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pegkerrTomorrow, as part of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work, Fiona is going to be visiting Rob's store and spending the day with him, learning about his job. The last two years, she has spent this day with me at my office, learning about my job.
I'd like her to give her the chance to learn about a lot of jobs. Specifically, your job.
Won't you tell Fiona about your job, so she can get an idea of the vast possibilities in the World of Work out there?
If you can, please leave Fiona a comment by tomorrow night, telling her about your career. Something like:
What your job title is, and what that means
A description of a typical day
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
Why you like it and (if you dare)
Why you dislike it
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
What kind of person thrives in your job
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
I'd like her to get as many replies as possible. Thanks ever so much!
Cheers,
Peg (and Fiona)
I'd like her to give her the chance to learn about a lot of jobs. Specifically, your job.
Won't you tell Fiona about your job, so she can get an idea of the vast possibilities in the World of Work out there?
If you can, please leave Fiona a comment by tomorrow night, telling her about your career. Something like:
What your job title is, and what that means
A description of a typical day
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
Why you like it and (if you dare)
Why you dislike it
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
What kind of person thrives in your job
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
I'd like her to get as many replies as possible. Thanks ever so much!
Cheers,
Peg (and Fiona)
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(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 06:49 pm (UTC)What your job title is, and what that means
Financial Administrator of the Journals Division of the University of Chicago Press
what that means is that i look after the money for part of a press attached to a university--the other division is the books division.
A description of a typical day
we have a lot of societies that publish their journals with us and i handle sending money back and forth to them. so on a typical day, i'm usually calculating what we owe them and requesting checks for them or calculating what they owe us and sending them a letter asking them for money. my boss might ask me for a budget for one of the journals or for all of them put together. i might meet with people from the journals or from my office to tell them how a journal or many journals are doing in terms of whether they are making money or losing money. and i have lots of journal editors at other universities around the country who send me reports about how much money they spent working on their journal--if they sent me a report that day, i'll request a check to send to them to cover those expenses.
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
it would be helpful to have a degree in accounting, but i don't happen to have one. what i did have when they hired me was two years of experience keeping track of money for a department at the university that does survey research. what i had at the time that department hired me was a balanced checkbook (they were having trouble finding someone so they agreed to train me--nowadays they probably would keep looking until they found someone with an accounting degree).
Why you like it
i like working for a company where i feel like what i'm working on is a good thing that the world needs. the journals that i work on are full of articles that help other people who are studying those areas to learn what other people are thinking about and studying. and i like the people who i work with very much.
Why you dislike it
my least favorite part of my job is that our financial year ends june 30 and i have to write a lot of reports and do a lot of work during june, july and august. so i can't really take a summer vacation ever.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
if i don't pay close attention, lots of money can get lost in various ways.
What kind of person thrives in your job
a person who is good at keeping track at lots of different things at the same time. a person who is good at explaining things to people and helping them. a person who is good at arithmetic, although you don't have to know very complicated arithmetic to do my job. a person who is good at working on computers especially with spreadsheet programs.
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
there are two things about my job that don't always have to go together. i work in publishing and i work for a university. i have worked in publishing but not for a university before this job and what i have learned is that i really like working for a university. there is lots of stuff that happens here on campus--concerts and talks and other things to do on my lunch hour and after work. it means that i have a chance to keep learning things and i like that.
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 07:29 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 07:34 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-24 05:56 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 07:36 pm (UTC)I'm going to answer about a job I used to have. I don't work at it anymore (it was a good career, but it didn't really suit me), but I thought perhaps you might like to hear about it anyway.
What your job title is, and what that means
Title: Speech-Language Pathologist
What it means: I helped people who had trouble communicating, through injury or illness or other problems - I even helped people reduce their foreign accents. I taught them ways to communicate - to understand and to be understood. I also worked with people who had swallowing problems.
A description of a typical day
This depends on what type of people you work with. I had an internship with preschoolers, and one in a hospital. And then I worked at a nursing home. The "typical day" was very different for each one. But the overall pattern is that I would have certain patients I would treat each day. I would get my materials together at night at home, or early that day, choosing exercises that I thought would be useful, to get them closer to their goals. If I had someone new, then I would test them, to see what was wrong, and start to set goals so they could get better. I would write reports on what I did, so doctors and family and insurance companies could see.
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
You need a Master's Degree in Speech-language pathology, which takes 2 years. You can get an undergraduate degree in another field (I did - anthropology), but then you need to take some catch-up courses (about 1 year) before you can start the Master's program. You must also pass a national exam. The first 9 months of working are done under supervision from a more experienced person. After that, you get certified, and can work on your own.
Why you like it
Communication is very important. How would you feel if you could not make yourself understood? Or if you couldn't understand someone else? The medical aspect - learning about the brain, and how we learn and breathe and talk and swallow - was really interesting. And I like helping people.
Why you dislike it
This is related to the "what kind of person thrives here" question. It requires you to be very confident, and to create everything from scratch. You must choose the test on your own. You must decide what order to work on certain tasks. You must decide what exercises to do, and when to keep trying or when to give up and try something else. You must decide what will work with each individual patient. I like following *patterns* - maybe vary them sometimes, but I have a hard time *inventing* things. So this job was always very stressful for me, even though it was very interesting.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
For swallowing problems - if you don't help them properly, the patient can get pneumonia, which is very serious.
Otherwise, I suppose the main thing is - they just don't get better. But that's quality-of-life, not life-or-death.
What kind of person thrives in your job
Someone who likes working with people, likes helping, and is creative. And likes some anatomy.
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
One of the great things about this job is that you don't have to be bored in it. There are *so* many different things that speech therapists treat: lisps (or other pronunciation problems), voice problems, stroke victims, children, adults, deaf people, people trying to get rid of accents, swallowing problems, the list goes on and on.
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 07:41 pm (UTC)What your job title is, and what that means:
I am a project manager for a consulting firm. What this means: My company provides people with skills (technology, business process/how to do things faster, easier, cheaper, strategy) to other (health care, financial services) companies (clients) who need help. Usually this is done on a project basis, with specific goals and objectives. I direct a team of people and work with the clients to make sure the project meets the goals and doesn't cost too much or take too long.
A description of a typical day:
This can be very different depending on the project. Right now, I am managing a software application that is being used on over a dozen different projects, so my day includes talking to people on the phone about what they would like done for their projects, discussing possibilities for new projects, helping fix problems they are running into, actually fixing problems in the software, going to meetings...
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
Well, consulting certainly draws a diverse crowd. I have a bachelors degree in biology and a masters of business and IT. The biology is what landed me in health care consulting, the MBA landed me in IT consulting. But I also work with people who have degrees in English, history, foreign languages, business, math...
A lot of consulting firms used to take people straight out of college. I came through the corporate route--was recruited out of grad school to a Fortune 50 company and worked there for a while, then went into consulting.
Why you like it and (if you dare)
I really like that my job changes all the time. I am always working with different people, different projects, new problems and ideas. It varies constantly, so I don't get bored. Also, consulting tends to be somewhat less rigid and bureaucratic (your mileage may vary) than corporate. I love the people I work with. I like that my hours are flexible--I can come in early or late, leave early or late, as long as the job gets done.
Why you dislike it
I used to have to travel. A lot. It was fun at first, but it got tiring when I had to go to boring places for months on end. The firm I work for now is much more regional, so I don't have to live out of a hotel.
I also don't feel like it is my calling. If I didn't like the people so much, I wouldn't be as excited to go to work. I'm not that motivated by technology without some sort of other personal appeal. I'd rather read. But I do like the people and the company, and the money is good--it enables me to write and take English classes and go to conferences and pursue all sorts of fun hobbies.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
The biggest problem is when there are miscommunications--the clients think they are getting one thing, and you think that you are giving them something different. It is a job that is very dependent on good communication and relationship management.
What kind of person thrives in your job
I think that in order to thrive in a job (or firm) like mine, you have to be pretty flexible. Circumstances change all the time, and you have to cope with it. Also, you need good verbal and written communication skills, and strong analytical thinking skills. It is a job that requires a lot of problem-solving.
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
I have gotten the opportunity to work for a lot of big companies in a lot of interesting industries, but without being stuck there forever. I have had the chance to live for periods of time in San Francisco, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Dallas, Boston, London, and *grin* Minneapolis. (I live in NYC). It can be exciting and demanding and interesting and exhilarating. It can also be exhausting and at times things are slow, but you always know something new will happen.
I'd be happy to answer any questions if you have them! (Though I realize my career is probably one that it is hard to wrap your mind around...)
Sarah :o)
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 08:01 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:Re:
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 07:49 pm (UTC)My current job title is Senior Technical Recruiter.
I find the right people for the open jobs in our company. We are a consulting firm that specializes in PeopleSoft, which is a type of software package that automates many of the things companies used to do by hand, like payroll.
A description of a typical day
I search the web a lot for resumes of people looking for jobs (candidates) and see if they fit our job descriptions. I also create job descriptions and post them. If a candidate is interested, I discuss their experience and background, as well as things like their salary, they're willingness to travel, and when they could start. If after that, I still think they are a good fit, I'll set up an interview with a Project Manager. If the Project Manager likes them we may do additional interviews or, I'll make them an offer. I can be working on as many as a dozen openings simultaneously. I also help our managers decide how many people we should be hiring for a project.
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
I used to be a software developer, but it isn't necessary. I know some totally non- technical people who are great recruiters, because they understand what software development is without ever having done it. I think the most important skill to have, is the ability to listen well.
Why you like it and (if you dare)
I love that I get to talk to different people all the time and get them excited about a new job opportunity. I also get to work from home, which is very nice, because I get to work in my pajamas. And, in all honesty, because I'm well compensated.
Why you dislike it
Some days you just don't feel like talking to anybody, or you have to tell someone that they aren't going to get an offer. Some times I'd rather not work from home, because I'd like to actually be around people, and NOT be in my pajamas. Sometimes there is so much to do my head spins.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
A candidate can change their mind and turn down our offer, and then I have to start all over again, which can be a big issue if we have a project with a tight deadline. Sometimes even though a candidate has been interviewed several times and has passed the tests we give them, they turn out to not be a good developer, and we have to fire them.
What kind of person thrives in your job?
Outgoing and persistent
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 07:57 pm (UTC)What your job title is, and what that means
I'm a library page. That means I'm responsible for putting all the books that people return to the library back on the shelves, taking care of any materials that the library collects (such as newspapers) and help people find books.
A description of a typical day
I come in after school and take one of the big carts of retuned books back to the shelves. I then spend about an hour putting those books up and helping anyone who asks for help. After all the books are put up, I take the newspapers and file them for future use. I also work clearing the overflow carts, which are carts full of books that won't fit on the shelves because my library is horrible overcrowded. Sometimes I also put up CDs and Movies; whatever any of the real librarians need me to do.
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
A good solid knowledge of the alphabet and an in with a librarian. I had to volunteer at the library for about a year before I was allowed to actually work there.
Why you like it and (if you dare) why you dislike it
I know all the librarians very well and they know me so I get first dibs on books they think I would like and if I ask, they will usually order a book if the library doesn’t have it. Plus, it's only two hours a day and those hours can be pretty flexible so that allows me to keep my own schedule and doesn't take up too much time so I have plenty of time to concentrate on school work.
However, it can be dead boring at times. Most of the time, actually.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
Nothing much. The worse that can happen is I accidentally knock a bunch of books over.
What kind of person thrives in your job?
Somebody who's methodical and likes to daydream. I spend most of my time daydreaming as I put up books because it takes very little thought. Also, someone who values free time over a lot of money, the pays not great.
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
Being a page is defiantly a part time job. It's certainly nothing I want to spend the rest of my life doing, but it's a good after school job. I get the best of both worlds: I have plenty of free time for clubs, friends, and occasionally schoolwork, but I'm still earning money.
Hope that helps.
Cait
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 10:08 pm (UTC)Extra hidden bonus: when it's time to write papers, you already know where all the books you need are. :)
Re:
From:Technical Editor
Date: 2003-04-23 08:28 pm (UTC)I am a technical editor. That means I don't edit fiction books like your mom writes; I help people like chemists, geologists, and environmental scientists to say things clearly and correctly, and get their point across.
A description of a typical day.
I have no typical days. My days depend on what people drop into our box for editing, and when they need it. But usually there are no slow periods.
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job.
A degree in English or Communication, most likely; and a love of things written, a love of that great Lego set which is language. Experience helps, but if you do the job that part will take care of itself.
Why you like it and (if you dare).
Because I love bringing order from chaos. I love polishing the diamond at the heart of someone's idea. I love that moment of triumph when you find *just* the right way to say what someone has been groping for. I love helping people *communicate.*
What a writer says--the message sent--and what a reader "hears"--the message received--can be totally different things. I love helping someone learn to help their audience hear what they are trying to say.
Why you dislike it.
I don't. I love it. The only downside is that I don't get to spend as much time with my own children.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
We can miss a deadline. The email can go down and we will get submissions late. I can miss things in important documents (like Property Manger instead of Property Manager). And the usual--I can say things or do things that I later worry about being unprofessional or stupid--but everyone does that, that's not just my job.
What kind of person thrives in your job.
Someone who loves details. Someone who, even when they're tired, still pulls out the dictionary for the umpteenth time to look up "timeframe" because they can never remember if it's one word or two, and they know they are the final authority and nobody else will catch it. Someone who thinks it's important enough that the word be correct, to do all that even when they know most readers won't even notice. *They'll* know.
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
Imagine driving down the road and wanting to correct misspellings on billboards. Or telling your waiter when you found a typo on the menu. Or talking about British versus American spellings and usages at parties. That is what an editor does. And you do it whether you like it or not; editing is one career that you tend to be born into. Whether or not you do it for a living or are ever paid for it.
~Amanda
Re: Technical Editor
Date: 2003-04-23 09:42 pm (UTC)Today I signed the lease on my new flat. Among other things, I agreed not to damage the 'toilet bowels'. My father had to restrain me from correcting it, in pen, before signing it.
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 08:31 pm (UTC)What your job title is, and what that means
I'm a fourth grade teacher.
A description of a typical day
Since you're in school, you probably know some of this. :) I arrive at work by 7:30, prepare lessons and fill out paperwork, and then greet my students when they arrive at 8. During the 'school day', I teach literature, creative writing, grammar, vocabulary, science, math, and social studies, and when my students are at their specials classes, I call parents, complete more paperwork, grade papers, prepare more lessons, set up science experiments, make copies and overheads, put up bulletin boards...all that stuff. I supervise either lunch or recess most days, and the carpool line once a week. After the students leave, I finish the work I couldn't get done before 3:30; on Tuesdays, I coach a Future Problem Solving team as well. Most days I leave the building between 4:30 and 5:30.
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
You'd need at least a bachelor's degree, usually in elementary education; I have a master's in educational psychology/gifted education as well. To do the job really well, though, I think it takes a few years of experience. The first year or two of teaching is incredible and overwhelming, because much of what you learn in college prepares you to teach the content, but doesn't teach you much about caring for students and providing a nurturing, structured environment that means that every child gets a chance to learn and to be creative.
Why you like it
I enjoy young people and their ideas. I like being able to dive into many different subjects. I like the creative aspects involved in writing and implementing my own curriculum--making up new, fun ways to teach, especially about literature, science, and history.
and (if you dare)Why you dislike it
I'm an introvert, and some days I come home feeling like all the energy's just been drained from me--there is never any private place or time in a grade school! It's a time-consuming job that often interfers with my own ability to be reflective and creative, not just about teaching, but about my own writing and life in general.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
Again, I'm sure you know a great deal of these! Students can have trouble learning, or can make learning difficult for others because of their behavior and lack of respect. This year we've had trouble with note-passing. Sometimes students get sick or hurt at school, and I wish my sister was with me, because she's a nurse! Sometimes my students come to school and seem to have all climbed out of the wrong sides of their beds--they're all cranky and don't want to focus. That's when I have to do something silly, like make them sing or act out their math problems, or do the cha-cha-cha to learn pronouns, or make up experiments involving cartoon characters. (I must admit, though, I don't always need an excuse to include silliness in my classroom!)
What kind of person thrives in your job
Someone who is sensitive to the needs of others, who loves to learn and to share knowledge, who is a good listener as well as a good speaker, and who is willing to find new ways to solve problems nearly every hour of every day.
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 08:47 pm (UTC)My name is Darice, and I work as a proposal editor and writer for an information technology consulting company. "Information Technology" is big computer systems that keep businesses and stores running. "Consulting" is providing assistance to those businesses and stores by reviewing their computer systems and giving them advice and help to improve the systems. To sell this assistance to businesses, my company will send the business a "Proposal" -- a document that tells the business what my company can do and how much it will cost them.
The proposals are developed by many people who are experts in the computer systems. My job is to help write parts of the proposals, and to edit all the other parts to make sure the information is correct, the grammar is right, the spelling is good and that all the client's questions are answered. I also make sure all the pieces that everyone writes are put together in one document.
On a typical day, I will check my e-mail to see if any new projects have come in, and also to see if anyone has sent in parts of a proposal that we are all working on. Sometimes I have several proposals going at once, so I have to keep track of who is sending me which part of what proposal! If they've sent in a new part of a proposal, I read it, make edits to correct any problems, call the writer if I have any questions, and then add it to the big proposal document.
All of this is done on the computer -- I sit at the computer all day long. I used to print out things to edit them (with a red pen!) but now businesses want answers quickly and I only have time to read it on the screen! This is hard on my eyes.
Sometimes there are meetings with the other people who are working on a proposal. They aren't necessarily in the same office I am, though -- they could be anywhere in the world! We meet by talking on the telephone together.
I went to college and majored in English, which helped train me to read and write. I used to help my friends edit and rewrite their papers for class -- that's when I discovered I liked editing. Then when I got my first job, my manager taught me how to work with others, how to correct their writing without upsetting them. People don't like to have their writing corrected! You have to be very gentle with them, but at the same time you have to be firm because if the document is wrong, then the company will look bad to the client.
I like working with words. I like writing and I like correcting others' writing. I like it so much that I have a hard time reading anything without editing it! And some of the people I work with are wonderful -- whether they like to write or not, they don't mind having someone work with their words.
What I don't like is people who disrespect the time involved in writing and editing. Sometimes, people put off writing their parts and then I have to work really hard at the last minute -- sometimes I have to work late because they didn't do their part. I don't like that very much. It's better now, because I am working from home -- so even if I work late, I'm already here. ;)
There are things that could go wrong. If I'm not careful with what I do, then there could be errors in a proposal -- I could promise something that the company can't deliver, or tell a client we'll do the job for not enough money!
To thrive at this job, you need to have good writing skills and a mind that likes to focus on detail. You need to be a perfectionist! It also helps if you have a good sense of humor. Sometimes you just have to laugh when things are running late -- it helps make the situation better.
I enjoy writing and editing, but I admit, I wish I was working on books and not on reports! But I do get to work with words, and that is wonderful.
- Darice
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 08:48 pm (UTC)my job
Date: 2003-04-23 08:59 pm (UTC)What your job title is, and what that means
My job title is Library Aide II. That means I can do more skilled clerical work than a Library Aide I, but I don't have to supervise people, which is what an Aide III does. It also means I don't have a masters degree in Library Science, or I would be a librarian
A description of a typical day
I work in Acquisitions, which means we order the new books for the Library. I go to my work station - I don't have my own office, or even a cube, and start my computer. I look at e-mail, then usual I cancel orders that we've received notice that we can't get. Then I might order books, or search on websites for out of print books to replace old ones that have worn out. I also decide where we are going to buy books, but I don't get to decide which titles we buy. And I sometimes receive books, which is opening the boxes and checking the invoices and paying the invoices.
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
Actually, you need a high school diploma, and you need to pass a civil service test. But a lot of the people I work with have college degrees, but not in practical stuff. I'm a writer. I know people who are writers, editors, musicians, artists, and also people with degrees in philosophy and ancient history.
You learn on the job - it varies from department to department, as well as library to library.
Why you like it and (if you dare)
I get to know what books the library is going to get right away. I get to see the new books as they come in. I read book reviews as part of my job.
Why you dislike it
It's boring at times, and it doesn't pay all that well. Also, I sometimes think I could be doing more with my abilities and talents.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
Occasionally, the books fall off the truck, or something like that. Generally, the worst occupational hazard is paper cuts.
Sometimes, we get the wrong book, or too many books, and have to send them back.
What kind of person thrives in your job
You have to like books, and you need to like people well enough to get along with the other people. If you work in a more public setting, like checking books out to people, you have to like dealing with the public. I decided I didn't, which is why I'm in acquisitions now.
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
Spend a whole day at a library. Ask if it's okay to watch what the people who work there are doing. They may even let you help.
My Job
Date: 2003-04-23 09:05 pm (UTC)What your job title is, and what that means
I'm a Project Hydrogeologist for a civil engineering and environmental consulting company.
What that means is I do soil and ground water evaluations for commercial companies that come to our company for advice. The evaluations could be related to potential chemical contamination of the soil or ground-water, or it could be an evaluation of the soil and ground-water for civil engineering work. An example of that is for a city that needs to get rid of their treated wastewater. Typically they'd spray it on a piece of property. My job is to evaluate the soil and ground-water and tell them how much of their wastewater can go on that property.
A description of a typical day
Come in, turn on the computer and read email :). If it's an office day I'll be writing reports on the evaluations I've done or using a computer model of the site to predict what the groundwater is going to do next. If it's a field day, I'm outside at the job site supervising the installation of monitor wells (I get to do that Friday), digging holes in the ground and putting soil in a jar, or drawing a water sample from a well to send to a lab for chemical analysis.
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
You need at least a B.S. in Geology or Environmental Sciences. I have an M.S. in Geology with a certification in Hydrogeology. You also are required to get licenced after a certain number of years on the job. I'm a licenced Professional Geologist in Florida and A Registered Geologist in Arizona.
Why you like it and (if you dare)
I like it a lot. I didn't do it for 2 years and missed it terribly. I love the quiet time spent figuring out how to turn a real life section of the earth into a computer representation of that section. I love the problem soving necessary to make the model work. I love gathering the data and finding trends. I like being able to get paid to be outside sometimes.
Why you dislike it
I hate hate hate the technical writing most of the time. It turned me off writing in general for a very long time.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
Hmmmmm, lots and lots. You can gather too little or too much data. You can sample ina way that the data is invalid. You can misrepresent the scope of work to the client. You can confuse a regulatory official and delay your clients project. You can spend too much time mucking about with the model. You can say the wrong thing in a report and get sued. You can miss something and be completely wrong in your evaluation. Need more?
What kind of person thrives in your job
Someone who is analytical, enjoys the outdoors, enjoys the indoors, doesn't mind not interacting a lot with other people, enjoys problem solving. Someone who doesn't mind an occasional day of hard physical work and doesn't mind getting your hands muddy in the soil (and there is a very important difference between sandy clay and clayey sand). Someone who can communicate technical information simply.
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
There are times when I get to sit out in the sunshine watching other people work and get paid for it. There are times I get to wear jeans and get all muddy. There are times I have to wear a business suit and talk to business people about their environmental troubles. It's the variety of work that's great. Each project brings some unique circumstance. Some unique problem that I can help fix. It's fun.
That was fun. Good luck Fiona and I really wish someone had done this for me growing up. I was very clueless when I was deciding what to do when I grew up. Luckily I happened into something I enjoy that makes not too bad money as well. Can't beat that.
Lots of Luck
Carole
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 09:37 pm (UTC)What your job title is, and what that means
~Gymnastics teacher. I teach beginning gymnastics at a YMCA around here.
A description of a typical day
~I only teach on Saturday mornings. My first class (Basic 1) starts at 8:30, so both the other gymnastics teacher (who teaches the more advanced classes at the same time as I teach mine, but on different equipment) and I can set up the gym. We put the mats out, get the beam up, set up the vault, and put up the bars. At 8:30 we call the kids out on the mats, and she usually stretches both her class and my class out while I take attendance. Then we split up. We rotate through working on the floor, vault, beam, and my class does some bars, but since they're not as advanced, they don't need to work on them as much quite yet. (a lot of my kids don't quite have the strength in their arms yet to do things that are really advanced. . . that will come for them though :). The first class is scheduled to go until 9:15, but we usually end about 2 minutes early so I can talk to parents. Then we basically have the same schedule for our 9:15-10 class (for which I also teach Basic 1). After my second class, the kids usually like to help put the stuff away (the mats, beam, etc), and stay and practice a bit. And then I clock out and go about my day!
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
~ I took dance and gymnastics for years when I was younger at a dance studio, and the last few years when I was in 8th grade and hs, I started helping out w/ the classes of the younger kids. Then I got this job at the YMCA!
Why you like it and (if you dare)
~I LOVE it! It is fantastic. VERY fun, and it's all because of my kids. I love my kids. It is so fun when they come in and run over to me with a big smile and give me a big hug, and when they get so excited telling me what's been going on in their lives.
Why you dislike it
~I'm not really a morning person, and I have to get up around 7:15am on a Saturday morning to be there on time, lol. And sometimes it's not so fun when the kids are all having a "hyper" day and none of them want to listen very well.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
~Most of what goes wrong isn't too bad. One of my funniest kids, she was running up the vault run the other day and she must've tripped and she fell forward. It was on the mats, so she was okay - just a bit shaken up. So she came over and I picked her up and she sat on my hip for a while and then hopped down to rejoin her class. What goes wrong is kids sometimes get hurt. Not often. . . most is when they're playing around on the bars or beam when I've told them not to, and I'm helping another kid, and they fall.
What kind of person thrives in your job
~Someone who likes kids =) And who is flexible. Being a gymnastics teacher. . . . you don't have quite as much structure as you do in a school classroom. The students don't sit at desks, so it's more informal, and sometimes it's easier for students to get excited, so the teacher has to be easygoing, but be able to handle working with excited students! :)
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
~Well, not too many people only teach gymnastics for a living. If they do, they teach a lot of classes every day, and they tend to teach more serious students. Most of my students are just there to have fun and check it out since it's the first time in gymnastics for most of them. A lot of my co-teachers either are students, or for instance, one other teacher I have worked with was a police officer and did this on Saturday mornings for fun and to keep up with her gymnastics training =)
I hope you have fun, Fiona! :-D
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 10:21 pm (UTC)what is your job title and what does it mean I'm an Instructor. It means that I am non tenure-track faculty (aka adjunct faculty) at a university.
description of a typical day The neat thing about my job is that, really, there are no typical days. Two days a week I teach classes -- either Freshman Composition, Great Books, or a combination thereof (Great Books is a literature course where you read books, plays, and poetry from various cultures). I'm a member of an oversight committee that meets weekly to make decisions about what we teach in Composition, this semester we meet on the same days I teach. I also have meetings with students. These meetings happen on the days I teach, but also on the days I don't. I spend a lot of time at home reading, grading papers, and planning my classes. I tend to think more in terms of typical weeks rather than typical days. So, usually, Mondays I have open office hours from 11a to 3p. Tuesdays, I have a committee meeting at 10a and then classes at 11a; 12:30p; and 3:15p, and I have a student I meet with immediately after that class. Wednesdays, I have appointment only meetings usually starting around 11a and ending somewhere around 3p. Thursdays, I have an office hour at 10a; and a class at 11a, then open office hours from 12:30p to 3:15p (this is only in the last month of the semester); and Friday I usually do a few appointments with students who just couldn't manage it any other time during the week.
What do you need for training/education/etc., to do this job The current ad for my position says that you need at least a Master's degree in English. Most of my colleagues, though, have PhD's (as I do) or are ABD (which means they haven't finished writing their dissertation [aka big paper]) yet.
Why do you like it? I like seeing the lightbulb go off in someone's head. The moment where they realize that they can write, or that they can read a book and make meaning out of it. I love working with students and seeing them gain confidence and experience that will help them for the rest of their lives in school and out of it.
Why do I dislike it? I don't like the changes that have happened here since we got a new department head. He doesn't seem to care about instructor needs, and that has made all of us have to work harder for what amounts to less money. The students have gotten much more demanding and tempermental. There are days when it feels dangerous to go to work. And, honestly, I don't like the part of the country that this school draws its students from -- these kids are much too sheltered.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job? Well, the computers in the classroom can all fail on the same day. That can mess up a class pretty well. The VCR can eat my videotapes. I can miskey a student's grade and give them the wrong grade in the class (it's only happened a couple of times, really). The copy machine can stop working in the middle of mid-terms. And students can misunderstand what I think is perfectly clear which makes for some miserable exchanges.
What kind of person thrives at your job? Someone who doesn't mind working long hours teaching courses that no one wants to take. It's the end of the semester, so I'm feeling a wee bit negative at the moment. Seriously. You have to really like books, and have a passion for sharing what you know and understand about how reading shapes reality.
Other things about choosing my career You have to go to school for a long time -- we're talking four years as an undergraduate; at least two years for a Master's; and another three to four for a PhD. My job really isn't the goal -- the real goal is a tenure-track assistant professor position (or something like it). To get one of those, you will need to network with other people in your field of specialty; you will need to present papers at conferences (which are nowhere near as much fun as your Mom appears to have had at MiniCon); and you will need to publish articles (for which you don't get paid) and books (for which, basically you don't get paid).
Hope this helps.
Beth
Polic e Dispatcher/911 Operator
Date: 2003-04-23 10:25 pm (UTC)What your job title is, and what that means: I'm a police dispatcher which means that I tell police officers where to go, I keep track of what they are doing and some nights I answer 911 calls or take police reports.
A description of a typical day: I work over night on what we call 1st Watch which means I work "graveyard." My hours are 11:45 p.m to 7:45 a.m. Usually I am on the radio. 911 dispatchers send typed up calls to my computer and I decide who goes to the calls (which officers in my area). I also put them on traffic stops, give them lunch breaks, and plan containment and handle foot pursuits and traffic pursuits. I keep control of the radio "air" so that people don't talk all over each other. It can be really busy at times and then it will quiet down for awhile. The most important thing is to know where all my officers are in case they get into trouble and need help, and to make sure that I get officers to citizens quickly.
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job: Well, there are places to get an education in this line of work but I didn't have it. Instead, I was a counselor before this job. You do have to take tests and they make sure that you can type fast, do a lot of different things at one time, and use good judgement in prioritizing workload.
Why you like it and (if you dare): I like the adrenaline rushes that we get during hot calls; the variety in workload; my ccworkers; working mostly alone; all the different things we must do; knowing I keep people safer and lunch breaks. Oh, plus when the day is done, it is really done. I don't bring work home. And it pays well and there's a lot of job security.
Why you dislike it: I get so tired of answering phones that when I'm home, I hate talking on the phone.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job? Well, if I don't pay attention and dispatch officers quickly, someone could die. Actually, people will die sometimes even when we do everything right It's very serious work.
What kind of person thrives in your job: A person has to be able to think about and handle a lot of different things at once. Sometimes I'm listening to my radio while on the phone talking to another police agency and I have someone standing next to me asking me a question. A person also has to be able to understand that things can go wrong and not beat themselves up about it.
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career? Police work puts you in a special group of people who consider themselves family. No one really understands the job except other people who do it and sometimes it's hard because you can't really expect family and friends to know what you go through. Also, we get a very weird sense of humor because we deal with death and injury so much.
Hope this helps!
Lisa
Polic e Dispatcher/911 Operator
Date: 2003-04-23 10:26 pm (UTC)What your job title is, and what that means: I'm a police dispatcher which means that I tell police officers where to go, I keep track of what they are doing and some nights I answer 911 calls or take police reports.
A description of a typical day: I work over night on what we call 1st Watch which means I work "graveyard." My hours are 11:45 p.m to 7:45 a.m. Usually I am on the radio. 911 dispatchers send typed up calls to my computer and I decide who goes to the calls (which officers in my area). I also put them on traffic stops, give them lunch breaks, and plan containment and handle foot pursuits and traffic pursuits. I keep control of the radio "air" so that people don't talk all over each other. It can be really busy at times and then it will quiet down for awhile. The most important thing is to know where all my officers are in case they get into trouble and need help, and to make sure that I get officers to citizens quickly.
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job: Well, there are places to get an education in this line of work but I didn't have it. Instead, I was a counselor before this job. You do have to take tests and they make sure that you can type fast, do a lot of different things at one time, and use good judgement in prioritizing workload.
Why you like it and (if you dare): I like the adrenaline rushes that we get during hot calls; the variety in workload; my ccworkers; working mostly alone; all the different things we must do; knowing I keep people safer and lunch breaks. Oh, plus when the day is done, it is really done. I don't bring work home. And it pays well and there's a lot of job security. Each night is different. There's a lot of variety to this job.
Why you dislike it: I get so tired of answering phones that when I'm home, I hate talking on the phone.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job? Well, if I don't pay attention and dispatch officers quickly, someone could die. Actually, people will die sometimes even when we do everything right It's very serious work.
What kind of person thrives in your job: A person has to be able to think about and handle a lot of different things at once. Sometimes I'm listening to my radio while on the phone talking to another police agency and I have someone standing next to me asking me a question. A person also has to be able to understand that things can go wrong and not beat themselves up about it.
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career? Police work puts you in a special group of people who consider themselves family. No one really understands the job except other people who do it and sometimes it's hard because you can't really expect family and friends to know what you go through. Also, we get a very weird sense of humor because we deal with death and injury so much.
Hope this helps!
Lisa
For Fiona, then. Job #1
Date: 2003-04-23 10:34 pm (UTC)Job #1
Job Title: Department Manager
I'm a Department Manager (third level manager) for a Barnes & Noble. The Managment team is broken into the Store Manager (first level, in charge of the entire store), two Assistant Managers (second level, in charge of Merchandizing and Operations, respectively, as well as supervising the staff), two Department Managers (third level, in charge of half the store each, and the booksellers to maintain the store) and Specialty Managers (third level, in charge of Receiving, Cafe, and Community Relations, respectively). Under me are the Leads and then the general Booksellers of the store. I am in charge of keeping my half of the store stocked, organised and the merchandizing (tables, waterfall displays, top shelf displays and endcap displays) fresh, full and current each month.
Typical Day: Well... First thing I do every day is check the manager's communication log, to see what information the other managers have shared about customers, orders, displays, and building operations, so that if I need to do something I have the information I need. After that, I need to make sure that all my displays are looking good (customers tend to mess them up when they browse the bookstore), and make sure that all the booksellers are doing what they need to be doing. If something isn't getting done, I have to adjust the daily schedule to make sure it gets done. Then I have to do MY work. I have to make certain all the labels are correct (so customers can find books), all the shelves are in place and are solid and secure (customers like to lean on the shelves and they bend and break frequently, causing a danger), I have to make certain all my sections are alphabetized (remember, that's HALF THE STORE), and I have to make certain all the books that customers are forgetting to put back are put back. Besides that, I have to follow up on special instructions to my booksellers, and make certain they are doing their jobs on time. I also have to count money, balance tills, the safe and the change drawer, make change, deal with customer concerns and complaints, and make certain that the store is running smoothly, in general.
Training for the Job: I need to know how to handle money. I need to know how to direct people, with clear instructions. I have to be able to work computers, and use a database. I also have to be able to do my booksellers' jobs of shelving books, finding books for customers, working in the cafe (making espresso), and putting out magazines and newspapers. Also, I have to be a very good cashier (more than just handling money, also ringing up items and doing returns and exchanges). Most of this training, I got on the job. I started as an opening level bookseller and was promoted to Lead and then to Department Manager.
Why I Like It: I ADORE reading. I'm a total bibliophile. I also THOROUGHLY enjoy talking about books and sharing books and recommending books. I love helping people find what they need, even when they don't know what it is... It is SO much fun to have someone walk up and say "I'm looking for this book... I don't know the title, or the author, but... its about THIS" and be able to say "Oh, yeah! That's that new book out about Marines. Jarhead. Its right over here!" and have them go, "YES! THAT'S IT EXACTLY!"
Why I Dislike It: I hate my manager. Really really I do. If I wanted to be in BootCamp, I'd have joined the Army. I used to have a really cool manager, but my new one is driving me totally crazy. The job itself? it can be very stressful having to deal with customers who are unhappy that you don't have the book they want RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. And i have to say, I really REALLY hate when I tell a customer I don't have a book in and they turn up their nose and say "Well, I'll just go order it from AMAZON, then." and walk off. I mean... really. Why should I care if you order it from Amazon and pay shipping when you can order it into my store, just as fast, and NOT pay shipping? But the manner they do it, delibrately done as if to imply a snub... that's just not cool. Really annoys me.
(continued below)
Job #1 part 2
Date: 2003-04-23 10:40 pm (UTC)What Goes Wrong: Money goes missing. Very bad. Books also go missing.... usually inventory error, but that really irritates the customers! Also, my town has a lot of panhandlers -- we have to chase them away from our doors frequently, because they irritate the customers. But the big thing that 'goes wrong' is when books don't come in, or come in for a special order, then get misplaced... then you have to deal with irate customers and THAT is NOT fun. AT ALL.
Who Thrives: Readers who are very active and want to share. Very organized people. People who like to Serve other people. People oriented people.
Anything Else: Its a lot of walking! And a lot of reading, that you might not usually do. I get handed books from the local rep and my manager and told "Here, read this and tell me what you think." and lots of times its not something I'd pick for myself... but I have to read it anyway. sometimes the books REALLY STINK, too. *sigh* Also, Christmas time is VERY VERY stressful... and for us 'Christmas time' goes until the end of January... (All those gift cards and books that we sold before the holiday come back AFTER the holiday!)
so. That's Job #1! That is a full time job, and my job that 'pays the bills'.
So! Job #2
From:Job #2 part 2
From:(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-23 11:06 pm (UTC)I don't go to a job every day. I don't have a boss, and I don't have a paycheck. I stay home, but I still have many things to do every day. You probably know about cleaning the house and doing the laundry and that kind of stuff. I cook a lot, and that means I go to the grocery store and try and think of new good things for meals. I get tired of eating the same kinds of foods all the time, and so does my family. I try and make new foods pretty often. Sometimes I make new things that we really like, and that's a lot of fun. There's a lot to learn about cooking, so I like trying recipes that have new techniques. I enjoy being a better cook than I used to be.
Even though I don't have to go to a job every day, I have places where I do volunteer work. I am on the Board of Directors for the theater that puts on the May Day parade and celebration. This means that I help the people who work at the theater. We go to meetings and talk about the theater's budget, and how to make the money that we earn stretch far enough to pay all our bills. The theater never has so much money that we can buy all the things we would like, so we try hard to find new ways keep the theater's expenses down. We also talk about how much fun it is to have a puppet theater in South Minneapolis, and how we can get more kids and families to come to our shows.
Another way I volunteer my time is to some local history groups and projects. I have been studying the history of Minneapolis for a while now, just because it is so interesting to learn what it was like around here before I was born. There's a piece of park land over by Minnehaha Falls where they built a tunnel over the highway, and the park board wants to make this construction site into a nice park. I was invited to explain what that park land used to be like in the 1920s and 1930s. I have a lot of old pictures and have read a lot about it, so they asked me to tell them about it. Can you believe it was a zoo! There were elephants and lions and hippos and seals and monkeys and all kinds of rides and fun stuff. I don't think they will bring back the zoo animals, though. I think they will just make it a flower garden.
I am also helping the state historical society to collect pictures that tell about the war that happened in Minnesota. We are making a book with all the pictures we can find in it. We will be designing the pages and deciding what order to put our pictures in to tell the story. Did you know that the Indians and the European settlers had a terrible war and that a lot of people died fighting over who got to live in Minnesota? The Indians mostly lost, and the European settlers mostly won, but it was a very terrible sad time. Have you been to Fort Snelling? Just below the bluff there was a prison for some of the Indians who lost the war. I'm glad the prison isn't there any more.
These kinds of work, the things I do to keep up the home and the things I do to volunteer, don't require any special education. I do get to learn new things all the time, and I really like that. I also like having time to read and study. I like being able to do volunteer jobs because the people I work with are always so glad to have help. Also, because I don't go to a regular job every day, when I volunteer I get to go out and work along with other people. I get lonely and bored when I stay home alone all the time.
your friend,
K.
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-24 04:26 am (UTC)I'm a typesetter. This means that I use a computer to prepare text and other things to be be printed.
A description of a typical day
I get to work at 11:00 pm (I work third shift), clock in, check for work from my supervisor. Then I check out materials to work on from the computer system, do my tasks for them and turn them into proofreading. The proofreaders correct any mistakes and give them back. I fix the mistakes. When all the parts of a job are done, I, or one of my co-workers, pulls all the pieces together and prepares the job to send to the client for final approval.
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
Some basic computer and typing skills are handy. Apart from that, however, not a lot. One of my co-workers used to be short-order cook before taking this job. I administered a large company's web sites before taking this job.
Why you like it and (if you dare)
It has very well-defined goals. Jobs have due times, so you know which things are more important than others (they are due earlier). You want to prepare your files with no errors, so having fewer errors come back from proofreading feels good.
Why you dislike it
It doesn't require me to think or to interact with other people. Also working third shift isn't the greatest, though it does pay more.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
We can get incorrect instructions from customer service. We can get corrupted data from the client. We can get data that's very difficult to work with. It can take us more time to do things than we might think, causing things to go late. We can miss mistakes, causing wrong work to go to the client or be filed with the government.
What kind of person thrives in your job
One that works well on their own but also takes direction well. Someone that doesn't need to have a lot of interaction with others to be productive.
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
The only thing I can think of that would be useful would be the general advice to think a lot about what you like to do and to find a career that lets you do that as often as possible. Many times people feel "stuck" in a job because it doesn't bring them any joy. Find your joy and the job will work itself out.
Does require thinking, but not actually a "career"
Date: 2003-06-27 03:56 pm (UTC)Here are my two cents to Peter's description:
First of all, there are ups and downs all the time in this job. Few weeks during the "proxy" season (mid-February through mid-April), you work your ass off, 12 or more hours a day in average, no weekends (company does pay overtime and double time--yet). And there are times when you have almost nothing to do, if stock market is down (financial printing depends very much on it).
The company I work for uses a typesetting system which needs to be learned. My typesetting is actually a programming: I insert commands and formats in an ASCII text (HTML programmer does almost the same). This typesetting system is the most powerful I've ever worked with before; you can do with text virtually anything you can imagine (except for graphic effects, which are not typesetting per se). Unfortunately, the company has not upgraded this system for about eight years, and is planning to switch to MS Word-based tool--precisely because the latter does not need thinking and same level of learning and skills as the current system.
If you understand "career" as "a field for or pursuit of consecutive progressive achievement," typesetting is not for you. There is comparatively low ceiling of maximum salary, and no room for growth. But you can learn the system (could be pretty interesting by itself) with a couple of other SGML-like languages, and move into development or IT.
S:)
My Job
Date: 2003-04-24 05:38 am (UTC)A typical day depends on what time of year it is. If it's the winter, there aren't many that work at the store, so you have to do a lot of different jobs. As a checker, you scan a customer's purchase for the most part. But you have to remember a lot of codes for the produce items. And some things just don't seem to scan every time, so you have to remember a lot of prices, too.
One of the other jobs I've done there is sort the shelf tags for the weekly sales and price changes and put them up. That can take hours and boy, do you have to know your store!
One summer, I worked on the night crew for the produce department. That means I worked from 10 PM to 6:30 AM stocking the produce when the store was closed. It was hard work. I'd cut up the fruit for the fruit cups and trays. I'd stock the bags of salads, check the tomatoes for bad ones. Stock the starwberries, corn, etc etc.
And I'd also stock the Krispy Kreme dounuts when they arrived! And bring in the newspapers, too.
Mostly, though, it's just checking. That is sort of the thing I don't like about the job. There are too many people during the summer! Most are very nice, but there will always be a few nasty people. And that is hard on the kids the store hires as summer checkers. Sometimes, that is their first job ever. And some people are so mean to them.
But during the winter, it's all the year-round people, and I mostly know all of them. Or they knew my family. And it's a lot quieter. During the summer, you can get so busy you don't know what day it is. It can be very exhusting.
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-24 05:51 am (UTC)What your job title is, and what that means
I am an Environmental Protection Specialist for the environmental agency in the state where I live. I work in the recycling and planning program review grants and requests for money, and I also inspect composting sites. I help oversee the creation and maintaining of county plans, so that these places will be sure to have somewhere to dispose of their trash. I also do educational programs at times, and have had the chance to go to court and testify against people that were not following our environmental laws.
A description of a typical day
I usually come to work, check my e-mail and then do a variety of things, depending on the season. Sometimes I'm reviewing grant applications, ordinances to make sure municipalities are following the rules. If I'm really lucky, I get to go out in the field and visit composting sites. I also spend a lot of time on the phone explaining to people why it's bad to burn leaves, especially in the area where I live. My job is different every day, depending on what I have to review, or what I have to deal with, so I never manage to get bored.
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
First off, a bachelor of science degree in any one of the science disciplines is necessary. Then I had apply for a civil service position and start off as a trainee, and I worked as an inspector in our Waste Management Program for three years before being promoted.
Why you like it and (if you dare)
Because I get to give out money to people, and what I'm doing makes a difference. Plus, my office environment is fun to work in. 85% of the time my job is low stress, which makes the other 15% easier to bear. As I said before, it's constantly changing, and I never spend more than a couple of days at one time doing the same thing.
Why you dislike it
When people don't get the money they were expecting, they can blame me personally. I also have to deal with politians sometime, and that isn't pleasant. Also, due to the politians, I sometimes have to enforce policies that were created by people that have no idea about the environmental issues, and are therefore actually harmful to the environment.
I also have to about once a year or so, go out very early in the morning and inspect trash trucks to make sure they are following our rules. I absolutely HATE to do that.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
Losing paperwork, dealing with consultants who turn in bad work product and then lie to their customers, blaming you for the problems, and dealing with irate residents that are positive that you are taking away their personal freedoms because someone farther up the chain from you made a decision they didn't like.
What kind of person thrives in your job
Someone with a thick skin, and patience. I didn't have them before, but have learned them since starting this job. It's also very secure, given that I'm a civil servant. People like to threaten that they will get me fired, but it won't really happen.
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
For all that it can be frustrating, it is rewarding as well. I know I'm making a difference, which I don't think many people can say. I have personally been responsible for a tightening up of state's policies on burning, which in the long run will be beneficial to the environment. There aren't many people that can say that.
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-24 06:08 am (UTC)What your job title is, and what that means
I'm an Associate. Which could mean anything, really, but in my case it means that I am a Corporate Finance and Transactions lawyer at a big law firm. "Associate" refers to the fact that I am not a "partner" -- or a part owner of the business.
A description of a typical day
I spend most of my time 1) researching, 2) writing, or 3) talking to clients. The part of my job I like best is far and away drafting agreements. There's a bit of an art to it, which makes it a challenge.
What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
You need to get an undergraduate degree, first. The field doesn't matter. Most lawyers have undergraduate degrees in English or history or political science, but mine is in music. Then you have to go to school for three more years to get your law degree. Unlike other graduate programs, though, the writing requirement for law school is pretty minimal, and a law degree is the equivalent of a doctorate.
Why you like it and (if you dare)
I like that it's intellectually challenging; it requires a lot of sophisticated thought. I like being able to help my clients by drafting them a great contract or by restructuring their deal in a better way.
Why you dislike it
It's boring most of the time. I pretty much do the same thing -- generally -- day after day. Once you've learned how to draft a sale agreement, they all look pretty much the same. Researching is all pretty much the same.
But the part of my job that I dislike the most is the people. There tends to be a certain type of person who excels as a lawyer, as I've answered below, and that type of person doesn't tend to be interesting to talk to or even particularly nice or friendly. I often forget that lawyers tend to be socially awkward, and I tend to be disappointed when I remember.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
Luckily, because of the type of law that I practice, my clients are rarely in danger of going to jail or losing their personal property. For some lawyers, that's a daily pressure. If something goes wrong at my job my clients can only lose their money. Of course, sometimes that's millions of dollars. But I always want to tell them that they aren't allowed to scream in my office unless they're in danger of going to jail or losing their children.
What kind of person thrives in your job
People who like details; perfectionists; people who like to research and/or write; for lawyers who go to court (which isn't me), people who like to perform
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
The tricky part about my career is how much law school costs. It's prohibitively expensive, and it's very hard to pay your loans off doing anything other than working for a big firm. People do it. I have a good friend who represents special education students, but she won't live financially comfortably for the next twenty years. It's a bit of a trap, so you have to be sure you want to be a lawyer before you go to law school. Of course, it's hard to know at that point, isn't it?
Best of luck!
Amy
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-24 06:42 am (UTC)What your job title is, and what that means
Peer Advisor at Monroe Community College. I get to help students decide what classes they should take in order to finish their Associate's degrees.
A description of a typical day
I start up all the computers in the Advisement Center, then check students in, provide them with a list of everything they've taken so far and what they have left, then send them to an advisor to build their class schedules. I only work a few hours a day, between classes of my own.
Why you like it and (if you dare)
I get paid well for a job that is fairly easy and allows me to help other students.
Why you dislike it
It can be very rushed sometimes when a lot of people all need help at once.
What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
If the computers don't work, it's very difficult for us to properly help people. Also, if a lot of advisors are sick, we end up with a long line of people waiting to be helped.
What kind of person thrives in your job
Someone with enough patience to work well with people.
Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?
What I do is a helpful step if someone wants to be a school counselor, advisor or teacher - you learn to work with people and explain things to them clearly, and you come to understand the problems that a lot of people face when they are at college age. It's not something I would recommend as a career in its own right, but it's certainly a good start.
(no subject)
Date: 2003-04-24 07:46 am (UTC)What your job title is, and what that means: I am a Reference and Teen Services Librarian. This means I am responsible for all teen collection development and programming, coordinating volunteers, ordering books, computer maintenance, answering reference questions, cataloging, working with periodicals and databases, reading professional journals such as Publisher's Weekly, and generally making sure the library doesn't collapse.
A description of a typical day: To start, I check email, process ILL requests, and fix whatever horrors the patrons visited on our 17 public-use computers between now and the time I left yesterday afternoon. As the teen librarian, I'm expected to keep up with current trends, so I read Rolling Stone, Seventeen, Entertainment Weekly, and newspapers at the ref desk in addition to my professional journals. I read my friends page throughout the day, because I'm subscribed to six library and information science (LIS) related feeds, including
<b>What your job title is, and what that means</b>: I am a Reference and Teen Services Librarian. This means I am responsible for all teen collection development and programming, coordinating volunteers, ordering books, computer maintenance, answering reference questions, cataloging, working with periodicals and databases, reading professional journals such as Publisher's Weekly, and generally making sure the library doesn't collapse.
<b>A description of a typical day</b>: To start, I check email, process ILL requests, and fix whatever horrors the patrons visited on our 17 public-use computers between now and the time I left yesterday afternoon. As the teen librarian, I'm expected to keep up with current trends, so I read Rolling Stone, Seventeen, Entertainment Weekly, and newspapers at the ref desk in addition to my professional journals. I read my friends page throughout the day, because I'm subscribed to six library and information science (LIS) related feeds, including <lj site="livejournal.com" user="lisnews2"> and <lj site="livejournal.com" user="catalogablog">. I read the Search Day Newsletter from <a href="http://www.searchenginewatch.com>Search Engine Watch</a>, and read the YALSA-BK listserv, the premier list for YA librarians and YA lit. I also write reviews for <a href="http://www.voya.com">Voice of Youth Advocates</a> and <a href="http://www.bookreporter.com">BookReporter.com</a>.
<b>What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job</b>: You need a Master's degree to become a librarian, and it has to be a Master of Library and Information Science from a school accredited by the <a href="http://www.ala.org">American Library Association</a>. For my Master's, I had to take courses in cataloging, information retrieval, the history of libraries and information science, public library management,young adult resources, adult collection development, marketing for libraries, information ethics, and others. I did lots of field work as a children's librarian while I was in grad school, and that helped me land a job after graduation.
<b>Why you like it and (if you dare)</b>: What's not to love? In a time where there is so much information available, it is the librarian's responsibility to be the liasion between the information and the end user, directing people to what they need. I don't care what they say, the whole world is NOT available through Google, though it is the web's best search engine. Information must be organized so it can be easily accessed, and it is the librarian's job to do that, as well as defend intellectual freedom and the right of all people to access any information they want. Plus, you know, there's the book aspect :) Being a librarian appeals to many aspects of who I am: literate, organized, a voice against censorship, an advocate for teens and their needs.
<b>Why you dislike it</b>: The pay is an absolute insult. Librarians make an average of $15,000 a year less than people in different fields with the same amount of education and experience.
<b>What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?</b> On a typical day, computers crash, books are not on the shelf where they're supposed to be, and there are patrons who think that because they pay taxes, they have a right to treat you like dirt. If our computer system goes down, it's very difficult to find books, because our card catalog is online. We could get a patron complaining about a book, or have a parent who is so convinced that their first-grader is ready to read <u>War and Peace</u> that they won't listen to professional advice on appropriate books. Books get lost, or shelved wrong, and are impossible to find.
<b>What kind of person thrives in your job</b>: You have to be patient, love books, love the thrill of hunting for information, be literate, well-organized, keep up on current events, and believe in equality among all patrons regardless of age, class, etc.
<b>Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?</b> As the way receive information changes, libraries have to keep up. Be open to change, though others may resist it. And read.
*curses LJ*
Date: 2003-04-24 07:52 am (UTC)