Computer programs tell the computer what to do, such as
which information to identify and access, how to process it,
and what equipment to use. Programs vary widely depending upon
the type of information to be accessed or generated. For
example, the instructions involved in updating financial
records are very different from those required to duplicate
conditions on board an aircraft for pilots training in a flight
simulator. Although simple programs can be written in a few
hours, programs that use complex mathematical formulas, whose
solutions can only be approximated, or that draw data from many
existing systems, may require more than a year of work. In most
cases, several programmers work together as a team under a
senior programmer s supervision. credit pacific service union
Programmers write specific programs by breaking down each
step into a logical series of instructions the computer can
follow. They then code these instructions in a conventional
programming language, such as COBOL; an artificial intelligence
language, such as Prolog; or one of the most advanced
function-oriented or object-oriented languages, such as Java,
C++, or Visual Basic. Programmers usually know more than one
programming language; and since many languages are similar,
they can often learn new languages relatively easily. In
practice, programmers are often referred to by the language
they know, such as Java programmers, or the type of function
they perform or environment in which they work, such as
database programmers, mainframe programmers, or Internet
programmers. In many large organizations, programmers follow
descriptions that have been prepared by software engineers or
systems analysts. These descriptions list the input required,
the steps the computer must follow to process data, and the
desired arrangement of the output. credit first service union
Many programmers are involved in updating, repairing,
modifying and expanding existing programs. When making changes
to a section of code, called a routine, programmers
need to make other users aware of the task the routine is to
perform. They do this by inserting comments in the coded
instructions, so others can understand the program. Innovations
such as computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools enable
a programmer to concentrate on writing the unique parts of the
program, because the tools automate various pieces of the
program being built. CASE tools generate whole sections of code
automatically, rather than line by line. This also yields more
reliable and consistent programs and increases
programmers productivity by eliminating some routine
steps. card credit mobile service
Programmers test a program by running it, to ensure the
instructions are correct and it produces the desired
information. If errors do occur, the programmer must make the
appropriate change and recheck the program until it produces
the correct results, a process called debugging. Programmers
working in a mainframe environment may prepare instructions for
a computer operator who will run the program. (A separate
statement on computer operators appears
elsewhere in the Handbook.) They may also contribute
to a manual for users. card credit discover service
Programmers often are grouped into two broad types:
applications programmers and systems programmers.
Applications programmers usually focus on business,
engineering, or science. They write software to handle a
specific job, such as a program to track inventory, within an
organization. They may also revise existing packaged software.
Systems programmers, on the other hand, maintain and
control computer systems software, such as operating systems,
networked systems and database systems. These workers make
changes in the sets of instructions that determine how the
network, workstations, and central processing unit of the
system handle the various jobs they have been given and how
they communicate with peripheral equipment, such as terminals,
printers, and disk drives. Because of their knowledge of the
entire computer system, systems programmers often help
applications programmers determine the source of problems that
may occur with their programs. credit public service union
Programmers in software development companies may work
directly with experts from various fields to create
software either programs designed for specific clients or
packaged software for general use ranging from games and
educational software to programs for desktop publishing,
financial planning, and spreadsheets. Much of this type of
programming is in the preparation of packaged software, which
comprises one of the most rapidly growing segments of the
computer services industry. card credit processing service
The supply of teachers also is expected to increase in
response to reports of improved job prospects, more teacher
involvement in school policy, and greater public interest in
education. In recent years, the total number of bachelor s
and master s degrees granted in education has steadily
increased. In addition, more teachers will be drawn from a
reserve pool of career changers, substitute teachers, and
teachers completing alternative certification programs,
relocating to different schools, and reentering the
workforce. center credit service union
Earnings Top
Median annual earnings of kindergarten, elementary, and
secondary school teachers ranged from $33, 590 to $37, 890 in
1998; the lowest 10 percent, $19, 710 to $24, 390; the top 10
percent, $53, 720 to $70, 030. According to the American
Federation of Teachers, beginning teachers with a
bachelor s degree earned an average of $25, 700 in the
1997-98 school year. The estimated average salary of all public
elementary and secondary school teachers in the 1997-98 school
year was $39, 300. Private school teachers generally earn less
than public school teachers. card credit service wireless
In 1998, over half of all public school teachers belonged to
unions-mainly the American Federation of Teachers and the
National Education Association-that bargain with school systems
over wages, hours, and the terms and conditions of
employment. credit security service union
In some schools, teachers receive extra pay for coaching
sports and working with students in extracurricular activities.
Some teachers earn extra income during the summer working in
the school system or in other jobs. credit report service
Related Occupations Top
Kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school teaching
requires a variety of skills and aptitudes, including a talent
for working with children; organizational, administrative, and
recordkeeping abilities; research and communication skills; the
power to influence, motivate, and train others; patience; and
creativity. Workers in other occupations requiring some of
these aptitudes include college and university
faculty, counselors,
education administrators, employment
interviewers, librarians,
preschool teachers and child-care workers,
public relations specialists, sales
representatives, social workers, and
trainers and employee development
specialists. blogspot com christian
Sources of Additional Information Top
Disclaimer: Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for
your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
Information on licensure or certification requirements and
approved teacher training institutions is available from local
school systems and State departments of education. Information
on teachers unions and education-related issues may be
obtained from: christian counseling credit
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American Federation of Teachers, 555 New Jersey Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20001. credit federal service union
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National Education Association, 1201 16th St. NW,
Washington, DC 20036. credit monitoring service
A list of institutions with accredited teacher education
programs can be obtained from: credit division service
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National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education,
2010 Massachusetts Ave. NW., Suite 500, Washington, DC
20036. Internet: http://www.ncate.org card credit online service
For information on national teacher certification,
contact: consumer counseling credit inc
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National Board for Professional Teaching Standards,
26555 Evergreen Rd., Suite 400, Southfield, MI 48076.
Internet: http://www.nbpts.org card credit fleet service
For information on alternative certification programs,
contact: card consolidation credit
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ERIC Clearinghouse on Teacher Education, 1307 New York
Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20005-4701. credit free online report
An industry employing school teachers-Kindergarten,
elementary, and secondary, that appears in the 2000-01
Career Guide to Industries: Educational
services Source: US Department Of Labour credit federal first service
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Increasing office automation and organizational
restructuring will lead to little or no change in overall
employment of secretaries. consumer credit service
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Employers increasingly require knowledge of software
applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and
database management. center credit family service
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Job openings should be plentiful, especially for
well-qualified and experienced secretaries, primarily due
to the need to replace workers who leave this very large
occupation. credit reporting service
Nature of the Work Top
Physicists explore and identify basic principles governing
the structure and behavior of matter, the generation and
transfer of energy, and the interaction of matter and energy.
Some physicists use these principles in theoretical areas, such
as the nature of time and the origin of the universe; others
apply their physics knowledge to practical areas, such as the
development of advanced materials, electronic and optical
devices, and medical equipment. credit free report service
Physicists design and perform experiments with lasers,
cyclotrons, telescopes, mass spectrometers, and other
equipment. Based on observations and analysis, they attempt to
discover and explain laws describing the forces of nature, such
as gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear interactions.
Physicists also find ways to apply physical laws and theories
to problems in nuclear energy, electronics, optics, materials,
communications, aerospace technology, navigation equipment, and
medical instrumentation. card credit customer discover
Astronomy is sometimes considered a subfield of physics.
Astronomers use the principles of physics and
mathematics to learn about the fundamental nature of the
universe, including the sun, moon, planets, stars, and
galaxies. They also apply their knowledge to solve problems in
navigation, space flight, and satellite communications and to
develop the instrumentation and techniques used to observe and
collect astronomical data. credit repair report service
Most physicists work in research and development. Some do
basic research to increase scientific knowledge. Physicists who
conduct applied research build upon the discoveries made
through basic research and work to develop new devices,
products, and processes. For instance, basic research in
solid-state physics led to the development of transistors and
then to the integrated circuits used in computers. credit legal repair service
Physicists also design research equipment. This equipment
often has additional unanticipated uses. For example, lasers
are used in surgery; microwave devices are used for ovens; and
measuring instruments can analyze blood or the chemical content
of foods. A small number of physicists work in inspection,
testing, quality control, and other production-related jobs in
industry. cic credit monitoring service
Much physics research is done in small or medium-size
laboratories. However, experiments in plasma, nuclear, high
energy, and some other areas of physics require extremely
large, expensive equipment, such as particle accelerators.
Physicists in these subfields often work in large teams.
Although physics research may require extensive experimentation
in laboratories, research physicists still spend time in
offices planning, recording, analyzing, and reporting on
research. ccs credit division service
Almost all astronomers do research. Some are theoreticians,
working on the laws governing the structure and evolution of
astronomical objects. Others analyze large quantities of data
gathered by observatories and satellites and write scientific
papers or reports on their findings. Some astronomers actually
operate, usually as part of a team, large space- or
ground-based telescopes. However, astronomers may spend only a
few weeks each year making observations with optical
telescopes, radio telescopes, and other instruments. For many
years, satellites and other space-based instruments have
provided tremendous amounts of astronomical data. New
technology resulting in improvements in analytical techniques
and instruments, such as computers and optical telescopes and
mounts, is leading to a resurgence in ground-based research. A
small number of astronomers work in museums housing
planetariums. These astronomers develop and revise programs
presented to the public and may direct planetarium
operations. credit service union worker
Physicists generally specialize in one of many
subfields elementary particle physics, nuclear physics,
atomic and molecular physics, physics of condensed matter
(solid-state physics), optics, acoustics, space physics, plasma
physics, or the physics of fluids. Some specialize in a
subdivision of one of these subfields. For example, within
condensed matter physics, specialties include
superconductivity, crystallography, and semiconductors.
However, all physics involves the same fundamental principles,
so specialties may overlap, and physicists may switch from one
subfield to another. Also, growing numbers of physicists work
in combined fields, such as biophysics, chemical physics, and
geophysics. 1st credit service union
Except on small aircraft, two pilots usually make up the
cockpit crew. Usually, the most experienced pilot, the
captain, is in command and supervises all other crew
members. The pilot and copilot share flying and other duties,
such as communicating with air traffic controllers and
monitoring the instruments. Some large aircraft have a third
pilot- the flight engineer-who assists the other
pilots by monitoring and operating many of the instruments and
systems, making minor inflight repairs, and watching for other
aircraft. New technology can perform many flight tasks,
however, and virtually all new aircraft now fly with only two
pilots, who rely more heavily on computerized controls. As
older, less technologically sophisticated aircraft continue to
retire from airline fleets, flight engineer jobs will
diminish. card chase credit customer
Before departure, pilots plan their flights carefully. They
thoroughly check their aircraft to make sure that the engines,
controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning
properly. They also make sure that baggage or cargo has been
loaded correctly. They confer with flight dispatchers and
aviation weather forecasters to find out about weather
conditions enroute and at their destination. Based on this
information, they choose a route, altitude, and speed that will
provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flight. When flying
under instrument flight rules-procedures governing the
operation of the aircraft when there is poor visibility-the
pilot in command, or the company dispatcher, normally files an
instrument flight plan with air traffic control so that the
flight can be coordinated with other air traffic. card chase credit service
Takeoff and landing are the most difficult parts of the
flight and require close coordination between the pilot and
first officer. For example, as the plane accelerates for
takeoff, the pilot concentrates on the runway while the first
officer scans the instrument panel. To calculate the speed they
must attain to become airborne, pilots consider the altitude of
the airport, outside temperature, weight of the plane, and the
speed and direction of the wind. The moment the plane reaches
takeoff speed, the first officer informs the pilot, who then
pulls back on the controls to raise the nose of the plane. citi credit monitoring service
Unless the weather is bad, the actual flight is relatively
easy. Airplane pilots, with the assistance of autopilot and the
flight management computer, steer the plane along their planned
route and are monitored by the air traffic control stations
they pass along the way. They regularly scan the instrument
panel to check their fuel supply, the condition of their
engines, and the air-conditioning, hydraulic, and other
systems. Pilots may request a change in altitude or route if
circumstances dictate. For example, if the ride is rougher than
expected, they may ask air traffic control if pilots flying at
other altitudes have reported better conditions. If so, they
may request a change. This procedure also may be used to find a
stronger tailwind or a weaker headwind to save fuel and
increase speed. credit plus service union
In contrast, helicopters are used for short trips at
relatively low altitude, so pilots must be constantly on the
lookout for trees, bridges, power lines, transmission towers,
and other dangerous obstacles. Regardless of the type of
aircraft, all pilots must monitor warning devices designed to
help detect sudden shifts in wind conditions that can cause
crashes. credit farm service
Pilots must rely completely on their instruments when
visibility is poor. Using the altimeter readings, they know how
high above ground they are and whether or not they can fly
safely over mountains and other obstacles. Special navigation
radios give pilots precise information which, with the help of
special maps, tell them their exact position. Other very
sophisticated equipment provides directions to a point just
above the end of a runway and enables pilots to land completely
blind. 1st credit federal service
Once on the ground, pilots must complete records on their
flight for their organization and the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). The number of nonflying duties that
pilots have depends on the employment setting. Airline pilots
have the services of large support staffs, and consequently,
perform few nonflying duties. Pilots employed by other
organizations such as charter operators or businesses have many
other duties. They may load the aircraft, handle all passenger
luggage to ensure a balanced load, and supervise refueling;
other nonflying responsibilities include keeping records,
scheduling flights, arranging for major maintenance, and
performing minor aircraft maintenance and repair work. credit paychex service tax
Some pilots are instructors. They teach their students the
principles of flight in ground-school classes and demonstrate
how to operate aircraft in dual-controlled planes and
helicopters. A few specially trained pilots are
examiners or check pilots. They
periodically fly with other pilots or pilot s license
applicants to make sure that they are proficient. credit service tax
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