Careers in Tourism, Education
and the Helping Professions

Many occupations in the helping professions, tourism and service and education involve social interests. In BC and the Yukon, social occupations offer a plenitude of jobs and a diverse array of settings in which to work.

So, how do you know if a social occupation is right for you? Do you like dealing with all types of people? Do you enjoy being of service to others? Do you have good communication skills and lots of energy? Do you work well as part of a team? Are you naturally outgoing and friendly? Are you motivated to learn? Do you like change and challenge? Are you someone who doesn't mind working weekends and holidays? If you answered 'yes' to most of these questions, then you may want to consider a social-related career path. Here's a look at a variety of occupations you'll find in the social realm.

Health Occupations If you like to assist others in medical situations, respond quickly in emergency situations, investigate new health solutions or educate others for healthy living, the health field may be for you. Health careers range from traditional doctors and dentists to new and emerging careers in massage therapy and reflexology. Occupations in health offer a variety of settings such as private homes, hospitals and medical offices. All of these occupations require post-secondary education.

According to the Registered Nurses Association, more than 13,000 registered nurses in BC (48% of all BC nurses) are between 45 and 65 years of age and, of these, close to 4,000 are poised for retirement. Translation: a big boost for entry-level nursing positions over the next few years. Here are some examples of health professions: · Midwives offer care and advice to women during normal pregnancy, conduct natural deliveries, and examine and care for newborn babies. Midwives work in the homes of their clients, in clinics, community and regional care hospitals or birth centres. Many midwives are also self-employed. Currently, BC and the Yukon do not provide midwifery training, so to become a certified midwife you must complete a Prior Learning Assessment through the College of Midwives of BC or earn a bachelor of health science in midwifery at Mc Master University in Ontario. Average annual earnings for this group are $18,983. · Paramedic/Ambulance attendants provide life support care to the sick and injured at the scene of an accident or in other medical emergencies. Shift work is common due to the nature of the service. You must obtain the appropriate driver's licence to operate an emergency vehicle, be in good physical health and complete a college, hospital-based or other recognized training program before becoming an attendant. Average annual earnings for this group are $44,976.

Sales and Service Occupations in Tourism Tourism is one of the fastest growth industries in BC and the Yukon, employing over 200,000 people. Jobs range from recreational guides and flight attendants to professional chefs and bartenders. This type of work requires an understanding of people's needs and an ability to meet those demands in creative ways. Like many areas of tourism, a minimum of Grade 12 is needed for an entry-level position, and specific training is necessary in the area in which you work. Here are some examples of sales and service occupations within tourism: · Special events coordinators plan and organize meetings, conferences, seminars, exhibits and trade shows. They are in charge of handling enquiries, organizing finances, mailings and promotional materials, booking facilities, and choosing menus, transportation and accommodations for speakers and participants. They require excellent organization, communication and computer skills. Average annual earnings for this group are $35,068. · Food and beverage servers are responsible for taking and serving customers' food and beverage orders. Average annual earnings for this group are $16,138. Food and beverage workers also generally receive a portion of their income in tips, which is not reflected in the average annual earnings.

Education Occupations Teachers, university professors, librarians, archivists, career counsellors, secretaries and janitors all fall under the education sector. Employment in education is expected to reach 152,000 jobs in BC by the year 2005. Here are some examples of educational occupations: · College and other vocational instructors teach students using lectures, demonstrations, discussion groups and seminars. They prepare, administer and mark exams and papers to evaluate students' progress. Instructors who teach university transfer courses need at least a master's degree in their subject area. Increased competition for teaching positions has made completion of a doctoral degree (PhD) an advantage. Average annual earnings for this group are $47,806. · School and guidance counsellors advise students on course selection and career planning, and counsel students on personal and social issues such as substance abuse, depression, self-esteem and family issues. Counsellors require a bachelor's degree in education and a teacher's certificate in the province where they work. Average annual earnings for this group are $46,736.

The number of career options in the health, tourism and education industries can be incredible. But as you're exploring your options, remember to keep developing your social and interpersonal skills by getting out there, meeting new people and having fun.