tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54820172761902562692012-01-30T03:30:08.406-06:00A Blog That Explores the Meaning and Nature of Talent in the WorkplaceClarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-27547047907558971122011-11-21T19:30:00.000-06:002011-11-21T19:30:36.631-06:00

Thanks for reading this blog! We will be moving to GLI Press very soon. This blog will shut down after January 1, 2012, but check us out over at our new home!

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-78614388561716137202011-10-01T09:00:00.000-05:002011-10-01T09:00:05.812-05:00

What They Do: A prison officer (Denmark, Finland, Sweden, UK and Ireland), also referred to as a corrections officer (New Zealand, US and Yukon Territory), correctional officer (Australia, Canada, Jamaica, and US), or detention officer (US), is a person charged with the responsibility of the supervision, safety and security of prisoners in a prison, jail, or similar form of secure custody.

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-50631119184703887772011-09-30T09:00:00.000-05:002011-09-30T09:00:05.585-05:00

A mental health professional is a health care practitioner who offers services for the purpose of improving an individual's mental health or to treat mental illness. This broad category includes psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, mental health counselors as well as many other professionals. These professionals often deal with the same illnesses,

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-6510381706381184622011-09-29T09:00:00.002-05:002011-09-29T09:24:44.133-05:00

What They Do: A diplomat is a person appointed by a state to conduct diplomacy with another state or international organization. The main functions of diplomats revolve around the representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the sending state, as well as the promotion of information and friendly relations. Diplomats are the oldest form of any of the foreign policy institutions

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-22997495271286940112011-09-28T09:00:00.001-05:002011-09-28T09:00:10.968-05:00

What They Do: A bodyguard (or close protection officer) is a type of security operative or government agent who protects a person—usually a famous, wealthy, or politically important figure—from assault, kidnapping, assassination, stalking, loss of confidential information, terrorist attack or other threats. (Wikiepdia) Suggested Job Strengths: Achiever, Activator, Deliberative, Relator,

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-65757568260954940562011-09-27T09:00:00.000-05:002011-09-27T09:00:10.937-05:00

What They Do: A sommelier, or wine steward, is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, commonly working in fine restaurants, who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food matching...The principal work of a sommelier is in the areas of wine procurement, wine storage, wine cellar rotation, and expert service to wine customers. Suggested Job Strengths: Analytical,

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-20240846662361762612011-09-26T09:00:00.000-05:002011-09-26T09:00:05.414-05:00

What They Do: A game warden is an employee who has the role of protecting wildlife. Game wardens may also be referred to as conservation officers or wildlife officers...In the United States, game wardens are state or local officials responsible for enforcing laws pertaining to the hunting, fishing, and trapping of wild animals. However game wardens in some areas have general law enforcement

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-71154040724542712542011-09-25T09:00:00.001-05:002011-09-25T09:00:06.106-05:00

What They Do: A lawyer, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is "a person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel or solicitor; a person who is practicing law." Law is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior. Working as a lawyer involves the practical application of abstract legal theories and knowledge to solve specific

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-17018637146309787232011-09-24T09:00:00.012-05:002011-09-24T09:00:05.853-05:00

What They Do: Personal shopping is an occupation where people help others shop by giving advice and making suggestions to customers. They are often employed by department stores and boutiques (although some are freelance or work exclusively online). Their focus is usually on clothes, although the number of non-clothing stores - such as furniture retailers - that offer personal shopping services

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-42432507388330909522011-09-23T09:00:00.016-05:002011-09-23T09:00:10.509-05:00

What They Do: Human resources is also the name of the function within an organization charged with the overall responsibility for implementing strategies and policies relating to the management of individuals (i.e. the human resources)... reflecting the adoption of a more quantitative as well as strategic approach to workforce management, demanded by corporate management to gain a competitive

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-1189179019087834932011-09-22T09:00:00.000-05:002011-09-22T09:00:03.844-05:00

What They Do: A customer service advisor, or CSA, (also customer service associate and customer service representative) is a generic job title in the service industry. It covers a variety of customer facing occupations, primarily in call centres and stores. Customer service advisors interact with customers to provide answers to inquiries involving a company's product or services. (Wikipedia)

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-8154597917495994722011-09-21T09:00:00.000-05:002011-09-21T09:00:09.278-05:00

What They Do: An electrician is a tradesman specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, stationary machines and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure. Electricians may also specialize in wiring ships, airplanes and other mobile platforms. In the film industry and on a

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-14945711131030276882011-09-20T09:00:00.000-05:002011-09-20T09:00:09.800-05:00

What They Do: An auto mechanic (or car mechanic in British English and motor mechanic in Australian English) is a mechanic with a variety of car makes or either in a specific area or in a specific make of car. In repairing cars, their main role is to diagnose the problem accurately and quickly. They often have to quote prices for their customers before commencing work or after partial

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-9638595105874978962011-09-19T09:00:00.000-05:002011-09-19T09:00:15.308-05:00

What They Do: A photographer (from Greek φωτός (photos), meaning "light", and γράφω (graphos), meaning "I write") is a person who makes photographs. A professional photographer uses photography to earn money whilst amateur photographers take photographs for pleasure and to record an event, emotion, place, or person. A professional photographer may be an employee, for example of a newspaper, or

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-53051333786360038792011-09-13T14:15:00.000-05:002011-09-13T14:15:20.497-05:00

What They Do: An urban planner or city planner is a professional who works in the field of urban planning/land use planning for the purpose of optimizing the effectiveness of a community's land use and infrastructure. They formulate plans for the development and management of urban and suburban areas, typically analyzing land use compatibility as well as economic, environmental and social trends.

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-15287445344873939552011-09-06T09:00:00.000-05:002011-09-06T09:00:02.225-05:00

What They Do: A secretary…is a person whose work consists of supporting management, including executives, using a variety of project management, communication & organizational skills. These functions may be entirely carried out to assist one other employee or may be for the benefit of more than one. In other situations a secretary is an officer of a society or organization who deals with

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-10540595952235766082011-09-05T09:00:00.000-05:002011-09-05T09:00:03.420-05:00

What They Do: Air traffic controllers are the people who expedite and maintain a safe and orderly flow of air traffic in the global air traffic control system. (Wikipedia) Suggested Job Strengths: Achiever, Analytical, Arranger, Deliberative, Responsibility

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-55335398926306125052011-09-04T09:00:00.001-05:002011-09-04T09:00:00.569-05:00

What They Do: Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life from conception to death. (Wikipedia Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities; prevention of illness and injury; alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-60832432300734750322011-09-03T09:00:00.000-05:002011-09-03T09:00:00.397-05:00

What They Do: Landscape architecture is the design of outdoor and public spaces to achieve environmental, socio-behavioral, and/or aesthetic outcomes. It involves the systematic investigation of existing social, ecological, and geological conditions and processes in the landscape, and the design of interventions that will produce the desired outcome. The scope of the profession includes: urban

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-12215043343156450012011-09-02T09:00:00.003-05:002011-09-02T11:58:11.907-05:00

What They Do: Interior design is a multi–faced profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment and home lifestyle enhancement. The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis, and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-75521229114038152572011-09-01T13:46:00.000-05:002011-09-01T13:46:17.018-05:00

What They Do: A civil engineer is a person who practices…the application of planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating infrastructures while protecting the public and environmental health, as well as improving existing infrastructures that have been neglected. (Wikipedia) Suggested Job Strengths: Analytical, Deliberative, Input, Responsibility, Restorative

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-14295981610435837382011-08-25T09:00:00.001-05:002011-08-25T09:00:11.199-05:00

What They Do: A private investigator (often abbreviated to PI), private detective or (informally) private eye, is a person who can be hired by individuals or groups to undertake investigatory law services. Private detectives/investigators often work for attorneys in civil cases. Many work for insurance companies to investigate suspicious claims. Before the advent of no-fault divorce, many private

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-38032506124811445302011-08-24T09:00:00.000-05:002011-08-24T09:00:05.312-05:00

What They Do: A dietitian is a health care professional who focuses on proper food and nutrition in order to promote good health. They supervise the preparation and service of food, develop modified diets, participate in research, and educate individuals and groups on good nutritional habits. (Wikipedia) Suggested Job Strengths: Analytical, Communication, Developer, Input, Woo

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-48265978812691901182011-08-23T09:00:00.001-05:002011-08-23T09:00:06.305-05:00

What They Do: Life coaching is a practice that helps people identify and achieve personal goals. Life coaches help clients set and reach goals using a variety of tools and techniques. (Wikipedia) Suggested Job Strengths: Achiever, Analytical, Developer, Futuristic, Individualization

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-47774394127884055732011-08-22T19:35:00.021-05:002011-08-22T19:35:00.220-05:00

What They Do: A legal assistant or paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. Under this definition, the legal responsibility for a paralegal's work rests directly and

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-14139035815915716482011-08-21T12:05:00.000-05:002011-08-21T12:05:53.831-05:00

What They Do: A color commentator (color analyst, analyst) is a sports commentator who assists the play-by-play announcer, often by filling in any time when play is not in progress...The color commentator provides expert analysis and background information, such as statistics, strategy and injury reports on the teams and athletes, and occasionally anecdotes or light humor. (Wikipedia) Suggested

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-16128302264662765652011-08-20T04:22:00.000-05:002011-08-20T04:22:36.548-05:00

What They Do: Administrative Assistant is a broad job category that designates an individual who provides various kinds of administrative support to people and groups in business enterprises. The term "administrative assistant" can be a formal title, or it can be a general description of an employee's function in an office. Employees with the title of Administrative Assistant generally provide

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-7623545328092638852011-08-19T18:17:00.001-05:002011-08-19T18:17:00.430-05:00

What They Do: Construction Project Management is the overall planning, coordination and control of a project from inception to completion aimed at meeting a client’s requirements in order to produce a functionally and financially viable project that will be completed on time within authorized cost and to the required quality standards.(Wikipedia) What would it take for someone to excel in this

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-52357282719120711402011-08-18T19:44:00.000-05:002011-08-18T19:44:01.787-05:00

Over the years, millions of otherwise competent people have lost job opportunities because they did not dress properly for their interview. 70% of human communication is non-verbal, and what people see is often what makes the biggest and most lasting impression, especially if their opinion of it is negative. The way you’re dressed for an interview is a way for a potential employer to know that

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-80696645674561853292011-08-17T19:42:00.000-05:002011-08-17T19:42:00.377-05:00

What They Do: Conservationists…advocate for the protection of all the species in an ecosystem with a strong focus on the natural environment. Conservation is a part of the wider environmental movement and promotes humankind's sustainable use of resources and environmental stewardship. (Wikipedia) Conservationists have an increased role in helping societies determine how to the use the natural

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-2647060918560736262011-08-16T15:53:00.000-05:002011-08-16T15:53:00.388-05:00

What They Do:A disc jockey, also known as DJ, is a person who selects and plays recorded music for an audience...Radio DJs or radio personalities introduce and play music that is broadcast on AM, FM, shortwave, digital, or internet radio stations. Club DJs select and play music in bars, nightclubs, discothèques, at raves, or even in a stadium. Hip hop disc jockeys select and play music using

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-91193885006463680532011-08-14T18:54:00.002-05:002011-08-14T18:54:00.302-05:00

“No Phone Calls, Please.” If you are looking for a job, it’s guaranteed that you have seen this sentence in printed or online want ads several times. It’s an incredibly frustrating phrase, especially these days when it seems most people do nothing BUT make phone calls on their mobiles, Blackberrys, and wireless laptops. The reason these four words are so ubiquitous is simple – too few Human

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-5962841275459614052011-08-13T12:00:00.001-05:002011-08-13T12:00:02.938-05:00

What They Do: A loan officer is a person who serves as an intermediary between lending institutions and borrowers. They solicit loans, represent creditors to borrowers, and represent borrowers to creditors. (Wikipedia) At a time when it seems as if the stability of most jobs is in question, the need for loan officers is relatively strong and not going away any time soon. What might the talents

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-41495189301690056412011-08-12T09:00:00.001-05:002011-08-12T13:15:10.938-05:00

[This article was originally posted a year ago on my other blog.] When the time comes, either from necessity or choice, for someone to embark on a job search, there are many, many ways to go about it. Knowing someone who can hire you and sheer luck seem to be the most effective methods. Barring those, applying to companies through cold calling and submitting a resumé is the other option that

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-24259494283331339802011-08-11T09:00:00.000-05:002011-08-11T09:00:04.427-05:00

What They Do: Choreography is the art of designing sequences of movements in which motion, form, or both are specified. Choreography may also refer to the design itself, which is sometimes expressed by means of dance notation... A choreographer is one who creates choreographies. Choreography is used in the fields of cheerleading, cinematography, dance, gymnastics, fashion shows, ice skating,

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-62051688190859827902011-08-10T09:00:00.000-05:002011-08-10T09:00:01.492-05:00

What They Do: Budget analysts help organizations allocate their financial resources. They develop, analyze, and execute budgets, as well as estimate future financial needs for private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. In private sector firms, a budget analyst's main responsibility is to examine the budget and seek new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits. In

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-78022389338276254582011-08-09T09:00:00.001-05:002011-08-09T09:00:06.873-05:00

[This is another post I wrote a few years ago on my other blog that I am re-posting for the Job Strengths blog.] For many Americans, especially those just getting into the workforce for the first time, temporary work is an important part of starting or maintaining a career. Having both been a temp and supervised temps during my career, I wrote this summary assist those who might be thinking

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-13538807635844542422011-08-08T09:00:00.002-05:002011-08-08T09:00:01.421-05:00

What They Do: A bookkeeper (or book-keeper), also known as an accounting clerk or accounting technician, is a person who records the day-to-day financial transactions of an organization. A bookkeeper is usually responsible for writing the "daybooks." The daybooks consist of purchases, sales, receipts, and payments. The bookkeeper is responsible for ensuring all transactions are recorded in the

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-66809710947430495662011-08-07T09:00:00.003-05:002011-08-07T09:00:07.916-05:00

(NOTE: This post originally appeared on another blog of mine in 2010.) When it comes to today's employment climate, researching a potential employer is one of the most important things you can do when looking for your next job. Some job hunting guides advise putting together detailed dossiers on a company’s history, their employees, their clients, their competitors, their suppliers, and their

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-45201612397814603572011-08-06T09:00:00.002-05:002011-08-06T09:00:05.439-05:00

What They Do: According to research from the Career Thought Leaders Consortium, in the next few decades this job will involve "control[ling] debris from outer space that has accumulated as a result of space exploration that may pose health, environmental and safety concerns." A person in this role would provide the same services as a sanitation environmental engineer, only working in much harsher

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-53166259010069956182011-08-05T09:00:00.002-05:002011-08-05T11:33:05.959-05:00

NOTE: This is a re-post of an article I originally posted on one of my other blogs last year. The truth many job seekers usually understand only in hindsight is that the best time to look for a job is when you don’t need one. The problem with this advice is that looking for a job is tedious work that few people would bother to do unless they had to. There are so many other fun and interesting

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-51846463524427067812011-08-04T09:00:00.002-05:002011-08-04T09:00:02.213-05:00

NOTE: This is a re-post of an article I wrote three years ago on my other blog that got a lot of responses, both for and against, when I first posted it. I've made some slight changes in the text mainly to correct grammar errors, but the ideas from the original article remain intact. Over the years I’ve worked for a couple of great companies and a bunch of mediocre to awful ones. Of the skills I

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-19183984465581359342011-08-03T09:00:00.005-05:002011-08-03T09:00:04.067-05:00

What They Do: An audiologist is a health-care professional specializing in identifying, diagnosing, treating and monitoring disorders of the auditory and vestibular system portions of the ear. Audiologists are trained to diagnose, manage and/or treat hearing or balance problems. (Wikipedia) This is another of the careers paths Forbes Magazine has selected as its Best 10 Jobs for 2011. What would

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-26248499854226541322011-08-02T09:00:00.001-05:002011-08-02T09:00:12.301-05:00

What They Do: A biologist is a scientist devoted to and producing results in biology through the study of life. Typically biologists study organisms and their relationship to their environment. Biologists involved in basic research attempt to discover underlying mechanisms that govern how organisms work. Biologists involved in applied research attempt to develop or improve medical, industrial or

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-57389525868242638852011-08-01T08:00:00.001-05:002011-08-01T08:00:09.774-05:00

What They Do: "A computer systems analyst works to solve problems related to computer technology. Many analysts set up new computer system (both the hardware and software) and add new software applications to increase computer productivity. Others act as system developers or system architects, but most analysts specialize in specific types of systems such as business systems, accounting systems,

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-66098870781571082972011-07-31T08:00:00.000-05:002011-07-31T08:00:02.149-05:00

What They Do: "A historian is a person who studies and writes about history, and is regarded as an authority on it.[1] Historians are concerned with the continuous, methodical narrative and research of past events as relating to the human race; as well as the study of all events in time." (Wikipedia) Historians are valued not only in academic circles, but also in areas like government and media,

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-3270203221696426062011-07-30T08:00:00.000-05:002011-07-30T08:00:04.586-05:00

What They Do: "A statistician is someone who works with theoretical or applied statistics…The core of [their] work is to measure, interpret, and describe the world and human activity patterns within it." (Wikipedia) Statisticians are used in business, sports, government, medicine, or any field that requires someone to organize large amounts of data in order to make decisions. This is another job

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-7223362858279722592011-07-29T08:00:00.001-05:002011-07-29T08:00:21.885-05:00

What They Do: "Meteorologists are scientists who study meteorology [the interdisciplinary scientific study of the atmosphere]. Meteorologists work in government agencies, private consulting and research services, industrial enterprises, utilities, radio and television stations, and in education." (Wikipedia) Meteorologists are best known to the public for their expertise in describing and

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-33855701244962516872011-07-26T15:41:00.002-05:002011-07-28T05:54:47.344-05:00

What They Do: "A mathematician is a person whose primary area of study is the field of mathematics. Mathematicians are concerned with quantity, structure, space, and change…Some scientists who research other fields are also considered mathematicians if their research provides insights into mathematics; one notable example is Isaac Newton." (Wikipedia) Although a broad descriptive category,

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-51579192069493097252011-07-25T19:31:00.004-05:002011-07-25T19:38:55.092-05:00

What They Do: “An actuary is a business professional who deals with the financial impact of risk and uncertainty. Actuaries …mathematically evaluate the likelihood of events and quantify the contingent outcomes in order to minimize losses, both emotional and financial, associated with uncertain undesirable events.” (Wikipedia) This job is on Forbes Magazine's list of the 10 best jobs for 2011.

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-86774325822493047532011-07-01T11:01:00.001-05:002011-07-28T14:28:26.824-05:00

What They Do: This is a professional musician who “backs up” a featured performer, or who is part of a larger group (i.e. an orchestra). They are not the focus of the performance, but the show can’t happen without them and their musical abilities. While they don’t take the spotlight, many side musicians are highly sought after for the quality of their work and can make good livings backing up

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-1544185386824785152011-06-30T10:37:00.000-05:002011-06-30T10:37:19.500-05:00

What They Do: Either as solo performers or the leaders/featured players in ensembles, they claim most of the spotlight in live musical performances. Singers like Mick Jagger, Bono, and David Lee Roth have set the standard in pop and rock music, although lead performers and musicians from any genre could fit the description. It’s definitely not a job everyone wants to do, but if done well there’s

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-33784991134242044472011-06-29T13:24:00.000-05:002011-06-29T13:24:48.855-05:00

What They Do: “ The law of agency… may be referred to as the relationship between a principal and an agent whereby the principal, expressly or impliedly, authorizes the agent to work under his control and on his behalf. The agent is, thus, required to negotiate on behalf of the principal or bring him and third parties into contractual relationship.” (Wikipedia) Agents are a critical part of the

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-76708192432646973132011-06-28T11:28:00.000-05:002011-06-28T11:28:16.919-05:00

What They Do: In most professional sports, the general manager is a team executive responsible for acquiring the rights to player personnel, negotiating their contracts, and reassigning or dismissing players no longer desired on the team. The general manager may also have responsibility for hiring the head coach of the team. (Wikipedia) Depending on the team and the sport, general managers can

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-66894463254654026152011-06-27T12:58:00.000-05:002011-06-27T12:58:17.760-05:00

What They Do: A bookmaker, or "bookie," is an organization or a person that takes bets on sporting and other events at agreed upon odds. (Wikipedia) Although sports betting is currently illegal in the United States, people and groups in this country and all over the world still make millions of dollars each year taking bets from U.S. customers, not to mention the many bettors who live elsewhere.

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-59773202329039004832011-06-22T04:41:00.001-05:002011-06-27T12:59:59.872-05:00

What They Do: A film director is a person who directs the actors and crew in the making of a film. They control a film's artistic and dramatic aspects, while guiding the technical crew and actors.(Wikipedia) A movie director is the person responsible for the day-to-day activities on the set. He or she ultimately determines how the film gets shot and edited, and this person’s artistic vision is

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-88767303852208808192011-06-21T18:30:00.000-05:002011-06-21T18:30:23.937-05:00

What They Do: Screenwriters (or scenarists or scriptwriters) are people who write/create the short or feature-length screenplays from which films and television programs are based. (Wikipedia) The screenwriter's role is pretty self-explanatory. They write the initial drafts of a film project, as well as make corrections and additions to projects that are underway. Besides a good deal of luck,

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-26777761499296431212011-06-11T21:03:00.002-05:002011-06-11T21:03:00.312-05:00

What they do: "Home care", "home health care" and "in-home care" are phrases that are used interchangeably in the United States to mean any type of care given to a person in their own home...Home care aims to make it possible for people to remain at home rather than use residential, long-term, or institutional-based nursing care. (Wikipedia) With the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, the need

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-60791298070396335662011-06-10T20:55:00.000-05:002011-06-10T20:55:00.558-05:00

What they do: A personal trainer is a fitness professional involved in exercise prescription and instruction. They motivate clients by setting goals and providing feedback and accountability to clients. Trainers also measure their client's strengths and weaknesses with fitness assessments. (Wikipedia) This is another profession that has been cited as being on the rise for the next few years. A

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-60524514127007026042011-06-09T21:24:00.000-05:002011-06-09T21:24:00.214-05:00

What They Do: Working under a Head Coach, they are responsible for managing a specific part of a sports team, whether it’s the offense or defense, or a specific position. Generally, they spend more time than the head coach teaching specific skills to players and game-planning for one particular part of the team. A talented Assistant Coach (like Chicago Bulls Assistant Tex Winter, Chicago Bears

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-38519036941501959162011-06-08T21:11:00.000-05:002011-06-08T21:11:00.870-05:00

What They Do: (from Wikipedia) "A graphic designer is a professional within the graphic design and graphic arts industry who assembles together images, typography or motion graphics to create a piece of design. A graphic designer creates the graphics primarily for published, printed or electronic media, such as brochures and advertising." (Wikipedia) This is a job that is often advertised on TV

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-86074213079304737182011-06-07T19:35:00.002-05:002011-06-07T21:10:51.580-05:00

What They Do: A real estate broker or real estate agent is a party who acts as an intermediary between sellers and buyers of real estate/real property and attempts to find sellers who wish to sell and buyers who wish to buy. (Wikipedia) These days, in a buyer's market where home prices keep going down, people looking to sell properties need someone who knows what they're doing. What might it

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-42865435252877390412011-06-06T19:35:00.001-05:002011-06-07T21:09:47.050-05:00

What They Do: ”This person is in charge of all things related to the kitchen which usually includes menu creation; management, scheduling and payroll of entire kitchen staff; ordering; and plating design…’Head Chef’ is often used to designate someone with the same duties as an executive chef, but there is usually someone in charge of them, possibly making the larger executive decisions such as

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-76202062740065735212011-06-04T19:25:00.001-05:002011-06-04T19:25:00.280-05:00

What They Do: ”A farmer is a person, engaged in agriculture, who raises living organisms for food or raw materials, generally including livestock husbandry and growing crops such as produce and grain.” (Wikipedia) This is one of the oldest occupations on Earth, but not everyone is cut out for it. What are the talents that might make someone excel at this job? Here are four suggestions:

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-56138209958674666942011-06-03T19:21:00.003-05:002011-06-03T19:21:00.235-05:00

What They Do: ” A health inspector…is a public employee who investigates health hazards in a wide variety of locations, then will take action to mitigate or eliminate the hazards. Usually the public perception of a health inspector is someone who examines restaurants…However, most health inspectors have broader job duties, including inspecting swimming pools, substandard housing conditions,

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-3756712868380645382011-06-02T09:00:00.003-05:002011-06-02T09:00:02.686-05:00

What They Do: “Social Work is both a profession and social science. It involves the application of social theory and research methods to study and improve the lives of people, groups, and societies. It incorporates and utilizes other social sciences as a means to improve the human condition and positively change society's response to chronic problems. (Wikipedia) This is a job that the U.S.

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-67276643216679516632011-06-01T09:00:00.001-05:002011-06-01T09:00:05.434-05:00

What They Do: “An audiologist is a healthcare professional specializing in identifying, diagnosing, treating and monitoring disorders of the auditory and vestibular system portions of the ear. Audiologists are trained to diagnose, manage and/or treat hearing or balance problems.” (Wikipedia) What are some talents that might be associated with this career? Here are five suggestions: Analytical:

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-67212342432139002862011-05-31T09:00:00.000-05:002011-05-31T09:00:02.131-05:00

What They Do: From Wikipedia – “A physician assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional licensed to practice medicine with supervision of a licensed physician. A physician assistant is concerned with preventing, maintaining, and treating human illness and injury by providing a broad range of health care services that are traditionally performed by a physician. Physician assistants conduct

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-71306612983753659912011-05-28T09:00:00.002-05:002011-05-28T09:00:02.003-05:00

What They Do: “Special education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students' individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, accessible settings, and other interventions designed to help learners with special needs

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-52647877845725215612011-05-27T09:00:00.001-05:002011-05-27T09:00:00.982-05:00

What They Do: “Medical Assistants can be certified or registered health care workers who perform the administrative and clinical tasks that keep the offices of licensed health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with physician assistants. The term "Medical Assistant" may have legal status in some nations, whereas elsewhere they may be a loosely defined group.” (Wikipedia)

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-62198337382579850592011-05-26T09:00:00.001-05:002011-05-26T09:00:02.173-05:00

What They Do: “Speech-language pathology is the study of disorders that affect a person's speech, language, cognition, voice, swallowing (dysphagia) and the rehabilitative or corrective treatment of physical and/or cognitive deficits/disorders resulting in difficulty with communication and/or swallowing. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) address people's

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-1859384325434244102011-04-29T00:15:00.004-05:002011-04-29T00:15:01.081-05:00

What They Do: Veterinary Assistants help Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians care for animals. Veterinary Assistants need to enjoy working with animals and owners. The job requires lifting and holding animals, some office skills, clinical procedures, record keeping and more. The work setting may be in animal hospitals, clinics, and research labs. They may also be employed in animal shelters,

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-14582040366810691352011-04-28T00:15:00.002-05:002011-04-28T00:15:00.221-05:00

What They Do: They create, organize, and maintain the (mostly) electronic health information records for hospitals, insurance companies, and employers. What Job Strengths are potentially applicable to this career? Here are four suggestions: Achiever: The drive needed to actively maintain a large collection of information material and not let things get "piled up" or out of order. Analytical

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-1899155940006708292011-04-27T00:15:00.001-05:002011-04-27T00:15:00.236-05:00

What They Do: They maintain the proper functioning of electronic network devices in an organization, including computers, servers, communications, and databases. People who understand how computers work and can manage their operation in a company can make a lot of money. But what talents are needed for someone to excel at this position? Here are four suggestions: Connectedness: The ability to

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-72090818405977957062011-04-26T00:15:00.000-05:002011-04-26T00:15:00.372-05:00

What They Do: A veterinary technologist (also called an animal health technician/technologist), is a person trained to assist veterinarians. Tasks performed include venipuncture; collecting urine; performing skin scrapings; taking and processing radiographs; and performing routine lab procedures and tests in: hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology. (Wikipedia

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-30842588708468201652011-04-25T00:15:00.000-05:002011-04-25T00:15:00.152-05:00

What They Do: “” Dental assistants help the dental operator (dentist or other treating dental auxiliary) provide more efficient dental treatment, by preparing the patient with a bib or goggles, washing and sterilizing instruments, passing instruments during the procedure, holding a suction device, and other non-specialized tasks. Dental operators can focus more time on providing treatment while

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-39057450997003227472011-04-23T00:15:00.000-05:002011-04-23T00:15:00.341-05:00

What They Do: ”Emergency medical technician (EMT) is a term used in various countries to denote a healthcare provider trained to provide pre-hospital emergency medical services. The precise meaning of the term varies by jurisdiction, but in many countries EMTs respond to emergency calls, perform certain medical procedures and transport patients to hospital in accordance with protocols and

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-70748734229853147532011-04-22T00:15:00.002-05:002011-04-22T00:15:00.154-05:00

What They Do: Like a stock trader who buys and sells ownership in companies, a commodity trader buys and sells quantities of goods like cotton, livestock, chemicals and precious metals. Because of the nature of these markets, commodity traders often deal in higher dollar amounts and volumes than other traders, with different rules as to how items are traded and how transactions are settled. What

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-24675220273318145552011-04-21T00:15:00.002-05:002011-04-21T00:15:00.244-05:00

What They Do: "Pharmacy technician is a job title for a pharmacy staff member who works under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, and performs many pharmacy-related functions. In most cases, job duties include providing medication and other health care products to patients, as well as working with third party and doctors' offices in resolving adjudication of patients' insurance or

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-30328065899819924502011-04-20T00:15:00.002-05:002011-04-20T00:15:00.226-05:00

What They Do: The stand-up comedian’s job is pretty self-explanatory – they stand up in front of an audience and tell jokes. The more successful ones can land lucrative television and film jobs, as well as other opportunities such as working a regular club circuit or providing entertainment for corporate gigs. What strengths could potentially make someone great at this job? Here are five

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-5126536906901542762011-04-19T00:15:00.001-05:002011-05-25T19:59:20.541-05:00

What They Do: They think up and create the stylish clothes that people want to wear, or at least look at on the runway and in high-end stores. What are the talents that can separate a potential designer from the many, many others who want to get into the same business? Here are five suggestions: Achiever: Fashion designs don't have to be practical, but a designer does need the inner drive needed

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-605821426637574002011-04-18T00:30:00.001-05:002011-04-18T00:30:00.513-05:00

What They Do: “A production assistant, also known as a PA, is a job title used in filmmaking and television for a person responsible for various aspects of a production. The job of a PA can vary greatly depending on the budget and specific requirements of a production as well as whether or not the production is unionized.” (Wikipedia) Look around any movie production and you will always find at

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-82493554208266317582011-04-16T00:00:00.002-05:002011-04-20T19:38:17.627-05:00

What They Do: ”A soldier is a member of the land component of national armed forces; whereas a soldier hired for service in a foreign army would be termed a mercenary. The majority of cognates of the word "soldier" that exist in other languages have a meaning that embraces both commissioned and non-commissioned officers in national land forces.” (Wikipedia) Basically, soldiers fight wars on

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-65913864125302265532011-04-15T00:01:00.001-05:002011-04-15T00:01:00.563-05:00

What They Do: “A cinematographer is one photographing with a motion picture camera (the art and science of which is known as cinematography). The title is generally equivalent to director of photography (DP), used to designate a chief over the camera and lighting crews working on a film, responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions related to the image.” (Wikipedia) To some, this

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-36182617683729821022011-04-14T00:01:00.002-05:002011-04-14T00:01:02.064-05:00

What They Do: A short-order cook prepares food in restaurants or other venues. Unlike a chef, however, a short-order cook doesn't spend a lot of time making complicated, expensive meals. They take orders quickly and make hot tasty food that's usually delivered in minutes. What talents are required to excel as a short-order cook? Here are five suggestions: Achiever and Activator: A strong work

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-4035370600079646992011-04-13T00:01:00.002-05:002011-04-13T00:01:01.662-05:00

What They Do: “A dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive oral health, typically focusing on techniques in oral hygiene. Local dental regulations determine the scope of practice of dental hygienists. In most jurisdictions, hygienists work for a dentist, and some are licensed to administer local anesthesia. Common procedures performed by hygienists include

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-44612149242236061152011-04-12T00:01:00.000-05:002011-04-12T00:01:02.599-05:00

What They Do: They earn money by walking other people's dogs. Considering how many people love to own dogs, especially in the city, if you set yourself up in the right location this job could bring in plenty of money. What talents are required to excel at this job? Here are five suggestions: Activator: The energy and enthusiasm needed to take lots of animals on long walks, keep clients happy,

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-35328737302329862102011-04-11T00:01:00.001-05:002011-04-11T00:01:00.472-05:00

What They Do: “Taxidermy (from the Greek for arrangement of skin) is the act of mounting or reproducing dead animals for display (e.g. as hunting trophies) or for other sources of study.” (Wikipedia) It's a profession that's perhaps not as in demand as it once was, but as long as someone (such as a nature museum) wants something stuffed and mounted there will always be a need for someone who can

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-15838412018807322022011-04-09T00:01:00.001-05:002011-04-09T00:01:00.727-05:00

What They Do: This is a person who is paid to coach a college sports team. If a coach can make a program successful it could lead to increased recognition for the school and additional revenue from games and alumni donations. Some coaches like Mike Kzyzewski, Pat Summit, and Bobby Bowden become the faces of the institutions where they work. What are the job strengths needed to be a successful

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-80613188172187032782011-04-08T00:01:00.001-05:002011-04-08T00:01:01.736-05:00

What They Do: Some people like to get worked up over fleeting, trendy issues, but what might it take to be a real revolutionary, the kind who ignites social changes that end slavery, promote womens' rights or gay rights, or create countries like the United States of America? Activator: Does the fire to change things burn when the cameras aren’t on? Are you willing to not only shout and march but

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-46071210145030842312011-04-07T00:01:00.001-05:002011-04-07T00:01:01.250-05:00

What They Do: A movie actor is paid to portray fictional roles in motion pictures, or provide hosting or narrative talent for documentaries. Being a successful movie actor is obviously one of the higher-profile careers in any industry. What might be the talents needed to get to the top of the profession and stay there? Achiever: The drive needed to endure countless auditions, screen tests,

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-79806196501384732762011-04-06T00:01:00.001-05:002011-04-06T00:01:02.558-05:00

What They Do: “A barista (from the Italian for "bartender") is a person, usually a coffee-house employee, who prepares and serves espresso-based coffee drinks.” (Wikipedia) Service from a great barista can make a customer’s day, especially nowadays when so many people depend on their daily coffee fix. What talents are required to excel as a barista? Here are five suggestions: Communication: As

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-51072483370518455402011-04-05T00:01:00.001-05:002011-04-05T00:01:01.089-05:00

What They Do: A few decades ago this kind of work might have been "TV and VCR repair," although nowadays people are more likely to just buy a new TV or DVD player than have one fixed. There are still a lot of complicated electronic devices, though, that need to be fixed and maintained by someone who knows what they're doing. What talents are required to excel at this job? Here are four

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-23852061653728156382011-04-04T00:01:00.004-05:002011-04-04T00:01:01.694-05:00

What They Do: “A librarian is an information professional trained in library and information science, which is the organization and management of information services or materials for those with information needs.” (Wikipedia) Librarians don’t necessarily work in libraries. Many companies and organizations need people who are capable of organizing and storing current and historical information.

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-42929755773798600002011-04-02T09:00:00.002-05:002011-04-02T09:00:05.344-05:00

What They Do: “A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed. The producer is often actively involved throughout all major phases of the filmmaking

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-40769569540496915242011-04-01T09:00:00.000-05:002011-04-01T09:00:12.276-05:00

What They Do: “A carpenter (builder) is a skilled craftsperson who…work(s) with timber to construct, install and maintain buildings, furniture, and other objects. The work may involve manual labor and work outdoors.” (Wikipedia) Unlike a woodworker, a carpenter's efforts are usually directed more toward utilitarian or day-to-day construction purposes than artistic efforts. As long as people want

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-87584527273556013982011-03-31T09:00:00.001-05:002011-03-31T09:00:09.380-05:00

What They Do: “Proofreading (also proof-reading) is the reading of a galley proof or computer monitor to detect and correct production-errors of text or art. Proofreaders are expected to be consistently accurate by default because they occupy the last stage of typographic production before publication.” (Wikipedia) Despite the constant talk about the death of print media and reading in general,

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-17804796685680690142011-03-30T09:00:00.000-05:002011-03-30T09:00:09.020-05:00

Here’s an interesting article on Salon.com about the current US job market. It describes how the fastest growing job sectors involve occupations that can’t be shipped overseas or automated. It’s a good read, and brings up an important point. Everyone in the workforce must find a way to position themselves so the boss won’t decide it’s better for the company to outsource or computerize what you

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-8322874228224357982011-03-29T09:00:00.004-05:002011-03-29T09:00:13.318-05:00

What They Do: “A [video] game designer is a person who designs gameplay (interaction with a game through its rules, connection between player and the game, challenges and overcoming them, plot and player's connection with it…distinct from graphics or audio elements), conceiving and designing the rules and structure of a game.” (Wikipedia) Successful game designers can create the next Grand Theft

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482017276190256269.post-25039082222592524032011-03-28T20:19:00.000-05:002011-03-28T20:19:51.854-05:00

What They Do: “ Catering is the business of providing food service at a remote site or a site like a hotel, public house (pub) and other various locations…When most people refer to a "caterer," they are referring to an event caterer who serves food with waiting staff at dining tables or sets up a self-serve buffet. The food may be prepared on site, i.e., made completely at the event, or the

Clarence Ewingnoreply@blogger.com0