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Miscellaneous Media and Communication Workers

Job Zone
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

  • Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.97
  • Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.93
  • Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.87
  • Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.86
  • Adapt translations to students' cognitive and grade levels, collaborating with educational team members as necessary.86
  • Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.85
  • Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions.84
  • Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.83
  • Check original texts or confer with authors to ensure that translations retain the content, meaning, and feeling of the original material.83
  • Compile information on content and context of information to be translated and on intended audience.81
  • Adapt software and accompanying technical documents to another language and culture.81
  • Educate students, parents, staff, and teachers about the roles and functions of educational interpreters.74
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  • Proofread, edit, and revise translated materials.73
  • Train and supervise other translators or interpreters.70
  • Read written materials, such as legal documents, scientific works, or news reports, and rewrite material into specified languages.68
  • Travel with or guide tourists who speak another language.63
  • Discuss translation requirements with clients and determine any fees to be charged for services provided.63

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

  • Speaking78

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Active Listening75

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Reading Comprehension72

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Writing69

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Critical Thinking66

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Monitoring66

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Active Learning53

    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Judgment and Decision Making53

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Service Orientation53

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Social Perceptiveness53

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Complex Problem Solving50

    Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

  • Coordination50

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

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  • Instructing50

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Learning Strategies50

    Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

  • Time Management50

    Managing one's own time and the time of others.

  • Persuasion47

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

  • Management of Personnel Resources44

    Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

  • Negotiation35

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

  • Systems Analysis28

    Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

  • Systems Evaluation28

    Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

  • Mathematics25

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Operations Monitoring25

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Quality Control Analysis25

    Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

  • Technology Design22

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

  • Operations Analysis16

    Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • Management of Financial Resources6

    Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

  • Management of Material Resources6

    Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

  • Troubleshooting6

    Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

  • Programming3

    Writing computer programs for various purposes.

  • Science3

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Equipment Maintenance0

    Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

  • Equipment Selection0

    Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

  • Installation0

    Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

  • Operation and Control0

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Repairing0

    Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

  • English Language92

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

  • Foreign Language78

    Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

  • Customer and Personal Service72

    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

  • Education and Training60

    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • Administrative56

    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

  • Public Safety and Security52

    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

  • Law and Government51

    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

  • Computers and Electronics48

    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • Communications and Media39

    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

  • Psychology38

    Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

  • Sociology and Anthropology37

    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

  • Administration and Management35

    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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  • Mathematics34

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Medicine and Dentistry31

    Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

  • Geography30

    Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

  • Personnel and Human Resources28

    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

  • Telecommunications27

    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • Biology26

    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

  • Therapy and Counseling22

    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

  • Transportation20

    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

  • History and Archeology19

    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

  • Production and Processing19

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Economics and Accounting17

    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

  • Philosophy and Theology17

    Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

  • Sales and Marketing13

    Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

  • Chemistry11

    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

  • Design10

    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • Engineering and Technology9

    Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

  • Physics8

    Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

  • Fine Arts6

    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

  • Mechanical6

    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Building and Construction5

    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

  • Food Production3

    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

  • Oral Expression81

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Oral Comprehension78

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Written Comprehension75

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Written Expression75

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

  • Speech Clarity72

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Speech Recognition72

    The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

  • Information Ordering69

    The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

  • Near Vision66

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Problem Sensitivity66

    The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

  • Deductive Reasoning53

    The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

  • Selective Attention53

    The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

  • Auditory Attention50

    The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

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  • Category Flexibility50

    The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

  • Fluency of Ideas50

    The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

  • Inductive Reasoning50

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Originality50

    The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

  • Speed of Closure50

    The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

  • Time Sharing50

    The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

  • Far Vision47

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Flexibility of Closure47

    The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

  • Hearing Sensitivity47

    The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

  • Memorization47

    The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

  • Perceptual Speed47

    The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

  • Visualization44

    The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

  • Finger Dexterity31

    The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

  • Mathematical Reasoning25

    The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

  • Number Facility25

    The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

  • Trunk Strength25

    The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

  • Visual Color Discrimination25

    The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

  • Gross Body Coordination22

    The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

  • Multilimb Coordination22

    The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

  • Stamina22

    The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness19

    The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Depth Perception13

    The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

  • Manual Dexterity13

    The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • Dynamic Strength10

    The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

  • Explosive Strength10

    The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

  • Extent Flexibility10

    The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Gross Body Equilibrium10

    The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

  • Static Strength10

    The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed6

    The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

  • Response Orientation3

    The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

  • Speed of Limb Movement3

    The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

  • Control Precision0

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

  • Dynamic Flexibility0

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Glare Sensitivity0

    The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

  • Night Vision0

    The ability to see under low-light conditions.

  • Peripheral Vision0

    The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

  • Rate Control0

    The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

  • Reaction Time0

    The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

  • Sound Localization0

    The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

  • Spatial Orientation0

    The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others93

    Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships81

    Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates79

    Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge78

    Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events77

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

  • Getting Information76

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public74

    Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

  • Documenting/Recording Information70

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems69

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization68

    Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards67

    Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings65

    Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

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  • Thinking Creatively64

    Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

  • Training and Teaching Others63

    Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work62

    Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

  • Analyzing Data or Information58

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Developing and Building Teams57

    Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

  • Working with Computers57

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Assisting and Caring for Others53

    Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others51

    Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

  • Coaching and Developing Others48

    Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

  • Processing Information48

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

  • Scheduling Work and Activities48

    Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People47

    Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others46

    Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies46

    Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

  • Performing Administrative Activities45

    Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates42

    Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials42

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others41

    Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information38

    Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

  • Performing General Physical Activities38

    Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources30

    Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

  • Staffing Organizational Units28

    Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes20

    Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

  • Selling or Influencing Others20

    Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment18

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment17

    Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

  • Handling and Moving Objects15

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment11

    Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment6

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

  • Integrity92

    A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

  • Attention to Detail88

    A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

  • Dependability88

    A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

  • Intellectual Curiosity67

    A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

  • Cautiousness66

    A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

  • Self-Control59

    A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

  • Sincerity57

    A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

  • Adaptability53

    A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

  • Tolerance for Ambiguity53

    A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

  • Achievement Orientation51

    A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

  • Cooperation49

    A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

  • Perseverance49

    A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

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  • Stress Tolerance49

    A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

  • Social Orientation46

    A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

  • Empathy42

    A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

  • Self-Confidence39

    A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

  • Humility29

    A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

  • Initiative25

    A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

  • Innovation21

    A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

  • Optimism15

    A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

  • Conventional63

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

  • Artistic55

    Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

  • Social41

    Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

  • Investigative37

    Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

  • Enterprising15

    Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

  • Realistic15

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    • Extremely important92%
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

    • Extremely important88%
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

    • Every day80%
    • Once a week or more but not every day15%
  • Contact With Others

    • Constant contact with others71%
    • Contact with others most of the time18%
  • E-Mail

    • Every day74%
    • Once a week or more but not every day15%
  • Frequency of Decision Making

    • Every day64%
    • Once a week or more but not every day32%
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

    • Extremely important55%
    • Very important37%
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

    • Very important results42%
    • Important results43%
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

    • Every day72%
    • Never20%
  • Freedom to Make Decisions

    • A lot of freedom32%
    • Some freedom56%
  • Time Pressure

    • Every day72%
    • Once a year or more but not every month11%
    • Never16%
  • Level of Competition

    • Extremely competitive35%
    • Highly competitive30%
    • Moderately competitive24%
    • Slightly competitive11%
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  • Telephone Conversations

    • Every day33%
    • Once a week or more but not every day24%
    • Once a month or more but not every week24%
    • Once a year or more but not every month13%
  • Spend Time Sitting

    • Continually or almost continually39%
    • More than half the time21%
    • Less than half the time28%
  • Consequence of Error

    • Extremely serious51%
    • Fairly serious36%
  • Physical Proximity

    • Moderately close (at arm's length)58%
    • Slightly close (e.g., shared office)16%
    • I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)19%
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

    • A lot of freedom19%
    • Some freedom37%
    • Limited freedom18%
    • Very little freedom20%
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility13%
    • High responsibility46%
    • Limited responsibility20%
    • No responsibility12%
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

    • Every day29%
    • Once a week or more but not every day12%
    • Once a month or more but not every week16%
    • Once a year or more but not every month32%
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

    • Extremely important27%
    • Very important15%
    • Important30%
    • Not important at all26%
  • Conflict Situations

    • Every day22%
    • Once a week or more but not every day18%
    • Once a year or more but not every month36%
    • Never17%
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

    • Extremely important23%
    • Important27%
    • Fairly important24%
    • Not important at all19%
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections

    • Every day22%
    • Once a week or more but not every day14%
    • Once a month or more but not every week25%
    • Never34%
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

    • Every day19%
    • Once a week or more but not every day23%
    • Once a year or more but not every month30%
    • Never27%
  • Public Speaking

    • Every day33%
    • Once a year or more but not every month32%
    • Never31%
  • Written Letters and Memos

    • Once a week or more but not every day29%
    • Once a year or more but not every month37%
    • Never17%
  • Spend Time Standing

    • More than half the time28%
    • Less than half the time53%
  • Duration of Typical Work Week

    • More than 40 hours26%
    • 40 hours29%
    • Less than 40 hours45%
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

    • Continually or almost continually36%
    • Never55%
  • Spend Time Walking or Running

    • Continually or almost continually14%
    • More than half the time14%
    • About half the time21%
    • Less than half the time24%
    • Never27%
  • Exposed to Contaminants

    • Every day19%
    • Once a year or more but not every month25%
    • Never54%
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers

    • Moderate responsibility31%
    • Limited responsibility20%
    • No responsibility46%
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

    • Every day14%
    • Once a year or more but not every month22%
    • Never57%
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

    • Once a week or more but not every day14%
    • Once a year or more but not every month33%
    • Never47%
  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

    • Once a month or more but not every week17%
    • Once a year or more but not every month24%
    • Never52%
  • Degree of Automation

    • Moderately automated19%
    • Slightly automated35%
    • Not at all automated43%
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

    • Once a week or more but not every day14%
    • Once a year or more but not every month25%
    • Never61%
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

    • Important14%
    • Not important at all76%
  • Work Schedules

    • Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)30%
    • Regular (established routine, set schedule)70%
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

    • Never80%
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

    • Once a month or more but not every week17%
    • Once a year or more but not every month19%
    • Never64%
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
    • Once a year or more but not every month16%
    • Never68%
  • Exposed to Radiation

    • Once a week or more but not every day14%
    • Never81%
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

    • Once a year or more but not every month12%
    • Never77%
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

    • Less than half the time38%
    • Never60%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
    • Never84%
  • Outdoors, Under Cover

    • Once a year or more but not every month22%
    • Never71%
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

    • Once a year or more but not every month30%
    • Never70%
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

    • Once a year or more but not every month21%
    • Never79%
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

    • Once a year or more but not every month15%
    • Never85%
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

    • Less than half the time16%
    • Never84%
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

    • Less than half the time13%
    • Never87%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

    • Never99%
  • Exposed to High Places

    • Never98%
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

    • Never100%
  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

    • Never100%
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

    • Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree
  • High school diploma or equivalent

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

  • Web platform development software

    Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML, Hypertext markup language HTML

  • Presentation software

    Microsoft PowerPoint

  • Foreign language software

    AceTools.biz Ace Translator, Adapt It, Smart Link Corporation ImTranslator, Stormdance CatsCradle

  • Spreadsheet software

    Microsoft Excel

  • Electronic mail software

    Microsoft Outlook

  • Office suite software

    Microsoft Office software

  • Word processing software

    Microsoft Word

  • Internet browser software

    Web browser software

  • Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software

    Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software

  • Data base user interface and query software

    Microsoft Access

  • Project management software

    Productivity software

  • Dictionary software

    Electronic dictionaries

  • Mobile messaging service software

    Intrado SchoolMessenger

Professional Associations

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

  • Maintain security.
  • Monitor work environment to ensure safety or adherence to specifications.
  • Translate information for others.
  • Compile technical information or documentation.
  • Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.
  • Verify accuracy of data.
  • Provide educational information to the public.
  • Edit written materials.
  • Train others on work processes.
  • Confer with clients to determine needs.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

  • Interpreters and Translators (Nof)
O*NET in-it

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology

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