Educational requirements vary; the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively is important for entry-level candidates.

Performance-based pay, including bonuses and commissions, can make up a large portion of an advertising sales agent’s earnings.

Pressure to meet monthly sales quotas can be stressful.

Keen competition is expected for these highly coveted jobs.

College graduates with related experience, a high level of creativity, and strong communication and computer skills should have the best job opportunities.

High earnings, substantial travel, and long hours, including evenings and weekends, are common.

Because of the importance and high visibility of their jobs, these managers often are prime candidates for advancement to the highest ranks.

Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field usually is required for management positions, although employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as a core component.

Many managers possess advanced technical knowledge gained from working in a computer occupation.
Job prospects should be excellent.

Jobseekers are likely to face competition.

About 3 out of 10 work in finance and insurance industries.

Most financial managers need a bachelor's degree, and many have a master's degree or professional certification.

Experience may be more important than formal education for some financial manager positions—most notably, branch managers in banks.

Despite the projected decline in employment, job opportunities should be good as many people leave this occupation, due to relatively low wages and limited advancement opportunities.

Floral design is the only design specialty that does not require formal postsecondary training.

Many floral designers work long hours on weekends and holidays, filling orders and setting up decorations for weddings and other events.

Nearly 9 out of 10 loan officers work for commercial banks, savings institutions, credit unions, and related financial institutions.

Educational requirements range from a high school diploma for many loan officers to a bachelor’s degree for commercial loan officers; previous banking, lending, or sales experience is highly valued.

Good job opportunities are expected for mortgage and consumer loan officers and excellent opportunities are expected for commercial loan officers.

Earnings often fluctuate with the number of loans generated, rising substantially when the economy is strong and interest rates are low.

People with a variety of educational or work backgrounds can become meeting and convention planners.

Planners often work long hours in the period prior to and during a meeting or convention, and extensive travel may be required.

Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

Opportunities will be best for individuals with a bachelor's degree and some experience as a meeting planner.

Despite faster than average growth, keen competition is expected for modeling jobs.

Most jobs are part time or have variable work schedules, and many jobs require frequent travel.

Formal training is limited and education beyond high school usually is not required.

About 42 percent of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents are employed in wholesale trade or manufacturing establishments.

Employment is projected to grow 7 percent, which is as fast as the average.

Opportunities should be best for those with a college degree in engineering, business, economics, or one of the applied sciences.

Prospects often need continuing education or certification to advance.

A license is required in every State and the District of Columbia.

Residential real estate brokers and sales agents often work evenings and weekends.

Although gaining a job may be relatively easy, beginning workers face competition from well-established, more experienced agents and brokers.

Employment is sensitive to swings in the economy, as well as interest rates; during periods of declining economic activity or rising interest rates, the volume of sales and the resulting demand for sales workers fall.

Good employment opportunities are expected because of the need to replace the large number of workers who leave the occupation each year.

Many salespersons work evenings and weekends, particularly during peak retail periods.

Employers look for people who enjoy working with others and who have good communication skills, an interest in sales work, a neat appearance, and a courteous demeanor.

Although advancement opportunities are limited, having a college degree or a great deal of experience may help retail salespersons move into management positions.