworkinginservice
sectorjobsthatsupportmanufacturing,constructionandagriculture.
Forexample,someofthefastestgrowthintheservicesectorisinbusinessesthatprovideservicestoother
businesses,includingmanagement,scientificandtechnicalconsultingservices(firmsthatprovidedirectconsultant
servicestootherbusinesses);andemploymentservices(firmsthatprovidetemporaryorlongtermstaffingto
othercompaniestomeetspecificneeds,suchasclerical,accounting,engineeringorsoftwaredevelopment
staffing).
Anengineeringtechnician(thecareerprofiledintheboxabove)isincreasinglylikelytobeworkingforaservice
sectorbusiness,includingresearchanddevelopment(R&D)firmsoremployment/staffingservices,ratherthan
workingdirectlyforamanufacturingbusiness.
Thegoodsprovidingandserviceprovidingindustriesaresurprisinglyinterdependent,andbothareimportant
sourcesofjobsandeconomicgrowth.
Whatdoesthismeanforcareerplanning?
Manywritersdescribethecurrentjobmarketasaneweconomy.Flexibilityandlifelonglearningaremore
importantthaneverforsuccessintheeconomy.
Workersshouldbepreparedtoworkwithothersoninnovationandnewtechnology.Innovationsin
manufacturing,constructionandagricultureareimportantinallaspectsofsocietyandtheeconomy,fromhealth
caretohousingtofoodandnutritiontomediaandentertainmentandmore.Forexample,theengineering
technicianprofiledabovetalksaboutengineeringandproducingnewmedicaldevicesthatwillbeusedinthe
healthcareindustrytosupportpeoplewithdisabilities.Or,forexample,theemergingneedforhealthier,more
environmentallyfriendlyfood,housing,manufacturedgoodsandtransportationiscreatingadditionaldemandsfor
innovation.
Workersshouldexpectahigherpaceofchangeandfluidityintheeconomy.Becausetechnologychangesquickly
andbecausebusinessesareorganizedmoreflexibly,theeconomycanshiftresources,moneyandjobsfromone
areatoanotherquickly.Thiscreateshigherproductivityfortheeconomyandnewopportunities,butalsocreates
moreriskandchangeforworkers.Theabilitytoadapttochangeisthereforeessential.
Workersmayexpectmoreflexibleworkschedulesandworkplaces.Withchangesinthetypeofworkpeopledo
andthetechnologyused,workersareworkingmoreflexibleworkschedules,oftenworkingathomeorinremote
offices,andworkingmorevariedhoursthaneverbefore.Thisshiftinworkstyleswilldemandhigherlevelsof
responsibilityandselfmanagementthanatraditionaleighthourperdayofficeorfactoryjob.
Theideaofcareermanagement,highlightedinthefirstunit,isveryimportantintheneweconomy.Workerswill
needtheabilitytoactivelymanagetheircareerthroughouttheirlifetimes,alwayslookingfornewopportunities
anddevelopingnewskills.
EXCERPT:FEDERALRESERVEBANKOFDALLAS2003ANNUALREPORT"ABETTERWAY:
PRODUCTIVITYANDREORGANIZATIONINTHEAMERICANECONOMY"BYW.MICHAELCOXAND
RICHARDALM
Historyshowsusthepowerofmacroeconomicproductivityinaction.AtitsfoundingAmericawasprimarily
agrarian,withmorethan90percentofthepopulationtoilingonfarms.Astractors,threshers,irrigationandhigh
yieldseedsmadeindividualfarmersmoreproductiveoverthepastcenturyorso,theUnitedStatescouldfeed
itselfandexpanditsexport
marketswithfarfeweragricultural
workers.
Displacedfarmhandsflockedto
cities,wheretheyfoundwork
assemblingcars,buildinghouses,
generatingelectricityandmakingan
abundanceofconsumergoods.Over
time,factoriesgrewmoreautomated
andsawgreatleapsofproductivity.
Workersmovedfromassemblylines
tojobsinretailing,medicalcare,
finance,managementandservices.
Overthegrandsweepofhistory,the
cumulativeeffectsofproductivityon
livingstandardshavebeen
astounding.Percapitaoutputhas
grown25foldsince1776.Injustthe
pasttwogenerations,averagereal
incomeintheUnitedStateshasmorethandoubled,thankslargelytoincreasedoutputperhour.
ProductivityhasalsoallowedAmericanstoreducetheaverageworkweekfrom76hoursin1830to60in1890,39
in1950andjust34today.Alltold,productivityprovidessomethingclosetoeconomicalchemy:moreforless.We
getmoreofthegoodsandserviceswewantforlesstimeatwork.
Theefficiencygainsthatmakefirmsleanerandtheeconomywidereshufflingofjobsrequirepainfuladjustments.
Someseeonlythehardships.Fearfulofjoblossandupheavalintheirlives,suchpeoplehaveasinglemessage:
Preservethestatusquo.Whattheyfailtoseeisthatsocietymustenduretheturmoiltogetthepayofffrom
productivity.
Takentogether,microandmacroproductivityareapotentbrewforeconomicprogress.Throughasuccessionof
technologyrevolutionsandindustrialreorganizations,thenationadvancedfromthehorseandbuggyagetoone
ofjettravel,satellitecommunications,robotics,geneticengineeringandtheInternetallgeneratedbywavesof
productivity.
ACTIVITY5.1:LOCALECONOMICHISTORY
Massachusettscitiesandtownshaveinterestingeconomichistories.SomeMassachusettscitiesdatetothe1600s
and1700s,andhavehistoriesinfarming,fishingorshipping.Salem,forexample,wasamajorshippingport,with
tradefromallovertheworld.SomeMassachusettscitiesgrewinthe1800sasmanufacturingcenters.Lowell,for
example,emergedasatextilemanufacturinghub,withthecanalsandmillsbuiltintheearly1800s.Similarly,
Holyokedevelopedasapapermanufacturingcity,alsowithanetworkofcanalsandmills.Lynnwasaleaderin
shoemanufacturing,withashoeindustrygrowingfromhandmadetofactorymade.
Investigatelocalhistorytofindoutwhatindustriesweremostimportantinyourcityortowninthepast.
Questionstoaddresscouldincludethefollowing.
Whatwerethekeyindustriesinthiscityinthepast?
Whendidthesekeyindustriesdevelop?
Whatjobsdidpeoplehave?
Howhasthelocaleconomychangedovertime?
Whatindustriesaremostimportantnow?
Whatagricultural(food,farming,fishing,forestry)workisdonetodayinyourcommunity?
Whatmanufacturingworkisdonetodayinyourcommunity?
Whatimpactdoeslocalhistoryhaveonthelocaleconomytoday?
ACTIVITY5.2:ECONOMICRESEARCHRESOURCES
Eachofthe12FederalReserveBanksoftheFederalReserveSystemhasaresearchdivisionthatpublishes
economicanalysisaboutissuesfacingthenationorregion.TheABetterWayexcerptinthisunitcomesfrom
theFederalReserveBankofDallas.
ReadmorefromtheABetterWayarticleontheFederalReserveBankofDallaswebsiteat:
http://www.dallasfed.org/fed/annual/2003/ar03b.cfm.Usethelinksontherightsideofthepageto
navigatetothedifferentsectionsofthereport.
VisitthewebsiteoftheFederalReserveBankofBostonathttp://www.bos.frb.orgtoseeeconomic
researchandeducationalmaterialsspecificallyabouttheNewEnglandregion.
ACTIVITY5.3:AMOSAICECONOMY
Thecurrenteconomyprovidesamosaicofcareeropportunities.ThequestionWherearethejobopportunitiesin
thecurrenteconomy?doesnothaveaquick,neatanswer.Theeconomyisfluid,withnewopportunitiesalways
emerging.
1. Technologyhaschangedvirtuallyeveryfield:considertheimpactoftechnologyonallareasof
businessandnonprofitmanagement,productionandmarketing,aswellasonspecificfields,from
healthcaretomediaandcommunicationstomusictobookstoresandlibrariestoanyotherfieldof
work.
2. Advancesinscienceandtechnologyhaveledtonewopportunitiesinmedicalandbiotechresearch,
healthcare,healthcaretechnology,nutrition,foodproductionandmore.
3. Attentiontotheenvironmentandtopersonalandcommunityhealthhavecreatedmanynewjobs
andreshapedotherjobs.Movementtolocallygrownandorganicfoodiscreatingnewopportunities
inagriculture,marketinganddistributionandcommunityhealth.Environmentalawarenessis
reshapingworkinarchitecture,design,construction,engineeringandmanufacturing.
4. Differentwaysoforganizingworkhavecreatedopportunitiesinsupportofmanufacturing,
construction,technology,healthcareandotherlargesectorsoftheeconomy.Researchand
developmentwork,engineeringdesign,softwareconsultingandmanyotherfunctionsareorganized
entrepreneuriallyinsmallerorganizationsthatsupportlargermanufacturing,construction,
technologyandhealthcareorganizations.
5. Traditionaloroldersectorsoftheeconomy,suchasfarms,printers,bookstoresandpublishing,
textilemills,sewingandfabricstorescontinuetobeproductiveandtoattractnewentrepreneurial
approaches.Althoughthesesectorsgenerallyemployasmallershareofthelaborforcetheninthe
past,theycontinuetoprovideinterestingcareerandbusinessopportunities.
6. Advancesintechnologyandproductivityhaveallowedindividualsandcommunitiestodevotemore
resourcestopersonallifestyleandcommunitylife.Fromcookingmagazinestogourmetkitchensto
communitycookingclassestofitnesscenterstodancestudiostocommunityyouthprograms,there
aremanymoreresourcesdevotedtohowwelivewithnewjobopportunitiesemergingasaresult.
7. Mostimportant,jobsintheneweconomyarenotafixedcommoditythatexistbutareafluidsetof
opportunitiesthatemergethroughdynamicmarketsandbusiness/socialentrepreneurialefforts.
Entrepreneurslaunchnewbusinesstopursueapersonaldream,totakeadvantageofavailable
resourcesandunusedspace,andtomeetneedsinthelocal,regionalorlargercommunity.
Asanexercise,list2550jobtitlesornamesoflocalbusinessesonsmallpiecesofpaperorstickynotes.Onalarge
boardorflipchart,organizethejobtitlesinamosaic,basedoncommonthemes.Forexampleyoucoulduse
headingslikethis:
Technologyandscience
Environment,PersonalHealthand
Entrepreneurship
CommunityHealth
Servicestootherbusinesses
Personallifestyle/Communitylife
Traditionalsectorsoftheeconomy
(farming,manufacturing,etc.)
Unit 6: Education and Career Options
One key goal of career exploration activities is to help individuals to consider careerplanning decisions:
What type of education and training should I pursue? Do I want a two-year college,
four-year college, technical school, apprenticeship program or on-the-job training
program?
What specific courses or programs of study would be helpful? What summer, afterschool or entry-level jobs will give me experience that will start me in the right
direction? Should I invest time in internships or volunteer work to get experience in a
field that interests me? What other activities will be helpful?
Thisunitlooksattherelationshipbetweeneducation/trainingandcareeroptions.Thethemeoftheunitisthat
peoplemaytakeavarietyofroutestocareers,includingpostsecondaryeducation,apprenticeship,onthejob
training,andothertypesofinvestment.Youhaveprobablyheardrecentlyabouttheimportanceofinvestingin
educationbeyondhighschool.Inthepastseveraldecades,thepercentageofU.S.workerscompletinghighschool
andthepercentagewithcollegeeducationhas
increasedsignificantly.However,youmayhavealso
EDUCATIONPAYSFROMBUREAUOFLABOR
observedthatnoteveryonewhoattendscollegeis
ultimatelyemployedinajobrelatedtotheirfieldof
STATISTICS
study,andyouhaveprobablyalsoobservedthat
Unemployment Education
Medianweekly
manypeoplehavebuiltgoodcareersthrough
ratein2010
attained
earningsin2010
apprenticeships,vocationaltraining,andonthejob
(Percent)
(Dollars)
experience.
1.9%
Doctoraldegree
$1,550
2.4
Professional
1,610
Howstrongistheconnectionbetweeneducation,
degree
employmentandearnings?
4.0
Master'sdegree
1,272
Oneofthemostrequestedsetsofdataonthe
5.4
Bachelor'sdegree
1,038
BureauofLaborStatisticswebsiteisachart(shown
7.0
Associatedegree
767
here)thatshowsthatonaverage,peoplewhohave
9.2
Somecollege,no
712
higherlevelsofeducationhavehigherearningsand
degree
lowerunemploymentrates.
10.3
Highschool
626
graduate
However,therearemultiplewaysofbeing
14.9
Lessthanahigh
444
successfulinthejobmarket,includingcollege
schooldiploma
educationandalsoincludingavarietyofother
Note:Dataare2010annualaveragesforpersonsage25and
paths.Themoredetaileddatashowsthatsome
over.Earningsareforfulltimewageandsalaryworkers.
typeofinvestmentincareerpreparationthrough
education,apprenticeshiporhighqualitywork
http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm
experienceisakeytosuccess.Somehighlypaid,
indemandoccupationsareaccessiblethroughpostsecondaryeducation,whileothersmaybeaccessiblethrough
onthejobtraining,experienceorapprenticeship.
Thefollowingchartpresentsdataonthe25fastestgrowingoccupationsnationally,withdataonemployment,
projectedgrowth,medianannualearnings,recommendedleveloftrainingoreducation,andactualeducational
attainmentofworkersages25andovercurrentlyworkingintheoccupation.Thedatashowsthattheeconomy
offersopportunitiesforpeoplewithalllevelsofeducation.Italsoshowsthat,interestingly,surveysofpeople
workingindifferentoccupationsshowawiderangeofactualeducationalattainment.
25FASTESTGROWINGOCCUPATIONS,EARNINGSANDEDUCATION
Occupation
Biomedical
engineers
Networksystems
anddata
communications
analysts
2008Total
Projected
Percent 2008
Employment 2018Total
Change Median
(000's)
Employment
Annual
(000's)
Earnings
(Dollars)
16
27.6
72.02
$84,780
Postsecondary
educationor
training
category
Bachelor's
degree
Percentageofworkers
Age25andoverwith..
High
Some Bachelor's
school college degreeor
orless
higher
2.5% 23.0%
74.5%
292
447.8
53.36
Bachelor's
degree
8.8
35.1
56.1
Homehealthaides
921.7
1382.6
50.01
$21,760
Shorttermon
thejobtraining
56.6
35.4
7.9
Personalandhome
careaides
817.2
1193
45.99
$20,420
Shorttermon
thejobtraining
58.7
30.6
10.8
Financialexaminers
27
38.1
41.16
$82,320
Bachelor's
degree
8.0
16.4
75.6
Medicalscientists,
except
epidemiologists
109.4
153.6
40.36
$86,710
Doctoraldegree
1.0
1.3
97.8
Physicianassistants
74.8
103.9
38.99
$87,140
Master'sdegree
7.7
23.2
69.2
Skincarespecialists
38.8
53.5
37.86
$32,030
Postsecondary
vocationalaward
59.2
29.3
11.5
Biochemistsand
biophysicists
23.2
31.9
37.42
$86,580
Doctoraldegree
1.0
5.8
93.1
Athletictrainers
16.3
22.4
36.95
$44,030
Bachelor's
degree
13.0
25.1
61.9
Physicaltherapist
aides
46.1
62.8
36.29
$25,000
Shorttermon
thejobtraining
13.2
66.4
20.4
Dentalhygienists
174.1
237
36.14
$68,680 Associatedegree
2.9
61.6
35.4
Veterinary
technologistsand
technicians
79.6
108.1
35.77
30.2
53.1
16.7
Dentalassistants
295.3
400.9
35.75
$34,140
Moderateterm
onthejob
training
35.6
54.3
10.1
Computersoftware
engineers,
applications
514.8
689.9
34.01
Bachelor's
degree
2.9
15.3
81.8
Medicalassistants
483.6
647.5
33.9
$29,760
Moderateterm
onthejob
training
33.8
54.2
12
Physicaltherapist
assistants
63.8
85
33.28
13.2
66.4
20.4
25FASTESTGROWINGOCCUPATIONS,EARNINGSANDEDUCATION
Occupation
Veterinarians
2008Total
Projected
Percent 2008
Postsecondary
Employment 2018Total
Change Median
educationor
(000's)
Employment
Annual
training
(000's)
Earnings category
(Dollars)
59.7
79.4
32.95
$92,570 Firstprofessional
degree
Selfenrichment
educationteachers
253.6
334.9
32.05
Percentageofworkers
Age25andoverwith..
High
Some Bachelor's
school college degreeor
orless
higher
0.6
0.3
99
$41,210 Workexperience 14.3

inarelated
occupation
27.2
58.5
Complianceofficers, 260.2
exceptagriculture,
construction,health
andsafety,and
transportation
341
31.05
$62,140
Longtermon
14.0
thejobtraining
31.2
54.8
Occupational
therapistaides
7.8
10.2
30.74
$31,090
Shorttermon 2.6
thejobtraining
84.2
13.2
Environmental
engineers
54.3
70.9
30.62
$83,160
Bachelor's
degree
8.5
86.5
Pharmacy
technicians
326.3
426
30.57
$29,330
Moderateterm 30.2
onthejob
training
53.1
16.7
Computersoftware 394.8
engineers,systems
software
515
30.44
Bachelor's
degree
2.9
15.3
81.8
Surveyresearchers 23.4
30.5
30.36
$43,450
Bachelor's
degree
5.1
17.1
77.9
Physicaltherapists 185.5
241.7
30.27
$77,990
Master'sdegree 2.1
8.5
89.4
Personalfinancial
advisors
208.4
271.2
30.13
$91,220
Bachelor's
degree
17.1
77.6
Environmental
engineering
technicians
21.2
27.5
30.1
$46,820
Associatedegree 27.2
55.8
17
Occupational
26.6
therapistassistants
34.6
29.78
$51,300
Associatedegree 2.6
84.2
13.2
5.0
5.3
Fitnesstrainersand 261.1
337.9
29.41
$35,920
Postsecondary 23.6
34.8
41.6
aerobicsinstructors
vocationalaward
Sources:BureauofLaborStatistics.EmploymentProjectionsandMay2010OccupationalEmploymentandWage
Estimates(NationalCrossIndustryEstimates)
http://www.bls.gov/emp/#tables
http://www.bls.gov/oes/oes_dl.htm
ACTIVITY6.1:GRAPHINGEDUCATIONANDEARNINGS
UsingthegraphingtipsfromAppendix1,andusingthedatafromthechartinthisunit:
Drawascatterdiagramshowingtherelationshipbetween:
medianannualearnings
and
thepercentageofworkerswithabachelorsdegreeorhigher.
Choose10or20occupationsfromthelisttoincludeonthisgraph.
Whatrelationshipdoyousee?
Median
Annual
Earnings
PercentofWorkersAges25andoverintheOccupationwithaBachelorsDegree
ACTIVITY6.2:EDUCATIONANDEARNINGS
Goonlinetoviewmoredatafromtheoccupationalemployment,trainingandearningsdatabase.Lookat
additionaloccupationsandmakenotesabouttheeducationallevelsofemployeesandthemedianearnings.What
aresomeofyourobservationsabouteducationandemployment/earnings?
Website:http://skillslibrary.com/careers/unit6.asp
ACTIVITY6.3:CAREERPROFILES
ReadfivecareerprofilesintheCareerOutlookwebpageanddescribetheindividualsactualeducationand
trainingandtheeducationandtrainingtheyrecommendfortheircareerfield.
http://skillslibrary.com/cdir/careeroutlook.asp
Career /Job Title

Actual education and training
Education and training
received by the individual who recommended by the
was interviewed
individual who was
interviewed
ACTIVITY6.4:READABOUTAPPRENTICESHIPS
VisittheDivisionofApprenticeTrainingwebsiteandlookforanswerstothefollowingquestions.
Website:http://mass.gov/dat
Whatisthedefinitionofapprenticeship?
Howlongareapprenticetrainingprograms?
WhataresomeoftheapprenticeshipopportunitiesavailablethroughlaborunionsinMassachusetts?
WhataresomeoftheapprenticeshipopportunitiesavailablethroughemployersinMassachusetts?
ACTIVITY6.5:LEARNINGABOUTMILITARYCAREERS
Formanygenerations,themilitaryhasbeenoneroutetojobtrainingandeducation.Readaboutmilitarycareers
intheMassachusettsCareerInformationSystem(MassCIS).
Website:http://masscis/intocareers.org
(SigninandthenclickonMilitaryCareersandselectFAQs)
UsethelistofFrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQs)tomakealistofsomeofthekeyquestionsthatpeople
consideringthemilitaryshouldexplore.
Unit 7: Spotlight on Science, Technology, Engineering

and Math
What careers use science, technology, engineering and math?

How do people in a variety of careers use science, technology, engineering and
math?
Knowledgeofmathandscienceareincreasinglyimportantinbothtraditionalmath/sciencecareersandawide
varietyofothercareers.Careersinbusiness,healthcare,constructiontradesandotherfieldscallformath
literacy,includingastronggeneralnumbersense,basiccalculationskills,useofratiosandproportions,
measurement,geometry,algebraandbasicstatistics.Advancedmathisusedintechnology,engineering,sciences,
andthesocialsciences.Scienceliteracyisimportantinmanycareers,withtheincreasingneedtounderstandnew
advancesinscience,technologyandengineering.Inhighlevelmath/sciencecareers,itisincreasinglyimportant
tobeknowledgeableinmorethanonedisciplineinscience,technologyandmath.
Trendsthatarecreatingcareeropportunitiesinclude:
Theexpandingroleofcomputertechnologyinallaspectsofbusiness,manufacturing,education,media,
andotherfields.
Advancesinthefieldsofmedicalresearch,includingthegrowingbiotechnologyandbiomedicalfields.
Theincreasingneedforenvironmentallyhealthy,greentechnologiesinfoodproduction,transportation,
manufacturing,buildingandotherareas.
HOWDOPEOPLEUSESCIENCE,TECHNOLOGY,ENGINEERINGANDMATHINTHEIRCAREERS?
Architect/Designer: Materials and methods in building technology and construction will mimic biology.
Co-Owner, Marketing Firm: We work with many high tech clients and it is important that we have a knowledge of
science and technology in order to understand their businesses.
Creative and Technical Director of Marketing Firm: We use math for the financial aspects of the business and
for certain projects, such as creating shapes and distances I need an understanding of science for understanding
joints in the human body for creating animation. It is also important for understanding reflection and refraction of
light.
Electrician: Apprenticeship courses use trigonometry, algebra, and physics. Electricians use high level applied
math on the job and need an understanding of physics and spatial relationships.
International Project Manager and Researcher: I am serving with a non-profit organization that works with rural
farmers. We help farmers by teaching them agricultural methods so they may better understand how to use their
farmland. We teach them how to make their own fertilizers, how to plant crops and make use to the land so that
more vegetables can be grown, healthy and without using chemical pesticides.
Planetarium Systems Coordinator/Educator: I maintain various specialized media equipment used in the
production of educational programming in astronomy. As an astronomer, and educator, I also present programs to
schools and general public. In addition, I am also one of the producers of content.
CAREERPROFILE:SENIORSCIENTIST,CONTRACTRESEARCHORGANIZATION
What do you do? My company specializes in research using fish embryos from zebrafish to test cancer drugs and
other substances. Zebrafish embryos provide a cost-effective, ethical means for testing drugs, pesticides or other
substances for toxicity and effectiveness. Zebrafish are quite evolutionarily similar to human tissue, and human cancer
cells grow in these embryos in the same way they grow in human tissue. Cells grow quickly, and the tissues are
transparent, allowing us to study the growth of the cancer cells and the effects of the anti-cancer drugs. My work
involves designing and conducting experiments and writing up results. What I like best is the fact that I am working on
cancer research and knowing that I am making a positive contribution to the field.
What are some related career opportunities and job titles? Other jobs include Research Associates and Lab
Technicians. Other scientists might do similar work in an academic setting, both teaching and research.
What new technology will be important in this career? Many There is continuing work on finding cost-effective,
ethical and effective methods of testing new drugs. Ethically, it is better to do initial drug testing with fish embryos, or
other alternatives, rather than with animals that are higher on the evolutionary scale.
What education or training did you have to prepare for this career? Ph.D. in Genetics.
What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field? A
Ph.D. is required for my work. With a Masters Degree, one can work as a Research Associate. Many lab technicians in
our company have a Bachelors degree or Masters degree, but we have also hired lab techs who received training
through a certificate program.
When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field? No. I started college as premed. In college I did extremely well in biology and chemistry classes that required analytical and thinking skills, but I
didnt do as well in the chemistry classes that required lots of memorization. A favorite professor encouraged me to apply
to graduate school in Genetics. After graduate school, I worked on human genome research. During that time, I heard a
well-known scientist talk about the type of work Im doing now, was very interested, and eventually came to the position
Im in now.
Rating (1-5)
Artistic
Athletic / Physical
Bilingual
Computer technology
Coordination / Using Hands. Tools, and
Equipment
Creative Thinking
Interpersonal
Logical Thinking
Math
Service / Helping Skills
Understanding Nature, Plants, Animals
Writing
Figures and diagrams for presentations and papers

Important for long hours at microscope
Doing experiments
Working in project teams

Statistics
Troubleshooting lab equipment, creating needed apparatus
Communicating with clients
Indirect role
Knowing your ethical values

Writing grant proposals

CAREERPROFILE:SENIORPROGRAMMINGANALYST
What do you do? Database administration and programming.
What are some related career opportunities and job titles? There are tons of opportunities in the high tech
area. Every industry needs people that know computers. In particular, my area of database administration is a nice niche
that always needs experienced people.
What new technology will be important in this career? Web based applications are driving this industry away from
client/server applications. Now that the .com era is over, the web will stabilize and put forth money making endeavors.
What education or training did you have to prepare for this career? I had some corporate training, but for
the most part, I am self -taught. Technology changes so much that you constantly have to educate yourself. It helps to
have a Bachelors degree to give you background.
What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field? Read
a lot of books, but most important get some hands on experience. Books only give you concepts.
When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field? Not at all.
Rating (1-5)
Artistic
Athletic / Physical
Bilingual
Computer technology
Equipment
Creative Thinking
Interpersonal
Logical Thinking
Math
Writing
ACTIVITY7.1:CAREERSUMMARY
Createasummaryofonescience,technology,engineeringormathematicscareerthatmightinterestyou.Include
adescriptionofthework,trainingandeducationneeded,skillsneeded,potentialearnings,typesofbusinessesor
organizationsprovidingemploymentinthisfield,andanyotherinformationthatyoucanfind.Useaformatof
yourchoice,suchasawrittenreport,poster,computerpresentationorvideo.
ACTIVITY 7.2: COLLEGE PROGRAMS
Lookatcollegecatalogsorwebsitesforseveralengineeringschoolsandseveralcollegesanduniversitiesthatoffer
programsinscience,technology,engineeringand/ormathematics.Whatcoursesareoffered?Whattechnology
andresourcesareavailabletostudents?Howmanyfacultyteachintheprogramandwhataretheirinterestsand
specialties?Dothecatalogsorwebsitesdescribejobsthatgraduatesobtainupongraduation?
ACTIVITY7.3:MANUFACTURINGCHARTBOOK
DownloadandreadtheManufacturingChartbook,apublicationbytheCommonwealthCorporationthatpresents
informationaboutcareersinthemanufacturingsector.Usetheinformationinthebooktocreateapresentation
aboutcareersinmanufacturing,includinginformationaboutopportunitiesforengineeringandtechnicalcareers.
Thepublicationisavailablefromhttp://commcorp.org/publications.
Unit 8: Spotlight on the Arts
Art galleries, performing arts, and

other art-related activities increase
quality of life in a region and draw in
new residents and visitors.
Commercial art, industrial design,
graphic design, video production, and
other design activities support the
information economy, manufacturing,
engineering, health care and more.
CAREERPROFILE:ARTINVESTMENTAND
APPRAISAL
What do you do? Buy and sell artwork. Build collections
for individuals, museums, and corporations.
What are some related career opportunities and job
titles in your career area? Art Historian: Research data
on deceased artists, provide background, data, shows. Art
Conservation: Repair, care of artwork on paper or canvas
(preservation) Appraiser: Evaluate collection for individuals
and estates for insurance or sale.
Thearts,mediaanddesignfieldsareanimportant
partoftheMassachusettseconomy.Forexample,
ina2005economicdevelopmentstrategy,the
What new technology will be important? Shared
CapeCodCommissionidentifiedArtsand
databases with museums and libraries allowing larger
Cultureasoneofseventraditionalandemerging information database searches of deceased artists or
international exhibition history.
economicclustersthatarevitaltotheCapeCod
economy,alongwithhospitalityandleisure,
What education or training did you have to prepare for
informationandrelatedtechnology,micro/small
this career? Started as a hobby turned into a business
business,marinescienceandtechnology,energy
developed 4,000-volume library to draw on.
efficiencyandalternativeenergy,andeducation.
What education or training do you recommend for
Otherregionsofthestate,fromBostontoNorth
students today who want to enter this field?
Adams,haveinvestedinmuseums,artistspaces,
Art History Major / Fine Arts Degree
youthartprograms,andotherlocalartsprograms
inordertoencouragethegrowthofthearts.
When you were in high school, did you know that you
would enter this field? No.

Thechartonthefollowingpagepresents
employmentdataforselectedartsrelated
occupationsinMassachusetts.ArecentstudybytheNewEnglandFoundationfortheArtssaidthatMassachusetts
ranksamongthetoptenstatesnationallyinemploymentinseveralkeyindustries,includingdesigners,architects,
writers,andmusicians.(MassachusettsCulturalCouncilwebsite,
http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/news/adams08_release.html;VisitedApril9,2008)
Inadditiontotheemploymentnumbersshowninthechart,therearealsoaverylargenumberofpeoplewhoare
selfemployedinthearts.Nationally,approximately63%offineartists,54%ofphotographers,45%ofmusic
directorsandcomposers,25%ofgraphicdesigners,23%offashiondesigners,16%offilmandvideoeditors,anda
similarlyhighpercentageofotherartistsanddesignersareselfemployed.(Source:BLS,NationalEmployment
Matrix)
OCCUPATIONALEMPLOYMENTANDWAGESTATISTICS,MASSACHUSETTS,MAY2006,FORARTS,
DESIGNANDMEDIAOCCUPATIONS
SOC Code
Occupation Title
Employment
ARTS
27-1012
27-1013
Median
Hourly
Wage
Median
Annual
Wage
Mean
Hourly
Wage
Craft Artists
190
$13.71
$28,520
$15.32
Fine Artists, Including Painters,
390
$22.36
$46,510
$21.76
Sculptors, and Illustrators
27-1014
Multi-Media Artists and Animators
730
$21.84
$45,420
$23.05
27-1019
Artists and Related Workers, All
280
$19.33
$40,210
$27.11
Other
27-1021
Commercial and Industrial
740
$30.29
$63,010
$31.88
Designers
27-1022
Fashion Designers
660
$24.94
$51,880
$28.59
27-1023
Floral Designers
1,870
$13.28
$27,630
$13.71
27-1024
Graphic Designers
4,980
$21.35
$44,410
$22.89
27-1025
Interior Designers
1,940
$24.13
$50,190
$28.68
27-1026
Merchandise Displayers and
1,180
$14.85
$30,900
$15.79
Window Trimmers
27-1027
Set and Exhibit Designers
210
$37.19
$77,360
$31.09
27-1029
Designers, All Other
340
$30.70
$63,850
$30.57
27-2012
Producers and Directors
1,480
$23.43
$48,740
$27.32
27-2032
Choreographers
90
$21.04
$43,770
$23.05
27-2041
Music Directors and Composers
150
$28.21
$58,680
$32.99
27-3031
Public Relations Specialists
8,490
$25.70
$53,460
$28.88
27-3042
Technical Writers
2,320
$33.00
$68,640
$33.32
27-3043
Writers and Authors
1,010
$23.36
$48,590
$26.61
27-3091
Interpreters and Translators
1,110
$17.57
$36,540
$18.79
27-3099
Media and Communication
430
$18.69
$38,870
$21.96
Workers, All Other
27-4011
Audio and Video Equipment
1,230
$18.91
$39,340
$19.81
Technicians
27-4012
Broadcast Technicians
490
$15.52
$32,280
$17.74
27-4021
Photographers
1,320
$16.25
$33,810
$17.32
27-4031
Camera Operators, Television,
420
$24.06
$50,040
$24.22
Video, and Motion Picture
27-4032
Film and Video Editors
190
$20.55
$42,740
$23.60
ARCHITECTURE
17-1011
Architects
3,540
$35.16
$73,120
$38.63
17-1012
Landscape Architects
1,120
$28.18
$58,620
$30.78
17-3011
Architectural and Civil Drafters
2,700
$21.75
$45,240
$23.15
EDUCATION/Museums
25-1121
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers,
4,210
***
$61,670
***
Postsecondary (see note below)
25-4011
Archivists
340
$21.96
$45,670
$25.94
25-4012
Curators
560
$25.99
$54,050
$27.71
25-4013
Museum Technicians and
380
$19.00
$39,520
$20.11
Conservators
Notes:
(1) Does not include self-employment
(2) Data on elementary and secondary level art, drama and music teachers is not provided separately.
Mean
Annual
Wage
$31,860
$45,260
$47,940
$56,390
$66,300
$59,470
$28,520
$47,620
$59,660
$32,840
$64,670
$63,580
$56,830
$47,940
$68,610
$60,070
$69,310
$55,350
$39,090
$45,680
$41,200
$36,890
$36,020
$50,380
$49,080
$80,340
$64,030
$48,150
$64,640
$53,950
$57,630
$41,820
CAREERPROFILE:CREATIVEANDTECHNICALDIRECTOR/MARKETINGFIRM
What do you do? Responsibleforthecreative,artistic,andtechnicalaspectsofafullservicemarketingfirm,

includinggraphicdesign,computeranimationandotherprojects.Trainandsupervise710staff.
What are some related career opportunities and job titles?Graphicdesigner*Webdesigner*Videographer

*Photographer*Copywriting*AccountExecutive*MultimediaDesigner*Moviedirector*Illustrator*TVproducer
What education or training did you have to prepare for this career?Artschool(Artmajor);practicein
drawing;continuingselfeducation;workedinadvertisingfirmbeforestartingowncompany.
What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field?Art
schoolorafouryearcollegewithanartmajor.Needtoattendagoodartprogramwithuptodateprogramingraphic
designwithnewtechnologies.Youalsoneedongoingeducationinnewtechnologyandskills.
When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field?Yesandno.Iwasinterested
incommercialartallalong,butdidntknowIwouldbeinthisparticularfield.
Rating (1-5)
Artistic
Athletic / Physical
Bilingual
Computer technology
Coordination / Using Hands. Tools,
and Equipment
Creative Thinking
Most important
Cutting boards and mats, building models

But it is also important to focus on what the client wants rather
than what you want to create
Interpersonal
Need to learn about clients and their business. Need to learn

about new equipment, costs, and payback time.

Logical Thinking
Math
Understanding Nature, Plants,
Animals
Writing
Need to make assumptions about target audience. Need to

manage workload and assess equipment needs.
For the financial aspects of the business and for certain
projects, such as creating shapes and distances
Computers, printers, professional printing process
Investigating new technologies
Understand joints in human body for creating animation.

Understand reflection and refraction of light.
Createasummaryofoneartsrelatedcareerthatmightinterestyou.Includeadescriptionofthework,training
andeducationneeded,skillsneeded,potentialearnings,typesofbusinessesororganizationsproviding
employmentinthisfield,andanyotherinformationthatyoucanfind.Useaformatofyourchoice,suchasa
writtenreport,poster,computerpresentationorvideo.
ACTIVITY8.2:COLLEGEPROGRAMS
Lookatcollegecatalogsorwebsitesforseveralartschoolsandseveralcollegesanduniversitiesthatoffer
programsinthearts.Whatcoursesareoffered?Whattechnologyandresourcesareavailabletostudents?How
manyfacultyteachintheprogramandwhataretheirinterestsandspecialties?Dothecatalogsorwebsites
describejobsthatgraduatesobtainupongraduation?
ACTIVITY8.3:ARTSANDTHELOCALECONOMY
TheNewEnglandFoundationfortheArtssaysthatthecreativesectorprovides109,000jobsandhasa$2.1
billionimpactontheMassachusettseconomy.Doyouseealargeimpactinyourcommunity?Uselocal
newspapers,chamberofcommercepublications,websites,orotherresourcestolearnabouttheroleoftheartsin
yourlocaleconomy.Whatartsrelatedordesignrelatedorganizationsandbusinessesarefoundinyourlocal
area?Howlargearoledoyouthinktheartsplayintheeconomyofyourcityortown?
RecommendedWebsites:
MassachusettsCulturalCouncil:http://www.massculturalcouncil.org
NewEnglandFoundationfortheArts:http://www.necd.org
MassachusettsMunicipalAssociation(forcity/townwebsites):http://www.mma.org(Clickonthelink
forCityandTownWebsitesforalistofofficialcity/townwebsites)
Unit 9: Spotlight on the Building Trades
On a major building project, the work of

many different trades must be coordinated in
order to complete the project. Ironworkers
build the frame for the building. Before walls
are constructed, electricians and plumbers
lay out the electrical, heating and plumbing
systems for the building. The work is
continued by HVAC installers, carpenters,
elevator installers, tile workers, masons,
carpet installers, painters and other
tradespeople. Planning and coordination
are provided by a general contractor, with
consultation with the architects and
engineers. The project must be coordinated
with local authorities, including city planning,
zoning, building inspectors and the local
water and sewer and public works
departments.
Whatskillsarerequiredforasuccessfulproject?Each
tradespersonmustknowtheskillsspecifictotheirown
trade,andmustalsobringskillsinteamwork,problem
solving,workplacesafety,communicationandproject
management.Theymustbeskilledinblueprintreading
andmusthaveknowledgeofbasicprinciplesofbuilding.A
goodbackgroundinmath,scienceandreadingisessential.
TheinterviewswithanHVACcontractor,ontheright,and
withanelectrician,below,highlightsomeoftheseskills.
Constructionworkis:
CAREERPROFILE:HVACCONTRACTOR
What do you do? Salesandserviceofnew
andexistingHVAC(Heating,ventilatingandair
conditioning)systemsincludinghotwater,hot
air,andheatpumps.
What are some related career

opportunities and job titles?HVACsystem
design,drafting,sales,parts&suppliesspecialist,
installationanddiagnosis,sales&serviceof
replacementunitsforhome&commercialuse,
estimator,projectmanager,energy
conservation.
What technology will be important?More

andmoresystemswillbeintegratedwith
computers.Particularlywiththenewtypesof
systems,thetechnicianwillneedalaptop
computertoplugintothesystemtodiagnose
andrepairequipment.
What education or training did you have

to prepare for this career?Ipreparedfor
thiscareerthroughmilitarytrainingand
manufacturerstraining.AtthetimethatI
enteredthefield,therewerenocollegelevel
courses,butnowsometechnicalandcommunity
collegesofferHVACprograms.
What education or training do you

recommend for students today who want
to enter this field?Enrollinahighschool
CareerandTechnicalEducationprogram.Math,
Science,andEnglishclassesareimportant.Build
mechanicalskills.Consider2or4yearcolleges.
When you were in high school, did you

know that you would enter this field?No,I
didnotevenknowitexisted.
Highlyskilled.Thebuildingtradesrequireahighlevelof
skillsandknowledge,whicharedevelopedthrougha
combinationofonthejobandclassroomtraining.
Apprenticesworkwithjourneylevelworkerstolearnthe
trade.Apprenticesstartwithlessskilledtasksand
eventuallytakeonmorehighlyskilledwork.
Projectoriented.Workersareusuallyhiredbyacontractorforaspecificproject.Youmayworkformanydifferent
contractorsandonmanydifferentprojectsduringyourcareer.
Physicallydemanding.Theworkisphysicallydemanding,andincludeslifting,usinghandtoolsandpowertools,
andmayincludeworkingoutdoorsandworkinginextremeweather.Successfultradespeopledevelopskillsand
strategiesforsafelyliftingandcarryingheavyloadsandpayattentiontoallaspectsoffitness,including
maintainingstrength,flexibility,balanceandbodyawareness.
Interdependent.Workersdontworkinisolation.Thequalityofyourwork,yourpersonalsafety,andthetraining
youreceiveonthejoballdependontheworkofothers.Becauseofthisinterdependence,andbecausemost
constructiontradesaretaughtthroughapprenticeship,thereisastrongtraditionofinformalmentoringinthe
trades.Successfulworkerslookformentorswhocanhelpthemastheygetstarted.
CAREERPROFILE:ELECTRICIAN
What do you do? Unionelectricianworkingonmajorcommercialprojectssuchasnewofficebuildings,hotelsand
apartmentbuildings.
What are some related career opportunities and job titles?Anapprenticeshipwillprepareindividualsforall

typesofworkasanelectriciancommercial,residential,industrial,etc.
What technology will be important?Telecommunicationsisoneexampleofarapidlychangingarea.
What education or training did you have to prepare for this career?Fiveyearapprenticeship,which
includesonthejobandclassroomtraining.
What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field?Before
enteringanapprenticeship,itishelpfultohaveastrongbackgroundinmath,science,andreading.Shopcoursesare
helpfulinfamiliarizingstudentswithtools,blueprints,andprinciplesofelectricity.
When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field?Yes.
Rating (1-5)
Artistic
Athletic / Physical
Bilingual
Computer technology
Coordination / Using Hands. Tools,
and Equipment
Creative Thinking
Interpersonal
Logical Thinking
Math
Understanding Nature, Plants,
Animals
Writing
Electricians draw layouts showing where wiring, appliances,

etc. will go
Strenuous work
Helpful when dealing with tenants in apartment complexes
Important for problem solving and for coordinating the work of

many tradespeople
Interpersonal skills help you negotiate for good job
assignments and encourage teamwork on the job
Learn about technology
Apprenticeship courses use trigonometry, algebra, and

physics. Electricians use high-level applied math on the job.
These skills are helpful for negotiating side work; and for
working out schedules with other trades
Develop new designs
Help co-workers; particularly new apprentices
Need to understand the weather; understand physics and

spatial relationships

Constructionemploymenttendstovaryseasonallyandcyclically,withthebusinesscycle.Considerthefollowing
graphs.Thefirstgraphpresentsconstructionemploymentfortheperiod19902007inMassachusetts,using
annualaverageemployment.Duringthe1990s,theeconomywentintoarecessionandthenarecovery.
Meanwhile,thelargestconstructionprojectinMassachusetts,theCentralArteryTunnel(calledTheBigDig)
started,boostingconstructionemployment.SincetheendoftheBigDigproject,constructionemploymenthas
remainedstrong,asmanyprojectsthatweredelayedduringtheBigDighavebeenlaunched.Otherslicesof
historymightshowamoresshapedcurve,asconstructionemploymentrisesandfallseveryfewyears.The
secondgraphpresentsmonthbymonthemploymentinMassachusetts,forJanuary2005March2007,showing
thetypicalseasonalpattern.Constructionworkalsotendstobehighlypaid,andworkersgenerallytrytobudget
carefully,pickupsidejobsanddevelopotherstrategiesforperiodswhenemploymentlevelsarelow.Despite
seasonalfluctuations,annualearningsinconstructionareverystrong,asshowninthetablebelow.
CONSTRUCTIONEMPLOYMENTINMASSACHUSETTS,ANNUALAVERAGES,19902007
(EmploymentinThousands)
CONSTRUCTIONEMPLOYMENTINMASSACHUSETTS,JANUARY2005MARCH2008
(EmploymentinThousands)

EmploymentandWagesinConstructionOccupationsinMassachusetts,2007
Median,Mean,EntryLevelandExperiencedLevelEarnings
Occupation Title
Employment Median
Mean
Annual Annual
Boilermakers
*** $54,210 $53,070
Entry
Experienced
Annual
Annual
$44,620
$57,300
BrickmasonsandBlockmasons
1,530
$76,850
$72,530
$52,020
$82,790
530
$51,160
$51,840
$31,630
$61,950
20,780
$49,160
$50,960
$34,870
$59,010
CarpetInstallers
700
$57,270
$53,000
$26,040
$66,480
FloorLayers,ExceptCarpet,Wood,andHard
Tiles
380
$38,730
$48,890
$26,040
$60,310
TileandMarbleSetters
360
$44,970
$47,090
$27,200
$57,030
1,590
$42,920
$45,950
$33,360
$52,250
Stonemasons
Carpenters
CementMasonsandConcreteFinishers
TerrazzoWorkersandFinishers
***
$69,990
$59,710
$33,250
$72,940
14,710
$41,350
$42,990
$27,700
$50,630
1,210
$39,810
$42,570
$33,120
$47,300
180
$67,710
$68,600
$56,500
$74,650
4,410
$55,070
$56,020
$40,500
$63,780
DrywallandCeilingTileInstallers
460
$52,690
$49,530
$30,570
$59,010
Tapers
410
$67,570
$63,780
$49,780
$70,780
12,670
$53,470
$54,850
$35,720
$64,410
1,000
$37,250
$40,080
$27,480
$46,380
InsulationWorkers,Floor,Ceiling,andWall
910
$35,110
$36,490
$23,610
$42,920
InsulationWorkers,Mechanical
660
$36,940
$47,080
$24,620
$58,310
ConstructionLaborers
Paving,Surfacing,andTampingEquipment
Operators
PileDriverOperators
OperatingEngineersandOtherConstruction
EquipmentOperators
Electricians
Glaziers
Painters,ConstructionandMaintenance
4,240
$35,900
$38,230
$25,730
$44,470
Paperhangers
***
$38,590
$41,180
$33,950
$44,790
Pipelayers
570
$42,700
$45,240
$33,460
$51,130
10,030
$55,980
$57,460
$36,910
$67,740
PlasterersandStuccoMasons
530
$51,310
$50,430
$37,010
$57,140
ReinforcingIronandRebarWorkers
***
$53,750
$49,150
$28,320
$59,570
Roofers
1,850
$45,190
$51,080
$29,650
$61,790
SheetMetalWorkers
3,700
$52,190
$53,180
$34,200
$62,680
StructuralIronandSteelWorkers
1,110
$67,190
$66,000
$46,350
$75,830
Plumbers,Pipefitters,andSteamfitters
Source:OccupationalEmploymentandWageStatistics
http://lmi2.detma.org/lmi/LMIdataprog.asp
Createasummaryofonecareerinthebuildingtradesthatmightinterestyou.Includeadescriptionofthework,
trainingandeducationneeded,skillsneeded,potentialearnings,typesofbusinessesororganizationsproviding
ACTIVITY9.2: CONSTRUCTIONANDTHELOCALECONOMY
Whatbuildingprojectsarecurrentlyunderwayinyourlocalcommunity?Whatnewprojectsarebeingplanned?
Uselocalnewspapers,citywebsitesorotherresourcestolearnaboutlocalprojects.
ACTIVITY9.3:EMPLOYMENTANDEARNINGSGRAPH
Select510occupationsfromtheEmploymentandEarningstableonthepreviouspageanddrawagraph
portrayingentrylevel,experiencedlevelandmeanannualearnings.
ACTIVITY9.4:BODY AWARENESS
ReadtheboxWorkSmarterNotHarderbelow.Thensearchonlineforadditionalmaterialaboutsafework,body
mechanicsandergonomics.Createaposterorbrochureillustratingkeypoints.Dothesetipsapplyonlyto
women?Dotheyapplyonlytotheconstructiontrades?
Work Smarter Not Harder: Workwithyourbodyandnotagainstit.Herearesometipsformaking

constructionworkeasieronyourbody.
1. Bendyourkneeswhenliftingtoavoidplacingunnecessarystrainonyourback.
2. Womenmaydothingsdifferentlyfrommen.Forexample,itisofteneasierforwomentocarrythingsontheir
hipsoralongtheirsidesratherthanthrowingthemovertheirshoulders.
3. Usebodymechanics.Wheneverpossible,substitutesimpletools,suchaslevers,forbruteforce.Usepieces
ofwoodaswedgestoprythingsopen,insteadofrelyingonyourhands.Ifyoureusingatwofootwrench,try
alsousingatwofootcheatertoprovidemoretorque.
4. Breakdownheavyjobsintoparts.Insteadofcarryingtwoheavyobjectsinoneload,itmaybesaferand
quickerforyoutomaketwoquicktrips.
5. Trydraggingheavyobjectsinsteadofliftingthem.Itmaybeusefultoputthemonatarporamatandpull
that.
6. Areyourarmstoshorttoputaroundastackof4x8swhenyoucarrythemonyourshoulder?Tryusingaclaw
hammertoholdthemstable.
7. Itsdifficultforanyonetoworkwellorsafelywithtoolsandequipmentthatdontfit.Ifyouhavesmallhands,
forexample,youllneedtofindasmallhammerandsmallgloves.
8. Eighthoursisalongtimetobedoinghardphysicalwork.Paceyourselfsoyoucanlastthefullday.
9. Itscustomaryforconstructionworkerstohelpeachotheroutdoingheavyjobs.Ifyoucandothetaskalone,
fine.Butdontbeafraidtoaskafellowworkertolendahand.
CompiledbyResearchandEvaluationAssociates,Inc.,103015thStreet,N.W.,Suite750,WashingtonD.C.[From
theMassachusettsCommunityCollegesCITAPTradeSkillsManual,1999.]
ACTIVITY9.5:FOCUS ON NON-TRADITIONAL EMPLOYMENT

Agenerationago,itwasconsiderednormalthatsomejobsweretraditionallymaleandsomeweretraditionally
female.Infact,classifiedadvertisingsectionsofnewspapershadseparatesectionheadingsforHelpWanted
MaleandHelpWantedFemale.Today,mostpeopleviewmostcareersasbeingopentobothmenand
women.Jobsthatwereoncetraditionallymale,suchaslawyers,doctors,computerprogrammersandmail
carriersarenolongernontraditionalforwomen.However,mostoftheconstructiontradesremain
traditionallymale.Inrecentyears,thetradeshavereachedouttoincludemorewomenandhavestartedsome
formalandinformalprograms,suchasmentoringandpreapprenticeshipclasses,toattractandretainwomen.
Fordiscussion:
Whataresomefactorsthatmightdiscouragewomenfromenteringconstructiontrades?
Whataresomefactorsthatmaketheconstructiontradesgoodcareerchoicesforwomenaswellasmen?
Canyoulistsomeoccupationsthatremaintraditionallymaleortraditionallyfemale?
Inyouropinion,whydomanyoccupationsremaintraditionallymaleortraditionallyfemale?
What,ifanything,doyouthinkmighthelptochangethispatterninthefuture?
Unit 10: Spotlight on the Hospitality Industry
Have you ever watched while a new restaurant was being prepared for opening? If so,
you may have noticed the attention paid to every detail, from the signage outside and
inside the restaurant to the dcor, furniture, seating arrangements, lighting, and, most
importantly, the menu. Whether the restaurant is casual or formal, all of these elements
combine to express the creative vision of the owners and to contribute to the
customers experiences.
Thehospitalityindustryprovidesopportunitiesforcreativeexpressionandcustomerservicethroughjobsin
restaurants,hotelsandmotels,travelagencies,tourismservices,andotheraspectsofhospitality.Thehospitality
sectorisoneofthekeysectorsintheMassachusettseconomy.Itprovideslargenumbersofjobsandbrings
moneyandtaxrevenueintothestate.Considersomeofyourfavoriteplacestovisitinyourcityortownornearby
communities.Doesyourcommunityhaveartgalleries,museums,parks,beaches,sports,orhikingtrails?Are
thereanypopularhistoricplaces?Concerts?Films?Festivals?Doesyourcommunityattractvisitorsandtourists
fromotherpartsofNewEnglandorfromotherpartsoftheworld?Doesthecommunityhaverestaurants,hotels,
motels,innsorresortsthatcomplementthelocalattractions?
Jobsinhospitalityareidealforindividualswhoenjoywelcomingothersandenjoyusingtheirskillstocreatea
positiveexperience.Forexample:
Concierge:Thecareerprofileinterviewonthefollowingpagedescribesthejobofaconciergeinahotelin
Boston.Theconciergeassistsguestsofthehotelinmanydifferentways,fromsolvingproblemstofinding
restaurants,shops,salons,andsubways.
Chef:Achefleadsthekitchenstaffinarestaurantandisresponsibleforcoordinatingtheworkofallthe
kitchenstaff,selectingingredients,andperfectingthemenu.Agoodchefcanbewellknowninthe
community,andhisorherreputationwillattractdinerstotherestaurant.
Hotelmanager:Ahotelmanagermanagesallaspectofhoteloperations,fromthefrontdeskto
housekeepingtomaintenancetofoodservices.Themanagerisultimatelyresponsibleforcreating
teamworkamongemployeesandcreatingawelcomingatmosphereinthehotel.
FIRSTJOBSINTHEHOSPITALITYSECTOR
Manyyoungadultsfirstjobsareinthehospitalitysector,particularlyinrestaurants.Whetheryouareinterested
inafuturecareerinhospitalityorwhetheryouplantoentersomeotherfieldinthefuture,thesefirstjobsprovide
goodinsightintokeyworkplaceskills,especiallycustomerserviceskills,interpersonalskills,andinsightsinto
management.Thingstonoticeinclude:
Whydocustomersenjoyeatingatthisrestaurant?
Whatfactorscontributetotheircustomerexperience?
Howmanyofthecustomersarerepeatcustomerswhovisitregularly?
Howmanyarenewcustomers?
Whydoemployeesenjoyworkingatthisrestaurant?
Whatfactorscontributetoemployeesatisfaction?
Whatistheturnoverrateforemployees?Doesthisvarybytypeofjob?
Whatfactorscontributetokeepingemployeesinajob?
Whatarethemostimportantthingsthatyouarelearningfromthisjob?
CAREERPROFILE:CONCIERGE
What do you do? Conciergesassistguestsofthehotelinmanydifferentways,fromsolvingproblemstofinding
restaurants,shops,salons,andsubways.Weinteractwithdozenstohundredsofguestseveryday,arrangingvarious
services.Imostlikeinteractingwithguestsfromothercountries,openingthecityandallitstreasurestothem.WEare
theirkeytothecityinmanyways.
What are some related career opportunities and job titles?GuestServicesSpecialistsworkonthefrontdesk

registeringguestsintothehotel.Bellmenassistwithbagsandpackages.
What technology will be important?WearelikeGooglebutbetterandfaster!SearchengineslikeGooglecan

help,butourvalueisourknowledgeandourcustomerrelationshipskills.
What education or training did you have to prepare for this career?Ihaveexperienceinteaching,andmy
teachingskillshelpagreatdeal.Computerbasicsareessential.Workingincustomerserviceismandatory.Behavior
analysisandsalestrainingareveryvaluable.
What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field?
Improvingcommunicationskillsisagoodplacetostart.Then,experienceasmuchofyourlocalareapossible.Work
inahoteltoexperiencetheparticularneedsofguests.Learnhowtobestgivedirections.
When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field?Noidea.
Rating (1-5)
Artistic
Athletic / Physical
Bilingual
Computer technology
Equipment
Creative Thinking
Interpersonal
Logical Thinking
Math
Writing
Createasummaryofonehospitalityrelatedcareerthatmightinterestyou.Includeadescriptionofthework,
trainingandeducationneeded,skillsneeded,potentialearnings,typesofbusinessesororganizationsproviding
Lookatcollegecatalogsorwebsitesforcolleges,universitiesandtechnicalschoolsthatofferprogramsin
hospitalitymanagement,culinaryarts,travelandtourismorrelatedfields.Whatcoursesareoffered?What
technologyandresourcesareavailabletostudents?Howmanyfacultyteachintheprogramandwhataretheir
interestsandspecialties?Dothecatalogsorwebsitesdescribejobsthatgraduatesobtainupongraduation?
Unit 11: Spotlight on Health Care
Jenna is a seven-year-old girl who was born with multiple disabilities. She uses a
wheelchair but also has some mobility outside of her wheelchair. She can pull herself
up to a standing position and will sometimes take a few small steps while holding on to
a support. Her parents, teacher and physical therapist hope that she will be able to
walk with a walker soon, which will give her more mobility, more freedom and a
healthier life.
Mark is a 62-year-old man whose recent check-ups showed high blood pressure
readings. His doctor has suggested that he lose weight and increase his exercise
routine, and said that they can watch his blood pressure for a few months before
deciding whether he needs to start taking blood pressure medicine.
Marie is a 75-year-old woman whose husband died two years ago after 50 years of
marriage. She has started feeling symptoms of arthritis and feels stiff for a long time
after waking up in the morning. She eats well, takes a long walk each day and is active
with projects around her house and in the community, but wants to know if there is
something else she can do to maintain good health.
Jonah is a four-year-old who has a rare condition that affects his bones. He will
probably have to wear braces as he gets older. His family hopes for medical research
that will successfully address his condition. Several experimental therapies are
currently available and his family is considering several options. Meanwhile they are
giving him vitamin supplements that may help to strengthen his bones and getting
regular bone scans to monitor his condition.
Eachofthesecasestudiesportrayssomeoftheneedsofconsumersinthehealthcaresystem.Careersinthe
healthcaresectorfocusonallaspectsofhealthmaintenancefromadvisingonnutritionandexercisetoproviding
diagnosticteststoprovidingtreatmentsandtherapiestoprovidingsupportiveservicestofamiliesandcaregivers
andmore.
ExamplesofPatientNeeds
ExamplesofJobsinHealthCare
Primarycare
Physician
NursePractitioner
Nurse
MedicalAssistant
PhysicianAssistant
Patienteducation
Physicians
Nurses
NursePractitioners
Nutritionists
Medicaltesting
Labtechnician
Radiologist
Medicalspecialties/Treatment
Surgeon
Cardiologist
Therapies
Physicaltherapist
Occupationaltherapist
Vocationalrehabilitationcounselor
Homecare
Homehealthnurse
Homehealthaide
Mentalhealthservices
Familytherapists
Substanceabusecounselors
Nursinghomecare
Nurse
CertifiedNurseAssistant
Dietician
Medicalrecords
Medicalrecords
Medicalbilling
Computerinformationsystems
Administration
Humanresourcesmanager
Officemanager
Medicalsecretary
Financespecialist
Qualitymanagementspecialist
Support
Hospitalsocialworker
Casemanager
Patientadvocate
Hospitalchaplain
Vocationalrehabilitationcounselor
CAREERPROFILE:DIRECTOROFPASTORALCAREANDPATIENTADVOCACY
What do you do? As Director of Pastoral Care, I oversee anInterfaithSpiritualCareDepartmentanddirect
pastoralcarefora273medicalandpsychiatricinpatientandanumberofhospitalcampusprograms,whichincludesa
homelessshelter,andsubstanceabusetreatmentprograms.IprovidesupervisionofFieldStudystudentsfromarea
graduateschoolsandvolunteers(layandordained).Iamresponsiblefordesigningandleadingworshipandmemorial
services.AsPatientAdvocate,Iamresponsibleforadvocatingonbehalfofpatients,incarceratedindividuals,and
mentalhealthclientsincludingpatient/staffrelationsandconflictresolution.Ialsodesignprogramimprovement
initiativesincludingpatientsatisfactionsurveysanddevelopeducationalmaterialsforpatients,familiesandstaff.
What are some related career opportunities and job titles? HumanRightsOfficer,SocialWorker,Counselor,
CaseManager,QualityManager.
What new technology will be important in this career? Computer programs to help with medical assessment,
psycho-social assessment and documentation.
What education or training did you have to prepare for this career?
MastersofDivinity(M.Div.)
LicensedCertifiedSocialWorker(LCSW)
BachelorofArts
ContinuingEducationthroughUnitedChurchofChristPolity(HarvardDivinitySchool)
AlsocontinuingeducationinHealthCare,Ministry,Medical/ProfessionalEthics,Geriatrics,SocialWork,
Psychology,ManagementandGovernment.
What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field? B.A.in
SocialWork,Education,orPublic/HumanServicefield.SomeDivinitySchoolsofferdualdegreesMasterof
Divinity/MasterinSocialWork.
When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field? Iwasalwayshadan
interestinministryandsocialworkthatbeganinchildhood.
Rating (1-5)
Artistic
Athletic / Physical
Bilingual
Computer technology
Coordination / Using Hands. Tools, and Equipment
Creative Thinking
Interpersonal
Logical Thinking
Math
Writing
CAREERPROFILE:HOMEHEALTHNURSE
What do you do? Iworkasahomehealthnurseandvisitpeopleintheirhomes.Iliketheopportunitytohelp
people.
What are some related career opportunities and job titles? Nursescanworkinanymedicalsetting,suchas
doctorsoffices,hospitals,schools,shelters,nursinghomes,etc.Youcanbecomeanursepractitioner.
What new technology will be important in this career?Oneexampleiscomputerizedheartmonitorsthatcan
beusedathome.Resultsarereadoveranonlineconnectionbymedicalstaff.
What education or training did you have to prepare for this career?
SchoolofNursing
What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field?
Irecommendgoingtoafouryearcollegeandearningabachelorsdegreeinnursing,andtheneventuallyamasters
degree.Youcanearnmorewithhigherdegrees.
When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field? Yes.
Rating (1-5)
Artistic
Athletic / Physical
Bilingual
Computer technology
Coordination / Using Hands. Tools, and Equipment
Creative Thinking
Interpersonal
Logical Thinking
Math
Writing
Giving medications
Teaching patients
Createasummaryofonehealthrelatedcareerthatmightinterestyou.Includeadescriptionofthework,training
andeducationneeded,skillsneeded,potentialearnings,typesofbusinessesororganizationsproviding
Lookatcollegecatalogsorwebsitesforcolleges,universitiesandtechnicalschoolsthatofferprogramsinhealth
careorrelatedfields.Whatcoursesareoffered?Whattechnologyandresourcesareavailabletostudents?How
manyfacultyteachintheprogramandwhataretheirinterestsandspecialties?Dothecatalogsorwebsites
describejobsthatgraduatesobtainupongraduation?
ACTIVITY11.3:HEALTHCARECHARTBOOK
DownloadandreadtheHealthcareChartbook,apublicationbytheCommonwealthCorporationthatpresents
informationaboutcareersinthehealthcaresector.Usetheinformationinthebooktocreateabriefpaperor
presentationaboutthehealthcaresector,includinginformationaboutthewiderangeofjobsavailableinthe
healthcaresector.Thepublicationisavailablefromhttp://commcorp.org/publications.
ACTIVITY11.4:CASESTUDIES
Readthecasestudiesonthefirstpageofthisunit.Insmallgroups,chooseoneofthecasestudiesandidentifya
listofhealthcareprofessionalswhomightworkwiththepersondescribedinthecasestudy.Useacareerguide
toidentifyjobtitles,suchasMassCISortheOccupationalOutlookHandbook.Trytoincludeavarietyofhealthcare
professionals,includingphysicians(includingspecialtiessuchasorthopedics),nutritionists,physicaltherapists,
radiologytechnicians,etc.
JobTitle
BriefDescription
Unit 12: Entrepreneurship
What are the qualities that make a person a successful entrepreneur? An entrepreneur
is someone who organizes, launches and manages a business or other venture. An
entrepreneur may be someone who opens a restaurant, starts a home-based business,
or organizes a new community-based organization. They might become self-employed
in an occupation where they have worked for many years or they may start a business
in an area that is new to them.
Ahighschoolstudentstartsamusiclessonbusiness,matchinghighschoolmusicstudentswith
elementaryschoolstudentswhowantextralessonsinaninstrumenttheyarelearningtoplay.
Achefandarestaurantmanagerpartnertoopenarestaurantfocusedonafavoritecuisine.
Agraphicdesignerstartsahomebasedbusinessprovidingwebdesignservicestosmallcompanies.
Aretiredbusdriver,whoisalsoadeaconinhislocalchurch,buysausedbusandstartsabusiness
providingbustransportationforchurchgroups.
Aformerinsuranceagent,withnoexperienceincosmetics,launchesabusinessmakingnaturalorganic
cosmetics.
Thequalitiesthatmakeapersonsuccessfulasanentrepreneurmaybesurprising.Entrepreneursarenot
necessarilyrisktakers,anddonotnecessarilyhavehighlyoutgoingpersonalities.Instead,keyqualitiesare:
Apersonalitythatisbetweenrisktakingandriskaverse(willingtotakerisksbutalsosensibleabout
planningcarefullybeforemovingforward)
Motivationandpersistence
Problemsolvingskills
Talentandtechnicalskills
Commonsense
Willingnesstostudyandlearnnewthings
Abilitytofocusontheneeds/wantsofotherpeople
Othernecessaryqualitiesforanentrepreneurdependonthetypeofbusiness.Somebusinessideasaregenerated
throughmarketanalysisandinnovativethinkingwhileothersaresimplyoutgrowthsofanexistingcareerortalent.
Somebusinessesrequirecreativityinproductdesign;othersrequiresolid,skilled,reliableservicetocustomers.
Somerequireattentiontomarketing,salesandoutreachefforts,whileotherswillthrivebasedonwordofmouth
fromcustomertocustomer.
Whatoccupationsprovideopportunitiesforselfemployment?TheBureauofLaborStatisticsNational
EmploymentMatrixprovidesnationalfiguresabouttotalemployment,wageandsalaryemploymentandself
employmentindifferentoccupations.Thetablebelowprovidesdataforafewselectedoccupations.Overall,
about92%ofallworkersworkinwageandsalaryemploymentandabout8%workinselfemployment.Asyou
wouldexpect,thesesharesvarysignificantlybyoccupation.
EMPLOYMENTANDSELFEMPLOYMENTINSELECTEDOCCUPATIONSFROMTHEBUREAUOFLABOR
STATISTICS,NATIONALEMPLOYMENTMATRIX
2006
Total Employment
ALLOCCUPATIONS
150,620,175
Wage and Salary

Employment
Self
Employment
138,310,165
91.83%
12,179,895
8.09%
SELECTEDOCCUPATIONS
AccountantsandAuditors
1,274,357
1,152,495
90.44%
121,553
9.54%
Actors/Actresses
70,030
52,322
74.71%
17,708
25.29%
Airlinepilots,copilotsandflight 79,444
engineers
77,479
97.53%
1,965
2.47%
Architects
131,873
105,063
79.67%
26,810
20.33%
AutomotiveService
TechniciansandMechanics
772,675
642,912
83.21%
129,741
16.79%
Barbers
60,034
11,471
19.11%
48,563
80.89%
Carpenters
1,462,071
997,495
68.22%
464,577
31.78%
CraftArtists
8,816
4,852
55.04%
3,959
44.91%
GraphicDesigners
260,831
194,617
74.61%
66,106
25.34%
Hairdressers,hairstylists,and
cosmetologists
617,452
342,839
55.52%
274,613
44.48%
Meetingandconvention
planners
50,962
48,127
94.44%
2,835
5.56%
Musiciansandsingers
196,330
100,281
51.08%
96,049
48.92%
Occupationaltherapists
98,858
90,394
91.44%
8,464
8.56%
Physicaltherapists
172,948
158,498
91.65%
14,450
8.35%
RegisteredNurses
2,504,664
2,482,876
99.13%
21,226
0.85%
Source:BureauofLaborStatistics,http://www.bls.gov/emp/.
ClickonNationalEmploymentMatrix,OccupationSearch.
ACTIVITY12.1:SELFEMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITIES
Whatcareerareasofferopportunitiesforselfemployment?Lookatthetableonthepreviouspageandseewhat
patternsyounotice.UsetheBLSwebsitehttp://www.bls.gov/emptolookatotheroccupations.
WebsiteInstructions:
o GOtohttp://www.bls.gov/emp.
o ClickonthelinkfortheNationalEmploymentMatrixandthenclickonOccupationSearch.
o Chooseanoccupationfromthelist,thenclickContinue
o ThenclickAllIndustriesinListandclickContinueagain.
o Youwillseedataontotalemployment,totalwageandsalaryemployment,totalself
employmentandotherinformationbyindustry.
ACTIVITY12.2:CREATIVITY EXERCISES
Formanybusinesses,creativityisakeyingredientbehindthebusinessidea,theproductdesignorthemarketing
plan.Tryoneofthesecreativityactivitiestogeneratepossiblebusinessideas.
Random word pairs:
(a) Workinginsmallgroups,list3050wordsonapieceofpaper.Includewordsthatmightreflectpopular
trends,suchasorganicorrecyclingetc.
(b) Randomlychoosetwowordsfromthelistandwritethemtogetherinanewlist,suchasorganic
webspaceorvideorecycling.Continue,creating10ormoredifferentpairsofwords.
(c) Lookatthelistandtrytopickonepairandcreateabusinessideabasedonthatpairofwords.
Business ideas / Solutions to problems:
(a) Workinginsmallgroups,listsomeverysmalldaytodayproblems,suchasIalwayswanttopackalunch,
butIneverdo.OrMydeskisamessandIwastetimelookingforthings.
(b) Analyzethelist,consideringwhattherootcauseofeachproblemmaybe,whetherotherpeoplearelikely
tosharethesameproblem,andwhetherthereareanypracticalsolutionstotheproblem.
(c) Generateoneormorebusinessideasthataddresstheproblemsonyourlist.
Marketing ideas:
MARKETINGincludesallaspectsofpresentingaproductorservicetopotentialcustomers.Marketingcaninclude,
forexample,productdesign,packaging,pricing,advertising,distributionandcompanyimage.Chooseasmall
businessarestaurant,repairservice,petcarebusiness,etc.andthinkofamarketingideatomakethebusiness
unique.Workinsmallgroupstodeveloptheidea.
Unit 13: Workplace Skills
Are there certain skills that are universally important in all jobs? Some skills, such as
artistic skills, athletic skills, or bilingual skills, are needed in some jobs but not in others.
However there are other skills, including interpersonal skills, verbal communication skills
and logical thinking that are almost universally rated as very important for every job.
ThefollowinglistofFoundationSkillscomesfromtheMassachusettsWorkBasedLearningPlan,andrepresents
onelookattheskillsthatareuniversallyimportantincareers.Theseareimportantforsuccessinfirstjobs,
includingsummerjobs,afterschooljobs,internships,andfirstfulltimejobs.Theseskillsarealsoimportantfor
longtermcareergrowth.Thesamefoundationskillsthatleadtosuccessinhighschool,postsecondaryeducation
andtrainingwillalsocontributetosuccessincareeradvancement,entrepreneurialsuccessandcareerenjoyment.
FOUNDATIONSKILLS
WORKETHICANDPROFESSIONALISM
UnderstandingWorkplace
Demonstratingunderstandingofworkplace [orschoolororganizational] cultureandpolicy
Culture,PolicyandSafety
Complyingwithhealthandsafetyrulesforthespecificworkplace
Respectingconfidentialityandexhibitingunderstandingofworkplaceethics
MotivationandTaking
Participatingfullyintaskorprojectfrominitiationtocompletion
Initiative
Initiatinginteractionwithsupervisor[orteacher,instructor,teamleader,etc.]fornexttask
orprojectuponsuccessfulcompletionofpreviousone
AcceptingDirectionand
Acceptingdirectionandfeedbackwithpositiveattitudethroughappropriateverbaland
ConstructiveCriticism
nonverbalcommunicationskills
Displayingwillingnesstoworkinacooperativemanner
WorkplaceAppearance
Dressingappropriatelyforpositionandduties
Practicingpersonalhygieneappropriateforpositionandduties
AttendanceandPunctuality Showingupintimelymannerpreparedforwork
Providingsufficientnoticeifunabletoreportforwork
COMMUNICATIONANDINTERPERSONALSKILLS
Speaking
Speakingclearly
Usinglanguageappropriatetotheenvironment,bothinpersonandonphone
Listening
Listeningattentively
Makingandmaintainingeyecontactappropriatetotheworkplaceculture
Confirmingunderstanding
InteractingwithCo
Relatingpositivelywithcoworkers
Workers
Workingproductivelywithindividualsandinteams
Respectingracialandculturaldiversity
NOTE:ThislistcomesfromtheMassachusettsWorkBasedLearningPlan.TheWorkBasedLearningPlanisatoolthatisused
tohelpstructuresummerandafterschooljobsandinternshipsforparticipantsinworkbasedlearningactivities.Itprovides
participantswithajobdescription,adescriptionofthesefoundationskills,adescriptionofadditionalcareerandworkplace
skillsthatareimportantintheirspecificjob,andevaluationsoftheirwork.Thislistoffoundationskillswasdeveloped
throughcollaborationamongeducators,workforcedevelopmentstaffandemployers.Formoreinformationvisit
http://www.doe.mass.edu/connect.
Beyond the basic foundation skills, therearemanywidelyused,transferableskillsthatareusedin

work,school,andcommunityprojects.Theseareoftenreferredtoas21stCenturySkillsbecauseoftheir
importanceintheneweconomy.Theseskillsareimportantintraditionaljobsaswellasnewlyemergingcareer
fields,andimportantnotonlyinworkplacesettingsbutalsoinclassroomsettings,communitysettingsanddayto
daylifeexperience.
21stCenturySkills
CriticalThinking
Thinkinglogicallyandanalyticallytosupportdecisionmaking.Criticalthinkingshapeseffective
actioncriticalthinkingisusedtoassessnewandexistingideasandstrategies,gatherand
weighevidence,andsharpeninsightsintoyourgoalsandwork.Likecreativity,criticalthinking
canbedescribedasthinkingoutsidetheboxlookingatinformationinseveraldifferent
waysinordertodrawgoodconclusions.
Creative
Thinking
Thinkingfreely,generatingnewideas,creatinginnovativeapproachesanddesigns,andthinking
ofnewwaystodothings.Newideasmaybesmallorlarge,radicallydifferentorjustaslightly
freshapproach.
Writingand
Workplace
Communication
Usingeffectivewriting,editingandvisualpresentationskillstocommunicatewithvarious
audiencesintheworkplace.
AppliedMath
Usingnumbers,geometryandmathematicalideastosupportwork.Mayincludeusingmathin
supportofdesigningandbuildingphysicalstructuresorproducts,workingwithbudgetsand
finances,workingwithhealthinformation,analyzingsurveydata,oranyotherapplications.
Computer
Technology
(A)Cultivatingtheabilitytolearn,communicateeffectively,collaborate,andproblemsolve
aboutcomputertechnologyrelatedtasksandprojects;and(B)Usingtechnologytosupport
yourwork;and/or(C)Supportingothersintheuseoftechnology.
Leadership
Leading,coaching,motivating,directingandmentoringotherstosupportworkonworkplace
projects,classroomactivitiesandcommunityprograms.
Customer
Service
Theabilitytocommunicateapositiveattitude,empathy,energyandhelpfulnesstocustomers
orcoworkersandtoprovidetheassistancecustomersorcoworkersneed.
ProblemSolving Beingalerttopossibleproblemsorissuesinthework;Systematicallyanalyzingthesituationto
identifywhenand/orwhytheissueisoccurring;Workingwithsupervisorsorcoworkersto
identifypossiblesolutions;Takingagreedonstepstoaddresstheproblem.
Time
Management
Establishingahealthy,comfortableandproductiveapproachtousingtime.Includes:(a)
thoughtfullyandsystematicallydecidingwhattaskstodoinwhattimeframe;(b)maintaininga
steady,safeandcomfortablepaceofwork;and(c)developinghabitsandapproachesthatlead
toacomfortablepaceoflife(i.e.,notrushing,beinglateormissingdeadlines).
Project
Management
Asystematicapproachtoplanningandmanaginganindividualorgroupproject,including
settinggoals,planning,keepingprogressontrackandevaluatingtheresultsoftheproject.May
includeformalandinformaltoolsandapproaches,includingtimelines,budgets,checklists,
planningmeetingsandmore.
Researchand
DataUse
Gathering,organizing,managingandpresentinginformationinordertosupporttheworkofan
organization,teamorproject.
ActiveLearning
Cultivatingapracticeofactivelearningbyattendingworkshops,attendingmeetingswhen
possible,listening,reading(onlineorprint),observingothers,andaskingquestions.
Teachingand
Instructing
Theabilitytohelpotherstolearnnewconcepts,skillsandknowledgethrougheffective
instruction,handsonexperiences,teachingmaterialsandenvironmentforlearning.
PROFESSIONALISMANDTHENEWECONOMY
EXCERPTFROMSKILLSPAGESYOUTHEMPLOYMENTBLOG:
Whatdoesitmeantobeprofessional?Thewordprofessionalhasmanymeanings,including:
1.)Amemberofatrainedprofession:suchasalawyer,doctororteacher.
2.)Awelltrainedexpertinafield:suchasaprofessionalcarmechanicoraprofessionallandscaper.
3.)Apersonwhoshowsdedicationandskillinhis/herwork:Thesalespersonwhohelpeduswasveryprofessional;
shereallyknewtheproductlinewellandhelpedusmakeagoodchoice.
4.)Apersonwhoseappearanceandactionsshowsseriousnessaboutwork:Healwaysdressesveryprofessionallyat
workorSheisverywellorganizedandprofessionalinherwork.
TheMassachusettsWorkBasedLearningPlan(WBLP)focusesonvisibleevidenceofprofessionalismsuchasattendance
andappearanceaswellaslessvisibleaspectsofprofessionalismsuchasmotivationandunderstandingtheworkplace
culture.
Whatdoesitmeantoshowprofessionalismintheneweconomy?Theneweconomyisveryfluid,withongoingchangesin
jobs,jobtitles,technologyandthewayworkisorganized.Peoplescareersarelikelytochangeandevolveovertheyears,
andsosuccessfulprofessionalswilllearnnewskillsandtechnologiesandactivelymanagetheircareerstotakeadvantageof
newopportunities.Inmanyfields,wellestablishedprofessionalsaremorelikelythanevertotelecommute,using
technologytoconnectfromtheirhomestotheirofficesorfromoneofficetoanother.Inmanyfieldsprofessionalsarelikely
toworkwithpeoplefromaroundthecountryandaroundtheworld;makingcommunicationskillsmoreimportantthanever.
Professionalsarelikelytomanageprojectswithteamsofpeople,makingitimportanttobeabletoworkinteams,be
motivated,takeinitiative,providedirectiontootherteammembersandacceptdirectionfromothers.Manyprofessionals
workinshorttermprojects,anddemonstrateprofessionalismbytheircommitmenttoeachprojectandworkplacewhere
theywork;whethertheyarethereforyears,monthsorjustforafewweeks.
Whatdoesitmeantoshowprofessionalisminfirstjobs?Insummerjobs,internships,afterschooljobs,andfirstfulltime
jobsprofessionalismincludesavarietyofvisibleandlessvisiblecharacteristicsandbehaviors.ExcerptsfromWBLPs
include:
showingapositiveattitude
showingcommitmenttolearningaboutandenjoyingtheprofessionalfield(whetherforafewweeksorlonger!)
learningaboutthespecificprofession(suchashealthcare,teachingorchildcare)
respectingconfidentiality
respectingdiversity
dressingprofessionallyandappropriatelyfortheworkplace
flexibility
participatingenthusiasticallyinstaffmeetingsandtrainings
introducingoneselftootherteammembers(especiallyinalargehospitalforexample)
greetingcustomersorpatientsprofessionally
learningworkplaceroutines
understandingtheflowoftheworkplace
learningvocabularyusedintheworkplace
conductingoneselfwithaprofessionalattitudeandseriousness
actingasapositiverolemodelforothers
ANDMANYOTHEREXAMPLES
Source:SkillsPagesYouthEmploymentBlog,http://skillspages.com/blog
ACTIVITY13.1:DOSANDDONTSLIST
UsethelistofFoundationSkillstogeneratealistofDosandDontsfortheworkplace.
ACTIVITY13.2:ROLEPLAYEXERCISES/CASESTUDYEXERCISES:
UsethelistofFoundationSkillsorthelistofDosandDontsgeneratedinActivity6.1togenerateideasfora
seriesofminiroleplayactivitiesorwrittencasestudyexercises.Createscenariosinwhichanemployeeis
facedwithachallenge,anddemonstratehowtheemployeecansuccessfullymeetthechallenge.Forexample,the
employeemaybelateforwork,ormaybeuncomfortablefacingcriticalfeedback,ormayhaveadifficultissueto
resolvewithacustomerorcoworker.
ACTIVITY13.3:WORKPLACESAFETY.
UsetheSafeWork/SafeWorkersprogram,availablethroughtheMassachusettsDepartmentofPublicHealth,to
exploreworkplacesafetyissues.Theprogramprovidesactivitiesanddiscussionguides.
Thisresource,aswellasotherworkplacesafetyresources,canbefoundthroughtheDepartmentofElementary
andSecondaryEducationwebsiteat:
Website:http://www.doe.mass.edu/ssce/safety.html?section=workplace
ACTIVITY13.4:CAREERSKILLSRESEARCH
Inadditiontothegeneralskillsdescribedinthisunit,mostcareersrequiremanymorespecificskills,suchas
accounting,blueprintreading,cookingorcarpentry.
Chooseajobtitleorcareerareatofocusonforaminicareerskillsresearchproject.Useresearch,informational
interviewsand/orbrainstormingtoidentifyskillsthatareimportantinthecareer.Presentthisinformationina
list,chart,ordiagram.(Seethethreeexamplesbelow(onthefollowingpage)forpresentationideas,orcreate
yourownformat.)

Example1:NarrativeWhatSkillsareNeededtobeaRestaurantManager? (ExcerptfromMassCIS)
Toworkasarestaurantmanager,youmust:
haveahighschooldiplomaorGED;
haverestaurantworkexperience;
beselfconfidentandpersuasive;
havestrongcommunicationskills;and
beabletodirectandmotivatepeople.
Education after high school

Somerestaurantmanagersarepromotedfromwithinthecompany.However,manyrestaurantmanagersgo
throughformaltrainingprograms.Eitheranassociateorabachelor'sdegreeinrestaurantmanagementisgood
preparationforthisoccupation.Intheseprogramsyoustudynutrition,foodplanning,andfoodpreparation.You
alsotakecoursesinaccounting,businessmanagement,andcomputers.Someprogramscombineclassroomstudy
withexperienceinarestaurantsetting.
Example2ChartSkillsNeededinRestaurantManagement
Generalskills
Specifictasks/skills
TopicstoLearn/Study
Foodpreparationskills
Foodpreparation
Menus
Nutrition
Foodsafety
Ordering
Cooking
Foodsafety
Nutrition
Interpersonalskills
WorkingwithEmployees
WorkingwithSuppliers
WorkingwithCustomers
Marketing
Management
Supervisoryskills
Businessskills
PlanningandMarketing
Hiring
Pricing
Bookkeeping
Payroll/Taxes
Marketing
Management
Supervisoryskills
Accounting/Bookkeeping
BasicMath
Example3
SkillsMap
SkillsandKnowledge
Neededbya
RestaurantManager
Unit 14: Lifelong Career Strategies
In an ever-changing economy, there are some lifelong strategies that help individuals
to feel successful and in control of their work lives. Young adults entering the
workforce now are likely to see their careers change over the next few decades as the
technology, economy and society changes. These changes can be positive for those
who are ready.
Life/WorkBalance
LifelongLearning
Budgetingand
MoneyManagement
AcademicSkills
Personal
Professional
Creativity
Flexibility
Resilience
CareerRelatedSkills
Professionalism
WorkEthic
Communication
Teamwork
ProblemSolving
Academicskills
Startwithastrongbackgroundinmath,scienceandreadingthatwillallowyouto
learnnewskillsandmasternewinformationthroughoutyourcareer.
Careerrelatedskills
Acquirecareerrelatedskillsinafieldthatinterestsyou.
Communication,
TeamworkandProblem
Solving
Cultivatethebasicskillsthatareneededinallcareers,includingcommunication,
teamwork,andproblemsolving.
Professionalismandwork
ethic
Professionalismandastrongworkethicareessentialtoasuccessfulcareer.
Creativity,Flexibilityand
Resilience
Whenchangesintheeconomy,inyourfield,orinyourpersonallifepresent
challenges,bepreparedtomeetthesechallengeswithcreativity,flexibilityand
resilience.
BudgetingandMoney
Management
Inallfields,personalbudgetingandmoneymanagementareessential,bothfor
survivingjobchangesandforthesakeoffeelingmoresecurewithinyourincome,
whateveritmaybe.
Life/WorkBalance
Ahealthylife/workbalancemakesyoumoreflexibleandresilient.
Lifelonglearning
Ahabitoflifelonglearningallowsyoutolearnnewtechnologyormoveintonew
careerspecialtieswhennecessaryorwhennewopportunitiesarise.Lifelonglearning
flowsformaprofessionalapproachtoonesworkandfromahealthylife/work
balance,thuscompletingthecircle.
ACTIVITY14.1:PROBLEMSOLVING
Completethechecklistbelowanddiscuss.
When faced with an important problem, do you tend to
1
Never
2
Rarely
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Sometimes
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Usually
5
Always
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b) Readbooksormagazinearticlesthatmight
help?
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d) Solveitalone?
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e) Havetroublethinkingoreatingbecauseyou
areworried?
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f)
Trynottoletitworryyou?
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g)
Facetheproblemdirectly?
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h) Trytoavoidtheproblemsituation?
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i)
Staycalm?
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j)
Panic?
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k)
Considerseveralpossiblesolutionsbefore
decidingwhattodo?
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l)
Actquickly?
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a)
Askadvicefromseveraldifferentpeople?
Brainstormandwriteliststothinkof
possiblesolutions?
Discuss:Whichapproachestoproblemsolvingaredesirable?Whicharenotdesirable?Ifyouweretocreatea
scoringsystem(likeatypicalmagazinequiz)howwouldyouscoretheseanswers?
ACTIVITY14.2:FIVESTEPSOFPROBLEMSOLVING
Onemodelofproblemsolvingisasimplefivestepmodel.Thestepsinclude:
1.Clearlyidentifytheproblem: Whatisgoingon?
2.Brainstorm: Whataresomepossiblesolutions?
3.Evaluate: Whichofthesesolutionsmakesthemostsenseformeinthissituation?
4.Implement: WhatdoIdo?
5.Assess: Istheproblemresolved?
Chooseaproblemfromasetofcasestudiesandapplythisfivestepmodel.
Thendiscussyourcasestudy:
Whatwastheproblem?
Whatpossiblesolutionsdidyouthinkof?
Whatsolutiondidyouchoose?
Wasthefivestepmodelhelpful?Whyorwhynot?
ACTIVITY14.3:BUDGETINGANDSALARIES
MassCISprovidesanactivitycalledRealityCheckthatexaminesthebudgetthatyouhopetohaveandthesalary
neededtosupportthatbudget.Trythisactivityandreflectontheimportanceofdevelopingbudgetingandmoney
managementskills.
Website:http://masscis.intocareers.org
(clickonRealityCheckunderAssessmentToolsaftersigningin)
Unit 15: Writing a Resume
Whatisaresume?Aresumeisabriefdocumentthat
Writing a resume is one of the first steps
outlinesthestoryofwhoyouareasaprofessionaland
in starting a job search. Writing, editing
howyouhavegottentothatpoint.Thisdefinition
and refining a resume is a project that
impliesseveralkeypoints:
requires considerable time, attention
and thought. This unit looks at the

*Length:Aresumeisbrief,usuallyonepage.
purpose of a resume, what it is, how it is
used, and some of the steps in writing a

*Style:Aresumeusesanoutlinestyleformat,
resume.
employingheadingsandlists,andusespartial
sentencesratherthanfullsentencesorparagraphs.
*Content:Theresumetellsthestoryofwhoyouareasaprofessional.Asinashortstory,allaspectsofthe
narrativeshouldsupportthemainthemes.Allthedetailsthatareincludedshouldsupportthemainideasthatyou
areconveying.Asinashortstory,aresumeomitsextradetailsthatarenotrelevanttothestory.
*Themes:Aresumetellsthestoryofwhoyouareasaprofessionalandhowyougottothatpoint.Themain
themesincludeaportraitofyourskills,education,workethic,andotherqualities.Dependingonthetypeofjob
youareseeking,youmayemphasizecustomerserviceskills,abilitytomanageprojectsorinformation,abilityto
workwellwithchildren,computerskills,orothersetsofskills,alongwithapositiveattitudeandwillingnessto
workhard.
Themainpurposeofaresumeistohaveadocumentthatyoucanprovidetopotentialemployersorothersto
describeyourqualificationsforajob,internship,volunteerposition,leadershippositionorotheropportunity.
Organizationsalsousetheresumesoftheiremployeesorvendorsaspartoftheproposalstheysubmittopotential
clients,fundingsourcesorotheraudiences.Forexample,ascientificresearchorganizationapplyingforfundingfor
aresearchprojectwillincludetheresumesofthemembersoftheirresearchstafftodemonstratethattheyhave
thecapacitytoconducttheresearchwork.Asummerchildren'sprogramapplyingforfundingtosupporttheir
programmingmayincluderesumesofstaffforthesamereason,todemonstratethecapacitytoprovidequality
services.
Thereareadditionalbenefitstodevelopingaresume.Theprocessofworkingonaresumeisareflectiveprocess
thathelpsindividualstothinkabouttheirexperiences,strengthsandgoals.Theprocessisalsoagoodopportunity
tospendtimeorganizinginformationaboutworkexperiences,education,andotheractivitiesandachievements,
includingsummariesandkeydates.Oncearesumeisdeveloped,itcanbeusedasasourceofinformationfor
fillingoutemploymentapplicationsandpreparingforjobinterviewsorcollegeinterviews.
Alongwithaskillsportfolio,whichisdescribedinanotherunitinthisbook,theresumeprovidesacollectionof
informationthatcangrowandchangewithnewexperiencesandaccomplishments.Unlikeaskillsportfolio,
however,aresumeisintendedtobebriefandmorenarrowlyfocusedonprofessionalgoals,skillsand
accomplishments.
Aresumeincludessectionshighlightingtheindividual'semploymentgoals,keyskills,workhistory,volunteeror
communitywork,education,workshopsandtraining,honorsandawards,andotheractivities.
Theprocessofdevelopingaresumeincludes:
Reflectingongoals,experiencesandaccomplishments;
Organizinginformation;
Presentingtheinformationinatraditionalresumeformat;
Sharingdraftswithpeersandteachers/counselorsforfeedback;
Editingandrewriting;
Updatingasgoalschangeornewaccomplishmentsareadded.
REFLECTING
EXAMPLESOFRESUME
Whatstorydoyouwanttotellwithyourresume?Whattypesof
SKILLS
opportunitiesareyouseeking?Whataresomeoftheexperiences,
Customerservice
accomplishmentsandskillsyouhopetohighlight?Startthe
Projectmanagement
reflectionprocessbycreatinglistsandbydrawingmapsorcharts
Timemanagement
highlightingpossibleinformationfortheresume.
Leadership
Organizinginformation
Listkeyexperiences,includingpaidjobs,internships,
Publicspeaking
volunteerwork,informaljobs,andotherexperience.
Attentiontodetail
Writingandediting
Listschoolandcommunityactivities.
Workingwithchildren
Artsandcraftsprojects
Listschoolsattendedforhighschooland/orcollege.
Guitar,piano,voice
Firstaidcertified
Listspecialworkshopsortrainingattendedandany
CPRcertified
certificatesreceived.
ServSafeFoodSafetyCertified
BilingualinEnglishandSpanish
Listanyhonors,awardsorotherrecognitions.
FluentinSpanishandFrench
MicrosoftWord
Listskillsthatmightbeincludedontheresume.Startwith
MicrosoftExcel
abroadlistofskills,recognizingthatthelistmaybe
MicrosoftAccess
shortenedandrefinedlater.
MicrosoftPowerPoint
HTML
Brainstormbydrawingamapofgoals,skillsandaccomplishments.
JavaScript
Forexample,startingwithagoalofworkingwithchildren,themap
b
mayconnecttoimportantskillsthatcouldbeusedinaclassroomor
children'ssummerorafterschoolprogram,andthentopreviousexperienceusingthoseskillsandtocoursesand
trainingthatsupportthoseskills.
ORGANIZING AND PRESENTING THE INFORMATION
Afterlistingandbrainstormingpossibleinformationfortheresume,thenextstepisorganizingandpresentingthe
information.
Chooseaformatfortheresume.Manysoftwareprogramsandwebsitesofferresumetemplates.Manybooks
providesampleresumesthatcanbeusedasexamplesforcreatingaresume.Anytemplateshouldbe
customizable,allowingtheindividualusertousedifferentheadingsoradifferentorderoftopics.
Decidewhattoincludeandwhattoomitbyfocusingonthemainthemesoftheresume.Includeinformationthat
isrelevanttotheobjectiveandhighlightstherelevantskillsandexperiences.Alsoincludeinformationthatshows
astrongworkethic,includingwillingnesstoworkhard,positiveattitude,andabilitytoworkwellwithother
people,evenifnotdirectlyrelevanttothecurrentjobobjective.
Omitinformationthatissolelypersonal,evenifitisinteresting,ifitisnotrelevanttothemainthemesofthe
resume.However,donotthrowawaythelistsgeneratedinthereflectionphase.Itmaybehelpfultosetupafile
ofexperiences,activitiesandaccomplishments,sinceeventheitemsomittedfromtheresumemightbeusefulfor
futureresumes,skillsportfolios,collegeapplications,orotherpurposes.
Writeagoal,objectiveorsummarystatementfortheresume.Theobjectivemaybesimple,suchas"Toworkinan
afterschoolchildren'sprogram"or"Toworkinacustomerserviceroleinaretailstore."Alternatively,asummary
statementmayfocusonskillsoffered,suchas"Studentwithexcellentcustomerserviceandofficeskillsseeking
summeremployment."
Next,focusondescriptionsforeachoftheworkexperiencesorotherkeyexperiencesontheresume.
Jobdescriptionsinresumesshoulduse"actionwords"thatshowwhatyoudidinthejob.
Whereverpossible,jobdescriptionsshoulddescribeanynotableaccomplishmentsandresultsofyour
work.
Traditionally,jobdescriptionsinresumesomitthepronoun"I"
Jobdescriptionsshoulduseaconsistenttense,withpresenttenseverbsforcurrentlyheldjobsandpast
tenseverbsforpastjobs.
Avoidphraseslike"dutiesincluded"or"responsiblefor"anduseactionverbsinsteadtoportraywhatyou
actuallydid.
Behonestinportrayingthejob,usingthewords"assisted"or"helped"asappropriateifthepositionwas
asanassistantorteammember.
Examples:
Babysitter,2006topresent.
Providebabysittingforfamiliesinmyneighborhood,forinfants,toddlersandschoolagechildren.Providemeals,
cookwitholderchildren,helpwithhomework,playgamesandsupervisebedtimeroutines.Haveexpandedtoa
clientbaseoftenfamiliesandhavedevelopedareputationforexcellentandresponsiblecare.
AssistantCampCounselor,ValleySummerCamp,Summer2008.
Helpedtoorganizeandleadchildren'sactivitiesinsummerdaycamp,includingartsandcraftsactivities,nature
walksandsingalongs.Providedsnacksforchildrenandsupervisedcleanuproutines.Withtwootherstaff,
developedanewsongbookforthecampmusicprogram.
Usingthetemplateyouhavechosen,startdraftingtheresume.Editasneededtokeeptheresumeononepage.
Proofreadcarefully,evenbeforeyoushareitwithpeersorteachersforfeedback.
WHATTOOMIT:WHATABOUTPERSONALINFORMATION?
Professionalresumesshouldnothavesectionsaboutpersonalinformation,suchashobbies,personalinterests,
maritalstatus,age,etc.However,studentswillincludeschoolandcommunityactivities,sincetheseprovide
valuableexperienceandskills.
Shouldyouincludeactivitiesthatreflectyourpoliticalaffliation,religion,ethnicity,sexualorientation,orother
personalinformation?Ageneralguidelineisthatitisfinetoincludeactivitiesthatdemonstrateyour
professionalskills.Forexample,ifyouorganizedeventsorworkedonawebdesignprojectforyourreligious
organization,thenitisgenerallyfinetoincludethisexperienceinyourresume.Ifyouprovidedofficesupportor
helpedwithfundraisingforapoliticalcampaign,thenyoumaywanttoincludethisexperienceonyourresume.
However,ifyouworkedwithacontroversialorganizationoracontroversialcampaign,youmightchoosetoomit
thisinformationfromyourresume,sinceitispersonal.Generally,itisagoodideatoincludeinformationifitis
relevantandifyouarecomfortablethatemployerswhoyouareinterestedinworkingforwillviewthe
informationpositively.
SHARING, EDITING and REWRITING
Oncetheresumeisdrafted,shareitwithpeers,teachers/counselorsandfamilyforfeedback.Theresumeshould
bereviewedfor:
Grammar,spellingandsentencestructureisitclearlywrittenanderrorfree?
Formattingdoesitlookclean,attractiveandeasytoread?
Contentiseverythingrelevant?
Descriptionsarejobdescriptionswellwritten?
Focusdoestheresumehighlighttheskillsemployerswillbelookingfor?
Eachpersonwhoreviewstheresumewillprovidesuggestionsandideasforthenextdraft.Whenwritingthenext
draft,incorporateanysuggestionsthatmakesensetoyou.Ifasuggestiondoesn'tseemhelpful,talktothe
reviewertolearnmoreaboutwhattheywerethinking.Ifsomethingthatyouwrotedidn'treadwellforthem,but
youaren'tcomfortablewiththeirrewrite,considerotherwaysofrewritingthatsection.Ifareviewersuggests
thatyouomitsomethingthatyouthinkisimportant,talktootherpeopletogetadditionalopinionsbeforemaking
afinaldecision.Throughoutthisprocess,beopenmindedandwillingtolistentotheideasofothers.
UPDATING A RESUME
Professionalsupdatetheirresumesregularly,eveniftheyarenotcurrentlyseekingjobs.Asastudent,itisagood
ideatokeepanactivitylog,journalorotherlistofactivities,experiencesandaccomplishments,andusethisto
regularlyupdatetheresumeandportfolio.Inthefuture,youwillhavethehabitofkeepingyourresumeupto
datesinceitisanincreasinglyimportanttoolforcareermanagement.
ACTIVITY15.1:RESUMETEMPLATES
LookattheresumetemplatesinMicrosoftWordandMassCIS.TheresumetemplateinMicrosoftWordis
availablebystartinganewdocumentandchoosingoneofthetemplates.TheresumetemplateinMassCISis
availableundertheMyPortfoliooption.MassCISusesaformatsimilartotheformatinMicrosoftWord,but
providesscreensforlistingandsavingresumeinformation.Experimentwithfillingininformationandprintout
examplesofthedifferenttemplates.
ACTIVITY15.2:ORGANIZINGINFORMATION
Ifyouhaventalreadydoneso,startanactivitylogwhereyoucanlistactivities,workshops,training,achievements
andotherinformationthatcouldpossiblybeusedinaskillsportfolioorresume.Chooseaformatforstoringthe
information,whetherpencilandpaperorelectronic.Formatsmayinclude,forexample,asystemoffilefolders,
notebooks,calendarsororganizers,orcomputerdatabases.
ACTIVITY15.3:LISTOFACTIONWORDS
Browsesomebooksorwebsitesaboutresumewritingandgatheralistofactionwordsthatarerecommended
forwritingresumejobdescriptions.Listhere,orpresentyourlistwithaposterorcomputerpresentation.
ACTIVITY15.4:LISTOFRESUMESKILLS
Browsesomebooksorwebsitesaboutresumewritingandgatheralistofresumeskillsthatarerecommended
forwritingjobdescriptions.Includeavarietyofskills,includinggeneralworkplaceskills,computerskills,language
skills,oroccupationspecificskills.Forexample:customerservice,attentiontodetail,fluencyinSpanish,HTML,
MicrosoftOffice.Listhere,orpresentyourlistwithaposterorcomputerpresentation.
Unit 16: Interviewing and Job Search
How do young adults usually find their first jobs? How do people find jobs later in their
career? Is it common to find jobs through online listings? newspaper ads? Applying in
person? Applying online? Emailing resumes? Word of mouth? Working with public and
private agencies, including youth employment programs, temp agencies and
employment agencies?
What are the factors that make a job search comfortable or make it difficult?
How can young adults apply for jobs and interview with confidence?
Ifyouarelookingforajob,itisimportanttoapproachthejobsearchwithconfidenceandoptimism.Sometipsfor
asuccessfuljobsearchinclude:
1. Reachoutandconnectwithotherpeopleforadviceaboutwheretolook,howtolookandwho
elsetotalkto.
2. Connectwithpeoplewhowillbeencouragingandpositiveaboutyourjobsearch.
3. Beeducatedaboutthejobsyouarelookingfor.(Studytheorganizationandthejob
requirementsandreviewyourownskillsbeforeapplyingandbeforeinterviewing.)
4. Practiceinterviewingsothatyoucaninterviewwithconfidence.Thinkaboutgoodanswersto
commoninterviewquestions.
5. Workwithotherstoreviewandstrengthenyourresumeandcoverletters.
6. Lookingforajobisaneverevolvingart.Thebesttechniquesforapplyingforjobswillvary
fromyeartoyearandfromonejobmarkettoanother.Dontrelyonjustonemethod(suchas
emailingresumesinresponsetojobpostings)butuseavarietyofapproaches.
7. Beoptimistic.
8. Beenergetic.
9. Behonest,reliableandpositiveinallyourinteractionswithpeopleduringyourjobsearch.
10. Sendthankyounotestoanyonewhohasinterviewedyouorhelpedyouwithjobideas.
Mostimportant,youshouldbebothflexibleandfocused.
Itishelpfultobeflexibleasmuchaspossible,butitisalsogoodtobefocusedonfindingajobthatisagoodfitfor
yourcurrentgoals,skillsandinterests.Dontsaythatyouwilltakeanythingbutfocusonjobopportunitiesthat
fityourcurrentgoals.Ifyouwantaparttimejobsoyoucanearnmoneywhileattendingschoolyoumightwant
ajobwithconvenienthoursandaconvenientlocation.Ifyouwantafulltimejobthatwillhelpyoustartacareer
direction,youshouldfocusonworkingforahighqualityorganizationthatwillofferyouroomtoexploreandlearn.
ACTIVITY16.1:INTERVIEWINGWITHCONFIDENCEINTERVIEWQUESTIONS
Browsebooksandwebsitesaboutinterviewingskillsandmakealistof1020commoninterview
questions.
Foreachquestion,listsometipsforeffectivelyansweringthequestion.
Practiceansweringthesequestionsandothersinmockinterviewswithemployersorpracticeinterviews
withpeers.
CommonInterviewQuestions
TipsforResponding
ACTIVITY16.2:INTERVIEWINGWITHCONFIDENCEEVALUATINGTHEINTERVIEW
Afteraninterview(realorpractice)brieflyevaluatetheinterviewtogetideasforimprovement.Completethe
checklistyourself.Foramock/practiceinterviewasktheinterviewerorobservertoevaluateyourinterview.Use
thefollowingchecklistorcreateyourown.
RatingScale:1=needsimprovementthru3=verysatisfied
Didyou:
Suggestion/thoughtsforafutureinterview
Dressprofessionally,comfortably,and
appropriatelyforthesetting?
Wearappropriateshoesandaccessories?
Speakinaprofessionaltoneofvoice(not
tooloudorsoft)?
Makeeyecontactwiththeinterviewer?
Useprofessionallanguage(vocabularyand
grammar)?
Feelcalmandcomfortable?
Avoidanynervousordistractingbehaviors?
Listenattentivelytotheinterviewer?
Expressinterestinthejobopportunity
beingdescribed?
Clearlyanswereachquestionaskedbythe
interviewer?
Describeyourskillsandstrengthsclearly?
Mentionexamplesofexperience,skillsor
accomplishmentsfromyourresume?
Doyouthinkthatyouconveyedthatyou
wouldbeanenthusiasticandhardworking
employee?
Insummary,didyoufeelsatisfiedwiththe
interview?
ACTIVITY16.3:JOBSEARCHCASESTUDIES
Chooseoneofthescenariosbelow.Supposethatyouareafriendorteacherhelpingthestudent.Whatwould
youadvise?Whattypeofjobshouldtheylookfor?Howshouldtheylook?Whatcantheydotohaveasuccessful
jobsearch?
Astudentseekingasummerjobitisalmostsummerandhehasnotfoundanythingyet.
Astudentwhowantstoworkfulltimeforayearbeforestartingcollege(agapyear)andisaboutto
startapplyingforfulltimejobs.
Astudentwhoispassionateaboutjournalismandwantstoworkparttimewhileattendingcommunity
college.
Astudentwhoisinterestedinconstructiontradesbuthasnotbeenacceptedintoanyapprenticeship
programsyetandisonawaitinglistforpossibleapprenticeshipopportunities.
Astudentwhosefamilyownsalandscapingbusinesswhowantstotryoutotherjobsbeforepossibly
goingtoworkinthefamilybusiness.
Astudentwhowantstoenterthehealthcarefieldandwantsanafterschooljobwhileinhighschoolto
tryoutthefieldofhealthcare.
Unit 17: Next Steps, College Majors and First Jobs
How do young adults make decisions about colleges, college majors, apprenticeship
programs or postsecondary training programs? How do young adults get started in first
jobs? As with any major decision, young adults gather information, think about their
personal goals, talk with friends and families, and ultimately take first steps based on
what they want to do.
This book has provided information and strategies to support career decision making.
This unit briefly reviews some of the key points of the book and provides activities for
looking at these first steps.
Thisbookhasemphasizedtheideathatcareersevolvethroughoutoneslifetime.Earlyplanningandpreparation
areimportant.Lifelonglearningandcareermanagementskillsarealsoimportant.
Hopefullysomeofthecareeropportunitiesportrayedinthisbookandrelatedresearchareexcitingtoyou.You
mayhaveonestrongcareerinterestandknowthatyouarereadytostartonapathtowardthatgoal.Oryoumay
beinterestedinmorethanonecareerarea.Youmayhaveseveralstronginterestsandnotknowwhichtopursue
professionally.Oryoumaybeinterestedinaparticularfieldbutyouarentsureifitispractical.Oryoumaystill
beworkingtodiscoverwhatyouaremostinterestedin.
Career decision makinginvolvesacombinationoflookingatwho you areandwhat opportunitiesexist.

Onceyouidentifyamatchbetweenyourinterestsandpotentialcareers,careerdecisionmakinginvolves
choosing a path to prepare for opportunitiesthatinterestyou,bothpresentandfuture.
Thisbookhasemphasizedtheimportanceof:
Understandingyourcareerinterests.
Findingoutwhattypesofcareersexist.
Buildingcareerskillsinareaslikewriting,logicalthinking,creativethinkingandteamwork.
Beinganactivelifelonglearner.
Beingwillingtoexplorenewfieldsandlearnnewthingsthroughoutyourcareer.
ACTIVITY17.1:DECISIONMAKINGSTYLES
Whatisyourstyleofdecisionmaking?Doyoumakedecisionsquickly?Doyousometimesavoidmaking
decisions?Doyoudocarefulresearchbeforemakingadecision?Doyoutalktofriendsandfamilytogettheir
opinions?Doyoucreatelistsofprosandcons?Haveyouevercreatedaworksheetwithnumericalratingsfor
variouschoices?
Areyouoranyofyourfriendsorclassmatesfacingdifficultcareerdecisions?Whatifyouarepassionateabouta
careerfieldwhichishardtobreakintoorinwhichitishardtomakealiving?Whatifyouwanttopursueacareer
paththatislessestablishedorlesssafethanothersinyourfamilyhavepursued?Orwhatifyouarejusttotally
unsureaboutwhatyouwanttodo?
Workinsmallgroupstocreateamagazinestylequizoractivityaboutdecisionmakingstylesandgivethequizor
activitytoothersintheclass.
Fordiscussion:Isthereanidealdecisionmakingstylethatleadstosuccessfulcareermanagement?
ACTIVITY17.2:WEBRESOURCES
Asaclassroomorindependentproject,createadirectoryofthemostusefulwebresourcesforlearningabout
colleges,trainingprogramsandapprenticeshipprogramsandshareitwithparentsandfamilymembers.The
directorymightbeproducedasahandouttobesharedataparentnight,awebpageonyourschoolwebsiteor
someotherformat.
College Board.TheCollegeBoardisanotforprofitmembershipassociationwhosemissionistoconnect
studentstocollegesuccessandopportunity.Foundedin1900,theassociationiscomposedofmorethan5,400
schools,colleges,universities,andothereducationalorganizations.AmongitsbestknownprogramsaretheSAT,
thePSAT/NMSQT,andtheAdvancedPlacementProgram(AP).Thecollegeboardwebsiteofferscollegesearch
tools,informationontheSAT,PSAT/NMSQTandAPexams,andfinancialaidinformationforfamilies.
http://www.collegeboard.com/
Higher Education Information Centers / TERI College Planning.AtTERICollegePlanningCenters,

locatedinBoston,Brockton,andChelsea,Massachusetts,educationadvisorsprovideFREE,oneononeguidance
andresourcestomakeplanningandpayingforcollegeassimpleaspossible.ThemaincenteratCopleySquareis
open7daysaweekfromOctober1toMay31.Duringthesummer,itisclosedonSundays.Forinformationon
eachsite'shours,call(617)5360200.http://www.tericollegeplanning.org/
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.TheMassachusettsDepartmentofHigherEducation

overseesthestatespublichighereducationsystem,includingstateuniversities,statecollegesandcommunity
colleges.http://www.mass.edu/campuses/missionsystem.asp
Massachusetts Community Colleges.UsethisMassachusettsCommunityCollegewebsiteasastartingpoint

forexploringtheopportunitiesavailablethroughthecommunitycolleges.http://www.masscc.org/
Historically Black Colleges and Universities - HBCU Mentor.Aninternetportallinkingstudentstothe

historicallyBlackcollegesanduniversitiesofAmerica.Providesplanningtools,descriptionsofthecollegesand
universities,andinformationaboutcollegemajorsofferedateachcollege.http://hbcumentor.org/
Women's College Coalition.Foundedin1972,theWomen'sCollegeCoalitionisanassociationofwomen's

collegesanduniversitiespublicandprivate,independentandchurchrelated,twoandfouryearintheUnited
StatesandCanadawhoseprimarymissionistheeducationandadvancementofwomen.
http://www.womenscolleges.org/
Massachusetts Career Information System (MassCIS).MassCISprovidescareerexplorationtoolsand

describescollegemajorsrelevanttoyourcareerinterests.Learnwhatcollegemajorsorprogramsmightleadtoa
careerthatinterestsyouandfindoutwhatpostsecondaryeducationinstitutionsprovidethosemajorsor
programs.http://masscis.intocareers.org
Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Training.Apprenticeshipprogramscombineclassroomandhands

ontraininginaspecificoccupation.Registeredapprenticeshipprogramsareavailabletoqualifiedapplicantsat
LaborUnionsacrosstheCommonwealthandthroughover452employers.TheMassachusettsDivisionof
ApprenticeTrainingwebsiteprovideslinkstotheseprogramsformoreinformation.http://www.mass.gov/dat/
Appendix 1: Analyzing and Presenting Data with Graphs

and Charts
Oneofthebestwaystobecomefamiliarwithasetofdataistoactivelyworkwithdrawinggraphs,creatingcharts,
sortingthedata,calculatingpercentagesorotherhandsonanalysis.Asyouworkwiththedata,younotice
interestingpoints,patternsandrelationshipsthatyoumightnotnoticeifyoujustglancedatachartorgraphwhile
reading.
Thischapterpresentstechniquesforanalyzinginformationandpresentingitingraphsandcharts.Thechapter
providesseveralsetsofpracticedataandprovidesexercisesusingseveraldifferenttypesofgraphs.
ThedatapresentedinthischaptercomesfromtheUSCensusBureau,theUSBureauofLaborStatistics(BLS)and
theUnitedNations(UN),andincludesdataonemployment,education,economicproduction,healthandlife
expectancy.LinkstotheCensusBureau,BLSandUNwebsitesareprovidedsothatyoucanlookforadditionalor
updateddata.Dataonthesewebsitesisupdatedannually,andsothewebsitesmayhavemorerecentdatathan
thatpublishedhere.
Thischapterprovides:
1) Datasetsthatcanbeusedforthesegraphingexercisesorotheranalysis;
2) Adiscussionaboutanalyzingandaskingquestionsusingdata;
3) Exercisesbasedonthedatasets;
4) Tipsforcreatingdifferenttypesofgraphs;
5) Samplegraphsforeachoftheexercises.
Tomakethebestuseofthischapter:
Lookatthewebsitetoseestepbystepdemonstrationsaboutcreatinggraphsonthecomputer;
Copyandpastedatafromthewebsiteasneededifyoudontwanttoretypethisdataforyourgraphs;
Lookatamathbookorotherguideformoretipsandexamplesofthevarioustypesofgraphs;
Workwithotherstodrawthegraphs;
Glanceatthesamplegraphsintheendofthechapterifyouneedhelpgettingstarted,butthendrawthe
graphwithoutlookingatthesample;
Practicepresentingdatabymakingbriefpresentationstoothers;
Practicereadingandinterpretinggraphsbyexchanginggraphswithclassmatesandreading/interpreting
eachotherswork;
Makealistofinterestingpointsabouteachdataset;
Makealistofadditionalquestionsthatwouldbeinterestingtoexplore.

DISCUSSIONANALYZINGTHEDATASETS
Asyouworkwiththesedatasets,considerthefollowingquestions:
Doyougetanynewinsights(orsurprises)bylookingatthedata?
Doesthisdatasupportanyviewsthatyoualreadyhad?
Whatpatternsdoyouseeinthedata?Whatexceptionsdoyouseetothesepatterns?
Doyounoticeanyinterestingrelationshipsbetweensetsofdata?
Arethereanycauseandeffectrelationshipsimpliedbythedata?
Doyounoticeanytrendsovertime?
Lookfor:
Highestvalueswhichoccupations/countries/groups/etc.havethehighestvalues?
Lowestvalueswhichoccupations/countries/groups/etc.havethelowestvalues?
Distributionisthedatadistributedacrossabroadrangeofnumbersorclusteredaroundasmallrange
ofnumbers?
Skewnessaremostofthevalueshighorloworevenlydistributedacrosstherangeofnumbers?
Relationshipsbetweentwoormoredataseries.Isthereanycorrelationbetweentwoseriesof
numbers?
Ask:
Whatdoesthisdatarepresent?
Arethereanyvocabulary/termsthatIneedtolookup?
CanIexplainthedatatoanotherperson?
Decide:
Whatisthebestwaytopresentthisdata?
Shoulditbepresentedinatableorinagraph?
Whattypeofgraphisbest?
Whatshouldthetitleofthegraphortablebe?
WhataresomekeypointsthatIcouldhighlightintextaccompanyingmygraphortable?
Connectthedatatocareerdevelopment:
WhatcanIlearnfromthisdatasetabouttopicsrelatedtocareerdevelopment?Considertopicssuchas:
o Investingineducation
o Globalcompetitiveness
o TrendsintheNewEconomy
o Healthandhealthcare

DATASET#1:EDUCATIONALATTAINMENTOFTHEU.S.POPULATIONAGE25ANDOVER,1940
2007
DataSet#1presentsdatafromtheU.S.CensusBureauabouteducationalattainmentoftheU.S.populationage25
andover.Itpresentshistoricaldataforselectedyearsfrom1940tothemostrecentyearavailable.
Therowsofdataarecumulative.Thefirstcolumnshowsthepercentageofthepopulationwhocompletedhigh
schoolorbeyond,andthereforeitincludesthoseinthenexttwocolumns.Thesecondcolumnshowsthe
percentageofthepopulationthatcompleted13yearsofcollegeormore,includingthosewhocompleted4or
moreyearsofcollege.Thethirdcolumnshowsjustthosewhocompletedfourormoreyearsofcollege.
YEAR
PercentageofthePopulationAge25andOverWith:
HighSchoolandBeyond
13YrsCollegeand
4YearsofCollegeand
Beyond
Beyond
..1940
24.1%
10.0%
4.6%
..1947
32.6%
12.1%
5.4%
..1950
33.3%
13.2%
6.0%
..1952
38.4%
14.5%
6.9%
..1957
40.8%
14.8%
7.5%
..1959
42.9%
16.0%
7.9%
..1960
41.0%
16.5%
7.7%
..1962
46.3%
18.1%
8.9%
..1964
48.0%
18.0%
9.1%
..1965
49.0%
18.3%
9.4%
..1966
49.9%
18.7%
9.8%
..1967
51.1%
19.5%
10.1%
..1968
52.6%
20.1%
10.5%
..1969
54.0%
20.5%
10.7%
..1970
55.2%
21.2%
11.0%
..1971
56.4%
22.1%
11.4%
..1972
58.2%
22.9%
12.0%
..1973
59.8%
24.0%
12.6%
..1974
61.2%
25.2%
13.3%
..1975
62.5%
26.3%
13.9%
..1977
64.9%
28.9%
15.4%
..1978
65.9%
29.8%
15.7%
..1979
67.7%
31.1%
16.4%
..1980
68.6%
31.9%
17.0%
..1981
69.7%
32.1%
17.1%
..1982
71.0%
33.0%
17.7%
..1983
72.1%
34.4%
18.8%
..1984
73.3%
34.9%
19.1%
..1985
73.9%
35.7%
19.4%
..1986
74.7%
36.3%
19.4%
..1987
75.6%
37.0%
19.9%
..1988
76.2%
37.3%
20.3%
..1989
76.9%
38.4%
21.1%
..1990
77.6%
39.2%
21.3%
YEAR
PercentageofthePopulationAge25andOverWith:
HighSchoolandBeyond
13YrsCollegeand
Beyond
78.4%
39.8%
79.4%
43.4%
80.2%
44.9%
80.9%
46.5%
81.7%
47.8%
81.7%
48.1%
82.1%
48.3%
82.8%
49.1%
83.4%
50.1%
84.1%
51.0%
84.1%
51.8%
84.1%
52.0%
84.6%
52.5%
85.2%
53.1%
85.2%
53.0%
85.5%
53.7%
85.7%
54.0%
4YearsofCollegeand
Beyond
21.4%
21.4%
21.9%
22.2%
23.0%
23.6%
23.9%
24.4%
25.2%
25.6%
26.2%
26.7%
27.2%
27.7%
27.7%
28.0%
28.7%
..1991
..1992
..1993
..1994
..1995
..1996
..1997
..1998
..1999
..2000
..2001
..2002
..2003
..2004
..2005
..2006
..2007
Source:USCENSUSBUREAU
TableA1.YearsofSchoolCompletedbyPeople25YearsandOver,byAgeandSex:SelectedYears1940to2007
TableA2.PercentofPeople25YearsandOverWhoHaveCompletedHighSchoolorCollege,byRace,Hispanic
OriginandSex:SelectedYears1940to2007
WEBSITE:http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/educattn.html
DATASET#2:EDUCATIONALATTAINMENTTHEU.S.POPULATIONBYAGEGROUP,1940TO2000
DataSet#2presentsdatafromtheUSCensusBureauabouteducationalattainment,showingwhatpercentoftheU.S.
populationhasahighschooldiplomaormore.Intheyear2000,80.4%ofallpeopleage25andoverhadahighschool
diploma.Thisratevariedbyagegroup.Noticethat:
Thepercentageofpeoplewithahighschooldiplomaormorehasbeenrisingsince1940.
Between1940and1980,theyoungestagegroupsweremostlikelytohaveahighschooldiplomaormore.
In1990and2000,theagegroupswiththehighesteducationalattainmentwerethoseintheir30s,40sor50s.
Inalloftheyears,theagegroupswiththelowesteducationalattainmentwerethoseaged60to64,65to69,
70to74and75andover.Itmakessensethatolderpeoplewerelesslikelytohaveahighschooldiploma,
sincetheyattendedschoolinagenerationwhereitwasmorecommontoleaveschoolwithoutadiploma.
Peopleage25to29werelesslikelytohaveahighschooldiplomain1990and2000thanin1980,suggestinga
possibleslightincreaseinnoncompletionofhighschool.
PercentofthePopulation25YearsandOver
withaHighSchoolDiplomaorHigher
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
.25yearsandover
24.5
34.3
41.1
52.3
66.5
75.2
80.4
..25to29years
38.1
52.8
60.7
73.8
84.5
83.5
83.6
..30to34years
33.0
47.7
55.7
68.7
83.8
84.7
84.2
..35to39years
26.9
40.5
54.7
64.5
79.0
86.0
84.7
..40to44years
23.7
35.6
48.5
59.1
74.0
85.2
85.4
..45to49years
20.6
30.0
40.6
57.0
69.3
80.4
86.4
..50to54years
18.5
26.8
34.9
50.9
63.1
75.3
85.4
..55to59years
17.1
23.3
28.5
43.0
60.0
70.4
81.1
..60to64years
16.4
20.5
24.5
37.1
53.3
64.8
76.1
..65to69years
14.2
18.4
20.7
30.5
45.1
61.8
72.1
..70to74years
13.1
17.8
18.6
27.3
39.8
56.0
67.3
..75yearsandover
11.5
16.6
17.7
24.0
32.7
44.8
60.7
DATASET#3:VALUEADDED,BYSECTOR,SELECTEDCOUNTRIES,2006
DATASET#3presentsdatafromtheUNaboutthedistributionofvalueaddedbyeachsectorintheeconomiesofseveraldifferent
countries.Itlooksatdifferentsectorsoftheeconomy,includingagriculture,manufacturing,construction,etc.
Thetermvalueaddedreferstothedollarvalueofproduction.Forexample,supposethatafarmproduces$10worthofwheatandsellsittoa
mill.Themillproduces$15worthofflourandsellsittoabakery.Thebakeryproduces$25worthofbreadandsellsittoaretailstore.Theretail
storesellsthebreadfor$32.Thevalueaddedbythefarmis$10,thevalueaddedbythemillis$5,thevalueaddedbythebakeryis$10,andthe
valueaddedbytheretailstoreis$7.
Countryor
Area
ValueAdded
TOTAL
Agriculture,
hunting,
forestry,
fishing
Mining,
Manufacturing,
Utilities
Construction
Wholesale,
retailtrade,
restaurants
andhotels
Transport,
storageand
communication
Other
Activities
InMillionsofDollars(US$)
Brazil
$1,004,337
$90,560
$305,101
$69,534
$73,497
$50,429
$415,216
100.0%
9.0%
30.4%
6.9%
7.3%
5.0%
41.3%
$1,181,043
$26,072
$312,022
$62,166
$161,030
$84,377
$535,375
100.0%
2.2%
26.4%
5.3%
13.6%
7.1%
45.3%
CostaRica
$20,947
$1,735
$5,016
$988
$3,936
$1,902
$7,370
100.0%
8.3%
23.9%
4.7%
18.8%
9.1%
35.2%
Guatemala
$28,757
$3,903
$6,832
$1,447
$4,155
$1,722
$10,699
100.0%
13.6%
23.8%
5.0%
14.4%
6.0%
37.2%
Haiti
$4,233
$1,305
$370
$637
$658
$118
$1,146
100.0%
30.8%
8.7%
15.0%
15.5%
2.8%
27.1%
Honduras
$8,360
$1,152
$2,231
$372
$1,023
$510
$3,072
100.0%
13.8%
26.7%
4.4%
12.2%
6.1%
36.7%
Jamaica
$10,037
$560
$2,080
$993
$2,479
$1,212
$2,713
100.0%
5.6%
20.7%
9.9%
24.7%
12.1%
27.0%
$763,299
$29,191
$158,542
$43,062
$159,699
$79,369
$293,435
100.0%
3.8%
20.8%
5.6%
20.9%
10.4%
38.4%
$13,210,499
$122,055
$2,243,041
$658,080
$2,016,584
$781,928
$7,388,812
100.0%
0.9%
17.0%
5.0%
15.3%
5.9%
55.9%
Canada
Mexico
UnitedStates
Source:UnitedNationsStatisticsDivision
WebAddress:http://unstats.un.org/unsd/snaama/SelectionQuick.asp
Viewedon:June28,2008

DATASET#4:PERCAPITAGROSSDOMESTICPRODUCT
DataSet#4focusesonPerCapitaGrossDomesticProduct.GrossDomesticProduct(GDP)isameasureofthetotal
productionofanationseconomy.PerCapitameansperperson.ThereforePerCapitaGDPisthetotalproduction
ofthenationdividedbytotalpopulation.Itisnotthesameashouseholdincomeorpersonalincome,butisarough
measureoftheproductivityorincomeofacountry.
ThisdatasetshowsthecountrieswiththehighestandlowestpercapitaGDP.Additionalinformationisavailable
online.
Countryorarea
PerCapita
Countryorarea
PerCapitaGDP
TwentyLowest,byPerCapitaGDP
GDP(US$)
TwentyHighest,byPerCapitaGDP
(US$)
Burundi
114
Canada
39,004
Zimbabwe
133
UnitedKingdom
39,207
Congo,DemocraticRepublicof
136
Finland
39,853
Ethiopia
164
Netherlands
40,535
Malawi
164
Sweden
42,170
Liberia
192
UnitedArabEmirates
42,890
GuineaBissau
196
UnitedStates
43,562
Rwanda
242
Andorra
44,962
Niger
247
SanMarino
46,083
Eritrea
249
BritishVirginIslands
46,407
Myanmar
281
Switzerland
50,247
Somalia
283
Denmark
51,074
Madagascar
287
Ireland
51,665
Nepal
290
Iceland
52,413
Gambia
307
CaymanIslands
52,707
Guinea
311
Qatar
64,193
SierraLeone
318
Norway
71,525
Afghanistan
319
Bermuda
80,676
TimorLeste
319
Luxembourg
87,829
Zanzibar
329
Liechtenstein
102,400
Webaddress:http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/socind/inceco.htm
Viewed:June28,2008

DATASET#5:LIFEEXPECTANCYATBIRTHFORSELECTEDCOUNTRIES
Lifeexpectancyisusedasameasureoftheoverallhealthofanationspeople.Thesefiguresrangefromthe40s
insomecountriestothe80sinothers.Thisdoesnotmeanthatpeopledieofoldageatthatage,butthatthe
averagelifespan,reflectingallrisksfromchildhooddiseasesthroughillnessesofoldage.Thedatacomesfrom
theUnitedNationsStatisticsDivision.TableswithallUNmembercountriesareavailableontheUNwebsite.
LifeExpectancyatBirth(2003)
Country
Male
Female
Argentina
72
79
Brazil
69
76
Canada
78
83
CostaRica
76
81
Guatemala
67
74
Haiti
59
63
Honduras
67
74
Jamaica
70
75
Mexico
74
79
UnitedStates
76
81
Webaddress:http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/socind/health.htm
Viewed:June28,2008

DATASET#6:EDUCATIONALATTAINMENTOFWORKERSAGE2544BYOCCUPATION
Dataset#6presentsdatafromtheBureauofLaborStatistics(BLS).Thisdataset,withmoredetail,isalsofoundin
themainbodyofthebook.Thisdatashowsthepercentageofworkersaged25to44whohaveahighschool
degreeorless,somecollege,orabachelorsdegreeorhigher,fordifferentoccupations.Thisexcerptshows
selectedoccupationsfromthelistoffastestgrowingoccupations.
Occupation
Percentageofworkers
aged25to44with:
Highschooldegreeor
less
Somecollege
Bachelor'sdegreeor
higher
8.1%
34.8%
57.1%
55.3%
37.3%
7.4%
2.2%
13.0%
84.8%
Veterinarytechnologistsandtechnicians
27.0%
57.0%
16.0%
Medicalassistants
30.6%
58.9%
10.4%
99.9%
59.6%
30.5%
9.9%
3.1%
9.6%
87.3%
Physicaltherapistassistants
11.7%
65.4%
22.9%
Pharmacytechnicians
27.0%
57.0%
16.0%
Forensicsciencetechnicians
19.4%
34.9%
45.7%
Dentalhygienists
2.9%
63.8%
33.3%
Dentalassistants
33.6%
57.5%
8.9%
Computersystemsanalysts
7.0%
24.6%
68.4%
Databaseadministrators
4.6%
23.9%
71.5%
Computersoftwareengineers,systems
software
2.2%
13.0%
84.8%
Networksystemsanddatacommunications
analysts
Homehealthaides
Computersoftwareengineers,applications
Veterinarians
Skincarespecialists
Financialanalysts
Source:U.S.BureauofLaborStatistics
OccupationalEmployment,TrainingandEarnings
PostsecondaryEducationorTrainingCategoryReport
http://data.bls.gov/oep/servlet/oep.noeted.servlet.ActionServlet?Action=empeduc
EXERCISE#1:LINEGRAPH
UseDataSet#1tocreatealinegraphshowinghistorictrendsineducationalattainmentintheU.S.
UseDataSet2tocreatealinegraphshowinghistorictrendsineducationalattainmentbyagegroupintheU.S.
AboutUsingLineGraphs
Do
Dont
Usealinegraphtoplottimeseriesdataorother
ordereddata.
Dontusealinegraphtoplotdiscretedata
points,suchasrainfallintendifferentcitiesor
averageincomeintendifferentcities.(Useabar
graphinstead.)Notethatthelabelsonthe
horizontalaxisofalinegraphshouldbeaseriesof
numbersoraseriesofyears,monthsordays.
Examples:
Timeseriesdata:
AveragehouseholdincomeinMassachusettseach
yearforthepasttenyears;
AveragetemperatureinWorcestermonthbymonth
inMassachusetts;
Otherordereddataseries:
AverageheightofboysorgirlsintheU.S.byage.
Includeatitleforthegraph.
Includetitlesforthehorizontalandverticalaxes. If
necessary,besuretospecifywhatunitsarebeingused,
suchasinchesordollarsormillionsofdollars.
Fortimeseriesdata,plotunitsoftime(suchasyearsor
months)onthehorizontalaxis.
Foranyotherdataseries,plottheindependentvariable
onthehorizontalaxisandthedependentvariableonthe
verticalaxis.Forexample,ifchildrensheightsdependon
theirage,thenageistheindependentvariableand
shouldbeplottedonthehorizontalaxisandheightisthe
dependentvariableandshouldbeplottedonthevertical
axis.
Labelthehorizontalandverticalaxesbyevenintervals,
suchas1s,10s,20s,50s,100s,etc.
Ploteachpointonthegraphandthenconnectthepoints.
Ifthegraphhasmorethanoneseries(suchasheightsfor
bothboysandgirls)uselabels,differentlineweightsor
styles,and/ordifferentmarkerstodistinguishthedifferent
seriesandclearlyidentifyeachlinewithalabelorlegend.
Dontskiparoundwhenlabelingtheaxis.
EXERCISE#2:PIECHARTS
Choosetwocountriesfromdataset#3anddrawtwosidebysidepiechartsshowingthedistributionofvalue
addedbythedifferentsectorsoftheeconomy.NotethattheROWSofdatainthischartaddto100%.Therefore,
eachpieshoulddescribeonerowofdata(onecountry)toshowdistributionofthatcountrysproduction/value
added.
AboutUsingPieCharts
Do
Dont
Apiechartisusedtopresentthedistributionofawhole. Dontuseapiechartforanyothertypeof data.

Theslicesofapiechartmustaddto100%ofthewhole
population,economy,laborforce,orwhateverelseisbeing
described.
Eachsliceofapiechartmustdescribenonoverlapping
categories.Forexample,apiechartcoulddescribethe
agerangeofapopulation,showingwhatpercentageofthe
populationisincategoriesUnder18,18to24,25to
44,45to64,or65andover.
ThepiechartwouldNOThaveslicesthatshow
howmanyareineachagegroupplushowmany
aremaleorfemalebecausethesecategories
overlap.
Ifhanddrawingapiechart,drawacircle,andusearuler
andpenciltolightlydrawlinesbreakingthecircleinto
quarters,and,ifdesired,intosmallersegments.Thenuse
theselinesasaguideasyouestimatethesizeofeachslice
ofthepie.
Formoreaccuracywhenhanddrawing,useaprotractorto
measuretheangleofeachslice.Acirclehas360degrees.
A36degreeanglerepresents10%,a90degreeangle
represents25%,a120degreeanglerepresents33%,etc.
Ifusingacomputertogenerateapiechart,choosecolors
orpatternstodistinguisheachslice.
Dontusecolorsinapiechartifyouwillbe
printingonablackandwhiteprinter.
Uselabelsoralegendtoidentifyeachslice.Use
abbreviationsifappropriateifthecategoriesnamesare
long.
Dontletthepiechartgettoocluttered.Ifthere
arealargenumberofcategories,usealegendto
identifyeachsliceinsteadoflabels.
Youmaylabeleachslicewithpercentagesornumbersor
both.
Includeatitleforthegraph
EXERCISE#3:BARGRAPH
ThefollowinginformationisextractedfromDataSet#3.
Drawtwobargraphsanalyzingthevalueaddedbyagricultureintheselectedcountries.
Drawonebargraphshowingthedollaramountofvalueadded.
Drawanotherbargraphshowingthevalueaddedasapercentageofthecountrystotalvalueadded.
Country
ValueAddedBy Country
ValueAddedBy
AgricultureASPERCENT
AgricultureINMILLIONS
OFTOTALVALUEADDED
OFUSDOLLARS
Brazil
9.00% Brazil
$90,560
Canada
2.20% Canada
$26,072
CostaRica
8.30% CostaRica
$1,735
Guatemala
13.60% Guatemala
$3,903
Haiti
30.80% Haiti
$1,305
Honduras
13.80% Honduras
$1,152
Jamaica
5.60% Jamaica
$560
Mexico
3.80% Mexico
$29,191
UnitedStates
0.90% UnitedStates
$122,055
AboutUsingBarGraphs
Do
Dont
Abargraphcomparesvalues(numbersor
percentages)fordifferentgroupsorcategories.
Examplesinclude:
Averageincomeintendifferentcountries.
Averagerainfallintwelvedifferentmonths.
TotalagriculturalproductionintheU.S.inten
differentyears.
Valueaddedbytheagriculturalsectorinnine
differentcountries.
Totalemploymentintendifferentcareerfieldsin
Massachusetts.
Averagewagesintendifferentcareerfieldsin
Massachusetts.
Averagelifeexpectancyintendifferentcountries.
Theaxisofabargraphmustbenumberedfromzero
tothehighest/maximumvalue.
Dontskipzero.Theheightofeachbarinabargraph
showstherelativesizeofeachgroupandsoskipping
zerocandistorttherelativeheightsofthebarsand
thereforedistortthedata.
Theaxismustbelabeledusingconsistentintervals,
suchas1s,10s,20s,50s,etc.,asappropriatetothe
numbersbeingpresented.
Dontskiparoundwhenlabelingtheaxesofabargraph
oranyothergraph.
Abargraphmaybedrawnverticallyorhorizontally.
AboutUsingBarGraphs
Do
Dont
Eachcategoryorgroupshouldbeclearlylabeledalong
theaxis.
Eachindividualbarmaybelabeledwiththevalueor
percentageifdesired.Theselabelscanbeinsidethe
barorjustoutsidetheendofthebar.
Barsmaybesortedaccordingtothevalue,from
highesttolowestorlowesttohighest.Alternatively,
barsmaybesortedbycategory,inalphabeticalorder
oranyotherlogicalorder.
BarGraphswithtwoormoredataseries
Do
Dont
Youmayuseabargraphtopresentdatafortwoor
moredataseriesacrosscategories.Forexample:
Lifeexpectancy,formalesandfemales,for
selectedcountries.
Averagepercapitaincome,in2000and2007,for
selectedcountries.
Dontpresenttoomanydataseriesandcategoriesina
singlegraph,sinceyoushouldtrytokeepgraphssimple
andunclutteredasmuchaspossible.
Usedifferentcolorsorpatternstodistinguisheach
dataseries.
Dontuse colortodistinguishthedifferentdataseriesif
youwillbeprintinginblackandwhite.
Usealegendtodistinguishthecolorsorpatternsused
ineachdataseries.
Youmayalsouseadatatable,alongsideorbeneath
thegraph,toclarifythedata.

BarGraphswithstackedbars
Do
Dont
Youmayuseastackedbargraphtopresentdata
thataddstoatotal.Forexample:
Educationalattainmentofworkersintendifferent
occupations.Eachsectionofthebarwill
representthepercentageofworkersinthat
occupationthathaveahighschooldiploma,some
college,or4ormoreyearsofcollege.
Usedifferentcolorsorpatternstodistinguisheach
dataseries.
Usealegendtodistinguishthecolorsorpatternsused
ineachdataseries.
Youmayalsouseadatatable,alongsideorbeneath
thegraph,toclarifythedata.
EXERCISE#4:BARGRAPHSTWOORMOREDATASERIES
UsethedatafromDataSet#5,LifeExpectancyatBirth,todrawabargraphthatshowsthelifeexpectancyformen
andwomenforthevariouscountries.
Eachcountrywillhavetwobarssidebyside,oneformenandoneforwomen;
Usedifferentcolorsorpatternsforthebarsformenandwomen,usinglabelsoralegendtoidentifythecolors
orpatternsused.
EXERCISE#5:BARGRAPHSSTACKEDBARS
UsethedatafromDataSet#6:EducationalAttainmentofWorkers,todrawastackedbargraph.
Eachoccupationwillbeabaronthegraph;
Eachbarwillhaveslicesforhighschooldegreeorless,somecollegeand4ormoreyearsofcollege;
Eachbarwilladdto100%.
EXERCISE#6:SCATTERDIAGRAMS
Drawascatterdiagramshowinglifeexpectancyformenvs.lifeexpectancyforwomen,usingDataSet#5.
LabeloneaxisLifeExpectancyforMenandlabeltheaxisfrom40to100,by10s.
LabeltheotheraxisLifeExpectancyforWomenandlabeltheaxisfrom40to100by10s.
PloteachpointfromDataSet5.
(Optional)Writethenameofthecountrynexttoeachpoint(abbreviateifnecessary).
Drawascatterdiagramshowingpercapitaincomeandlifeexpectancyforwomenforthefollowingcountries.
LabeltheverticalaxisLifeExpectancyforWomenandlabeltheaxisfrom40to100by10s.
LabelthehorizontalaxisPerCapitaGDPandlabeltheaxisfrom$0to$50,000byintervalsof$5,000.
Ploteachpointfromthetablebelow.
(Optional)Writethenameofthecountrynexttoeachpoint(abbreviateifnecessary).
Country
PerCapitaGDP
FemaleLife
Expectancy
Argentina
$5,528
79
Brazil
$5,640
76
$39,004
83
CostaRica
$5,034
81
Guatemala
$2,235
74
$489
63
Honduras
$1,335
74
Jamaica
$3,823
75
Mexico
$7,875
79
$43,562
81
Canada
Haiti
UnitedStates
Drawascatterdiagramshowingpercapitaincomeandvalueaddedfromagricultureforthefollowingcountries.
Country
ValueAddedby
PerCapitaIncome
Agriculture(%)
Brazil
9.00%
$5,640
Canada
2.20%
$39,004
CostaRica
8.30%
$5,034
Guatemala
13.60%
$2,235
Haiti
30.80%
$489
Honduras
13.80%
$1,335
Jamaica
5.60%
$3,823
Mexico
3.80%
$7,875
UnitedStates
0.90%
$43,562

AboutUsingScatterDiagrams
Do
Dont
Ascatterdiagramshowstherelationshipbetweentwosets
ofdata.Thetwosetsofdatamustbecontinuousdata,
suchas:
Averagelifeexpectancyforwomenvs.formenfor
variouscountries
Averagelifeexpectancyvs.percapitaGDPforvarious
countries.
Percentofworkerswithabachelorsdegreevs.
averagewageforvariousoccupations.
Dontuseascatterdiagramforanyothertypeof
datasets.Bothdatasetsmustbecontinuous,
meaningarangeofnumbers,suchasincomes,
wages,ages,lifeexpectancies,percentofpeople
withahighschooldegree,etc.,ratherthan
discretesuchascountries,occupationsorother
groups.
Ascatterdiagramisalsocalledascatterplotoranxy
chart
Eachgrouprepresentsapointontheplot.Forexample,in
ascatterdiagramshowinglifeexpectancyandpercapita
GDPforvariouscountries,eachcountryisonepointonthe
plot.
Wherepossible,theindependentvariableshouldbe
plottedonthehorizontalaxisandthedependentvariable
shouldbeplottedontheverticalaxis.Forexample,ifyou
thinkthathigherincomecountriesarelikelytohavehigher
lifeexpectancies,percapitaGDPistheindependent
variableandshouldbeonthehorizontalaxisandlife
expectancyisthedependentvariableandshouldbeonthe
verticalaxis.
Youmaydrawatrendlinethatisastraightlineshowing
theapproximaterelationshipbetweenthepointsyouhave
plotted.Somegraphingsoftwarewilldrawatrendlinefor
you.
Youmaylabelthepointswiththenameofthecountry,
occupationorwhatevergroup,ifthereisroom.
Donotconnectthepointsonascatterdiagram.
EXERCISE#7:NUMBERLINESANDBOXANDWHISKERSPLOTS
GototheUNWebsiteorothersourcetolookatthefulldatasetofPerCapitaGDPforallUNmembercountries.
NoticethewidedistributionofpercapitaGDP.Thefiguresrangefromthelowest,at$114tothehighest,at
$102,400.
(a)Drawaboxandwhiskersplotbasedonthefollowinginformation:
ThelowestpercapitaGDPis$114.
About25%ofcountrieshaveapercapitaGDPbelow$925.
Themedianis$3,446.
About25%ofcountrieshaveapercapitaGDPabove$15,045.(Or,putanotherway,$15,045marksthe75th
percentileofcountries.)
AlthoughthehighestpercapitaGDPis$102,400,thatshouldbeconsideredanoutlier.Instead,usethe98th
percentile,whichis$64,193,asthehighestvalueinyourboxandwhiskersplot,withanotethattheactual
highestis$102,400.(Note:theveryhighpercapitaGDPfiguresareusuallyfoundincountriesthathavesmall
populationsandthataretheregisteredheadquartersofsomemultinationalcorporationswithhighrevenues
andprofits.ThesehighpercapitaGDPfiguresdonotnecessarilyreflecttheproductivityorincomeofthe
countrysresidents.)
(b)Selectafewdifferentcountriesfromdataset#4orfromtheonlinetablesandplotpercapitaGDPonanumber
line.Youcanselectthecountriesatrandomorselectallofthecountriesinaregionorothergroup.
SAMPLEGRAPHS
Exercise1:EducationalAttainmentoftheU.S.Population,Age25andOver
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
..1940 ..1960 ..1968 ..1974 ..1981 ..1987 ..1993 ..1999..2005
High School and Beyond
1-3 Y rs College
4 Y ears of College and Beyond
Exercise2:EducationalAttainmentbyAgeGroup
Exercise3:DISTRIBUTIONOFVALUEADDED,BYSECTOR:U.S.andHAITI
PercentofTotalValueAdded
UnitedStates
Haiti
Agriculture,hunting,forestry,fishing
Mining,Manufacturing,Utilities
Construction
Wholesale,retailtrade,restaurantsandhotels
0.90%
17.00%
5.00%
15.30%
30.80%
8.70%
15.00%
15.50%
Transport,storageandcommunication
5.90%
2.80%
OtherActivities
55.90%
27.10%
TOTAL
100.00%
100.00%
Exercise4:ValueAdded
Exercise5:LifeExpectancy(twoexamples)
Exercise5:EducationalAttainment(StackedBar)
Exercise6:ScatterDiagramsLifeExpectancy(malevs.female)andLifeExpectancyvs.percapita
GDP
Exercise6(continued):ValueAddedvs.PerCapitaGDP
Exercise7:BoxandWhiskers
Exercise7:Numberline
Appendix 2: Checklists for Planning Career Development
TEACHER/PROGRAMCOORDINATORCHECKLIST
ActivitiesforK8andabove
Comments|FavoriteResources
Provideexposuretoavarietyofcareerrelatedandcommunity
relatedactivities,throughcommunityserviceprojects,fieldtrips,
classroomprojects,specialsciencelabsandotherenrichment
activities.
Provideopportunitiesforhandsonworkinthearts,crafts,
cooking,carpentry,music,engineeringandtechnology.
Provideopportunitiesforactiveuseoftechnologythrough
publishing,webdesign,programmingorroboticsprojectsthat
emphasizeskilldevelopmentandcreativity.Deemphasize
passiveusesoftechnology.
Provideconnectionsbetweenthecommunityandclassroom
work.Forexample,studentsmayconductsurveysandanalyze
theresults,learnaboutacareerpathandwriteabouttheir
findings,orlistentoaguestspeakerandwriteastoryforthe
schoolnewspaperabouttheevent.
Useacareerinterestinventorytoopenupdiscussionabout
careerinterests.
Inviteparentsorothercommunitymemberstospeakabout
careers.
Ifyourschoolsystemhascareerthemedhighschools,provide
explorationoftheschoolcareerthemesandpossiblefuture
pathwaysforgraduatesofeachhighschool.
Emphasizetheideathatcareerdecisionmakingisalongterm
process.Notethatwhilechoiceofahighschoolmaybe
importantincommunitieswithseveralhighschooloptions,actual
careerchoicesaremademuchlater.
ActivitiesforGrade9andabove
Useactivitiesinthisbooktoexplorecareerinterests,labormarket
informationandcareeroptions.
Expandontheactivitiesinthisbookwithguestspeakers,
fieldtripsandcommunityserviceprojectsthatallow
studentstomeetandtalktoadultsinthecommunity.
Useacareerinterestinventorytoopenupdiscussionabout
careerinterests.
Recordcareerinterestinventoryresultsforuselateringuiding
choicesofelectives,jobshadowingopportunitiesandinternship
choices.
Startacollegeandcareerplan.
Startaskillsportfolio.
Comments|FavoriteResources
Provideanintroductiontoresumewriting.
ParticipateinNationalJobShadowDayonGroundhogsDay,
February2.Formoreinformationseehttp://jobshadow.org.
UseEnglishclassorotheropportunitiesforstudentstowriteabout
jobshadowexperiences,writecareerprofiles,andcomposethank
youletters.
Provideopportunitiesforstudentstobeginlearningaboutcolleges
throughonlinesearchtools,speakersorparticipationineventson
collegecampuses.
Encouragestudentstoconsidersummerenrichmentprograms
withlocalorganizationsandcolleges.
Providecommunityserviceprojects,fieldtrips,classroomprojects,
specialsciencelabsandotherenrichmentactivities.
Connectstudentswithvolunteer,internship,afterschooland
summerjobopportunities.
Providecoachingonjobsearch,interviewingskillsandworkplace
skills.
Supportstudentsintheircollegesearchprocess,includinguseof
internetandprintresources,collegespeakers,collegefairsand
collegevisits.Providediscussionsessionsaboutchoosingacollege
andthinkingaboutacollegemajor.Emphasizetheideathatwhile
somecareerpathwaysshouldbechosennow(suchaschoosingto
applytoengineeringschools,artschoolsorarchitectureprograms)
otherscanevolveovertime.
Providecoachingoncollegeapplicationsandcollegeessaywriting.
Provideinformationaboutawidevarietyofpostsecondary
educationalopportunities,includingtechnicalschools,
apprenticeships,2yearcolleges,4yearcollegesandotheroptions.
Provideparentinformationsessionsforparentsofstudentsin
grades11and12,withinformationaboutcollegeapplications,
collegefinancialaid,andavarietyofpostsecondaryoptions.
Providetransitionplanningforstudentswithspecialneeds.
Connectstudentswithposthighschooljobsiftheyintendtowork
aftergraduation.Supportstudentswhoareinterestedinworking
directlyafterhighschool,includinginformationaboutwaysto
continuetoinvestinpostsecondaryeducationwhileworking.
Checkinwitheachgraduatingstudenttoensurethat
postsecondaryplansareinplace.
Celebratesuccessbypostingcollegeacceptancesandjobofferson
thebulletinboard,schoolwebsite,schoolnewspaperorother
visiblelocations.
YOUTH/STUDENTCOLLEGEANDCAREERPLANNINGTIMELINE
Thereisnosingleperfectcareerdevelopmenttimeline,buttherearesomeimportantstepsthatshouldbetaken
duringhighschool,collegeoryoungadultyears.Thefollowingchartoutlinessomeoftheactivitiesthatshouldbe
partofcareerexplorationandplanningduringfouryearsofhighschool.Asanactivity,youcancreateamore
specifictimelinetailoredtokeydatesandactivitiesinyourschoolorprogram.
Grade
9
Grade
10
Grade
11
Grade
12
Planning and Organizing

Planning Tools
Maintainawrittencollegeandcareerplan
thattracksyourgoalsandactivities.Asyou
changeandrefineyourgoalsovertime,youcan
usethisplanningsystemtomakesureyouare
takingtheclassesyouneedandparticipatingin
activitiesandworkexperiencesthatwillsupport
yourgoals.
Portfolio
Buildaportfolioofactivitiesthatyoucan
highlightincollegeapplications.
Resume
Learnhowtowritearesume.Keeparesume
updatedthroughoutyourhighschoolyears.
Graduation
Requirements
Findoutwhatthegraduationrequirementsare
atyourschoolandmakesurethatthecoursesyou
aretakingeachyearwillmeettherequirements.
College and
Postsecondary
Program
Admission
Requirements
Identifypossiblecollegemajors,postsecondary X
programsorapprenticeshipprogramsandfindout
whathighschoolcoursesarerequiredor
recommendedforadmission.Besuretotake
thesecoursesduringhighschool.
Extras
Participateinacademicandcareerthemed
clubsParticipateinsummerandafterschool
enrichmentprogramsSeekopportunitiesto
participateinschoolandcommunityprojectswith
academicandcareerthemes.
Academics
Work and Community Service
Grade
9
Grade
10
Grade
11
Grade
12
Community
Service
Volunteerinthecommunityforaoneday
eventorforanongoingcommitment
Participateinhandsonservicelearningprojects
throughschoolorcommunityprograms
Participateinclassroomprojectsfocusedon
communityservicethemes.
First Jobs
Getexperiencethroughbabysitting,yardwork, X
petsitting,givingmusiclessonsandotherwork.
Orgainexperiencethroughunpaidvolunteerwork
inyourcommunity.
Work Experience
Getexperiencethroughsummerandafter
schooljobs.Seekinternships(paidorunpaid).
Participateinentrepreneurialprojects.
Exploring Your Interests

Career
Exploration
Exploreyourcareerinterestsbytakingcareer
interestassessments.Readaboutcareers.
Explorelabormarketdata.Learnabout
careersthroughguestspeakers,jobshadows,
workplacevisitsandotherexploratoryactivities.
Active Learning
Getindepthexperienceinareasofinterest
throughinternships,communityserviceprojects,
schoolprojects,summerprograms,onlinecourses
orcollegeclasseswhereavailable.
Starttoidentifypossiblecollegemajors,
postsecondarytrainingopportunitiesor
apprenticeships.
College Search
Postsecondary
Options College
Entrance and Placement Tests
PSATs
PSATsPreliminarySATsprovidepracticefor
theSATandcanhelpstudentsqualifyfornational
meritscholarships.Shouldbetakeninthefallof
grade10and/orgrade11.
SATs or ACTs
SATsaregenerallytakeninthespringofgrade
11andcanberetakeninthefallofgrade12.SATs
arethemostcommoncollegeadmissiontest
takenbystudentsintheNortheast,butACTsare
alsoanoption.
Grade
9
Grade
10
Grade
11
Grade
12
SAT II Subject
Tests
SomecollegesalsorequestSATIIsubjecttests.
Takethesesubjecttestsinthespringafter
completingtherelevantcourses.
AP
AdvancedPlacement(AP)Exams Students
whohavetaken"APcourses"takeAPexamsinthe
spring,atthecompletionofanyAPcourse.AP
coursesareusuallytakeningrades11or12,but
mayalsobeinearliergrades.
College and
Community
College
Placement Tests
Collegeplacementtests(calledAccuplacer)are
takenuponenrollmentatmanycolleges,including
communitycolleges,butyoumaytakethistest
soonertomakesureyouarereadytoplaceinto
collegelevelcourses.
Applications and Financial Aid

Write College
Applications
Collegeapplicationsaredueduringthefallor
winterpriortoadmission(fall/winterofgrade12).
Someschoolsoffer"earlyapplication/early
decision"options,someoffer"rollingadmissions"
andsomehaveasetdeadlineonoraround
December31st.Schoolsmayusetheirown
applicationformormayacceptthe"Common
Application"form.Workwithateacher,advisoror
guidancecounselorthroughoutthisprocess.
Submit Financial
Aid Applications
Financialaidapplicationsmustbecompletedin
ordertoobtaingrants,loans,scholarshipsor
workstudypositions.Studentsandfamily
membersmayattendfinancialaidinformation
sessionstolearnmoreaboutapplyingforfinancial
aid.
Apprenticeships,
Training
Programs and
Employment
Timelinesvaryforpostsecondarytraining
programsandapprenticeshipprograms.Work
withguidancecounselorsandotherstoexplore
theprocessandtimelinefortheoptionsthat
interestyou.
ACTIVITY:TIMELINE
Createacollegeandcareerplanningtimelinecustomizedtoyourschoolorprogram,showingwhatcareer
developmentrelatedactivitiesyouplantodoeachyear.
Year
Activity
Description
Appendix 3: Creating a Skills Portfolio
A Skills Portfolio allows students to display a wide variety of products that document
their skills, including essays, resumes, coursework, creative writing, presentations,
spreadsheets, photos and artwork. It can include materials from school, community
activities, jobs, internships, and career exploration. For each portfolio product, students
write a brief description and complete a skills checklist that helps students to reflect on
each item.
Thepurposeofaportfolioisto:
Helpstudentstodocumenttheirskillsandachievements;
Challengestudentstocreatetheirbestwork;
Helpstudentstoreflectonwhattheyhaveaccomplished.
Asampleonlineportfolioisfoundathttp://www.skillslibrary.com.Thesampleportfolioisorganizedarounda
checklistofeightskillareas:Reading,WritingandResearch;ScienceandMath;ArtsandHumanities;Technology;
TeamworkandLeadership;Sports,
FitnessandHealth;andCareer
PORTFOLIOITEMINFORMATIONSHEET
Management.Anysimilarlistof710
skillscouldbeused.Inthissample
ProjectName:
portfolio,foreachportfolioitem,
studentswriteabriefdescription,fill
ProjectDate:
intheskillschecklist,anduploada
YourName:
file.Awebsitelinkisoptional.The
portfolioprogramgeneratesapage
ProjectDescription:
foreachitem,andautomatically
generatesatableofcontents
organizedbyskills.Studentsalso
writeawelcomemessageand
uploadaphotoforthewelcome
page.Thisisjustonesample,and
otherformats,andotherskillslists,
arealsopossible.
Skills
Reading,WritingandResearch
ScienceandMath
ArtsandHumanities
Technology
TeamworkandLeadership
Sports,FitnessandHealth
CareerManagement
Filename:
(
)
Portfolioscanbeprintbased,usinganotebookorheavydutyfolder,orcanbeelectronic,usingawebbasedor
PCbasedformat.PCformatscouldbecreatedusingMSAccess,FileMakerPro,PowerPoint,oranyothersoftware
toorganizematerials.Anysoftwarethatallowsyoutouseaformortemplatetolistanddescribeprojectsand
allowsyoutolinktoavarietyoffiletypescanbeusedtocreateaportfolio.
SAMPLEPORTFOLIO
WELCOMEANDTABLEOFCONTENTS
Welcome
Welcome to my portfolio! This portfolio includes examples of work I have done in
school and in my jobs and volunteer work. It focuses especially on my interests in art
and science, as well as general school coursework. Read and enjoy!
Project and Date

(Click to view)
Reading
Writing
Research
Science
Math
Arts
Humanities
Technology
Teamwork
Leadership
Sports
Fitness
Health
Career
Management
Resume
Reflective Essay
Volunteering at
New England
Aquarium
Science Fair:
Genetics
X
X
Activity:
Mind-Body
Connections
Sketchbook
Example #1
PLANNINGTHEPORTFOLIOANDGATHERINGPORTFOLIOITEMS
Thinkabouttheprojectsandaccomplishmentsthatyouwouldliketohighlightinyourportfolio.Thinkabout
projectsyou'vecompletedineachofyourclasses,aswellasprojectsyouhavedoneoutsideofschool,through
jobsorinternships,communityorganizations,church/religiousgroupsoronyourown.Foreachproject,identify
oneormoreproductsthatyoucandisplayintheportfolio.
Onceyouhavesomeideas,startgatheringandcreatingmaterialsfortheportfolio.Keepafilefolderofprint
materialsandkeepelectronicproductsinyourschoolcomputernetworkfolder,onahomecomputer,or
elsewhere,withbackupcopiesideallyonmemorystickorotherstoragemedia.YoucanusethepaperPortfolio
ItemInformationSheettoorganizeyourmaterialsasyouwork.Thisworksheetisusefulfororganizingyour
informationbeforecreatingtheonlineportfolio.Thisworksheetcanalsobeusedasacoversheetforportfolio
itemsinaprintversionofyourportfolio.
Ifyouarecreatinganelectronicportfolio,asyoustartgatheringandcreatingmaterials,trytokeepfilessmall,so
thatyourportfoliowillbeeasytoviewatanyconnectionspeed.Photosandotherimagesshouldbesizedusinga
drawingorphotoeditingsoftwarepackage.Fora"welcomepicture"awidthof200to400pixelsisideal,andfor
otherimages,awidthofabout500pixelsisideal.
PORTFOLIOPRODUCTIDEAS
Yourportfolioshouldincludeinformationon
Examples of Portfolio Items
Examples of formats
school,community,individual,workand
(for electronic portfolio)
volunteeractivities.
Resumes
Word documents
Essays
Excel spreadsheets
Creative writing
PowerPoint presentations
Manyofyourprojectswillalreadybein
Reports
/
Papers
Access databases
electronicformat;suchasaresumeor
Presentations
Images (gif or jpg)
personalreflectioninMicrosoftWordformat,
Science fair projects
PDF files
aPowerPointpresentationthatyoucreated
Certificates or awards
Media clips (wav, midi, mpg)
forascienceprojectoranAccessdatabaseor
Job descriptions
Links to web pages
Newspaper articles
(Including web pages you
Excelspreadsheetthatyoucreatedina
Brochures
have created or web pages
technologyclass.Otheritems,suchasajob
Programs from a play or school
related to a school or
descriptionorshorthandwrittenreportcan
event
community project you've
beeasilytypedorretypedusingMicrosoft
Artwork and photos
worked on.)
Word.
Career exploration information
** Use of media clips should
depend on the filesize and

Forotherprojects,youmaynothaveany
storage capacity of the
electronicproducts.Insomecases,youmight
portfolio.
simplywriteanarrativedescribingtheproject
andperhapsincludeanappropriateclipart
imageorphotoinyourportfolio.Inother
cases,youmaywanttocreateanelectronicproductespeciallyfortheportfolio.Herearesomeideas.
Use digital photography.Takedigitalphotosofartwork,scienceprojects,performances,communityeventsor

sportsevents.
Scan artwork or photos.Useascannertoscansomeofyourartworkorphotos.Useadrawingprogramor

photoeditingsoftwarepackagetoadjustthefilesizeandimagesizesothatthefilewillfitintheportfolio.
(Comment:scanningisnotassuitablefortextorhandwrittenmaterial,sinceitishardtogetaclearlyreadable
productwithareasonablefilesize.)
Create a spreadsheet.UseExceloranotherspreadsheetprogramtocreateaspreadsheetbasedonsomething
youhavestudiedorworkedon.Forexample,ifyouarestudyingnutrition,youcouldcreateaspreadsheetthat
showsthenutritionalcontentofvariousmenus.Ifyouarestudyingphysics,youcouldcreateaspreadsheetthat
usestheformulasforgravityandacceleration.Ifyouareamemberofsportsteam,youcouldcreateaspreadsheet
showingstatisticsforyourteam.
Create a database.UseAccessoranotherdatabaseprogramtocreateadatabasebasedonsomethingyouhave
studiedorworkedon.Forexample,ifyouarestudyingnutrition,youcouldcreateadatabaseofnutritional
information.Ifyouarestudyinggeography,youcouldcreateadatabaseofstatisticsaboutselectedcountries.If
youarestudyinghistory,youcouldcreateadatabaseofhistoricdatesoradatabaseofprofilesoffamouspeople.
IfyouarestudyingSpanish,youcoulduseadatabasetocreateaminiSpanishEnglishdictionary.
Create a presentation.UsePowerPointorotherpresentationsoftwaretocreateapresentationbasedon
somethingyouhavestudiedorworkedon.Forexample,ifyouhelpedtoorganizeacommunity,churchorschool
event,youcouldcreateaPowerPointpresentationabouttheevent.YoucouldusePowerPointtoillustrateamath
orscienceconcept.APowerPointpresentationcouldguideviewersthroughageometryproblemorproofusing
graphsorsimpledrawings.
Use a drawing program.Considerusingadrawingprogramtocreateoriginalartwork,chartsordiagramsto

illustrateaproject.AdobeIllustrator,CorelDraw,MicrosoftPhotoDrawandothersallowyoutousethemouseor
atablettodrawandeditimages.AlthoughPowerPointisnotaformaldrawingprogram,theAutoShapesfeature
allowsyoutocreatesimpledrawingsanddiagrams.
Use music notation software.Considerdownloadingafreetrialofmusicnotationsoftwareandconsider

purchasingthesoftwareifyoulikeit.Youcanexportthemusictoa*.midfile,suitablefortheportfolio,andyou
cansaveamusicalscoreasa*.jpgfile,alsosuitablefortheportfolio.
Create summaries of career exploration activities.Useaspreadsheettocreategraphsandtables

summarizinglabormarketinformationthatyouhavestudied.Useaspreadsheet,presentationordocumentto
summarizecareerinterestassessmentresultsandcareergoals.
Explore your employers or community organizations website.Ifyouhaveajoborinternshiporifyou

volunteerwithacommunityorganization,exploretheemployersorcommunityorganizationswebsitetolearn
moreaboutthemissionandworkofthecompanyororganization.Includealinktothewebsiteinyourportfolio,
alongwithadescriptionofyourjob,internshiporvolunteerwork.
INTEGRITYANDONLINESAFETY
Whenworkingonaportfolio,youshouldcarefullyobservethefollowingintegrityandonlinesafetyguidelines.
Foranonlineportfolio,allmaterialsincludinglanguage,contentandimagesmustbesuitableforallaudiences,
includingyoungchildrenwhomayviewtheportfolios.
Pleasedonotincludenegativeordamagingcommentsaboutemployers,teachers,communityleadersorother
individualsinyourportfolio.
Donotincludepersonalcontactinformation,includingphonenumbersoraddresses.Ifyouwanttoincludean
emailaddressonyourresumeforpotentialemployerstocontactyou,youmaydoso,butifareunder18,please
obtainyourparentorguardianspermission.Whenyoupostyourresumeintheportfolio,youshouldincludejust
yourname,thenameofyourschooland,withyourparentorguardianspermission,youremailaddress.
Dontincludeanypersonalinformation(phonenumbers,addresses,etc.)aboutyourselforothersinadatabaseor
otherportfolioproduct.Rememberthatuserscandownloadfilesfromtheweb,sotheycoulddownloadacopyof
yourdatabase.
Inanyportfoliowhetherprintoronlineitisalsoimportanttofollowguidelinesofacademicintegrity.Please
carefullyciteanyprintoronlinesourcematerialsthatyouuse.Pleaseacknowledgetheroleofotherpeopleinany
ofyourprojectsandexplainyourroleifyouwereamemberofateam.Todaysworkplacerequirescollaboration
andteamwork,andsoreaderswillbeinterestedinseeinghowyouwereabletoworkwithotherstocomplete
projects.
ACTIVITY:PLANNINGAPORTFOLIO
(a) Whatisthefocus of your portfolio?Willyourportfoliofocusonacademicskills?Careerskills?A

combinationofacademicandcareerskills?Willitfocusonaspecificcareerarea?Arethereindustry
skillstandardsthatshouldbehighlighted?
(b)Identifyskill areas or subject areastobehighlighted.Createachartlistingtheseareas,witha

definitionforeach.
(c)Brainstorma list of possible portfolio itemsthatcouldillustrateeachskillareaorsubjectarea.
PortfolioFocus:
SkillorSubjectArea
Definition
Examplesofportfolioitems
Appendix 4: Interests, Skills and Work Values Reflection
LISTOFWORKVALUES
Whichoftheseworkvaluesareimportanttoyou?Checkallthatyoufeelareimportanttoyou.Listadditional
valuesasdesired.Thencircle35valuesthatareespeciallyimportanttoyou.
Acareerwithhighpotentialearnings
Acareerwithpotentialforjobsecurity
Acareerwithpotentialforflexiblescheduling
Acareerthatprovidestravelopportunities
Interactionwithpeople
Interactionwithcustomers
Interactionwithchildren
Interactionwithpatients
Closeinteractionwithcoworkers(teamwork)
Workoutdoors
Workindoors
Independence
Creativity
Teamwork
Leadership
Variety
Comfortableroutines
Workthatprovidesasenseofbelonging
Workthatprovidesachallenge
Fastpacedenvironment
Comfortablypacedenvironment
Workthatisphysicallyactive
Workthatishighlyskilled
Workthathasvisibleresults(cooking,repairing,building,etc.)
Workthathasapositiveimpactonsociety
Workthatisexcitingorglamorous
Workthatinvolvesnewtechnology
Workthatinvolvesinnovation
Workthathasapositiveenvironmentalimpact
Other:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
INTERESTS,SKILLSANDWORKVALUESREFLECTION
Usetheworksheetbelowtoreflectoninterests,skills,workvaluesandcareerinsights.
INTERESTS.Check13interestareas.RefertotheCareerDirectionschecklistinUnit2orasimilarinventory
fordetails.
Artistic
TechnicalandMechanical
CustomerService
Scientific
Industrial
Humanitarian
PlantsandAnimals
BusinessDetail
Leadership
Protective
Selling
SportsandFitness
SKILLS.Listfiveskillsorabilitiesthatyoumightliketouseinafuturecareer.Examplescouldinclude
writing,workingwithpeople,givingadvice,organizingprojects,performingmusic,orotherskills.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
WORKVALUES.Listfiveworkvalueswhichareimportanttoyou.Examplesmightincludeanopportunity
tohelppeople,anopportunitytohavealeadershiprole,anopportunitytoworkwithyourhands,an
opportunitytoearnahighsalary,ajobthatprovidesgoodjobsecurity,ajobthathasalotofvarietydayto
day,orajobthatprovidescomfortableroutines.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
CAREERINSIGHTS.Listfiveinterestingjobsthatwereprofiledinthisbookorthatyoulearnedabout
throughtheactivitiesinthisbook.Foreach,makeabriefcommentaboutwhatwasinterestingor
attractiveorappealingtoyouaboutthejob.
JOBS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
CommentsWhyinteresting?

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CAREER

by Jennifer Leonard of The Skills Library

Career Development Toolkit

Ask some small children what they want

Unit 2: Career Interest Assessments

Interest Checklists: Sometimes,yourinterestswillclearlypointthewaytoapossiblecareer.Youmayreally

About the Interest Areas

Unit 3: Looking at Labor Market Data

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRIES (PROJECTED)

Unit 4: Informational Interviewing and the Career

What skills are important

Create catering menus

Cooking, cutting and

Scientific and Experimental

Know what capabilities I

Career Outlook Interview Page 2

Your Career Area (choose from list):

Unit 5: The New Economy

There have been many times in history

and job titles in your company or in your

career area? Any electronics specialties in the

of electronics from the US Navy, microprocessor

courses in programming with Labview.

Unit 6: Education and Career Options

$41,210 Workexperience 14.3

Career /Job Title

Unit 7: Spotlight on Science, Technology, Engineering

What careers use science, technology, engineering and math?

Figures and diagrams for presentations and papers

Working in project teams

Knowing your ethical values

ACTIVITY 7.2: COLLEGE PROGRAMS

Unit 8: Spotlight on the Arts

Art galleries, performing arts, and

would enter this field? No.

What do you do? Responsibleforthecreative,artistic,andtechnicalaspectsofafullservicemarketingfirm,

What are some related career opportunities and job titles?Graphicdesigner*Webdesigner*Videographer

Cutting boards and mats, building models

Need to learn about clients and their business. Need to learn

Leading and Supervising

Need to make assumptions about target audience. Need to

Understand joints in human body for creating animation.

Unit 9: Spotlight on the Building Trades

On a major building project, the work of

What are some related career

What technology will be important?More

What education or training did you have

What education or training do you

When you were in high school, did you

What are some related career opportunities and job titles?Anapprenticeshipwillprepareindividualsforall

What technology will be important?Telecommunicationsisoneexampleofarapidlychangingarea.

Electricians draw layouts showing where wiring, appliances,

Important for problem solving and for coordinating the work of

Apprenticeship courses use trigonometry, algebra, and

Need to understand the weather; understand physics and

Work Smarter Not Harder: Workwithyourbodyandnotagainstit.Herearesometipsformaking

ACTIVITY9.5:FOCUS ON NON-TRADITIONAL EMPLOYMENT

Unit 10: Spotlight on the Hospitality Industry

What are some related career opportunities and job titles?GuestServicesSpecialistsworkonthefrontdesk

What technology will be important?WearelikeGooglebutbetterandfaster!SearchengineslikeGooglecan

Unit 11: Spotlight on Health Care

Unit 12: Entrepreneurship

What are some related career opportunities and job titles?GraphicdesignerWebdesignerVideographer