Amychamphan's List: Job Occupations in Piece of DIY

• Education requirements for computer support specialists vary. Computer user support specialist jobs require some computer knowledge, but not necessarily a postsecondary degree. Applicants who have taken some computer-related classes are often qualified. For computer network support specialists, many employers accept applicants with an associate’s degree, although some prefer applicants to have a bachelor’s degree.

• Customer-service skills. Computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic. They must often help people who are frustrated with the software or hardware they are trying to use.

  Listening skills. Support workers must be able to understand the problem that their customer is describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation.

  Problem-solving skills. Support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them.

  Speaking skills. Support workers must describe the solution to a computer problem in a way that a nontechnical person can understand.

  Writing skills. Strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as real-time web chat interactions.

• Duties

  Computer network support specialists typically do the following:

  • Test and evaluate existing network systems
  • Perform regular maintenance to ensure that networks operate correctly
  • Troubleshoot local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Internet systems

• • Computer Support Specialist
• Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called computer network support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization. Others, called computer user support specialists, assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.

• The median annual wage for computer network support specialists was $59,090 in May 2012.

• Computer Support Specialists Salary and Wages

• Peyton Resources Group Salaries

• Computer Support Specialist

• The median annual wage for web developers was $62,500 in May 2012.

• However, for web architect or other, more technical, developer positions, some employers prefer workers who have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, or a related field.

• Concentration. Web developers must sit at a computer and write detailed code for long periods.

  Creativity. Web developers are often involved in designing the appearance of a website and must make sure that it looks innovative and up to date.

  Customer-service skills. Webmasters have to respond politely and correctly to user questions and requests.

  Detail oriented. When web developers write in HTML, a minor error could cause an entire webpage to stop working.

• Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. They also may create content for the site.

• Duties

  Web developers typically do the following:

  • Meet with their clients or management to discuss the needs of the website and the expected needs of the website’s audience and plan how it should look
  • Create and debug applications for a website
  • Write code for the site, using programming languages such as HTML or XML
  • Work with other team members to determine what information the site will contain
  • Work with graphics and other designers to determine the website’s layout
  • Integrate graphics, audio, and video into the website
  • Monitor website traffic

• Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. They also may create content for the site.

• • Craft and Fine Artists
    
• Craft and fine artists use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition. Craft artists create handmade objects, such as pottery, glassware, textiles or other objects that are designed to be functional. Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators, create original works of art for their aesthetic value, rather than for a functional one.

• Duties

  Craft and fine artists typically do the following:

  • Use techniques, such as knitting, weaving, glass blowing, painting, drawing, or  sculpting
  • Develop creative ideas or new methods for making art
  • Create sketches, templates, or models to guide their work
  • Select which materials to use on the basis of color, texture, strength, and other qualities
  • Process materials, often by shaping, joining, or cutting
  • Use visual elements, such as composition, color, space, and perspective, to produce desired artistic effects
  • Develop portfolios highlighting their artistic styles and abilities to show to gallery owners and others interested in their work
  • Display their work at auctions, galleries, museums and online marketplaces

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• The median annual wage for craft and fine artists was $44,380 in May 2012

• Most craft and fine artists have at least a high school diploma. High school classes like art, shop, and home economics can teach prospective artists some of the basic skills they will need, such as drawing, woodworking, or sewing.

  Many artists pursue postsecondary education and take classes or earn degrees that can improve their skills and job prospects. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's and master's degrees in fine arts. In addition to studio art and art history, programs may include core subjects, such as English, social science, and natural science.

• Artistic ability. Craft and fine artists create artwork and other objects that are visually appealing or thought-provoking. This usually requires significant skill in one or more art forms.

  Business skills. Craft and fine artists must promote themselves and their art to build a reputation and to sell their art. They often study the market for their crafts or artwork to increase their understanding of what potential customers might want. Many craft and fine artists sell their work on the Internet, so developing an online presence is an important part of their art sales.

  Creativity. Artists must have active imaginations to develop new and original ideas for their work.

  Customer-service skills. Craft and fine artists, especially those who sell their work themselves, must be good at dealing with customers and potential buyers.

  Dexterity. Most artists work with their hands and must be good at manipulating tools and materials to create their art.

  Interpersonal skills. Artists often must interact with many people, including co-workers, gallery owners, and the public.

• Duties

  Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers typically do the following:

  • Load and unload their cargo
  • Report any incidents they encounter on the road to a dispatcher
  • Follow all applicable traffic laws
  • Report serious mechanical problems to the appropriate personnel
  • Keep their truck and associated equipment clean and in good working order
  • Accept payments for the shipment
  • Handle paperwork, such as receipts or delivery confirmation notices

• Customer-service skills. When completing deliveries, drivers often interact with customers and should make a good impression to ensure repeat business.

  Hand-eye coordination. When driving, delivery drivers need to observe their surroundings while simultaneously operating a complex machine.

  Math skills. Because delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers sometimes take payment, they must be able to count cash and make change quickly and accurately.

  Patience. When driving through heavy traffic congestion, delivery drivers must remain calm and composed.

  Sales skills. Driver/sales workers are expected to convince customers to purchase new or different products from them.

  Speaking ability. Drivers must comprehend English well enough to read road signs, prepare written reports, and communicate verbally with the public and law enforcement officials.

  Visual ability. To have a driver’s license, delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers must be able to pass a state vision test.

• Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers pick up, transport, and drop off packages and small shipments within a local region or urban area.
• In May 2012, the median annual wage for driver/sales workers was $22,670.

• The median annual wage for meeting, convention, and event planners was $45,810 in May 2012.

• Many employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree and some work experience in hotels or planning. The proportion of planners with a bachelor's degree is increasing because work responsibilities are becoming more complex and because there are more college degree programs related to hospitality or tourism management. If an applicant’s degree is not related to these fields, employers are likely to require at least 1 to 2 years of related experience.

• Communication skills. Meeting, convention, and event planners communicate with clients, suppliers, and event staff. They must have excellent written and oral communication skills and be able to convey the needs of their clients effectively.

  Composure. Planners often work in a fast-paced environment and must be able to make quick decisions while remaining calm under pressure.

  Customer-service skills. Planners must understand their clients’ needs. They must act professionally in a variety of situations, know how to keep an audience engaged, and help participants network with peers.   

  Interpersonal skills. Planners must be good at establishing and maintaining positive relationships with clients and suppliers.

  Negotiation skills. Planners must be able to negotiate service contracts to get good prices for their clients.

  Organizational skills. To provide high quality meetings, planners must be detail-oriented and be able to multitask and meet tight deadlines. Many meetings are planned more than a year in advance, so long-term thinking ability is vital. 

  Problem-solving skills. When problems arise, planners must be able to come up with creative solutions that satisfy clients.

• Duties

  Meeting, convention, and event planners typically do the following:

  • Meet with clients to understand the purpose of the meeting or event
  • Plan the scope of the event, including time, location, and cost
  • Solicit bids from venues and service providers (for example, florists or photographers)
  • Inspect venues to ensure that they meet the client's requirements
  • Coordinate event services such as rooms, transportation, and food service
  • Monitor event activities to ensure the client and event attendees are satisfied
  • Review event bills and approve payment