essay about jobs and professions

Reducing the Working Week

by Hayder Ahmed (Leeds, UK)

The length of the working week does not reflect modern lifestyle needs. It should be substantially reduced to give people more leisure time and time with their families. How far do you agree with this statement? Day by day, the life is becoming more complex and very difficult and people work for long time in every day. It is agreed that the number of working day in a weak should be reduced to give workers more free time with their families. Analysing both difficulty and complexity of life nowadays as well as people work hard for long time will show this. Firstly, today, the life is complex and people spend a long time working very hard without a rest time. For instance, people work from the beginning of morning to the end of evening very hard. When they back to their home, they might be tired and stressful. Therefore, people can not find a free time to talk and discuss with their families and spend enjoyable time with them. Thus, this makes it clear why people need for more free time every week. Secondly, as people work hardly for a long time during a working day, they might be stress and their health could be not good. For example, when workers do their job, they will be standing all the time and sometime doing hard without a rest time. Thus, their body could be very tired and in a bad condition and this routine continues every day. From this, it becomes quiet evident that why decreasing the number of working day is important for people health. In summary, people are working very hard for long time. Therefore, their health condition could be bad and they do not spend more time with their families. Thus, it is clear why the idea of increasing the number of working day can not be supported. After analysing this subject, it is predicted that the drawbacks of working a long time without rest more than benefits. (295 words) ***** I'd appreciate some feedback for my essay on work and careers.

Working Part-time while at High School

Some high (secondary) school students work part-time while some do not, instead just focusing on their studies. What are the advantages and disadvantages of part-time jobs for high school students? Many high school students take up jobs in their free time. Some parents discourage their teenagers from working while studying. Both these cases have good and bad points. The students who take up part-time jobs become responsible. A job brings them income by which they get spending power. For example, a teen who works can use his money to buy his own text-books, pay for his lunch at the canteen, and also purchase personal things for himself. This reduces the burden on their parents especially in low-income families. These high school kids learn to spend wisely and hence tend to practice the art of saving for a future need. There are also drawbacks of getting themselves employment. They can get distracted from their studies. This can happen because a student may want to put in more hours of work in order to earn more cash. As a result, he will spend more time working and less time focusing on his educational side. Another downside is that with money power in his hands, he could easily fall prey to bad habits like gambling, drugs and smoking. This can lead to destruction of his academics and ultimately destroy his future career. Different homes are different when it comes to their financial state. Hence, low income groups might prefer if their children make a small earning to support themselves. However, high society people may not be in favor that their offspring gets employed as they feel it is below their status and , besides they can fund their teens.

Not Paying Taxes Essay

Some people believe that they should be able to keep all the money they earn, and should not have to pay tax to the state. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Every citizen have to pay a amount of their income. Countries implement changeable income taxes that generally depends on people`s rich rate. You will be seen end of the this Essay, how we are returning paid taxes by government. We use money every moment of our life for buying necessary things such an food, drinks and other costs to survive our life. And this provided product to us is controlling by government. There are massive official that they are working to supply our needs behind of this process. Those officials earn money from our taxes. On the other hand, governments have very large of responsibilities on own citizens such a security, relationship with other countries that is for giving right when they left their country, service that is for every sector to survive their life. To sup up, we have to pay taxes for this a lot of wheel can work. It is obligated rule for all citizens. Likely there are strict rules that someone reduce to pay income taxes , government do punish by fine or imprisonment .

IELTS Essay: Motivation to Stay in the Workforce

by storm (Bangladesh)

There are several factors that motivate people to stay in the workforce, and money is the most important. To what extent do you agree or disagree? There are lots of factor that impel peoples stay in the workforce where salary is the main reason for it. Well, I disagree with this point and I believe and think that job satisfaction is much more important than money this essay will explain why is that. First of all, I believe that job satisfaction can give a person fulfillness whereas money can not guarantee that. Even if a person gets highly payment for his job however it does not bring happiness for him. He feels stressed and compromise his consciousness for his job. That person will be in depression and end up leaving that job sooner or later cause it does not bring any enthusiasm towards the job, he is doing it just to sake for the salary. Secondly, when you have freedom and like what you do it keeps you motivated and leads you to career growth. Its is said that those love their job they can easily excel in their field or work than who puts salary in their job first. For example, I love what I do for living which gives me urge to do more and more but the salary is not as it expected but there are lots opportunities and facilities which helps me do my task easily. On the other hand, my friends work for a company where she gets highly pay for her job but she is not happy what she does in the end. She is doing the job because of the money. She stays depressed most of the time because of the job and she think about leaving it. In conclusion, I strongly believe job satisfaction is more important and essential than money. Job satisfaction gives better career growth and happiness.

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Essay on Career for Students and Children

500+ words essay on career.

Career is a very important thing in one’s life. Whatever career path you choose to follow, it will impact your life greatly. Your career will define your status in a society in addition to your lifestyle. In other words, your career will determine your social circle and relationships.

Therefore, it is extremely important to choose the correct career path . From a very young age, we aspire to be something or the other. While someone aims to be a doctor, some wish to become a painter. Our career choices depend on a lot of things. Thus, it is important to consider all factors before choosing a career path.

How to Choose your Career?

You must consider a number of factors before deciding on your career. Each factor plays a significant role in your choice. Firstly, always assess yourself thoroughly. You must understand your area of interest to choose a career. For instance, someone who dances well can surely become a doctor, but his interest will always be in dance. Thus, ensure that you have the caliber to perform well in the field you choose. This will come from your area of interest itself.

After that, you look for the opportunities available as per your area of interest. Now that you are aware of what you like and dislike, you can easily look for occupations matching your passion. Make a list of the occupations you can get into following your interests. Furthermore, shorten the list you have prepared. You must do so as per what suits you best. Consult with your seniors and parents to make informed decisions.

Most importantly, acquire the skills for the career option you are interested in. Ensure you earn the qualifications and degrees for it. Try taking training programs to enhance your skills. This will give you an upper hand in knowing whether you are correct in choosing the specific career plan. Furthermore, create an impressive resume which can help you get the right opportunities.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

How to Achieve your Career Goal?

There are steps you need to take before achieving your career goal. As they say, success doesn’t come overnight. You must work along the way to accomplish your goals. There is always hope if you have the will. Firstly, create profiles on different job portals to attract the employer’s attention. When you maintain your profile well, you will be able to get good career opportunities.

Moreover, always maintain your network. Build a solid network and create sources in the field. This way you can update yourself with the latest happenings in the industry. In addition, try to attend the related seminars and workshops that happen related to your career choice. You will meet influential people of the same field who can broaden your thinking.

In short, always remember to stay determined. You can easily achieve your career goal if you set your mind to it. In other words, people usually distract themselves easily. You must not do so and focus on your career path to achieve your goals efficiently.

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Essays About Work: 7 Examples and 8 Prompts

If you want to write well-researched essays about work, check out our guide of helpful essay examples and writing prompts for this topic.

Whether employed or self-employed, we all need to work to earn a living. Work could provide a source of purpose for some but also stress for many. The causes of stress could be an unmanageable workload, low pay, slow career development, an incompetent boss, and companies that do not care about your well-being.  Essays about work  can help us understand how to achieve a work/life balance for long-term happiness.

Work can still be a happy place to develop essential skills such as leadership and teamwork. If we adopt the right mindset, we can focus on situations we can improve and avoid stressing ourselves over situations we have no control over. We should also be free to speak up against workplace issues and abuses to defend our labor rights. Check out our  essay writing topics  for more.

5 Examples of Essays About Work

1.  when the future of work means always looking for your next job by bruce horovitz, 2. ‘quiet quitting’ isn’t the solution for burnout by rebecca vidra, 3. the science of why we burn out and don’t have to by joe robinson , 4. how to manage your career in a vuca world by murali murthy, 5. the challenges of regulating the labor market in developing countries by gordon betcherman, 6. creating the best workplace on earth by rob goffee and gareth jones, 7. employees seek personal value and purpose at work. be prepared to deliver by jordan turner, 8 writing prompts on essays about work, 1. a dream work environment, 2. how is school preparing you for work, 3. the importance of teamwork at work, 4. a guide to find work for new graduates, 5. finding happiness at work, 6. motivating people at work, 7. advantages and disadvantages of working from home, 8. critical qualities you need to thrive at work.

“For a host of reasons—some for a higher salary, others for improved benefits, and many in search of better company culture—America’s workforce is constantly looking for its next gig.”

A perennial search for a job that fulfills your sense of purpose has been an emerging trend in the work landscape in recent years. Yet, as human resource managers scramble to minimize employee turnover, some still believe there will still be workers who can exit a company through a happy retirement. You might also be interested in these  essays about unemployment .

“…[L]et’s creatively collaborate on ways to re-establish our own sense of value in our institutions while saying yes only to invitations that nourish us instead of sucking up more of our energy.”

Quiet quitting signals more profound issues underlying work, such as burnout or the bosses themselves. It is undesirable in any workplace, but to have it in school, among faculty members, spells doom as the future of the next generation is put at stake. In this essay, a teacher learns how to keep from burnout and rebuild a sense of community that drew her into the job in the first place.

“We don’t think about managing the demands that are pushing our buttons, we just keep reacting to them on autopilot on a route I call the burnout treadmill. Just keep going until the paramedics arrive.”

Studies have shown the detrimental health effects of stress on our mind, emotions and body. Yet we still willingly take on the treadmill to stress, forgetting our boundaries and wellness. It is time to normalize seeking help from our superiors to resolve burnout and refuse overtime and heavy workloads.

“As we start to emerge from the pandemic, today’s workplace demands a different kind of VUCA career growth. One that’s Versatile, Uplifting, Choice-filled and Active.”

The only thing constant in work is change. However, recent decades have witnessed greater work volatility where tech-oriented people and creative minds flourish the most. The essay provides tips for applying at work daily to survive and even thrive in the VUCA world. You might also be interested in these  essays about motivation .

“Ultimately, the biggest challenge in regulating labor markets in developing countries is what to do about the hundreds of millions of workers (or even more) who are beyond the reach of formal labor market rules and social protections.”

The challenge in regulating work is balancing the interest of employees to have dignified work conditions and for employers to operate at the most reasonable cost. But in developing countries, the difficulties loom larger, with issues going beyond equal pay to universal social protection coverage and monitoring employers’ compliance.

“Suppose you want to design the best company on earth to work for. What would it be like? For three years, we’ve been investigating this question by asking hundreds of executives in surveys and in seminars all over the world to describe their ideal organization.”

If you’ve ever wondered what would make the best workplace, you’re not alone. In this essay, Jones looks at how employers can create a better workplace for employees by using surveys and interviews. The writer found that individuality and a sense of support are key to creating positive workplace environments where employees are comfortable.

“Bottom line: People seek purpose in their lives — and that includes work. The more an employer limits those things that create this sense of purpose, the less likely employees will stay at their positions.”

In this essay, Turner looks at how employees seek value in the workplace. This essay dives into how, as humans, we all need a purpose. If we can find purpose in our work, our overall happiness increases. So, a value and purpose-driven job role can create a positive and fruitful work environment for both workers and employers.

In this essay, talk about how you envision yourself as a professional in the future. You can be as creative as to describe your workplace, your position, and your colleagues’ perception of you. Next, explain why this is the line of work you dream of and what you can contribute to society through this work. Finally, add what learning programs you’ve signed up for to prepare your skills for your dream job. For more, check out our list of simple essays topics for intermediate writers .

For your essay, look deeply into how your school prepares the young generation to be competitive in the future workforce. If you want to go the extra mile, you can interview students who have graduated from your school and are now professionals. Ask them about the programs or practices in your school that they believe have helped mold them better at their current jobs.

In a workplace where colleagues compete against each other, leaders could find it challenging to cultivate a sense of cooperation and teamwork. So, find out what creative activities companies can undertake to encourage teamwork across teams and divisions. For example, regular team-building activities help strengthen professional bonds while assisting workers to recharge their minds.

Finding a job after receiving your undergraduate diploma can be full of stress, pressure, and hard work. Write an essay that handholds graduate students in drafting their resumes and preparing for an interview. You may also recommend the top job market platforms that match them with their dream work. You may also ask recruitment experts for tips on how graduates can make a positive impression in job interviews.

Creating a fun and happy workplace may seem impossible. But there has been a flurry of efforts in the corporate world to keep workers happy. Why? To make them more productive. So, for your essay, gather research on what practices companies and policy-makers should adopt to help workers find meaning in their jobs. For example, how often should salary increases occur? You may also focus on what drives people to quit jobs that raise money. If it’s not the financial package that makes them satisfied, what does? Discuss these questions with your readers for a compelling essay.

Motivation could scale up workers’ productivity, efficiency, and ambition for higher positions and a longer tenure in your company. Knowing which method of motivation best suits your employees requires direct managers to know their people and find their potential source of intrinsic motivation. For example, managers should be able to tell whether employees are having difficulties with their tasks to the point of discouragement or find the task too easy to boredom.

A handful of managers have been worried about working from home for fears of lowering productivity and discouraging collaborative work. Meanwhile, those who embrace work-from-home arrangements are beginning to see the greater value and benefits of giving employees greater flexibility on when and where to work. So first, draw up the pros and cons of working from home. You can also interview professionals working or currently working at home. Finally, provide a conclusion on whether working from home can harm work output or boost it.

Identifying critical skills at work could depend on the work applied. However, there are inherent values and behavioral competencies that recruiters demand highly from employees. List the top five qualities a professional should possess to contribute significantly to the workplace. For example, being proactive is a valuable skill because workers have the initiative to produce without waiting for the boss to prod them.

If you need help with grammar, our guide to  grammar and syntax  is a good start to learning more. We also recommend taking the time to  improve the readability score  of your essays before publishing or submitting them.

Meet Rachael, the editor at Become a Writer Today. With years of experience in the field, she is passionate about language and dedicated to producing high-quality content that engages and informs readers. When she's not editing or writing, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, finding inspiration for her next project.

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Essay on Career

Students are often asked to write an essay on Career in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Career

What is a career.

A career is the work a person does in their life. It often means the jobs they have over many years. Some people choose one job and stay there, while others switch jobs to learn new things or earn more money.

Choosing a Career

Picking a career can be exciting. It’s important to think about what you like doing. Some people enjoy helping others, so they might become teachers or doctors. Others might like building things and become engineers.

Importance of Education

Education helps you get ready for your career. Going to school teaches you about different jobs. You also learn skills that can help you do well in your work.

Working Hard

No matter what job you pick, working hard is key. When you give your best effort, you can do well and maybe even become a boss one day. Always try to learn and grow in your job.

Also check:

• Paragraph on Career
• Speech on Career

250 Words Essay on Career

A career is the work a person does in their life. Most people choose a job that they like and hope to get better at over time. It is not just about earning money; it is also about learning new things and growing as a person.

Picking a career can be exciting. It is important to think about what you enjoy doing. Some people like to work with computers, while others may love to cook or draw. Knowing what you are good at can help you decide.

Education and Training

To get ready for a career, you need to learn. This could mean going to school or getting special training. For example, teachers go to college to learn how to teach, and chefs might go to cooking school.

Once you start a job, working hard is key. It means doing your best and trying to get better. Even if a task is tough, it is important to keep trying and not give up.

Changing Careers

Sometimes, people change careers. This is okay because our likes and what we are good at can change. It is never too late to start something new if you are not happy with your current job.

In conclusion, a career is a big part of life. It is about finding something you like to do and getting better at it. Remember to learn, work hard, and it is okay to change if you need to.

500 Words Essay on Career

A career is the work a person does in their life. Think of it like a long journey with different jobs and experiences along the way. It’s not just one job, but many roles you might have over time. People choose careers based on what they enjoy, what they are good at, and what kind of work is available to them.

Picking a career can be exciting and a bit scary too. It’s a big decision! Some people know what they want to do from when they are very young. Others take more time to decide. It’s okay to take your time and think about what makes you happy and what you are passionate about. You can talk to family, teachers, or career counselors to get ideas and advice.

To get ready for a career, you usually need some kind of education or training. This could be school, college, university, or even learning on the job. What you need to learn depends on the career you choose. For example, to be a doctor, you have to go to medical school. But to be a chef, you might go to a cooking school or learn in a restaurant.

Different Types of Careers

There are so many types of careers out there! Some people work in offices, some work outside, some work with their hands, and some work with their minds. There are careers in business, health, art, science, education, and many more areas. What they all have in common is that they need people with different talents and interests.

Working Hours and Lifestyle

Careers can also be different in how much you work. Some jobs are nine to five, which means you start in the morning and finish in the afternoon. Others might have you working at night or on weekends. Some careers might have you traveling a lot, while others let you stay in one place. Think about what kind of lifestyle you want when you choose your career.

Change and Growth

Your career can change and grow just like you do. You might start in one job and then move to another that you like better or that pays more money. Learning new things can help you move up in your career. It’s also okay to change your career if you find out you don’t like it or you discover a new interest.

Importance of a Career

Having a career is important because it’s how you can make money to live. But it’s more than that. A career can give you a sense of purpose and help you feel like you are contributing to the world. It can make you feel proud and give you goals to work toward.

A career is a big part of your life. It’s how you will spend a lot of your time, so it’s important to choose something you like. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you’re deciding, and it’s okay to change your mind later. What’s most important is to find something that makes you happy and suits the life you want to live.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Care Of Pets
• Essay on Carbon Footprint
• Essay on Carbohydrates

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Career Vs. Occupation vs. Job: What’s the Difference?

Defining the terms.

The words “job,” “occupation,” and “career” are often used interchangeably. This makes sense because their meanings overlap. They’re all related to employment. However, there are some important differences. Understanding their definitions can help you frame your own thoughts about future employment. 

This is the broadest of these terms. Although it refers to someone’s profession, usually one that requires education or special training, it also points to the whole span of employment over the course of a working life. Think of a career as the big picture, spanning someone’s professional trajectory, from their first job to their last.

Occupation:

This is a narrower term, referring to someone’s specific type of work or field (e.g., lawyer, musician, or contractor). People can have multiple occupations over the course of their career. In fact, this is becoming more common.

This is the narrowest term, referring to the specific role someone is hired for. Think of jobs as the building blocks that make up one’s occupation or career. 

Let’s define these words in concrete terms, using a teacher as an example. A teacher’s occupation would be “teacher,” but their career could encompass much more. For instance, a teacher may start as an assistant, become a middle school math teacher, and then begin teaching high school algebra. Their job would be their current position: Ninth-Grade Math Teacher at Main Street High.

Why is this important for a high schooler?

This terminology can be a useful framework as you begin to explore potential employment opportunities. 

For most people, their first paid work is at a job, either full time or part time. This often happens in high school, before they’ve even begun to think about their ideal occupation or what they want their career to look like. High school jobs can be the first step in someone’s career, but they might end up being unrelated. Either is perfectly fine.

Jobs, especially for students, are an ideal way to explore different industries without necessarily committing to working in that field in the long term. Having jobs at your age can teach you what you do and don’t want as your occupation or career. For example, you learn that you dislike the hustle and bustle of working at a popular ice cream parlor. Your job as a camp counselor makes you realize that you love working with young children. These are both valuable outcomes. They can point you in one direction or another as you consider college majors or future employment.

Do I need to know right now what occupation or career I want?

Absolutely not. If you aren’t sure yet about the direction you want your professional life to go, don’t stress out. It can take a fair amount of trial and error at different jobs, and in different classes, before people find something that works. 

That said, having an occupation or career in mind is useful for goal setting. For example, knowing that you want to be a doctor can be a guidepost  for classes and jobs you choose to take as a high school student and in college. 

You may already have a strong sense of what you want your occupation or career to look like, or maybe you’re at the start of this journey. Either way, keep an open mind. It’s very common for people to change career paths as they grow.

Where do I begin?

If you want help thinking about your career goals, here are some articles that may be of interest:

Check this out for information on setting career goals .

Here’s information on how to assess what career might be right for your interests, values, and skills .

This is a step-by-step guide to career exploration .  

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113 Career Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Choosing a career path is a significant decision that can shape our lives. Whether you are a high school student exploring your options or a working professional considering a career change, writing a career essay can be a valuable exercise in self-reflection and goal-setting. To help you get started, here are 113 career essay topic ideas and examples that can inspire your writing:

Why I chose my current career path.

The influence of my family on my career choices.

Exploring unconventional career options.

The impact of technology on the job market.

The role of internships in career development.

How to navigate a successful career in a competitive industry.

Strategies for finding work-life balance in a demanding career.

The importance of professional networking for career growth.

Challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries.

The role of education in career success.

The pros and cons of freelance work.

How to turn a hobby into a career.

The future of remote work and its implications for careers.

The impact of automation on job opportunities.

The benefits of pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector.

The role of mentors in career development.

The importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing world.

Exploring careers in the healthcare industry.

The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

The impact of globalization on career opportunities.

The role of personal branding in career advancement.

The benefits of cross-cultural work experience.

The role of emotional intelligence in career success.

Exploring careers in the creative arts.

The challenges and rewards of a career in the military.

The impact of social media on career opportunities.

The importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The benefits of pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).

The challenges and rewards of a career in education.

The role of leadership skills in career advancement.

The impact of climate change on future career opportunities.

Exploring careers in the hospitality industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in the environmental sector.

The challenges and rewards of a career in law enforcement.

The role of communication skills in career success.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job displacement.

The importance of financial literacy in career planning.

Exploring careers in the fashion industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in public service.

The challenges and rewards of a career in the entertainment industry.

The role of resilience in overcoming career setbacks.

The impact of social entrepreneurship on career options.

The importance of work culture in career satisfaction.

Exploring careers in the sports industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in the technology sector.

The challenges and rewards of a career in the aviation industry.

The role of adaptability in navigating a changing career landscape.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job creation.

The importance of work-life integration in career fulfillment.

Exploring careers in the tourism industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in the financial sector.

The challenges and rewards of a career in healthcare administration.

The role of organizational skills in career success.

The impact of online learning on career development.

The importance of workplace diversity for innovation.

Exploring careers in the film industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in engineering.

The challenges and rewards of a career in social work.

The role of negotiation skills in career advancement.

The impact of remote work on employee well-being.

The importance of emotional well-being in career satisfaction.

Exploring careers in the gaming industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in marketing.

The challenges and rewards of a career in nonprofit management.

The role of time management in career success.

The impact of social media on personal branding.

The importance of cultural intelligence in global careers.

Exploring careers in the culinary industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in journalism.

The challenges and rewards of a career in architecture.

The role of problem-solving skills in career advancement.

The impact of remote work on team collaboration.

The importance of work-life harmony in career fulfillment.

Exploring careers in the music industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in psychology.

The challenges and rewards of a career in event planning.

The role of decision-making skills in career success.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job satisfaction.

The importance of mentorship in career development.

Exploring careers in the automotive industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in entrepreneurship.

The challenges and rewards of a career in graphic design.

The role of creativity in career advancement.

The impact of remote work on organizational culture.

The importance of work-life boundaries in career satisfaction.

Exploring careers in the publishing industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in human resources.

The challenges and rewards of a career in interior design.

The role of teamwork in career success.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job security.

The importance of self-reflection in career planning.

Exploring careers in the education technology industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in healthcare research.

The challenges and rewards of a career in social media management.

The role of adaptability in overcoming career obstacles.

The impact of remote work on employee engagement.

The importance of work-life integration in career success.

Exploring careers in the renewable energy sector.

The benefits of pursuing a career in data analytics.

The challenges and rewards of a career in public relations.

The role of critical thinking skills in career advancement.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job recruitment.

The importance of lifelong learning in career growth.

Exploring careers in the e-commerce industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in healthcare policy.

The challenges and rewards of a career in software development.

The role of adaptability in navigating a changing job market.

The impact of remote work on work-life balance.

The importance of personal development in career success.

Exploring careers in the renewable energy industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in user experience design.

The challenges and rewards of a career in cybersecurity.

The role of emotional intelligence in career advancement.

These 113 career essay topic ideas and examples cover a wide range of industries, skills, and challenges. Whether you are passionate about a particular field or looking for inspiration, these topics can help you explore various aspects of careers and find your own unique path. Remember, writing a career essay is not only about showcasing your knowledge and skills but also about understanding yourself and the world of work. Good luck on your writing journey!

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Career Essay

Career essay generator.

How do you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now? That question kicks start your imagination and make you visualize yourself in your future career. Maybe you are thinking about it now, but you are likely confused about expressing it in words. Unlike other essay writing , writing your career essay is exciting because you are writing about yourself, your plans, passion, and aspiration. Learn how to make your career essay impressive by reading this article.

10+ Career Essay Examples

1. career pursuing essay.

Size: 324 KB

2. Career Interest Essay

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3. Career Goals Essay

Size: 429 KB

4. Career Research Essay

Size: 186 KB

5. Career Scholarship Essay

Size: 96 KB

6. Career Personal Essay

Size: 95 KB

7. Career Needs Essay

Size: 73 KB

8. Career Teaching Essay

Size: 59 KB

9. Formal Career Essay

Size: 42 KB

10. Career Project Essay

Size: 29 KB

11. Career Plan Essay

Size: 230 KB

What Is a Career Essay?

A career essay is a text people write to detail their goals or plans for the future. In this essay, people talk about the career they want in the future and the things they have achieved so far. People often ask you to write a career essay when you send an application letter for a scholarship or submit your resume for a job.

How To Write a Rousing Career Essay

You should write your career essay seriously because it might be a deciding factor for your future. That said, in writing your essay, there are a lot of things to consider and a process you need to follow. Your end goal in writing your essay is to convince people that you are determined to walk the talk and make the things you wrote in your descriptive essay to reality.

1. Devise an Engrossing Title

The first thing to think about when writing an essay is coming up with an attention-grabbing title. When people read your essay, they pay the most attention to your title. Also, another benefit of coming up with your title first is that it will serve as a guide for you for the whole essay. 

2. Introduce With a Hook

After devising a title, deliver the next blow with an introduction that piques their curiosity. To do that, begin your essay with a hook. Your hook can be a quote, a question, or you can even provide a statistic. If your introduction is good enough, it will secure the engagement of your readers.

3. Organize Your Ideas

Writing an essay is like taking your readers for a ride. You need to set the vibe and organize the flow of your thoughts. Don’t start too strong it might make the rest of your essay bland. You need to properly build up the development of excitement and make sure the order of your ideas makes sense. 

4. Polish Your Essay

Finalize your essay by proofreading it. When people talk about their passion, they tend to talk too much and include several unnecessary things. Make sure not to do that. Omit all the details that don’t contribute to the overall impact of your reflective essay. Also, don’t forget to review your text for grammatical errors. 

Why is career planning important?

People hustle every day to reach their dream careers. Having a target career gives you a direction and sets your path. Planning your career is essential because being indecisive about it might negatively impact your life. Not having a fixed goal is like not having an end destination. Preparing for it would also make your career action plan achievable.

What is a career genogram?

A career genogram traces back an individual’s family tree and examines the career timeline they pursued. The scope of this genogram reaches the grandparents, extended family, and even the person’s close friends. This graphic representation is helpful when a person has a hard time deciding about his or her career development plan .

What is career assessment?

Career assessment is the process of identifying what career would work best for you. Most assessments are in the form of a questionnaire . It includes questions about your interests, your skills, your hobbies, and your strengths. These are some examples of questions that would help assess your future career. The result of your career assessment might give you ideas on what path to take.

The moment people read your career essay, they often rate how likely you are to succeed. Show them a piece of your mind that would erase all their doubts about your success. They say manifesting works wonders, so manifest the future that you want best by composing a rousing career essay. 

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a career essay on the benefits and challenges of a career in medicine.

Discuss in a career essay the skills needed for success in the digital marketing field.

166 Profession Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best profession topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on profession, 🎓 simple & easy profession essay titles, 💡 interesting topics to write about profession.

• Professionalism in the Teaching Profession Professionalism is very important in the education sector as it has a very deep impact on the role of a teacher, which in response influences the aptitude of students to learn successfully.
• Nursing as a Profession and Career The main aspect of professionalism that is observed in nurses is the way they communicate with the patients and how they act towards them.
• Accounting as a Profession This paper focuses on analysing accounting purposes through the identification of various users in the societies, and the implications drawn from accounting needs and functions as this discipline serves the interested parties. Accounting helps in […]
• Accountability and Outcome in the Counseling Profession A client involvement in the therapy process will determine the therapy outcome in addition to quality of the treatment choice. For a counselor, it is crucial to approach this process with honesty and responsibility in […]
• Effects of AI on the Accounting Profession They aimed to find out how AI affects the performance of accounting professionals, investigate whether there have there been changes in employee attitudes toward AI, explore factors that could influence changes in the attitudes of […]
• Deductive and Inductive Arguments in Medical Profession In formal logic, arguments will be considered as deductively valid where the conclusion is drawn is true without a doubt, if the premises on which the conclusion is based are true.
• Medical Office Management Profession That being the case, I am looking forward to widening my skills and competencies so that I can be successful in my career. By so doing, I will be able to provide the best services […]
• The Role of the Profession in Human Life Specifically, the essay will cover methods of recording and collecting the data, a summary of the key findings, and a discussion of how occupation is used over time.
• Teaching Profession The strategy I used to handle the situation was first to calm the students down because they were ready to talk to me because of my affable nature.
• Code of Ethics for Mental Health Professions In the mental health profession, codes of ethics mainly address professional responsibilities, handling of clients, storage of clients’ information, and the relationships that should exist between the clients and the mental health workers.
• Challenges and Benefits in Teacher Profession Teachers and governments all over the world have acknowledged that teaching practices can have a significant effect on the education of the population leading to significant impact on economic and social outcomes of their citizens.
• Nursing Profession: The Main Domains The nursing element is the fourth domain; this is in reference to nurses and how they will use their training and expertise to care for patients.
• The Social Work Profession in Georgia Its regulation was due to social, cultural, economic, historical, and environmental factors during the 20th century. The licensing of social workers was meant to offset racial and cultural inequalities.
• Nursing Profession: The Vision for the Future Integration of nursing, which is set in the vision, fits in the IOM recommendation based on the practice set and technology that provides patients exemplary care and support.
• The Systems Analyst Profession The profession of a system analyst in the modern labor market is one of the most demand due to the rapid development of information technology.
• Information Technology Specialist as a Profession The field of IT industry is vast, and it is full of opportunities for young specialists. However, it is also important to understand that the given prevalence of positive factors in an IT specialist field […]
• Legal Professions: Barristers and Solicitors In some countries like England, the legal profession is split between the Solicitor whose work is to represent and advise the clients and a Barrister who is retained by a solicitor to give a legal […]
• The Profession of Arms Thus, referring to the definition of the Profession of Arms, the main characteristics of the professional soldier are as follows, this person should be able to understand the culture of this particular profession, and he/she […]
• How the Nursing Profession Should Adapt for a Digital Future It is crucial to finance appropriate technology-related education for the future generations of nurses and support them in their new roles.
• Nursing as a Discipline and Profession In my opinion, nursing is a profession that requires years of specialized training and then years of professional experience to make a successful expert, nursing deals with people’s health; this is why it cannot be […]
• A True Profession A true profession is characterized by a lifetime devotion to one’s specialized area of training when serving others while adding value to one’s quality of work in addition to Integrity of character, sound knowledge, and […]
• Nursing Profession: Why to Become a Nurse? Primarily, it is a field of education that allows people to build successful careers and gain the knowledge and skills to help others.
• Tracing the History of the Nurse Practitioner Profession The opportunities ensured through partnerships alongside multiculturalism and diversity practices will be laid in the basis of further cooperation with other employees.
• Counselor: A Profession and a True Purpose I chose this Master’s program to broaden my knowledge in this field and contribute to the well-being of families and individuals.
• The Importance of Humanities in the Profession of a Teacher The profession of a teacher requires knowledge in different disciplines and different sectors of human activity.
• Ethics and Morality in Health Profession Health professionals watch the patient suffering; in this scenario, any intervention leads to a rise in agony and pain, thus putting the healthcare providers in a dilemma.
• Nursing Profession: Main Concepts This is expected to compound the current problem of nurse shortage and increase the opportunities for nurses. In this regard, it is important for nurses to understand the concepts, policies and principles of ACO’s.
• Chartered Institute of Personnel Development Profession Map Performance and rewards are other professionals are that is very important when it comes to improving the performance of the employees.
• Challenges of Male Nurses in the Nursing Profession While Evangelista and Giddens noted that there has been the absence of exploration of differences in the discipline of male and female nurses, two studies observed that male nurses received a disproportionate share of formal […]
• Accounting Profession For instance, in government accounting the focus is on the flow of financial resources and not economic resources as the case is in other forms of accounting.
• Teaching Profession in the Movie “Dangerous Minds” Natives of the lower class of the population, are busy with their personal life, teenage worries, and prohibited means, and the study is in the last place.
• School Licensed Counselor’s Interview on Profession The peculiar feature of this kind of work is the possibility to develop a personal attitude to a topic before an interview, learn a lot during the interviewing process, and develop conclusions and attitudes to […]
• Mechanical Engineering Profession Keeping in consideration the fact that not all the people are well educated to understand the nuances of mechanical engineering, the text of this paragraph has been kept as moderate as possible.
• Social Work as a Profession The danger comes that in case the approach or decisions taken by the volunteers are not the best, then the society is likely to suffer substandard decisions challenging social works ideology When social workers are […]
• Social Worker Profession and Conflict Theory I find social work fascinating because it requires me to be stress-tolerant and motivated to help those in need, and my work data is based on reading a journal of articles written by experts in […]
• Job Analysis Project: The Structure of a Profession Job analysis is a critical technique that assists businesses in understanding the structure of a profession and the fundamental competencies required to execute it properly.
• The Profession of a Certified Nurse Assistant One of the most crucial work qualifications for a nurse, in my opinion, is the ability to communicate, both internally and externally, with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
• Should Emergency Management Become a Profession? Emergency management should be considered simultaneously as a diverse career field and a unique profession within the framework of successfully conducting activities to mitigate the consequences of various types of emergencies and respond to them.
• The Role of Technology in the Psychology Profession Therefore, the current state of technology innovation seems to fundamentally alter the concept of the possibility of helping a patient in the upcoming future.
• Cultural Biases in Helping Profession To expand understanding of both my culture and the culture of other people, it is necessary to interact more with representatives of different groups.
• Helping Profession: The Challenging Clients Most helpers face a wide variety of customers in their employment, and the primary purpose of a helper is to understand how to create contact with persons whose behavior differs from those who want aid […]
• Nursing Profession: Nurse Profile Essay To understand the role of practitioners in society, one needs to understand the process of becoming a nurse and their responsibilities in the healthcare sector.
• Incorporation of Technology into the Medical Profession: Research The relevance of this research is due to its support of the arguments made for mobile apps as it boosts well-being and promotes health.
• Nursing Profession: Mental Health Issues, Shortages, and Lack of Diversity It is necessary to determine whether the limitations in access to nursing education and training, as well as discriminatory environments, result in the absence of diversity in the nursing workforce.
• Professions in Healthcare: Scope of Practice and Competencies The most striking difference between professions is the scope of activities of the various specialists. In particular, each practitioner, regardless of the direction of the professional activity, must acquire narrowly focused knowledge and skills that […]
• Accurate Documentation in the Policing Profession For example, in order to understand the nature of the crime and the offender’s motivations, criminologists and psychologists refer to the police report. The documentation is needed to establish the truth about the case and […]
• Nursing Profession: Personal Experience Issue For instance, during her first exam period in NS, the RN was in a situation where she had to study for several classes and help her relatives prepare for an important family event.
• Hazing and Sexual Assault on the Military Profession In that case, the issues affecting the integrity of the soldiers in the platoon will be fixed once and for all.
• Core Competencies for Health Professions Education Some of the errors that occur in the hospitals are contributed due to limited focus on the individual capacity to deliver the best care in the facility.
• The Army Profession: Key Aspects Encouraging a discussion about the army is crucial in understanding its basic foundations and the roles and responsibilities of employees and leaders in balancing between the culture, environment, and expectations from the citizens.
• Why I Want to Enter the Dental Hygiene Profession In this essay, I justify my decision to choose dental hygiene as a profession with reference to experience-based and security-focused factors and explain the profession’s meanings, including promoting happiness and the culture of self-care.
• The History of the Nursing Profession Studying the history of the nursing profession contributes to a better understanding of the role of these specialists in health care.
• Impact of the Global Pandemic on the Interior Design Profession This paper aims to discuss the effects of the pandemic on the interior design profession and some of the remedies interior designers may take to address the challenges and mitigate the epidemic’s impact on the […]
• Nursing Profession: Definition and Theories For instance, understanding the definition of nursing helps to understand the purpose of a nurse. This course helped me realize the applications of nursing theory to practice.
• Mentorship Concept in Teaching Profession The argument made by Petrovska et al.is based on the contrasting analysis of views and opinions that teachers have towards the mentoring process and states that “teacher’s work experience plays an important role regarding the […]
• The Profession of a Shareholder The shareholder will receive capital gains only if the shares are sold at a higher price. In conclusion, the profession of a shareholder is suitable for anyone who knows the specifics of this work.
• Underpaid and Overpaid Professions Another way of correcting the injustice would involve petitioning for legislative action to increase minimum wages for RNs. For this step, society’s support would be gathered with the help of arguments that higher wages intensify […]
• Conflict Resolution for the Helping Professions The techniques include the interest-based methods, based on the profession of mediation, generalist intervention model utilized in the social work profession, and traditional adversarial model, employed in the law profession.
• The History of Nursing Profession It is vital to emphasize the fact that the history of the formation of the profession of a medical nurse seriously affects its current state.
• Public Health Risks Understanding in Different Professions The risk of this condition to the society will have to be accepted and have ways in which they will live with the coronavirus.
• Assisting New Nurses With Socialization Into the Profession In nursing, socialization necessitates being familiar with the roles and responsibilities, and values to uphold while in the field of practice.
• Aspects of Nursing Profession Finally, I found my passion in helping people, and I want to not only learn more about related professional techniques and methods but bring the quality of my work to a new level. I want […]
• Managerial Profession and Code of Conduct Envisaging the code of conduct for managers is inextricably linked to making management a profession in the truest sense of the word.
• The Essence of Profession of Social Work Thus, the development of the profession of a social worker began in the Middle Ages. According to Jones and Lima, in the 16th and 17th centuries helping the poor was the social responsibility of the […]
• Codes of Ethics in Dental Hygiene Profession The organizations such as ACD, ADA, and ADHA believe in the notion of accountability and are driven by the principle of self-regulation.
• Dentistry: Profession or Occupation? As far as the responsibility to the community is concerned, it serves as the background for the social contract. The brief evaluation of the two criteria makes it clear that responsibility to the public is […]
• Nursing Informatics: Quality of Life in Profession The American Nurses Association defines Nursing Informatics as “…a combination of computer science, information science, and nursing science designed to assist in the management and processing of nursing data, information, and knowledge, to support the […]
• Primary Prevention and the Nursing Profession In this attempt to create a fundamental paradigm shift it is important for the nursing profession to be aware of the critical role they play in changing the perspective of people and patients that they […]
• Aspects of the Nursing Profession These obstacles can be efficiently addressed through the support of active learning, and its examination is essential for the improved outcomes for the students.
• Public’s Perception of Nursing Profession In the context of present-day developments, when people have to adjust to pandemic conditions and need medical services, the perception of the nursing profession has changed drastically.
• Annie Wilkinson on Medical Volunteer Profession Annie says that the main meta-task of a volunteer is to always be ready for the fact that their help is needed, the volunteer needs to be psychologically ready all the time.
• Privileges and Obligations in the Medical Profession Irrespective of the existence of limitations to such clinical contacts and the fact that students are supervised, many patients have often considered me to be in a position of accountability, and this makes them assign […]
• Nursing Profession: Requirement Training and Education The ideal training involves practical administering of drugs and injections recommended by a doctor. Besides, competent knowledge on first aid care is vital in practicing nursing.
• Ethics of Profession Overview According to Shapiro & Stefkovich, the professional ethics is the combination of ethics of critique, care, and justice. Furthermore, Freire argues that the highest goal of education is to free a person from relations of […]
• Calling and Commitment in Choice of Profession The notion of commitment is linked with the presence of a caller, the one who is called, and a response to the call.
• Multicultural Concepts in the Teaching Profession The main approach would be the development of a teaching plan that looks into training the students to become aware of the influences of different cultures in the society.
• The Importance of Humanities in the Professions Television movie broadcasted by the home box office Movie interested in following the plight and experiences of three women on matters pertaining to abortion particularly on different times-1952, 1974 and 1996.
• Entering the Dental Hygiene Profession In this work, I will describe the main reasons behind my interest in a dental hygienist’s career, as well as discuss my experiences, skills, and goals.
• Social Media Use in the Nursing Profession It could also mean that the opinion that was posted on the social media represent the position of my employer and the profession at large, thus causing more harm not only to the individuals involved […]
• Ethics and Law in Health Profession: Case of Mr. Frank Since this may be outside the nurse’s sphere, there is a need for the nurse to involve other relevant stakeholders such as anesthetists and doctors to ensure that the origin of the disorientation is established. […]
• The Main Reasons Why Nurses Leave Their Profession The purpose of this paper is to dwell upon the main reasons why nurses leave their profession and to comment on them.
• Ethical Dimensions in the Health Professions The reflection also articulates on the functions of medicine in light of the relationship between a doctor and a patient; in other words, evaluating the calling of the doctor to heal and comfort the afflicted […]
• Criminologist Advisor as Profession From this observation, it is clear that all personalities involved in the definition of any criminal justice must consider the different contexts in which the commission of a specific crime might occur within the population.
• The Advocacy of the Profession of Nursing and Improvement of Health Care Reforms The speakers’ main topic was related to the advocacy of the profession of nursing and the improvement of health care reforms.
• Nursing Burnout and Implications for Nursing Profession Against this backdrop, this study will seek to establish the factors behind high cases of burnout syndrome in the nursing profession and the implications therein.
• Ethics in Nursing Profession and Its Importance The amount of money invested in the program by the pharmaceutical company is not of direct benefit to the people who need it; what is the point of doing research and sponsoring education when the […]
• Moral Distress in the Nursing Profession Because the author of this paper has not experienced the symptoms of moral distress ), the contributing factors to moral distress in academia and in the clinical setting will be discussed, and their consequences will […]
• Leadership to Nursing Profession at the Local Level, Nursing Education in My Future I am of the opinion that the leadership of collaboration and transformation will be instrumental in facilitating action to design and initiate appropriate changes required to enhance quality, access, value, and wellness in a patient-centered […]
• Middle-Range Theories Used in Nursing Profession In the healthcare field, nurses work their level best to promote patient satisfaction and improve the quality of care provided. One strategy to deal with the problem involves the use of the theory of nursing […]
• Informatics and Regulations in Nursing Profession Informatics in the nursing profession is the use of the modern system of science and technology in acquiring knowledge in regard to better caregiving to the patients.
• The Impact of Legal Profession Regulations on Lawyer The growing urge to change the justice realm within the international judicial phase has been the force behind the transformation of the world in the current days.
• How Would I Use Nutrition in My Profession, as a Nurse? When a nurse is dealing with liver problems, the main issue to consider is how to intoxicate the liver, some foods can be used alongside the medications to facilitate the healing process, they are foods […]
• Fusion of Legal Professions in the United Kingdom It is quite different with the barrister, who presents the case in the court and helps his clients, the people accused, to escape the unjust and unfair punishment that has been imposed on them by […]
• Sociological Theory of Professions in Health Care Organisations in Terms of Organisational Learning The main task of this paper is to apply the sociological theory of professions to examine the extent to which health care organizations have the characteristics required to support organizational learning.
• Healthcare Climate: Nursing Profession Nursing history is as old as humanity Earlier centuries nursing care was disorganized, unsanitary, and lacking in scientific foundation The modern definition of Nursing: A science and an art that focuses on promoting quality […]
• Technological Applications in the Design Profession This information is moved from the camera in a digitized format to the laptop and eventually stored on the server for the engineers, architects, or project engineers to be used for determining the scope of […]
• The Architectural Profession in the World of the Near Future The architectural profession in the future, regardless of the technological development and the tools used, is held by man’s creativity. Undoubtedly, in the near future computer technologies will begin to play a bigger role in […]
• Dentistry as a Service Profession Secondly, when patients come to dentists at the last stage of the disease, there is not always a chance to cure it. The purpose of this paper is to consider ways that can make dentistry […]
• Is Nursing Theory Important to the Nursing Profession? Nursing was recognized as a science, and instead of a traditional model of learning from more experienced nurses, a science-based approach to the training of the would-be specialists in this occupation was implemented. Indeed, theoretical […]
• Informed Consent in Medical Profession Thirdly, rationale refers to the consent and agreement that patients understand what is expected from them and that they know what is going to happen before, during and after treatment.
• Army, Profession of Arms The profession involves the use of lethal weapons and an undefined force for the maintenance and defense of the laws and the rights of the American people.
• Effects of Information Literacy on Scholarship, Practice and Leadership in Teaching Profession The first and the most obvious negative aspect of the introduction of information literacy into the field of SPL in the sphere of teaching profession is the abundance of sources and the search for the […]
• The Accounting Profession Career Choice It is necessary for a certified public accountant to focus on target clients, and help them with matters such as investments and mergers. There are such great job options as a certified public accountant and […]
• Education. From Leisure Activity to Profession In this regard, this reflection essay discusses my experiences as a piano player to a prominent artist within the music industry. Achieving personal goals as a piano player is conjoined to the success of other […]
• Ethics in the Counseling Profession: Personal Case Empathetic- this is one of the strengths when it comes to counseling skills Genuine- I realized that I am in a position to tell the affected person the truth even if it is not that […]
• ASCE and the CE Profession in the United States There is a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of civil engineering in the United States in terms of sustaining standard infrastructures in terms of how the engineer is able to incorruptibly interact with the […]
• The Profession of a Teacher : Requirements and Features In case the parents are claiming the teacher in the low level of education, the teacher should show respect to the parents and listen carefully to the parents’ comments, give proper and adequate replies to […]
• Nursing Profession and Motivation The frustration in the nursing profession might be due to the existence of the gap between the issues of need and its fulfillment.
• Sustain Neophytes in Teaching Profession The significance of induction program is always emphasised and even more significant aspect of the topic is the selection of the most relevant program that is effective in dealing with the issues of the novice […]
• Accounting Profession Breakdown Accounting is one of the careers expected to continue growing given the current competition in international business and the need for accurate financial information, needed in making critical business decisions.
• Careers in the Health Professions: Physical Therapy The organization is the sole accreditation agency in the United States with regard to education in Physical Therapy. He is married with two children and is undergoing computer course in the hope of landing a […]
• Criminal Justice Correction Professions and Careers All the requirements of level III are also required in this level but the officer must have an additional year of experience Parole and probation officers perform many similar duties in assisting the courts to […]
• Crime Lab Profession Analysis It is important for a student, to be aware of new technologies and methods used in this field because emerging technologies will transform the face of the crime lab.
• Workforce Issues and Patient Safety in Nursing Profession That is why it necessary to conduct profound research to identify the main peculiar features of the two. Thus, the objective of the study is “to report the progress” in meeting the things above.
• Counseling Profession: Examining the Current State of the Profession A counselor needs to adhere to the standards of service and make sure that the client is receiving the recognition that they deserve.
• Transforming Nursing Profession and Services Although the impact that the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses and the IOM have had on the quality of nursing services has been positive, a shift in the philosophy of nursing is needed to […]
• The History of the Nursing Profession: Florence Nightingale The nurse believed the high casualty rates were due to the unsanitary environment in the rooms and took measures to ensure the cleanliness of medical equipment and the surroundings.
• Atheist Clients in the Counselling Profession Bishop states that in the United States, atheists are considered a minority and marginalized group due to the prevalence of Christianity.
• Necessary Qualities in HR Profession Basically, it seeks to establish the proper character traits of an HR professional together with selection methods for successful identification of success traits for an HR director.
• Applied Research in Criminal Justice Profession As for the further exploration of the subject, I would examine ways to enhance the validity and reliability of my research.
• Management Consulting: a Guide to the Profession In order to improve the chances of success during the consultation process, it is imperative for the consultant to collaborate with the client in a number of areas as evaluated herein.
• Car Design Industry and Profession A chance to work in conjunction with engineers that boast of a substantial store of knowledge is exactly the opportunity I have been looking for.
• Social Work Profession-Related Change on the State Level It happens due to the combination of such factors as the increased demand for services provided by these specialists and the general improvement of the quality of life of people in the majority of states.
• Public Relations: Profession and Practice 2 This gives a good image of the company since the community feels part of the organization, and, therefore, the community supports fully the activities of the organization.
• Chauffeur Profession as a Dream Job If I were to choose out of the free services given, a chauffeur, a cook, housekeeper or a gardener I would go for a chauffeur.
• Ethical Conduct in Information Technology Profession The scope of this report brings out the various codes that guide IT security professionals and the validity of these codes in relation to ethical conduct.
• Lawyer Profession and Its Prospects This article is available in the ProQuest database which contains thousands of articles related to criminal justice. The members of this organization can purchase a wide variety of publications on different areas of criminal law.
• Writer Profession in Yeats’ and Woolf’s Works The narrative of the verse is of the lovely Leda who was violated by Zeus in the form of a swan, and who then bore Helen and Clytemnestra.
• A Career in the Helping Profession Her positive attitude towards life and the lack of fear was crucial in deciding to become a professional elementary teacher for autistic children.
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering Profession In terms of the scope of professional career advice, the team of advisers will need deep detail on electrical and electronics engineering.
• Nursing Profession, Duties and Legislations In respect to the patient profile, location of care, and the type of service offered by the nurse, the scope of nursing practice is not only diverse but also varied in nature.
• Software Testing Profession The most important skills in a software testing are the ability to critically think and analyze the situation in order to spot hidden and complex programming errors, and communication skills in order to properly relay […]
• Applying Borrowed Theories to the Nursing Profession With the application of such a theory, it can be possible to introduce superior procedures, behaviors, and cultural attributes that will streamline existing nursing practices.
• Leadership in the Arms Profession 4 This means that members of the public are now aware of the problems that are affecting the performance and effectiveness of the division.
• Counseling Profession in Special Education The relationships involved in the counseling profession depend on the unique needs of the individual seeking intervention. Special education counseling specializes in the aspect of psychotherapy in the school setting with an emphasis on facilitating […]
• Ethics in Psychology and the Mental Health Professions Clearly the psychologist in this case is facing a difficult choice: on the one hand, to harm society but to respect the rights and personal choice of the infected person, or on the other hand […]
• The Profession of Pharmacist: Career Image The factors that were considered during the work included both characteristics of the people or objects that were depicted and the messages related to the profession.
• Mechanical Engineering Education and Profession This paper is aimed to prove that even though two years of technical studies is enough to work in the sphere of Mechanical engineering as a technician, it is not enough to prepare an efficient […]
• Press Secretary Profession in Public Relations This study aims to research the history of the public relations industry and to examine the effects of government regulations, the internet, and the international community on the industry.
• Ethics and Values in Legal Professions The choice of a profession depends a lot on the person’s values and ethics. Ethics and values are related, but they are not the same.
• Business Systems Analyst Profession For example, individuals aspiring to become Business Systems Analysts are open to the following titles depending on their professional achievement, experience and other added advantages: Business Systems Analyst I: This is an Entry Level Business […]
• Nursing Profession Concept Nursing itself is often defined as “the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the […]
• Medicine Issues: Physical Therapy as a Profession The aim of this essay is to discuss the profession of physical therapist explaining the role of women in this field.”Physical therapy in the United States was originally an occupation composed almost entirely of women; […]
• Investigation of the Reliability and Validity of the Perception of Teaching Profession Problems Scale The purpose of the current study was to develop a reliable and valid likert scale that would prove useful in the determination of perceptions held by teachers in the various problems that they face in […]
• The Effects of Technology on the Accounting Profession Paper Technological elements such as accounting software and accounting application devices also play a significant role in the CPA. The introduction of the first computer in the 20th century and its advancement for over 50 years […]
• The Impact of NDEs upon Those in the Helping Professions The purpose of the study is to explore the impact and role of the acceptance of NDEs among those in the helping professions concerning the quality of the care they provide to those seeking their […]
• Burnout in Professional Therapists As established in the study, burnout among the therapists engaged in the sample increased in consistency with an increase in the levels of interpersonal problems.
• Bisman’s Social Work Values: The Moral core of Profession To establish the reasons behind shifting priorities from social objectives to professional social work As a result of professionalizing social work, there should be a will to improve conditions of poor people in the society.
• Developing Nursing Competency The clinical performance of students can assessed through the strategies set for clinical competency and evaluation to check the skills, knowledge and attitudes adopted by the students during training.
• The Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Profession The Impact of Megatrends on the Development of the Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Profession The changes in the duties and responsibilities of the Purchasing and Supply Chain managers are directly affected by the progress […]
• Pedagogy: Factors Affecting Teaching Profession Learning Process It is important to notice that the learning pedagogy does not dictate the specific character and personality of a teacher or the learning context but rather, the teachers receive guidance of the practice applicable to […]
• Government Regulation of Psychology Profession The patients have a right to be informed about the possible physical and emotional risks associated with the treatment process and the psychologist should also inform them of alternative forms of treatment and their effects […]
• Between Discipline and Profession He begins with emergence of electrical engineering to that of computer engineering. In essence, computer engineering is a distinct disciplinary and professional domain.
• Importance of Chemical Engineer Profession Most of the schools claim to lack some important resources to handle science lessons well, and that is one of the reasons of this campaign to influence both the teachers and the students to have […]
• Is Intelligence Analysis a Profession It is therefore a compromise of a set of agreed on rules and regulations by the maj0ority of the members of the profession.
• Psychology: Profession and Cultural Language While communicating, the psychologist is sensitive to different communities and diversity in the use of language. Working as a psychology requires one to be good in communication teamwork and observe the ethics of the profession.
• The HR Profession Map The four bands describe the contribution that the professionals in HR departments make in the fostering of proper relations with clients in consideration of where the financial resources and time are directed.
• Harsh Parenting: Emotion Regulation and Aggression In addition, the studies establish the relationship between parenting and personality of a child as well as decisions they make in life. In the Heidgerken and Hughes study, the subjects were of different races.
• Information System Profession: iPhone and YouTube These indicate the advancements in the information system as a profession The issues in the articles reviewed are related to the course in a number of ways.
• Disclosing the Aspects of Female Authorship as Presented in Woolf’s Professions for Women and Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Right of Woman In their works called A Vindication of the Right of Woman and Professions of Women respectively, they express their vigorous desire to liberate women from the professional taboos to enter female authorship imposed by the […]
• Networking, Collaboration, Leveraging Innovation and Your Profession as a Field of Service to Community The indigenous social organization played a greater role in the success of the Australian architecture, along with the heritage and the social change of the Australians.
• The Profession of Arms: The US Army During this time, the army has lost some of its tradition and skills; factors that used to make the army to be effective and efficient in its operations.
• Exhaustion in Victim Care Professions Compassion fatigue is therefore as a result of individual reaction to a trauma situation. Compassion fatigue and burnout states are related to individual consciousness in a crisis situation.
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Profession Vs Job: Key Differences, Similarities, And FAQs

In the vast landscape of career choices, two terms often surface: profession and job. To use these terms effectively, it’s crucial to understand the nuances that set them apart and the factors that make each unique. 

Is it just a matter of semantics, or are there deeper implications for your career and personal growth? In this article, you will discover the similarities and differences between these two concepts.

You will also understand how they can affect your choices and opportunities in the work world. Looking for a new challenge, a change of direction, or a way to advance your skills and knowledge?

Understanding the distinction between a job and a profession can help you make informed decisions and achieve your goals. 

Read on to find out more!

Understanding a profession and a job

Before embarking on this exploration, let’s establish a clear understanding of what constitutes a profession and a job. 

A profession is a type of occupation that requires specialized knowledge, skills and training. It involves specialized education, training, and adherence to a code of ethics. On the other hand, a job is a specific role or position that a person performs for an employer or a client to earn a living . 

Jobs may or may not demand specific qualifications and may involve tasks ranging from routine to complex. A profession and a job are not mutually exclusive, as one can have a job within a profession. 

For example, being a lawyer is a profession, but being a corporate lawyer or a criminal lawyer are jobs within that profession. A profession usually has a higher status, income and autonomy than a job, but it also demands more responsibility, ethics and commitment.

Key differences between a profession and a job

Nature of work.

Professions are occupations that require specialized knowledge and skills in a particular field. Professionals in these fields typically have advanced education or training and are expected to contribute to the development and progress of their respective industries. 

On the other hand, jobs may encompass a wide range of tasks and responsibilities and may not necessarily require a high level of expertise or specialized knowledge. 

While professions often demand a certain level of training and experience, jobs can be more accessible to individuals with varying levels of education and background.

Education and training

When it comes to selecting a profession, it is often necessary to undergo extensive education and training, which may even involve earning advanced degrees. While certain jobs may require specific skill sets , the educational requirements can differ considerably. 

As such, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the educational prerequisites for any given profession before committing to it. This includes researching the necessary credentials and understanding the length and rigor of the training programs. 

Additionally, it involves considering the financial and time investments required to achieve the desired qualifications. Making an informed decision about which profession to pursue can have significant implications for one’s career and financial future. 

Therefore, it is essential to approach the decision with diligence and care.

Scope and opportunities

One of the main differences between a job and a profession is the scope and opportunities that each one offers. A job is usually a specific role or task that a person performs for a fixed period of time or salary. 

A profession, on the other hand, is a broader field of expertise that requires specialized education, training, and skills. A profession also allows a person to pursue different career paths, advance in their field, and contribute to society in meaningful ways.

Similarities between a profession and a job

Commitment and dedication.

Both a job and a profession require commitment and dedication from the individuals who pursue them. 

Commitment means being loyal and faithful to one’s work, while dedication means being devoted and enthusiastic about one’s work. 

These qualities are essential for achieving success and satisfaction in any career path, whether it is a job or a profession. 

Importance in Society

The importance of both jobs and professions in society lies in their collective impact on the well-being, progress, and functionality of the community. 

Each contributes uniquely, creating a symbiotic relationship that ensures a dynamic and thriving societal landscape. 

Whether through the immediate services provided by jobs or the long-term contributions of professions , both are integral components of the societal fabric.

Income generation

Income generation stands as a shared facet between jobs and professions, serving as a fundamental motivator for individuals in both realms. In jobs, individuals receive compensation for their efforts, providing immediate financial support. 

Professions, with their specialized skills, often lead to higher earning potential over time. Both contribute to personal financial stability and societal economic growth. The common thread lies in the pursuit of livelihood. 

Jobs offer immediate income, and professions provide a pathway to long-term financial success. This similarity emphasizes the universal need for economic sustenance, making income generation a pivotal aspect shared by both a job and a profession.

Can a job be a profession and vice-versa?

While the terms “job” and “profession” often refer to distinct categories, there can be instances where a job evolves into a full-fledged profession and vice versa. A job is typically considered a specific role undertaken for remuneration, with varying skill requirements. 

As individuals acquire specialized knowledge and skills within a job, they may transition into a profession. This profession is marked by a higher level of expertise, formal education, and ethical considerations.

Conversely, a profession, in certain scenarios, can be simplified into a job when the complexity of tasks decreases. 

How does a profession differ from a job?

A profession involves specialized knowledge and often requires extensive education. In contrast, a job may encompass a broader range of roles with varying skill requirements.

What factors should one consider when choosing a profession?

Consider personal goals, values, career prospects, and desired work-life balance when making decisions about job opportunities.

Can a job lead to a fulfilling career?

Yes. Strategic career moves, dedication, and continuous learning can turn a job into a fulfilling and successful career.

Is it possible to switch from a job to a profession?

Yes. With careful planning and acquiring the necessary qualifications, one can transition from a job to a fulfilling and meaningful profession.

Are professions more stable than jobs?

While some professions offer stability, it varies. Job stability depends on factors like industry trends, company health, and individual performance.

How does societal perception influence career choices?

Societal perception can influence career choices by shaping perceptions of prestige associated with certain professions or jobs.

In conclusion, a job and a profession are not the same thing, but they are also not mutually exclusive. A job is any paid work that you do, while a profession is a specialized and regulated field that requires formal education and training. 

A profession usually offers more autonomy, prestige, and opportunities for growth than a job, but it also comes with more responsibilities and expectations. A job can be a stepping stone to a profession, or it can be a way to balance your personal and professional life. 

The choice between a job and a profession depends on your goals, values, and circumstances. The most important thing is to find work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and rewarding for you.

By understanding the distinctions, weighing the pros and cons, and aligning choices with personal values, individuals can embark on a fulfilling career path. Whether you choose a profession or a job, remember that both contribute significantly to our society.

You can also learn more about the difference between the working class and the middle class . 

Thanks for reading. 

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Essays on Profession

In your profession essay, you may define profession as a person’s career or occupation, which required prior education, training, or both. Profession derived from Latin "professio", which means “official occupation”. Some writers of profession essays define profession as a relatively wide type of work activity, which requires certain knowledge and work skills. Essays on profession teach us that choosing a profession not just means choosing a job, but accepting ethical norms, rules, principles, values , and lifestyle that come with it. Profession, chosen by a person in accordance with their calling, inclinations, and abilities becomes a source of inspiration, satisfaction, and joy, and also of great benefit to society as a whole. Our profession essay samples will teach you all you need to know about the topic – view the best essay samples below.

The proponents of making master’s degree the entry level for RT practice put forth several arguments to support their standpoint. For instance, they state that advanced degrees enable health professionals to adapt to the ever-changing health information and therefore relate better to the complexities presented by the therapeutic process. This...

The master of healthcare administration program has provided crucial insights that will help me achieve success in the health care industry. First, this curriculum has taught me how to make well-informed contributions and enabled me to educate my colleagues and even supervisors about the health care system. In essence, combining...

Dr. Danielle Ofri on the Importance of Effective Doctor-Patient Communication Dr. Danielle Ofri is correct to state that the single most powerful diagnostic tool remains the doctor/patient effective communication. Speaking at Mayo Clinic in 2017, on closing the gap between a doctor and a patient, she insists that in order for...

Choosing career at the earliest stage in life is one of the aspects that determine the future. Notably, there are various factors that determine one’s career choice such as passion, employment prospects, and advice from career educators, counselors or family members.   Critical to underscore is that the need to make...

Words: 1996

Teaching as a Profession Teaching is a profession that requires persistence and patience. The teacher requires training from the initial stage to the final step. This makes teaching a continuous process. It involves learning new things and applying the same to the learners. Attitude, belief and disposition is mandatory to ensure...

Choosing career at the earliest stage in life is one of the aspects that determine the future. Notably, there are various factors that determine one’s career choice such as passion, employment prospects, and advice from career educators, counselors or family members. Critical to underscore is that the need to make...

Words: 2006

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Forensic psychologists are professionals who specialize in applying their knowledge in psychology to legal matters. Forensic psychologists work in public service, academia, and the private sector. Some routine engagements include the application of clinical skills such as evaluation and treatment in different forensic settings such as juvenile detention centers, courthouses,...

Words: 2097

Communication and how patient-doctor interact is important in modern diagnosis of patients. Both verbal and non-verbal communication is important during treatment session. Ability to decode such expression help doctors relate well and give best treatment to patients. In this short essay, we look at the interaction of Dr. Drossman with...

Over the last fifty years, the methods in which doctors and physicians approach medical decisions have changed significantly. The medical choices for many generations have always been left exclusively for doctors and patients if they chose to be part of it, but they still had little say in the final...

Words: 1426

In various occasions, graduates have been faced with challenges of deciding the field of career to pursue. After earning relevant training from the institutions of higher learning, many people find it hard to venture into professions due to the high level of qualifications and experience that is required by the...

Words: 1908

Ethics in Engineering Ethics refer to the general code of conduct or principles required in a specific field or that which a person has set to govern their lives. Just like any other field of study, engineering also requires specific set of rules to ensure that there is proper sailing in...

The term vocation is derived from a Latin word vocare, which means “calling.” Calling signifies the grand purpose of one’s life. It involves unseen forces that influence individual choices in career. The invisible force guides people in making critical career decisions that lead to fulfilling one’s destiny (Buechber, 2017). In...

Words: 1250

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Jobs and Employment essay questions for IELTS

Here you can find common IELTS essay questions for "Employment and Business" topic.

Some people say that teenagers should work part-time and earn money. This way they will learn basic lessons about work and become more disciplined. Others argue that teenagers shouldn't sacrifice their rest and after-school activities to work.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many people think that to become a successful specialist it's better to choose a career early in life and never change it later.

To what extent do you agree with this view?

Support your opinion with relevant examples.

What do you think are the main causes of unemployment?

What solutions can you suggest?

A lot of people spend a major part of their adult life at work, so job satisfaction is very important for individual happiness.

What are the main factors that contribute to job satisfaction?

What are the possible solutions for people who are unsatisfied with their jobs?

Big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.

Do you agree or disagree?

Provide relevant examples if necessary.

Some people hesitate between getting a job and starting their own business. While the idea of not having a boss and working on one's own schedule may sound tempting, financial risks and stress sometimes outweigh these advantages.

In your opinion what are the pros and cons of working in a company?

Famous sportsmen often earn a lot more money than people in other professions. Although sport is important in our lives, everyone should be equal and such big incomes of sport professionals are unjustified.

Technology, jobs, and the future of work

The world of work is in a state of flux, which is causing considerable anxiety—and with good reason. There is growing polarization of labor-market opportunities between high- and low-skill jobs, unemployment and underemployment especially among young people, stagnating incomes for a large proportion of households, and income inequality. Migration and its effects on jobs has become a sensitive political issue in many advanced economies. And from Mumbai to Manchester, public debate rages about the future of work and whether there will be enough jobs to gainfully employ everyone.

The development of automation enabled by technologies including robotics and artificial intelligence brings the promise of higher productivity (and with productivity, economic growth), increased efficiencies, safety, and convenience. But these technologies also raise difficult questions about the broader impact of automation on jobs, skills, wages, and the nature of work itself.

Many activities that workers carry out today have the potential to be automated. At the same time, job-matching sites such as LinkedIn and Monster are changing and expanding the way individuals look for work and companies identify and recruit talent. Independent workers are increasingly choosing to offer their services on digital platforms including Upwork, Uber, and Etsy and, in the process, challenging conventional ideas about how and where work is undertaken.

For policy makers, business leaders, and workers themselves, these shifts create considerable uncertainty, alongside the potential benefits. This briefing note aims to provide a fact base on the multiple trends and forces buffeting the world of work drawing on recent research by the McKinsey Global Institute and others.

Table of contents

Developments in employment, income, and skills

How automation and technology are affecting work, the challenges of digitization—and possible solutions.

Challenges in labor markets are growing, household incomes in advanced economies have been stagnating, and there are increasing skill gaps among workers.

Labor markets are under strain, and talent is underutilized

Unemployment and underemployment are high around the world. In the United States and the 15 core European Union countries (EU-15), there are 285 million adults who are not in the labor force—and at least 100 million of them would like to work more. Some 30 to 45 percent of the working-age population around the world is underutilized—that is, unemployed, inactive, or underemployed. This translates into some 850 million people in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Brazil, China, and India alone. Most attention is paid to the unemployed portion of this number, and not enough to the underemployed and the inactive portions, which make up the majority of untapped human potential.

Almost 75 million youth are officially unemployed. Women represent one of the largest pools of untapped labor: globally, 655 million fewer women are economically active than men. In a “best-in-region” scenario in which all countries match the rate of improvement in gender gaps (in labor force participation, hours worked, and sector mix of employment) of the best-performing country in their region, $12 trillion more of annual GDP would be realized in 2025 , equivalent in size to the current GDP of Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom combined.

Household incomes in advanced economies have stagnated or fallen, fueling public disgruntlement

The vast majority of people derive incomes from jobs. In the United States, Western Europe, and across advanced economies, market incomes (from wages and capital) stagnated or fell for about two-thirds of households in 2005–14, a period marked by deep recession and slow recovery after the 2008 financial crisis. This was the first time incomes stopped advancing on such a scale since the stagflation era of the 1970s, and it may have helped stir popular opposition to globalization. The recession was a leading cause of the abrupt end to income advancement, but other longer-run factors also contributed, including a decline in the share of national income that is paid to workers, the so-called wage share. This has fallen across advanced economies despite rising productivity, suggesting a decoupling between productivity and incomes.

The decline is due in part to the growth of corporate profits as a share of national income, rising capital returns to technology investments, lower returns to labor from increased trade, rising rent incomes from home ownership, and increased depreciation on capital. Policy makers in the affected countries took action during the downturn to compensate for the income squeeze, in the former of lower taxes and higher transfers, but these were largely one-off measures to buoy disposable income in response to the recession, and not sustainable.

Globalization has brought numerous benefits, including lifting millions of people in emerging economies into the consuming class. But it also has had an impact in some sectors like manufacturing in advanced economies, with some jobs moving offshore. Better support could have been provided to help affected workers build new skills and transition into new sectors or occupations.

A survey we conducted in France, the United Kingdom, and the United States showed a significant proportion of those whose incomes stagnated are worried about their children’s economic prospects—a sharp departure after many decades in which it was an article of faith that every generation would enjoy higher living standards than their parents. Middle-income households have been the most affected, and young and less educated people are especially vulnerable. Across all age groups, medium- and low-skill workers have done worse than those with a college education. Many blame governments, global institutions, corporations, and establishment “elites” around the world, and the principles of free trade and open borders are under attack.

Getting practical about the future of work

Skills, jobs, and locations do not always match, limiting income-earning opportunities for many.

Educational systems have not kept pace with the changing nature of work, resulting in many employers saying they cannot find enough workers with the skills they need. In a McKinsey survey of young people and employers in nine countries, 40 percent of employers said lack of skills was the main reason for entry-level job vacancies. Sixty percent said that new graduates were not adequately prepared for the world of work. There were gaps in technical skills such as STEM subject degrees but also in soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and punctuality. Conversely, even those in work may not be realizing their potential. In a recent global survey of job seekers conducted by LinkedIn, 37 percent of respondents said their current job does not fully utilize their skills or provide enough challenge.

Some of the mismatching is locational: where there is demand for work, there may not be available and qualified workers to be found. This geographic mismatch can be seen across regions within countries, and between countries.

Cross-border migration fills some skill gaps but can create tensions

Cross-border migration has been a natural consequence of a world in which people do not find attractive work opportunities in their country of origin, at a time when other economies are not adequately filling their skills gaps. Migration boosts global productivity , but its consequences are often feared by native workers, who face labor market disconnects and a lack of well-paid jobs.

In 2015, approximately 247 million people lived in a country not of their birth—a number that has almost tripled in the past 50 years. Most have gravitated to places where they believe they will find better jobs . More than 90 percent have moved voluntarily, and about half have moved from developing to developed countries. In the period 2000 to 2014, migration has provided about 40 percent of labor force growth in Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Migrants made an absolute contribution to global output of roughly $6.7 trillion, or 9.4 percent of global GDP in 2015. However, migrant workers, on average, earn wages that are 20 to 30 percent lower than those of comparable native-born workers. More effective integration approaches could lay the groundwork for economic gains of up to $1 trillion globally, benefiting both economies and individuals.

In the context of challenging labor market conditions, popular sentiment has moved against immigration. Surveys conducted by MGI suggest that a significant proportion of middle- and low-income groups in advanced economies who are experiencing flat or falling real incomes are pessimistic about the future and likely to hold particularly negative views about immigrants.

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New technologies have the potential to upend much of what we know about the way people work. But disruption is an opportunity as well as a challenge—given the promise of digital talent platforms and new options for independent work, for example.

Many activities that workers carry out today have the potential to be automated

Technological change has reshaped the workplace continually over the past two centuries since the Industrial Revolution, but the speed with which automation technologies are developing today, and the scale at which they could disrupt the world of work, are largely without precedent.

MGI research on the automation potential of the global economy, focusing on 46 countries representing about 80 percent of the global workforce, has examined more than 2,000 work activities and quantified the technical feasibility of automating each of them. The proportion of occupations that can be fully automated using currently demonstrated technology is actually small—less than 5 percent. An additional important finding is that even if whole occupations are not automated, partial automation (where only some activities that make up an occupation are automated) will affect almost all occupations to a greater or lesser degree. The impact will be felt not just by factory workers and clerks but also by landscape gardeners and dental lab technicians, fashion designers, insurance sales representatives, and even CEOs.

We find that about 60 percent of all occupations have at least 30 percent of activities that are technically automatable , based on currently demonstrated technologies. This means that most occupations will change, and more people will have to work with technology. Highly skilled workers working with technology will benefit. While low-skilled workers working with technology will be able to achieve more in terms of output and productivity, these workers may experience wage pressure, given the potentially larger supply of similarly low-skilled workers, unless demand for the occupation grows more than the expansion in labor supply.

On a global scale, we calculate that the adaptation of currently demonstrated automation technologies could affect 50 percent of the world economy , or 1.2 billion employees and $14.6 trillion in wages. Just four countries—China, India, Japan, and the United States—account for just over half of these totals. There are sizable differences in automation potential between countries, based mainly on the structure of their economies, the relative level of wages, and the size and dynamics of the workforce.

As machines evolve and acquire more advanced performance capabilities that match or exceed human capabilities, the adoption of automation will pick up. However, the technical feasibility to automate does not automatically translate into the deployment of automation in the workplace and the automation of jobs. Technical potential is only the first of several elements that must be considered. A second element is the cost of developing and deploying both the hardware and the software for automation. The supply-and-demand dynamics of labor are a third factor: if workers with sufficient skills for the given occupation are in abundant supply and significantly less expensive than automation, this could slow the rate of adoption. A fourth to be considered are the benefits of automation beyond labor substitution—including higher levels of output, better quality and fewer errors, and capabilities that surpass human ability.

Finally, regulatory and social issues, such as the degree to which machines are acceptable in any particular setting, must also be weighed. It is for these various reasons that go beyond purely technical feasibility of automation that our estimates for “whole-job” automation are lower than other estimates. Our scenarios suggest that it may take at least two decades before automation reaches 50 percent of all of today’s work activities, taking into account regions where wages are relatively low.

Technology can help labor markets: Digital talent platforms improve matching between workers and jobs

Digital talent platforms have the potential to improve the ways workers and jobs are matched, creating transparency and efficiency in labor markets, and potentially raising GDP. They can raise labor participation and working hours; evidence from around the world suggests that some people would work more hours if they could. A US survey, for example, reports that three-quarters of stay-at-home mothers would be likely to work if they had flexible options. Even if a small fraction of inactive youth and adults use these platforms to work a few hours per week, the economic impact would be significant.

With their powerful search capabilities and sophisticated screening algorithms, online talent platforms can also speed the hiring process and cut the time individuals spend searching between jobs, reducing unemployment. By aggregating data on candidates and job openings across entire countries or regions, they may address some geographic mismatches and enable matches that otherwise would not have come about.

Finally, online talent platforms help put the right people in the right jobs, thereby increasing their productivity along with their job satisfaction. They can draw people who are engaged in informal work into formal employment, especially in emerging economies. Both of these effects could increase output per worker, raising global GDP.

Digitally-enabled independent work is on the rise

While independent work is nothing new (and self-employment is still the predominant form of work in emerging economies), the digital enablement of it is. MGI research finds that 20 to 30 percent of the working age population in the United States and the European Union is engaged in independent work . Just over half of these workers supplement their income and have traditional jobs, or are students, retirees, or caregivers. While 70 percent choose this type of work, 30 percent use it out of necessity because they cannot find a traditional job at all, or one that meets their income and flexibility needs. The proportion of independent work that is conducted on digital platforms, while only about 15 percent of independent work overall, is growing rapidly, driven by the scale, efficiency, and ease of use for workers and customers that these platforms enable. Such platforms include Uber, Etsy, Didi, and others. While those who pursue independent work (digitally enabled or not) out of preference are generally satisfied; those who pursue it out of necessity are unsatisfied with the income variability and the lack of benefits typically associated with traditional work. Policy makers and innovators will need to grapple with solutions to these challenges.

Not to be forgotten—technology creates new jobs and income possibilities

Even while technologies replace some jobs, they are creating new work in industries that most of us cannot even imagine, and new ways to generate income. One-third of new jobs created in the United States in the past 25 years were types that did not exist, or barely existed, in areas including IT development, hardware manufacturing, app creation, and IT systems management. The net impact of new technologies on employment can be strongly positive. A 2011 study by McKinsey’s Paris office found that the Internet had destroyed 500,000 jobs in France in the previous 15 years—but at the same time had created 1.2 million others, a net addition of 700,000, or 2.4 jobs created for every job destroyed. The growing role of big data in the economy and business will create a significant need for statisticians and data analysts; we estimate a shortfall of up to 250,000 data scientists in the United States alone in a decade.

Digital technology also can enable new forms of entrepreneurial activity. Workers in small businesses and self-employed occupations can benefit from higher income earning opportunities. A new category of knowledge-enabled jobs will become possible as machines embed intelligence and knowledge that less-skilled workers can access with a little training. In India, for example, Google is rolling out the Internet Saathi (Friends of the Internet) program in which rural women are trained to use the Internet, and then become local agents who provide services in their villages through Internet-enabled devices. The services include working as local distributors for telecom products (phones, SIM cards, and data packs), field data collectors for research agencies, financial-services agents, and paratechnicians who help local people access government schemes and benefits through an Internet-based device.

We have yet to reach the full potential of digitization across the global economy. Making sure that digital gains are accessible to all could provide significant value. And though other challenges, too, remain, they could be addressed by exploring several solution spaces—for instance, through evolving education systems or by pursuing public-private partnerships to stimulate investment in enabling infrastructure.

We are only starting to capture the opportunities from digitizing economies at the sector and company level

Digital technologies are creating major new opportunities for workers and companies, in both advanced and developing economies, but there are significant variations within and across countries and sectors. Our use of the term digitization (and our measurement of it), encompasses:

• Digitization of assets, including infrastructure, connected machines, data, and data platforms;
• Digitization of operations, including processes, payments and business models, and customer and supply chain interactions; and
• Digitization of the workforce, including worker use of digital tools, digitally skilled workers, and new digital jobs and roles.

In measuring each of these various aspects of digitization, we find relatively large disparities even among big companies Based on these measures, a few sectors are highly digitized—for example, financial services, media, and the tech sector itself. These tend to be among the sectors with the highest productivity growth and wage growth. Many others are much less digitized, including healthcare, education, and even retail. These tend to be the largest share of the economy in terms of GDP and the lowest-productivity sectors. Similarly, companies are digitizing unevenly.

Companies that are digital leaders in their sectors have faster revenue growth and higher productivity than their less-digitized peers. Their profits and margins can increase three times as fast, and workers within these companies enjoy double the wage growth. Digitization will continue to change how companies organize work, as well as the mix of work in any given sector. All this will require ongoing adaptation and transition by workers in terms of skills, activities, companies, and even the sectors they work in.

Clearly, we are still in the early stages of how sectors and companies use digital technologies, and there is considerable unevenness. From country to country, too, there are significant divergences. Overall, for example, we estimate that the United States has captured only 18 percent of its potential from digital technologies, while Europe has captured only 12 percent . Emerging economies are even further behind, with countries in the Middle East and Brazil capturing less than 10 percent of their digital potential.

More than half the world’s population is still offline, limiting the potential to benefit from digital

Rapid technology adoption can unlock huge economic value, even as it implies major need for retraining and redeployment of labor. In India, for example, digital technologies provide the foundation for many innovations that could contribute $550 billion to $1 trillion of economic impact per year in 2025. However, the value of digitization that is captured depends on how many people and businesses have access to it.

More than four billion people, or over half of the world’s population, is still offline . About 75 percent of this offline population is concentrated in 20 countries, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Tanzania, and is disproportionately rural, low income, elderly, illiterate, and female. The value of connecting these people is significant, and as they enter the global digital economy, the world of work will transform in fundamental ways and at an unprecedented pace. Access to the technology alone is not enough; even in countries where a large majority of the population has access, the literacy and skills needed to capture digital gains are sometimes limited.

How to positively affect the future of work: Solution spaces

The disruptions to the world of work that digital technologies are likely to bring about could pose significant challenges to policy makers and business leaders, as well as workers. There are several solution spaces to consider:

References and further reading

McKinsey Global Institute research reports are available on www.mckinsey.com/mgi . For this briefing note, we have drawn on the following reports:

“ A future that works: Automation, employment, and productivity ,” McKinsey Global Institute, January 2017

“ People on the move: Global migration’s impact and opportunity ,” McKinsey Global Institute, December 2016

“ Independent work: Choice, necessity, and the gig economy ,” McKinsey Global Institute, October 2016

“ Where machines could replace humans, and where they can’—yet ,” McKinsey Quarterly, July 2016

“ Digital America: A tale of the haves and have-mores ,” McKinsey Global Institute, December 2015

“ The four fundamentals of automation ,” McKinsey Quarterly , November 2015

“ The power of parity: How advancing women’s equality can add $12 trillion to global growth ,” McKinsey Global Institute, September 2015

“ A labor market that works: Connecting talent with opportunity in the digital age ,” McKinsey Global Institute, June 2015

“ Offline and falling behind: Barriers to Internet adoption ,” McKinsey & Company, October 2014

Other reading:

Autor, David, “ Why are there still so many jobs? The history and future of workplace automation ,” Journal of Economic Perspectives , Summer 2015

Autor, David, David Dorn, and Gordon Hanson, “ Untangling trade and technology: Evidence from local labor markets ,” The Economic Journal , May 2015

Brynjolffson, Erik and Andrew McAfee, The second machine age: Work, progress, and prosperity in a time of brilliant technologies , WW Norton, 2014

Furman, Jason, “ Is this time different? The opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence ,” remarks at AI conference in New York, July 7, 2016

Milanovic, Branko, Global inequality: A new approach for the age of globalization , Harvard University Press, 2016

Sundararajan, Arun, The sharing economy: The end of employment and the rise of crowd,   MIT Press, 2016

• Evolve education systems and learning for a changed workplace. Policy makers working with education providers (traditional and nontraditional) could do more to improve basic STEM skills through the school systems, put a new emphasis on creativity as well as critical and systems thinking, and foster adaptive and life-long learning.
• Determine how the private sector can drive training. Companies face gaps in skills they need in a more technology-enabled workplace. They could benefit from playing a more active role in education and training, including providing better information about needs to learners and the education and training ecosystem, and proving better learning opportunities themselves.
• Create incentives for private-sector investment to treat human capital like other capital. Through tax benefits and other incentives, policy makers can encourage companies to invest in human capital, including job creation, learning and capability building, and wage growth.
• Explore public-private partnerships to stimulate investment in enabling infrastructure. The lack of digital infrastructure is holding back digital benefits in many economies, both developing and developed; public-private partnerships could help address market failures.
• Rethink incomes. If automation (full or partial) does result in a significant reduction in employment or greater pressure on wages, some ideas such as universal basic income, conditional transfers, and adapted social safety nets could be considered and tested.
• Rethink transition support and safety nets for workers affected. As work evolves at higher rates of change between sectors, locations, activities, and skill requirements, many workers will need assistance adjusting. Many best-practice approaches to transition safety nets are available and should be adopted and adapted, and new approaches considered and tested.
• Embrace technology-enabled solutions. Such solutions, including richer information signals, can be used in the labor market to improve matching and access and bridge skills gaps. Policy makers will need to address issues such as benefits and variability that these digital platforms can raise.
• Focus on job creation. Accelerate the creation of jobs in general through stimulating investment in businesses, and accelerate the creation of digital jobs in particular—and digitally enabled opportunities to earn income—including through new forms of entrepreneurship.
• Innovate how humans work alongside machines. Greater interaction will raise productivity but require different and often higher skills, new technology interfaces, different wage models in some cases, and different types of investments by businesses and workers to acquire skills.
• Capture the productivity benefits of technology. These can be harnessed to create the economic growth, surpluses, and demand for work that create room for creative solutions and ultimately benefit all.

This briefing note was originally prepared for the Fortune + Time Global Forum in Vatican City in December 2016; it was updated in May 2017.

Stay current on your favorite topics

James Manyika is director of the McKinsey Global Institute and a senior partner in McKinsey’s San Francisco office. MGI partners Michael Chui , Anu Madgavkar , and Susan Lund contributed to this briefing note.

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• Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Occupation and Profession

Profession is an activity that requires specialised training, knowledge, qualification and skills. It implies membership of a professional body, and certificate of practice. The individuals who undertake a profession of rendering personalised services are called professionals, who are guided by a certain code of conduct, set up by the respective body.

The line of demarcation between occupation and profession is thin and blurred. When a professional is paid for his skill or talent, it is known as occupation. Check out the article to know some more differences.

Content: Occupation Vs Profession

Comparison chart, definition of occupation.

Occupation refers to the kind of economic activity endeavoured by a person regularly for earning money. When someone engages or occupies himself, most of the time, in any economic activity, that activity is known as their occupation.

Example : Drivers, shopkeepers, a government servant, clerks, accountants, etc.

An occupation does not necessarily require specialised schooling in a particular stream. Physical or mental both kinds of jobs are included in an occupation. It is divided into the following categories:

• Business: When a person in engaged in any trade, commerce or manufacturing activities, he is said to be doing business.
• Employment: The occupation in which a person works for others and gets a fixed and regular income is employment.
• Profession: The occupation in which a person renders services to others, by applying his knowledge and skills is a profession.

Definition of Profession

A profession is an occupation, for which a person has to undergo specialised training or internship, for getting a high degree of education and expertise in the concerned area. The main objective of the profession is to render services to those who need them.

The profession is governed by a professional body or statute. To be called as a professional, a person has to pursue higher studies and qualify the exam conducted by the governing body. Normally, a professional is said to be an expert in his field. Ethical codes are developed by the professional body which must be followed by the professionals, to ensure uniformity in their work.

Example : Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountant etc.

Key Differences Between Occupation and Profession

The major differences between occupation and profession are discussed as under:

• An activity performed by a person normally for monetary compensation is known as the Occupation. Profession refers to vocation, in which high degree of education or skills is required.
• Unlike occupation, the profession has a code of conduct.
• Occupation does not require any sort of training in a particular field, but the profession requires specialisation in a specific area, and that is why training is a must.
• In general, the profession is regulated by a particular or professional body statute while an occupation is not.
• A person doing occupation get paid for what he produces, whereas a profession gets paid according to his knowledge and expertise.
• The profession is also an occupation when the person is paid for utilising his skills and expertise.
• A professional is independent, i.e. his work is not influenced by any external force. Conversely, there is a lack of independence in the profession because the person performing the occupation has to follow the commands of his supervisors.
• There are some responsibilities which are associated with the profession. However an occupation is not backed with such responsibilities.
• The basic pay in the profession is normally higher than in occupation.
• The professionals are respected by people and have a high status in the society as compared to the occupation.

After the above discussion, it can be said that the occupation is a broader term, and it includes profession. While occupation also includes those jobs that are ordinary and hence they don’t get high recognition from the society, Professionals are mainly known by their jobs, and that is why they receive a high level of respect and recognition from the society.

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November 8, 2016 at 1:42 am

Friday wisdom chamfya says

February 7, 2017 at 2:53 pm

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March 4, 2017 at 7:49 pm

Much appreciated, The info really valuable and easy to grasp.

March 25, 2017 at 11:40 am

Thanks a bunch, the comparison paid off and I was able to teach someone

Surbhi S says

March 25, 2017 at 12:10 pm

We really appreciate your views, keep viewing and sharing. 😎

TRUDIE MICHELS says

July 28, 2019 at 5:33 pm

Kelechi says

April 15, 2021 at 2:40 pm

I really appreciate. Thanks for this information.

Wilson kats says

April 20, 2021 at 10:27 am

Eddyluv says

June 30, 2021 at 12:53 am

The explanation and everything was easy to understand.. 😍

November 17, 2021 at 4:21 am

It helps me to understand. Thank you for your hard work!

Karen Hoy says

November 23, 2021 at 6:23 pm

Thank you for your answers though, most helpful.

Nyombi says

April 26, 2022 at 5:40 pm

What criteria makes an occupation a profession. “Teaching as a profession.”

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EnglishPost.org

100 Conversation Questions about Careers and Jobs

A  job , or  occupation , is a person’s role in society. More specifically, a job is an activity, often regular and often performed in exchange for payment.

Many people have multiple jobs. A person can begin a job by becoming an employee, volunteering, starting a business, or becoming a parent.

People have many questions about careers and jobs such as:

• How difficult is to have your own business?
• Do you have a problem working at night?
• Do dream jobs really exist?
• What jobs are fun / boring?

These are some common question to have an interesting conversation about careers and jobs

Table of Contents

General Questions about Careers and Jobs

Questions about job preferences, questions about your current job, questions about unemployment, questions about your first job, opinions about jobs, questions about dream jobs, questions about retirement, questions about negative aspects of a job, questions for job interviews.

These are some general questions about careers and jobs

• What are some common occupations in your country?
• What are some common job for men in your country?
• What are some common job for women in your country?
• What motivates a person to change his/ her job?
• How much money do you consider a decent salary?
• What skills and qualifications do you have?
• At what age do people usually retire in your country?

These are some questions to discuss your preferences about jobs

• Do you like your job?
• Do you like working alone or in group?
• Do you like team work?
• What shift do you like to work?
• What’s your dream job?
• Do you like working overtime?
• Do you like to work indoors?
• Do you like working outdoors?
• Do you prefer the day shift or night shift?

These are some discussion questions to learn more about your current job

• Can you describe some of the people that you work with?
• Can you describe your current job?
• Do you like your boss?
• How many days a week do you work?
• How many hours a week do you work?
• What time do your start and finish work?
• What is the atmosphere like at your workplace?
• How long do you plan to continue working where you are?
• Do you have to work overtime? If so, how often?
• Do you have to wear a uniform?
• Do you have to do a lot of paperwork?
• Do you have to work on weekends?

These are some conversation questions to understand more about what it feels to be unemployed

• Have you ever been unemployed? How long for?
• Have you ever been fired from a job? When? Why?
• Is unemployment a great problem where you live now?
• What are the best ways to look for a job?
• Do you usually look for a job when you are looking for a job?

These are some questions to learn more about your first job

• What was your first job?
• How old were you when you got your first job? 
• Why did you quit your first job?
• Did you like your first job?
• What did you like the most about your first job?
• What did you like the least about your first job?
• How much money did you earn from your first job?
• Do you have any advice for Job Seekers?

These are some discussion questions to understand your opinion about jobs

• What jobs do you consider way too dangerous?
• What are some of the worst jobs you can think of?
• What are some of the best jobs you can think of?
• In your opinion, which jobs are most prestigious? Why?

These are some questions about dream jobs

• How long do you want to work?
• How many hours a week do you want to work?
• How many days a week do you want to work?
• Where do you want to work?
• How much money do you want to earn?
• What job do you want to have?
• Do you want to work on weekends?

These are some questions related to retirement

• What plans have you made for your retirement?
• How much money do you think you need to retire?
• How much should you be saving today?
• Are you worried about the future?
• Do you expect your retirement to be very different from the lifestyle today?
• What do you expect to enjoy doing in your retirement?

These are some questions to explore some of the negative aspects of certain jobs

• What negative things can be caused by working too long?
• Do you work under pressure?
• Do you know what a workaholic is?
• Do you think that you work too much?
• Would you describe yourself as a workaholic?
• Have you ever wanted to quit from a job so badly

These are some of the questions commonly used in Job Interviews

• Tell me a little bit about yourself
• What are your biggest weaknesses?
• What are your biggest strengths?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Why should we hire you?
• Why do you want this job?
• Why do you want to leave your current job?
• What questions do you have for me?
• did you talk to them about the position?
• Do you know anyone that works here?
• How does this role fit into your career plans?
• What would you like to be doing in five years?
• How does your experience relate to this job?

I am Jose Manuel, English professor and creator of EnglishPost.org, a blog whose mission is to share lessons for those who want to learn and improve their English

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• Share full article

What Do Students at Elite Colleges Really Want?

Many of Harvard’s Generation Z say “sellout” is not an insult.

Credit... Jeff Hinchee

Supported by

By Francesca Mari

• Published May 22, 2024 Updated May 24, 2024

The meme was an image of a head with “I need to get rich” slapped across it. “Freshmen after spending 0.02 seconds on campus,” read the caption, posted in 2023 to the anonymous messaging app Sidechat.

The campus in question was Harvard, where, at a wood-paneled dining hall last year, two juniors explained how to assess a fellow undergraduate’s earning potential. It’s easy, they said, as we ate mussels, beets and sautéed chard: You can tell by who’s getting a bulge bracket internship.

“What?” Benny Goldman, a then-28-year-old economics P.h.D. student and their residential tutor, was confused.

One of the students paused, surprised that he was unfamiliar with the term: A bulge bracket bank, like Goldman Sachs , JPMorgan Chase or Citi. The biggest, most prestigious global investment banks. A B.B., her friend explained. Not to be confused with M.B.B. , which stands for three of the most prestigious management consulting firms: McKinsey, Bain and Boston Consulting Group.

While the main image of elite campuses during this commencement season might be activists in kaffiyehs pitching tents on electric green lawns, most students on campus are focused not on protesting the war in Gaza, but on what will come after graduation.

Despite the popular image of this generation — that of Greta Thunberg and the Parkland activists — as one driven by idealism, GenZ students at these schools appear to be strikingly corporate-minded. Even when they arrive at college wanting something very different, an increasing number of students at elite universities seek the imprimatur of employment by a powerful firm and “making a bag” (slang for a sack of money) as quickly as possible.

Elite universities have always been major feeders into finance and consulting, and students have always wanted to make money. According to the annual American Freshman Survey , the biggest increase in students wanting to become “very well off financially” happened between the 1970s and 1980s, and it’s been creeping up since then.

But in the last five years, faculty and administrators say, the pull of these industries has become supercharged. In an age of astronomical housing costs, high tuition and inequality, students and their parents increasingly see college as a means to a lucrative job, more than a place to explore.

A ‘Herd Mentality’

At Harvard, a graduating senior, who passed on a full scholarship to another school, told me that he felt immense pressure to show his parents that their $400,000 investment in his Harvard education would allow him to get the sort of job where he could make a million dollars a year. Upon graduation, he will join the private equity firm Blackstone, where, he believes, he will learn and achieve more in six years than 30 years in a public-service-oriented organization.

Another student, from Uruguay, who spent his second summer in a row practicing case studies in preparation for management consulting internship interviews, told me that everyone arrived on campus hoping to change the world. But what they learn at Harvard, he said, is that actually doing anything meaningful is too hard. People give up on their dreams, he told me, and decide they might as well make money. Someone else told me it was common at parties to hear their peers say they just want to sell out.

“There’s definitely a herd mentality,” Joshua Parker, a 21-year-old Harvard junior from Oahu, said. “If you’re not doing finance or tech, it can feel like you’re doing something wrong.”

As a freshman, he planned to major in environmental engineering. As a sophomore, he switched to economics, joining five of his six roommates. One of those roommates told me that he hoped to run a hedge fund by the time he was in his 30s. Before that, he wanted to earn a good salary, which he defined as $500,000 a year.

According to a Harvard Crimson survey of Harvard Seniors, the share of 2024 graduates going into finance and consulting is 34 percent. (In 2022 and 2023 it exceeded 40 percent. The official Harvard Institutional Research survey yields lower percentages for those fields than the Crimson survey, because it includes students who aren’t entering the work force.)

These statistics approach the previous highs in 2007, after which the global financial crisis drove the share down to a recent low of 20 percent in 2009, from which it’s been regaining ground since.

Fifteen years ago, fewer students went into tech. Adding in that sector, the share of graduates starting what some students non-disparagingly refer to as “sellout jobs” is more than half. (It was a record-shattering 60 percent in 2022 and nearly 54 percent in 2023.)

“When people say ‘selling out,’ I mean, obviously, there’s some implicit judgment there,” said Aden Barton, a 23-year-old Harvard senior who wrote an opinion column for the student newspaper headlined, “How Harvard Careerism Killed the Classroom.”

“But it really is just almost a descriptive term at this point for people pursuing certain career paths,” he continued. “I’m not trying to denigrate anybody’s career path nor my own.” (He interned at a hedge fund last summer.)

David Halek, director of employer relations at Yale’s Office of Career Strategy, thinks students may use the term “sell out” because of the perceived certainty: “It’s the easy path to follow. It is well defined,” he said.

“It’s hard to conceptualize other things,” said Andy Wang, a social studies concentrator at Harvard who recently graduated.

Some students talk about turning to a different career later on, after they’ve made enough money. “Nowadays, English concentrators often say they’re going into finance or management consulting for a couple of years before writing their novel,” said James Wood, a Harvard professor of the practice of literary criticism.

And a surprising number of students explain their desire for a corporate job by drawing on the ethos of effective altruism : Whether they are conscious of the movement or not, they believe they can have greater impact by maximizing earnings to donate to a cause than working for that cause.

But once students board the prestige escalator and become accustomed to a certain salary, walking away can feel funny. Like, well, walking off an escalator.

Financial Pressures

The change is striking to those who have been in academia for years, and not just at Harvard.

Roger Woolsey, executive director of the career center at Union College, a private liberal arts college in Schenectady, N.Y, said he first noticed a change around 2015, with students who had been in high school during the Great Recession and who therefore prioritized financial security.

“The students saw what their parents went through, and the parents saw what happened to themselves,” he said. “You couple that with college tuition continuing to rise,” he continued, and students started looking for monetary payoffs right after graduation.

Sara Lazenby, an institutional policy analyst for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said that might be why students and their parents were much more focused on professional outcomes than they used to be. “In the past few years,” she said, “I’ve seen a higher level of interest in this first-destination data” — stats on what jobs graduates are getting out of college.

“Twenty years ago, an ‘introduction to investment banking’ event was held at the undergraduate library at Harvard,” said Howard Gardner, a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. “Forty students showed up, all men, and when asked to define ‘investment banking,’ none raised their hands.”

Now, according to Goldman Sachs, the bank had six times as many applicants this year for summer internships as it did 10 years ago, and was 20 percent more selective for this summer’s class than it was last year. JPMorgan also saw a record number of undergraduate applications for internships and full-time positions this year.

The director of the Mignone Center for Career Success at Harvard, Manny Contomanolis, also chalked up the change, in part, to financial pressure. “Harvard is more diverse than ever before,” Mr. Contomanolis said, with nearly one in five students eligible for a low-income Pell Grant . Those students, he said, weigh whether to, for instance, “take a job back in my border town community in Texas and make a big impact in a kind of public service sense” or get a job with “a salary that would be life changing for my family.”

However, according to The Harvard Crimson’s senior survey, as Mr. Barton noted in his opinion column, “The aggregate rate of ‘selling out’ is about the same — around 60 percent — for all income brackets.” The main distinction is that students from low-income families are comparatively more likely to go into technology than finance.

In other words, there is something additional at play, which Mr. Barton argues has to do with the nature of prestige. “If you tell me you’re working at Goldman Sachs or McKinsey, that’s amazing , their eyes are going to light up,” Mr. Barton said. “If you tell somebody, ‘Oh, I took this random nonprofit job,’ or even a journalism job, even if you’re going to a huge name, it’s going to be a little bit of a question mark.”

Maibritt Henkel, a 21-year-old junior at Harvard, is an economics major with moral reservations about banking and consulting. Ms. Henkel sometimes worries that others might misread her decision not to go into those industries as evidence that she couldn’t hack it.

“Even if you don’t want to do it for the rest of your life, it’s seen kind of as the golden standard of a smart, hardworking person,” she said.

Some students have also become skeptical about traditional avenues of social change, like government and nonprofits, which have attracted fewer Harvard students since the pandemic, according to the Harvard Office of Institutional Research.

Matine Khalighi, 22, founded a nonprofit to award scholarships to homeless youth when he was in eighth grade. When he began studying economics at Harvard, his nonprofit, EEqual, was granting 50 scholarships a year. But some of the corporations that funded EEqual were contributing to inequality that created homelessness, he said. Philanthropy wasn’t the solution for systemic change, he decided. Instead, he turned to finance, with the idea that the sector could marshal capital quickly for social impact.

Employers encourage this way of thinking. “We often talk about the fact that we work with some of the biggest emitters on the planet because we believe that’s how we actually affect climate change,” said Blair Ciesil, the global leader of talent attraction at McKinsey.

The Recruitment Ratchet

Princeton’s senior survey results are nearly identical to The Crimson’s Senior Survey: about 38 percent of 2023 graduates who were employed took jobs in finance and consulting; adding tech and engineering, the rate is close to 60 percent, compared with 53 percent in 2016, the earliest year for which the data is available.

This isn’t solely an Ivy League phenomenon. Schools slice their data differently, but at many colleges, a large percentage of students pursue these fields. At Amherst , in 2022, 32 percent of employed undergrads went into finance and consulting, and 11 percent went into internet and software, for a total of about 43 percent. Between 2017 and 2019, the University of California, Los Angeles, sent about 21 percent of employed students into engineering and computer science, 9 percent into consulting and nearly 10 percent into finance, for a total of roughly 40 percent

Part of that has to do with recruitment; the most prestigious banks and consulting firms do so only at certain colleges, and they have intensified their presence on those campuses in recent years. Over the last five years or so, “the idea of thinking about your professional path has moved much earlier in the undergraduate experience,” Ms. Ciesil said. She said the banks first began talking to students earlier, and it was the entrance of Big Tech onto the scene, asking for junior summer applications by the end of sophomore year, that accelerated recruitment timelines.

“At first, we tried to fight back by saying, ‘No, no, no, no, no, sophomores aren’t ready, and what does a sophomore know about financial modeling?’” said Mr. Woolsey at Union College. But, he added, schools “don’t want to push back too much, because then you’re going to lose revenue,” since firms often pay to recruit on campus.

The Effective Altruist Influence

The marker that really distinguishes Gen Z is how pessimistic its members are, and how much they feel like life is beyond their control, according to Jean Twenge, a psychologist who analyzed data from national surveys of high school students and first-year college students in her book “Generations.”

Money, of course, helps give people a sense of control. And because of income inequality, “there’s this idea that you either make it or you don’t, so you better make it,” Ms. Twenge said.

Mihir Desai, a professor at Harvard’s business and law schools, wrote a 2017 essay in The Crimson titled “ The Trouble With Optionality ,” arguing that students who habitually pursue the security of prestigious employment foreclose the risk-taking and longer-range thinking necessary for more unusual or idealistic achievements. Mr. Desai believes that’s often because they are responding to the bigger picture, like threats to workers from artificial intelligence, and political and financial upheaval.

In recent years, he’s observed two trends among students pursuing wealth. There’s “the option-buyer,” the student who takes a job in finance or consulting to buy more time or to keep options open. Then there’s what he calls “the lottery ticket buyer,” the students who go all-in on a risky venture, like a start-up or new technology, hoping to make a windfall.

“They know people who bought Bitcoin at $2,000. They know people who bought Tesla at $20,” he said.

Some faculty see the influence of effective altruism among this generation: In the last five years, Roosevelt Montás, a senior lecturer at Columbia University and the former director of its Center for the Core Curriculum, has noticed a new trend when he asks students in his American Political Thought classes to consider their future.

“Almost every discussion, someone will come in and say, ‘Well, I can go and make a lot of money and do more good with that money than I could by doing some kind of charitable or service profession,’” Mr. Montás said. “It’s there constantly — a way of justifying a career that is organized around making money.”

Mr. Desai said all of this logic goes, “‘Make the bag so you can do good in the world, make the bag so you can go into retirement, make the bag so you can then go do what you really want to do.’”

But this “really underestimates how important work is to people’s lives,” he said. “What it gets wrong is, you spend 15 years at the hedge fund, you’re going to be a different person. You don’t just go work and make a lot of money, you go work and you become a different person.”

Inside the World of Gen Z

The generation of people born between 1997 and 2012 is changing fashion, culture, politics, the workplace and more..

Many of Harvard’s Generation Z say “sellout” is not an insult, instead it appears to mean something strikingly corporate-minded .

A younger generation of crossword constructors is using an old form to reflect their identities, language and world. Here’s how Gen Z made the puzzle their own .

For many Gen-Zers without much disposable income, Facebook isn’t a place to socialize online — it’s where they can get deals on items  they wouldn’t normally be able to afford.

Dating apps are struggling to live up to investors’ expectations . Blame the members of Generation Z, who are often not willing to shell out for paid subscriptions.

Young people tend to lean more liberal on issues pertaining to relationship norms. But when it comes to dating, the idea that men should pay in heterosexual courtships  still prevails among Gen Z-ers .

We asked Gen Z-ers to tell us about their living situations and the challenges of keeping a roof over their heads. Here’s what they said .

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The Role of Internships in Shaping Professional Careers: a Comprehensive Definition and Analysis

This essay about internships highlights their crucial role in professional development, connecting academic knowledge with real-world experience. It discusses the diverse structures of internships, their benefits for both interns and organizations, and their impact on education and industry innovation. Additionally, it addresses challenges such as unequal access and the need for meaningful learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and accessible internships to foster a skilled and adaptable workforce.

How it works

Internships stand as the cornerstone of professional development, forging a direct link between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the professional realm. In today’s fiercely competitive job market, they have evolved from mere resume embellishments to indispensable avenues for career advancement and industry insight. This comprehensive exploration delves into the intricate layers of internships, unraveling their profound significance, distinctive attributes, and the transformative influence they wield on individuals and sectors alike.

At their core, internships represent immersive learning opportunities extended by organizations to students or recent graduates, enabling them to garner hands-on experience, explore career pathways, and forge invaluable connections within their chosen field.

Unlike the confines of traditional classroom settings, internships plunge participants into the throes of real-world operations, offering firsthand encounters with industry challenges and fostering skill refinement. This experiential approach not only bolsters skill acquisition but also nurtures adaptability and instills a nuanced comprehension of industry dynamics.

One defining facet of internships lies in their diverse structures and scopes. Ranging from brief, project-based stints to year-long placements, internships traverse myriad industries, roles, and corporate cultures. Some internships offer monetary compensation, recognizing the intern’s contributions, while others provide academic credit or serve as conduits for invaluable networking opportunities. Irrespective of their form, internships serve as catalysts for personal and professional growth, serving as a launchpad for future accomplishments.

Moreover, internships epitomize a symbiotic investment for both interns and host organizations. For companies, internships emerge as talent reservoirs, enabling them to identify and nurture potential future assets. By furnishing interns with mentorship, training, and substantive projects, organizations gauge their competencies, work ethic, and cultural alignment, thus streamlining the recruitment process and mitigating hiring risks. Additionally, hosting interns engenders a culture of innovation and knowledge exchange within the company, as novel perspectives and insights invigorate established paradigms.

For interns, the benefits extend beyond the acquisition of technical proficiencies. Internships offer a firsthand glimpse into workplace realities, honing essential soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and time management. Furthermore, internships serve as conduits for career exploration, empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their professional trajectories. Through networking engagements, professional development workshops, and interactions with industry stalwarts, interns expand their professional networks and accrue invaluable mentorship, thereby paving the way for future opportunities.

However, the influence of internships transcends individual realms, permeating broader domains of education, workforce development, and industry innovation. As academic institutions increasingly prioritize experiential learning, internships assume integral positions within academic curricula, enriching theoretical knowledge with practical acumen. Furthermore, internships play pivotal roles in addressing skill lacunae and facilitating seamless transitions from academia to employment, thus aligning industry demands with workforce proficiencies.

Additionally, internships catalyze industry innovation and adaptation by engaging with burgeoning talent and harnessing their fresh perspectives. Organizations, by welcoming interns, remain attuned to market dynamics, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences. The infusion of youthful vigor, creativity, and digital fluency not only challenges conventional wisdom but also propels organizational metamorphosis. Thus, internships cultivate environments conducive to continuous learning and evolution, positioning companies for sustained growth and competitiveness amidst dynamic global landscapes.

Nevertheless, internships encounter challenges and constraints. Access to quality internships remains disparate, with students from marginalized backgrounds often grappling with financial constraints, networking deficits, and systemic biases. Moreover, some internships may prioritize menial tasks over substantive learning experiences, leaving participants disenchanted and undervalued. Addressing these issues necessitates concerted efforts from educational institutions, employers, and policymakers to ensure equitable access to internships that adhere to best practices in talent cultivation.

In summation, internships constitute pivotal conduits for professional development, intertwining experiential learning, skill honing, and industry immersion. As precursors to future employment, they furnish individuals with avenues to explore their passions, broaden their networks, and glean firsthand insights into diverse industries. Furthermore, internships confer benefits upon host organizations, serving as talent incubators and engines of innovation. Nonetheless, to unlock their full potential, internships must be inclusive, accessible, and aligned with evolving workforce dynamics. By investing in internships, stakeholders sow the seeds for a skilled and adaptable workforce poised to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Role of Internships in Shaping Professional Careers: A Comprehensive Definition and Analysis . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-role-of-internships-in-shaping-professional-careers-a-comprehensive-definition-and-analysis/ [Accessed: 29-May-2024]

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More From Forbes

AI And Jobs: The Good And Bad News

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In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the discussion about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on jobs is more relevant than ever. I've witnessed first-hand how AI can be a powerful force for both innovation and disruption. While the advent of AI presents exciting opportunities for augmenting human capabilities and enhancing our work, it also poses significant challenges that we, as a society, must be prepared to face.

Harnessing Human Potential

At its core, AI is about enhancing efficiency and precision in tasks that traditionally require human input. From data analysis to intricate manufacturing processes, AI technologies are increasingly capable of handling complex tasks with astonishing accuracy and speed. This shift offers a profound opportunity to free human workers from the monotony and limitations of routine tasks.

Imagine a world where humans are no longer bogged down by repetitive data entry or basic customer service interactions. Instead, individuals could focus on tasks that require creativity, empathy, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills — qualities that are uniquely human and not easily replicated by machines. In this way, AI doesn't just replace jobs; it augments them, pushing us to leverage our full potential and cultivate skills that truly differentiate us from machines.

AI-Augmented Jobs

As we envision a future where AI plays a central role in our workplaces, it helps to consider concrete examples of how different jobs are being augmented by intelligent machines. These examples not only demonstrate the potential of AI to enhance productivity and creativity but also illustrate the transition towards more meaningful and human-centric roles.

In the healthcare sector, AI is revolutionizing the way diagnoses are made. For instance, AI-powered imaging tools can analyze thousands of medical images to detect anomalies such as tumors at a speed and accuracy rate that surpasses even the most trained radiologists. This does not replace the doctors but rather augments their capabilities, allowing them to concentrate on patient care and complex medical cases where human judgment is paramount.

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AI is transforming the educational landscape by providing personalized learning experiences. Intelligent tutoring systems can adapt to the individual learning pace and style of each student, offering tailored educational materials and exercises. This allows teachers to focus on facilitating in-depth discussions, mentoring students, and developing innovative teaching strategies that no AI can replicate.

In manufacturing, AI-driven robots work alongside human workers to perform physically demanding or hazardous tasks. These robots can lift heavy objects or operate in dangerous conditions, reducing workplace injuries and increasing overall safety. Meanwhile, human workers can focus on quality control, machinery maintenance, and other critical thinking tasks, where the nuanced human perception is crucial.

In creative sectors such as music, art, and writing, AI tools can analyze vast amounts of data to suggest combinations and ideas that might not be immediately obvious to human creators, thus expanding the horizons of creativity. For example, AI can suggest chord progressions to musicians or plot ideas to writers, who can then use their unique creative skills to bring these ideas to life in ways that resonate on a human level.

In data analysis, AI is transforming traditional roles by automating the routine processing of large datasets. This allows data analysts to shift from basic data handling to more strategic decision-making. Instead of just reporting data, analysts can now focus on interpreting complex datasets, providing deeper insights, and shaping strategic business or policy decisions. This shift enhances their value to organizations and enriches their job roles by involving them in more high-level, impactful tasks.

The Transition Challenge

However, the integration of AI into the workforce is not without its hurdles. Many roles, particularly those involving routine or predictable tasks, are at high risk of automation. This includes jobs in data entry, supermarket checkouts, taxi driving, and many others that provide employment to millions of people worldwide.

Additionally, as more entry-level roles are automated, opportunities for on-the-job learning, which has traditionally served as stepping stones for career development, may diminish. This could create a gap where new entrants to the job market struggle to gain the initial experience that used to come from these roles.

The challenge lies in the transition. As AI continues to advance, the displacement of workers is an inevitable reality and not everyone is ready for such a shift. The key is to prepare individuals for this change, ensuring they have the skills and support needed to navigate a more automated job market. This involves significant investment in education and training programs, as well as policies that support workers during periods of job transition.

Preparing For A Shift

Educational systems and corporate training programs need to pivot to focus more on developing soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, creativity and emotional intelligence. These are the skills that will be most valuable in an AI-dominated workplace. Moreover, there's a need for lifelong learning frameworks that allow workers to continuously update their skills and stay relevant in their fields as the demand for technical proficiency evolves.

Governments and organizations should also consider safety nets for those whose jobs are most susceptible to automation. This could include retraining grants, unemployment assistance, and counseling services to help workers adapt to new roles and industries.

The Future Of Work

Despite these challenges, the integration of AI into the job market presents a promising vision for the future of work. As mundane and repetitive tasks are automated, work could become more meaningful and fulfilling, focusing on areas that genuinely require human insight and creativity.

This shift could also lead to greater job satisfaction and well-being as workers engage in roles that are more aligned with human skills and interests. Moreover, with AI handling more of the routine workload, employees could enjoy more flexible work arrangements, potentially leading to a better work-life balance.

The road to an AI-augmented future is fraught with complexities and challenges, particularly when it comes to the impact on jobs. However, with thoughtful preparation and strategic investment in human capital, we can harness the potential of AI to create a workforce that is not only more efficient but also more human.

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Watch CBS News

New college grads face a cooling job market. Here's where the jobs are.

By Aimee Picchi

Edited By Alain Sherter

May 21, 2024 / 5:10 PM EDT / CBS News

After earning their college degrees this month, new graduates are understandably eager to land their first job and start making their education pay off. But that could pose more of a challenge this year than in 2023.

Hiring for freshly minted college grads is forecast to decline 6% from a year earlier, according to a recent survey of more than 200 employers from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, a group representing college career services employees.

Data from payroll services provider Gusto also shows that the new grad hiring rate — the share of recent graduates who are hired in a given month — is now about 6%, down from a recent peak of 10% in 2021. Still, the hiring rate is about level from a year earlier, with Gusto principal economist Liz Wilke telling CBS MoneyWatch that the job market for new grads is relatively stable. 

40% underemployed

Securing that first job out of college may be a rite of passage, but it can also be nerve-racking for young adults who need to pay for groceries and make the rent. And about 4 in 10 recent college grads are currently "underemployed," meaning they're working in a job that doesn't require a college degree, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

"We know that the first job out of college is incredibly important when setting the course for the rest of a person's career," Wilke said. "However, not every college graduate is going to enter a booming job market, and some are not afforded the option of being picky."

According to Gusto, the top five industries currently hiring new college grads are legal, nonprofits, arts and entertainment, health care, and social assistance and construction.

"New grads with skills that are applicable to these industries are likely to see increased interest in their resumes," Wilke noted.

Some industries are planning to cut back on the number of new hires from the class of 2024, the National Association of Colleges and Employers found in its survey. Among them are computer and electronics manufacturers, with those businesses projecting a decline of about 12% in hires of new grads, while financial firms expect an almost 15% drop, the group found. 

Technology companies have slashed thousands of jobs in recent months as they shift toward artificial intelligence. Yet new grads who know how to work with artificial intelligence may have an edge, Wilke said.

"AI skills are something [businesses] are seeking from this younger cohort of workers," she added. "Business owners believe that since this younger generation has 'come of age' with this technology, that they are better equipped to figure out how to best put it into practice."

Employers say the modest pullback in hiring comes after an extremely tight labor market in the years after the pandemic, when workers were harder to come by and they weren't seeing as many resumes. 

"It's easier now than it was last year," Chris Jones, the founder of tutoring company Planting Seeds Academic Solutions, which is now in the process of hiring about 40 workers, many of them recent college grads, for its summer camps. "We're getting 50 to 100 applicants per opening," compared with 20 to 30 applicants in 2021 to 2022, a time when he said many applicants didn't want to work in person.

Samuel Clark, the CEO of Broadway Crew, which provides staffing and support for Broadway shows, said he thinks hiring has returned to a more "normal" pace.

"A year ago it was really, really difficult, I was pulling my hair out and paying them an absurd amount of money to make sure they'd be there on time," Clark told CBS MoneyWatch. "Now the power dynamic is coming back in the middle."

For new college grads who are looking for work, Clark said his advice is to hustle, but he noted that landing that first job can be difficult. "Sometimes it's really hard and you have to take the slings and arrows," he added. 

What new grads want in a job

As for what new grads want in their first jobs, they're looking for hybrid roles with some in-person and some remote days, Vicki Salemi, a career expert at job site Monster, told CBS New York. And they're very interested in learning about a job's salary, with particular fears of ending up underemployed, she added.

"They want to talk about salary on the job interview," Salemi said. "They might not even pursue the job if salary isn't discussed in the interview."

That's especially important in high-cost cities like New York, which Gusto found is the top metro area for hiring the class of 2024, representing 10% of all new grad hires. The average new grad's starting salary in New York is $64,134, which equates to only $28,500 in other cities when adjusted for the cost of living, Gusto found. 

"Our report shows New York as being the most popular city for new grads, but last on the list in terms of affordability," Wilke said. "People this age should consider what cities they see themselves ending up in and jobs those cities have to offer."

Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.

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