Careers from A to Z

Actors portray characters in stage, TV, radio, video or movie productions. They entertain audiences and communicate ideas. They may dance or sing.

Advertising managers plan, develop, and direct promotional materials and events like posters and contests in order to sell products or services. Advertising creates extra interest in these products and services.

Air traffic controllers work in airports. They coordinate air flights to ensure pilots and passengers travel safely, and they manage airplane traffic.

Appraisers and assessors estimate the value of items such as art, antiques, buildings, and land. Their work can help determine property taxes paid by homes and businesses.

Audiologists test how well people can hear and help people with hearing disorders. They may fit hearing aids and research hearing problems.

Bank tellers help customers with banking activities. They do such routine banking operations as cashing checks and accepting deposits and payments. They handle withdrawals and sometimes prepare cashier’s checks.

Bicycle repairers fix bicycles and build new ones using hand tools.

Bookkeeping and accounting clerks create and review financial records. They record income and expenses. They make sure the information is complete and accurate.

Broadcast technicians record and broadcast radio and television programs. They work with electrical equipment, adjusting the picture and sound of the broadcast to ensure clarity for viewers.

Building maintenance and repair workers keep buildings in good shape. They repair plumbing, electrical fixtures, machinery and the structure of buildings.

Camera operators are recorders and creators for all things TV, video and motion picture related. Camera operators film a wide range of subjects. They use different types of cameras, including movie, TV, and video cameras.

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians help doctors identify and treat heart and blood vessel problems.

Cartographers and photogrammetrists make maps and similar displays. They use information from geographic information systems.

Chemists work with chemicals to conduct experiments and learn new things. They observe how substances react to heat, light or other chemicals. They also prepare test solutions to study how chemicals combine.

Child care workers are teachers, friends and mentors to all things kid related. Child care workers supervise, care for and teach children in schools or businesses.

Civil engineering technicians help engineers plan, design and oversee construction and maintenance of buildings and structures like sewer systems and bridges.

Claim investigators, adjusters and examiners decide if insurance claims have been properly paid.

College instructors teach one or more subjects. They give presentations to their classes, plan assignments, and grade the assignments. They may be designated as professor, associate professor, assistant professor or instructor.

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computers or computer-related equipment.

Computer software engineers (applications) develop, create, and modify general computer applications software. They analyze user needs and design software or customize software for their clients.

Computer support specialists are problem solving, question-answering masters of all things computer related. Computer support specialists help people solve computer hardware and software problems. They find answers and sometimes provide training. Their work can be done in person or over the phone.

Conductors coordinate and supervise the travel of passengers and cargo on trains. Yardmasters move trains in yards and see that they come and go safely with the correct cars attached.

Construction and building inspectors examine new or remodeled structures for quality and safety.

Construction managers are planners, coordinators and directors of all things building related. Construction managers schedule and coordinate the work on construction projects.

Cost estimators calculate how much time and money it takes to complete a construction project. They talk to project managers to learn what they want to build, read bid proposals, and study blueprints and drawings.

Crane and tower operators use mechanical booms, cables, or tower and cable equipment to lift and move heavy objects or loads.

Crossing guards direct the movement of pedestrians and drivers at street intersections and construction sites. They guide traffic through school zones, construction sites and detour routes.

Data entry keyers use computers to enter numbers and information into a database.

Dental assistants help dentists with patient care, office tasks and lab duties. They perform a variety of tasks depending on the office in which they work. They work closely with dentists as they examine and treat patients.

Dentists examine teeth and gums. They correct dental problems by filling cavities, pulling teeth, and treating dental diseases. Most are general practitioners.

Dietitians plan diets for people and educate them about healthy eating. Some supervise food preparation and service.

Editors select and prepare written material for such documents as newspapers, magazines and books.

Electrical and electronics repairers install, maintain and fix such complex electronic equipment as industrial controls, transmitters and antennas.

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and maintain the electrical equipment used for commercial, scientific, or military purposes.

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) give immediate care to ill or injured people. If patients need additional care, EMTs drive them to medical facilities.

Environmental technicians perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution. They may collect samples of gases, soil, water and other materials for testing.

Farmworkers help farmers raise crops and nursery plants. They help plant, water and harvest crops. At nurseries, they may plant, weed and prune plants.

Fashion designers are creators, devisors and manipulators of all things fashion related. Fashion designers design clothes and accessories for manufacture and sale to the public.

Film and video editors are editors for all things film, video and motion picture related. Film and video editors use editing equipment to remove unwanted parts of a film or video. They reassemble the best parts so that the film is entertaining and interesting.

Fire fighters are controllers, extinguishers and responders to all things emergency related. Firefighters put out fires and rescue people in danger. They may provide medical assistance. Forest firefighters work only on fires in forests and rangelands. City fire fighters handle all other fires

Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors teach or coach exercise activities or sports to improve clients' fitness levels and sports skills.

Forensic science technicians study physical evidence using scientific methods to solve crimes. They often collect physical evidence at crime scenes.

Forklift and industrial truck operators use trucks and tractors to lift and move heavy loads of materials around a warehouse, storage yard or construction site.

General office clerks perform a variety of duties that help keep offices running. Most general office clerks file and type. They also operate office machines such as photocopiers and fax machines.

Graphics designers are designers, creators and promoters of all things graphical and visually related. Graphic designers design or create graphics such as brochures, logos, packaging and displays for commercial or promotional purposes. They use many media, including electronic, film, and print.

Health educators improve individual and community health by helping individuals and communities adopt healthy behaviors. They collect and analyze data to identify community needs and may administer funds for health education programs.

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are installers, configurers and repairers of all things heating or cooling related. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers install and repair heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

Highway maintenance workers make basic repairs to highways and rural roads.

Hotel desk clerks ensure the comfort of hotel guests. They work at the front desk in hotels, motels and resorts, make reservations by telephone and greet guests when they arrive.

Insurance agents sell policies that provide financial protection in case of death, accidents or acts of nature.

Interpreters and translators convert spoken or written words from one language to another. They may work with live speech, listening to speakers and translating what they say.

Jewelers design, repair, and appraise jewelry and precious metals like gold and silver. Gem cutters and polishers shape and polish gems used in jewelry.

Laundry and dry cleaning workers clean clothing, linens, rugs and other items. They also may staff the counter and receive articles from customers.

Law enforcement officers keep order and make sure people obey laws. Their main duties are to protect life and property, prevent crimes and investigate complaints and crimes. They make arrests, write reports of their activities and testify in court.

Librarians organize materials in libraries and help people find them. Most libraries contain books, magazines, documents, recordings and films. Librarians select, order and classify items.

Light truck drivers transport goods or materials in small trucks. They help load trucks, drive them to customers and help unload shipments.

Locksmiths and safe repairers install and repair locks and safes. They unlock homes or cars for locked-out customers.

Machine feeders and offbearers feed materials into or remove materials from machines or equipment that is automatic or tended by other workers.

Machinists are makers, operators and setter-uppers of all things machine related. Machinists use such machine tools as lathes, drill presses and milling machines to produce precision metal parts.

Mail carriers deliver mail to homes and businesses on established routes. At the post office, they sort mail in the order it will be delivered and then distribute it on foot, by vehicle or a combination of both.

Massage therapists improve circulation and provide relaxation by rubbing, kneading, pressing, stroking, tapping, thumping and stretching muscles and connective tissues.

Automobile mechanics are getting-down-and-dirty makers and fixer-uppers of all things car related. Automobile mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.

Industrial machinery mechanics install, maintain and repair machinery in factories or pipeline distribution systems.

Mechanical engineers oversee the design, construction and testing of mechanical products and systems.

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists are testers, appliers and preparers of all things medical lab related. Medical and clinical laboratory technologists perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.

Medical sonographers and ultrasound technologists produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.

Meeting and convention planners organize and coordinate such group events as meetings, conferences and conventions.

Millwrights install, dismantle or move machinery and heavy equipment.

Musical instrument repairers and tuners adjust, repair and tune instruments to improve their sound. They often specialize in one type of instrument.

Naturopathic physicians help patients maintain and improve health with natural medicines and remedies.

Nursing assistants give personal care to patients in hospitals and nursing homes. They work under the direction of nurses and doctors.

Office managers plan and oversee the work of office staff.

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders run machines to produce or wrap products. They may stuff sausage meat into casings, add potato chips to bags or put plastic wrap around rolls of paper towels.

Painters apply such finishes as paint, stain and varnish to buildings and other structures.

Parking lot attendants park cars in lots and garages, or help customers park cars.

Payroll and timekeeping clerks check employee time records and issue paychecks. They distribute and collect timecards for each pay period and review employee work charts or timecards to be sure they are complete.

Pharmacists dispense drugs and provide information about their use.

Photographers are capturers, stage setters and image collectors for all things photo related. Photographers produce images that paint a picture, tell a story or record an event.

Physical therapy assistants help patients regain physical function after illness or injury. They are supervised by physical therapists.

Physicians help people maintain and improve their health. There are two types of physicians. Doctors of osteopathy (D.O.) focus on muscles and bones in the body. Medical doctors look at all parts of the body. Both use drugs, surgery and other methods to

Private detectives and investigators help lawyers, businesses and the public find information or detect such unlawful acts as shoplifting.

Production helpers move items between work areas and clean work areas.

Psychiatric aides care for patients with mental and emotional disorders in hospitals and institutions.

Purchasing agents buy products and services necessary for the operation of a business.

Radio and television announcers talk on radio or television. They may interview guests, act as masters of ceremonies, read news flashes, identify stations by giving call letters, or announce song titles and artists.

Real estate agents are renters, sellers and buyers of all things property and home related.Real estate agents help clients buy, sell or lease property and buildings.

Recreation workers are planners, directors and coordinators of all things activities and events related. Recreation workers organize and lead leisure activities.

Rehabilitation counselors help clients identify and remove barriers to educational, career, emotional and social development. They work with clients who have been in accidents or have disabilities from illnesses or from birth.

Respiratory therapists are assessors, treaters and carers of all things breathing related. Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders.

Restaurant managers plan and direct the activities of places that serve food and beverages.

Sailors and marine oilers help operate and maintain ships and their equipment.

Secretaries perform routine clerical and administrative functions including writing letters and memos, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files and providing information to callers.

Security guards protect property from illegal entry, vandalism, theft and fire.

Sewing machine operators run or tend machines that join parts of garments and such items as clothing, shoes, drapes, towels and sheets.

Child, family and school social workers are getting-down-to-business listeners and helper-outers of all things child and family related. Child, family and school social workers work to ensure the safety and health of children. They help families solve social, financial, and health problems. In schools, social workers identify students' problems and work to find help for them.

Mental health and substance abuse social workers help clients with mental, emotional or substance abuse problems. They may provide individual or group therapy sessions, crisis intervention and education about mental health and substance abuse.

Speech pathologists help people speak more clearly or hear better. They treat language and speaking disorders and often are referred to as speech-language pathologists or speech therapists.

Stock clerks receive, unpack, check, store, and track merchandise or materials.

Surgical technologists help with medical operations under the supervision of surgeons and nurses. They also are called operating room technicians.

Tax preparers complete tax returns for individuals and small businesses and attempt to minimize customer's taxes.

Elementary school teachers instruct public and private school children in grades one through six. Sometimes they teach combined grades. They usually teach one class of about 25 students.

Middle school teachers teach seventh- and eighth-grade students in public and private schools in one or more subjects.

Telecommunication line installers and repairers construct and maintain telephone or television wire and cable networks.

Travel agents plan trips and make travel arrangements clients.

Veterinarians diagnose and treat animal health problems. They work to prevent, control and cure animal diseases. Veterinarians work with sick, injured and healthy animals.

Waiters and waitresses serve food in restaurants and other dining establishments.

Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers are masters of metals, using fire and tools to melt, mold, and masterfully connect all things metal. Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers use heat to permanently join metal pieces.

Writers and authors originate and prepare such written material as scripts, stories and advertisements.