Most jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.

Job opportunities should be favorable; those who have earned professional recognition through certification or licensure, especially a CPA, should enjoy the best prospects.

Much faster than average employment growth will result from an increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and regulations, and greater scrutiny of company finances.

A strong background in mathematics is essential.

Actuaries generally have a bachelor’s degree and must pass a series of examinations—often taking 4 to 8 years—to gain full professional status.

Competition for jobs will be keen as the number of qualified candidates is expected to exceed the number of positions available.

About 55 percent of actuaries are employed by insurance carriers.

Applicants for the limited number of higher-level management jobs will face keen competition; less severe competition is expected for lower-level management jobs.

Administrative services managers work throughout private industry and government and have a wide range of responsibilities, experience, earnings, and education.

Like other managers, administrative services managers should be analytical, detail-oriented, flexible, decisive, and have good leadership and communication skills.

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 concentrated in insurance-related industries.

Training and entry requirements vary widely.

College graduates and those with related experience should have the best opportunities for most types of jobs; competition will be keen for jobs as investigators.

Job opportunities should be best in health insurance companies, and in regions susceptible to natural disasters.

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.

Employment is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations and add 286,600 new jobs over the 2008-18 decade.

Most computer scientists are required to possess a Ph.D.

Employment is projected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations.

Job prospects are expected to be excellent.

Computer software engineers are among the occupations projected to grow the fastest and add the most new jobs over the 2008-18 decade, resulting in excellent job prospects.

Employment of computer programmers is expected to decline by 3 percent through 2018.

Job prospects will be best for applicants with a bachelor's or higher degree and relevant experience.

Job growth is projected to be faster than the average for all occupations.

A bachelor’s degree is required for some jobs, while an associate degree or certification is adequate for others.

Job prospects should be good, especially for college graduates with relevant skills and experience.

Modern farming requires knowledge of new developments in agriculture, often gained through growing up on a farm or through postsecondary education.

Overall employment is projected to decline because of increasing productivity and consolidation of farms.

Small-scale, local farming, particularly horticulture and organic farming, offer the best opportunities for entering the occupation.