Category Archives: Occupations

Career Spotlight: Physician Assistant

The demand for primary care practitioners is high, due in large part to the aging baby boomer population.  Physician assistants are key players in the field of health care.  If you are interested in primary care, this occupation could be worth your time to explore.  Under the supervision of a physician, physician assistants are able to diagnose and treat illnesses.  They are also able to prescribe medication.

Many people are attracted to this profession due to the amount of independence in working with patients, as well as a good job market.  The path to become a physician assistant is not easy, however.  In fact, physician assistant programs have become more competitive than medical schools for admission.  Students must exhibit excellent grades, and many applicants have health care experience as a registered nurse or emergency medical technician.  Physician assistant programs take between two and three years to complete.

For more information, the American Academy of Physician Assistants offers an article entitled, “Becoming a PA.”

Career Spotlight: Marketing Manager

 

Marketing is a popular major choice for many of our students, due to the perception that interpersonal skills and creative talent are key elements.  Today’s post will focus on the responsibilities of marketing managers.  From Occupational Outlook Handbook:

Marketing managers estimate the demand for products and services that an organization and its competitors offer. They identify potential markets for the organization’s products.

Marketing managers also develop pricing strategies to help organizations maximize profits and market share while ensuring that the organizations’ customers are satisfied. They work with sales, public relations, and product development staff.

For example, a marketing manager may monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services. Then they oversee the development of that new product.

Take note that strategy based on data is a key element of this profession.  Do you consider yourself a strategic thinker?  Do you like analyzing information?  Obviously, the ability to work as part of a team is also critical.

It is also important to recognize that many marketing managers have work experience in the field prior to taking on the management role.  Reviewing full-time job postings for marketing managers will help you gain an understanding of what kinds of experience you will need to be qualified for a leadership role.  You could even begin gaining experience during college through internships.  Make sure to visit the website for the Office of Career and Professional Development for information on how to prepare for and find an internship.

Another resource, the American Marketing Association, has a section of their website devoted to students.  It includes a job board.  Keep in mind that once you determine if a career in marketing is for you, you will need to develop a plan for marketing your own skills and talents.

Click here for more information on the Marketing major at Baylor.

Career Spotlight: Real Estate Agents and Brokers

Many House Hunters fans out there have pondered a career in real estate.  Here is a bit of information to help you take that idea from fantasy to reality.  The primary difference between real estate agents and brokers is that brokers can run their own real estate businesses.  Agents must work for a broker.

Baylor students can major in Real Estate through the Hankamer School of Business.  To learn more about the job duties, pay, and job growth of brokers and real estate sales agents, you can visit Occupational Outlook HandbookRealtor.org has a list of designations and certifications available through the National Association of Realtors®.

Happy hunting!

Entrepreneurship

Do you have a desire to create your own company? If so, you might be called to entrepreneurship. Lucky for you, Baylor has just the program you need.  Click here to learn more about Baylor’s Entrepreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship programs.

Here are a few related articles you may find interesting:

6 Tips For Starting Your Startup From An Entrepreneurial Guru

Female Startup Founders Share Lessons Learned

I Started My Own Company: Ten Lessons I Learned

“Give Me the Bright Lights”

Have you ever thought it would be fun to plan major events like concerts or release parties?  If so, you may be interested in exploring the Brand Engagement and Promotion [BEaP] track in the Business School’s Marketing department.  Part of this track works directly with Uproar Records to promote artists and plan concerts.  Even if you are interested in planning other types of events, this pathway would give you some great hands on experience in the event planning process and may lead to valuable networking opportunities.  Please visit: http://www.baylor.edu/business/marketing/beap for more details about this exciting program and other career pathways it can provide.

Athletic Training Major

Trying to avoid cubicle jobs?  Sports fan?  Athletic training just might be for you.  Active, hard-working students should explore this field.  First off, visit Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn more about the career itself.  Second, you can read online about Baylor’s Athletic Training major.  Athletic training requires long hours, including early mornings and working outside.  It can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy working with an active population.

Baylor’s program is quite structured compared to some other majors.  If it appears that you are too far behind to complete the degree on time, you could also consider an entry-level Master’s degree program in athletic training.  The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education accredits such programs and maintains a database.  These programs could be good options for prehealth students looking for a “Plan B.”

Career Spotlight: Law Enforcement Officer

Occupational Outlook Handbook puts it quite simply:  “Police officers protect lives and property.”  Detectives are those who investigate crimes.  Law enforcement officers work at the local, state, and national levels.  Though the work can be quite dangerous, a strong sense of pride can be felt for those who serve our communities, states, and country through law enforcement.

Though a college education is not required for all types of police and detective work, it can be helpful.  Some agencies are looking for applicants with specialized skills and work experience.  Here are some links for more information:

Houston Police Department

Dallas Police Department

Become a Texas State Trooper

Federal Bureau of Investigation Careers

United States Secret Service Careers

Drug Enforcement Administration Careers

U.S. Marshals Service Career Opportunities

 

Careers in Artificial Intelligence

The complex field of artificial intelligence (AI) requires an interdisciplinary team to bring fantasy into reality.  Students with interests in computer science, linguistics, and neuroscience could find ways to use their expertise in AI.  You can visit AITopics.org for information on this field.  Click the following links to learn more about related majors: