S

Social

Social jobs involve helping, educating, guiding, and serving others. Helpers like working in collaborative environments to improve the lives of others.

Overview

As a Helper, you are driven by a desire to help others and make a positive impact on their lives. You enjoy teaching, counseling, and caring for people.

Detailed Breakdown

Helpers are typically empathetic and patient. They find satisfaction in seeing others grow, heal, and succeed through their support and guidance.

Top Job Tasks

  • Education
  • Counseling
  • Nursing
  • Assistance
  • Service

Core Values

  • Service
  • Cooperation
  • Empathy
  • Community
  • Altruism

Key Personality Traits

CompassionateFriendlyGenerousKindUnderstanding

Related Careers

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Arbitrator, Mediator, or Conciliator

HelpingPersuading

Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties to help resolve conflicts outside of the court system.

Athletic Trainer or Exercise Physiologist

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Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.

Audiologist

ThinkingHelping

Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat patients who have hearing, balance, or related problems.

Barber, Hairdresser, or Cosmetologist

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Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists provide haircutting, hairstyling, and other services related to personal appearance.

Bartender

HelpingPersuading

Bartenders mix drinks and serve them directly to customers or through wait staff.

Bus Driver

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Passenger vehicle drivers transport people, sometimes across state and national borders. Some drive regular routes, while others’ destinations vary daily. They operate a range of vehicles, from small cars with limited seating to 60-foot articulated buses (with two connected sections) that can carry more than 100 passengers.

Career or Technical Education Teacher

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Career and technical education (CTE) teachers provide training in subjects such as auto repair, cosmetology, and culinary arts. They teach vocational and technical content to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to enter an occupation.

Child Care Worker

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Childcare workers attend to the basic needs of children, such as dressing, feeding, and overseeing play. They may help younger children prepare for kindergarten or assist older children with homework.

Chiropractor

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Chiropractors evaluate and treat patients' neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments and manipulation, as well as other clinical interventions, to manage patients’ health concerns, such as back and neck pain.

Coach or Scout

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Coaches teach amateur and professional [athletes](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/athletes-and-sports-competitors.htm "Athletes and Sports Competitors") the skills they need to succeed at their sport. Scouts look for new players, evaluating their skills and likelihood for success at the amateur, college, or professional level. Many coaches also are involved in scouting potential athletes for their team.

Compensation or Benefits Manager

HelpingPersuadingOrganizing

Compensation and benefits managers plan, develop, and oversee programs to pay employees.

Customer Service Representative

HelpingPersuadingOrganizing

Customer service representatives work with customers to resolve complaints, process orders, and provide information about an organization’s products and services.

Dental Assistant

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Dental assistants have many tasks, including patient care, recordkeeping, and appointment scheduling. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices in which they work.

Dental Hygienist

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Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene. They also educate patients about oral health.

Dentist

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Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician

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Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians operate special equipment to create images or conduct tests. They work closely with physicians and surgeons, who view the images and test results to assess and diagnose medical conditions.

Dietitian or Nutritionist

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Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. They plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to help people lead healthy lives.

Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal

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Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities. They coordinate curriculums, manage staff, and provide a safe and productive learning environment for students.

Emergency Management Director

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Emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. They also help lead the response during and after emergencies, often in coordination with public safety officials, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic

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Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.<br><br>A 911 operator sends EMTs and paramedics to the scene of an emergency, where they often work with police and firefighters.

Epidemiologist

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Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury. They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education and health policy.

Exercise Physiologist

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Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs that help patients recover from chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility.

Firefighter

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Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies involving life, property, or the environment.

Fitness Trainer or Instructor

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Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular workouts (for the heart and blood circulation), strength training, and stretching. They work with people of all ages and skill levels.

Flight Attendant

HelpingPersuadingOrganizing

Flight attendants provide routine services and respond to emergencies to ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers.

Funeral Service Occupations

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Funeral service workers organize and manage the details of a ceremony honoring a deceased person.

Genetic Counselor

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Genetic counselors assess clients’ risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as birth defects. They review genetic test results with individuals and families and support them in making decisions based on those results. They also offer information to other healthcare providers.

Health Educator or Community Health Worker

HelpingPersuading

Health education specialists teach people about behaviors that promote wellness. They develop strategies to improve the well-being of individuals and communities. Community health workers advocate for residents’ needs with healthcare providers and social service organizations. They implement wellness strategies by collecting data and discussing health concerns with members of specific populations. Although the two occupations often work together, the responsibilities of health education specialists and community health workers are distinct.

High School Teacher

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High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college or to enter the job market.

Home Health Aide

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Home health and personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities. They often help older adults who need assistance. Under the direction of a nurse or other healthcare practitioner, home health aides may be allowed to give a client medication or to check the client’s vital signs.

Home Health and Personal Care Aides

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Home health and personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities. They often help older adults who need assistance. Under the direction of a nurse or other healthcare practitioner, home health aides may be allowed to give a client medication or to check the client’s vital signs.

Human Resources Manager

HelpingPersuading

Human resources managers plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as a link between an organization’s management and its employees.

Human Resources Specialist

HelpingPersuadingOrganizing

Human resources specialists recruit, screen, and interview job applicants and place newly hired workers in jobs. They also may handle compensation and benefits, training, and employee relations.

Information Clerk

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Information clerks do routine clerical tasks such as maintaining records, collecting data, and providing information to customers.

Instructional Coordinator

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Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop educational material, implement it with teachers and principals, and assess its effectiveness.

Insurance Sales Agent

HelpingPersuadingOrganizing

Insurance sales agents contact potential customers and sell one or more types of insurance. These agents explain various insurance policies and help clients choose the plans that suit them.

Interpreter or Translator

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Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language; translators work in written language.

Judge or Hearing Officer

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Judges and hearing officers apply the law by overseeing the legal process in courts. They also conduct pretrial hearings, resolve administrative disputes, facilitate negotiations between opposing parties, and issue legal decisions.

Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher

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Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects, such as math and reading, in order to prepare them for middle school.

Labor Relations Specialist

HelpingPersuadingOrganizing

Labor relations specialists interpret and administer labor contracts regarding issues such as wages and salaries, healthcare, pensions, and union and management practices.

Librarians and Library Media Specialists

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Librarians and library media specialists help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use. Their job duties may change based on the type of setting they work in, such as public, school, or medical libraries.

Library Technician or Assistant

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Library technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library. They assist patrons, organize library materials and information, and do clerical and administrative tasks.

Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse

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Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care. They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors.

Loan Officer

HelpingPersuadingOrganizing

Loan officers evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of applications for personal and business loans.

Lodging Manager

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Lodging managers ensure that guests have a pleasant experience at a hotel, motel, or other type of facility with accommodations. Lodging managers also plan, direct, or coordinate activities to ensure that the facility is efficient and profitable.

Manicurist or Pedicurist

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Manicurists and pedicurists clean, shape, and beautify fingernails and toenails.

Massage Therapist

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Massage therapists treat clients by applying pressure to manipulate the body's soft tissues and joints. This treatment may help to relieve pain, heal injuries, relieve stress, and aid in the general wellness of clients.

Medical Assistant

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Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice.

Medical or Health Services Manager

HelpingPersuadingOrganizing

Medical and health services managers, also called _healthcare executives_ or _healthcare administrators_, plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians. Medical and health services managers must adapt to changes in healthcare laws, regulations, and technology.

Meeting or Convention Planner

HelpingPersuadingOrganizing

Meeting, convention, and event planners arrange all aspects of events and professional gatherings. They arrange meeting locations, transportation, and other details.

Mental Health Counselor or Marriage and Family Therapist

Helping

Marriage and family therapists help people manage problems with their family and other relationships.

Middle School Teacher

CreatingHelping

Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grade. Middle school teachers help students build on the fundamentals taught in elementary school and prepare students for high school.

Music Director or Composer

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Music directors, also called _conductors_, lead orchestras and other musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

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Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients for imaging or treatment. They provide technical support to physicians or others who diagnose, care for, and treat patients and to researchers who investigate uses of radioactive drugs. They also may act as emergency responders in the event of a nuclear disaster.

Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife, or Nurse Practitioner

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Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, also referred to as _advanced practice registered nurses_ _(APRNs)_, coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare. The scope of practice varies from state to state.

Nursing Assistant or Orderly

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Nursing assistants, sometimes called _nursing aides_, provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas.

Occupational Therapist

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Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

Occupational Therapy Assistant or Aide

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Occupational therapy assistants and aides help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Occupational therapy assistants are directly involved in providing therapy to patients; occupational therapy aides typically perform support activities. Both assistants and aides work under the direction of occupational therapists.

Optometrist

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Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They also diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.

Orthotist or Prosthetist

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Orthotists and prosthetists design and fabricate medical supportive devices and measure and fit patients for them. These devices include artificial limbs (arms, hands, legs, and feet), braces, and other medical or surgical devices.

Personal Financial Advisor

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Personal financial advisors provide advice on investments, insurance, mortgages, estate planning, taxes, and retirement to help individuals manage their finances.

Pharmacist

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Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and provide information to patients about the drugs and their use. They also advise physicians and other healthcare workers on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications to treat health problems. They may help patients with their overall health through activities such as providing immunizations.

Physical Therapist

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Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. They are often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.

Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides

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Physical therapist assistants, sometimes called _PTAs_, and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain movement and manage pain.<br><br>Physical therapist assistants are involved in the direct care of patients.<br><br>Physical therapist aides often have tasks that are indirectly related to patient care, such as cleaning and setting up the treatment area, moving patients, and doing clerical duties.

Physician Assistant

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Physician assistants, also known as _PAs_, examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.

Podiatrist

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Podiatrists diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.

Political Scientist

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Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They research political ideas and analyze governments, policies, political trends, and related issues.

Postsecondary Education Administrator

HelpingPersuading

Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Their job duties vary depending on the department in which they work, such as admissions, student affairs, or the registrar’s office.

Postsecondary Teachers

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Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.

Preschool or Childcare Center Director

HelpingPersuadingOrganizing

Preschool and childcare center directors supervise and lead staffs, design program plans, oversee daily activities, and prepare budgets. They are responsible for all aspects of their center’s program, which may include before- and after-school care.

Preschool Teacher

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Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten. They teach language, motor, and social skills to young children.

Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist

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Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitating law offenders in custody or on probation or parole.

Psychiatric Technician or Aide

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Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental illness and developmental disabilities. Technicians typically provide therapeutic care and monitor their patients’ conditions. Aides help patients in their daily activities and ensure a safe and clean environment.

Psychologist

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Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.

Public Relations Specialist

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Public relations specialists create and maintain a positive public image for the individuals, groups, or organizations they represent. They craft media releases and develop social media programs to shape public perception of their clients and to increase awareness of each client’s work and goals.

Radiation Therapist

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Radiation therapists administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases.

Radiologic or MRI Technologists

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Radiologic technologists, also known as _radiographers_, perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.

Receptionist

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Receptionists do administrative tasks, such as answering phones, greeting visitors, and providing general information about their organization.

Recreation Worker

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Recreation workers design and lead activities to help people stay active, improve fitness, and have fun. They work with groups in summer camps, fitness and recreational sports centers, nursing care facilities, nature parks, and other settings. They may lead such activities as arts and crafts, sports, music, dramatics, or games.

Recreational Therapist

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Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based medical treatment programs to help maintain or improve patients’ physical, social, and emotional well-being. These therapists use a variety of techniques, including art expression; drama, music, and dance; sports and games; aquatics; and community outings.

Registered Nurse

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Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.

Rehabilitation Counselor

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Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities live independently. They work with clients to overcome or manage the personal, social, or psychological effects of disabilities on employment or independent living.

Respiratory Therapist

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Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, because of conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to older adults whose lungs are diseased.

School and Career Counselors and Advisors

Helping

School counselors help students develop academic and social skills and plans for after graduation. Career counselors and advisors help students and other clients develop skills, explore an occupation, or choose an educational program that will lead to a career.

Skincare Specialist

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Skincare specialists, also known as _estheticians_, provide cleansing and other face and body treatments to enhance a person’s appearance.

Social or Community Service Manager

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Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being. They direct workers who provide these services to the public.

Social or Human Service Assistant

HelpingOrganizing

Social and human service assistants provide client services, including support for families, in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work. They assist other workers, such as social workers, and they help clients find benefits or community services.

Social Worker

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Social workers help individuals, groups, and families prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives. Clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional problems.

Sociologist

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Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions, and processes that develop when people interact and work together.

Special Education Teacher

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Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities.

Speech-Language Pathologist

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Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called _speech therapists_) assess and treat people who have speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. They also treat clients who have problems swallowing.

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

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Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression. They provide support, including for prevention, to help clients recover from addiction, modify problem behaviors, or improve mental health.

Surgical Assistants and Technologists

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Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations. Surgical assistants, also called _surgical first assistants_, help surgeons with tasks such as making incisions, placing clamps, and closing surgical sites. Surgical technologists, also called _operating room technicians_, prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and first assistants during surgeries.

Teacher Assistant

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Teacher assistants work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction.

Teacher, Adult Literacy or Remedial Education

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Adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers instruct adults in basic skills, such as reading, writing, and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalent diploma.

Training or Development Manager

HelpingPersuading

Training and development managers plan, coordinate, and direct skills- and knowledge-enhancement programs for an organization’s staff.

Training or Development Specialist

HelpingPersuading

Training and development specialists plan and administer programs that train employees and improve their skills and knowledge.

Veterinary Assistant or Laboratory Animal Caretaker

BuildingThinkingHelping

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers handle routine animal care and help scientists, veterinarians, and veterinary technologists and technicians with their daily tasks.

Waiter or Waitress

HelpingPersuadingOrganizing

Waiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments.

Music Teacher

CreatingHelping

Music teachers instruct students in instruments, voice, or music theory, helping them develop technique, musicianship, and appreciation.

Music Therapist

CreatingHelping

Music therapists use music-based activities to address clients' emotional, cognitive, and social needs in clinical or community settings.

Science Teacher

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Science teachers educate students in subjects such as physics, chemistry, and biology, designing lessons that build scientific thinking.

Customer Success Manager

HelpingPersuading

Customer success managers help clients get lasting value from products and services, guiding onboarding, adoption, and renewal.

Religious Worker

Helping

Religious workers support spiritual communities through worship leadership, counseling, education, and community service.

Nature Educator

HelpingThinking

Nature educators design and lead outdoor programs that teach people about ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental stewardship.

Earth Science Teacher

ThinkingHelping

Earth science teachers educate students in geology, meteorology, and related fields, fostering understanding of the planet's systems.

This interest type in the AI era

As AI reshapes labor markets, this interest type typically evolves in the following directions.

Human-Centered Helper

AI-augmented

You support, teach, and care for people.

AI Learning DesignerDigital Mental Health CoachTelehealth PractitionerEdTech Specialist

People & Growth

AI-augmented

You build teams, develop talent, and shape organizations.

People Analytics SpecialistAI People OpsEmployee Experience DesignerTalent Intelligence Analyst

Tech & People Bridge

AI is creating new roles

You connect technology with human behavior and needs.

UX ResearcherBehavioral Data ScientistAI Ethics SpecialistHuman-AI Interaction DesignerProduct Researcher

Other Interest Types

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