Social Careers

• People with a variety of educational or work backgrounds can become meeting and convention planners.
• Planners often work long hours in the period prior to and during a meeting or convention, and extensive travel may be required.
• Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
• Opportunities will be best for individuals with a bachelor's degree and some experience as a meeting planner.

• Many jobs require a master’s or doctoral degree and experience in a related occupation, such as teaching or admissions counseling.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential because much of an administrator’s job involves working and collaborating with others.
• Excellent opportunities are expected for most jobs.

• Traditionally, becoming a vocational education teacher requires a bachelor's degree from a teacher education program and a teacher’s license for which requirements vary from State to State.
• Most States now offer alternative routes to licensure for those who have work experience in their field.
• Employment growth is expected to be as fast as the average for all occupations, with favorable job prospects.

• Almost 40 percent of teacher assistants work part time.
• Educational requirements range from a high school diploma to some college training.
• Favorable job prospects are expected.
• Opportunities should be best for those with at least 2 years of formal postsecondary education, those with experience in helping special education students, or those who can speak a foreign language.

• Good employment opportunities are expected because of the need to replace the large number of workers who leave the occupation each year.
• Many salespersons work evenings and weekends, particularly during peak retail periods.
• Employers look for people who enjoy working with others and who have good communication skills, an interest in sales work, a neat appearance, and a courteous demeanor.
• Although advancement opportunities are limited, having a college degree or a great deal of experience may help retail salespersons move into management positions.

• Job opportunities should be very good.
• Hospitals will account for the vast majority of job openings, but a growing number of openings will arise in other settings.
• An associate degree is the minimum educational requirement, but a bachelor's or master's degree may be important for advancement.
• All States, except Alaska and Hawaii, require respiratory therapists to be licensed.

• The recreation field offers an unusually large number of part-time and seasonal job opportunities.
• Opportunities for part-time, seasonal, and temporary recreation jobs will be good, but competition will remain keen for full-time career positions.
• Many recreation workers spend most of their time outdoors and may work in a variety of weather conditions.

Key Points

• Numerous job openings and excellent job opportunities are expected.
• Most jobs are in nursing and residential care facilities and in hospitals.
• A high school diploma is required for many jobs; specific qualifications vary by occupation, State laws, and work setting.
• This occupation is characterized by modest entry requirements, low pay, high physical and emotional demands, and limited advancement opportunities.

• Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking medical assistants among the fastest growing occupations over the 2008–18 decade.
• Job prospects should be excellent.
• About 62 percent of medical assistants work in offices of physicians.
• Some medical assistants are trained on the job, but many complete 1-year or 2-year programs.

• This occupation includes a large percentage of part-time and self-employed workers.
• Many States require formal training and licensure in order to practice massage therapy.
• Employment is expected to grow faster than average as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy.