Many physicians and surgeons work long, irregular hours.
Acceptance to medical school is highly competitive.
Formal education and training requirements—typically 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 8 years of internship and residency—are among the most demanding of any occupation, but earnings are among the highest.
Job opportunities should be very good, particularly in rural and low-income areas.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics must continually adapt to changing technology and repair techniques.
Formal automotive technician training is the best preparation.
Opportunities should be very good for those who complete postsecondary automotive training programs; those without formal automotive training are likely to face competition for entry-level jobs.
Long hours, including night and weekend work, are common.
Employment is projected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations.
College graduates with degrees in hotel or hospitality management should have better opportunities for jobs at full-service hotels and for advancement than those without a degree.
In addition to offering insurance policies, agents increasingly sell mutual funds, annuities, and securities and offer comprehensive financial planning services, including retirement and estate planning services, some designed specifically for the elderly.
Agents must obtain a license in the States where they sell.
Job opportunities should be best for college graduates who have sales ability, excellent interpersonal skills, and expertise in a wide range of insurance and financial services.
Nearly 9 out of 10 loan officers work for commercial banks, savings institutions, credit unions, and related financial institutions.
Educational requirements range from a high school diploma for many loan officers to a bachelor’s degree for commercial loan officers; previous banking, lending, or sales experience is highly valued.
Good job opportunities are expected for mortgage and consumer loan officers and excellent opportunities are expected for commercial loan officers.
Earnings often fluctuate with the number of loans generated, rising substantially when the economy is strong and interest rates are low.
Although most food service managers qualify for their position based on their restaurant-related experience, an increasing number of employers prefer managers with a 2- or 4-year degree in a related field.
Food service managers coordinate a wide range of activities, but their most difficult tasks may be dealing with irate customers and motivating employees.
Job opportunities for food service managers should be good, as the number of managers who change jobs or leave this occupation is typically high and, in the long run, as more are hired to meet the growing demand for convenient food service.
Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field usually is required for management positions, although employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as a core component.
Many managers possess advanced technical knowledge gained from working in a computer occupation.
