VIII. ARE YOU READY TO FIND MEN'S WORK?

Once you’ve decided you’re interested in the possiblity of non-traditional employment, how will you go about finding out exactly what these jobs consist of, and what it takes to get them?
Take a look at the format below, used to describe two interesting non-traditional jobs, with very different requirements. We will give you some resources that will help you investigate many more non-traditional occupations, so that you leave no stone unturned in your search for your highest and best use in the job market. You can use the same format to analyze each job that stimulates your interest.

As An
AUTOMOBILE MECHANIC
What Do You Do?
These days, Automotive Servicing requires a combination of mechanical skills, using hand tools and power tools, and high-tech skills, involving computerized shop equipment and electronic components.
Many Automotive Technicians consider the diagnostic process to be the most challenging, and rewarding, part of the job. Today’s cars have many sophisticated systems which interact. Skill, knowledge, and finesse are necessary to isolate a problem as simple as a low coolant level or as complicated as a bad drive train connection that has shorted out an air conditioner. It’s more and more like being a doctor, and, for many, cars are their lifeblood, or their babies!
What Are The Working Conditions?
For the most part, Automotive Technicians work indoors in well-ventilated and well-lighted repair shops. Some are drafty and noisy. There is some heavy lifting. Cuts, and minor burns and bruises are common, but, as long as safety practices are observed, serious accidents are avoided.
What Are The Hours?
About half of Service Technicians in this field work a standard 40-hour week, but nearly 30% work more, because of demand, especially if they are self-employed (so they are making more money). Some shops offer night and weekend hours.
What Is the Job Outlook?
Opportunities are excellent for properly trained technicians. Salary range is great, with good opportunity for increase in earnings, depending on the skills acquired, and the work situation; whether a government employee, independent mechanic, or commissioned mechanic working at a dealership. New jobs are being created in the ‘simple service’ sector, where oil changes, brake repair, air-conditioner service and other minor repairs generally take less than four hours to complete.
What Training Is Required?
Formal training is the standard for today’s technicians. Many high schools offer training programs, which vary in quality. Automotive Youth Education Service (AYES) is a good one. Public and private vocational schools also offer training, typically taking about 6 months. Community colleges will often stretch the training into a more all-encompassing two-year program ending in an associate degree or certificate. Automobile manufacturers also sponsor two-year associate degree programs (ACCSCT) at trade schools across the nation. Typically, in these programs, the student alternates periods of classes, with full-time work in the service department of the sponsoring dealership.
Who Is Suited To The Job?
Employers look for people with strong communication and analytical skills. Good reading, math, and computer skills are increasing needed to keep up with new technology. You also need mechanical aptitude and an interest in how cars work.
How Many Women Are Currently Doing This Job?
Only 1.4% of Automotive Service Technicians are women.

As An
AEROSPACE ENGINEER
What Do You Do?
The most amazing machines being devised by man today are the territory of the Aerospace Engineer. The goals are generally advancement in the areas of space exploration, defense and aviation. You might be involved in the development not only of aircraft and spacecraft, but also of incredible instruments that go with them. Perhaps you will specialize in projects involving robotics, lasers, software, or optics.
As specialists within Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineers work with aircraft, like commercial planes and helicopters, designing, developing and testing. Astronautical Engineers do the same for spacecraft. In both fields, there are many areas of emphasis. You might be most involved with design, guidance, navigation, control, instrumentation and communication, or production methods.
Many of the technologies developed in this field are being applied to other industries. For instance, in the automotive industry, Aerospace Engineers have helped invent cars with less wind resistance and more fuel efficiency.
What Are The Working Conditions?
An Aerospace Engineer would spend much of her time in an office building, communicating with others by phone and computer, analyzing data and doing calculations. Some time might be spent in a laboratory setting or production site. Some engineers travel to meet with clients and colleagues and visit coordinating facilities.
What Are The Hours?
While a 40-hour workweek is standard, deadlines, extra demand due to exacting design standards, and special projects can require an Aerospace Engineer to work extra hours. An engineer can also take on business development and management roles, adding to her responsibility and time commitment.
What Is The Job Outlook?
The projections for employment of Aerospace Engineers show that a decline is expected in the industry overall, due to a slowdown in air travel and to foreign competition. This should not stop any woman interested in the field, for two reasons. There has been a real drop off in the number of engineers coming out of college, so much so that there might not be enough new engineers to replace those retiring. Furthermore, women are such a rarity in the field that their value is great in this diversity-favoring industry.
What training is required?
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for all entry-level jobs in engineering. Preparation for study includes a solid background in mathematics (through trigonometry and calculus), biology, chemistry, physics, computer technology, humanities, english and social studies. Earning of basic four-year degree in this field can take closer to five years. Typically, the last two years will focus exclusively on engineering, with the aerospace specialty. She would take classes in subjects like applied aerodynamics, aerospace propulsion systems, heat transfer, flight vehicle design, and fluid mechanics. In order to practice privately, she would need to earn her degree from an accredited engineering program, get four years of work experience, and pass a state examination.
Who Is Suited To The Job?
Engineering involves a lot of math and science, but if you think it’s for bookish eggheads, think again. An analytical mind and attention to detail are important, but the best engineers are creative and inquisitive. They work well in teams and they are effective communicators, in writing and in person. Engineers interface with specialists in many other professions, so communicative abilities are important.
How Many Women Are Currently Doing This Job?
11% of Aerospace Engineers are women.
A PLAN FOR LOOKING AT ALL YOUR CAREER OPTIONS
Want to consider every opportunity before settling on your Life’s Work?
1. Open your mind!
2. Go to;
http://www.bls.gov/search/ooh.asp?ct=OOH
You will be taken to the U.S.Government’s Dept of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, a directory. Start by clicking on the A’s, scan the list and click on every job that seems remotely intriguing.
3. Applying the format we used above to describe the jobs of Automobile Mechanic and Aerospace Engineer, ask the same questions for each career you’ve listed. Many of these questions are answered right in the Handbook.
4. Now, write down the ways you might make the career your own, personalize it, customize it.
5. Ask yourself whether your particular traits and talents would add to your effectiveness on that job; whether you might contribute significantly to the field. If so, place a check on that occupation.
6. Ask yourself whether the compensation would be adequate for the rest of the life you want for yourself. If so, place a check on that occupation.
7. Ask yourself whether the opportunities for advancement and pay increases seem unlimited enough to warrant your passion, and considerable time and effort.
8. Imagine yourself in a gathering of friends, family and associates. Would you be proud to declare this occupation as yours? Could you imagine it as your life’s work. Could it lead to your life’s work?