Day at Work: Architectural Designer
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.
Day at Work: Fashion Designer
Description: Fashion designers create new clothing and accessories, helping to guide the process from start to finish.
Median Annual Income: $72,720 per year
Day at Work: Food Stylist
Day at Work: Furniture Designer/Maker
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.
Day at Work: GIS Analyst
Day at Work: Graphic Designer
Description: Graphic Designers create images and layouts.
Knowledge Required: Graphic designers usually posess a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field.
Best Cities for this Job: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco
Median Annual Income: $50,370
Future Growth: The field of graphic design is expected to grow 4% from 2016 to 2026 which is slightly slower than average.