About 26 percent of lawyers are self-employed, either as partners in law firms or in solo practices.

Formal requirements to become a lawyer usually include a 4-year college degree, 3 years of law school, and passing a written bar examination; however, some requirements may vary by State.

Competition for admission to most law schools is intense.

Competition for job openings should be keen because of the large number of students graduating from law school each year.

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.

Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree.

Many States offer alternative licensing programs to attract people into teaching, especially for hard-to-fill positions.

Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs.

Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts.

Keen competition is expected because the prestige and high compensation of these jobs attract a substantial number of applicants.

Top executives are among the highest paid workers; however, long hours, considerable travel, and intense pressure to succeed are common.

The formal education and experience of top executives vary as extensively as the nature of their responsibilities, but many of these workers have at least a bachelor's degree and considerable experience.

Veterinarians should love animals and be able to get along with their owners.

Graduation from an accredited college of veterinary medicine and a State license are required; admission to veterinary school is competitive.

Job opportunities should be excellent.

About 80 percent of veterinarians work in private practice.

Animal lovers get satisfaction from this occupation, but aspects of the work can be unpleasant, physically and emotionally demanding, and sometimes dangerous.

There are primarily two levels of education and training for entry to this occupation: a 2-year program for veterinary technicians and a 4-year program for veterinary technologists.

Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.

Overall job opportunities should be excellent; however, keen competition is expected for jobs in zoos and aquariums.