#PHSfit Career of the Day: Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineers may design instruments, devices, and software; bring together knowledge from many technical sources to develop new procedures; or conduct research needed to solve clinical problems. They often serve a coordinating function, using their background in both engineering and medicine. In industry, they may create products where an in-depth understanding of living systems and technology is essential. They frequently work in research and development or in quality assurance. Biomedical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from an accredited program to enter the occupation. Alternatively, they can get a bachelor’s degree in a different field of engineering and then either get a graduate degree in biomedical engineering or get on-the-job training in biomedical engineering.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Furniture Builder

Despite the abundance of plastics, metals, and other materials, wood products continue to be an important part of our daily lives. Woodworkers make wood products, using lumber and synthetic wood materials. Many of these products are mass produced, including most furniture, kitchen cabinets, and musical instruments. Other products are custom made with specialized tools in small shops. Although the term “woodworker” may evoke the image of a craftsman who builds ornate furniture using hand tools, the modern woodworking trade is highly technical and relies on advanced equipment and highly skilled operators. Workers use automated machinery, such as computerized numerical control (CNC) machines, to do much of the work. Some woodworkers obtain their skills by taking courses at technical schools or community colleges. Others attend universities that offer training in wood technology, furniture manufacturing, wood engineering, and production management. These programs prepare students for jobs in production, supervision, engineering, and management and are increasingly important as woodworking technology advances.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/woodworkers.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Hazardous Waste Manager

Many people are involved in the management of America’s trash, from the local garbage collector to the analytical chemist, but no aspect of waste management poses the challenges faced by hazardous waste professionals. Management of hazardous waste is perhaps the weakest link in America’s dynamic industrial economy, because of the dangers posed by toxic chemicals, nuclear by-products and organic garbage. A career in hazardous waste disposal and management may lead you to a lab, to a landfill, or to Washington, D.C. Several federal agencies deal with hazardous waste, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy. A bachelor’s degree is necessary for this profession and, in today’s competitive job market, a master’s degree or even a doctorate is preferred. Highly sought-after hazardous waste professionals usually specialize in one or more sciences. Major in geology, chemistry, physics, ecology, or any combination of sciences. If you want to specialize, look into soil, air, or water ecology.
http://www.princetonreview.com/careers.aspx?cid=164 

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Lighting Designer

Lighting designers are tremendous resource for innovative, practical and economically viable lighting solutions. They understand the role of lighting in architecture and interior design and rely on their extensive experience and knowledge of lighting equipment and systems to enhance and strengthen design. In plays and concerts, the lighting designer begins by reading the script to be produced noting the type of light it calls for in each scene. Designer and director share their ideas about how light could be used to enhance the production concept at their first meeting. Early meetings with the set designer are also important because the set and lighting designers must collaborate on how to achieve the desired "look" for the play. The plan for the set may influence the placement and direction of the necessary lighting instruments, so flagging any potential problems in this area as early as possible makes sense.
Lighting designers attend rehearsals to get a feel for the lighting cues and to plan how to light the actors as they move from place to place on stage. When the blocking is set, the lighting designer can start to work out which lighting instruments will be used and where each one will be located. Many lighting designers have degrees in production design.

http://www.iald.org/design/index.asp

http://www.aact.org/people/lightingdesigner.html

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. Electrical engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment such as broadcast and communications systems, from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPS). Many also work in areas closely related to computer hardware. To become an electrical engineer, you should get a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from a program that is accredited by ABET.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm
http://main.abet.org/aps/Accreditedprogramsearch.aspx

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Biochemist

Biochemists and biophysicists do applied research and develop products and processes that improve our lives. For example, in medicine, biochemists and biophysicists develop tests used to detect diseases, genetic disorders, and other illnesses. They also develop new drugs and medications, such as those used to treat cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. Applied research in biochemistry and biophysics has many uses outside of medicine. In agriculture, biochemists and biophysicists develop genetically engineered crops that are more resistant to drought, disease, insects, and other afflictions. Biochemists and biophysicists also develop alternative fuels, such as biofuels—renewable energy sources from plants. In addition, they develop ways to protect the environment and clean up pollution. Biochemists and biophysicists need a Ph.D. to work in independent research and development positions. Most Ph.D. holders begin their careers in a temporary postdoctoral research position, which typically lasts 2 to 3 years. Bachelor’s and master’s degree holders are qualified for some entry-level positions in biochemistry and biophysics.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Life-Physical-and-Social-Science/Biochemists-and-biophysicists.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: General Contractor

Construction managers, often called general contractors or project managers, coordinate and supervise a wide variety of projects, including the building of all types of residential, commercial, and industrial structures, roads, bridges, powerplants, schools, and hospitals. They oversee specialized contractors and other personnel. Construction managers schedule and coordinate all design and construction processes to ensure a productive and safe work environment. They also make sure jobs are completed on time and on budget with the right amount of tools, equipment, and materials. Many managers also are responsible for obtaining necessary permits and licenses. They are often responsible for multiple projects at a time. It is increasingly important for construction managers to have a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, architecture or engineering. As construction processes become increasingly complex, employers are placing more importance on specialized education.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Librarian

Librarians help people find information from many sources. Most librarians, such as those in public and academic libraries, maintain library collections and do other work as needed to keep the library running. Most librarians need a master’s degree in library science. Some positions have additional requirements, such as a teaching certificate or a degree in another field.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Administrative Assistant

In every conventional working environment, the organization requires at least one administrative assistant to keep the operations running smoothly. Depending on the type of organization, administrative assistants must have anywhere from a high school diploma to a college degree, and are responsible for tasks from greeting customers and answering phones to coordinating a delicately balanced schedule, being ever mindful of many corporate and political pressures. Administrative assistants are the backbone of their workplace, and must be reliable, responsible, efficient, and honest in order to be successful in their positions.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Editor

Editors plan, coordinate, and revise material for publication in books, newspapers, magazines, or websites. Editors review story ideas and decide what material will appeal most to readers. They also review and edit drafts of books and articles, offer comments to improve the product, and suggest titles and headlines. In smaller organizations, a single editor may perform all of the editorial duties or share them with only a few other people. Employers generally prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or English. Those with other backgrounds who can show strong writing skills also may find jobs as editors. Editors who deal with specific subject matter may need experience related to that field. Fashion editors, for example, may need expertise in fashion that they get through formal training or work experience.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Landscape Designer

Landscape architects plan and design land areas for parks, recreational facilities, highways, airports, and other properties. Projects may include subdivisions and commercial, industrial, and residential sites. People enjoy attractively designed gardens, public parks, playgrounds, residential areas, college campuses, and golf courses. Landscape architects design these areas so that they are not only functional but also beautiful and harmonious with the natural environment. Landscape architects plan the locations of buildings, roads, and walkways. They also plan where to plant flowers, shrubs, and trees. Landscape architects design and plan the restoration of natural places disturbed by humans, such as wetlands, stream corridors, and mined areas. A bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture usually is necessary for entry into the profession. In 2011, 68 colleges and universities offered undergraduate or graduate programs in landscape architecture that were accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board, part of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Architecture-and-Engineering/Landscape-architects.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Commercial Diver

Commercial diving and underwater welding career opportunities are exciting and challenging, highly in-demand, and incredibly varied from job to job. You may be working at a nuclear power plant, hydroelectric dam, or wind farm, or water treatment facility, offshore oil rig, or laying underwater fiber optic cables. With the increased innovation for alterative power sources and telecommunications, much of the infrastructure will take place underwater. One training program offers certification in five months, and most graduates begin their careers earning 50-80 thousand dollars a year.
http://www.diversacademy.edu/
http://www.oceancareers.com/2.0/career_description.php?career_id=23

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Economist

Economists apply economic analysis to issues within a variety of fields, such as education, health, development, and the environment. They research and analyze data using a variety of software programs, including spreadsheets, statistical analysis, and database management programs. More than half of all economists work in federal, state, and local government. Federal government economists collect and analyze data about the U.S. economy. They also project spending needs and inform policy makers on the economic impact of laws and regulations. Many economists work for corporations and help them understand how the economy will affect their business. Specifically, economists may analyze issues such as consumer demand and sales to help a company maximize its profits. Students can pursue an advanced degree in economics with a bachelor’s degree in a number of fields, but a strong background in math is essential.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Life-Physical-and-Social-Science/Economists.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Auto Mechanic

Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. Service technicians work on traditional mechanical components, such as engines, transmissions, belts, and hoses. However, they must also be familiar with a growing number of electronic systems. Braking, transmission, and steering systems, for example, are controlled primarily by computers and electronic components. Other integrated electronic systems, such as accident-avoidance sensors, are becoming common as well. In addition, a growing number of technicians are required to work on vehicles that run on alternative fuels, such as ethanol and electricity. Service technicians use many different tools, including computerized diagnostic tools and power tools such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding torches, and jacks and hoists. Completing a vocational or other postsecondary training program in automotive service technology is considered the best preparation for entry-level positions. Programs usually last 6 months to a year and provide intensive career preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Short-term certificate programs in a particular skill are also available.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Interpreter

Interpreters convert information from one spoken language into another—or, in the case of sign language interpreters, between spoken language and sign language. Interpreters must usually be fluent speakers or signers of both languages because they communicate back and forth among the people who do not share each other's language. Simultaneous interpreting requires interpreters to listen or watch and speak or sign at the same time someone is speaking or signing. Simultaneous interpreting requires a high level of concentration. Simultaneous interpreters are often familiar with the subject matter so they can anticipate the end of a speaker's sentences. In contrast, consecutive interpreting begins only after the speaker has said or signed a group of words or sentences. Although interpreters and translators typically need a bachelor’s degree, the most important requirement is that they be fluent in English and at least one other language.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Media-and-Communication/Interpreters-and-translators.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Middle School Educator

Do you remember how difficult middle school was? Can you imagine how difficult it is for the teachers to keep 6th, 7th, and 8th graders focused on their growth, despite the many overwhelming changes that students experience? Middle schoolers are at a unique moment in their physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. At the same time, there are critical skills that they must learn to be successful in high school and beyond, and it takes a special kind of teacher to help students come through this time successfully. Some colleges and states have middle-level specific certifications and training programs. If you have lots of patience and care about the well being of future generations, please consider a career in middle school education.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Recording Engineer

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio and television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies and in office and school buildings. These workers may be called broadcast or sound engineering technicians or operators or engineers. At smaller radio and television stations, broadcast and sound technicians may do many jobs. At larger stations, they are likely to specialize more, although even their job assignments may change from day to day. They set up and operate audio and video equipment, although the kind of equipment they use may depend on the particular type of technician or industry. Most broadcast and sound engineering technicians have an associate’s degree or vocational certification, available at institutions like CCBC and Sheffield Institute. 
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/broadcast-and-sound-engineering-technicians.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Diagnostic medical sonographers use special imaging equipment that directs sound waves into a patient’s body (in a procedure commonly known as an ultrasound, sonogram, or echocardiogram) to assess and diagnose various medical conditions. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. The sonographer presses an instrument called an ultrasound transducer to the parts of the patient’s body that are being examined. The transducer emits pulses of sound that bounce back, causing echoes. The echoes are then sent to the ultrasound machine, which processes them and displays them as images. Colleges and universities offer both associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in sonography.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Audiologist

Audiologists use audiometers, computers, and other devices to test patients' hearing ability and balance, determine the extent of hearing damage, and identify the underlying cause. Audiologists measure the volume at which a person begins to hear sounds and the person's ability to distinguish between sounds. Also, before determining treatment options, they evaluate psychological information to measure the impact of hearing loss on a patient. Treatment options vary and may include cleaning wax out of ear canals, fitting and checking hearing aids, or fitting and programming the patient with cochlear implants to improve hearing. (Cochlear implants are tiny devices that are placed under the skin near the ear in an operation. Cochlear implants deliver electrical impulses directly to the auditory nerve in the brain so a person with certain types of deafness can hear.) Audiologists also counsel patients on other ways to cope with profound hearing loss, such as by learning to lip read or use American Sign Language. The doctoral degree in audiology is a graduate program typically lasting 4 years beyond a bachelor’s degree in any field.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/audiologists.htm

#PHSfit Career of the Day: Chiropractor

Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal manipulation and other techniques to treat patients' ailments, such as back or neck pain. Many believe that misalignments of the spinal joints interfere with a person's nervous system and can result in lower resistance to disease and many different conditions of diminished health. Some chiropractors use additional procedures, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and ultrasound. They also may apply supports, such as straps, tape, braces, or shoe inserts, to treat patients and alleviate pain. In addition to operating a general chiropractic practice, some chiropractors specialize in sports injuries, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, nutrition, internal disorders, or diagnostic imaging. Becoming a chiropractor requires earning a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and getting a state license. Doctor of Chiropractic programs take 4 years to complete and require 3 years of previous undergraduate college education for admission.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm
http://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=33&T2ID=203