Career of the Week: Database Management

Think about how much data you have stored on your computer. You may have trouble finding the occasional file, but you usually manage.

Now imagine how much data is available on the Internet. Much of that information is stored on databases. Thanks in part to the work of database administrators, you’re able to find the information you need quickly.

If you major in database management, you’ll learn how to construct databases. You’ll study the organization, storage, and retrieval of large amounts of information.

Did You Know?

It Helps to Be…

A problem solver who is attentive to detail. You’ll also need to be a good communicator to work cooperatively on group projects.  Finally, a drive to keep up with the latest technology will help you in both your studies and your future career.

College Checklist

Course Spotlight

In a database management course, you’ll get an overview of database application systems and how they’re used in government, business, universities, and other organizations. You’ll learn to design basic databases, create relational databases, and use SQL. You’ll also begin to explore some of the major issues surrounding database use today, including security and privacy.

source: collegeboard.com

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New Educational Opportunities for Unemployed Workers

Americans with more education and training have more secure jobs and higher earnings. With jobs hard to find, it may be a good time to consider going back to school.

The President recently announced that unemployed workers receiving unemployment benefits may qualify for a special hand in paying for education and training. And aid can be significant: In particular, the Federal Pell Grant program can provide up to $5,350 for educational costs at community colleges, colleges and universities, and many trade and technical schools. This is only one example of several federal student aid programs available to assist unemployed workers.

Applying for financial aid and finding education and training are not difficult.

Get Started

source: Opportunity.gov

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The 10 Most Stressful Jobs of 2010

1. Firefighter
Stress Rank: 200
Stress Score: 110.936
Unemployment: Very Low*
Hours Per Day: 11
Time Pressure: Very High
Competition: Low

Firefighters frequently work irregular or unusual hours, or remain on call throughout the night. They risk heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation, and serious injury while on the job, and even the state of anticipation preceding a major threat can be highly stressful in itself. Firefighters are also sometimes required to spend long hours outdoors in bad weather.

2. Corporate Executive (Senior)
Stress Rank: 199
Stress Score: 108.625
Unemployment: Very Low*
Hours Per Day: 11
Time Pressure: High
Competition: High

This highly competitive field requires detailed knowledge of the financial community, economic trends as well as technological developments and implications. Senior executives are expected to excel in many different fields at once, and face daily pressure to make far-reaching decisions that can affect numerous employees and their company’s bottom line.

3. Taxi Driver
Stress Rank: 198
Stress Score: 100.491
Unemployment: High*
Hours Per Day: 9.5
Time Pressure: Moderate
Competition: Moderate

Taxi drivers generally work erratic hours, including late nights and weekends. High speed driving in traffic, especially in major cities, is quite dangerous, and they frequently drive in bad weather conditions as well. In addition, taxi drivers are confined to their vehicle all day with a supply of cash, making them vulnerable to criminals.

4. Surgeon
Stress Rank: 197
Stress Score: 99.463
Unemployment: Very Low*
Hours Per Day: 11
Time Pressure: Moderate
Competition: High

Surgeons can be required to work at odd hours, and many operations take hours to complete. Operating calls for extreme precision and attention to detail, and can require quick decision making with life or death consequences. In addition, rising malpractice insurance costs are a major cause of stress for many surgeons.

5. Police Officer
Stress Rank: 196
Stress Score: 93.893
Unemployment: Very Low*
Hours Per Day: 9.5
Time Pressure: Moderate
Competition: Low

Police officers face potentially life-threatening situations daily. Shifts can be long and strenuous, especially in emergencies, and work requires both physical and emotional strength. Other possible stress factors include interacting with the public and providing medical attention to injured parties.

6. Commercial Pilot
Stress Rank: 195
Stress Score: 85.350
Unemployment: Moderate*
Hours Per Day: 9
Time Pressure: Moderate
Competition: Low

Commercial Pilots are under pressure to guarantee the comfort and safety of passengers while staying within flight schedules, even when flying in inclement weather. Working irregular hours and on varying routes forces pilots to layover in other cities, leading to frequent jet lag.

7. Highway Patrol Officer
Stress Rank: 194
Stress Score: 80.651
Unemployment: Very Low*
Hours Per Day: 9.5
Time Pressure: Moderate
Competition: Low

Highway patrol officers often work late nights, and on weekends and holidays. They face many hazards, such as high-speed chases and gun-toting citizens. Work requires physical stamina and close attention to detail, and officers have the added stresses of handling life-threatening situations and being in the public eye.

8. Public Relations Officer
Stress Rank: 193
Stress Score: 78.523
Unemployment: Low*
Hours Per Day: 9
Time Pressure: High
Competition: Very High

Public relations specialists make speeches and give presentations, often in front of large crowds. Because it is a highly competitive field, specialists must work quickly and creatively to meet deadlines. In addition, some PR officers are required to interact with potentially hostile members of the media.

9. Advertising Account Executive
Stress Rank: 192
Stress Score: 74.555
Unemployment: High*
Hours Per Day: 9.5
Time Pressure: Moderate
Competition: Very High

Although not physically demanding, work in advertising is emotionally and mentally stressful. Competition and the pressure of acquiring and maintaining major accounts forces executives in this field to work long and irregular hours. The work requires a high level of creativity, meeting deadlines, close attention to detail and self-motivation.

10. Real Estate Agent
Stress Rank: 191
Stress Score: 73.063
Unemployment: Low*
Hours Per Day: 9.5
Time Pressure: High
Competition: Very High

Real estate agents and brokers work long, erratic hours, spending much of their showing properties to clients. They must be extremely independent, and able to handle sales quotas and deadline pressures. Because they work in an extremely competitive field, successful agents and brokers are expert salespersons.

source: careercast.com

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