Career Options and the Skills That Are Required for Them (Blog Post #4)

Aiden Harpel
Apr 29, 2022
27 min read

Updated: Feb 9

Jobs vary in terms of the qualifications that are required of job candidates. Qualifications can come in the form of levels of education that are required, specific skill sets, and/or one’s previous work experience. In my last blog post, I attempted to tie together career options available to us after we leave school (whether that be high school or college) and the educational requirements specific to them. In this blog post, which continues to fall under the personal finance theme of earning income, I will attempt to tie together career options available to us after we leave school (whether that be high school or college) and the skill sets specific to them. Why tie these together? Because, again, if our goal eventually will be to achieve financial independence and financial stability in our lives, then we will need to gain knowledge and develop skills in order to be in a position to get jobs and earn income after we leave school.

Our field of work can strongly influence how much income we earn during our career, and the skill set we each develop in the years ahead likely will influence the field of work we eventually go into. Yes, the skill sets we choose to develop certainly could influence the direction we decide we want to take with regard to our careers. But, and arguably more importantly, also don’t forget that employers in different fields of work typically seek out specific skill sets among the workers they offer jobs to. So thinking about what skill set you want to focus on building is very important, as ideally the skill set you build and, in turn, can offer a prospective employer is one that will fit well with the subject matter and field of work in which you eventually decide you are interested. In short, the skill set we each choose to develop will influence our ability to land job opportunities in our desired field of work, our ability to have options with regard to our career, our ability to exercise some control over our own career trajectory, and ultimately our ability to achieve financial independence and financial stability in our lives.

For fields of work to which I will try to outline relevant skill sets, let’s, for the purpose of consistency, use the same fields of work I outlined in my last blog post. They were the following:

To reiterate, there are thousands and thousands of job types one can choose to pursue in one’s career. The above chart is not intended to cover a complete list of career options. Rather, it is intended to simply highlight, at a high-level, some of the different avenues that we can potentially pursue after we leave school, whether that be high school or college. (Please refer back to my last blog post if you seek further detail regarding the chart above and, more broadly, the subject of career options and educational requirements specific to them.)

For simplicity, I have organized the information below, where I attempt to tie together fields of work that are available to us after we leave school (whether that be high school or college) and the skill sets specific to them, consistent with the way in which information is organized in the chart – i.e., segmented by educational requirements and then in the same order in which fields of work are organized. By doing so, you will not have to read through lots of information relevant to fields of work that you already know are of no interest to you in the future. Instead, you will be able both more easily and more quickly to find the information that is actually relevant to the fields of work in which you do think you potentially may be interested. Beneath each field of work is a list of skills that are generally relevant to it. (Each list of skills is in no particular order.) With that said, and very importantly, please note the following:

Within individual fields of work, there can be many different types of jobs. So the skills which are listed under each field of work are by no means necessarily a complete list of those that are required or sought after by employers within the given field.
Again, within individual fields of work, there can be many different types of jobs. So some skills may only be relevant to certain types of jobs, but not others, within a given field of work.
There are some skills that may not be listed for a given field of work and yet which one can reasonably argue should be listed.
There are always exceptions that one can point to. (For example, a police officer who is a hostage negotiator needs to have strong negotiation skills. Strong verbal communications and interpersonal skills, though, may suffice for a regular uniformed police officer.)
Under various fields of work, you will see the term “technical skills”. You will also see that I distinguish between “technical skills and knowledge” and “technology skills”. “Technical skills and knowledge” relate to the ability, knowledge, and expertise required to perform specific, job-related tasks. In many (although by no means all) cases, technical skills and knowledge are learned through a formal “vocational” educational program related to either the given job or the field of work, or are learned through on-the-job training. (Vocational education is education that teaches a person the skills required to work in a specific skilled trade.)
Each employer obviously imposes its own skill set requirements, so one employer may demand a different set of skills than another for the same type of job within the same field of work.

Skill Sets Specific to Jobs / Fields of Work That Typically Do Not Require a College Degree (Although in Some Cases May Require Special Training and/or Licensing/Certification):

A police officer / firefighter:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Attention to detail.
Situational awareness skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Physical strength and stamina.

An Athlete:

Technical skills specific to the sport and specific role.
Physical strength and stamina.
The ability to perform well under pressure.

Fitness:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Planning skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Attention to detail.
Physical strength and stamina.

Acting:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the type of acting (e.g., TV, film, theater) and to the specific job.
Presentation / public speaking skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Verbal communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.

Music:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Presentation / public speaking skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Verbal communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.

Art:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the type of art (e.g., painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, etc.) and to the specific job.
Drawing skills.
Design skills.
Other creative skills.

Photography:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the field of photography.
Creative skills.

Graphic design / web design:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the type of design (e.g., marketing and advertising design, web design / user interface design / user experience design, brand identity design, packaging design) and to the specific job.
Drawing skills.
Design skills.
Other creative skills.
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

An author:

Written communication skills.
Editing skills.
Creative writing skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A restaurant worker:

Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Attention to detail.

A bartender:

Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Attention to detail.

A retail store worker:

Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.

A construction worker:

Physical strength and stamina.
Attention to detail.
Project management skills.

A maintenance and repair worker:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the industry, the area of work within the industry, and the specific job.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Attention to detail.

A landscaper / groundskeeper:

Organizational skills.

A cable or telecommunications technician:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Attention to detail.

An electrician:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Attention to detail.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

A mechanic:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the type of work and to the specific job.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Attention to detail.

A plumber:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Attention to detail.

A building superintendent:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Attention to detail.

A driver:

Situational awareness skills.

A truck driver:

Situational awareness skills.

A painter:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Attention to detail.

A janitor:

Organizational skills.

Military:

Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Strategic thinking skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Leadership skills.
Management skills.
Situational awareness skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Physical strength and stamina.
Attention to detail.

A security guard:

Situational awareness skills.
Physical strength and stamina.

Within fields of work that typically do not require a college degree (although in some cases may require special training and/or licensing/certification), certain types of manufacturing jobs (i.e., jobs in factories and warehouses):

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the industry, the products being manufactured, and the specific job.
Organizational skills.
Process management skills.
Time management skills.

Within fields of work that typically do not require a college degree (although in some cases may require special training and/or licensing/certification), certain types of IT (Information Technology) jobs:

Advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications; knowledge of relevant technology hardware; knowledge of relevant databases; knowledge of networks; cybersecurity).
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Project management skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Attention to detail.

Within fields of work that typically do not require a college degree (although in some cases may require special training and/or licensing/certification), certain types of sales jobs:

Verbal communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.

Within fields of work that typically do not require a college degree (although in some cases may require special training and/or licensing/certification), certain types of hospitality-related service jobs (the hospitality industry includes, for example, hotels, travel and tourism, restaurants, and theme parks):

Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Administrative skills (e.g., answering phones; scheduling appointments; creating and maintaining records; processing paperwork, such as handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping; ordering supplies).
Multi-tasking skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
Attention to detail.

An EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) (a paramedic):

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Attention to detail.
Situational awareness skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.

A medical lab technician:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the area of medicine and to the specific job.
Verbal communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Organizational skills.
Attention to detail.

A medical assistant:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the area of medicine and to the specific job.
Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Organizational skills.
Administrative skills (e.g., answering phones; scheduling appointments; creating and maintaining records; processing paperwork, such as handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping; ordering supplies).
Multi-tasking skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
Attention to detail.

Within fields of work that typically do not require a college degree (although in some cases may require special training and/or licensing/certification), certain types of nursing and home healthcare jobs:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the healthcare specialty and to the specific job.
Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Attention to detail.
Situational awareness skills.

A pharmacy technician:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Organizational skills.
Attention to detail.
Administrative skills (e.g., creating and maintaining records; processing paperwork).
Multi-tasking skills.

A massage therapist:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Interpersonal skills.
Physical strength and stamina.

An airline pilot:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Organizational skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Attention to detail.
Situational awareness skills.
Interpersonal skills.

A flight attendant:

Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Organizational skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Attention to detail.

A secretary / administrative assistant:

Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Organizational skills.
Administrative skills (e.g., answering phones; scheduling appointments; creating and maintaining records; processing paperwork, such as handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping; ordering supplies).
Multi-tasking skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
Creative skills (e.g., presentation preparation).
Attention to detail.

A barber / hairdresser / hair stylist:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.

Skill Sets Specific to Jobs / Fields of Work That Typically Do Require a College Degree:

A K-12 teacher:

Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Time management skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Planning skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Project management skills.
Decision-making skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; identifying solutions; management skills; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Attention to detail.
Situational awareness skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A K-12 counselor or K-12 social worker:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to K-12 counseling and social work.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Attention to detail.
Situational awareness skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A non-clinical social worker of various types:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the area of social work being practiced (e.g., pediatric social work, geriatric social work, hospice and palliative care social work, etc.).
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Attention to detail.
Situational awareness skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A special ed teacher:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to special education.
Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Time management skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Planning skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Project management skills.
Decision-making skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; identifying solutions; management skills; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Attention to detail.
Situational awareness skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A psychologist:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the area of psychology being practiced (e.g., clinical psychology, behavioral psychology, cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, organizational psychology, sports psychology, forensic psychology, etc.).
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Decision-making skills.
Attention to detail.
Situational awareness skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A hospital administrator:

Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Written communication skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; team building; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; motivating others; identifying solutions; building consensus among stakeholders; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Fundraising skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A registered nurse (RN):

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the healthcare specialty (e.g., ER care, intensive care, cardiac care, pediatric care, oncology, neonatal care, etc.) and to the specific job.
Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Persuasion skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Organizational skills.
Planning skills.
Time management skills.
Process management skills.
Decision-making skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Situational awareness skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A software developer:

Advanced technology skills (software programming skills).
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Project management skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Attention to detail.
Technical writing skills.

Within fields of work that typically do require a college degree, certain types of IT (Information Technology) jobs besides software development:

Advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications; knowledge of relevant technology hardware; knowledge of relevant databases; knowledge of networks; cybersecurity).
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Project management skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Attention to detail.
Technical writing skills.

Journalism/media (print, broadcast, digital) (e.g., writers, reporters, anchors, editors, editorial assistants, copy editors, producers, production assistants, researchers, photojournalists, videographers, etc.):

Written communication skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Networking skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Technical skills and knowledge specific to the area of journalism/media and to the specific job.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Decision-making skills.
Management skills.
Interviewing skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Creative skills.
Editing skills.
Situational awareness skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.

An architect:

Technical skills and knowledge (including scientific knowledge, specifically physics) specific to the job.
Mathematical / quantitative skills (e.g., algebra, geometry, trigonometry).
Drawing skills.
Design skills.
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Active listening skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship management skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Project management skills.
Decision-making skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Technical writing skills.

An engineer:

Technical skills and knowledge (including scientific knowledge, such as knowledge of physics) specific to the type of engineering and the specific job.
Mathematical / quantitative skills (e.g., algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics).
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Active listening skills.
Strategic thinking skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Process management skills.
Project management skills.
Decision-making skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications; knowledge of relevant technology hardware).
Technical writing skills.

Accounting:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Financial accounting skills.
Financial forecasting and budgeting skills.
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
Mathematical / quantitative skills (e.g., algebra).
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Active listening skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Decision-making skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship management skills.

Various types of jobs in business across all industries, excluding IT-related jobs (e.g., sales and marketing, Research & Development, business operations, corporate strategy, finance & accounting, customer service, communications, human resources, executive management):

Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Negotiation skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; team building; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; motivating others; training and mentoring; identifying solutions; building consensus among stakeholders; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Networking skills.
Debate skills.
Fundraising skills.
Interviewing skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications, such as customer relationship management software to track and manage one’s sales pipeline, inbound marketing and sales software to drive traffic to one’s site and acquire customers, email marketing software, and customer service software to streamline one’s customer service process; search engine optimization to drive organic search-driven traffic to one’s website; social media marketing; etc.).
Mathematical / quantitative skills (e.g., algebra).
Financial forecasting and budgeting skills.
Financial accounting skills.
Financial modeling skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.

Various types of jobs in finance, excluding IT-related jobs (e.g., commercial banking; investment banking; sales & trading; investment research; investment management; investment strategy; risk management; operations; private wealth management / brokerage; prime brokerage; an economist; a personal financial advisor; a company's internal corporate finance / business development group; insurance; consumer finance):

Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Mathematical / quantitative skills (e.g., algebra, calculus, statistics).
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Negotiation skills.
Debate skills.
Fundraising skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; team building; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; motivating others; training and mentoring; identifying solutions; building consensus among stakeholders; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Financial accounting skills.
Financial modeling skills.
Financial forecasting and budgeting skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Networking skills.
Interviewing skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications and databases).

Various types of jobs in real estate, excluding IT-related jobs (e.g., real estate finance; real estate development; real estate brokerage; property management):

Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Mathematical / quantitative skills (e.g., algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics).
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Negotiation skills.
Debate skills.
Fundraising skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; team building; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; motivating others; training and mentoring; identifying solutions; building consensus among stakeholders; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Financial accounting skills.
Financial modeling skills.
Financial forecasting and budgeting skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Networking skills.
Interviewing skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications and databases).

Various types of jobs in consulting (e.g., management consultants; industry consultants for all types of industries; functional consultants such as IT consultants, strategy consultants, sales consultants, marketing consultants, communications consultants, operations consultants, and human resources/executive search/organizational development/leadership consultants; highly specialized subject matter consultants; investment consultants; economic consultants; political consultants; regulatory consultants; legal consultants; geopolitical consultants):

Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Mathematical / quantitative skills (e.g., algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics).
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Process management skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Negotiation skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; team building; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; motivating others; training and mentoring; identifying solutions; building consensus among stakeholders; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Debate skills.
Financial accounting skills.
Financial modeling skills.
Financial forecasting and budgeting skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Networking skills.
Interviewing skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications and databases).
Linguistic skills.
Technical writing skills.

Various types of creative jobs in the entertainment industry, excluding actors (e.g., directors, producers, screenwriters, cinematographers, video and sound editors, casting directors, film composers, lighting technicians, sound mixers):

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the type of entertainment and to the job.
Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Research skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Creative skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Negotiation skills.
Fundraising skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; team building; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; motivating others; training and mentoring; identifying solutions; building consensus among stakeholders; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution)
Networking skills.
Interviewing skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Editing skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications; knowledge of relevant media/entertainment equipment).
Mathematical / quantitative skills (e.g., algebra).
Financial forecasting and budgeting skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.

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Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Drawing skills.
Design skills.
Other creative skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Negotiation skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; team building; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; motivating others; training and mentoring; identifying solutions; building consensus among stakeholders; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Networking skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Editing skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
Mathematical / quantitative skills (e.g., algebra).
Financial forecasting and budgeting skills.
Financial accounting skills.
Financial modeling skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.

Public relations:

Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Debate skills.
Management skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Networking skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Editing skills.
Creative skills.
Situational awareness skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
Technical writing skills.
Linguistic skills.

Corporate communications:

Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Debate skills.
Management skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Networking skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Editing skills.
Creative skills.
Situational awareness skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
Technical writing skills.
Linguistic skills.

Government / political communications:

Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Debate skills.
Management skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Networking skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Editing skills.
Creative skills.
Situational awareness skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
Linguistic skills.

Various types of jobs in government, excluding IT-related jobs (e.g., a staff member in the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of government, at the federal, state or local level; a diplomat; an intelligence analyst/officer; an economist; Federal law enforcement; a politician):

Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Debate skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Process management skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Negotiation skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; team building; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; motivating others; training and mentoring; identifying solutions; building consensus among stakeholders; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Networking skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Interviewing skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Linguistic skills.
Situational awareness skills.
Physical strength and stamina.
Mathematical / quantitative skills (e.g., algebra).
Financial forecasting and budgeting skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications; knowledge of relevant technology hardware; knowledge of relevant databases; knowledge of networks; cybersecurity).
Technical writing skills.

Various types of jobs in non-profit organizations, including think tanks and excluding IT-related jobs:

Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Debate skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Negotiation skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; team building; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; motivating others; training and mentoring; identifying solutions; building consensus among stakeholders; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Networking skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Fundraising skills.
Grant writing skills.
Financial forecasting and budgeting skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
Linguistic skills.
Situational awareness skills.
Physical strength and stamina.

A local, state or federal government lobbyist:

Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Networking skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Debate skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Negotiation skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; team building; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; motivating others; training and mentoring; identifying solutions; building consensus among stakeholders; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
Situational awareness skills.
Linguistic skills.

A paralegal:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Technical writing skills.
Active listening skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Process management skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Editing skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications and databases).

An art curator:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the type of art and to the specific job.
Organizational skills.
Planning skills.
Decision-making skills.
Presentation skills.
Research skills.
Written communication skills.
Management skills.
Networking skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
Public speaking skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

Skill Sets Specific to Jobs / Fields of Work That Usually or Always Require Both a College Degree and an Advanced Degree:

A lawyer (e.g., at a law firm; in-house for a company or organization; for the local, state or federal government):

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the area of law being practiced (e.g., corporate law, securities law, bankruptcy law, sports & entertainment law, intellectual property law, labor law, real estate law, family law, tax law, international law, criminal law, civil rights law, human rights law, immigration law, etc.).
Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Technical writing skills.
Active listening skills.
Persuasion skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Debate skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Process management skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Strategic thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Negotiation skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; team building; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; motivating others; training and mentoring; identifying solutions; building consensus among stakeholders; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Networking skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Interviewing skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Editing skills.
Situational awareness skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications and databases).
Linguistic skills.

A medical doctor:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the area of medicine being practiced (e.g., pediatric care, family medicine, dermatology, OB/GYNs, orthopedics, gastroenterology, cardiology, neurology, general surgery, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, plastic surgery, etc.).
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Attention to detail.
Active listening skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Decision-making skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; identifying solutions; training and mentoring; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Time management skills.
Organizational skills.
Planning skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Process management skills.
Research skills.
Situational awareness skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Technical writing skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A psychiatrist:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the area of psychiatry being practiced (e.g., child & adolescent psychiatry, adult psychiatry, organizational psychiatry, sports psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, etc.).
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; identifying solutions; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Decision-making skills.
Attention to detail.
Research skills.
Situational awareness skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A clinical social worker:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the area of clinical social work being practiced (e.g., substance abuse social work, psychiatric social work, child welfare social work, military and veteran welfare social work, etc.).
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; identifying solutions; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Attention to detail.
Research skills.
Situational awareness skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A medical research scientist:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the area of medicine being researched (e.g., genetics, cellular and molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, etc.).
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Attention to detail.
Technical writing skills.
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications; knowledge of relevant equipment).
Verbal communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Active listening skills.
Decision-making skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; identifying solutions; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Time management skills.
Organizational skills.
Planning skills.
Process management skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Mathematical / quantitative skills (e.g., calculus, statistics).
Situational awareness skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Grant writing skills.

A physician assistant (PA):

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the healthcare specialty (e.g., orthopedics, general surgery, emergency medicine, etc.) and to the specific job.
Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Planning skills.
Time management skills.
Process management skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Situational awareness skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A nurse practitioner (NP):

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the healthcare specialty (e.g., pediatric care, acute care, cardiac care, neonatal care, oncology, orthopedics, etc.) and to the specific job.
Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Planning skills.
Time management skills.
Process management skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Decision-making skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.
Situational awareness skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A physical therapist (PT):

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Organizational skills.
Planning skills.
Time management skills.
Process management skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.

An occupational therapist (OT):

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Planning skills.
Time management skills.
Process management skills.
Project management skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Attention to detail.

A speech/language pathologist:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; identifying solutions; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Planning skills.
Time management skills.
Process management skills.
Project management skills.
Decision-making skills.
Attention to detail.

An audiologist:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; identifying solutions; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Planning skills.
Time management skills.
Process management skills.
Project management skills.
Decision-making skills.
Attention to detail.

A dentist:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Attention to detail.
Active listening skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Relationship management skills.
Persuasion skills.
Decision-making skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; identifying solutions; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Time management skills.
Organizational skills.
Planning skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Process management skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Research skills.

A pharmacist:

Technical skills and knowledge (including scientific knowledge, specifically biology and chemistry) specific to the job.
Mathematical / quantitative skills (e.g., algebra).
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Active listening skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Attention to detail.
Organizational skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Process management skills.
Management skills.
Financial forecasting and budgeting skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A scientist (non-medical):

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the area of science being researched.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Attention to detail.
Technical writing skills.
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications; knowledge of relevant equipment).
Mathematical / quantitative skills (e.g., algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics).
Verbal communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Active listening skills.
Decision-making skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; identifying solutions; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Time management skills.
Organizational skills.
Planning skills.
Process management skills.
Project management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Grant writing skills.

A veterinarian:

Technical skills and knowledge (including scientific knowledge, such as animal science, biology, chemistry, and anatomy) specific to the job.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Attention to detail.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Decision-making skills.
Management skills.
Time management skills.
Organizational skills.
Planning skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Process management skills.
The ability to perform well under pressure.
Research skills.
Technical writing skills.
Training and mentoring skills.
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

A college professor:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the academic discipline being taught and to the job.
Verbal communication skills.
Written communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Persuasion skills.
Organizational skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Time management skills.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Planning skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Project management skills.
Debate skills.
Decision-making skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; identifying solutions; management skills; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Attention to detail.
Situational awareness skills.
Basic computer skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

An urban or regional planner:

Technical skills and knowledge specific to the job.
Research skills.
Analytical skills.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Creative skills.
Relationship-building skills.
Relationship management skills.
Active listening skills.
Verbal communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Persuasion skills.
Attention to detail.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Multi-tasking skills.
Planning skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Process management skills.
Project management skills.
Leadership skills (e.g., setting goals, priorities, and expectations; designing a strategy to achieve one’s goals; team building; management skills, including delegating tasks and responsibilities; identifying solutions; building consensus among stakeholders; making decisions; problem solving and conflict resolution).
Management skills.
Decision-making skills.
Negotiation skills.
Networking skills.
Presentation skills.
Public speaking skills.
Technical writing skills.
Situational awareness skills.
More advanced technology skills (e.g., knowledge of relevant software applications).

These last two blog posts, when considered together, hopefully can help provide you a roadmap for at least thinking about your financial future. When both are reviewed, they hopefully can be used by you as a framework in which to constructively think about your career or subject matter interests, the kinds of skills you may be interested in developing in order to maximize your chances of successfully pursuing your career or subject matter interests, and your financial goals. There are many educational and career possibilities to consider, for sure. The earlier that we can begin to understand both the typical educational requirements to work in different fields (the subject of my last blog post) and the skill sets that are most valued in them (the subject of this blog post), the earlier we can begin to identify and plan the educational paths we may want or need to take to ultimately achieve our goals both with regard to the field in which we want to work and the amount of income we want to earn.

I would love to hear from you. Any ideas, experiences, thoughts, comments and questions….please do share.

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Financial Literacy: Start Early, Control Your Destiny.

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