Market and survey researchers perform research to find out how well the market will receive products, services, and ideas. Such research may include planning, implementing, and analyzing surveys to determine the needs and preferences of people. Other jobs using these skills include economists, psychologists, sociologists, statisticians, operations research analysts, management analysts, and urban and regional planners. Market and survey researchers often work closely with advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers. When analyzing data, market and survey researchers must use quantitative skills similar to those of mathematicians, cost estimators, and actuaries. Also, market and survey researchers often are concerned with public opinion, as are public relations specialists.

(Source: BLS)

Market and survey researchers spend a lot of time performing precise data analysis, so those considering careers in the occupation should be able to pay attention to detail. Patience and persistence are also necessary qualities because these workers must spend long hours on independent study and problem solving. At the same time, they must work well with others. Market and survey researchers often oversee the interviewing of a wide variety of individuals. Communication skills are also vital because researchers must be able to present their findings orally and in writing.

(Source: BLS)

Survey researchers focus exclusively on designing and conducting surveys to gather information about people and their opinions. They work for a variety of clients, such as corporations, government agencies, political candidates, and providers of various services. The surveys collect information that is used in performing research, making fiscal or policy decisions, measuring the effectiveness of those decisions, or improving customer satisfaction.

Analysts may conduct opinion research to determine public attitudes on various issues. The research results may help political or business leaders to measure public support for their electoral prospects or social policies. Like market research analysts, survey researchers may use a variety of mediums to conduct surveys, such as the Internet, personal or telephone interviews, or questionnaires sent through the mail. They also may supervise interviewers who conduct surveys in person or over the telephone.

Survey researchers design surveys in many different formats, depending upon the scope of their research and the method of collection. Interview surveys, for example, are common because they can increase participation rates. Survey researchers may consult with economists, statisticians, market research analysts, or other data users in order to design surveys. They also may present survey results to clients.

(Source: BLS)

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for many market and survey research jobs. However, a master’s degree may be required, especially for technical positions. Continuing education and keeping current with the latest methods of developing, conducting, and analyzing surveys and other data also is important for advancement.

In addition to completing courses in business, marketing, and consumer behavior, prospective market and survey researchers should take other liberal arts and social science courses, including economics, psychology, English, and sociology. Because of the importance of quantitative skills to market and survey researchers, courses in mathematics, statistics, sampling theory and survey design, and computer science are extremely helpful. Market and survey researchers often earn advanced degrees in business administration, marketing, statistics, communications, or other closely related disciplines.

While in college, aspiring market and survey researchers should gain experience gathering and analyzing data, conducting interviews or surveys, and writing reports on their findings. This experience can prove invaluable later in obtaining a full-time position in the field, because much of the initial work may center on these duties. Some schools help graduate students find internships or part-time employment in government agencies, consulting firms, financial institutions, or marketing research firms prior to graduation.

(Source: BLS)

Employment for social workers is expected to grow by 22 percent, faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. The growing elderly population and the aging baby boom generation will create greater demand for health and social services, resulting in rapid job growth among gerontology social workers. By specialty, job prospects may be best for those social workers with a background in gerontology and substance abuse treatment. Opportunities should be especially good in rural areas, which often find it difficult to attract and retain qualified staff.

(Source: BLS)

Social workers should be emotionally mature, objective, and sensitive to people and their problems. They must be able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain good working relationships with clients and coworkers. Volunteer or paid jobs as a social work aide can help people test their interest in this field.

(Source: BLS)

A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is the most common minimum requirement to qualify for a job as a social worker, however, majors in psychology, sociology, and related fields may qualify for some entry-level jobs, especially in small community agencies. Although a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for entry into the field,an advanced degree has become the standard for many positions. A master’s degree in social work (MSW) is typically required for positions in health settings and is required for clinical work as well. Some jobs in public and private agencies also may require an advanced degree, such as a master’s degree in social services policy or administration. Supervisory, administrative, and staff training positions usually require an advanced degree.  College and university teaching positions and most research appointments normally require a doctorate in social work (DSW or Ph.D.).

(Source: BLS)

Social workers assist people by helping them cope with issues in their everyday lives, deal with their relationships and solve personal and family problems. Some social workers help clients who  face a disabling or a life-threatening disease or a social problem, such as inadequate housing, unemployment, or substance abuse. Social workers also assist families that have serious domestic conflicts, sometimes involving child or spouse abuse. Some social workers conduct research, advocate for improved services, engage in systems design or are involved in planning or policy development. Many social workers specialize in serving a particular population or work in a specific setting.

(Source: BLS)

In every computer video game development studio, there are four main teams: design, artistic, programming, and testing. The design team writes the game concept, character interactions, and game play elements. The artistic team creates images and composes music and sound. The programming team plans and codes software. And the testing team finds errors in the game before it is published.

Game designers decide the mission, theme, and rules of play. Most development teams have a lead game designer, who is responsible for the overall concept and feel of the game. Level designers work with artists and programmers to lay out smaller sections of the game. Writer-designers write game text and dialog. Some also write manuals and hint books.

Designers test their ideas by writing short scripts and narratives and sketching rough storyboards. The storyboards describe the action of the game with a sequence of pictures. As their concepts solidify, designers supervise the production of working video game demonstrations.

After the designers decide on the game concept, they write a detailed plan, called a design document. This document lays out every aspect of the game. It includes maps of each game setting and flow charts to show how events in the game may unfold. Everything the player might see, do, or hear is described somewhere in this document.

Designers work with artists, programmers, and musicians throughout development. In fact, sometimes a designer is also the lead programmer, artist, or producer. But even if designers have other duties, their role is unique. They oversee the entire game experience, instead of concentrating on one element.

(Source: BLS)

Most computer video game designers earn a college degree, and the most common concentrations are English, art, and computer science. Communication is one of the designer’s most important skills. Creative writing, English, theater, and other liberal arts classes help many designers to strengthen those skills.

Designers have to be good managers. They lead the development team and make sure it implements the game concept. They incorporate many people’s ideas into a single product.

Designers need to understand computer programming and software design also, because designers have to be able to comprehend the technical hurdles that programmers face.

(Source: BLS)