Share Digital Literacy: Careers: Fact or Fiction
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The average person will change careers (not just jobs) about 3-5 times in their lifetime.
Fact - Career shifts often happen because of technology changes, new interests, or economic shifts like recessions.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recognizes over 800 distinct occupations.
Fact - Their Occupational Outlook Handbook is updated every two years and is one of the best career resources available.
The fastest-growing job in the U.S. right now is wind turbine technician.
Fact - This career is growing because of the demand for renewable energy; it's projected to grow more than 40% this decade.
Airline pilots must legally retire at age 68 in the United States.
Fiction - It's 65 years old. This rule is set by the Federal Aviation Administration for safety reasons, though some argue it should be raised.
Some U.S. states require barbers and hair stylists to have more training hours than police officers.
Fact - For example, in California, cosmetologists need 1,600+ hours, while police academy training is closer to 600 hours.
Librarians need a master's degree in most states to work in public libraries.
Fact - The degree is usually called a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS).
Electricians and plumbers usually earn higher median wages than preschool teachers.
Fact - Skilled trades are in high demand, and the shortage of workers has increased their wages over time.
Translators and interpreters are among the top 20 fastest-growing careers.
Fiction - It s projected to grow by 2 % from 2024 to 2034, which is slower than the average for all occupations.
Video game designers often make use of sociology research to shape how players behave.
Fiction - They study psychology for this purpose.
Lawyers in the U.S. can practice in any state once they pass the bar exam in one state.
Fiction - They must be licensed in each state separately.
A medical doctor (M.D.) and a physician assistant (P.A.) go through the same number of years of schooling.
Fiction - M.D.s complete much more training.
Teachers across the U.S. must obtain a bachelor's degree to teach.
Fiction - Requirements vary widely by state.
The majority of U.S. workers are unionized (workers band together for better rights at work).
Fiction - Only about 10% are.
To become a commercial airline pilot, you need fewer flight hours than to become a private pilot.
Fiction - Airline pilots require many more hours of training.
Computer coders need a college degree.
Fiction - Many are self-taught or go through coding bootcamps.
U.S. minimum wage laws apply equally to all jobs.
Fiction - Tipped workers have a different federal minimum wage.
