9781422276648

7 or career academies. (Currently, for instance, one in four students con- centrates on a vocational or technical program.) For each profile, the best ways for high school students to pre- pare are featured in a “Start Preparing Now” section. For readers who are called to serve in the armed forces, this de- cision also provides an opportunity to step into a range of careers. Every branch of the armed forces from the army to the coast guard offers train- ing 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 special- ist 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 investing three years and tens of thousands of dollars into a law school education, only to discover a dislike for the profession. Careers in Demand offers not only a look at related careers but also ways to advance in the field. Another section, “Finding a Job,” provides job-hunting tips specific to each career. This includes, 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 achievements. They want employability skills: a sense of responsibility, awillingness to learn, discipline, flexibility, and above all, enthusiasm. Luckily, with 100 jobs profiled in Careers in Demand for High School Graduates, finding the perfect one to get enthusiastic about is easier than ever . p  If you enjoy making things grow, a nursery/greenhouse assistant job could be right for you.

Introduction  •