This article describes occupations in the mining, oil, and gas extraction industry. The first section covers the industry's employment and outlook. The second section highlights some common occupations. The third section discusses pros and cons of the work. The fourth section describes how to start a career in mining or oil and gas. And the fifth…

In this article, the author talks about the role and functions of a process server. The job of a process server is to hand deliver legal documents to the people involved in court cases. These legal documents range from a summons to appear in court to a subpoena for producing evidence. Process serving can involve risk, as some people take out their…

When choosing a career, jobseekers often want to know which occupations offer the best prospects. Generally, occupations that have rapid job growth, many new jobs, or many job openings--and good wages--promise better opportunities. This paper shows how employment in particular occupations is projected to change from 2010 to 2020. It presents…

In this article, the author talks about a small occupation of sound reproduction specialists known as foley artists. Foley artists work behind the scenes in filmmaking and television, using props to recreate all the physical sounds that are integrated into a movie or TV show. These sounds need to be recreated because the microphones used on a set…

This article talks about solar photovoltaic (PV) installer and features Rebekah Hren, a solar PV installer who puts solar panels on roofs and in other sunny places to turn the sun's power into electricity. Hren enjoys promoting renewable energy, in part because it's an emerging field. In solar PV systems, solar cells--devices that convert sunlight…

It can be difficult choosing a career. When planning for the future, knowing which occupations are expected to grow--and which aren't--is valuable information. The "Occupational Outlook Handbook" (OOH), published every 2 years by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), features projections of job outlook and employment prospects. The 2012-13…

When choosing a career, jobseekers often want to know which occupations offer the best prospects. Generally, occupations that have rapid job growth, many new jobs, or many job openings--and good wages--promise better opportunities. This article shows how employment in particular occupations is projected to change over the 2008-2018 decade. The…

What do TV news workers do each day? For many of them, contributing to daily news broadcasts has changed greatly over the years. This evolution will likely continue for years to come. And more changes to news production are expected, according to Tom Weir, an associate professor at the University of South Carolina's School of Journalism and Mass…

There are lots of ways to enter a high-paying career without having a bachelor's degree. An associate's degree, a postsecondary non-degree award, or a high school diploma--often coupled with work experience in a related occupation, on-the-job training, or both--can lead to a job that really pays off. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor…

Not all occupations are created equal when it comes to geographic distribution. Some occupations are concentrated in relatively few geographic areas; others are spread more evenly across the United States. Specific occupations might be clustered in particular types of geographic settings, such as large urban areas or small rural ones. And some…

This article talks about voice actors and features Tony Oliver, a professional voice actor. Voice actors help to bring one's favorite cartoon and video game characters to life. They also do voice-overs for radio and television commercials and movie trailers. These actors use the sound of their voice to sell a character's emotions--or an advertised…

Of over ten million people working part-time, two-thirds are women. Hiring the most part-time people are the service and trade industries, but other promising occupations are suggested and a list of occupations is provided to direct those seeking part-time work. (MW)

This look at changing patterns of employment within industries--Bureau of Labor Statistics projections of employment for industries and for occupations--includes tables depicting occupations with small, moderate, and significant increases or decreases, with reasons for changes in staffing patterns. (JOW)

Provides a rundown of earnings in 244 occupations. Details the weekly earnings in occupations with employment of 50,000 or more, giving the 1989 median. (JOW)

Describes the new fourth edition of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), the standard guide to job definitions prepared by the U.S. Employment Service. Explains changes from the previous edition, gives a sample definition from the new DOT, and lists a few of the more than 2,000 added job titles. (MF)