Connecticut Career Paths

Under Construction:
Road Map to Your Future

This report is published by the Connecticut Career Resource Network,
the Department of Labor, and the State Department of Education
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INSIDE

Choosing Careers
Jobs in Demand
Career Descriptions & Wages
Training
Job Hunting
Web Sites
Resources
State Agencies

For further information, contact: Connecticut Career Resource Network Connecticut Department of Labor 200 Folly Brook Boulevard Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860) 263-6258 carolyn.bridges@po.state.ct.us

Connecticut Career Resource Network

A unit of the Connecticut Department of Labor, CCRN works to bring labor market information to counselors, educators, and job seekers. Substantial funding is provided by the State Department of Education and DOL’s Center for Faith-Based and Community-Based Initiatives to publish the:

CONNECTICUT CAREER PATHS

PROJECT DIRECTOR
Roger Therrien
Director of Research

EDITORS
Carol Bridges
CCRN Program Manager

Wanda Izdebski
Research Assistant

John Tirinzonie
Director of Job Development Unit

Cynthia DeLisa
Research Analyst

DESIGNERS
Erin Wilkins
Research Analyst

Grayson Gregory
Research Analyst

Karen Burgess
Administrative Assistant

It is the policy of the Connecticut State Board of Education and the Department of Labor that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise discriminated against under any program, including employment, because of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, mental retardation or past/present history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability.
Connecticut Career Paths is also available on-line at www.ctdol.state.ct.us/lmi.

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A Message from the Commissioners

Dear Reader:

Connecticut is a great place to live and work. The best and brightest minds of today and tomorrow are choosing to call Connecticut their home. Despite a sluggish economy, the state’s unemployment rate is about a percentage point lower than the national average. And although the job market has gotten tighter, many of Connecticut’s companies continue to search for workers.

In today’s society, layoffs and downsizing have become a way of doing business, reshaping organizations, occupations and careers. In these times of uncertainty, there is no longer security in the workplace. You can expect to change jobs and careers several times during your working life.

Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions we make in life. Career planning is a lifelong process that requires making complex decisions. It can determine your quality of life and your role in Connecticut’s future.

The bottom line is that our state offers a wide array of opportunities for those who are just starting out in their careers and for those who are thinking of making a change. Being aware of what jobs are in demand is key in today’s world. And taking time to do a little research can go a long way toward ensuring a satisfying career.

Access to reliable information is essential for making informed decisions. Connecticut Career Paths contains information that can help you make the decision that is right for you. It contains current labor market information on over 180 occupations that enables individuals to plan for the jobs of tomorrow, as well as today. It also includes an overview of employmentrelated services available from state agencies.

In today’s fast-moving global economy, the more you keep your skills and education up to date the better your chances are for a successful and profitable future. We hope this publication will assist you in achieving your goals.

Our best wishes to you in your future endeavors.

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Adult Education Opportunities
It doesn’t matter how old you are or how long ago you last took a course, you can still complete your high school education, increase your English language skills, prepare for the citizenship examination or improve your math and reading skills. There are a number of options available for obtaining a high school diploma:

• Preparation for the GED (General Educational Development) Test
• Adult High School Credit Diploma Program; and
• External Diploma Program.

One of these programs may meet your needs as an adult learner. Several provide credit for prior academic courses, work and/or military experience and may offer the opportunity for independent study or research projects.

Adult Education programs also offer classes in these areas:

• Basic academic skills in reading, writing, mathematics and oral communication;
• English for individuals who wish to improve their abilities in speaking, writing, reading and/or understanding the English language; and
• Preparation for the Citizenship examination for foreign born adults.

For further information, contact your local school district or the Bureau of Early Childhood, Career and Adult Education in the State Department of Education at (860) 807-2121.

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Which Jobs are in Demand?
When considering occupations, it is important to research how much training or education is necessary and how difficult it will be to find employment after graduating or completing training.

If your career choice has few openings, you must be willing to face competition in finding a job, take a position that is below your training level, take a position in a different field, or relocate to find employment.

Eighteen percent of annual job openings in Connecticut will require a Bachelor’s degree. Workers will be rewarded for their extra education with an average salary of $66,735. While there will be a greater number of job openings for positions that need short-term on-the-job training (OJT), the annual salary for these positions averages $23,782. There are some short-term OJT jobs in demand that do have higher than average wages, which include:

• Postal Mail Carriers $39,700
• Bill and Account Collectors $33,230
• Billing Clerks and Machine Operators $31,035
• Order Clerks $30,365
• Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $30,195
• Library Technicians $29,730

The following details the careers with the highest demand in Connecticut. More information on job growth and occupations that require short-term on-the-job training can be found at www.ctdol.state.ct.us/lmi.

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First Professional, Doctor’s and Master’s Degrees
 
This table includes three groups of occupations that require study beyond a Bachelor’s degree: First Professional degree - such as law; Doctoral degree - such as college faculty; and Master’s degree - such as psychologists.

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Associate’s Degree or Vocational Training
 
This table includes occupations that require an Associate’s degree, which is generally two years of full-time academic work after high school. Also included are occupations requiring training, anywhere from a few weeks to a year, resulting in certification. To be certified, some occupations require passing an examination after completion of training. The average annual wage for workers in this group is $42,671.

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Work Experience in a Related Occupation
 
This group includes occupations that require skills and experience that may be gained from another occupation or activity. These activities may include hobbies and service in the Armed Forces. The average annual wage for workers in this group is $50,145.

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Long-Term On-the-Job Training
 
This category includes workers that are considered employed in an occupation while receiving more than 12 months of on-the-job training or instruction. It includes apprenticeships and intensive employer-sponsored training. The average annual wage for workers in this group is $40,469.

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Moderate-Term On-the-Job Training
 
This category covers occupations in which workers can develop the skills needed for average job performance after one to twelve months of combined on-the-job experience and informal training. The average annual wage for workers in this group is $35,516.

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Show Me the Money!

Part of being a responsible citizen includes financially supporting yourself and your family. When managed properly, even small salaries can stretch to meet your needs. To better negotiate salary offers, have a range in mind before you begin interviewing. The budget below provides a template for your own financial plan.

Joe’s Budget

Joe works 40 hours a week as an automotive mechanic and earns $15 an hour. He lives in a one bedroom apartment and recently bought a second-hand car. His mid-term savings are earmarked for starting his own automotive shop. To improve his financial standing, he is focusing on paying off his credit card debt.

Pointers for Financial Stability

• Check your credit rating at least once a year. This gives you the opportunity to correct mistakes, catch identity theft, and receive tips on improving your rating. For more information, contact these credit reporting agencies:
  www.Experian.com ~ 888-397-3742
  www.Truecredit.com ~ 800-493-2392
  www.Equifax.com ~ 800-685-1111
  www.Transunion.com ~ 800-916-8800
  


• Prepare for emergencies, illness, or unemployment by maintaining a savings account balance of at least three months’ expenses. In Joe’s case, the minimum safety net would equal $5,500 (3 x $1,830).



• Set financial goals with deadlines. Before spending money, ask yourself if the item is more important than your goal.



• Visit with a financial planner and discuss specific goals. The “perfect” financial plan will change due to your goals: saving for your children’s education, providing for your elderly parent, saving for a home, or retiring early.



• Save for retirement, no matter how small the amount. Accounts that automatically deduct from your savings account or paycheck make saving easier.



• You won’t miss what you’ve never had. When you pay off a loan or your income increases, deposit that “payment” or raise into a savings account.



• Why pay more? Pay off your credit card balances every month to avoid interest fees. Missing or late payments on any account will reflect poorly when applying for a home or automotive loan - resulting in a rejection or higher interest rate.



• No credit can be just as bad as poor credit - do create accounts in your name and pay them on time every month to establish a good credit history.



• Limit your trips to the ATM. Take out a set amount each week and keep your spending under that amount.



• If you work more than one job, check to make sure enough money is witheld from your paychecks to cover taxes on your total income. Often people working two jobs will wind up owing a large amount at tax time!



• Put things in perspective. Cable TV and that daily coffee from the cafe can total $400 a year each. Would you rather have that money in a savings plan?
  

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Putting Genes and You to Work in BioScience

You don’t need a Ph.D. to play a role in one of the most exciting times in the history of modern medicine. Scientists mapping the Human Genome have produced a wealth of new information that BioScience companies are using to develop new therapeutics to treat diseases that contribute to the quality of life, and ultimately save lives. The use of technology in BioScience is advancing research at a significant pace and resulting in improvements in agriculture and diagnostic tests for disease. These advancements in technology and science represent a significant opportunity to change the traditional research and development process. Because of this, there are many unique opportunities for qualified individuals seeking a career in BioScience.

Connecticut is home to more than 100 BioScience organizations, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research and educational institutions, health-related corporations and professional societies. Connecticut has experienced phenomenal growth in the BioScience industry and employs 16,500 people throughout the state. Nationally, BioScience employment has nearly doubled in the last six years to 191,000 jobs.

BioScience these days is more than just a scientist conducting experiments at a bench. Traditional laboratories have experienced a technology revolution and many are filled with the latest scientific equipment and computers. Many processes are automated to help speed the research process. This automation and availability of computer technology has created broad opportunities for those with a B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. to participate in innovative research.

BIOSCIENCE CAREER CRITERIA

Interest in Science
Team Player
Strong Reading, Writing and Math Skills
Ability to Work with Computers
Problem-Solving Ability
Desire to Constantly Improve Knowledge Base

Ph.D.s In Top Demand

Ph.D.s are always in top demand in the BioScience industry and opportunities abound in pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations for persons with doctorate degrees in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical and biochemical engineering, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, microbiology and other life sciences. These professionals lead an organization’s research and development efforts and the positions require significant critical thinking and the ability to identify research problems, propose solutions, design experiments to achieve successful outcomes and analyze data to determine results.

Get a Background in Science

Connecticut is home to more than 45 colleges and universities, with the majority of them offering degrees in the life sciences. Yale University, The University of Connecticut and the Connecticut State University System, including Central, Eastern, Southern and Western are the most widely known in the BioScience industry.

For career changers or those interested in shorter-term education, Connecticut is fortunate in that several of its community colleges offer educational programs that prepare students for entry-level positions in BioScience. Middlesex Community College, for example, offers a Biotechnology Program where students learn the ins-and-outs of biology, chemistry, microbiology, molecular biotechniques, genetics and chemical instrumentation. Once the program is completed, students have the basic education to obtain a technical position in a BioScience company where they may be responsible for running experiments and operating computer-based laboratory equipment. Many of the companies support further education so individuals can grow in expertise and responsibility in a research organization.

It’s All About The Technology

BioScience has experienced a technology revolution and, nowadays, many experiments are run by robots and computers. While laboratory notebooks are still kept, results from experiments are chronicled in the archives of massive computer systems and the information is analyzed by computer programs based on complicated algorithms. This has provided many opportunities for computer science professionals in the BioScience field. In addition, it has given rise to the new field of Bioinformatics, or the study of BioScience combined with information technology.

Bioinformaticists typically hold a bachelor’s degree, master’s or doctorate in computer science or biology and develop software programs that operate an organization’s automated lab equipment, perform unique algorithms to analyze data for research scientists and run a company’s database of research information.

In addition, with all the automated laboratory equipment in BioScience today, there is a need for engineers to run and maintain the complicated systems. Gateway Community College offers a biomedical engineering technology program where students learn how to maintain, calibrate and modify and adapt biomedical equipment. Graduates of the program are qualified for entry level positions as an instrumentation calibration technician for production, validation and research equipment. The program has been designated a “Center of Excellence” by the Board of Governors for Higher Education and is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC/ABET).

Business Professionals, Please?

Just like other industries, BioScience organizations still need professionals with business and administrative expertise, from marketing and sales, to legal, accounting, finance and human resource expertise. Monitoring clinical trials provides many opportunities to work directly with clinical research facilities as medicines are developed. Organizing data and participating in the regulatory submission area also offers unique and challenging opportunities.

A general understanding of science or the BioScience industry is always helpful in obtaining administrative positions in a BioScience company, but not always necessary. There are also many opportunities in BioScience administration for Ph.D.s with business experience. These people are in particularly high demand because of their ability to understand the science behind the organization’s business.

BioScience Continues to Advance

As technology improves and research continues to innovate, new fields of study in the life sciences are evolving. Proteomics, or the study of how proteins function and how they interact with one another to affect disease in the human body, is quickly emerging as the “hot” field in BioScience. The study of pharmacogenomics focuses on how particular medicines function to treat diseases and also how particular medicines may work better in one person over another because of an individual person’s genetic composition. The hope is that these fields of study will lead to safer, more effective therapeutics to save lives and treat disease.

A Rapidly Changing and Exciting Field

It’s no secret that BioScience is a rapidly changing and exciting field, and now is a better time than ever to become part of it. Significant advancements are being made on a daily basis with the goal of improving human health, and there are many unique opportunities for people to take part in the revolution.
- Contributed by Gary Wilson, CURE and the Connecticut BioScience Cluster Committee For more information, go to: www.curenet.org

Career Assessment
 
Are you looking for a new career? For career success, it is important to choose a career that fits your personality and interests. With proper career selection, the daily grind can turn into workday utopia (or at least a “hey, this job isn’t so bad”). For example, a creative, artistically gifted painter would probably dread a workday as a detail-oriented accountant. Even if the person did not fail, they would find the work stressful and less enjoyable.

Because career assessment tests evaluate your skills and interests, taking one can be a first step in the process of self-discovery. Relax - there are no wrong answers to these tests. However, you do need to be absolutely honest about your interests, skills, and behavior or the tests will give misleading results. There are many types of assessment tests available: online, paper and pencil, and face-to-face with a career counselor. Some assessments can be taken for free; some have a fee charged.

Assessments are generally divided into personality and career tests. If you are not sure what type of job or career you want, it’s best to use both types of assessment. Your skills, interests and personality traits affect your job choices. A personality assessment such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator looks at the type of personality you have. The results of this test can point you towards a career or industry in which you would likely be comfortable and proficient. Some online personality assessments can be found at www.personalitytype.com and www.keirsey.com.

A career assessment usually guides you towards specific types of occupations. After completing these assessments, you get a general description of interests or skills, and usually a list of careers that match your traits. It is a good tool to use to start exploring specific jobs. Some online career assessments can be found at:
 
www.self-directed-search.com;

www.careerplanning.about.com; and

www.princetonreview.com/cte/quiz/default.asp.

There are numerous assessments, and you must feel comfortable with the test you are taking. No one test gives more accurate results than another does; therefore, it is often best to take multiple tests. Print out the results of the tests and compare them. Look for patterns and careers that show up on more than one list. A career counselor can help in interpreting and integrating the results of the assessment tests. Remember that any assessment is only a guide: results are only possibilities, not certainties. Disregard any results that don’t ring true for you.

For more information on assessments and career planning, contact any local CTWorks office. If you are a student, visit the Career Center in your school. Many schools assist alumni as well as current students. Web sites such as www.quintcareers.com and www.jobhuntersbible.com offer career assessment advice; see additional Web sites under Surf the Web in this publication.

Narrowing the Search
 
The more you know about your future career, the more prepared you will be for career opportunities. Consult guidance counselors, librarians, and, most importantly, employees who work in the field. Be able to describe your career with the categories below:

• Description of the job and daily tasks
  
• Advantages and disadvantages of the job
  
• Career ladder and advancement possibilities
  
• Cost, location, and length of training/education
  
• Job security and future changes
  
• Location of jobs
  
• Salary for entry-level and experienced workers
  

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The Road Less Traveled:
Detours from the Average Career
Stop for a moment and consider that one third of your day is spent at work. If you want a career that you’ll enjoy and feel passionate about, consider how you can depart from the norm to find (or create!) a job that expresses your unique personality. What do you have a passion for doing? What are your special strengths? Think of your life goals. Do you want to be known for improving the lives of children, breaking athletic records, or building a business from the ground up? The possibilities are limitless.

Inspiration Point
 
Jack Mehivic was a stressed-out salesman who was stuck in a miserable rut. He hated his job, but needed to put bread on the table. He really loved to play bridge, but could not see how it could provide an income. So he kept his sales job and decided to teach bridge to people on Friday nights and weekends. Before he knew it, he was in such great demand that he had to end his sales career in order to teach bridge full time. Eventually, he needed to hire other teachers, and in time, he expanded to other cities. When all was said and done, he ended up earning far more money as a teacher than he ever had as a salesman.

Do you want a conversation stopping job?
Check out these unusual careers:

Airshow Pilot
Aquarium Keeper
Beekeeper
Bicycle Messenger
Bigfoot Researcher
Billboard Hander
Blimp Pilot
Body Parts Model
Body Piercer
Brewmaster
Building Imploder
Cartoon Character Impersonator
Celebrity Impersonator
Christmas Lighting Designer
Christmas Tree Farmer
Comedy Writer
Costume Designer
Cowboy Crane Operator
Cryonicist (freezing dead bodies)
Cryptographer
Demolition Contractor
Dog Walker
Entomologist
Food Stylist
Greeting Card Writer
Helicopter Traffic Reporter
Ice Sculpture Carver
La-Z-Boy Furniture Tester
Lost Luggage Locator
Mannequin Maker
Marine Mammal Trainer
Mascot Pace Car Driver
Muppet Special Effects Creator
Odor Judge
Paranormal Researcher
Pyrotechnics Artist (fireworks)
Restaurant Critic
Rodeo Clown
Secret Shopper
Sports Mascot
Storm Chaser
Stunt Person
Tattoo Artist
Telephone Psychic
Toupee Maker
Trend Spotter
Video Game Designer
Voice-Over Actor
Web Site Monitor
Wedding Video Editor
Wedding Planner
Window Dresser
Wildlands Firefighter
Yoga Instructor
Zamboni Driver

Caution: ANIMALS Crossing with CAREERS

Aside from veterinarians, how many jobs involve animals? Plenty; read on:
Pet Lawyer - negotiate the complex world of animal bites, purebred breeders, and landlord-tenant disputes. Be aware that emotional involvement can jeopardize the ability to perform your job well.
Blacksmiths - otherwise known as farriers, custom design horseshoes. Work involves observing and examining horses along with using a forge to heat and shape metal.
Taxidermists - preserve deceased pets, hunted animals, and fish for trophies and remembrances.
Animal curators - formulate care guidelines, make breeding decisions, supervise keepers and exhibit designs in zoos or aquariums.
Animal rehabilitators - work with sick or injured wild animals. They nurse the animals back to health and then retrain them for survival before releasing them into their natural habitat.
Pet day care providers - play with and supervise animals. They may also visit pets in their home while owners are at work or on vacation.
Animal trainer - Disobedient pet? Animal trainers can train animals to obey simple behavioral commands, or train dogs to be seeing eye or guard dogs.

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Do you crave physical challenges or an adrenaline rush? You won’t have any difficulty staying awake in these Adventure Careers.

Wilderness adventure travel leaders guide small groups of adults or teenagers on mentally and physically challenging trips. Some examples of activities include backpacking through Yosemite National Park, sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands, sailing the Kona Coast of Hawaii, rafting down the jungle rivers in Costa Rica, or scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Teach bicycling, rock climbing, mountaineering, canoeing, snorkeling, caving, horsepacking, windsurfing, snowboarding and high ropes courses. Specialized indoor gyms allow people to practice during off-seasons.

High-rise window washers are suspended by two cables while working and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of a terrific, ever changing scene. The negative side? Strong winds can buffet workers against the side of a building with dangerous force, causing injuries.

Sword swallowers can also include fire, bayonets, and scissors in their acts. They find work at sideshow museums, private parties, and as public entertainment. Before performing, a deep state of relaxation is obtained through tai chi, yoga, or meditation.

But How Would I Spend My Vacation Time?

The fast growing cruise industry provides career opportunities for those who want to travel, experience the world, and meet new people. Ten to twenty new luxury liners are being built every year, and there are also opportunities to work on eco-tour ships, steamboats, and sailing yachts. As part of the cruise staff, job options would include cruise directors, performers, swimming instructors, or shore excursion staff. Deck positions involve maintaining and running the vessel, and keeping it in line with fleet regulations and international maritime laws. Officers are in charge of passenger safety, while the purser, or treasurer, is in charge of passenger accounts, tickets, and changing currency.
Service and hospitality jobs are responsible for managing the shipboard restaurants, bars, passenger cabins, and retail concessions. Personal care positions work in spa and beauty shop facilities and take care of the medical needs of the crew and passengers. Included here are salon operators, cosmetologists, beauticians, medical staff, massage therapists, personal trainers, and fitness instructors.

Be an Entrepreneur
Are you ready to start your own business? Being your own boss comes with great freedom and great responsibility. Before you start, you should be able to answer these questions:

• Who are my potential customers?
  
• Who are my competitors?
  
• How do I advertise and promote my product?
  
• Where is the best location for my business?
  
• How much are starting expenses? Include taxes, licensure, equipment, utilities, and inventory.
  
• Where are my suppliers?
  
• Will I need special transportation for my products or supplies?
  
• How do I record payroll, income, and expenses?
  
• What kind of insurance coverage do I need? Include liability, theft, life, and health.
  
• Where do I find answers to legal and accounting questions?
  

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Parental Guidance

Research shows that parents have the most influence on their kids’ choice of career, more than friends, teachers, counselors or siblings. It is important that parents use this influence in a positive way, to encourage their children to make the best decisions for their future success. There are many ways in which parents can help:

• Refrain from positive or negative comments about your child’s career interests. Do provide facts.
  
• Have your child present when you balance your checkbook and pay bills. Explain how much you make, how much you pay for cars, insurance, mortgage, etc. This will help them decide if a career will earn enough money for their needs.
  
• Compliment your child on accomplishments and grades. Notice what their personality strengths and weaknesses are.
  
• Bring them to work. If they are not interested in your line of work, arrange a job shadow day with a career that does interest them. Visit schools that offer those programs, and ask about admissions requirements. This not only helps them in career decisions, it works as incentive to keep their grades up to par.
  
• Know that your child’s interests and abilities may be very different from yours. Do not pass your career desires on to your child. If you always wanted to be an electrician and still think it’s a good career choice, pursue it for yourself, do not steer your child to that career.
  
• Avoid statements like “Go for a job that pays a lot.” Sit down and do the math - how much do you need to make.
  
• Parents don’t know everything. Encourage your child to talk with adult family members or friends about careers: aunts, godparents, older siblings, etc. Discuss people your child knows and their careers.
  
• Discuss values and lifestyles: vacation, housing, family size, special interests.
  
• Have a back up plan. Perhaps your child is set on joining the army, then upon application, discovers that her feet are too flat and gets rejected.
  

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Check out the new Department of Labor Web site focused on Faith-Based and Community-Based Initiatives at www.ctdol.state.ct.us/fbo/default.htm

• Calendar of Events
  
• Information Kits & Outreach Materials
  
• Funding Opportunities
  
• FAQs
  
• Best Practices and Success Stories
  
• Local Contacts
  

“Reaching out to Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations to market Connecticut’s One-Stop employment system and to invite their participation in the process.”

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CAREER TABLE

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• Local wages, number of job openings, and projected growth rate of occupations
  
• Descriptions of over 800 occupations, 200 with videos
  
• Detailed information of over 140,000 Connecticut employers, including maps to their locations
  
• Connecticut education, training, and financial aid information
  
• Search for local services: child care, transportation, health care, and housing
  
• Connecticut Job Bank and other popular job search Web sites
  

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Connecticut Learns: A School-to-Career System

Arts and Media: This career cluster includes jobs performing in theater, dance and music, and behind-the-scenes jobs such as set design, set lighting and camera work. It also includes the visual arts, such as painting and sculpture, and the management of theaters, museums, art galleries and concert spaces. Look for career cluster code 1.

Occupational Titles
• Announcers, Radio and Television
• Art Directors
• Artists and Animators, Multi-Media
• Commercial and Industrial Designers
• Dancers
• Desktop Publishers
• Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
• Graphic Designers
• Photographers
• Writers and Editors

Business and Finance: This career cluster includes jobs in “offices” found in a variety of settings. There are jobs for graduates with accounting backgrounds, for employees who can manage both people and money, and for others who can make business decisions on developing and selling products and services. All offices depend upon well-trained administrative support staff people, who need to know how to use computers, fax machines and other office equipment.Look for career cluster code 2.

Occupational Titles
• Accountants and Auditors
• Administrative Services Managers
• Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
• Buyers, Retail/Wholesale
• Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
• Computer Programmers
• Computer Software Engineers
• Computer Support Specialists
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Customer Service Representative
• Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire and Ambulance
• Employment, Recruitment, and Placement Specialists
• Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
• Financial Analysts
• Insurance Sales Agents
• Insurance Underwriters
• Loan Counselors and Officers
• Market Research Analysts
• Marketing Managers
• Network and Computer Systems Administrators
• Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
• Office Clerks, General
• Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
• Public Relations Specialists
• Purchasing Agents
• Secretaries
• Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
• Supervisors/Managers of Office and Administrative Support Workers

Construction: Technologies and Design: The design and construction of homes, buildings, bridges and roads is a major category of jobs in the Connecticut economy. There are a wide range of jobs including buying and developing land, designing or building projects. Look for career cluster code 3.

Occupational Titles
• Architects
• Carpenters
• Civil Engineers
• Construction and Building Inspectors
• Construction Laborers
• Drafters
• Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
• Electricians
• Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
• Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
• Highway Maintenance Workers
• Insulation Workers
• Masons, Brick and Block
• Masons, Cement and Concrete Finishers
• Operating Engineers
• Painters and Paperhangers
• Plumbers, Pipefitters, Steamfitters
• Roofers
• Surveying and Mapping Technicians
• Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer
• Truck Drivers, Light

Environmental, Natural Resources and Agriculture: These workers improve the indoor and outdoor environment, reduce waste and byproducts, manage forests and land, produce food from the land and sea, and nurture animals. Look for career cluster code 4.

Occupational Titles
• Environmental Scientists and Specialists
• Hazardous Waste Removal Workers
• Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
• Nonfarm Animal Caretakers
• Veterinarians
• Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Government, Education and Human Services: This cluster is dedicated to providing public services in order to better people’s lives. Education is a subcluster of this area, covering pre-school through 12th grade/high school. It takes a variety of jobs and an assortment of educators and unique individuals to manage a school or a school system. Almost all of the jobs require certification, licenses or advanced degrees. This cluster features all types of teachers (including early childhood, science, technology, world languages, math and vocational education) as well as school principals, school counselors, library media specialists, school nurses, and superintendents, to name a few. Look for career cluster code 5.

Occupational Titles
• Bus Drivers
• Child-Care Workers
• Correctional Officers and Jailers
• Dispatchers, Police, Fire and Ambulance
• Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Education Administrators, Postsecondary Schools
• Education Administrators, Preschool and Kindergarten
• Educational, Vocational, and School Counselors
• Emergency Management Specialists
• Fire Fighters
• Lawyers
• Librarians
• Library Technicians
• Paralegals & Legal Assistants
• Personal and Home Care Aides
• Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers
• Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
• Psychologists, Clinical, Counseling and School
• Security Guards
• Social and Human Service Assistants
• Social Workers
• Teacher Assistants
• Teachers, Elementary School
• Teachers, High School
• Teachers and Instructors, Adult Literacy, Remedial Education, and GED
• Teachers, Middle School
• Teachers, Special Education
• Urban and Regional Planners

Health and Biosciences: The Health and Biosciences cluster embraces careers in a wide range of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, medical laboratories, and medical and dental practices. It also includes industries in researching and manufacturing drugs and other medical products. Look for career cluster code 6.

Occupational Titles
• Anesthesiologists
• Audiologists
• Biochemists and Biophysicists
• Dental Assistants
• Dental Hygienists
• Dental Laboratory Technicians
• Dentists
• Dietitians and Nutritionists
• Embalmers
• Emergency Medical Technicians & Paramedics
• Home Health Aides
• Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses
• Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
• Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
• Medical Assistants
• Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
• Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
• Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Occuptional Therapists
• Pharmacists
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Physical Therapy Assistants
• Physical Therapists
• Physician Assistants
• Physicians, Family and General
• Psychiatrists
• Radiation Therapists
• Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
• Recreational Therapists
• Registered Nurses
• Respiratory Therapists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Surgeons
• Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Retail, Tourism, Recreation and Entrepreneurship: The Connecticut economy offers many jobs in retail stores, restaurants, hotels and motels, tourist attractions and recreational facilities. These businesses are where many young people get their first jobs — often earning the minimum wage. The opportunity to earn better salaries with benefits usually requires getting into management and operations positions. Look for career cluster code 7.

Occupational Titles
• Cashiers
• Coaches and Scouts
• Cooks
• Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
• Food Preparation Workers
• Food Service Managers
• Gaming Dealers
• Gaming Supervisors
• Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
• Interior Designers
• Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
• Recreation Workers
• Retail Salespersons
• Shipping, Receiving and Traffic Clerks
• Stock Clerks and Order Fillers
• Travel Agents
• Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer
• Truck Drivers, Light
• Waiters and Waitresses

Technologies: Manufacturing, Communications and Repair: This cluster includes technical jobs in manufacturing, the electric utilities, and the telephone and cable companies. This cluster also includes jobs in companies that repair automobiles, airplanes, computers and other technical products, as well as companies that develop computer software. Look for career cluster code 8.

Occupational Titles
• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
• Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
• Automotive Body and Related Repairers
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
• Cabinetmakers/Bench Carpenters
• Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
• Chemical Technicians
• Chemists
• Computer Hardware Engineers
• Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers
• Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic
• Drafters
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians
• Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Electro-Mechanical Technicians
• Grinding. Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Industrial Engineering Technicians
• Industrial Engineers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
• Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Machinists
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
• Mechanical Engineers
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers
• Packers and Packagers, Hand
• Printing Machine Operators
• Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
• Supervisors/Managers of Production and Operating Workers
• Team Assemblers
• Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers
• Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
• Tool and Die Makers
• Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Information Technology: This cluster includes the creation and management of all the new technologies that go along with the computer age - from the development of computer hardware and software to the design of Web sites and sophisticated systems that are bringing it all together. Look for career cluster code 9.

Occupational Titles
• Computer Hardware Engineers
• Computer Programmers
• Computer Software Engineers
• Computer Support Specialists
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Network and Computer Systems Analysts
• Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts

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