Category Archives: Government

Government, Occupations

Career Spotlight: Urban and Regional Planner

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If you would like to work with a local government in an affluent, fast-growing community, Urban and Regional Planning may be the career path for you.  This master’s level career field accepts students from a wide background of undergraduate majors such as economics, geography, political science or environmental studies.  According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook,  urban and regional planners (also known as community or city planners) “develop long- and short-term plans for the use of land and the growth and revitalization of urban, suburban, and rural communities and the region in which they are located. They help local officials alleviate social, economic, and environmental problems by recommending locations for roads, schools, and other infrastructure and suggesting zoning regulations for private property—work that requires forecasting the future needs of the population.”

For more information on this career field, visit www.planning.org and www.acsp.org or contact Career Counseling.

Government, Graduate School, Occupations

Career Spotlight: Rehabilitation Counselor

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According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook,

“Rehabilitation Counselors help people deal with the personal, social, and vocational effects of disabilities. They counsel people with both physical and emotional disabilities resulting from birth defects, illness or disease, accidents, or other causes. They evaluate the strengths and limitations of individuals, provide personal and vocational counseling, offer case management support, and arrange for medical care, vocational training, and job placement. Rehabilitation counselors interview both individuals with disabilities and their families, evaluate school and medical reports, and confer with physicians, psychologists, employers, and physical, occupational, and speech therapists to determine the capabilities and skills of the individual. They develop individual rehabilitation programs by conferring with the client. These programs often include training to help individuals develop job skills, become employed, and provide opportunities for community integration. Rehabilitation counselors are trained to recognize and to help lessen environmental and attitudinal barriers. Such help may include providing education, and advocacy services to individuals, families, employers, and others in the community. Rehabilitation counselors work toward increasing the person’s capacity to live independently by facilitating and coordinating with other service providers.”

Rehabilitation counselors can be found in private practice, in rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, universities, schools, government agencies, insurance companies, and other organizations where people are being treated with the goal of going to or returning to work.

Entry level positions require a Master’s degree in Counseling. The Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) accredits qualifying graduate programs.

Common undergraduate majors include psychology, sociology, or other human services-related fields.

Job opportunities are projected to be good.

 A helpful link is: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/40/rehabcoun0809.pdf

Business, Government, Graduate School, Healthcare, Majors, Minors, Occupations

Majoring in Statistics

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The career counselors were recently paid a visit by Dr. Jane Harvill, Associate Professor of Statistical Science at Baylor.  She wowed us with stories of six figure salaries, telecommuting, and a broad range of employers where statisticians can work.  Here are some things to keep in mind if you are interested in applying your mathematical skills to help people make decisions.

First of all, the undergraduate major in statistics is appropriate for those who are strong in math.  That does not simply mean that you prefer math over English.  Statistics majors must take three calculus courses and linear algebra.  This major might especially appeal to students who enjoyed AP Statistics in high school.

Second, the list of fields in which statistics are used is endless, and many students choose to double major.  There is also a statistics minor available.  Dr. Harvill told us that statisticians work in government, quality control, market research, the pharmaceutical industry, academics, law, and the insurance and credit card industries…just to name a few.  Students majoring in biology, chemistry, astrophysics, sociology, and economics might find a statistics major or minor to be a nice complement to their studies.

Students with a bachelor’s degree in statistics can apply for jobs as technicians, but students are encouraged to pursue a master’s degree in statistics.  Two more years of school can lead to significantly higher salaries.  As an example, Dr. Harvill told us that technicians may earn a starting salary of $50,000 per year.  However, statisticians with master’s degrees may have six figure salaries.

Interested in learning more?  You can visit the Department of Statistical Science on the web.

Business, Career Exploration, Government, Majors, Minors, Web Resources

Planning for an International Career

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Many students come to Career Counseling uncertain about their majors and career goals, but confident in their desire to work in other countries or do work that is on a global scale.  Here are a few possibilities to consider:

Majors and Minors

Students who would like a major that is focused on other cultures and countries might want to explore:

Minors are available in Arabic, Asian Studies, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Latin American Studies, Middle East Studies, Russian, Spanish, and World Affairs.

Of course, students in other majors can use their education and skills in other countries or for international organizations, too.

Check out the Meet the Majors podcast series for more information on many of these programs.

Getting Experience Abroad

If you want to work abroad, one of the best things you can do as a student is to acquire international experience.  Baylor offers many study abroad programs, which allow you to live in another country and earn course credit.  Visit this page for more information, and consider attending an information session.

An internship abroad is another option for learning more about working in another country, while beefing up your resume at the same time.  The friendly staff of Career Services can help you explore international opportunities related to your major area of study.

If your schedule limits you from taking advantage of these experiences, you can also add to your experiences by participating in cross-cultural experiences here in the United States.  There are even student organizations and programs devoted to these types of experiences on the Baylor campus!

Additional Resources

Goinglobal is a fantastic resource provided by the Career Services office.  Of particular interest might be the country guides, which explain hiring trends in those countries, as well as links for job postings in those countries.  If you have trouble getting connected to the site, please contact Career Services.

If you are feeling confused about what major might be best for your specific career goals, or you want to discover what international career might be the best fit for you, Career Counseling is available to guide you in your exploration.  We would be happy for you to begin your international journey here!

Government, Majors

International Studies Major

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Students who are fascinated by other cultures and dream of traveling or living abroad might be intrigued by the International Studies major at Baylor.  Students take two core political science courses, as well as classes in Regional Studies and Global Issues and Institutions.  The major is truly interdisciplinary.  Students have much flexibility in choosing their major courses, which can come from 27 different course prefixes.  There are two versions of the major: General and Intensive.  Each requires advanced hours in a modern foreign language, and the Intensive version requires a study abroad experience or internship abroad.

The flexibility does not end with a student’s choice of classes to fulfill the major.  This degree can prepare students for a wide array of career possibilities.  Click here to read more about specific courses that can be used to fulfill the major, as well as relevant career options.

Announcements, Government, Internships

Announcement: U.S. Department of State Presentation at Baylor

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The Department of Career Services in the Paul L. Foster Success Center shared the following announcement:

Ambassador Ron McMullen will discuss Foreign Service careers, internships, and experiences from 4:00 – 5:00 pm on Monday, September 12, 2011 in Kayser Auditorium in the Hankamer School of Business.  All students, staff, and faculty are invited to attend. Students/Alumni please RSVP in Hire a Bear.

Following this presentation Ambassador McMullen will be conducting individual consultations regarding summer 2012 internships with the U.S. Department of State.  Please request an interview via Hire a Bear to schedule an individual consultation with Ambassador McMullen.

Internships are paid positions. Minorities, students with disabilities, wounded veterans, speakers of hard languages, 1st generation college-goers, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and others are encouraged to apply.  Candidates must be American citizens, undergrad (but not Freshmen) or graduate students, and be planning to continue their college or grad school education after the internship.