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New occupations emerging
What are some of the new job titles ushering in the millennium? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), administrative assistant, convention manager, webmaster, and environmental engineer are a few occupations spreading across industries.
Every year, the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics survey asks employers to identify occupations not included on the survey that are becoming numerically important in their industry. Using these data, BLS identified 4 occupations as emerging in 10 or more detailed industries in 1996.
Environmental engineers and compliance managers help businesses follow environmental regulations. Convention managers arrange meetings and serve as liaisons between outside vendors and an organization, hotel, or convention center. Webmasters design, establish, and maintain an organization’s website. And the duties of administrative assistants are more complex than those of secretaries.
Other occupations are becoming numerically important within a few industries. For example, bus aides are numerically important in education services and other industries; consumer credit counselors and resettlement coordinators are each numerically important in social services and other industries; and development directors, fundraising coordinators, and grant writers are emerging in the trusts, social services, and associations industries.
Economists cannot know exactly how large these occupations are or how fast they are growing. But identifying an occupation as an emerging one is a step in toward gathering statistics on it.
For a complete list and description of the top 16 emerging occupations, call the Occupational Employment Statistics program, (202) 691-6569, to request "New and Emerging Occupations" in Occupational Employment and Wages, 1996, Bulletin 2506 (BLS, August 1998).
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Pueblo online
One of the U.S. Government’s most widely recognized resources struts its stuff on the Web.
You may download a PDF version of the Consumer Information Catalog, which highlights consumer information available from Federal agencies, or request a free copy of the print version. The website for the Federal Consumer Information Center—publishers of the quarterly Catalog—also allows readers to view publications online and to order low- and no-cost printed copies shipped from its famous warehouse in Pueblo, Colorado.
Some titles in the employment section include OOQ reprints “High earning workers who don’t have a bachelor’s degree” (from the fall 1999 issue) and “Résumés, applications, and cover letters” (from summer 1999), as well as subscriptions to the OOQ itself. An OOQ reprint from the summer 1996 issue, “Nontraditional Education: Alternative Ways to Earn Your Credentials,” is in the education section. Visit the Center at
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov.
If you don’t have Internet access or prefer not to visit the Center or the Catalog in cyberspace, relax. The online Catalog complements but does not replace the products and services available from the Center. For more information or to place an order, call toll free, 1 (888) 8-PUELBO (878-3256)
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Employers look for civility
If you’re motivated and able to communicate and work well with others, be sure to mention that in job interviews. Employers recently rated communication, motivation, and teamwork the three most sought-after qualities in a jobseeker, according to an annual National Association of Colleges and Employers survey.
Job Outlook 2000 tallies responses from employers who were asked to list the most important skills and personal qualities they look for in job candidates. While computer and analytical skills ranked high, interpersonal skills topped the list of new-hire skills. Academic achievement, flexibility, technical skills, and integrity also made employers’ wish lists.
For more information about the survey, contact the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 62 Highland Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18017-9085;
(610) 868-1421 or 1 (800) 544-5272. Job Outlook 2000 is also available on the Web at
http://www.jobweb.org/pubs/pr/pr011800.htm.
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Scholarships for technical communication
Do you understand technical or scientific information and have a knack for explaining it to others? Consider a future in technical communication—and you might be eligible for some money to study toward that goal.
Every year, the Society for Technical Communication awards 14 scholarships of $2,500 each to undergraduate and graduate students who pursue an established degree program in technical communication. Applicants must be full-time students, must have completed at least 1 year of postsecondary education and have at least 1 full year remaining, and must be studying communication of information about technical subjects.
For more information about the Society, the scholarship application process, or careers in technical communication, contact the Society at 901 N. Stuart St., Suite 904, Arlington, VA 22203-1822; (703) 522-4114. Or, visit its website:
http://www.stc-va.org.
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Preparing for takeoff
Aircraft pilot is an occupation often associated with perks such as high earnings, glamour, and travel benefits. However, BLS projects keen competition and slower than average employment growth through 2008. Learning as much as you can about piloting is more important than ever.
A brochure from the International Society of Women Airline Pilots, “Tips on Becoming an Airline Pilot in the United States,” gives an overview of the occupation. It covers topics such as what to consider about becoming a pilot; military and civilian routes to the occupation, including types of certificates and training required; what to do after receiving training; and recommendations for entering the profession. Also suggested are magazines, books, videos, and other organizations and associations to contact.
For a small donation, a printed copy of the brochure is available from the Society. Send your request to 2250 E. Tropicana Ave., Suite 19-395, Las Vegas, NV 89119-6594. Or, view “Tips” on the Society’s website at
http://www.iswap.org/html/tips.html. The website version is available in both HTML and PDF formats and provides links to some of the information.
The Society’s website also includes scholarship information, a FAQ (frequently asked questions) page, and links to related sites. Women are a small proportion of aircraft pilots, so the site features women-focused sections such as a database of women pilot firsts and links to information on women’s issues and women in aviation.
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Suggestions welcome
Do you have an item for the Grab Bag? Send it to:
Occupational Outlook Quarterly
PSB 2135
2 Massachusetts Ave. NE.
Washington, DC 20212.
Phone: (202) 691-5700;
Fax: (202) 691-5745;
E-mail: ooqinfo@bls.gov
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