IT & Design

Description: Architects plan and design houses, office buildings, factories and other structures.
Knowledge Required: A knowledge and practical application of math, engineering techniques, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary.
Skills: Problem solving, critical thinking and information ordering skills are important because often a design begins as a way to combat a problem. Architects are usually interested and proficient in art (be it drawing or computer art).
Career Path: Architects must pass a state-administered test to gain a license. This test comes after a degree (Associates, Bachelors, or Advanced) and on the job apprenticeship.
Median Annual Income: National: $76,750 CA: $88,350
Future Growth: Jobs in architecture and design will become more abundant as green jobs continue to increase. The US economic stimulus package is expected to boost the creation and transformation of up to 400,000 Green Jobs. In architecture this includes not only new Green buildings but retrofitting existing structures to make them more energy efficient.

Overview: Melissa Fleis went from working at a retailer to becoming a designer on Project Runway to owning her own clothing line. Find out how following your dreams can lead you to unexpected opportunities in our latest Day at Work!

Overview: Kim Kissling is a San Francisco/Bay Area based food stylist and a two-time award winner from the Internatonal Association of Culinary Professionals. In this Day at Work video, she talks about a hands-on approach to food styling.

Description: Furniture designers and makers craft cabinets, tables, and other furniture in work environments varying from small, artisan shops to industrial factory settings.
Knowledge Required: Furniture designers and makers use a variety of power tools and woodworking machines. In addition to cutting and shaping the wood, they also verify dimensions and use fasteners and adhesives to connect the pieces. They must have knowledge of measurements, geometric concepts, and design.
Skills: Physical strength and stamina, math, mechanical skills, problem solving, attention to detail
Career Path: Taking courses at a community college or technical school can provide needed training in wood technology, furniture manufacturing, and production management. Furniture designers and makers should also take classes that focus in computer applications and mathematics. In order to become a fully trained woodworker, an individual may need 3 or more years of on-the-job training. Competency with automated equipment and computer-controlled machinery is becoming more and more essential.
Best Cities for this Job: Los Angeles, Baltimore, Memphis, Virginia Beach, Camden
Median Annual Income: National: $27,360; CA: $26,630
Future Growth: Due to an increasing population, growing wealth, and continuing renovation and repair projects, this field is projected to grow 18 percent by 2020. Because much of the industry will increase its use of automated systems, more workers will be required to operate and maintain equipment.
From the Field: “The thing I love the most is just the act of creation—of having an idea, taking just a concept or a sketch, and making it this tangible object that could bring tears to someone’s eyes. ” – Jared Rusten
Did You Know?: Ancient Egyptians invented the art of veneering and developed varnishes for finishing woodworking projects.

Overview: Wesley C. is a cartographer and Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst for the San Francisco Department of Public Health. He uses GIS technology to gather and organize information in order to improve pedestrian infrastructure. As part of ConnectED's "Day at Work" series, Wesley discusses his daily duties and the knowledge needed to be a Cartographer and GIS Analyst.

Overview: Maurice Woods is a graphic designer and founder of the Inneract Project, which provides free design classes for inner-city youth. As part of ConnectED's "Day at Work" series, Maurice talks about his transition from basketball to graphic design.