Government Sites
A Day in the Life of a Special Agent - Special Agents have
many different responsibilities, including community outreach, investigation, and continuous training.
Learn what one particular day in the life of an Agent in Washington, D.C., may be.
Accountant - Accountants and auditors keep track of a company's
money. The company's managers and people outside the company read their reports. Managers look
at the accountants' reports to see how well their companies are doing.
Actor -
Actors perform in stage, radio, television, video, or motion pictures. It's hard for most actors to find
steady work. Only a few become famous "stars." They also teach in high school or college drama
departments, acting conservatories, or public programs.
Actuary -
Actuaries deal with risk. They decide how likely things such as death, sickness, injury, disability, and
loss of property are to occur, as well as the costs of these things.
Agricultural and Food Scientist - How can farms use less labor? Control pests
and weeds? Conserve soil and water? Do all of the above, yet still grow more food? Agricultural and
food scientists look for the answers to these kinds of questions.
Architect
- Architects design houses and buildings. They plan offices and apartments. They design schools,
churches, and airport terminals. Their plans involve far more than a building's looks. Buildings must
be safe and strong.
Artist - Artists
make art to express what they are feeling or thinking. They use many methods—drawing, painting,
sculpting. They use an assortment of materials—different kinds of paints, pencils, and pens, plaster,
clay, and even computers.
Automotive Mechanic - Automotive service technicians and mechanics fix
cars or light trucks that have broken down. They must be able to figure out the source of the problem
quickly and correctly. They must know automobiles well.
Aviation and Space Careers - (Federal Aviation Administration) -
Find out how to become a mechanic or a pilot.
Bookkeeping Clerk - Bookkeeping clerks add, subtract, multiply, and divide many
numbers each day. They must be able to use computers to calculate and record data. There is a wide
variety of bookkeeping clerks. Certain clerks handle only specific accounts. Some bookkeepers
maintain books for an entire company.
Career Information - NASA - NASA isn't just
astronauts and scientists. NASA has engineers, mathematicians, technicians, accountants, historians,
writers, computer support people, project managers, artists, educators, human resource personnel,
public relations managers, physicians, lawyers -- and more. The most important thing for preparing to
find a job at NASA is that you study what you like and work hard to achieve your goals.
Career Videos - Career Voyages - (Department of Labor) - You will find
videos about some of the specific occupations in different industries, such as the automotive industry
or retail industry.
Career Voyages - (Department of Labor) - Do you know what you want to be
when you grow up? What job do you think you would like? At this fantastic website, you’ll learn all
about different jobs, their pay and growth prospects, and how to prepare for them.
Careers in Earth Science - (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) -
One of NASA's biggest assets has always been its people. Through distinguished service, ability,
courage, and education you can make a contribution to the advancement of Earth Science.
Carpenter - Carpenters build many things from wood and other
materials, like buildings and boats. They construct, erect, install, and repair structures and other
fixtures. To do this, they cut, fit, and join the various materials together.
Chemist - Everything is made of chemicals. Chemists and materials
scientists find ways to make chemicals useful to us. They also try to improve things that people use
daily, such as paint, medicine, and cosmetics, as well as cars and airplanes.
Childcare
Worker - Childcare workers teach and care for children while their parents are away.
They make sure children are safe. They might also help them play games, do art, and read books.
Childcare workers need to be energetic, fun, and patient. They help kids gain new skills and learn how
to get along with others.
Civil
Engineer - Civil engineers design things. These might be roads, buildings, airports,
tunnels, dams, bridges, or water supply and sewage systems. They must consider many factors in their
designs, from the costs to making sure the structure will stay intact during bad weather.
Coach -
(Bureau of Labor Statistics) - Coaches help people learn how to play a sport. They start by teaching
them the basics. They show them the proper form and technique.
Computer Hardware Engineer - (Bureau of Labor Statistics) - Computer
hardware engineers research, design, develop, test, and oversee the installation of computer
hardware. Computer hardware engineers are much like electronics engineers, but work only with
computers. The rapid advances in computers are a result of their work. To keep up, these workers must
stay up to date on what they know.
Computer Software Engineer - (Bureau of Labor Statistics) - The impact of
computers on our lives means there is a need to develop new software. Computer software engineers
apply computer science, engineering, and math to design, develop, and test software.
Computer Support Specialist - (Bureau of Labor Statistics) - Computer
support specialists help people use computers. When something goes wrong, support specialists figure
out why. Then, they try to fix it.
Cost
Estimator - Cost estimators figure out how much a project or product will cost. This helps
business owners and managers decide whether to build a structure or manufacture a product.
Court
Reporter - Court reporters make word-for-word reports of court cases, meetings, speeches,
and other events. Court reporters play a critical role in legal proceedings. They are expected to
create a complete and accurate legal record.
Dancer -
Dancers express ideas, stories, rhythm, and sound with their bodies. Some dance in ballet; others
perform modern dance. Dancers work in musical shows, in folk, ethnic, tap, and jazz dances. Many
dancers also teach or choreograph dances.
Database Administrator - Computer databases that store information on
customers, inventory, and projects are found in nearly every industry. Data must be stored, organized,
and managed. Database administrators work with database software to find ways to do this. They
identify user needs, set up computer databases, and test systems.
Designer
- (Bureau of Labor Statistics) - Are you creative? Designers have a desire to create; they mix
knowledge with artistic ability. Designers focus in a specific area of design, such as cars or websites.
Desktop
Publisher - (Bureau of Labor Statistics) - Using computer software, these workers combine
printed materials, numbers, pictures, and charts to prepare publications. Find out more.
Diplomat - Careers at the State Department - (Department of State) -
Do you find the life of a diplomat interesting but don't know where to begin? You may just find what
you're looking for.
Disc
Jockey - (Bureau of Labor Statistics) - Disc jockeys, sometimes called "deejays," put
music on the radio. They also talk about the news, sports, and weather. They also make commercials,
talk with guests, and tell you what's going on in the community.
Discovering Your Interests and Talents -
GirlsHealth.gov - (Office of Women's Health) - Taking the time to think about your
interests and abilities is the first step toward discovering what it is you want to do now as a teen, or
even later when you become an adult.
Doctor -
(Bureau of Labor Statistics) - Doctors use science to figure out what is making people sick. Doctors
examine people, listen to them describe their health problems, and do tests to see what is wrong.
Drafter -
Drafters make drawings and plans. Drafters use math and engineering skills to add numbers to their
drawings. They can turn someone's rough sketch into an exact drawing. Some plans show how to
make objects like toys, toasters, and machinery. Some plans are for larger things like houses and
office buildings.
Economist - Economists do research. They prepare surveys to collect
data, and then figure out what the data mean. They also forecast how the economy might change in
the future. Economists study topics such as prices, jobs, taxes, interest rates, and the stock market.
Electrical
Engineer - Electrical engineers design new and better electronics. They also test
equipment and solve problems. A project starts by deciding what the new electronics will do. Then,
the engineer designs the circuits and other parts of the electronics. Engineers might draw their designs
using a computer.
Electrician - Without these workers, there would be no lights, no
computers, and no TVs plugged into our walls. Electricians bring us electricity. They put in the wires
that carry electricity through houses, offices, and factories. They also fix electric machines.
Engineering Technician - Engineering technicians solve technical
problems. Some help engineers and scientists do research and development. They build or set up
equipment. They do experiments. They collect data and calculate results.
Environmental Scientist - Environmental scientists find and fix pollution and
other environmental problems. They figure out what is in the air, water, and soil to make sure that the
environment is safe. They also give advice on how to clean the environment.
Estuaries.Gov - Students Page - (National
Estuarine Research Reserve System) - Learn about basic estuarine concepts and answer questions to
solve a puzzle. You can also find information about careers in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), the knowledge and skills required to enter these careers, and much more.
Farmer -
Farmers grow crops and raise animals. Farmers decide when to plant, fertilize, harvest, and sell crops.
Farmers watch the prices for the crops they produce and try to sell at the best time. They choose
what types of machinery, seeds, and animals to buy. Farmers use new technology, and they learn
about new farming methods.
FBI Investigates a Spy - (Federal Bureau of Investigation) - Special Agents have
been investigating and catching spies for over 60 years! A spy is a person who keeps secret watch on
another person or thing to get information.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Students’
Corner - This Corner is intended to explain to students of all ages how the FERC
regulates energy for the United States. There are many different things to learn about FERC,
including the history and the energy industries we regulate and our commitment to the
environment.
Federal Prosecutor - (Department of Justice) - Federal prosecutors are
attorneys who represent the Federal government in a court of law and attempt to prove that a person
or company committed a crime.
Financial
Analyst - Financial analysts help people decide how to invest their money. They work for
banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, and securities firms.
Firefighter - Firefighters put out fires, which is not as simple as it may
sound. Fighting fires is dangerous and complex, and it takes organization and teamwork.
Future State - U.S. Department of State for Youth - (Department of State) - The
State Department has embassies in more than 190 countries. Find out at this great site how you can
prepare for an exciting career as a diplomat or foreign service officer.
Getting a Job at the CIA - Working at the CIA can be a
very exciting and rewarding career. The CIA is looking for enthusiastic people with unquestioned
integrity, strong interpersonal skills, and the desire to be a part of a mission that helps protect and
secure our family, friends, and country,
Health Care - Career Voyages - (Department of Labor) - Find out about
nursing, primary care, long-term care and more.
Human Resources Assistant - Human resources assistants keep records of a
company's employees. Every day, human resources assistants update information and answer
questions about employees. They also may create reports for managers.
Judge -
Judges are in charge of trials. They make sure that trials are fair. They resolve differences between
lawyers. They read the law to decide what lawyers can and can't do.
Landscape Architect - Landscape architects decide where to put flowers,
trees, walkways, and other landscape details. They work with architects, surveyors, and engineers to
find the best place to put roads and buildings. They work with environmental scientists to find the best
way to conserve or restore natural resources.
Lawyer -
Lawyers spend a lot of time doing research. To be a good lawyer, a person must be good at finding
facts in books, on computers, and in other places. Lawyers also interview people to get
information.
Librarian - (Bureau of Labor Statistics) - Librarians help people find
facts. They organize information and help people find books, magazines, videos, websites, and other
information.
Loan
Officer - Loan officers help people apply for loans. This lets people do things like buy a
house or a car, or pay for college. Loan officers help businesses by loaning them money to get started
or to buy equipment.
Look to the Future: Careers in Space - Since you were little, you
have probably associated space careers with astronauts, walking on the moon, Neil Armstrong, and
space shuttles. Not every space career involves hopping around in a big spacesuit, but there are lots
of opportunities available for exciting space careers today.
Mathematician Quiz - (National Center for Education Statistics) - Complete this
profile and learn which famous mathematician shares your interests.
Mathematicians - (Bureau of Labor Statistics) - Mathematicians
use mathematical theory, computational techniques and the latest computer technology to solve
economic, scientific, engineering, physics, and business problems.
Meteorology and Your Career - (Naval
Meteorology and Oceanography Command) - Curious about Navy careers in weather? Find out what a
meteorologist does and how to become one.
Musician - Musicians and singers compose, sing, and play music. They
perform solo or as part of a group. They perform in sound studios and on stage. They also perform on
television and in movies. Some musicians go on concert tours, traveling all over the U.S. and the
world.
Nurse -
Nurses, also called registered nurses or RNs, take care of sick and injured people. They give people
medicine. They treat wounds. And they give emotional support to patients and their families.
Oceanography and Your Career - (Naval
Meteorology and Oceanography Command) - Learn what an oceanographer does, and how you can
become one.
Paralegal
- Paralegals, or legal assistants, help lawyers in their work. They perform some of the same tasks as
lawyers. Paralegals investigate cases to make sure that lawyers know all of the important facts.
Peace Corps
- Teens - Peace Corps Volunteers are exposed to some of the most interesting and
exciting things this world has to offer and their experiences are both one-of-a-kind and once-in-a-
lifetime.
Pharmacist - Pharmacists are experts in medicine and its side effects.
They sometimes help doctors choose which medicines to give patients. Pharmacists also warn doctors
if the doctors have asked their patients to take any medicine that might hurt their patients.
Photographer - Photographers know how to choose the right tools
to give them the best picture. They use different things such as lights, lenses, and film to create a
picture. New digital technology is being used more and more by photographers. A lot of them use
computers to finish their work.
Physicist -
Physicists study the natural world, from the tiniest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies. They do
experiments to discover the laws of nature. They study what things are made of (matter) and how
things behave. They also study energy. They learn how it changes from one form to another.
Pilot -
Pilots fly airplanes and helicopters to do many jobs. Most pilots fly people and cargo from place to
place. Some pilots test new planes, fight fires, do police work, or rescue people who are hurt or in
danger.
Police
Officer - Police and detectives enforce laws. They catch criminals. They collect
evidence. At times they testify in court. Others patrol set areas to prevent crime. Some patrol and give
out traffic tickets. Some police direct traffic. Most police wear uniforms. Detectives and special agents
work in regular clothes. Most detectives are part of regular police forces. Special agents work for
Federal and State agencies.
Politician - (Bureau of Labor Statistics) - Politicians run Federal, State,
and local governments; they are the Nation's chief executives and legislators. They get their jobs by
being elected. They make and pass laws that affect all of us.
Professional Athlete - Very athletic people might want to consider getting a
job as a "pro" athlete. But they should know that very few athletes ever make it that far. It's a good
idea, then, to have another job in mind as well.
Psychologist - Psychologists study the human mind. They also try to
explain why people act as they do. They do research to test their ideas about people's actions.
Real Estate
Agent - Real estate agents help people buy and sell houses. They must be able to say
approximately how much money a house is worth. They need to know what the neighborhoods in
their towns are like. They must know the laws that have to do with buying or selling a house. They
also can tell home buyers where to get a loan if they need more money to buy a house.
Recreation and Fitness Worker - Recreation workers plan and teach activities
that people enjoy in their free time. This may include camping, sports, arts and crafts, dance, or
drama. Recreation workers organize these activities for people of all ages.
Recreational Therapist - Recreational therapists help people who are sick or
hurt to get active again. They use sports, games, arts, crafts, and music to help patients build
confidence and get back into life.
Reporter - Reporters gather information and write news stories. These
stories appear in newspapers and magazines. Some reporters appear on television and radio. To get
information, reporters look at documents. They observe the scene. They interview people.
Scientists in Action - (Geological Survey) - Want to map the planets, explore
the ocean floor; protect wildlife, or forecast volcanic eruptions? If this sounds like fun, then take a
peek at this website and learn about various careers in the natural sciences.
Secretary - Secretaries make appointments. They put files in order.
They also write letters and answer the phone. They may make travel plans. Secretaries use
computers, fax machines, and copiers. Secretaries make sure that the information that leaves the
office is right. Other people in the office rely on secretaries to keep things going well.
Slide Shows - Coverdell World Wise
Schools - (Peace Corps) - Listen to Peace Corps Volunteers talk about their experience
and express their opinions through their own photographs and in their own voices.
Social
Worker - Social workers help people overcome problems and make their lives better.
They might work with people who are homeless, sick, or having family problems. Or they might help
students who are having trouble in school.
Space
Agriculture in the Classroom - (Department of Agriculture, NASA) - Learn about the
space program and the role of agriculture in our economy and society. Helps students see the
connection between agricultural practices on Earth that relate to space-based research, particularly in
the plant sciences.
Star Child - Astronauts - Every two years, NASA must
make the difficult decision of selecting new members of the astronaut corps. Learn what it takes to be
an astronaut.
Statistician - Statisticians help to design surveys and experiments.
They also collect, analyze, and interpret numerical data. Some work for businesses and some work in
government.
Surveyor
- Do you know where your backyard ends and your neighbor's yard begins? Have you ever wondered
how maps are created? These are questions for a surveyor. Surveyors measure and draw what the
earth's surface looks like.
Systems
Analyst - (Bureau of Labor Statistics) - These workers figure out how to use computers to
get things done. They tell businesses and other organizations which computers and software to buy,
and they decide how to get those tools to work together.
Teacher -
Teachers teach children to read, write, do math, and much more. They use games, videos,
computers, and other tools to teach children different subjects. Teachers show students skills. They
also explain information. Teachers plan their lessons before they teach.
Teen Business
Link - (Small Business Administration) - Want to own a small business? At this site you
will find ideas for a business, how to start a small business, business tips, and meet successful young
entrepreneurs.
Urban
Planner - City planners figure out the best way to use the land in cities and
neighborhoods. They report on the best location for houses, stores, and parks. They try to solve a lot of
problems. These include things such as too much traffic and increases in air pollution.
USA Freedom Corps for Youth - (White House) - There are opportunities to help
all across America and we’ve put together some ideas on this site to help you find the right
opportunity.
Veterinarian - Veterinarians take care of sick and injured animals.
Like doctors, they perform surgery and give medicine. When an animal is sick, vets examine it to find
out why.
Videos - Coverdell World Wise Schools - (Peace Corps) -
Vivid videos of daily life in Peace Corps countries from Kyrgyzstan and Sri Lanka to the Dominican
Republic and Paraguay. Gender and Development videos are also available.
Webmaster - (Bureau of Labor Statistics) - Webmasters make
websites; they turn words and art into Internet sites that people can use. They give computers
instructions about how words and art should look on the computer screen.
Women of NASA - (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) - There are
many math, science, and technology careers for women at NASA. At this interesting site you can take
the NASA quest and read profiles of NASA experts about their work days.
Working for the Great Outdoors - A Day In The Life - (Forest Service) -
Take a closer look at just what it's like "on the job" for a few of the people of the Forest Service.
Writer -
Writers and editors write! Writers write stories, or they write about things that really happened. They
write books, and they write articles for magazines or journals. They write for newspapers, and they
write for radio and television.
Zookeeper - Many people like animals, but taking care of them is
hard work. Zookeepers take care of wild animals in zoos and animal parks. They feed the animals,
clean their living spaces, and work to keep them healthy.
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Other Resources
Animal Doc - The interactive site, created by the College of Veterinary Medicine,
University of Georgia, guides children through a variety of topics like understanding dog behavior, fun
facts about sheep and Paco's story, in which a little donkey has his leg fixed.
Aquarium Careers - Monterey Bay Aquarium - Even
if you love the seas, but get seasick as soon as you leave the shore, you can still find a marine-related
career that suits your talents and interests.
Aviation Careers - Young Eagles - Find out about careers in the airline industry,
like becoming a pilot and aircraft manufacturing.
Careers in Marine
Sciences - New England Aquarium - Find out what it takes to have a career in marine
sciences at one of the world’s premier aquariums.
Discover
Engineering - So what is engineering? It's hard to get a good idea from just a few words.
This whole site is meant to help answer that question.
EEK! - Career Zone - (Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources) - Do you
think you might want to have a job that involves helping take care of the environment? Check out
these careers.
Engineer
Girl! - There are plenty of opportunities for women and girls in engineering. Space,
medicine, environmental and communications - all need engineers. At this cool site you can check
out fun facts, learn about women in engineering and what you need to know to become one.
Engineering K-12 Center - Have you ever wondered who created that spine-
tingling ride you love so much at the amusement park? Have you ever thought about why today’s cars
are more fuel-efficient and cause less pollution? Or who came up with instant messaging? The
answer is engineers. If you want to change the world through innovations like these, a career in
engineering will help you do it.
Girls Go Tech - Careers You Can Count On - Math, science and
technology are as varied as they are exciting. Find out more about the careers associated with
them.
Kids and Careers - There are so many jobs out there, and you're bound to find
something that's right for you!
Kids
Post - Get the scoop on current events and entertainment, homework help, and have fun
with games, polls, and more from The Washington Post.
Mapping Your Future - No matter what you dream of doing with your life,
preparing yourself for life (and most likely education) after high school is important.
Marine Science Careers - Georgia Aquarium -
Find out what a Research Biologist, Marine Mammalogist, Ichthyology, Biological Oceanographers
and more do on a daily basis.
O
Ambassadors - An exciting new joint project of Oprah’s Angel Network and Free The
Children that will inspire young people to become active, compassionate and knowledgeable global
citizens. The program connects young people in North America with people around the world to
create lasting change. Participants address problems such as hunger, poverty and limited access to
education.
The Fun Works - For Careers You Never Knew Existed - You may not
know now exactly what you want to do as an adult, but this site will help you start. Discover who you
are, what you like to do, and what you do best.
Working at the San Diego Zoo - There are so many jobs you can do at the
zoo. Learn about working with animals, plants, science, conservation, and much, much more.
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Page Revised - 1/7/2009
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