9781422276631

7 a vocational or technical program.) For each profile, the best ways for high school students to prepare are featured in a “Start Preparing Now” section. For readers who are called to serve in the armed forces, this decision also provides an op- portunity to step into a range of careers. Every branch of the armed forces, from the army to the coast guard, offers training in areas including administrative, construction, electronics, health care, and protective services. One volume of Careers in Demand for High School Graduates is devoted to careers that can be reached with military training. These range from personnel spe- cialist to aircraft mechanic. Beyond military options, other entry-level careers provide job seek- ers with an opportunity to test-drive a career without a huge commitment. Compare the ease of switching from being a bank teller to a sales represen- tative, for instance, with that of invest- ing three years and tens of thousands of dollars into a law school education, only to discover a dislike for the pro- fession. This series offers not only a look at related careers but alsoways to advance in the field. Another section, “Finding a Job,” provides job-hunting tips specific to each career. This in- cludes, for instance, advice for teacher assistants to develop a portfolio of their work. As it turns out, employers of entry-level workers aren’t looking for degrees and academic achieve- ments. They want employability skills: a sense of responsibility, a willingness to learn, discipline, flexibility, and above all, enthusiasm. Luckily, with 100 jobs profiled in Careers in De- mand for High School Graduates , find- ing the perfect one to get enthusiastic about is easier than ever. p Construction labor can be strenuous, but if you like lifting and carrying heavy loads, climbing, and working on your feet, this may be the job for you.

Introduction  •