TABLE OF CONTENTS

Have a Career in Mind? Try it out first.............................................................4

Interest Assessment..................................................................................................... 6
A Career in Sports.......................................................................................................... 9
The Occupational Data Bank................................................................................12
Advantages of Career and Technical Education....................................25
Military Training and Careers in the Armed Forces............................. 30
To-Do List for High School Students...............................................................36
The Costs of College.................................................................................................. 43
Your Résumé.................................................................................................................. 46
The Job Application.................................................................................................. .50
Networking & Social Media...................................................................................55
The Interview................................................................................................................. 58
Job Search Advice for Older Workers............................................................ 64

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 1

 How to Use the Pennsylvania Career Guide
The first section provides suggestions on how to explore a variety of career options and includes an
Interest Assessment on pages 6 through 8. This assessment will examine some of your interests and
hobbies and match them with jobs that may fit your personality.

Based on the results of the assessment, you can discover more occupations that fit your personality
in the next section by using the Occupational Data Bank. The databank contains information on more
than 250 occupations in Pennsylvania – including wages, educational requirements and job outlook.

You are already aware that college is one option beyond high school. There are also apprenticeships.
Learn about apprenticeships, career and technical schools, military and civil service and starting your own
business.

Prepare yourself to enter the workforce by reviewing the to-do list on pages 38-40 highlighting the
steps you should take during your senior year, regardless of your post-high school plans. Get tips on
how to write a resume as well as how to fill out a job application.

The final section of the guide is a collection of resources to help you achieve your goal of securing a job.
You can find tips on how to carry yourself during an interview as well as tips on how to maintain your
career once you’ve been hired.

This publication will help you examine avenues of opportunity, develop realistic goals and, most importantly,
make informed career choices.

All data and information in this PA Career Guide are up to date at the time of publication.
Production of this document commenced prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and
may not be representative of the new workforce. Changes to employer demand and job
expectations are expected to occur following the pandemic. There has also been an increased
focus on technology in certain fields and transitioning to a new telework environment for
many. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, teleworkers accounted for roughly one third
(31%) of all employed workers in June 2020 compared to just 23.7% in 2019. As circumstances
continuously change, be prepared to adapt and get used to the new normal.

2 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

The Only Constant is Change
Career Change through Lifelong Learning

In today’s workforce, people change jobs frequently. Because of downsizing, turnover, technological
advancement and economic disturbances, workers often have to take on new duties within their
current jobs, or look for new jobs outside of what they’re used to doing. Pennsylvanians need to think
differently about education, and how they prepare, so they can make informed career choices. In other
words, job security now depends on being flexible, adaptable and willing to continually learn new skills.

The CHANGES formula

provides a f ramework
for keeping your career
relevant and thriving.

Careers evolve. Today, workers must get used to change and risk. The average worker will change jobs
an average of 12 times in his or her life. These are usually job changes, not career changes. Workers can
learn more skills performing the same job function at multiple employers rather than by sticking with the
same company their entire life.

Hit the books; surf the Net. Find all the information you can about jobs you might be interested in,
including wages, skills needed, growth within the industry and related industries and general economic
trends. Always be on the lookout for new job possibilities.

Accomplishments matter. Keep a running list of your major projects and achievements, and refer to it
often. Identify the common threads that tie your work history together, and highlight the skills, knowledge
and competencies that a new employer can use.

New skills keep you growing. Getting promoted from your current job – or finding a new one – often
requires continued learning. Keep up-to-date with software and technology, whether through classes,
on-the-job training at your current job, part-time work or volunteering.

Get out there and network! Even in these days of instant communication via the Internet, the best way
to learn about new job opportunities is through people you know. See our Networking section, on pages
55-57 for more information.

Enthusiasm pays off. Be a model employee at all times – always eager to do your job well – because it
can have long-term rewards. You never know when you’ll need a good reference, or when a good job
opportunity might open up at an old employer. When leaving a job, be sure not to burn your bridges.

Sell yourself. Seeking a new job is much like marketing a product. You’re “packaging” your image and
selling your skills, accomplishments, and work ethic to prospective employers. You have to take the
initiative and make the sale; you can’t wait for opportunities to come to you.

But most importantly, be flexible with the changes that might happen with your job duties and
work environment. The ability to telework has become an option for many, so be prepared to change
work environments depending on the current circumstances. Also, be adaptable when it comes to
communicating with co-workers. Conference and video calls have become more popular when meeting
in person is not feasible.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 3

 Have a Career in Mind? Try It Out First
Find something you enjoy doing, and then find a way to get paid for doing it.

Too often, however, students and career seekers do the opposite: they decide on a high-paying
or high-prestige job f irst, and then try to make themselves “like” the job or the course of study
necessary to obtain it. Or they choose an occupation based on what sounds good (or that others
want them to pursue) rather than a career that’s actually something they’d enjoy doing.

The key is to learn more about various occupations and determine which ones’ appeal to you. But if
you’re still in school, or between careers, how do you do that? Luckily, there are several ways to gain
information and experience in fields you might find interesting.

Part-time Employment: A part-time job offers many advantages beyond earning some extra money.
It’s also a way to gain valuable experience in a particular field – experience that will allow you to judge
whether you’d like to make the job your career. As a bonus, performing well will earn you good references
for future employment.

Internships: Internships are temporary working arrangements – usually offered to students – made
with a company or organization. An internship may last a few weeks or a few months, can be paid
or unpaid, and can often be done for college credit. Completing an internship will give you valuable
work experience, a résumé credit, a good reference and professional contacts.

Temporary Help Firms: As its name implies, a temporary help firm places career seekers in temporary
positions within a company looking for help. The main advantage of this arrangement is that you’re
not making a long-term commitment to the job, since the employer knows it’s temporary. It’s a great
opportunity to test your skills and to see if you like the type of work the company does. Plus, you can get
a feel for several different jobs and fields in a fairly short period of time.

Volunteer Work: While it doesn’t provide a paycheck, volunteering is another way to gain experience in
a field before deciding to pursue it as a career. It’s also an opportunity to give back to the community
while building your résumé. Many employers – particularly those in the human services field – welcome
enthusiastic volunteers who offer their time in exchange for work experience.

Job Shadowing: Job shadowing allows you to directly observe someone at work. You can observe
firsthand the day-to-day activities you would be performing in a job and learn what skills you would need
to obtain it. Job shadowing also gives you a chance to ask any questions you might have about the job
and how to prepare for it. Go to www.jobshadow.com for more information.

Community Agencies: If there is a YMCA, YWCA or a similar agency in your community, check to see
what type of classes it offers. This is a way to gain exposure to a wide range of experiences, one of which
could inspire you enough to consider a career in the class’s field.

School Clubs: Many schools have clubs that focus on specific careers and cater to students interested
in those fields. Student clubs often host guest speakers, arrange workplace tours and sponsor trips to
conferences and competitions – all of which are excellent opportunities for résumé building and networking.

4 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Job and Career Fairs
Most people think that job and career fairs are only for applicants interested in being hired. While
they are designed to connect jobseekers with employers, they can also provide a great opportunity to
learn about potential career paths. The key is to approach the booths of employers you’ve never heard
of before. Ask them what type of workers they employ, and who their customers are. You may find
something unique that you’d never imagined: “Wow, you really get paid to do that?” Most employers at
a fair are also local businesses, so they may be willing to offer job shadowing, if you express an interest.

A casual approach is acceptable if you are going to learn about the employers rather than looking
for a job. However, if you’re going with the intention of landing an interview, then you need to take it
seriously and dress the part. Here are some tips for jobs and career fairs:

• Confirm That Your Résumé is Current and Bring Several Copies

If you need assistance in preparing your résumé, consider visiting your school’s guidance office or
your local PA CareerLink®. Bring many copies; better to leave with a few extra than to run out.

• Dress for Success

Treat the job fair as you would an interview and dress professionally. You will want to make a
positive first impression with everyone to whom you speak. Avoid excessive jewelry,
perfume/cologne and chewing gum. See pages 58-60 for more tips.

• Do Your Research Ahead of Time

Determine if there is a website or social media page for the event or the organization
sponsoring it. A list of employers is often published ahead of time. Review the list for employers
that may be of interest to you. Research them and take notes so you can impress the companies
during your conversations at the career fair.

• Introduce Yourself with Confidence

State your name and offer a greeting. Take a few minutes to describe yourself and demonstrate
your knowledge of the organization (based on your research above) and how you would be a
positive addition to the company. Hand them a résumé.

• Obtain Business Cards and Literature

Business cards are a great way to obtain contact information. If you are truly interested in the
company, call them and follow up on your discussion. It may be what sets you apart from
everyone else.

• Take Notes
There is a good chance you will be talking to a lot of employers, whether looking for a career path or a job.
Take a notebook with you so that you can jot down who you spoke with and anything you learned
about the company. No one can remember everything and having a set of notes when you get
home to review will help you determine if this is a company you would like to pursue.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 5

 Getting to Know Yourself.
Assess Your Interests
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Planning for your future can be difficult. Where do you even begin?
Well, the first step can always be to evaluate your own likes and dislikes,
and find out what types of jobs fit your personality.

That’s why we’ve provided a short self-assessment test to help you determine which careers are a
good fit for you. The goal is to find a rewarding job or career that uses your unique set of skills, talents
and abilities. People who choose careers that match their interests are more likely to achieve job
satisfaction and success. You should consider the results of your test in combination with information
from career counselors and other sources.

The assessment that follows is based on the Holland Interest Inventory1, a widely used method of
matching a person’s personality to specific career types.

LET’S GET STARTED!

1. Dr. John Holland’s RIASEC model of occupations is the basis of most contemporary career inventories. It classif ies an
individual’s personality as Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, or Conventional, and it matches those
classif ications to f itting vocations.

6 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

 R I A S E C
Are You: Practical  Scientific  Imaginative  Helpful  Sociable  Orderly 
STEP 1:

Mechanically
 Precise  Intuitive  Idealistic  Ambitious  Accurate 
inclined

Shy or modest  Observant  Romantic  Generous  Witty  Conscientious 

Reliable  Curious  Creative  Cooperative  Argumentative  Efficient 
Friendly or
A nature lover  Analytical  Independent   Persuasive  Methodical 
cheerful

Sensitive or
Athletic  Self-motivated   Responsible  Self-confident  Careful 
emotional

Solve math Play a musical Convince others to Keep accurate

Can You: Work on cars    Teach others   
problems instrument see things your way records

Solve mechanical Write a business

 Conduct research  Act or perform  Mediate disputes  Lead a group  
problems report

Write stories or Lead a group Sell things or Make charts

Start a campfire  Analyze data     
poems discussion promote ideas and graphs

Operate office
Read a blueprint  Think abstractly  Dance  Work with others  Entertain guests  
machines

Fix electronic Perform Sketch, draw, Plan or supervise Manage people Work well within
equipment
 laboratory work
 or paint
 an activity
 or products
 a system


Do complex Work Offer others Give talks or

Play a sport      Use a computer 
calculations independently guidance speeches

Do You Do volunteer
Hunt or fish  Use computers  Decorate   Belong to clubs  Play board games 
Like To: work

Build or repair Read scientific Start or lead a

  Take photographs  Organize parties   Collect items 
things magazines social organization

Work on home
Operate tools and Attend concerts Meet important
 Use a telescope   Play team sports   improvement 
machinery or plays people
projects

Be physically Experiment or Babysit or work Make decisions

  Collect artwork    Build models 
active observe events with children affecting others
group and fill in the total. Be as honest as you can. Remember: There are no wrong answers!

Read fiction, plays, Be the center Work with

Work outdoors  Play chess    Win awards  
and poetry of attention numbers

Work Run a political Be responsible

Use your hands   Work on crafts  Attend meetings   
independently campaign for details

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

In each group, mark the items that describe you. Then count up the number of marked items for each

TOTAL FOR "R" = TOTAL FOR "I" = TOTAL FOR "A" = TOTAL FOR "S" = TOTAL FOR 'E' = TOTAL FOR 'C' =

7
 STEP 2:
Using your totals, identify the three letters that have the highest scores. Record them in the spaces below:

My Interest Code
STEP 3:
Descriptions for each of the six interest codes are provided below. Take a minute to read the descriptions
for the areas that match your interest code from Step 2.
Did you know…
You can always talk with your guidance counselor or parents about this interest assessment
to explore other things you like to do, and how they relate to a future career.
R = Realistic
Skilled at working with tools, mechanical or electrical drawings, machines or plants and animals.
Generally avoids social activities like teaching, healing and informing others. Sees self as practical,
mechanical and realistic.
Possible occupations include:
• Welders (pg. 15) • Truck Drivers (pg. 15)
• Electricians (pg. 13) • Environmental Engineers (pg. 16)

I = Investigative
Good at understanding and solving science and math problems. Generally avoids leading, selling or
persuading people. Sees self as precise, scientific and intellectual.
Possible occupations include:
• Pharmacy Technicians (pg. 24) • Psychologists (pg. 17)
• Financial Analysts (pg. 23) • Medical Scientists (pg. 17)

A = Artistic
Strong in areas such as creative writing, drama, crafts, music or art. Generally avoids highly ordered or
repetitive activities. Sees self as expressive, original and independent.
Possible occupations include:
• Photographers (pg. 18) • Architects (pg. 18)
• Reporters (pg. 18) • Graphic Designers (pg. 18)

S = Social
Excels at teaching, counseling, nursing or giving information. Generally avoids using machines, tools or
animals to achieve a goal. Sees self as helpful, friendly and trustworthy.
Possible occupations include:
• Childcare Workers (pg. 19) • Customer Service Representatives (pg. 19)
• Registered Nurses (pg. 20) • Elementary School Teachers (pg. 19)

E = Enterprising
Skillful at leading people and selling things or ideas. Generally avoids activities that require careful
observation and scientific, analytical thinking. Sees self as energetic, ambitious and sociable.
Possible occupations include:
• Telemarketers (pg. 22) • Gaming Dealers (pg. 23)
• Real Estate Agents (pg. 22) • Public Relations Specialists (pg. 22)

C = Conventional
Talented at working with written records and numbers in a systematic, orderly way. Generally avoids
ambiguous, unstructured activities. Sees self as orderly and good at following a set plan.
Possible occupations include:
• Bookkeepers (pg. 23) • Legal Secretaries (pg. 24)
• Library Assistants (pg. 24) • Cost Estimators (pg. 23)

8 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

A Career in Sports
Many young people dream of fame in the sports world. Yet, the number of people aspiring to these
glamorous jobs far outnumbers the actual openings. Based on data from the NCAA, it is estimated
that only one out of every 2,500 high school athletes will make it to the pros. Even if you do get
drafted, there’s no guarantee you will become rich and famous. If you are passionate about a sport,
don’t give up on your dream – but be realistic at the same time. There are still many occupations
that allow you to work in professional sports and stay close to the game you love. Here are just a few
examples of sports-related careers you may want to consider and prepare for:

• Broadcaster/Journalist – Whether they are broadcasting the game live, recording a highlight
reel for television or discussing trade deadlines in the newspaper or online, sports reporters and
broadcasters are the eyes and ears of the people.
• Photojournalist/Sports Photographer – Uses a still or video camera to catch the action.
• Coach/Umpire – Requires a broad knowledge of the sport to teach and motivate players, or to
observe and regulate the players’ actions.
• Facilities Manager – Oversees the day-to-day operations of an arena or sporting venue.
• Physical Therapist – Develops exercise programs to help in the recovery from injuries and to
prevent future injuries. A license is required to practice this occupation.
• Sports Statistician – Collects and analyzes sports data for individual games, seasons and careers.
Sports announcers rely on statisticians for information.
• Sports Psychologist– Increases the mental well-being of athletes, as well as non-athletes. Help
patients enhance their personal performance by teaching methods of goal-setting.

This career guide includes information about hundreds of careers in Pennsylvania –

both sports-related and non-sports related.

Take a look at our Occupational Data Bank on pages 12 through 24 for more information about
many of the occupations that are in demand throughout Pennsylvania

ODDS OF GOING PROFESSIONAL (U.S. Athletes Only)

36,011 25,499 18,816 4,323 16,509 73,712

NCAA Baseball NCAA Men’s NCAA Men’s NCAA Men’s NCAA Women’s NCAA Football
Players Soccer Players Basketball Players Ice Hockey Players Basketball Players Players

791 77 52 71 31 254
Players Drafted Players Drafted Players Drafted Players Drafted Players Drafted Players Drafted

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

AVERAGE CAREER LENGTH OF PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES

6.1 Years in MLB 2.5 Years in MLS 4.9 Years in NBA 5.5 Years in NHL 3.5 Years in WNBA 3.3 Years in NFL

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 9

 How Entertainment Glamorizes Careers
Think for a moment about how the media affects your everyday life. What you do and how you
think is influenced by print, television, radio and even social media. This phenomenon is the central
philosophy behind advertising and is the reason commercials, ads, and pop-ups exist. It should be
no surprise then that entertainment media also affects the sorts of careers you may find interesting
and worthwhile.

It is perfectly normal for the careers you see depicted on TV to have caused you to consider pursuing
them. However, you don’t always see the details surrounding the career, just the parts of the job that
are entertaining for TV. Shows like The Rookie, Mr. Robot, and The Good Doctor portray their characters
with action, suspense, and drama. All of which you may find enjoyable, but could be lacking if you
decide to follow that career path yourself. Software developers spend countless hours writing code
in front of a computer before the finished product can be used by customers. Police officers have to
fill out paperwork and document events and evidence, something typically passed over for a more
dramatic car chase on TV. These are not bad jobs, but the nature of work is portrayed inaccurately,
and we wouldn’t want you to pursue your future career with unrealistic expectations.

Even a hit show like Better Call Saul tends to gloss over the hours and hours of learning about the
law in order to pass the bar to become a lawyer. Saul was shown studying for exams briefly, but it was
mainly to add to backstory so we could follow along with him present-day in his antics as a criminal
lawyer. We watched him in the courtroom, but the time preparing the cases was left out because it
doesn’t have as much entertainment value.

Below are a few careers that you might have seen on TV or in a movie. They are all good careers
with promising outcomes for those who work hard at them. All these occupations have a few things
in common: only the highlights or most glamorized part of the jobs are shown on TV and movies,
and the amount of new people hired in these jobs tends to be small, making them very difficult and
competitive to break into.

Annual
Occupational Title Entry Wage Typical Preparation Required
Demand
Computer Programmers 702 $58,410 Bachelor’s degree
General Practitioners 154 $113,890 Doctoral degree
Lawyers 1,762 $66,950 Professional degree
Police Detectives 245 $60,400 HS diploma plus work experience
Source: CWIA, 2018-2028 Occupational Employment Projections & 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics Wages

10 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Health Care Occupations – Without Blood
When you think of health care, do you immediately think of nurses or doctors? Very
Do you think that it is not for you, since you can’t stand the sight of blood? Important Tip:
Good thing there are so many occupations in this industry. There is If you really hate the
something for almost everyone’s talents! sight of blood, don’t apply
to be a phlebotomist
The following list of occupations in the medical field has a very low risk of (people trained to draw blood
seeing blood while working in most situations: from a patient).

911 Dispatcher: Do you like helping people, taking phone calls, and being in a high paced
environment? A dispatcher at a 911 call center might be perfect for you! 911 operators in Pennsylvania
should expect to hold and maintain certification as an emergency medical dispatcher (EMD) and
in CPR (Class C). Note: you might not see the blood, but you will hear about the situations,
so you can’t be too squeamish!

Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA): Working under a Physical Therapist’s direction, PTA’s help patients
to restore or improve function, relieve pain, encourage independence, and educate patients and
their families. Possible work settings include: hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, home
health, schools, and sports facilities.

Pharmacy Technicians: Do you like to count items and be organized? These techs prepare medications
under the direction of a pharmacist. They may measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts
and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

Medical Records Technicians: Do you like working on a computer and dealing with paperwork?
This job may be a good fit! These technicians compile, process, and maintain medical records
of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical,
legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system.

Other occupations to consider in the Health Care field

that don’t involve working with blood:
Pharmacist, Billing Clerks, Medical Billing Specialist, Occupational Therapist,
Cafeteria Cooks, Dietitian, Radiologist, Psychologist, Genetic Counselor, Chiropractor,
Psychiatrist, Interpreters & Translators

Telemedicine in Health Care

In the health care field, it has become increasingly popular
to visit with a doctor virtually instead of in the hospital,
clinic or doctor’s office. Approximately 44% of primary care
appointments were through telemedicine in April 2020
compared to only 0.1% in February 2020. While you would still
have to go through all of the training to become a doctor or
nurse, etc., instead of always working in person with patients
you could have the opportunity to virtually meet with other
patients you wouldn’t normally be able to meet with. Many
clinicians, pharmacists and speech therapists work frequently
with their patients through telemedicine. Obviously, this
is only an option for certain jobs. Surgeons, EMTs and
anesthesiologists, to name a few, would not have the ability
to remotely meet with their patients.
Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 11

 Occupational Data Bank (ODB)
Your Quick Reference Guide

Information provided in the ODB:

1. Interest Code – Links the occupation to the categories established in the interest assessment test
on page 6-8.

2. Career Path Icon – Refers to the student checklist on pages 36 - 40. Check to see what you should
be doing now to prepare for a job that interests you.

W
W Going right into the workforce
W For more information
about current job postings
T
T Other postsecondary training
T check out the
PA CareerLink® website:
C
C Four-Year college bound
C www.pacareerlink.pa.gov

3. Occupational Title – The common title used in this occupation.

4. Employment Outlook and Wage Data for Pennsylvania – Information is based on occupational
projections produced by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Center for Workforce
Information & Analysis. Projected employment is the number of jobs expected by the year 2028.
Demand per year are the projected number of annual job positions per year, due to growth,
exits, and transfers of existing workers. Wage information is from the Occupational Employment
Statistics program. Wages are 2019 annual figures and represent the entry-level and average wage
in Pennsylvania.

5. Common Employers – Examples of common employers for this occupation.

1 2 3 4 5
PENNSYLVANIA
Career
Interest Occupational Projected Average Entry Level Entry Average Common
Path 2028 Annual Bi-Weekly Level Annual
Code Title Employers
Icon Employment Demand Wage Annual Wage
Wage

Data Bank Key

12 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

 PENNSYLVANIA
Career
Interest Occupational Projected Average Entry Entry Average Common
Path 2028 Annual Level Level Annual
Code Title Employers
Icon Employment Demand Bi-Weekly Annual Wage
Wage Wage

Animal Caretakers Other personal services f irms;

RC W
W 39-2021
10,720 1,761 $692 $18,000 $25,610
Self-employed

R T
T
Auto Body Repairers
8,130 797 $1,173 $30,500 $47,970
Automotive repair shops;
W 49-3021 Car dealers

C
C Auto Mechanics Automotive repair shops;
RIC T
W 49-3023
36,510 3,586 $1,048 $27,260 $42,010
Car dealers

R C
T
Bakers
9,870 1,360 $733 $19,050 $26,790
Bakeries; Grocery & specialty
W 51-3011 food stores

R C
T
Bus & Truck Mechanics
14,480 1,381 $1,300 $33,790 $48,330
School bus companies;
W
W
49-3031 Truck transportation

RCI
C
T
Carpenters
42,000 4,466 $1,301 $33,820 $54,810
Residential builders;
T 47-2031 Self-employed

RIC
C
C
Civil Engineers
14,820 1,222 $2,183 $56,750 $87,050
Archtc’l & engineering f irms;
17-2051 Government

CNC Machinists Fabricated metal

R W
W 51-4011
11,890 1,242 $1,170 $30,430 $42,260
manufacturers; Machine shops

RIC T
T
Computer Support Techs
29,610 2,574 $1,383 $35,970 $53,530
Computer systems design firms;
15-1151 Management companies

C
C Construction Laborers Other specialty contractors;
R W 47-2061
59,970 6,876 $1,103 $28,670 $43,550
Self-employed

R T
W
Construction Painters
10,460 1,088 $1,176 $30,570 $46,320
Finishing contractors;
47-2141 Self-employed

C
T Correctional Off icers
REC W 33-3012
16,360 1,376 $1,586 $41,240 $55,330 Government

RSE
C
T
W
Counter Attendants
11,350 2,458 $679 $17,660 $21,970
Food service contractors;
35-3022 Restaurants

C
T Delivery Drivers Auto parts & tire stores;
RC W 53-3033
40,690 4,731 $782 $20,320 $35,290
Courier f irms

C
T Dishwashers Food service contractors;
RC W 35-9021
23,100 3,678 $687 $17,860 $21,990
Restaurants

C
T Elect. Assemblers Electronic instrument makers;
R W
W 51-2028
14,430 1,656 $982 $25,520 $36,010
Other elec equip producers

C
T Electricians Building equipment
R T 47-2111
24,840 2,948 $1,572 $40,870 $68,390
contractors; Self-employed

C
C Farm & Ranch Workers Animal farm support f irms;
R W 45-2093
7,900 1,285 $740 $19,230 $27,860
Animal farms

R T
W
Farmworkers
22,060 3,604 $742 $19,300 $32,070 Animal farms; Crop farms
45-2092

C
T Fast Food Cooks Amusement parks & arcades;
RC W 35-2011
7,470 1,032 $671 $17,440 $20,760
Restaurants

C
T Food Batchmakers Candy & sugar producers;
RC W 51-3092
7,800 1,161 $947 $24,630 $36,810
Other food producers

C
T Food Preparation Workers Grocery & specialty food stores;
RC W 35-2021
22,370 3,889 $703 $18,270 $23,970
Restaurants

C
T
C
The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 13
 PENNSYLVANIA
Career
Interest Occupational Projected Average Entry Entry Average Common
Path 2028 Annual Level Level Annual
Code Title Employers
Icon Employment Demand Bi-Weekly Annual Wage
Wage Wage

Food Service Attendants

RCS W 35-9011
17,060 2,934 $679 $17,650 $20,610 Hotels & motels; Restaurants

R T
W
Forklift Operators
33,430 3,846 $1,143 $29,710 $38,380
Employment agencies;
53-7051 Warehouse & storage facilities

C
T General Laborers Employment agencies;
R W
W 53-7062
165,200 23,346 $882 $22,930 $32,680
Warehouse & storage facilities

C
T Gen’l Maintenance Workers
R T 49-9071
67,240 6,725 $1,011 $26,290 $41,250 Government; Real Estate

R C
C
W
Highway Maint Workers
11,850 1,335 $1,162 $30,200 $43,570 Government
47-4051

RCI T HVAC Mechanics

18,460 1,880 $1,357 $35,280 $51,880
Building equipment
W 49-9021 contractors; Self-employed

C Industrial Mechanics Machinery & equip repair

RI T 49-9041
17,740 1,701 $1,505 $39,120 $53,350
shops; Machinery wholesalers

RC
C
W
Institution Cooks
17,450 2,502 $848 $22,050 $30,090
Elementary & secondary schools;
35-2012 Food service contractors

R T
W
Janitors
102,460 13,688 $796 $20,690 $29,740
Building service firms;
37-2011 Elementary & secondary schools

C
T Landscapers Building services f irms;
RC W 37-3011
43,230 5,697 $876 $22,770 $31,600
Self-employed

C
T Laundry Workers Drycleaners & launderers;
R W
W 51-6011
8,090 1,089 $742 $19,290 $25,220
Hotels & motels

C
T Machinists Machine shops;
RCI T 51-4041
19,670 2,036 $1,261 $32,790 $46,340
Machinery makers

C
C Maids & Housekeepers Hotels & motels;
RC W
W 37-2012
52,140 7,051 $733 $19,050 $24,770
Private households
W
RE T
T
Manicurists & Pedicurists
7,580 897 $677 $17,600 $21,630
Personal care companies;
T 39-5092 Self-employed

C
C Mechanical Engineers Archtc’l & engineering f irms;
RIC C 17-2141
17,760 1,276 $2,272 $59,060 $85,100
Machinery makers

Multiple Machine Oprs Fabricated metal manufacturers;

R W 51-4081
9,030 956 $1,043 $27,110 $38,030
Steel product manufacturers

R T
W
Operating Engineers
23,730 2,796 $1,453 $37,770 $55,680
Government; Other specialty
47-2073 contractors

C
T Other Assemblers Employment agencies;
R W 51-2098
41,100 4,558 $935 $24,300 $35,240
Other wood product makers

C
T Pack/Filling Mach Oprs Beverage producers;
RC W 51-9111
21,480 2,529 $958 $24,920 $35,420
Pharmaceutical producers

C
T Packers & Packagers Plastics manufacturers;
R W 53-7064
26,420 3,805 $805 $20,920 $28,510
Warehouse & storage facilities

C
RC T
W
Parking Lot Attendants
6,710 1,026 $752 $19,540 $25,230
Car dealers; Other personal
W 53-6021 services f irms

C
T Plumbers Building equipment
R T 47-2152
18,140 2,084 $1,440 $37,430 $59,900
contractors; Self-employed

C
C

14 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

 PENNSYLVANIA
Career
Interest Occupational Projected Average Entry Entry Average Common
Path 2028 Annual Level Level Annual
Code Title Employers
Icon Employment Demand Bi-Weekly Annual Wage
Wage Wage

Printing Press Oprs Advertising & PR f irms;

R W 51-5112
8,820 912 $1,043 $27,120 $40,840
Printing presses

T
W
Production Helpers Employment agencies; Paper
R
W 51-9198
17,070 2,546 $853 $22,170 $31,720
product manufacturers

C
T Radiological Techs
RS T 29-2034
11,050 656 $1,602 $41,640 $53,860 Hospitals; Physician off ices

C
C Recrtn’l Safety Monitors Civic & social organizations;
RS W 33-9092
6,530 1,569 $674 $17,530 $21,160
Other recreational facilities

R
T
W
Refuse/Recycle Collectors
6,340 896 $763 $19,850 $34,320
Government; Waste collection
W 53-7081 companies

C
T Restaurant Cooks Bars & drinking places;
RE T 35-2014
66,000 9,641 $754 $19,610 $26,770
Restaurants

C
C Sales Route Drivers Food & alcohol wholesalers;
RE W 53-3031
16,710 1,879 $676 $17,570 $28,260
Restaurants

RC T
W
School Bus Drivers
32,680 4,216 $795 $20,680 $30,720
Government; School bus
53-3022 companies

C
T Security Guards Detective & security agencies;
RCE W 33-9032
46,230 6,007 $825 $21,460 $30,110
Hospitals

C
T Short Order Cooks Grocery & specialty food stores;
RCE W 35-2015
6,300 885 $768 $19,960 $26,510
Restaurants

C
T Taxi Drivers & Chauffeurs Other ground transporters;
RE W
W 53-3041
15,870 1,825 $795 $20,680 $30,720
Self-employed

C
T Telecomm Line Installers Building equipment contractors;
R T
W 49-9052
7,050 793 $1,779 $46,260 $71,490
Telecomm providers

C
C Truck Drivers Self-employed; Truck
RC T 53-3032
93,410 10,865 $1,316 $34,220 $48,060
transportation

R
C
W
Vehicle & Equip Cleaners
14,950 2,198 $760 $19,760 $27,050
Automotive repair shops;
W 53-7061 Car dealers

RI T
T
Vet Techs
6,110 551 $1,016 $26,410 $37,050
Other technical services f irms;
29-2056 Social advocacy organizations

C
C Welders Fabricated metal manufacturers;
R W 51-4121
17,630 1,973 $1,252 $32,560 $44,480
Machinery makers

T
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
C has the potential to automate
many jobs in the future.
Not just manufacturing
and agriculture,
but we could see this AI
in other jobs like:
market research, sales,
computer programming,
financial advisors, mechanics,
welders, cooks, and food prep,
just to name a few.
The possibilities are endless!

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 15

 PENNSYLVANIA
Career
Interest W
Path
Occupational Projected Average Entry Entry Average Common
Code Title 2028 Annual Level Level Annual Employers
Icon Employment Demand Bi-Weekly Annual Wage
T
W Wage Wage

Aerospace Engineers Aerospace product fabricators;

IRC C
T 17-2011
1,390 96 $3,135 $81,510 $112,840
Government
W
Applications Engineers Computer systems design
IRC C
T
35,790 2,927 $2,580 $67,080 $99,280
W 15-1132 f irms; Credit intermediation

IAR C
T
Biochemists
19-1021
1,230 116 $2,147 $55,820 $100,860
Pharmaceutical producers;
Scientif ic R&D f irms
W
IRC C
T
Biomedical Engineers
17-2031
1,240 93 $1,790 $46,540 $78,070
Electronic instrument makers;
Pharmaceutical producers

IR C
W
Chemical Engineers
17-2041
1,460 100 $2,660 $69,150 $94,790
Chemical manufacturers;
Management companies
W
Chemical Techs Archtc’l & engineering f irms;
IRC T
T 19-4031
4,310 440 $1,206 $31,350 $48,710
Scientif ic R&D f irms
W
IRC
C
C Chemists
6,080 567 $1,713 $44,530 $76,240
Archtc’l & engineering f irms;
T 19-2031 Pharmaceutical producers

Clinical Lab Techs Hospitals; Medical &

IRC C
W 29-2010
16,230 1,101 $1,410 $36,670 $53,540
diagnostic labs
W
CNC Programmers Fabricated metal
ICR T
T 51-4012
1,100 123 $1,662 $43,210 $58,550
manufacturers; Machine shops
W
C
C Computer Engineers Computer systems design
IRC
T
W 17-2061
2,610 200 $2,969 $77,190 $118,050
f irms; Scientif ic R&D f irms

IC C
T
Computer Programmers
11,110 702 $2,247 $58,410 $87,920
Computer systems design
W 15-1131 f irms; Management companies

Dentists
IRS C
T 4,390 149 $3,139 $81,610 $164,760 Dentist off ices; Self-employed
W 29-1021

ISE C
T
Dietitians
29-1031
4,020 284 $1,566 $40,720 $59,160
Hospitals; Outpatient care
centers
W
ICE C
T
Economists
790 62 $2,043 $53,120 $85,850
Government; Management

W 19-3011 consulting f irms

IRC C
T
Electrical Engineers
17-2071
9,500 670 $2,524 $65,620 $98,190
Archtc’l & engineering f irms;
Electric companies
W
IRC C
T
Electronics Engineers
17-2072
4,440 304 $2,378 $61,830 $97,370
Management companies;
Telecomm providers
W
IR C
T
Environmental Engineers
17-2081
3,280 260 $2,433 $63,260 $93,810
Archtc’l & engineering f irms;
Management consulting f irms

IRE C
W
Environmental Scientists
2,370 266 $1,787 $46,460 $72,840
Archtc’l & engineering f irms;

W 19-2041 Management consulting f irms

Environmental Techs Archtc’l & engineering f irms;

IR T
T
W 19-4091
1,290 157 $1,139 $29,610 $42,790
Government

C
C General Practitioners
ISR
T
W 29-1062
4,330 154 $4,380 $113,890 $201,220 Hospitals; Physician off ices

IRC C
T
Geoscientists
19-2042
1,470 165 $2,206 $57,360 $107,130
Archtc’l & engineering f irms;
Government

IR C Industrial Engineers
17-2112
10,290 762 $2,331 $60,600 $84,130
Machinery makers;
Management companies

16 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

 PENNSYLVANIA
Career
Interest Occupational Projected Average Entry Entry Average Common
Path 2028 Annual Level Level Annual
Code Title Employers
Icon Employment Demand Bi-Weekly Annual Wage
W
W Wage Wage

Industrial Engrng Techs Fabricated metal manufacturers;

IRC T
T 17-3026
2,550 253 $1,537 $39,960 $58,070
Pharmaceutical producers
W
IEC
C
C Management Analysts
35,350 3,521 $2,177 $56,590 $91,000
Management consulting f irms;
T
W
13-1111 Self-employed

Market Research Analysts Management companies;

IEC C
T 13-1161
30,090 3,237 $1,487 $38,650 $69,710
Management consulting f irms
W
IR C Materials Engineers
1,820 118 $2,420 $62,930 $92,140
Archtc’l & engineering f irms;
T 17-2131 Other elec equip producers

Medical Scientists Colleges & universities;

IRA C
W 9,010 835 $2,444 $63,540 $113,490
W 19-1042 Scientif ic R&D f irms

Medical Sonographers
ISR T
T 3,110 200 $2,013 $52,350 $66,270 Hospitals; Physician off ices
W 29-2032

IRC C
C
Microbiologists
1,090 103 $2,022 $52,560 $79,840
Management companies;
T
W
19-1022 Scientif ic R&D f irms

Network Administrators Computer systems design

IRC C 13,590 978 $2,137 $55,560 $80,250
T
W 15-1142 firms; Management companies

Nuclear Engineers Archtc’l & engineering firms;

IR C
T 1,860 115 $3,305 $85,930 $115,810
W 17-2161 Electric companies

Nurse Anesthetists
IRS C
T 2,620 155 $4,773 $124,090 $174,240 Hospitals; Physician offices
W 29-1151

Occupn’l Health Specialists Government; Management

IC C 4,180 254 $1,895 $49,280 $73,100
T
W
29-9011 companies

Operations Researchers Credit intermediation;

ICE C 3,630 282 $2,134 $55,490 $86,110
T
W 15-2031 Insurance carriers

Petroleum Engineers Management companies; Oil &

IRC C
T 960 74 $2,868 $74,570 $108,860
W 17-2171 gas extractors

Pharmacists
IC C
T 14,630 655 $3,368 $87,580 $119,800 Drug stores; Hospitals
W 29-1051

Psychologists Elementary & secondary

ISA C 7,020 545 $1,953 $50,770 $85,170
T
W
19-3031 schools; Self-employed

Safety Engineers Archtc’l & engineering f irms;

IRC C 1,080 77 $2,355 $61,230 $103,600
T
W
17-2111 Scientif ic R&D f irms

Statistical Assistants Government; Management

IC C 850 108 $1,309 $34,040 $50,740
T
W
43-9111 consulting f irms

Survey Researchers Other technical services f irms;

IEC C 3,130 370 $1,132 $29,430 $55,030
T 19-3022 Scientif ic R&D f irms
W
Systems Analysts Computer systems design
IC C 24,590 1,866 $2,398 $62,360 $97,560
T
W
15-1121 firms; Management companies

Systems Engineers Computer systems design

ICR C 9,930 751 $2,580 $67,080 $99,280
T
W
15-1133 f irms; Securities agents

Urban/Regional Planners Archtc’l & engineering firms;

IEA C 1,610 157 $1,724 $44,820 $69,160
T 19-3051 Government

Veterinarians Other technical services f irms;

IR C 29-1131
3,960 201 $2,536 $65,930 $105,670
Self-employed

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 17

 PENNSYLVANIA
Career
Interest Occupational Projected Average Entry Entry Average Common
Path 2028 Annual Level Level Annual
Code Title Employers
Icon Employment Demand Bi-Weekly Annual Wage
W
W Wage Wage

Actors Movie, video & TV companies;

AES T
T
W 27-2011
1,660 195 $677* $17,600* $39,330*
Self-employed

AI C
C
T
Architects
17-1011
5,280 423 $1,960 $50,950 $81,480
Archtc’l & engineering f irms;
Self-employed

AE C
W
W
Art Directors
27-1011
2,630 286 $2,131 $55,400 $96,510
Advertising & PR f irms;
Self-employed

ASE T
T
Choreographers
27-2032
200 35 $998 $25,950 $39,880
Performing arts companies;
Self-employed

AER C
C
W
Commercial Designers
1,450 147 $1,907 $49,570 $70,830
Other elec equip producers;
W 27-1021 Self-employed

AI T
T
W
Desktop Publishers
43-9031
680 70 $1,050 $27,290 $44,750
Newspaper & book publishers;
Self-employed

AEC C
C
T
Editors
27-3041
3,520 377 $1,405 $36,540 $64,850
Newspaper & book publishers;
Self-employed

AEI C
W
Film & Video Editors
27-4032
580 60 $1,434 $37,290 $61,080
Movie, video & TV companies;
Self-employed

AER W
T
Floral Designers
27-1023
1,810 168 $797 $20,720 $27,200 Florists; Self-employed

ARE T
C
W
Graphic Designers
11,630 1,171 $1,264 $32,860 $53,630
Self-employed; Specialized
W 27-1024 design f irms

C
T Hairstylists Personal care companies;
AES
T
W 39-5012
48,220 6,158 $682 $17,720 $27,290
Self-employed

AE C
C
T
Interior Designers
2,100 214 $1,532 $39,840 $63,010
Self-employed;
W 27-1025 Specialized design f irms

AS C
T
Interpreters
27-3091
1,120 119 $1,205 $31,320 $49,630
Elementary & secondary
schools; Self-employed

AIR C
W
Landscape Architects
17-1012
880 71 $1,883 $48,960 $67,700
Archtc’l & engineering f irms;
Self-employed

Merchandise Displayers Advertising & PR f irms;

AER W
T
W 27-1026
3,370 341 $853 $22,170 $30,470
Self-employed

AI T
C
T
Multimedia Artists
27-1014
1,100 119 $1,613 $41,930 $64,190
Movie, video & TV companies;
Self-employed

C
C Music Directors Religious organizations;
AE
W 27-2041
2,620 309 $928 $24,120 $49,690
Self-employed

AE T
W
W
Musicians & Singers
27-2042
5,800 684 $758* $19,720* $73,490*
Religious organizations;
Self-employed

AR C
T
T
Photographers
4,000 371 $793 $20,630 $35,980
Other technical services f irms;
W 27-4021 Self-employed

C
C Radio & TV Announcers Radio & TV stations;
AES
T
W 27-3011
1,530 173 $870 $22,630 $48,200
Self-employed

AEI C
T
W
Reporters
27-3022
1,180 131 $972 $25,260 $46,230
Newspaper & book publishers;
Self-employed

AR C
T
W
Set Designers
27-1027
250 26 $1,131 $29,410 $47,860
Performing arts companies;
Self-employed

AI C
T
Technical Writers
27-3042
2,150 217 $1,918 $49,870 $73,690
Computer systems design
f irms; Scientif ic R&D f irms

AEI C Writers & Authors

27-3043
3,570 370 $1,483 $38,550 $63,140
Advertising & PR f irms;
Self-employed

Note(*): These occupations are normally paid on an hourly basis. The bi-weekly entry, annual entry, and annual average wages are estimated from hourly wages available for these occupations.

18 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

 PENNSYLVANIA
Career
Interest W
Path
Occupational Projected Average Entry Entry Average Common
Code Title 2028 Annual Level Level Annual Employers
Icon Employment Demand Bi-Weekly Annual Wage
T Wage Wage
W
Addictions Social Workers Mental health care homes;
SI C 9,970 1,034 $1,105 $28,720 $38,710
T
W
21-1023 Social service providers

Addictions/MH Counselors Outpatient care centers;

SI C
T 21-1018
27,890 3,058 $1,244 $32,340 $47,480
Social service providers

Career Counselors Colleges & universities;

S C 21-1012
9,010 958 $1,638 $42,600 $63,680
Elementary & secondary schools
W
Childcare Workers Child care facilities;
SA W
T 39-9011
48,100 7,211 $687 $17,870 $23,610
Self-employed
W
S T
C
Clergy
13,880 1,517 $1,047 $27,220 $52,740
Home health care agencies;
T 21-2011 Religious organizations

C Coaches & Scouts Colleges & universities;

SER C 27-2022
8,900 1,318 $730 $18,970 $44,170
Elementary & secondary schools

Community Health Workers Ambulance services;

S W 21-1094
2,490 297 $1,182 $30,740 $43,050
Social service providers

T Crossing Guards Government; Other support

SER W 33-9091
7,390 1,217 $732 $19,040 $30,090
services firms
C
SE
T
W
Customer Service Reps
122,300 16,186 $962 $25,000 $37,450
Insurance agencies ; Insurance
W 43-4051 carriers

C
T Dental Hygienists Ambulance services; Dentist
SR T 29-2021
10,510 753 $2,068 $53,770 $67,940
off ices

C
C Elementary Teachers Elementary & secondary
SAC 56,820 4,430 $1,867 $48,540 $69,630
25-2021 schools; Religious organizations

Eligibility Interviewers
SCE W
W 43-4061
7,870 757 $1,587 $41,260 $50,360 Government

SIR T
T
EMTs
13,560 942 $902 $23,440 $34,310
Ambulance services;
29-2041 Government

C
C Family Social Workers Government; Social service
S 22,200 2,230 $1,195 $31,080 $44,870
21-1021 providers
W
Fitness Trainers Civic & social organizations;
SRE W
T 39-9031
15,920 2,670 $779 $20,250 $36,590
Other recreational facilities

S
T
C Healthcare Social Workers
9,340 983 $1,537 $39,950 $54,920
Home health care agencies;
21-1022 Hospitals
W
C Home Health Aides Home health care agencies;
SR W
T 31-1011
59,840 7,295 $834 $21,680 $25,810
Social service providers

SA
T
C Kindergarten Teachers
5,510 572 $1,686 $43,830 $66,160
Child care facilities; Elementary
W 25-2012 & secondary schools
W
C Massage Therapists Personal care companies;
SR T 5,550 686 $995 $25,880 $45,520
T 31-9011 Self-employed

C Middle School Teachers Elementary & secondary

SA C 22,130 1,728 $1,699 $44,180 $69,330
W 25-2022 schools; Religious organizations

Nonrestaurant Servers Assisted living facilities ;

SRE W
T 35-3041
12,630 1,998 $713 $18,550 $23,640
Hospitals

SIR T
C Nurse Practitioners
29-1171
8,220 565 $3,020 $78,520 $101,950 Hospitals; Physician off ices

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 19

 PENNSYLVANIA
Career
Interest Occupational Projected Average Entry Entry Average Common
Path 2028 Annual Level Level Annual
Code Title Employers
Icon Employment Demand Bi-Weekly Annual Wage
W
W Wage Wage

Nursing Assistants
SCR T
T 31-1014
87,710 10,191 $1,012 $26,300 $31,590 Hospitals; Nursing care facilities

SIR C
C
Occupational Therapists
8,990 601 $2,403 $62,470 $83,120
Home health care agencies;
W 29-1122 Other practitioner off ices

Occupn’l Therapy Asst’s Nursing care facilities; Other

SR T 3,340 395 $1,740 $45,240 $57,200
W 31-2011 practitioner off ices

C
W
Personal Care Aides Mental health care homes;
SRC
T 39-9021
150,620 21,939 $834 $21,680 $25,810
Social service providers

T
C Physical Therapists Home health care agencies;
SIR
W
W 29-1123
15,070 831 $2,475 $64,360 $88,450
Other practitioner off ices

C Physical Therapy Asst’s Hospitals; Other practitioner

SR T
T 31-2021
6,550 855 $1,513 $39,340 $55,520
off ices

SIR C
C Physician Assistants
8,720 643 $2,853 $74,190 $102,620 Hospitals; Physician off ices
W 29-1071

Practical Nurses Home health care agencies;

SR T
W
44,460 3,690 $1,524 $39,620 $49,200
W 29-2061 Nursing care facilities

C
T
Preschool Teachers Child care facilities; Religious
SA
T 25-2011
18,050 1,866 $871 $22,650 $31,380
organizations

S C
C Professors
75,920 6,690 $1,685 $43,820 $89,300
Colleges & universities;

W 25-1000 Junior colleges

Recreation Workers Civic & social organizations;

SEA W
T
16,800 2,809 $722 $18,780 $27,510
W 39-9032 Government

T
C
Registered Nurses Home health care agencies;
SI
T 29-1141
170,720 10,507 $2,081 $54,100 $71,410
Hospitals

C
S C Rehab Counselors
21-1015
8,790 933 $998 $25,950 $40,680
Social service providers;
Vocational rehab agencies

Residential Advisors Mental health care homes;

SEC W
W 39-9041
7,890 1,213 $866 $22,520 $30,180
Other residential care homes
W
SIR T
T
Respiratory Therapists
7,120 463 $1,740 $45,250 $57,600 Hospitals; Other hospitals
T 29-1126

C
C Secondary School Teachers Elementary & secondary
S C
W 25-2031
51,910 3,868 $1,790 $46,540 $66,920
schools; Religious organizations
W
Self-Enrichment Teachers Other educational facilities;
SAE T
T 25-3021
15,590 1,824 $819 $21,290 $38,220
Self-employed
W
S C
C Special Educ Teachers
8,740 692 $1,740 $45,240 $64,830
Elementary & secondary schools;
T 25-2054 Mental health care homes

Speech/Lang Pathologists Elementary & secondary schools;

SI C
W
6,480 413 $2,112 $54,910 $80,840
W 29-1127 Other practitioner offices

Teacher Assistants Child care facilities; Elementary

SC T
T 25-9041
50,130 5,439 $773 $20,090 $27,450
& secondary schools

SCA C
C Training Specialists
10,760 1,191 $1,558 $40,510 $65,090
Management companies;
13-1151 Management consulting f irms

Ushers & Lobby Attendants Arts & sports event promoters;

SCE W 39-3031
5,530 1,342 $685 $17,800 $22,900
Movie, video & TV companies

SEC T
W
Waiters & Waitresses
102,860 19,760 $676 $17,580 $25,380 Hotels & motels; Restaurants
35-3031

CT
20 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition
C
 PENNSYLVANIA
Career
Interest Occupational Projected Average Entry Entry Average Common
Path 2028 Annual Level Level Annual
Code Title Employers
Icon Employment Demand Bi-Weekly Annual Wage
Wage Wage

Advertising Sales Agents Advertising & PR f irms;

ECA W 41-3011
4,260 575 $1,135 $29,520 $57,080
Newspaper & book publishers
W
ECR T
W
Bartenders
34,270 6,042 $676 $17,570 $24,360
Bars & drinking places;
T 35-3011 Restaurants

C
T Buyers & Purchasers Government; Management
EC C
W 13-1020
14,420 1,454 $1,657 $43,080 $66,880
companies

C Chefs & Head Cooks Food service contractors;

ERA T
W
3,590 481 $1,539 $40,010 $59,040
W 35-1011 Restaurants

C
T
Clerical Supvs Credit intermediation;
ECS
T
W 43-1011
69,400 7,225 $1,517 $39,440 $61,520
Physician off ices

EC C
C Compensation Specialists
3,540 350 $1,681 $43,700 $73,060
Management companies;
T
W 13-1141 Management consulting f irms

ECI C
T
Computer Managers
11-3021
15,020 1,249 $3,771 $98,040 $144,390
Computer systems design
firms; Management companies

ERC C
W
Construction Managers
11-9021
16,220 1,239 $2,340 $60,840 $108,820
Nonresidential builders;
Self-employed
W
Construction Supervisors Nonresidential builders; Other
ERC T
T 47-1011
24,410 2,624 $1,914 $49,770 $74,640
specialty contractors
W
ESC C
C
Educ Admin, Elem & Secon
8,930 732 $2,905 $75,540 $101,710
Elementary & secondary
T 11-9032 schools; Religious organizations

Engineering Managers Archtc’l & engineering f irms;

EIR C
W 7,120 541 $4,090 $106,330 $152,530
W 11-9041 Management companies

Farmers & Agrict’l Managers

ERC T
T 39,530 3,872 $2,107 $54,780 $86,070 Crop farms; Self-employed
W 11-9013

EC C
C
Financial Managers
21,800 1,867 $3,398 $88,340 $153,350
Credit intermediation;
T 11-3031 Management companies

Financial Planners Securities agents;

EC C
W 13-2052
12,170 990 $1,828 $47,530 $104,330
Self-employed

Food Service Managers

EC T
W 9,610 1,133 $1,698 $44,160 $66,790 Restaurants ; Self-employed
W 11-9051

ECR C
T
Food Service Supervisors
35,480 5,479 $920 $23,910 $38,960
Food service contractors;
T
W
35-1012 Restaurants

ECA C
C
Fundraisers
4,300 461 $1,470 $38,210 $61,790
Colleges & universities;
T 13-1131 Grant foundations & trusts

General Managers Management companies;

E C 88,220 7,980 $2,348 $61,060 $132,110
W 11-1021 Management consulting f irms

Hosts & Hostesses

ES W
T 35-9031
17,610 4,012 $675 $17,540 $21,480 Hotels & motels; Restaurants

ECS T
C
HR Specialists
26,450 2,730 $1,655 $43,020 $67,790
Employment agencies;

W 13-1071 Management companies

C Insurance Sales Agents Insurance agencies ; Insurance

ECS W
T 17,990 1,820 $1,220 $31,730 $70,320
W 41-3021 carriers

T
C
Lawyers
EIC
T 23-1011
33,690 1,762 $2,575 $66,950 $142,890 Law f irms; Self-employed

C Marketing Managers Management companies;

EC C 11-2021
8,580 793 $3,405 $88,520 $148,610
Management consulting f irms

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 21

 PENNSYLVANIA
Interest W
Career
Path
Occupational Projected Average Entry Entry Average Common
Code Title 2028 Annual Level Level Annual Employers
Icon Employment Demand Bi-Weekly Annual Wage
T
W Wage Wage

ECS C
T
Medical Services Managers
17,820 1,589 $2,302 $59,860 $98,560 Hospitals; Physician off ices
W 11-9111

ECS C
T
Meeting Planners
13-1121
4,820 563 $1,211 $31,480 $50,860
Colleges & universities; Other
recreational facilities

ERC C
W
Network Architects
15-1143
7,590 544 $2,760 $71,760 $111,450
Computer systems design
f irms; Telecomm providers

Opticians Drug stores; Other practitioner

EC T 29-2081
3,130 253 $1,015 $26,400 $36,100
off ices

EC C
W
Parts Salespersons
41-2022
9,180 1,116 $848 $22,050 $33,470
Auto parts & tire stores;
Car dealers

ECS T
W
Personal Service Supervisors
39-1021
17,900 1,808 $1,074 $27,920 $41,940
Mental health care homes;
Self-employed

ERS C
W
T Police Off icers
33-3051
29,760 2,158 $1,651 $42,920 $68,940 Government

EC C
T
W
Production Managers
11-3051
6,830 509 $2,745 $71,360 $109,690
Management companies;
Plastics manufacturers

ERC
C
T Production Supervisors
29,050 2,995 $1,593 $41,430 $62,590
Fabricated metal manufacturers;
51-1011 Plastics manufacturers

EAS C Public ReIn’s Specialists

27-3031
9,800 1,047 $1,363 $35,440 $61,260
Advertising & PR f irms;
Colleges & universities

EC W
W
Real Estate Agents
41-9022
14,070 1,371 $1,312 $34,110 $62,430 Real estate; Self-employed

ECR T
W
T
Recreation Attendants
39-3091
11,030 2,528 $672 $17,470 $20,690
Amusement parks & arcades;
Other recreational facilities

C
T
C Religious Directors Elementary & secondary
ESC
W 21-2021
9,690 1,201 $732 $19,020 $40,130
schools; Religious organizations

ECS
C
T Retail Sales Supervisors
57,950 6,324 $1,056 $27,450 $46,630
Grocery & specialty food stores;
W 41-1011 Self-employed

ECS C
W
T
Retail Salespersons
165,660 24,101 $707 $18,380 $28,710
Clothing stores; General
W 41-2031 merchandise stores

EC T
C
T
Sales Managers
9,330 855 $3,202 $83,250 $150,210
Car dealers; Management
W 11-2022 companies

C
C Sci/Tech Sales Reps Pharmaceutical producers;
EC
T
W 41-4011
14,200 1,512 $1,876 $48,780 $81,350
Wholesale electronic brokers

ECS C
T
Securities Sales Reps
41-3031
13,640 1,333 $1,446 $37,600 $80,860
Credit intermediation;
Securities agents

ES C Social Service Managers

11-9151
10,250 941 $1,731 $45,000 $65,070
Mental health care homes;
Social service providers

EC W Telemarketers
41-9041
5,590 854 $695 $18,060 $28,670
Business support agencies;
Credit & lending institutions

ECR T Transport’n Supervisors

53-1048
21,610 2,378 $1,432 $37,230 $59,330
Truck transportation;
Warehouse & storage facilities

22 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

 PENNSYLVANIA
Career
Interest W
Path
Occupational Projected Average Entry Entry Average Common
Code Title 2028 Annual Level Level Annual Employers
Icon Employment Demand Bi-Weekly Annual Wage
T Wage Wage

Accountants Accounting f irms;

CE C 13-2011
61,020 5,871 $1,902 $49,440 $76,720
Management companies

Bank Tellers Credit intermediation;

CE W 43-3071
17,580 2,011 $988 $25,700 $31,240
Management companies

CE T
W
Bill & Account Collectors
43-3011
9,120 1,062 $1,079 $28,060 $39,210
Business support agencies;
Credit intermediation

C
T Billing Clerks Management companies;
CE W
W 43-3021
24,960 2,803 $1,160 $30,150 $40,150
Physician off ices

C
T Bookkeepers Accounting f irms;
C T 43-3031
58,130 6,664 $1,065 $27,700 $40,950
Management companies

C
C Cashiers General merchandise stores;
CE W
W 41-2011
139,100 26,204 $677 $17,610 $22,060
Grocery & specialty food stores

CE T
T
Claims Adjusters
13,030 1,063 $1,662 $43,220 $68,290
Insurance agencies ; Insurance
W 13-1031 carriers

C
C Compliance Off icers
CEI
T 13-1041
14,670 1,333 $1,742 $45,280 $73,650 Government

Cost Estimators Building equipment contractors;

CE C 13-1051
9,390 958 $1,806 $46,950 $69,740
Nonresidential builders

Counter Clerks Auto equip rental stores;

CE W
W 41-2021
12,270 1,594 $740 $19,230 $29,980
Rental Stores

CRS T
T
Dental Assistants
31-9091
12,210 1,408 $1,126 $29,280 $40,290
Ambulance services;
Dentist offices

C
C Dispatchers School bus companies; Truck
CRE W
W 43-5032
7,650 730 $1,099 $28,580 $42,690
transportation

CES T
T Executive Assistants
15,640 1,591 $1,584 $41,190 $60,580
Colleges & universities;
W 43-6011 Management companies

C
C
W File Clerks
C
T 43-4071
4,590 539 $917 $23,830 $33,620 Hospitals; Law f irms

CIE T
C Financial Analysts
13-2051
13,540 1,205 $2,046 $53,190 $91,150
Management companies;
Securities agents

C Food Prep & Serving Wrkrs Food service contractors;

CRE W 35-3021
174,050 31,240 $679 $17,660 $21,970
Restaurants

CER T
W
Gaming Dealers
6,020 945 $673 $17,500 $20,990
Gambling facilities; Hotels &
39-3011 motels

C
T General Off ice Clerks Colleges & universities;
CE W 43-9061
161,630 19,111 $904 $23,500 $36,940
Government

C
T Hotel Desk Clerks Hotels & motels; RV parks &
CES W
W 43-4081
8,470 1,429 $689 $17,910 $23,440
recreational camps

C
T Human Resources Asst’s Government; Management
CES T 43-4161
4,610 513 $1,191 $30,970 $41,510
companies

C
C Human Service Assistants Government; Social service
CSE W 21-1093
21,670 2,654 $985 $25,610 $34,490
providers

CR T
W
Inspectors & Testers
19,250 2,239 $1,076 $27,970 $41,590
Employment agencies;
51-9061 Plastics manufacturers

C
T Insurance Claims Clerks Insurance agencies ; Insurance
CE W 43-9041
11,170 1,119 $1,249 $32,470 $45,430
carriers

C
T
C The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 23
 PENNSYLVANIA
Career
Interest Occupational Projected Average Entry Entry Average Common
Path 2028 Annual Level Level Annual
Code Title Employers
Icon Employment Demand Bi-Weekly Annual Wage
Wage Wage

Interviewers Colleges & universities;

CES W
W 43-4111
10,280 1,276 $907 $23,580 $35,960
Hospitals

CE T
W
T
Legal Secretaries
43-6012
6,090 613 $1,336 $34,740 $53,590 Government; Law f irms

CSE
C
T
C Librarians
5,000 507 $1,317 $34,250 $57,190
Elementary & secondary
25-4021 schools; Government

C Library Assistants Government; Other info service

CRS W 43-4121
5,470 824 $691 $17,970 $26,140
providers
W
CE T
W
Loan Interviewers
8,480 885 $977 $25,400 $36,310
Credit & lending institutions;
T
W 43-4131 Credit intermediation

C
T Loan Off icers Credit & lending institutions;
CES C
T 13-2072
13,030 1,133 $1,563 $40,640 $74,870
Credit intermediation

C
CEI C
W
Logisticians
13-1081
6,930 683 $2,101 $54,620 $79,520
Government; Management
companies

Medical Assistants
CS T
W 31-9092
33,180 3,905 $1,030 $26,780 $33,490 Hospitals; Physician off ices

C C
T
Medical Records Techs
29-2071
9,970 703 $1,200 $31,200 $43,390 Hospitals; Physician off ices

CS C
W
Medical Secretaries
43-6013
24,270 2,853 $1,063 $27,650 $36,640 Hospitals; Physician off ices

CES T
W
W
Order Clerks
43-4151
5,910 669 $930 $24,180 $34,360
Durable goods wholesalers;
Electronic shopping houses

C
T Paralegals
CIE T 23-2011
13,480 1,497 $1,375 $35,760 $55,490 Government; Law f irms

C
C
C
W
Payroll Clerks
5,290 573 $1,240 $32,240 $45,410
Accounting f irms;
43-3051 Management companies

CR T
W
Pharmacy Techs
19,350 1,632 $896 $23,290 $31,130 Drug stores; Hospitals
W 29-2052

C
T Phlebotomists Hospitals; Medical & diagnostic
CR T 31-9097
5,410 599 $1,087 $28,270 $34,830
labs

C
C Postal Mail Carriers
CR W 43-5052
12,580 830 $1,458 $37,900 $52,310 Post Off ices

CE T
W
Production Clerks
43-5061
11,970 1,276 $1,277 $33,210 $47,950
Management companies;
Warehouse & storage facilities

C
T Receptionists
CES W 43-4171
42,550 5,784 $812 $21,100 $29,910 Dentist offices; Physician offices

C
T Sales Reps Durable goods wholesalers;
CE W 41-4012
64,380 6,857 $1,409 $36,640 $73,780
Wholesale electronic brokers

C
T Secretaries Colleges & universities;
CE W 43-6014
90,740 9,746 $963 $25,050 $37,540
Elementary & secondary schools

C
T Ship/Receiving Clerks Durable goods wholesalers;
CR W 43-5071
25,780 2,570 $983 $25,570 $36,650
Warehouse & storage facilities

C
T
CRE W
W
Stock Clerks
43-5081
87,500 11,699 $792 $20,580 $27,910
General merchandise stores;
Grocery & specialty food stores

C
T Web Developers Computer systems design
CIR T 15-1134
6,190 504 $1,781 $46,310 $72,190
f irms; Self-employed

C
C

24 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Advantages of Career and Technical Education
The key to a successful and productive society is found in maintaining a highly- qualified, skilled and educated
workforce. Technical jobs are very much in demand today.

Career and technical education (CTE) is dedicated to providing secondary students with the education and
skills they need to become successfully employed after graduation or to advance to post-secondary education.

Pennsylvania’s 84 career and technical centers and approximately 120 school districts offer CTE; and are
required to offer a sequence of technical courses supplemented by work-based experiences such as
internships or cooperative education. The work-based experiences are offered during the senior year, as long
as a student meets the local requirements.

CTE students have the opportunity to earn recognized industry credentials while still in high school. These
credentials can help students find jobs and be successful within their field of study.

How do students benefit from CTE programs?

Research shows that about 60 percent of students
hold a job at some time during high school, and by doing
so gain valuable experience in the work world. Those who
were enrolled in a CTE school had a higher likelihood of
finding a paid job and of attending a postsecondary CTE
school in the early years after high school.

How do I learn more about CTE?

The first step would be to talk to your school counselor
or employment counselor about whether this type of
education fits in with your career plans. If possible, visit
a nearby CTE school and see firsthand what it offers. You
can also find out more online at www.pacareerzone.org
or at www.education.pa.gov.

CTE provides an opportunity for all students, those preparing for employment
directly after graduation and those planning to continue on towards postsecondary
education.

Pennsylvania Skills Certificate

If you pursue career and technical education in high school, you will graduate with a diploma
and an education in a specific career. That makes you a desirable job candidate and earning your
Pennsylvania Skills Certificate will make you even more attractive to potential employers. To do this,
you must complete and pass a test that demonstrates technical skill and knowledge in your career
program of study.

This certificate serves two purposes. It rewards you for good performance in your technical studies
and is also a credential for obtaining a job after high school. Employers know that a prospective
employee with a Pennsylvania Skills Certificate has the skills to do the job well. An instructor or
counselor at a CTE school can provide you with the necessary details on achieving Pennsylvania
Skills Certification.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 25

 Learning About That Job
There are many ways you can learn more about a particular field of interest or career path. Internships
and apprenticeships actually allow you to build your skill- sets and earn credentials to work in that field
upon completion or graduation. Consider these options a “test drive” and possibly an opportunity to
transition directly into a career.

Internships:
• Learn how businesses operate.
• Develop and refine skills.
• A great opportunity for career exploration and networking.
• Gain valuable experience.
• You can even intern with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
learn more at www.employment.pa.gov/internships.

Apprenticeships:
• Provides an alternative to traditional college/4-year degree.
• Learn valuable job skills.
• Earn a salary.
• Obtain real world experience.
• Little to no student debt.
• Gain National Industry Certification.
• Connect directly with an employer.

What Makes a Registered Apprenticeship Different?

Apprentices earn competitive wages, a paycheck from the first day of employment and incremental
raises as skill levels increase. More than 90 percent of apprentices remain employed after completing
their program with an average salary of up to $60,000 a year or more. According to U.S. Department of
Labor data, workers who complete apprenticeship programs earn approximately $300,000 more during
their career than their peers who do not.”

26 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Traditional Apprenticeships in Pennsylvania:
• Machinist • Plumber
• Electrician • Mechatronics

Non-Traditional RAs in Pennsylvania:

• Protective Signal Installer • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Security Operations Center Analyst • Youth Development Practitioner
• Network Support Technician • Dental Assistant

Programs are usually a minimum of 2,000 supervised working hours and 144 hours of classroom in-
struction. The credential received upon completion is a nationwide, industry-recognized credential.

Benefits of Apprenticeships:
• Learn while you earn: You will be paid while • Related classroom instruction: Class work
you develop your skills. provides the knowledge to supplement the
• Increase in wages: The pay progresses as training experience.
you do. • Completion certificate: Upon completion of
• On-the-job training: A mentor will work with your program, you will receive a national
you in a real-world setting. portable credential.

So, if you want to become a highly-paid and valued employee, relish the challenge of learning a new
skill, and like to earn while you learn, entering an apprenticeship training program could be for you.

The PA CareerLink® office in your area can also help you find RA programs that are being offered in
the commonwealth or you can search at www.pacareerlink.pa.gov.

Other Helpful Links:

• Office of Apprenticeship website: dol.gov/apprenticeship
• List of Apprentice-able Occupations: doleta.gov/OA/occupations.cfm
• Sponsors database: apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-finder

Apprenticeship FACT #1
In 2019, 18,174 individuals participated in Pennsylvania’s registered apprenticeship
programs. Currently, there are 833 registered apprenticeship programs in the state.

Apprenticeship FACT #2
While construction and manufacturing trades make up the majority of registered
apprenticeships, there are hundreds of apprentice-related occupations.

Apprenticeship FACT #3
The majority of apprentices will have little or no related debt
upon competition of their program requirements.

Apprenticeship FACT #4
Upon completion, the average wage for an apprentice in
Pennsylvania is about $60,000 per year.

Apprenticeship FACT #5
Former apprentices earn $300,000 more over a lifetime
than their peers who don’t complete such a program.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 27

 Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
An estimated 880,000 Pennsylvanians between the ages of 18 and 64 have a serious physical or
mental disability. The Off ice of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is a state agency that provides
services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, start and/ or maintain employment.

IF YOU ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY, OVR MAY BE ABLE

TO HELP YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY TOWARD A FULFILLING CAREER.

SOME OF THE SERVICES OFFERED:

• Diagnostic Services: Medical, psychological, and
audiological examinations and tests used to
better understand your disability and your needs
for specific types of services

• Vocational Evaluation: Aptitude, interest, general

ability, academic exams, work tolerance, and
“hands-on” job experience used to understand
your vocational potential

• Counseling: Better understand your potential,

rely on your abilities, set realistic vocational goals,
CONTACT: change them when necessary, develop
successful work habits
OVR:
717.787.5244 (Voice) • Training: Education to prepare you for a job
717.787.4885 (TTY) including, but not limited to: basic academic,
800.442.6351* (Voice) vocational/technical, college, on-the-job training,
independent living skills, and personal and work
866.830.7327* (TTY)
adjustment training

OVR- Bureau of Blindness and • Restoration Services: Medical services and

Visual Services: equipment such as physical and occupational
therapy, wheelchairs, and automobile hand
717.787.5244 (BBVS Voice) controls can be provided to enable you to pursue
800.622.2842* (BBVS Voice) and achieve employment

• Placement Assistance: Counseling, job-seeking

Hiram G. Andrews Center programs, job clubs, and job development to
(HGAC): increase your ability to get a job
814.255.8200 (Voice)
• Assistive Technology: OVR can assist an
814.255.5873 (TTY)
individual with a disability in effectively selecting
800.762.4211* (Voice/TTY) and acquiring appropriate assistive technology.
They can arrange for a consultant to evaluate
Office for the Deaf and Hard of your situation and to make appropriate
Hearing (ODHH): recommendations. OVR also operates and
maintains their own Center for Assistive and
717.783.4912 (Voice/TTY)
Rehabilitation Technology (CART) at the
717.831.1928 (Videophone) Hiram G. Andrews Center.
717.783.4913 (Fax) There is no charge for evaluation and vocational
* Toll-f ree within Pennsylvania counseling services through OVR. Based upon
your f inancial needs, you may have to contribute
Online resource to the cost of assistive technology devices and
http: //www.dli.pa.gov/ovr services.

28 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

School to Work Transition
School to Work Transition helps prepare you for life the evaluation of your needs, the OVR Counselor will
and work after high school. If you need vocational determine which services are needed and discuss
counseling and guidance or assistance in preparing the recommendations with you. OVR services may
for, obtaining or maintaining competitive include diagnostic services, vocational evaluation,
employment, you may apply for OVR services. counseling services, restorative services, training
services, placement and other support services.
Vocational rehabilitation is an eligibility-based
program. You must meet certain criteria to qualify The OVR counselor will work with you to obtain
for services. Your counselor will review your and maintain competitive employment. This goal
information and determine whether a disability is achieved when you are working in a community-
exists and whether the disability substantially integrated setting earning at least minimum wage
interferes with your ability to prepare for, obtain or in a job that allows you to work with your unique
keep a job. strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities,
capabilities, interests and informed choice. OVR
The OVR Counselor will determine if your services are complete when you achieve your
disability significantly limits at least three areas of vocational goal and are successfully employed for
functional capacity, including mobility, self-care, at least 90 days, after which your case is closed.
work tolerance, interpersonal skills, work skills, If necessary, post-employment services may be
communication, and self-direction. Based upon available.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION SERVICES

pts
V R a cce a s t
O at le
e f e rrals prior to
r s
year tion!
two ua
grad

Group Services Individualized Services

• Independent Living Skills Training: to assist • Job Shadowing: This service provides you with
you with skills such as developing and a one to five-day experience during which you
maintaining social relationships, managing a observe the daily duties and responsibilities of
household, financial management and decision an occupation of interest within the community.
making. You are provided with opportunities to shadow
• Self-Advocacy Training: to assist you with topics employees and obtain an overview of the
such as disability awareness, understanding the knowledge, tasks, and abilities needed to work
transition process, self-advocacy, the knowledge in a particular field.
and skills specific to the individualized education • Work-Based Learning Experiences: Paid,
program process, post-secondary education, hands on experiences at area businesses where
employment, and what to do when applying for you obtain experience performing actual job
and receiving social services. tasks. These experiences may be provided during
• Workplace Readiness Training: provides you or after school and afford the opportunity to
with knowledge needed to find and maintain acquire employment skills needed to obtain
competitive integrated employment. competitive integrated employment or
Curriculums may include soft skills training, transition to post-secondary training.
interview skills, job readiness, job-seeking • Group and Individual Counseling: Includes
skills, HR practices and other skills needed to job exploration counseling and counseling on
become “workplace ready”. opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive
transition or post-secondary education programs.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 29

 Military Training and Careers in the Armed Forces
In today’s world, there are hundreds of occupations from which to choose, and it’s important that
you spend time exploring all of the options available to you. The United States Armed Forces is one
alternative you may want to consider.

The U.S. military has changed dramatically over time. Today’s military is
more professional; more technologically-advanced and offers more
benefits and rewards than ever before.

Maintaining a strong national defense includes such diverse activities as

commanding a tank, running a hospital, repairing a helicopter and
programming a computer. The military provides full-time and part-time
training and work experience for more than 800 different job types,
some of which have direct civilian counterparts.

In the military, you can learn marketable job-skills, make good friends,
and develop a positive, winning attitude. The pay scale is competitive
with many starting salaries in the private sector, and many allowances
paid out by the military are tax-exempt. If a college education is one of
your priorities, tuition support programs are one of the ways that the
military can help you with the rising cost of postsecondary education.

Serving in the military is really what you choose to make of it. It can
simply be a means to an end – money for college or technical
training and the development of life-skills – or it can be a lifelong
career path, giving you a structured environment, a defined
purpose and many opportunities
to advance and grow.

If you want to go to college

before joining the
military, consider a
Reserve Officers
Training Corps (ROTC)
program. These
college-based,
officer-commissioning
programs produce
37 percent of all newly
commissioned officers
serving the U.S. Armed
Forces. If your high school
has a Junior ROTC program,
it will teach you
problem-solving, ethics
and leadership skills before
you enlist.

30 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

In order to join the service, you must be 18 (or 17 with permission from your parent or guardian) and
a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant holding permanent resident status. Most enlisted personnel need at
least a high school diploma, while officers need a bachelor’s or an advanced degree. You also must pass
a medical exam. Enlisting in the military is a major step in a person’s life. Before you make a decision to
join, gather as much information as possible about the branch of the service that interests you. Each
one differs in the specific program, terms of duty and enlistment options.

Explore websites like www.myfuture.com and www.todaysmilitary.com to learn more about military
life and careers. Make certain your military commitment is based on sound information
and realistic expectations. Do your homework so there won’t be any surprises.

For more information, contact your nearest recruiter listed in the phone
book or call one of the following toll free numbers:

U.S. Army | 888-550-ARMY

www.goarmy.com

U.S. Navy | 800-USA-NAVY

www.navy.com

U.S. Air Force | 800-423-USAF

www.airforce.com

U.S. Marine Corps

www.marines.com

U.S. Coast Guard

www.gocoastguard.com

Air National Guard | 800-TO-GO-ANG

www.goang.com

Army National Guard | 800-GO-GUARD

www.nationalguard.com

U.S. Space Force | 800-525-0102

www.spaceforce.mil

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 31

 Veterans’ Benefits
The benef its of military service don’t end once you leave the military and enter civilian life. In fact,
U.S. military veterans are entitled to a wide range of educational, career and employment services.

One of the best known – and most popular – of these benef its is the G.I. Bill, which was signed
into law in 1944. This program was updated in 2009 to implement a new bill called the Post-9/11
G.I. Bill. The new bill is designed to enhance and expand educational benef its to service members
and veterans who served on active duty following Sept. 11, 2001. The program was further updated in
2017 and is called the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017. It is commonly
known as the “Forever GI Bill”, and it eliminated the 15-year use-it-or-lose-it constraint associated
with the Post 9/11 GI Bill education benef it. Since the program began, more than 21 million veterans
have benef ited f rom the G.I. Bill.

Financial aid for education isn’t the only benef it of having served in the military. Veterans also
receive f ree assistance with f inding and obtaining a job. By law, PA CareerLink ® off ices and the
State Civil Service Commission must give priority of service to veterans. Each PA CareerLink ®
has specially trained Local Veterans Employment Representatives who provide veterans with a
full-range of employment services. Disabled veterans also receive additional priority and assistance.

More information on the G.I. Bill and other veterans’ programs can be found by contacting
the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs of the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Pennsylvania CareerLink | www.pacareerlink.pa.gov
PA Veterans Affairs | www.dmva.pa.gov
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | www.va.gov

32 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Starting Your Own Business
It’s a great feeling to be your own boss. If you’re motivated, confident, and innovative, starting your
own business might well be right for you. There are millions of self-employed business owners,
or entrepreneurs, in the United States. Being self-employed has its advantages: greater income
potential, flexibility in work schedules, and the freedom to choose what products and services you
provide. Ultimately, the work you do can be more fulfilling and rewarding. However, self-employment
is also potentially risky. The United States Small Business Administration reports that half of all new
entrepreneurships fail within five years. Keep in mind, business owners are not guaranteed a steady
income, sick pay, vacation time or a retirement fund. The hours at your own business may be long,
especially at first, as you find yourself handling tasks that you wouldn’t have to do as an employee
elsewhere.

Do the risks of self-employment outweigh the potential rewards? Only you can answer that question.
If you find the prospect of working for yourself and potentially making more money enticing, then
entrepreneurship may be for you. But if you prefer the security of a regular paycheck and relatively
predictable work hours, working for someone else would be a more appropriate option. If you’re
serious about going into business for yourself, do some more research. Check out the website
www.business.pa.gov for the Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop which is equipped with
information and resources for businesses both large and small. There is a very helpful publication called
“Entrepreneur’s Guide” created by PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED)
that is stored there. Also, be sure to visit the Small Business Administration at www.sba.gov, which
offers a variety of online courses to help you start and run your business.

Questions about Your Business Idea and the Resources You’ll Need
•Is there a market for my product?
•What expenses will I have (including licensing, taxes, equipment, inventory, rent,
advertising, utilities, and insurance)?
• How will I find customers?
• What is the best way to advertise and how much will it cost?
• Who is my competition? How loyal are their customers? How much do they charge and
can I afford to charge less to win customers?
• Where can I get assistance with any questions I might have about running a business
(including accounting, legal, or insurance advice)?
• Do I have the money for start-up costs, or will I have to rely on outside investments or
bank loans?

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 33

 Other Career Options
Working for State Government
The Commonwealth is always looking for skilled, dedicated workers to fill state-government positions. It’s
a job with considerable appeal, too. You’ll serve your fellow Pennsylvanians, while holding a good-paying
job with excellent benefits, and the opportunity for advancement.

Contrary to what you may believe, government jobs are not all about paperwork in office buildings.
The Commonwealth has a wide array of employment opportunities in many different fields for those
interested in public service.

Accountants Digital Forensic Examiners Maintenance Repairmen

Automotive Mechanics Driver License Examiners Network Specialists
Drug & Alcohol Treatment
Capital Police Off icers Nurses (both RNs and LPNs)
Specialists
Certif ied Nurse Aides Environmental Planners Park Rangers
Chemists Equipment Operators Parole Agents
Children & Youth Caseworkers Geologists Safety Inspectors
Vocational Rehabilitation
Civil Engineers Geospatial Analyst
Counselors
Health Facility Quality
Clerk Typists Youth Development Aides
Examiners

Custodial Workers Liquor Store Clerks And many, many more...

The Office of Administration (OA) oversees government employment. The OA recruits employees
for all positions with the state and local governments. A listing of all open positions for which the
Commonwealth is hiring is located at www.employment.pa.gov.

On the home page, there are links to open positions available to the public as well as a specific link for
internships. Information is provided for each job posting such as whether it is civil service or non-civil
service, or full-time or part-time. Also available are the specifics of the position including a brief job
overview, any specialized certifications or qualifications required, the state agency hiring, work hours and
the worksite location. A salary range is provided but note that this range is depicting the entry-level to
maximum pay possible for a certain job title. With most civil service positions, the starting salary is not
negotiable; however, pay raises schedules are set by the Union contracts which allow for salary increases
over time.

Instructions for applying are given for each position as well as contact information for any questions.
Take careful note of the dates provided for the closing of the application period for each job to ensure
you allow yourself plenty of time to gather any information needed as part of the application process.
For questions regarding the employment process or assistance with applying via the website, call
717.787.7811 or 717.787.0570 (TTY).

34 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Helping Ex-Offenders Rejoin the Workforce
Finding a job after committing any crime can be very difficult. Like any other job, networking is your
best option. Get in touch with good people that you may have known prior to your conviction, join local
clubs or community organizations, and spread the word at church if you are religious. Any of these
people may know of possible job opportunities.

The website www.careeronestop.org/ExOffender is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and

offers information, tips, and resources to help people with criminal records overcome barriers they might
face in their job searches. You will still need an up-to-date résumé, prepare yourself for the interview,
dress your best, and be open and honest about your past.

Not all companies have a strict “do not hire ex-offenders” policy. Pennsylvania currently has a
Fair-Chance hiring policy for state agencies that removes the criminal conviction question, otherwise
known as “banning the box,” from non-civil service employment applications for agencies under the
governor’s jurisdiction. Even so, as an ex-offender you will most likely have a long break in your employment
history that will raise flags and need to be explained. Long term, this will continue to be an issue, but can
be overcome if you reestablish a solid employment history and can secure positive references.

Helpful books, websites and resources:

• Best Resumes and Letters for Ex-Offenders by Wendy S. Enelow
• The Ex-Offender’s Quick Job Hunting Guide: The 10 Sequential Steps to Re-Entry Success
by Ronald Krannich
• Legal Action Center: www.lac.org
• A listing of all the Pennsylvania state resources and assistance programs:
http://www.hirenetwork.org/content/pennsylvania

Did you know?

People who haven’t even been convicted
of a crime can have old criminal charges
following them around -
keeping them f rom job and housing opportunities.
Clean Slate can help.
Learn more at mycleanslatepa.com.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 35

 To-Do List for High School Students
When you’re in high school you have a lot to think about, especially during your junior and senior
years. This section of the Career Guide offers you some help by giving you a general to-do list to follow.
When dealing with specific matters, such as application or financial aid deadlines, pay particular
attention to the school’s requirements, rather than these suggestions. Consider this list more of a
guide than actual rules.

The to-do list is divided into two sections:

A brief overview of what you should be doing prior to your senior year to prepare for life after
1. high school.

A month-by-month planner that is divided into three categories: for college bound students,
2. for students seeking other postsecondary training and for students seeking to immediately
enter the workforce.

What am
I going to do
after graduation?

Am I headed for
college, vocational
training or right
into the workforce?

How am I going
to navigate the path
that I choose?

36
36 The Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Career GuideGuide
Career 25 th Edition
26 th Edition
1. What to do before your senior year begins: P
R
• Take a skills or interest assessment to learn a bit about yourself. What are you good at?
What do you enjoy doing? E
P
• When you f ind a career path that interests you, learn more about it. You might f ind
it’s exactly what you want to do or f ind that the day-to-day work would bore you. A
Check out the Virtual Job Shadow feature available through PA CareerLink ®
(www.pacareerlink.pa.gov) under the Individuals tab. Scroll down the page to the
R
Online Resources and Tools section and click on Job Exploration. E
• Talk to your guidance counselor about your career options or prospective plans.

• Make sure you take classes that f it your career goals.

• Take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT), which is good Now, here’s a

practice for the SAT. A good score on the
PSAT could qualify you for a National Merit
look at what
Scholarship. you should
• Be sure to get involved in part-time or volunteer
do during your
work and extracurricular activities. These can senior year,
give you valuable insight about yourself and look
good on a résumé. based on your
chosen career
• Consider taking the Armed Services Vocational
Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, especially if you plan path.
to enlist in the military after high school.

• Attend college fairs, career fairs and job fairs held at or near your school. These are
great ways to gain information on prospective careers, as well as network with people
in the f ield.

• Near the end of your junior year, review your transcript to make sure you will complete
the classes you need to graduate.

• If you plan on going to college, begin to narrow down your list of choices during the
summer between your junior and senior years. This will keep your application fees to a
minimum down the road. Also, if you are considering a school out of the area, the
summer might be a good time to make a campus visit.

Accomplishing
these things before
your senior year
will give you a
sense of direction and
purpose as you
complete your
high school
education.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 37

 2. Month-by-month planner:
Senior Year To-Do List

GOING RIGHT INTO THE WORKFORCE

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

Take an interest or skills Figure out and list your Use your list of strengths,
test (similar to the one we strengths, experiences experiences and
provide in this guide) and and accomplishments. accomplishments to begin to
talk to a career counselor Also list any jobs you assemble your résumé.
to get an idea of what kind might have had in the
of work you would want past. Would your interests
to do. Do your interests lead you to starting
lie in a career that offers your own business? If
apprenticeships? so, look for resources on
entrepreneurship, such as
Pennsylvania’s Department
of Community and
Economic Development’s
Entrepreneur Guide.

DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY

Make sure you’ve polished Work on planning a Update your résumé again,
your résumé. The holiday budget for yourself. Figure including your most recent
break is a good time to out what your fixed part-time employment.
put your résumé to use by expenses are likely to be, Remember, you’re about
getting a part-time job, and don’t forget to budget to step up to full-time
hopefully in a field that for incidental expenses employment, so think about
interests you. that crop up from time to what it is you want your
time. This is good practice, résumé to say about you,
whatever your future plans and revise it again.
may be.

MARCH APRIL MAY

Time to start learning Talk to people you want to Get ready to get a job. Yes,
even more about potential use as references. Get their that sounds daunting, but
employers; research permission before listing that’s what you’ve been
companies that interest them! Teachers, coaches, building up to all year long.
you to see what kinds of counselors and employers Prepare some cover letters
jobs they offer and how you are all good choices. Make and practice interviewing,
would fit into the company. sure to get a summertime then get out there. A final
This kind of homework or home phone number piece of advice: Don’t just
isn’t just about learning for those who will be on jump at the first job that
where to apply. Having vacation. comes along. Be sure to
this knowledge will come choose the job that fits both
in handy when you’re your needs and your skills.
interviewing.

38
38 The Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Career GuideGuide
Career 25 th Edition
26 th Edition
2. Month-by-month planner:
Senior Year To-Do List

OTHER POSTSECONDARY TRAINING

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

Figure out where you Figure out and list your Start researching which
want to be a year or two strengths, experiences schools will have the
from now. Learn as much and accomplishments. training programs that
about that field as you Also list any jobs you you’ll need to get into
can. This includes getting might have had in the your field of choice.
a part-time job and/or past. Would your interests You may be looking for
volunteering in that field. lead you to starting degrees provided by a
your own business? If local community college or
so, look for resources on something more specific,
entrepreneurship, such as such as studying electronics
Pennsylvania’s Department at a school that specializes
of Community and in it.
Economic Development’s
Entrepreneur Guide.

DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY

Begin visiting the schools Make a list of deadlines. Keeping any deadlines
you’re interested in Begin applying to schools in mind, continue the
attending. Just because a and start assembling application process. Follow
school is nearby or in the your writing samples or up with schools to ensure
same town doesn’t mean portfolio. that nothing is missing from
you shouldn’t spend the your application. This gives
time to conduct a proper you time to provide anything
visit of the facilities. Fill out you may have forgotten.
a FAFSA (Free Application
for Federal Student Aid)
and look for financial aid
opportunities if you have
not already done so.

MARCH APRIL MAY

Time to wait. Watch Continue watching the Be prepared to begin any
the mail and look for mail for acceptance letters training or courses that
acceptance letters as well and financial aid offers might start before the
as scholarships for financial from schools. usual fall semester begins.
aid that you applied for. Some year-long or two-
year programs require you
to begin earlier in order to
complete them.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 39

 2. Month-by-month planner:
Senior Year To-Do List

FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE BOUND

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

Get applications and financial aid This is the ideal time for college visits Begin working on your college
information from the schools you especially to nearby schools. Many essays or writing samples and be
are interested in attending. Find out high schools have college fairs, which sure to have someone proofread
whether the schools you’re looking at are a good opportunity to get more them for you. If any of the schools
prefer the ACT or SAT. information and any forms you might you are applying to require the SAT
Register and practice for either or still need. Additionally, many schools you should take it now if you haven’t
both exams. Now is also the time to offer seminars in your local area. This done so already. Submit applications
begin asking if teachers, bosses or can save on travel until you’ve decided for early decision/early action
others will be willing to write letters of to which schools you want to apply. programs. If you plan on entering
recommendation for you. If you plan Take the ACT if any schools on your list an ROTC program, the application is
on applying through an early action require it. Many schools only consider due December 1.
or early decision program, you should the highest of any scores that you
begin working on these applications receive on these types of standardized
now. Additionally, begin working on tests. It is important to know what the
applications to colleges that conduct policies are of the schools on your list.
rolling admissions. Many colleges If you are unsatisfied with a score that
determine housing and admission you receive, taking the test again may
on a first-come, first-served basis, so be a good option.
applying early to these institutions
can be advantageous. There are
many colleges and universities
in Pennsylvania that offer rolling
admissions. This list can be found
at http://blog.prepscholar.com/
colleges-with-rolling-admissions.

DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY

Pick up a FAFSA (Free Application Work on your FAFSA forms. FAFSA If you haven’t already done so,
for Federal Student Aid) form or forms require a good deal of tax- complete the FAFSA forms and send
apply online at studentaid.gov. related information, so you’ll need them to your schools of choice. Make
You’ll also want to check to make your parents to gather that well a list for yourself ranking your college
sure your SAT or ACT scores have before April 15. Begin a serious hunt choices. You should contact all
gotten to your schools of choice. for outside scholarships (check out colleges to which you have submitted
If you applied early to any schools, page 44 for more information). Be applications and confirm that they
your application responses will aware that some schools consider have received all of the necessary
arrive this month. your first semester grades from your application materials.
senior year in the form of a mid-year
grade report.

MARCH APRIL MAY

Watch the mail. You should be Wait until you’ve heard from your Decline any offers that other colleges
hearing back from schools soon. preferred school before you decline have made to you so the spot being
You should also be receiving your any offers. Also, make sure to meet held for you can be given to the next
Student Aid Report (SAR) in response any other deadlines, such as for person in line. Take any advanced
to any financial aid applications. The housing or more financial aid. placement (AP) exams.
SAR can also be emailed if you list Make your final college choice.
an email address on your FAFSA, so The enrollment deadline for most
watch for it there, too. schools is May 1, so make sure that
you mail the enrollment form and
deposit check to the school you have
selected.

40
40 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition
Which Standardized Test is for You?
While many factors contribute to how your application to college is ultimately rated; including good
grades, extracurricular activities and application essays, standardized testing is often considered to
be an important aspect of whether or not you get accepted into the school of your choice. Some
colleges and universities no longer mandate score submissions from standardized tests as part of the
application process, but it is important to find out if the schools you are applying to do. If standardized
test scores are required, there are some important things to know.

The most common standardized tests are the SAT and the ACT. The chart on the next page shows the
differences between the two. Check with the colleges to which you are applying to see if they require
one of these tests for admission. Many colleges take these standardized tests very seriously when
determining admission, scholarships, financial aid and even enrollment into some specific programs
of study. Consider taking the exam at least two times, as colleges often take the higher score, though
this is important to verify with the school you are applying to as well.

Being overly anxious could prevent you from performing your best on SATs or ACTs.
Here are some tips to ease anxiety and make sure you’re prepared.

• Know the instructions and format thoroughly before going in. This
helps avoid losing time rereading the instructions when you could be
answering the questions or rechecking your answers.

• Take a pretest, either on paper or on a computer, in order to become

familiar with both the format and the types of questions that will be
asked.

• Take a preparatory course for a fee, or buy/borrow one of the many

books focused on SAT or ACT preparation. These methods provide
useful tips and techniques that can improve your score.

• Get a good night’s sleep the night before the test, and have a healthy
breakfast the morning of the test.

• Bring a snack to eat during test breaks, preferably something that will
give you an energy boost.

• All questions are weighted equally, so if you can, finish answering the
easy questions first.

• You have a limited amount of time for the test. If you get hung up on
a particular question, mark it so you can come back to it later, and
then move on.

• Be extra careful that you don’t accidentally skip a question in the test
booklet, and thereby inadvertently begin providing “right answers” to
wrong questions all the way forward. Throughout the exam, vigilantly
monitor that the question number you’re working on in the booklet,
matches that found on your answer sheet.

• If time permits after answering all the questions, go back and check
your work.

• Be sure to erase any stray pencil marks on the test sheet or booklet
after completing the test.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 41

 Which Standardized Test is for You?
ACT vs. SAT

ACT vs. SAT

ACT Questions SAT

The ACT tests your skills in The SAT tests your critical
English, math, reading and What do the tests reading and mathematical
science, with an optional focus on? reasoning skills, with an
writing portion. optional writing portion.

The ACT composite score is Each section of the SAT has

based on an average of the a range from 200 to 800,
various sections of the test making the total range
How is scoring handled?
and ranges from one to 36. from 400 to 1600. The
The national average score national average for 2018
in 2018 was 20.8. was 1068.

No. If you do not know an No. If you do not know an

answer you may as well try Is there a penalty for answer you may as well try
your best guess, even if you wrong answers? your best guess, even if you
can’t eliminate possibilities. can’t eliminate possibilities.

$47.50 without essay;

$50.50 without writing; $67
$64.50 with essay; three
with writing; three hours, How much and how
hours for math and critical
40 minutes (including long are the tests?*
reading; 50 minutes for
the optional writing test).
writing.

The ACT is administered The SAT is administered

seven times a year. You seven times a year. You
When should I register?
should register at least five should register at least five
weeks before the test date. weeks before the test date.

www.act.org websites www.collegeboard.org

*Few waivers are available for low income students for both exams and
costs were accurate as of date of publication.

42
42 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition
The Costs of College
The pursuit of higher education – for any period of time – is an increasingly popular decision. For many,
it is also an increasingly expensive one. Depending on the institution, tuition combined with room and
board charges can total anywhere from $6,500 to more than $50,000 a year.

The average costs of undergraduate education in Pennsylvania at different types of schools are shown in
the table below.

COLLEGE TYPE TUITION ROOM AND BOARD

Private Four-Year Colleges $41,703 $13,545

Public Four-Year Colleges, In-State $14,812 $11,475

Public Four-Year Colleges, Out-of-State $28,537 $11,475

Public Two-Year Colleges, In-State $5,284 N/A

Public Two-Year Colleges, Out-of-State $14,111 N/A

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (2018-2019)

And don’t forget those additional costs…

While budgeting for a college education, there are many costs that parents and students tend to overlook.

Fees Social Textbooks Computer &

Activities School
Supplies

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 43

 Scholarships
According to The Institute for College Access and Success from a 2018 study, about two in three (65%)
graduating seniors had student loans, and the national average debt was $29,000. In fact, Pennsylvania
had the second highest average debt of $37,061. Student loan debt is now the second highest consumer
debt category, only behind mortgage debt, higher than both credit cards and auto loans.

Average Student Loan Debt by Year

$40,000

$35,000

$30,000

$25,000

$20,000

$15,000

$10,000

$5,000

$0
199 199 199 199 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 2 01 2 01 2 01 2 01 2 01
3 5 7 9 1 3 5 7 9 1 3 5 7 9

Source: The College Investor; Study from the Journal of Financial Planning

While there are several student loan forgiveness programs such as public service or for teachers,
only a few are approved and you still must make monthly payments for up to
5 to 10 years. With this in mind, it makes sense to pursue as many opportunities
as you can to help finance your education. Scholarships, grants, and work-studies The
are one means to that end and can help to lessen the debt burden you have average
upon graduation. student in PA
owes more
In addition to traditional scholarships for academic achievement or athletics,
many other types of scholarships exist. Some examples of these are scholarships
than
from employers, local civic organizations, churches and scholarship funds $37,000
dedicated to students pursuing specific academic goals like science or healthcare.
There is even a scholarship out there specifically offered to left-handed individuals.
The possibilities for scholarships are only truly limited by how hard you are willing to look for them, and
how many you are willing to pursue. Make sure you pay attention to deadlines and requirements when
choosing which scholarships to pursue.

Below is a list of resources for some of the more traditional scholarships available:
Federal Student Aid
www.studentaid.gov

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education

www.passhe.edu/answers/Pages/Financial-Aid.aspx

Pennsylvania Scholarships
www.unigo.com/scholarships/by-state/pennsylvania-scholarships

44 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Pennsylvania CareerLink®
ATTENTION
With more than 60 locations throughout Pennsylvania AND
online access 24 hours a day, Pennsylvania CareerLink® is JOB SEEKERS:
there to help you navigate the road to career success. From Trade Adjustment Assistance
pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, financial management (TAA) is a federal program
institutions to software corporations, local schools to that assists American workers
manufacturing firms – PA CareerLink® will connect you with adversely affected by foreign
some of the best job opportunities in the state. imports. TAA provides workers
with the means to attain
Need help getting started? competitive and marketable skills
PA CareerLink ® has that covered too! that allow them to rejoin today’s
www.pacareerlink.pa.gov increasingly competitive work
environment.
Staff Assistance Benefits include:
• Occupational training
PA CareerLink® has a variety of trainings and educational • Wage replacement for
resources available to assist you with your job search and older workers
make you more marketable as a job seeker. You can check out • Relocation reimbursement
the events calendar on the PA CareerLink® website or check
• Income support
with your career advisor for local offerings. Some examples of
• Out-of-area job search
workshop topics include:
• Health coverage tax credit
• Resume writing; Additionally, weekly Trade
• Interview skills; Readjustment Allowances (TRA)
• Effective job search tips and techniques; may be payable to qualified
• Career exploration; workers following the exhaustion
• Introduction to computers and digital literacy classes; of state and federal unemployment
• GED preparation and other remedial educational classes; compensation benefits. Workers
• Informational sessions on training, apprenticeships, and may also be eligible for federal tax
on-the-job training opportunities; and, credits for the cost of health
insurance. For more information on
• Financial literacy.
TAA or TRA, contact your local PA
CareerLink®.
Rather assist yourself? There are a lot of resources available through
PA CareerLink® that you may access as soon as you register!

• Virtual Job Search Tool

• Create a Resume using the Resume Builder
• Record yourself during a mock interview using the Big
Interview-this is an interactive interview tool with
interview tips and best practices
• Make yourself available to be matched to jobs and
employers that meet your qualifications & preferences
• Find and register from trainings and workshops,
employer recruitments and job fairs. Many of these
items have both in person and virtual offerings.
• Looking for a change in career? Check out PA Career
Zone or Virtual Job Shadow.
• Learn about the latest employment and educational
opportunities that may be available to you
• Identify your transferable skills for your work history,
education or military service

Ask your PA CareerLink® representative if you are eligible for

On-the-Job Training or Apprenticeship Programs!

The Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Career Career
GuideGuide 25Edition
26 th Edition th
45
45
 Your Résumé
Making a Great First Impression
Think of your résumé as your personal sales brochure. It establishes a first impression of you and plays
a pivotal role in whether or not you will get an interview. But a résumé is more than a summary of your
skills, experience and education; it is an advertisement of your best self. A prospective employer wants
to know where you have worked and what skills you can bring to the workplace. When touting your
accomplishments, be specific. Give examples of where your skills brought about significant results.
Instead of stating “good decision maker,” say “Made decision to streamline (x) process and increased
profitability by 30 percent.” This could lead to a productive discussion during your interview.

Research
suggests that your
résumé has less than
20 seconds to catch
someone’s eye and
make the right
impression.

Developing Your Résumé

Résumés can vary in appearance, but most consist of the following components:
• Personal Data: Your name, telephone number, address and email address.
• Education: List educational levels in reverse chronological order, most recent first. Include
details relevant to the job, such as courses or special projects.
• Work Experience: Summarize your work experience, focusing on specific tasks performed
and accomplishments. Include relevant unpaid work experience.
• Activities: List those activities most relevant to your occupational goal. Include school,
community, and professional activities.

Take time to make it eye-catching and easy to read. To create an impressive résumé, it should be:
• Well written: Make sure you have no spelling or grammatical mistakes. Keep it clear and
concise. Have someone proofread your résumé before you give it to an employer.
• Attractive: It should be typed and professional in appearance. An employer should be able to
glance over the résumé and read the main points.
• Concise: Your résumé should be as long as it has to be, and no longer. For a student or someone
with limited experience, one page is sufficient.
• Relevant: Tailor the résumé to the individual job description for which you are applying.
• Personalized: Use the style and format that best reflects your needs and accomplishments.
• Appropriate: Information and format must conform to employer expectations. An artist or a
consultant should consider including a portfolio outlining past projects to showcase talent.

46
46 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition
Common Complaints about Résumés
• Listing objectives or meaningless • Personal information not relevant to the
introductions: Vague objectives and overly job: There are times, such as when your
general introductions don’t tell the reader hobby is related to the job you are seeking,
anything of value. This wastes the reader’s including that personal information can
time and valuable résumé space. Tell them help you. Most times, however, don’t include
who you are and what you do by making a information that can be wrongly interpreted
single, clear statement. or open the door to some type of prejudice
on the part of the résumé reviewer.
• Writing in either the first or third person:
Using the first- or third-person voice risks • Too duty oriented with accomplishments
turning your résumé into a narrative. It can not highlighted: A list of duties from a
take it from a short summary of your previous job just reads like a job description.
qualifications into a second, redundant Instead, briefly describe some of your
cover letter. accomplishments, which give the résumé
a personal flavor while highlighting your
• Important information is too hard to find talents and initiative.
or absent: Many employers see hundreds of
applications a day and simply skim résumés. • Unprofessional email addresses: The
If some piece of information about you is résumé is your first contact with the
important, make sure it is included and employer in the hiring process, so always try
easily seen. to make a good impression. An email
address that is the same as your name will
• Too long: A résumé is not a second cover do just that; “HotPants021” won’t.
letter. You want to concisely state your
qualifications for the job, your work history • Gaps in employment: In the interest of
and accomplishments. But don’t overdo it. brevity, don’t explain gaps in your
The ability to be concise is looked upon employment in the résumé. Leave that for
favorably by most employers. the cover letter but be ready to again
explain the gaps in your interview.

Important
information is
too hard to find or absent:
Many employers see
hundreds of applications a
day and simply skim résumés.
If some piece of information
about you is important,
make sure it is included
and easily seen.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 47

 Posting Your Résumé Online
Posting résumés and conducting job searches online is becoming more and more popular. While this makes
the process of getting your name out there much easier, it does not increase your chances of getting a job.

Companies receive hundreds of applicants for each job listing through online forums. If a résumé does
not stand out, it may be immediately discarded. When posting online, you have a much better chance of
successfully obtaining a job if you read the job description very carefully and then tailor your résumé to it.
Putting hours of effort into a few job postings can be more effective than putting minimal effort into hundreds.

Here are a few tips and precautions for posting your résumé online:
USE CAUTION WHEN
BEWARE OF FORMATTING DON’T LET YOUR
PROVIDING PERSONAL
REQUIREMENTS RÉSUMÉ SIT
INFORMATION

Convert your résumé to plain text Do not list your phone number or Résumés are normally arranged
by saving it as a “plain text” or your home address; the city name online by date of submission,
“text only.” should be enough. much like job postings. If your
résumé is good, but months old,
Proofread after converting; some Do not list your references; say an employer might think you are
errors may have occurred in the that you can provide them upon no longer available to hire.
process. request for an interview.
Revise your résumé every two
Replace bullets with asterisks (*) Remove dates and specific weeks; this keeps you near the
or another symbol. company names. Use a general top of the list. If the résumé
description of the company. hasn’t caught someone’s eye,
Do not use tabs or try to center (Instead of “IBM” for example use make some updates.
the text. Left-justify the entire “a multinational information
résumé. technology company.”) If you have no results after a few
months, remove your résumé
Do not try to control the length Create a disposable email address and try another website.
of lines by pressing enter/return. that can be discontinued after
It may appear differently on the obtaining the job. This protects you Remove all your résumé postings
employer’s computer than it and might be more professional after obtaining a job.
does on yours. than your current email address.

For more information about résumés and cover letters, check your local library or bookstore.

“How to Write “Résumés for “Knock ‘Em Dead

the Perfect Dummies” Résumés”
Résumé” by by
by Laura DeCarlo Martin Yate
Dan Clay

The Internet can also be a valuable resource for résumé and cover letter preparation. You might find
the following sources useful:

PA CareerLink ® www.pacareerlink.pa.gov

My Perfect Résumé http://www.myperfectresume.com/

Rockport Institute http://rockportinstitute.com/resumes/

48 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Action-Oriented Word List
Active words tend to grab the résumé reader’s attention more than passive words. For example, “Led a
project” does not grab the reader in same the way as “Coordinated and designed a project.” Evaluate your
own résumé and see if you cannot incorporate more of them. “Managed employees” can quickly become
“Cultivated and mentored employees”. Here is a list of more action words:

Accelerated Controlled Enhanced Influenced Outperformed Reviewed

Achieved Converted Ensured Informed Overhauled Revitalized

Acquired Conveyed Established Initiated Oversaw Screened

Administered Convinced Evaluated Innovated Partnered Scrutinized

Advised Coordinated Examined Inspected Persuaded Secured

Advocated Corresponded Exceeded Inspired Pioneered Shaped

Amplified Counseled Executed Instituted Planned Showcased

Analyzed Created Expanded Integrated Prepared Simplified

Arbitrated Critiqued Expedited Interpreted Produced Spearheaded

Assembled Cultivated Explored Introduced Programmed Standardized

Assessed Customized Facilitated Investigated Promoted Stimulated

Audited Decreased Fielded Itemized Publicized Streamlined

Authored Deducted Forecasted Launched Qualified Strengthened

Authorized Defined Forged Lifted Quantified Succeeded

Awarded Delegated Formalized Lobbied Reached Supervised

Boosted Delivered Formed Mapped Reconciled Surpassed

Briefed Demonstrated Formulated Maximized Recruited Surveyed

Built Designed Fostered Measured Redesigned Sustained

Calculated Devised Founded Mentored Reduced Targeted

Campaigned Developed Furthered Merged Refined Taught

Capitalized Diagnosed Gained Mobilized Refocused Tested

Centralized Directed Generated Modified Regulated Tracked

Chaired Discovered Guided Monitored Rehabilitated Trained

Clarified Dispatched Headed Motivated Remodeled Transformed

Coached Documented Hired Navigated Reorganized Unified

Co-authored Edited Identified Negotiated Replaced United

Composed Educated Illustrated Operated Researched Updated

Conserved Enabled Implemented Orchestrated Resolved Upgraded

Consolidated Enforced Improved Organized Restructured Verified

Consulted Engineered Incorporated Outpaced Revamped Yielded

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 49

 The Job Application
Employers use job applications to quickly compare prospective employees without reading through
résumés. This means that you will want your application to be complete with clearly documented
information. Incomplete applications or ones that are difficult to assess will often be overlooked.

TIPS FOR COMPLETING JOB APPLICATIONS:

• Get organized. Try to create a sample generic

application ahead of time. Include your Social
Security Number, work history (dates of
employment and job descriptions), employer
contact information, references, and any other
information you feel you might need. Keep all of
your paperwork in one folder (paper or
electronic). You may not always need every piece
of information but you will have it available
just in case. It is better to have too much
information than not enough. If you do this
properly you should be able to consult this
information every time you need to fill out a
job application and you will save yourself
substantial amounts of time.
able to go back and change something later
• Read and follow all instructions carefully. so you should fix any errors before advancing
to the next screen.
• Print neatly on paper applications in blue or
black pen. The instructions may specify one ink • Avoid abbreviations and acronyms that may be
color over another. Having an erasable pen or unfamiliar to those reading your application.
white-out to fix mistakes is also helpful.
• Make sure you have permission from the
• Complete all information and avoid leaving people that you list as references. You should
anything blank. If there are questions that do not contact them before you apply for a job or
apply, write “n/a.” attend an interview to let them know they
may be contacted. This is especially important if
• Don’t provide any negative information. If you you haven’t used a particular reference in a
were fired from your last job, you should try while.
to be as positive as possible and leave longer
explanations for the interview. Write “will • Always sign and date paper applications.
discuss at interview” if you have something
you prefer to discuss in person. • If you haven’t heard anything within a week
after submitting the application, follow-up
• Do not give specific salary requirements. with the company. Let them know that you
Write “open” or “negotiable.” are interested. Also find out how long they
keep job applications on file.
• Always tell the truth and do not over
exaggerate on job titles or job responsibilities. • It may be a good idea to check that your
networking profiles, like LinkedIn, are up to
• Make sure your responses are error free date in case an employer tries to access your
(spelling, content and grammar). Whether you profile.
are filling out a paper application or typing
your responses online, you should always • Clean up your public social media profiles like
proofread the application before submitting it. Facebook and Twitter and remove any
In an electronic application, you may not be information you wouldn’t want employers to see.

50 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Budgeting
Regardless of where you are in life, if you do not have a budget, you should make one. Not because
you’re being told to do so, but because the only way to become f inancially secure and independent
is to take in more money than you spend. One of the best ways to do that is to actually track where
your money goes.

Pick A Timeframe For Your Budget

You can choose any amount of time for the budget, but monthly is the most typical.
Most recurring expenses (rent/utilities/car payments) are paid on a monthly basis,
making this timeframe the easiest for which to plan.

List All of Your Income

In your budget; include all of your income. For college students, these typically
include: financial aid (scholarships, grants, work study, and student loans), savings,
contributions from parents and income from a part-time job. For someone in the
workforce this would be the net amount of your paycheck. Net is your take-home pay.
You may make $10 an hour for 40 hours a week resulting in $800 for two weeks of
pay, but after taxes, deductions and health care premiums, your two-week paycheck
is reduced by roughly a third and may only total about $560.

List All of Your Expenses

Next, list all of your expenses. Typical college
student expenses include: tuition and fees, Useful Tip:
books and supplies, room and A great way to manage
board/housing, groceries and snacks, money is through
personal care items, transportation multiple bank accounts.
or car expenses, health insurance, A separate savings account
cell phone, clothes and entertainment is typical, but having
and activities. If you’re not sure what multiple checking accounts
your expenses are, track them for a is helpful too. One for rent
week, a month or more. Recording and bills that need to be
everything you spend can be an paid, and another for
eye-opening experience and a great way splurge spending
to find areas to cut costs. If you are in the on entertainment,
workforce your expenses will depend heavily clothing, etc.
on your living arrangements. Rent, utilities and
transportation are all dependent on where you are located.

Save and Plan for Emergencies

Savings should be considered an expense. It should be somewhere between five and
10% of your budget. Savings helps with the unexpected parts of life. If your car breaks
down or you have an unexpected medical expense, you’ll be way ahead of the game
if you have money saved in an emergency fund and don’t have to rely on credit. It also
helps you make those big steps in life like buying a house, starting an investment
portfolio, planning a wedding, or taking a big vacation.

Make Sure Your Budget Balances

Total your income, total your expenses and then make sure that your budget balances.
You should account for every dollar. If you have money left over, it should be added
to savings. If your budget doesn’t balance, you’ll need to reduce your expenses and/
or figure out a way to bring in more income.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 51

 Budget Worksheet
INCOME
Bi-Weekly Income (single occupation from data bank) (multiply by 2)
Minus Taxes & Withholdings (multiply by 0.3)
Plus Other Income
Total Monthly Income:

EXPENSES
FINANCIAL TRANSPORTATION
Savings Car Payment
Student Loan Payment Car Insurance
Credit Card Payment Gas
Gifts & Charity Parking & Tolls
Total Financial: Repairs & Maintenance
Public Transportation
HOUSING Total Transportation:
Rent/Mortgage
Utilities (water/trash/electricity/oil/gas) HEALTH
Cell Phone Medical Insurance
Internet & Cable TV Dentist
Home Repairs & Maintenance Eye Doctor
Total Housing: Prescriptions
(divide by number of roommates) Other
Total Health:
FOOD
Groceries ENTERTAINMENT
Dining Out Movies/Games/Concerts
Lunches & Snacks Satellite Radio/Netflix/Hulu
Pet Food & Care Dates/Vacation
Total Food: Hobbies
Other
EVERYDAY EXPENSES Total Entertainment:
Clothing
Toiletries Total Monthly Expenses:
Laundry & Cleaners
Hair Care
Other
Total Everyday Expenses:

52 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Budget Worksheet Sample
INCOME
Bi-Weekly Income (single occupation from data bank) (multiply by 2) $3,174
Minus Taxes & Withholdings (multiply by 0.3) - $952
Plus Other Income $0
Total Monthly Income: $2,222

EXPENSES
FINANCIAL TRANSPORTATION
Savings $150 Car Payment $200
Student Loan Payment $225 Car Insurance $70
Credit Card Payment $100 Gas $90
Gifts & Charity $10 Parking & Tolls $45
Total Financial: $485 Repairs & Maintenance $50
Public Transportation $0
HOUSING Total Transportation: $455
Rent/Mortgage $900
Utilities (water/trash/electricity/oil/gas) $180 HEALTH
Cell Phone $60 Medical Insurance $200
Internet & Cable TV $70 Dentist $20
Home Repairs & Maintenance $0 Eye Doctor $20
Total Housing: $1,210/2 Prescriptions $10
(divide by number of roommates) = $605 Other $0
Total Health: $250
FOOD
Groceries $150 ENTERTAINMENT
Dining Out $55 Movies/Games/Concerts $40
Lunches & Snacks $27 Satellite Radio/Netflix/Hulu $25
Pet Food & Care $0 Dates/Vacation $35
Total Food: $232 Hobbies $20
Other $0
EVERYDAY EXPENSES Total Entertainment: $120
Clothing $40
Toiletries $10 Total Monthly Expenses: $2,222
Laundry & Cleaners $10
Hair Care $10
Other $5
Total Everyday Expenses: $75

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 53

 How to Stay Positive During Your Job Search
You have selected a career path, just graduated high school or college or decided to reenter the
workforce. You are ready and eager to get to work, but that does not mean f inding a job will come
quickly nor easily. Remain flexible but don’t blow off any opportunities hoping that something
better will come along. Sometimes you will need to take a job to help pay the bills, before you f ind
the ideal job you’re looking for. However, this doesn’t mean take the f irst thing that comes your way.
If the job isn’t the right f it for you, you’re going to be constantly searching for a new job.

Here are some tips for the potential jobseeker:

• Volunteer and network. This will get you out • Manage stress. Looking for jobs, filling out
of the house and building relationships with applications, going to interviews and not
people who may know where work is hearing back from employers all cause a
available. It can help you develop soft skills lot of anxiety and stress. Avoid stimulants
and other strengths you can reference during such as coffee, nicotine and energy drinks to
an interview. help manage stress and anxiety. Also, get
out of the house and take a walk or go to the
• Research the field you want to enter. Review gym as part of your daily routine. The fresh
your previous jobs, knowledge and skills and air, sunshine, and exercise all improve mood
see if there are any new trends or changes and boost serotonin levels. Exercise can help
that you should be aware of. Through reading alleviate both psychological and physiological
you may gain some “perspective” about stresses on the body.
yourself and realize that you would prefer to
work more directly with customers than
being behind the scenes in an office.

• Spread the word. Gently remind ALL of your

family, friends and acquaintances to not ask
you every time they see you “did you get a job
yet?” Tell them you will let them know as
soon as you get good news in your job hunt.

• Maintain a schedule. If you are looking for a

“9 to 5” job, then you should start waking up
early, do your “work” involving research, résumé
writing and filling out applications during this
time period. Leaving the house to do this at a
library, coffee shop or park can be mentally
helpful as well. After five, you can relax. This
habit will make the transition to work easier,
and you won’t feel guilty or stressed that you’re
not searching all day, every day.

• Don’t dwell on missed opportunities. “Sorry,

we cannot offer you a job at this time,”
doesn’t mean that you are a failure or that you
did anything wrong. Another applicant may
have simply had better credentials, a great
interview or known someone in the company.
Use each interview as an opportunity to
learn, and send a letter of thanks to every
person that rejects you. Perhaps they will
remember this gesture and contact you if
another job opens up.

54 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Networking & Social Media
Twenty percent or fewer of all job openings
are never advertised.

Most jobs are f illed through personal referrals, direct contact with employers or employment
agencies. The key to networking is to make as many contacts as possible by meeting and talking to
people who can help you learn about job openings and opportunities. Be specif ic about what you
are looking for and how they can help.

For instance:

Prepare a list of friends, relatives, teachers or

anyone with whom you may have a common
thread. They might know of employers Attend a career fair (see page 5).
looking for your particular skills. Ask for tips, You’ll have the opportunity to
leads and suggestions to help you reach your meet with representatives from
goals. Take advantage of your “connections” multiple industries and to submit
and contact those employers or leads. Even your résumé to several potential
if you don’t get the job now, they might employers.
remember you later or even point you in a
better direction.

Join a student or professional

Make an effort to learn about local employers.
organization. Don’t be afraid
Find out who’s hiring, what type of work they
to approach new people. More
do and who to contact about job openings.
times than not you’ll find a way
One of the best ways to go about this would
you can help the person or learn
be to check out the company’s website.
they are able to help you out

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 55

55
 Online Networking
When social media sites began, they were primarily used by college students and recent graduates as a
means of keeping in touch with social acquaintances and friends. However, with millions of accounts on
platforms like Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and LinkedIn, there is a good chance that
everyone from your boss to your grandmother could be looking at your profile right now.

Thousands of people use these sites when searching for jobs or seeking out potential clients. But despite
all of the positive and beneficial applications these tools provide, there are also several ways that improper
and careless use can affect your personal and professional life. In addition, many employers will quickly
search you online before offering you a job. Google yourself to see how easily information can be found
about you.

Countless examples can be easily found about employees losing their job over an inappropriate Facebook
post or an insensitive Twitter comment. While freedom of speech protects your right to speak your mind,
your employer also has the right to fire you if those public comments reflect poorly on them or potential
customers.

The simple fact is that social networking sites are tools, and tools have the potential to be dangerous if
the proper precautions are not taken while using them. Here are a few suggestions to ensure safe use of
social networking:

DO
Keep private information private. Information Remove comments posted by others that can
such as your home phone number or get you in trouble. You can’t always keep your
address can provide potentially dangerous friends or others from posting material that
people with unwanted access to your you don’t want to be seen online. It is important
personal life. Additionally, cyber criminals to remain aware of what is posted and remove
thrive on information regarding your pets information that could be harmful or ask those
or grandparents’ names, as these are the who posted it to remove it.
questions that banks and credit card
companies use to verify your identity.

DON'T
Don’t post anything on your Don’t use your profile as a way Don’t admit to doing anything
profile that you wouldn’t be of venting about what’s going illegal. Even if you are joking,
comfortable with showing up on in your life. If you have a it is very difficult to undo such
on the front page of your local bad day at school or work, an admission. The police are
newspaper. While you may writing a couple of paragraphs just as capable of using social
post that picture of you out about it may help you to blow media sites as anyone else.
on the town last Saturday for off some steam. However, The best bet is to avoid doing
the enjoyment of your friends, do not complain about your anything illegal in the first
keep in mind that if they can workplace – including your place.
see it, so can everybody else. If job, boss, co-workers and
you are over 21, drinking is legal. customers.
However, showcasing excessive
drinking can reflect poorly on
your character and be seen as a
red flag to employers.

If you keep these general rules in mind while using social media networks, there is no reason why
these networks can’t be a great tool to help you keep in touch with old friends, make some new ones
or even land that job you’ve been looking for.

56 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Creating a LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn differs from other social media sites, in that it is designed specifically for networking,
job searching and recruiting. It is focused and strips out all of the other day-to-day posts/
tweets/events that aren’t relevant to work. Below are some tips for having an effective,
professional profile:

• Display an appropriate photo: This should be a good,

professional-quality headshot. Think something similar to
your senior picture.

• Show off your education: Include all educational

institutions as well as the majors and minors you’ve
acquired. If you have a great GPA, were awarded honors or
other recognition, be sure to list them.

• Include other information: In addition to past work, be sure to

include internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular
activities you may have been involved in.

• Join groups: These may include the university you attended,

professional associates, or people with similar interests.
It is just another way to make connections and expand your
network.

• Update your prof ile at regular intervals: An active

page shows you are open to opportunity. You do not have
to be online every day, but try to do something every
two weeks. Add a connection, reach out to someone,
or simply update the “Specialties” section with a few
new keywords.

• Keep it professional: When reaching out to others, use

formal language such as “Mr. Jones and Ms. Smith” rather
than their first name. Keep your tone similar to a cover letter
rather than a tweet to friends.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 57

 The Interview
OK, you’ve landed a job interview. Now it’s important to make the most of the opportunity. The best
way to do that is to be prepared. Here are some suggestions for what to do between the time an
interview is scheduled and when it actually occurs.

• Research the company and industry. Make

sure you know some facts about the company’s
history, what products or services it offers, and
the industry it serves.

• Rehearse a one- to two-minute commercial

about yourself. Be ready to sell yourself with a
summary of your education, achievements,
skills and goals. It should sound natural, not
rehearsed.

• Be prepared for “stumbling block” questions.

Know in advance how you will answer questions
about lack of experience, job-hopping history • Make a list of your strengths. Use action
and gaps in employment. adjectives such as: Confident, Organized,
Decisive, Competitive, Designer, Visionary, etc.
• Practice answers to anticipated questions. Go
online or visit the library to review resources • Prepare a list of questions for the employer.
about common interview questions. Some questions you can ask are: What work
hours are available? What attire would be
• Turn the negative into a positive. The employer appropriate? What is the timeline and the steps
may ask what your weakness is. For instance; if involved with the hiring process? You may also
it is organization, turn it around by stating the ask why the position is vacant and did the
tools you use to stay organized such as Microsoft employee leave the company entirely or get
Calendar, Tasks and Notes. another position within the company.

Almost all questions fall into

one of the following seven categories:
1. Are you trustworthy? Key Words: personal qualities; “who you are”
2. Can you do the job? Key Words: skills, abilities, strengths
3. Will you really work at the job? Key Words: initiative, attitude
4. Will you fit in? Key Words: relationships, co-workers, boss, customers
5. Will you leave soon? Key Words: future, plans, goals, objectives
6. Are you safe? Key Words: conflict, stress
7. Can I afford you? Key Words: benefits, salary, overtime, compensation

58 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

During The Interview

DO
• Go alone.
• Arrive a little early.
• Be clean and well groomed.
• Bring extra copies of your cover letter, résumé, references and a pen.
• Address the interviewer by name.
• Smile and offer a greeting.
• Listen carefully and be interested.
• Maintain good eye contact.
• Take time to think about your answers to interview questions.
• Speak clearly and use proper grammar.
• Ask for clarif ication if you do not understand a question.
• Be positive.
• Express your readiness to undertake the job duties.
• Understand that you may be nervous and that is ok.
• Be polite to those employees you encounter when arriving and leaving the interview.
• Match the body language of the individual doing the interviewing.

DON’ T
• Speak too fast.
• Interrupt the interviewer.
• Fold your arms.
• Sit with your arms or legs far apart.
• Smoke or chew anything, even if invited to do so.
• Say, “I’ll take anything.
• Fiddle with pens, paper or desk items.
• Criticize your former employers or teachers.
• Discuss personal or financial problems.
• Beg for the job or hang around after the interview.
• Stress your qualifications for the job.
• Sit down until you are asked.
• Provide information that is not true.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 59

 Big Interview
One of the best resources available to users of the PA CareerLink® system is Big Interview. Big Interview
allows you to learn and develop interviewing techniques that will help you to enhance your skills and
develop the confidence needed to ace your next interview, one of the most important aspects of landing
the job you want.

Interviewing for a job, for everyone from a first-time job seeker, to an FREE
experienced professional, can be one of the most daunting and SERVICE
stressful parts of the job seeking process. But with Big Interview,
Big Interview also contains
you can learn and practice your interviewing abilities and great resources on developing
techniques, all from the comfort of your own computer. resumes and cover letters,
how to go about landing an
Big Interview comes equipped with three primary tools to help interview, and the proper way
you market and sell yourself, and your abilities, to potential to follow-up after completing
employers in the best possible light. And remember, your interview.
interviewing is all about marketing yourself to potential So what are you waiting for?
employers that are looking to buy your skills and talents. Get signed up for
PA CareerLink® at
www.pacareerlink.pa.gov
today and get working on
those interviews!

Interview Training
Start learning the interviewing techniques and best
practices to land your next job. Choose from video
lessons covering all aspects of interviewing or writing
lessons detailing interview essentials.

Practice Interviews
Put your newly learned knowledge to the test by
participating in mock interviews from a variety of
categories organized by experience, occupation or
competency.

Interview Roulette
Stay at your best by answering random interview
questions and perfecting thinking on your feet.

60 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Keeping Your Job
Professional Behavior at Work
You’ve been hired! That’s great news. But it’s important to understand that making a good
impression doesn’t end with the interview. Once hired, many people act in an unprofessional manner
and make negative impressions on supervisors and co-workers. The result? They end up losing the job
they worked so hard to obtain.

Professionalism is one of many ‘soft skills’ that today’s employers say workers are lacking. These skills
are intangibles that center on social interaction and communication within the workplace. Acting in
a professional manner and learning other ‘soft skills’ will improve your chances of succeeding within a
company, even if you lack experience or have underdeveloped technical skills.

How Are Your Soft Skills?

• Punctuality: Do you arrive at work 15 minutes early, or do you rush around and get there a few
minutes late?
• Professional Dress: Do you dress for success, or do you just wear whatever
might be clean that day?
• Self-motivation: Do you actively seek out work for yourself, or do you wait
for someone to tell you what to do?
• Flexibility: When asked to do something you’ve never done before;
do you rise to the challenge or complain that you don’t know
how to do it?
• Teamwork: Do you think working as a team is a waste of time,
or does it motivate you to do your best?

You also have to realize that the mistakes you make at one job
could stay with you as bad performance reviews, unfavorable
references and as part of your professional reputation as you look
for another job. With that in mind, the following is a list of
professional behavior guidelines to keep in mind as you start a new job:

Basic Professionalism
• Get any dental or medical appointments out of the way before you
start a new job. You don’t want to take off work early in your
employment unless it’s an emergency situation.

• Be on time for work. Nothing says ‘unreliable’ like repeated tardiness.

• Come to work clean and well groomed. Yes, it sounds obvious, but
poor appearance leaves a lasting impression.

• Dress appropriately for work. Don’t wear a suit to your job if it’s dirty and
labor intensive. Likewise, don’t wear a t-shirt to an office job at a law firm.

• Take the time to read the office manual on policies and procedures.
Then follow it.

• Keep your personal life separate from your office life. Don’t address personal
matters while you’re on a company phone on company time.

• Remember that the supplies and equipment provided to you are there to
help you do your job, and are NOT there for your own personal use.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 61

 Keeping Your Job A Note on
Professional Behavior at Work Substance Abuse:
No doubt you’ve heard this
Outward Professionalism countless times: Engaging
• In any work environment you will confront situations that cause in drug or alcohol abuse
frustration. When that happens, it’s always best to remain cool is dangerous behavior.
and control your emotions. Shouting matches and dramatics Substance abuse can
rarely work to your advantage. have an adverse effect on
your career. Increasingly,
• Keep your opinions and biases to yourself. It’s very easy to alienate employers are conducting
someone with a single poorly chosen conversation; it’s a lot more drug tests on their employees
work to overcome the damage done by that conversation. or prospective employees.
The U.S. military has a zero-
• Don’t engage in gossip about co-workers or supervisors. First, it tolerance drug policy; the
makes you look bad. Secondly, think about the people involved. Federal Government allows
How much would you like to hear rumors about yourself? drug testing at all levels.
Screenings may take the form
• Maintain a positive attitude at work. Cynicism and moodiness of polygraph (lie detector)
only serve to alienate co-workers. and tests of the blood, urine
or hair. Many employers will
• Similarly, make friends with and surround yourself with positive dismiss employees or reject
people who don’t engage in gossip or play office politics. (Actually, applicants solely on the basis
this is good advice for life outside of the office, too.) of a positive test.
Apart from testing, drug
• Always remember to be diplomatic and polite. Good manners and alcohol abuse will affect
can earn you nothing but respect at work. your work life. Drugs and
alcohol affect your physical
Job Professionalism and mental health, making
you less sharp and an overall
• Get a feel for the culture of your workplace. If it’s a corporate, liability to the company.
professional environment, a laid-back attitude won’t get your
far. If the workplace is more relaxed, it’s probably not to your Solutions:
advantage to be overly assertive. • DON’T USE DRUGS
• Be patient with yourself at work. You aren’t expected to know • Know the company policy
everything, especially when you first start your employment. on drug testing.
Learning the ropes takes time, and impatience will lead to rash
decisions and a poor attitude. • Understand that refusing
a drug test might be
grounds for disciplinary
• Team players are highly valued. Be on, whether through support
action (including dismissal),
or encouragement. Always be willing to help your co-workers depending on the company
and employer. policy.
• Another part of being a team player is shouldering your own • Be prepared to discuss
workload. Don’t make others set aside their projects to do your any prescriptions you are
work for you. taking with your employer
or prospective employer if
• Use your performance reviews as a learning experience. The they could be captured by a
criticism offered in them is meant to be constructive – to help drug test.
both you and the company – so don’t get overly defensive. • False positives do occur.
Over-the-counter drugs
• Be willing to take on new tasks. By learning new skills, you and some foods (poppy
enhance your résumé and make yourself more valuable to your seeds are infamous) can
employer. cause a positive drug test
despite the taker not being
• Finally, try to make yourself ‘layoff proof’ by becoming valuable a drug user. If this happens,
to your employer. However, don’t become too valuable in your discuss re-testing with your
position that you’ll be passed over for a promotion. employer at once.

62 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

How to Move on After Getting Fired
Fired, let go, terminated, laid off; regardless of the COBRA (health insurance through the employer)
way it is phrased, losing your job is often a negative or if you need to purchase health insurance
experience. Becoming unemployed often carries privately.
with it a large amount of emotional and financial
stress. However, that negativity and stress can do Take some time for you and try to understand
nothing for you. The only way forward is through why this happened. Even if you do not have the
positivity; and remember a job does not define money to travel to get away from it all, time to
who we are, rather we define our job by the effort decompress is important. This “you” time can
and actions we put into it. help you understand who you are and who you
want to be. Evaluate yourself honestly. This is your
Your initial reaction will likely be frustration or opportunity to take a good look at your career
anger with your employer and boss. This is natural path so far and will help you find the career path
but venting towards them or about them through in front of you. A few questions to ask yourself:
social media is completely unproductive. Think
about how a new employer would react to your • Did I enjoy the work or the people?
behavior. If you are unable to shake the anger • What about my previous jobs did I like
and bitterness, talk with someone who you trust or dislike?
or a professional. And, if you were dismissed for • Do I want to try something new?
a reason outside of your own control, you may • Do I want to go back to school?
be able to still get a reference on your positive
qualities. It never hurts to ask. These are just a few questions to help you
understand where you want to go. Also, if you were
Understand where you are financially. Most let go due to an inability on your part, ask yourself
likely you will need to cut costs and spending “What could I have done differently?”, “what skills
immediately. Having a budget in place will help do I need to improve?” or “did I promote myself
you determine what is essential and what is not. If beyond my job level?” If you were in a managerial
applicable, sign up for unemployment insurance or supervisory position, did you enjoy it or was the
as soon as possible and verify if you can afford stress overwhelming?

Finding yourself
no longer employed does not
have to be a scary and angry time.
View it as an opportunity to explore
new ideas for the next chapter
in your life.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 63

 Job Search Advice for Older Workers
For an older (or any aged) worker looking for
employment, it is important to maintain a weekday
schedule that is as structured as possible. This helps to
keep you in a ‘daily work’ frame of mind. Try to keep the
same hours that you would keep if you were working.
This means not staying up late or sleeping in most
weekdays and keeping weekend routines as regular
as possible. Weekdays should still be thought of as
working days. This daily schedule should include
resume review and updates. Also, review work,
education and life experiences to see if you left out
anything that is now relevant. Use your “workday
hours” time for reviewing your professional knowledge
base and furthering your education by additional
course work, including on-line seminars, etc. Also, if
you are “behind the times”, work on improving your
technical or computer skills and to familiarize yourself
with social media.

It never hurts to spend some time on ancillary

material, not directly related to work, to get a big
picture perspective. This could include reading
history, economics, science and philosophy/theology.
This will aid in filing the hours of your day and take
your mind off job hunting. Spend some of your
preparation/reading time in a different environment
away from home. Try going to a library, book store,
park or garden. Take a mental break during the week
for an afternoon and watch a movie, go for a hike or
leisurely drive.

Be sure to keep yourself physically active. If you are

financially able, join a gym. Even without a gym, there
are still plenty of ways for you to stay physically active.
More and more studies are showing the importance
of activity. Stand up, stretch and move about for five
minutes every hour and walk around the block every
other hour. This is important psychologically and
physiologically! A good 30+ minute walk helps release
endorphins and various ‘feel good’ hormones.

Now is a good time to start (or increase) the many

health hints/tips that are available. Get some sunlight
every day, perhaps include some breathing and
relaxation techniques. Remember that old axiom,
‘laughter is the best medicine.’ Healthful stimulants during the day may include dark chocolate, fruit,
vegetables and herbal teas. Too many energy and sugary drinks will take their toll when they wear off.
It is also important to continue hobbies, interests and social activities.

Did we mention that walking is very important? Walking with friends is even better. All this boosts
Serotonin levels, burns calories, tones muscles and flexes joints. Finally, and perhaps most important-
Gently remind ALL your family, f riends and acquaintances not to ask you every time they see you, “did
you get an offer yet?” Tell them you will let them know any time you get good news in your job hunt.

64 The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition

Helpful Links
GENERAL JOB SEARCH:

www.pacareerlink.pa.gov
In PA CareerLink®, job-seekers have access to more than 200,000 job openings.
You can create and upload a resume and make yourself available to thousands of employers.
PA CareerLink® will also recommend jobs for you based on your preferences.
One exciting feature is an automatic capture of all your job-search activities within PA CareerLink®.
You have the ability to record any outside job-search activities too. All in one place. All for f ree.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT/INTERNSHIPS:

www.usajobs.gov
Federal government’s job database for full-time, internships, part-time and temporary positions.
Includes jobs and internships for students and recent grads.

www.gogovernment.org
A student-centered website with a wealth of information on opportunities in the federal
government. Information on preparing your application, interest-specif ic career guides,
agency prof iles and prof iles of young federal employees.

www.usa.gov
Search an A-Z listing of federal agencies.

STATE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT/INTERNSHIPS:

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers employment opportunities in over 2,000 job

classif ications, all of which f it into two broad categories: non-civil service or civil service.

www.employment.pa.gov
PA Civil & Non-Civil Service Employment

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/transferjobs
State Government Internship & Externship Opportunities

SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH:
There are several different sources you can reference when applying for scholarships. You may f irst
want to start with your high school guidance off ice as they may have a list of resources for you. You
can also check to see if any scholarships are available through your parents’ places of employment,
labor unions, professional associations, community organizations, religious organizations, etc.
Finally, while you will most likely be automatically considered for scholarships at your college of
choice based on your academic performance you can check with the Student Aid Off ice to see if
there are any additional scholarships that you can apply for.

https://www.studentscholarshipsearch.com/state/pennsylvania
www.fastweb.com

If you have questions or comments about this publication, we would like to hear f rom you.

For additional copies of the Pennsylvania Career Guide, or to provide feedback,

please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry,
Center for Workforce Information & Analysis at 877.493.3282 or at workforceinfo@pa.gov.

The Pennsylvania Career Guide 26 th Edition 65

CWIA-6 REV 09-20