Who am I? I take X-rays and use imaging machines to help diagnose injuries, but I'm not a doctor. (official career title)
Radiologic technologist
Teachers across the U.S. must obtain a bachelor's degree to teach.
Fiction - Requirements vary widely by state.
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.
Computer coders need a college degree.
Fiction - Many are self-taught or go through coding bootcamps.
Who am I? I study ancient ruins and artifacts, but I'm not a historian reading books.
Archaeologist
Who am I? I study volcanoes, earthquakes, and the Earth's crust, but I'm not a miner.
Geologist
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.
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.
Who am I? I study the oceans, waves, and underwater animal life, but I'm not a scuba diver.
Marine biologist / oceanographer
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
The majority of U.S. workers are unionized (workers band together for better rights at work).
Fiction - Only about 10% are.
Who am I? I analyze laws, write legal documents, and advise clients, but I don't represent someone in court.
Paralegal
Who am I? I create 3D models for animated films and video games, but I'm not the person who writes the code.
Animator
Who am I? I investigate crimes, gather evidence, and interview witnesses, but I don't decide the verdict.
Detective
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.
Video game designers often make use of sociology research to shape how players behave.
Fiction - They study psychology for this purpose.
U.S. minimum wage laws apply equally to all jobs.
Fiction - Tipped workers have a different federal minimum wage.
Who am I? I design bridges and skyscrapers, but I'm not an architect.
Civil engineer
Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) have virtually the same job, but EMTs require more training.
Fiction - Paramedics go further. They're trained to do advanced procedures like starting IVs, giving medications, interpreting EKGs, and using advance...
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.
Who am I? I design the way a store is laid out so shoppers buy more, but I'm not the cashier.
Merchandiser / retail display designer
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