Industries and Careers For Engineers

Insider
Guide
Industries
and Careers
for Engineers
2008 EDITION
Industries and Careers for Engineers
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Industries and Careers for engineers

2008 Edition
ISBN: 978-1-58207-765-9
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All illustrations by mckibillo
Industries and
Careers for Engineers
conte
2008 EDITION
CHAPTER
1 23
1 Introduction
7 Industries
43 Careers
2 At a Glance
8 Aerospace and
Defense
44 Information
Technology
11 Biotech and
Pharmaceuticals
46 Manufacturing
and Production
16 Computer Hardware
49 Medicine and
Health
3 Overview
4 Employment
Outlook
19 Computer Software
52 Operations
22 Consulting
54 Programming
26 Energy and Utilities
30 Investment Banking
57 Project
Management
33 Nonprofits and
Government
59 Supply Chain
Management
37 Telecommunications
61 Web Development
nts
Introduction
At
. a Glance.............................. 2
Overview
................................. 3
.
Employment
Outlook................ 4
.
At a glance
Introduction
Engineers enjoy abundant employment
opportunities. To help you weigh the myriad options,

this WetFeet Insider Guide offers a broad range of
information about relevant industries and careers. The
material falls into three chapters.
Chapter 1 provides an overview of engineering,
including popular specialties and the employment
outlook for engineers.

Industries
Chapter 2 profiles industries that hire engineering

graduates in specialties ranging from aerospace
to telecommunications. Each profile lists major
industry players.
Chapter 3 discusses major career areas for
engineers, including information technology and
manufacturing.
How We Arrived Here

In this book, career has a specific definition: It refers
to any functional occupation that spans unrelated
industries, including biotech, consulting, and
nonprofits. As our insiders will attest, engineering
careers are generally consistent across industries,
allowing employees to cross over from one vertical
sector to another.
So as you study our examples and apply them to
your job search, ask yourself: Is the kind of work I
hope to find specific to a few industries, or does it
apply to many different ones?
How to Use this Book
Careers
To get the most from this book, find the job seeker
descriptions below that best match your feelings and
follow the recommendations in that section.
Clueless?
If youre confused, dont panic! Simply read all the
profiles and identify those that best suit your interests,
strengths, education, and experience. Avoid focusing

W E T F E E T I N SIDER GUIDE
too narrowly on a single career or industry. But by

the same token, dont hesitate to whittle down your
choices.
Indecision can paralyze you, so we recommend
selecting two or three potential paths to keep the
momentum going. But remember, nothings etched
in stone. Feel free to change paths if the one youre on
isnt working.
Getting There
If you generally know the kind of work youre after
and have the appropriate educational background
and/or experience, your task is easier. You probably fit
one of these two descriptions:
I have an industry in mind, but Im not sure of
what career role to pursue.
If this sounds like you, review the industry profiles
matching your interests, then read the chapter on
careers. As you study the material, think about which
roles are consistent with your strengths, education, and
experience. You may need to do additional research
to learn about the positions that interest youfor
example, by reading WetFeets real people profiles
online (www.wetfeet.com).
Once youve identified several potential positions
to target, use the relevant list of major industry players
to get you thinking about the companies you want to
consider.
Im drawn to a specific career, but Im unclear as
to which industries I should target.
If this describes you, look for the appropriate career
profile in Chapter 3, then read the industry profiles in
Chapter 2. Target several industries.
Continue your research online. Start with Wetfeet.
coms career and industry profiles, which provide
even more information about dozens of careers and
industries. Youll find the real people profiles especially
illuminating. Be sure to check the additional resources
at the end of each profile.
Dont despair if your target career doesnt appear
in the careers chapter. That just means youll be
Overview
As the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics puts it,
Civil Engineering
Civil engineers develop roads and bridges, dams and
irrigation systems, water-treatment processes, erosioncontrol techniques, and public transportation systems.
They also test the structural soundness of buildings,
particularly large ones.
The term civil engineering indicates projects related
to public works. The work itself may involve principles
of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or
other specialized fields. While most civil engineering
jobs are with government agencies, some are with
service firms that contract with governments and
businesses.
Computer Hardware Process

Engineering
Process engineers develop faster, smaller, and more
powerful integrated circuits in a never-ending quest
to make components that will do more in less space.
Unlike a conventional circuit, whose components
are designed separately, an integrated circuit is so
tiny that the entire unit and its connections must
be created at once. Through the use of chemicals
and light-sensitive materials, multiple copies are
etched onto a wafer, or silicon disk. The wafer is then
sliced up, and the individual circuits are packaged
before being inserted into a larger circuit, such as a
computer motherboard.
Aerospace Engineering
Electrical engineering is the biggest engineering field.

It encompasses power systems and transmission,
circuitry and communication, and subspecialties such
as industrial robots, telephone switching systems,
microprocessors, and digital broadcasting. Electrical
engineers might design computer chips, circuit boards
for audio equipment, broadcast systems for TV
stations, and city utility services.
Chemical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronics Design Engineers
Careers
Generally speaking, chemical engineers are experts

in substances and how they react to one another
or to various technical processes. Drawing on their
deep understanding of molecular activity, chemical
engineers design manufacturing processes for products
such as detergents, gasoline, plastics, and synthetics.
Industries
Engineers apply the theories and principles of science

and mathematics to research and develop economical solutions to technical problems. Most specialize
in areas such as civil and mechanical engineering. You
might think of these specialties as families, since many
of them break down into subspecialties. Choosing one
specialty doesnt preclude you from working in another
field; crossing over is common.
Professional societies recognize more than 25
engineering specialties. New ones continue to develop
with advances in science and technology.
The following specialties should give you an idea of
specific job opportunities.
Aerospace engineers develop components for aircraft

and spacecraft, including planes, satellites, and missiles.
They typically work for aircraft manufacturers, satellite
communication companies, and defense contractors.
Introduction
considering a smaller set of potential industries. Our

industry profiles will help guide you to those sectors.
Although thorough, the profiles arent exhaustive.
If your target career isnt in an industry profile,
judge whether its likely to be a prevalent role in that
industry. If youre unsure, check the careers section of
the largest industry players websites to see whether
those organizations offer positions comparable to what
youre seeking.
Good luck!
Electronics design engineers create the circuits at

the heart of all electronics hardware. Circuits may
be traditional or integrated, analog or digital. One
WETFEET INSIDER GUIDE
Introduction
electronics design subspecialty is radio frequency

(RF) engineering, which involves circuitry used for
transmitting and receiving radio signals.
Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineers work to improve efficiency,
safety, and product quality in factories. Commonly
charged with coordinating the efforts of mechanical
and electrical engineers, they frequently rise to
management positions, particularly in manufacturing
industries.
Materials Engineering
Materials engineers adapt ceramics, glass, metals,
polymers, and resins to various business and
manufacturing needs. For instance, a materials
engineer might develop a stronger metal for highway
barriers, or a shatter-resistant glass for beer bottles.
Industries
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers create and improve engines,
energy systems, pipelines, robots, and other
equipment. Some develop machines that make it easier
to harvest crops or produce semiconductors. Others
find new ways to design cars. In all instances, the idea
is to boost safety and efficiency.
Careers
Quality Assurance and Test

Engineers
Quality assurance engineers ensure that a companys
manufacturing facilities operate smoothly. They
routinely design methods to monitor production
lines, working closely with other engineers when
products arent being manufactured to specification.
QA engineers also study new products to determine
acceptable specifications.
Test engineers, like QA engineers, set up equipment
to check whether products are being manufactured
correctly. When a product is faulty, either on the
production floor or after its been returned by a
customer, they look into the source of the problem,
often uncovering fundamental flaws in production
techniques. Test engineers also create prototypes

to ensure that a finished product will meet design

engineers specifications.
Software, Web, and IT

Engineering
Software engineers create programs for computer
platforms such as Windows, Macintosh, and
Unix. Web engineers are essentially programmers
who develop applications specifically for the Web.
Information technology specialists build and maintain
networks, typically for companies and government
agencies. IT engineers safeguard the reliability and
security of both LANs (local area networks within
offices) and WANs (wide area networks between
remote locations).
Employment
Outlook
The future looks bright for engineering grads,

according to the National Association of Colleges
and Employers 2006 Job Outlook Report. Electrical,
chemical, and computer engineering made NACEs
list of the ten most marketable bachelors degrees, with
mechanical engineering taking the top spot.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects engineering
opportunities in general to keep pace with overall U.S.
job growth through 2014. However, prospects will
vary widely by specialty:

Computer software, biomedical, and

environmental engineering opportunities are
projected to grow much faster than U.S. jobs
overall.
Opportunities in agricultural, chemical, civil,

computer hardware, electrical, electronics, health
and safety, industrial, materials, and mechanical
engineering are expected to grow somewhat faster
than U.S. jobs overall.
Opportunities in aerospace, marine, and nuclear

engineering are expected to grow slower than U.S.
jobs overall.
Petroleum and geological engineering

opportunities in the U.S. are expected to decline.
Introduction
Even specialties with relatively low growth rates

should present ample opportunities, especially as baby
boomers retire. And just because demand for particular
engineers is waning in the U.S. doesnt mean it isnt
growing abroad.
Industries
Careers
Industries
Aerospace
and Defense............... 8
.
Biotech
and Pharmaceuticals. .... 11
.
Computer
Hardware................ 16
.
Computer
Software. ................ 19
.
Consulting
. ........................... 22
.
Energy
and Utilities................. 26
.
Investment
Banking................. 30
.
Nonprofits
and Government...... 33
.
Telecommunications................ 37
Industries
Introduction
Aerospace
and Defense
enjoying production gains as well. But nobody has

the military beat when it comes to spending on new
aircraft and aerospace equipment.
Industry Overview
Fighting terrorism remains the top U.S. defense

priority. This means less demand for traditional
weapons like tanks and more for new systems that can
help locate and eliminate terrorists before they strike.
In coming years, some of the most dramatic
growth in the defense sector will come from
makers of defense-related products in the IT and
communications sectors. Particularly on the rise are
innovations to assist soldiers on the front lines and
in the field. This growing high-tech trend is giving
midsize companies a larger slice of the defensespending pie.
Aerospace and defense manufacturers develop aircraft

and spacecraft for the commercial sector, as well as
military aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, tanks, and other
products for the armed forces of the U.S. and various
foreign countries.
The commercial side of the industry has been
sluggish in the past decade. In the wake of 9/11, top
commercial manufacturers lost billions of dollars
and were forced to lay off tens of thousands as orders
plummeted.
Today, nearly half the industrys revenue comes
from military orders. Lockheed Martin, for one,
relies even more heavily on the Pentagon, deriving 85
percent of its revenue from U.S. defense contracts.
Additionally, aerospace firms have large contracts with
NASAfor example, Lockheed and Boeing have
inked deals with the space agency that account for 3 to
4 percent of their annual revenue.
Aerospace projects typically involve high
complexity and low output. The processes arent
overly standardized, and creating products requires
substantial engineering.
Projects for the military and NASA often involve
cutting-edge technologies that are years ahead of whats
currently available to the general public. As an insider
puts it, Defense is R&D for the rest of the economy.
Trends
Careers
Soaring Defense Spending

U.S. defense spending has soared under the Bush
administration. That might not bode well for the
deficit, but it does have advantages if youre looking
for a career in aerospace and defense. The 2008
federal budget allocates more than $500 billion to
the Department of Defense, plus $200 billion in
supplemental spending for the military conflict in Iraq.
The commercial side of the industry is slowly

High-Tech Defense
Competition from Abroad

In the U.S, theres only one major aircraft
manufacturer: Boeing. In 1997, the company
swallowed its sole domestic rival, McDonnell Douglas.
Boeings only rival now is Europes Airbus, which
has been steadily gaining market share. Over the past
few years, the companies have traded places as the
worlds leading aircraft manufacturer. Boeing regained
the top spot in 2007 with respect to commercial
aircraft orders, thanks partly to its fuel-efficient
787 Dreamliner, crafted largely from lightweight
composites. Meanwhile, Airbuss long-range, doubledecker A380, which was supposed to be a blockbuster,
met with lukewarm response and suffered production
problems. In response, Airbus shook up its senior
management. More recently, Airbus has rebounded,
winning orders for its own fuel-efficient plane.
How It Breaks Down

Commercial Aircraft and General Aviation
This market segment produces planes and helicopters,
as well as components for both. In addition to big
daddies Boeing and Airbus, players include corporate
jet manufacturers such as General Dynamics
Gulfstream unit, Canadas Learjet maker Bombardier,
Brazils Embraer, Textrons Cessna subsidiary, and

Raytheon.
Military Aircraft
Missiles and Space
Ground Defense
This segment comprises manufacturers of military
tanks and transport vehicles. Perhaps its most
important member is General Dynamics subsidiary
Land Systems, maker of the M1A1/M1A2 Abrams
tankthe U.S. militarys only battle tankand other
armored vehicles. Additional players include BAE
Systems Land and Armaments, maker of the Bradley
infantry fighting vehicle and artillery equipment; and
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, maker of the Leopard main
battle tank.
Satellites, Electronics, and Communications
Key Jobs
The jobs in aerospace and defense are nearly
countless, and the good news is that engineers
will fill most of them. The following job titles and
descriptions constitute only a general guide to industry
opportunities.
Design Engineer
This position refers to those who design, develop, test,
and implement everything from the smallest parts of
ships or aircraft to the ships or aircraft themselves.
Filling this role are aerospace engineers, who design
planes, rockets, and components such as landing gear,
wing flaps, doors, and engines; electrical engineers,
who design electrical systems for planes, ships, and
other industry products; and materials engineers, who
design the materials needed to build the products. The
work requires extensive computer modeling and tends
to focus on small portions of a projectfor example,
the locking systems of a 747 planes emergency doors.
Salary range: $48,000 to $91,000
Careers
Commercial demand is sure to grow in this segment

as countries become more technologically intertwined.
Individuals and companies increasingly depend on
satellite technologies for communications, globalpositioning systems, and weather forecasts. Other
technologies in this segment include avionics, or
electronics used in planes and helicopters; information
The role of this market segment is to build and

maintain seagoing vessels such as aircraft carriers,
destroyers, and submarines. The worlds largest naval
shipbuilder is Northrop Grumman, which owns
Newport News Shipbuilding, the sole maker of U.S.
nuclear aircraft carriers. Not far behind is General
Dynamics, which builds nuclear and ballistic-missile
submarines, the Aegis guided-missile destroyer, and the
LPD-17 amphibious assault ship. Other competitors
include French giant Thales and London-based BAE
Systems, the largest foreign player in the U.S. defensecontract game.
Industries
The big players here depend on U.S. and foreign

government spending for the bulk of their revenue.
Powerhouses in this segment include Raytheon, which
produces the Hawk, Patriot, and Tomahawk missiles;
Lockheed Martin, maker of the Trident II missile
and provider of management services for NASA
operations; and Boeing, the primary contractor for the
NASA Space Shuttle and International Space Station
programs. Frances Arianespace leads in the production
of satellite-launching systems, which enjoy growing
demand.
Shipbuilding
Introduction
This segment manufactures our militarys birds of prey,

including Boeings F-15 Eagle jet fighter, Lockheed
Martins F-16 Fighting Falcon, and Northrop
Grummans B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. Also included
here are makers of transport planes and helicopters.
systems, such as mission control in Houston and

aircraft modeling at Boeing; missile-guidance systems;
and infrared, radar, and sonar. Northrop Grumman,
Honeywell Aerospace, and Raytheon are among the
big players.
Introduction

Avionics Engineer
Technical Support Specialist
People in this role design aircraft navigation systems.

Like their industry counterparts, avionics engineers do
a lot of computer-aided design and start off working
on small sections of entire systems. The job requires an
avionics or electrical engineering degree.
Salary range: $50,000 to $105,000
This job involves testing and follow-up maintenance

of aerospace and defense products. Tech support
specialists travel more than most of their industry
colleagues because they must visit client sites. They
usually have engineering or other technical degrees.
Controls Engineer
Instructor
As aircraft become increasingly computer-controlled,

this becomes an even hotter job in aerospace and
defense. Controls engineering involves the design
of systems that interpret pilots commands to the
plane. Again, a lot of computer modeling is involved
here. The position requires an aerospace or electrical
engineering degree.
Instructors train customers in the use of aerospace and

defense products. To become one, youll probably need
a college degree, an instructors certificate, and a pilots
license or other proof of expertise concerning the
product in question.
Industries
Environmental Engineer
This has become a popular field in recent years as
companies struggle to clean up environmental hazards
and comply with ever-changing environmental
regulations. Environmental engineers design
everything from noise-abatement systems (like
those walls around the local airport) to facilities that
dispose of industrial waste. A degree in environmental
engineering is required.
Software Engineer
People in this role write and test navigational software
for missiles, planes, satellites, and sea vessels. To do
this work, youll probably need a bachelors degree in
electrical engineering or computer science.
Careers
Manufacturing Engineer
Typically mechanical engineers, people in this role
design the tools and processes needed to manufacture
aerospace products. The job calls for managerial as well
as technical skills.
10
Job Prospects
Things are picking up in the aerospace and defense
industry. The commercial aircraft sector is finally
showing signs of growth, and military spending
continues to rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics
expects aerospace jobs to grow 8 percent by 2014
not bad, but slower than average.
More efficient design and production techniques
may slow that projected job growth. Nevertheless,
there should be a fair number of aerospace engineering
positions in coming years as aging workers retire.
Another bright spot: Because of declining enrollment
in undergraduate and graduate aerospace programs,
there are more jobs on the market than newcomers to
fill them.
Additional Resources
Aerotech News and Review (www.aerotechnews.com)
Aeroindustryjobs (www.aeroindustryjobs.com)
Aerospace Industries Association (www.aia-aerospace.
org)
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
(www.aiaa.org)
Government Executive (www.govexec.com)
Top Ten Aerospace and Defense

Players, by 2006 Revenue
Revenue
($M)
1-Yr. Change
Employees
(%)
Boeing
61,530
12.2
154,000
EADS (2)
52,025*
28.4
116,805
Lockheed Martin
39,620
6.5
140,000
Northrop
Grumman
30,148
1.9
122,200
Airbus (1, 2)
26,410
3.2
55,000
Raytheon
20,291
7.3
80,000
General Dynamics 24,063
13.3
81,000
BAE Systems (1, 2)
19,148
22.4
74,000
NASA (3)
15,470
0.1*
18,693*
GE Aircraft
Engines
(Rolls-Royce)
14,013
8.4
37,300
(1)
2005 figures
Foreign company; figures reflect worldwide sales and employment
(3)
2004 figures
Sources: Hoovers; WetFeet analysis
Biotech and
Pharma
Industry Overview
Trends
Bio Boom
Several specialties in the biotech arena are receiving
lots of attention, not to mention funding. Proteomics,
11
Careers
Pharmaceutical (pharma) companies produce

and market drugs, from familiar over-the-counter
compounds like aspirin to exotic prescriptions
that inhibit, activate, or otherwise affect individual
molecules in specific medical conditions. They also
produce livestock feed supplements, vitamins, and a
host of other products.
The pharmaceutical drug discovery and
development industry has grown to become one of
the worlds most profitable. During the past 30 years,
the industry has blossomed, with billions of dollars
Industries
(2)
Introduction
Company
spent on research in biochemistry, molecular biology,

cell biology, immunology, genetics, and information
technologyand billions of dollars in profits earned
by drug companies. Indeed, the pharmaceutical
industry sold some $643 billion in drugs in 2006.
Biotechnology is a relatively new kid on the
block. Simply put, biotechnology seeks to duplicate
or change the function of a living cell so it will work
in a more predictable and controllable way. The
biotechnology industry uses advances in genetics
research to develop products for human diseases and
conditions. Several biotech companies also use genetic
technology to other ends, such as the manipulation of
agricultural crops.
Biotech opportunities largely mirror those in the
pharmaceutical industry. The key difference is that
biotech firms are much more focused on research
because theyre still developing their initial products.
Biotech firms tend to expand their marketing and sales
forces when a product nears FDA approval. And its
become common for small companies to seek alliances
with larger firms that already have the requisite
infrastructure in place for these functions.
Biotech and pharma have performed exceedingly
well relative to other industries in recent years. Despite
problems at some companies, the future looks bright
overall. Among the most pressing industry issues are
the ethical questions surrounding genomics and the
pricing and patent practices of so-called big pharma,
the pharmaceutical giants.
Still, demand for drugs is growing, fueled by
an aging population and burgeoning international
markets. Whether you work for big pharma or small
biotech, you mustnt get too attached to the status
quo. These days, the business environment can change
overnight. As one insider says, Even in big pharma, if
theres a merger or spin-off, you can easily find yourself
without a job.
Industries
Introduction

the study of proteins, is thought by many to be the
future of biotech. Companies such as Compugen,
Large Scale Biology, and Takeda are leading the way
in the daunting process of mapping the sequences of
amino acids that encode human proteins. They hope
to find links to diseases. Another innovation is the use
of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), proteins that attack
foreign substances known as antigens. Genentech is
a leader in this technology, with its non-Hodgkins
lymphoma treatment Rituxan.
Another hot ticket is the area of biodefense. Many
biotech companies are looking for ways to detect and
stop biotech weapons such as anthrax and smallpox, as
well as pandemics such as SARS. Theyre working hard
to develop antidotes, immunizations, and treatments.
A sector that may be reaping the most benefit from
all this research is bioinformatics, which deals with
the storage, sequencing, analysis, and management of
scientific data. Sales in this market continue to climb,
hovering at around $2 billion in 2007.
Theres no doubt about it: Engineers who enter
the biotech field will be participating in some of the
worlds most cutting-edge scientific research.
The Aging Population

The growing number of elderly has shifted the R&D
focus of the pharmaceutical industry dramatically.
By 2025, the over-65 demographic will swell to 690
million people. This age group, whose members
consume three times as many drugs as younger
populations, is creating significant demand for lowercost prescriptions in the face of skyrocketing costs. The
industry faces additional challenges from the Medicare
prescription-drug benefitPart D, rolled out in
January 2006which was designed to control costs
for plan beneficiaries.
Careers
Big Pharmas Frustrations

More and more people are taking more and more
drugs. Unhappy with prices that can run upward of
$175 per month for a single prescription, many U.S.
patients are turning to Canada and other countries,
which sell comparable drugs for less. But such imports
12
are illegal in the U.S.and, according to the Food and

Drug Administration, unsafe.
The pharma companies hate this trend because
their profits suffer if people can buy cheaper drugs
elsewhere. To fight it, Pfizer, for one, has shut off
supplies to Canadian drug retailers that continue to
export prescription drugs to the U.S. Meanwhile, a
number of states have gone after big pharma on behalf
of their citizens.
Drug sales will grow 8 to 8.4 percent annually
through 2015, according to the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services. A 2007 study by
PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts that the global
pharmaceutical market will double to $1.3 trillion by
2020. Great news for big pharma, right?
Surprisingly, these numbers wont benefit the major
players much. The reason? Patients overwhelmingly
will be switching to generic drugs to save as much as
80 percent off the cost of brand-name medications.
During the next five years, $100 billion worth of drug
patents will expire.
Still More Ethical and Legal Concerns

The biotech industry gets inundated with wave
after wave of bad press. Environmental proponents
have gathered evidence to support their claims that
biotechnologically produced foods are unsafe, and
their protests are growing louder.
Meanwhile, drug companies have come under fire
for some of their clinical trial practices. Many drug
companies test their products in poor countries, where
its easier and cheaper to recruit trial participants. The
big question critics have is, what happens when the
tests are over and the products are deemed safe for
mass consumption? Should drugmakers be allowed to
cut off the supply? For big pharma, marketing drugs in
nations where few can afford them is a money-losing
proposition
How It Breaks Down

Pharmaceuticals
The U.S. is where most of big pharmas multinational
giants are headquartered, although several are based
Biotech
Key Jobs
A note about salaries: At large pharmaceutical
companies, people in management positions earn
significant bonuses in cash and stock options. At
many biotech companies, all employees receive stock
options, which can be lucrative if the business does
well. These bonuses arent reflected in the salary ranges
below.
Lab Tech
Lab techs perform routine tasks such as cleaning and
maintaining glassware, working with animal colonies,
and operating lab equipment. Often, a high school
diploma is all it takes to land such a position, but
many people with college degrees start here as well.
13
Careers
Culturally, biotech companies

usually have growing pains as
they move from R&D to commercialization. But theyre
likely to remain much leaner
and flatter than big-pharma
enterprises.
Industries
For all the success of giants like Amgen and

Genentech, most biotech shops are still small enough
for people to know everyone elses name. Few are
generating revenue, let alone profit.
But a growing number of companies are joining
the elite group of biotech businesses that have
FDA-approved drugs on the market. Once a biotech
company has a product coming to market, its jobs
expand from the primarily science-focused to include

engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and sales.
Although significantly smaller than pharma,
biotech is a vibrant industry. Roughly 200,000
employees work for some 1,500 U.S. biotech
companies, more than 300 of which are publicly held.
According to Ernst & Youngs 21st annual report
on the biotech sector, revenue for public companies
increased to more than $70 billion worldwide in 2006,
up more than $7 billion from the previous year. Net
income losses fell 37 percent in Europe and 44 percent
in Canada. Net losses likely would have fallen in the
U.S. as well had it not been for one-time transactional
charges in a record year of deal making, with alliances
involving U.S. biotech companies increasing to $23
billion.
Biotech companies tend to be located in
geographical clusters, often near prominent research
universities. The largest concentration of biotech
companies is in California (mainly in and around
San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area), followed
closely by Massachusetts. Youll also find pockets in
such far-flung regions as Washington, D.C.; RaleighDurham, North Carolina; and Boulder, Colorado.
And biotech is increasingly international, with more
companies opening in Europe and Asia.
Introduction
in France, Germany, and Switzerland. Those in the

U.S. lie east of the Mississippi, with the greatest
concentration in New Jersey.
Big-pharma companies come in two styles:
diversified and nondiversified. Diversified companies,
which include Abbott Laboratories, Johnson
& Johnson, and Wyeth, maintain other health
carerelated businesses, such as consumer health
product divisions and medical-device companies.
Nondiversified enterprises, including Eli Lilly and
Merck, focus solely on the development and sale of
drugs.
Since the turn of the century, some diversified
companies have chosen to divest their nonpharma
concerns in favor of the leaner and more profitable
drug business. Bristol-Myers Squibb, for instance, sold
Clairol, the leading U.S. hair-products company, to
Procter & Gamble in 2001.
Introduction

Research Associate
Associates work at the bench, conducting experiments

under the guidance of PhD scientists. If you have lab
experience and like R&D, this is the job for you. A
BS or MS in some form of chemistry or biology is
required.
Manufacturing engineers are responsible for

developing, implementing, and maintaining
methods, operation sequences, and processes in drug
manufacturing. They estimate manufacturing costs,
determine time standards, and recommend process
requirements for new or existing product lines. In
addition, they may maintain records and reporting
systems to coordinate manufacturing operations.
Manufacturing engineers usually hold a BS in
electrical, manufacturing, or mechanical engineering.
Research Scientist
After receiving a PhD and completing a postdoc,
a scientist can get a job as a research scientist
(sometimes, the initial title is associate scientist).
The position involves designing and conducting
experiments, as well as publishing results when
appropriate.
Salary range: $68,000 to $112,000
Careers
Industries
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers are the bridge between hard
science and manufacturing. They design, operate,
and oversee the production of chemical products.
Experts in both chemistry and engineering, they
translate processes that were developed in the lab into
practical manufacturing applications. A BS in chemical
engineering is usually required to enter the field.
Companies place a strong emphasis on course work in
computers, math, and physics.
Biotech R&D will continue to

grow as companies seek young
minds who can lead the way
in combating diseases through
gene therapies.
14
Process Engineer
Process engineers work with chemical and
manufacturing engineers during the development
process to make sure that a given drug can be
manufactured effectively from both a technical
and financial standpoint. The job involves a good
deal of paperwork and administration, since
process engineering requires coordination and
communication. To qualify for the position, applicants
usually need a BS or MS in electrical or mechanical
engineering.
Programmer/Analyst
This position covers many different jobs. But basically,
programmers/analysts are computer people. Theres no
getting around complex database work, particularly for
clinical trials, which can involve thousands of patients
(sometimes in several countries) with elaborate medical
histories and completely different responses to each of
the drugs and placebos tested. And the computational
demands of post-genomic research are enormous,
creating demand for job seekers who have backgrounds
combining science with computers.
Salary range: $47,000 to $101,000
Job Prospects
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
employment in biotech and pharma will increase 24
percent by 2014, making it one of the fastest-growing
Key Biotech Companies
Key Pharmaceutical Companies
2006 Revenue
($M)
1-Yr.
Change
(%)
Employees
Amgen
14,268
14.8
20,100
Genentech
9,284
40.0
10,533
Genzyme
3,187
16.5
9,000
Gilead Sciences
3,026
49.2
2,515
Biogen Idec
2,683
10.8
3,750
2,586
5.2
4,826
Applera (2)
1,949
7.0
5,090
MedImmune
1,277
2.6
2,538
Invitrogen
1,264
5.4
4,835
Merck Serono
(1, 3)
1-Yr.
2006 Revenue
Change
($M)
(%)
Employees
Johnson &
Johnson (1)
53,324
5.6
122,000
Pfizer
48,371
5.7
98,000
GlaxoSmithKline (2) 45,479
7.2
101,802
Sanofi-Aventis (2)
38,934
15.3
100,289
Novartis (2)
36,749
13.0
100,735
Roche (1, 2)
34,465
27.7
74,372
AstraZeneca (2)
26,475
10.6
66,000
Merck
22,636
2.8
60,000
Abbott
Laboratories
22,476
0.6
66,663
Bristol-Myers
Squibb
17,914
6.7
43,000
(1)
Highly diversified company; figures include departments that operate in

other industries
(2)
15
Careers
(1) Foreign company; figures reflect worldwide sales and employment

(2) 2007 figures
(3) 2005 figures
Sources: Hoovers; company annual reports; WetFeet analysis
Company
Industries
Company
BioSpace (www.biospace.com)
Biotechnology Industry Organization (www.bio.org)
BioSpace (www.biospace.com)
MedZilla (www.medzilla.com)
Pharmaceutical Online
(www.pharmaceuticalonline.com)
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of
America (www.phrma.org)
PharmaLive (www.medadnews.com)
Introduction
manufacturing sectors. As long as people keep getting

sick, the industry will continue developing drugs and
treatments.
In demand are people with scientific backgrounds,
particularly those with the rare combination of science
and computer skills required for the mushrooming
field of bioinformatics. Theres also a need for those
who combine scientific training with managerial
ability.
Those entering this field enjoy the satisfaction of
knowing theyre developing treatments that could
make a radical difference in the lives of thousands,
even millions, of people.
Careers
Industries
Introduction
Computer
Hardware
companies bottom lines, and China, India, Japan,

and other Asian countries are hotbeds of hardware
manufacturing and design.
Industry Overview
Smaller and Smaller
Computer hardware means computers with their

central processing units (CPUs), memory, and
storagein other words, the machines that run an
operating system and application softwareand their
attached peripherals (keyboards, mice, printers, and
so on). Also included in our definition are the servers,
electronic security, and storage devices of corporate
data centers.
Computer hardware and software are useless
without each other. Working together, however, they
store, modify, and exchange data in words, pictures,
and numberseverything from correspondence to
news photos; drawings of jet aircraft to shipping
manifests; news releases to financial reports; census
statistics to stock quotes; maps to email.
The competition among computer hardware
companies is particularly intense. In the traditional PC
market, hardware makers face downward price pressure
and narrowing profit margins. Meanwhile, the race is
on to develop innovative products, such as tablet PCs
and ultraminimal desktops. If a company falters, it
instantly becomes a takeover target. No doubt about
it: Computer hardware is a cutthroat business.
Despite its worldwide reach, the hardware industry
has definite geographic concentrations. High-tech
companies tend to be located near major colleges
and universities; many owe their very existence
to research at those learning institutions. Silicon
Valley isnt far from San Jose State, the University of
California at Berkeley, and Stanford University. Route
128 is close to the educational mecca of Cambridge,
Massachusetts. Research Triangle in North Carolina
and the area around Austin, Texas, are two more good
examples.
Most major computer hardware corporations reach
across national borders. International sales normally
account for a large percentage of most hardware
16
Trends
As advancing technology makes it cost-effective to
produce more complex chips in increasingly compact
sizes, computer hardware makers can bring smaller
and smaller devices to market. Think flat computer
display screens. Think ever-thinner, ever-lighter laptop
computers. And so on.
New Gaming Platforms

Gaming hardware companies are constantly looking
to improve their gaming consoles. The latest consoles
feature high-def graphics, speedy performance, and
enhanced audio. At the time of its launch, Microsofts
Xbox 360, which came out in late 2005, was the most
advanced console on the market. However, Sonys
PlayStation 3 console, which was released in 2006,
is technically more advancednot to mention more
costly. Nintendos Wii console, also released in 2006,
is less powerful than the Sony and Microsoft console
offerings. But its garnered its share of marketplace
buzz because of its motion-sensitive controller.
Convergence
Is it a DVD player? A stereo system? A photo
scrapbook? A film-editing station? A telephone? No,
its todays PC or laptop.
These days, personal computers are able to do more
and more. This means plenty of work for computer
hardware professionals, as they make products with
new, more varied capabilities. On the other hand,
it also means new sources of competition, such as
telecom companies producing newfangled cell phones
that let users watch videos and surf the Internet, and
consumer electronics companies producing personal
entertainment systems.
PCs (Desktops and Laptops)
In the hardware world as elsewhere in business, an

increasing number of manufacturers are outsourcing
work overseas. Some companies are doing only
top-level design in the U.S., leaving production and
more basic design tasks to cheaper labor in China, the
Philippines, and other foreign countries. This means
that product managers and project heads may have to
travel a lot more than in previous generations; it also
means that many North American jobs are being lost.
Increasingly, the task of U.S. computer companies is to
be expert in marketing and distribution while simply
outsourcing manufacturing and portions of the design
work.
The PC market is perhaps the most visible segment

of the high-tech hardware market, with computers
becoming ubiquitous at work, home, labs, and school.
Many of the desktop and portable computers made
by the established playerssuch as Apple, Dell, and
Hewlett-Packardare powerful enough to replace
high-end specialized workstations and may be used for
3D rendering, molecular modeling, computer-aided
design (CAD), and video editing. Portable computers
represent a growing share of the PC market.
Consolidation
Linux
This cheap, open-source operating system software
(Linux code is available for free on the Web) has moved
into the mainstream. Wishing to lower costs, business
users of many stripes are looking to Linux as an
alternative to more expensive operating systems such as
Windows and Unix. At the same time, Intel has begun
to optimize its chips for Linux in addition to Windows.
This means the PC and server products containing
those chipsfrom hardware manufacturers such as
Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and IBMcan handle Linux.
How It Breaks Down
A peripheral is usually understood to mean an external

product added to a computer, such as a new mouse,
speaker set, or flash drive (think manufacturers like
Kensington, KeyTronic, and Logitech). The term
extends to monitors, scanners, and printers. However,
a peripheral can also be something added into a
computer, such as a higher-performing video or sound
card.
Servers
There are many types of serversthose boxes that,
among other things, hold the Internet together. In
addition to Web servers, which relay all the HTML
and image files that end up on your screen, there
are LAN and WAN servers, file servers, mail servers,
database servers, and more. Whenever two computers
(termed clients in this context) connect over a network,
a server is involved.
Key Jobs
Junior Engineer
Those in this entry-level role are the foot soldiers of
engineering. As a junior engineer, youre not so much
coming up with ideas as implementing solutions
developed by your superiors. Still, the job is an
important first rung to a more specialized, higherpaying engineering position. Duties may include
software programming, which involves writing the
code built into the hardware system.
17
Careers
For job seekers, one way to segment the industry is by

the type of computer hardware the company produces.
Other differentiating factors include industry
and application focus and sales-and-distribution
methodology: mail order, Internet, or retail.
Peripherals
Industries
Industry consolidation makes sense as computers

become familiar products that require fewer different
design and manufacturing approaches. The idea is to
let a few giant companies manufacture more units at
lower cost while sharing marketing and distribution
expenses across a larger organization.
Introduction
Outsourcing
Introduction
Engineer
The middle ground between junior engineer and
system architect, this position encompasses 95 percent
of the engineering workforce.
Systems Engineer
This position typically is filled by an engineer who
combines technical expertise with strong people skills. A
systems engineer, who must know the technology inside
out, assists the sales staff in managing the relationship
with the potential buyer. An SE may be paired with an
individual salesperson or with an entire sales team.
Salary range: $75,000 to $105,000
Industries

The technical support staff fields the never-ending
barrage of questions from businesses or consumers
who recently purchased a product. With computer
companies trying to use top-flight customer service
to separate themselves from the pack, tech support
positions are becoming increasingly important.
Although a technical background helps in this role, its
not a prerequisite. Patience and the ability to soothe
the confused and frustrated matter far more.
Technical Writer
A technical writer is responsible for translating
technical concepts into readable prose for user manuals
and other types of documentation. Technical writers
need the ability to explain a complicated subject in
clear, concise language that all readers will understand.
This is a good choice for you if youre a stickler for
details who possesses excellent organizational skills.
Careers
Job Prospects
Although this isnt the most robust economic sector
at the moment, it still presents a fair number of
opportunities for engineers, especially those with
technical expertise and a computer science or
computer engineering degree.
18
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that

the U.S. job creation in this sector will lag behind
overall job growth through 2014. You can thank the
increasing automation of manufacturing processes,
as well as the migration of production jobs overseas.
Still, this is a large industry, and there will always be
business and tech jobs available for people at the top of
their game.
Association for Computing Machinery (www.acm.org)
Computer & Communications Industry Association
(www.ccianet.org)
Information Technology Association of America
(www.itaa.org)
Virtual Institute of Information (www.vii.org)
Key Computer Hardware Manufacturers

Company
2006 Revenue
($M)
1-Yr.
Change
(%)
Employees
Hewlett-Packard (1)
91,658
5.7
156,000
IBM (1)
91,424
0.3
355,766
87,107
8.3
306,876
Sony (1, 2, 3)
70,513
11.0
158,500 (4)
Dell
55,908
13.6
66,100
Toshiba (1, 3)
53,945
0.6
172,000
Fujitsu
40,746
8.0
158,491
39,266
5.1
154,786
34,917
9.4
118,499
28,484
14.9
49,926
Hitachi
(1, 2, 3)
(1, 3)
NEC (4)
Canon
(1, 3)
Cisco Systems
Highly diversified company; figures include departments that

operate in other industries
(2)
2007 fiscal year
(3)
(4)
2005 figures
(1)
Industry Overview
Trends
Multiplying Platforms
Software as Service
Traditionally, software has been sold in a box or
downloaded for installation on a particular computer.
Today, software is increasingly sold as a service: The
software is hosted on the vendors server and provided
to users who access it over the Internet for a periodic
subscription fee. Software companies of all kinds,
even those that make word processing and spreadsheet
programs, are experimenting with this model. One of
its advantages is that improvements can be made to
existing software programs on an ongoing basis; if theres
a bug, the vendor can fix it immediately instead of
making users wait for the next official product upgrade.
Open Source
Linux system software is finally making a splash in the
business world. Its the centerpiece of the open-source
movement, which champions free software for all and
encourages developer contributions. An increasing
number of companies, including Credit Suisse and
Merrill Lynch, are adopting Linux to avoid the cost
of software licenses and upgrades. Whats more, many
organizations and even countries feel that Linux
adoption is a way to curb Microsofts monopolistic
power. Computer makers such as Dell and HewlettPackard have responded by shipping PCs and servers
loaded with Linux. And big business-software
providers such as BEA Systems, SAP, and Veritas have
made products that run on Linux.
19
Careers
Each year brings new devices that need software to tell

them how to operate. Such products include global
positioning systems, cell phones, personal digital
assistants, and so-called smart household appliances.
Wireless networking technologies add to the
demand. The result? Plenty of work for good software
developers.
Dampening the job outlook is the trend among

software developers to outsource work to cheaper labor
overseas. For instance, India has a large population
of educated, tech-savvy folks willing to work for a
fraction of what passes for an acceptable salary in the
U.S. Other outsourcing hotspots exist in Russia and
the Asia-Pacific region. In general, most exported tech
jobs have been at the lower levels; however, theres a
trend toward sending more skilled tech jobs overseas.
Still, at least for the time being, if youre good at what
you do, the explosion in software development should
create plenty of job opportunities for you in the U.S.
Industries
Although only a few decades old, the computer

software industry has a storied past. Weve all heard
the tales of iconoclastic young entrepreneurs who
started companies in their garages and went on to
become some of worlds richest and most powerful
businesspeople. Indeed, the names of Bill Gates and
Steve Jobs are better known in many circles than those
of the latest pop music stars.
Today, programmings adventurous and maverick past
is still alive. Throughout Silicon Valley, as well as in other
tech hotspots like Boston and Austin, visionary software
developers are trying to create the next killer app.
Computer software products accomplish discrete
tasks and are sold as complete packages. Categories
include operating systems such as Windows and
Linux, applications like word processors and Web
browsers, and utilities such as antivirus programs and
pop-up blockers.
Most software purchases are made by businesses
seeking better tools to run operations, keep records,
and monitor cash flow. Its not always the quality of
the code that determines the most successful software,
but how well that software meets a business need.
Probably the quickest way to talk yourself out of a job
in this segment is to make the technology seem more
important than the end user.
Shipping Jobs Overseas
Introduction
Computer
Software
Introduction
Gaming
Americans now spend more money on video games
than movie theater tickets. Business is booming for
video game giant Electronic Arts, which cracked the
$3 billion revenue threshold in 2005. Lots of other
players in this space are making a pretty penny as well.
Meanwhile, sales of professional animation software,
which can cost thousands of dollars, continue to
climb. And burgeoning demand for gaming software
on cell phones and other non-computer platforms has
given a further boost to this sector. Creative types who
want to apply their talents to making games can find
plenty of opportunities with companies that design
entertainment software.
Industries
Education
Educational software includes products that can help
your kids read, teach you a foreign language, and
stimulate logical thinking. This category also offers
childrens educational games, the as-yet slow-to-catchon electronic book industry, teaching resources, and
music instruction. Disney, Microsoft, and Scholastic
are among the key players.
Gaming
The computer software market is most commonly

segmented according to the type of work a product
does. Several of the major market segments are listed
below, along with the names of a few companies that
are active in each.
A highly competitive and extremely broad market

segment, this includes role-playing games, driving and
flight simulation, sports, strategy games such as chess,
and childrens games. Several key players are Activision,
Electronic Arts, Take-Two, and THQ.
Many small, thriving studios use the bigger players for
distribution and marketing. Moreover, big-name individual
designers work for game companies on a project basis.
System Software
Key Jobs
Although Microsoft Windows is by far the dominant

example in this category, its not the only one. Apples
Mac OS X is still alive and well, while Linux is gaining
a reputation as a reliable alternative in business
settings. Red Hat has actually made a business out
of packaging and providing support for a version of
Linux, which itself is available free on the Internet.
Software Engineer
How It Breaks Down
Productivity
Productivity software includes word processing,
spreadsheets, presentations, database management,
graphic design, and other applications that help people
do their jobs. Key players are Adobe (Photoshop,
Illustrator, InDesign), Microsoft (Word, PowerPoint,
Excel), and Autodesk (CAD applications).
Careers
also refers to niche software packages sold by smaller,

specialized players.
Enterprise
This term denotes the large, expensive software
packages sold by the likes of IBM, Oracle, and SAP to
keep corporate users global operations humming. It
20
Software engineers are programmers who write the

code that makes the software products run. Tasks
include implementing and debugging the software.
Senior software engineers do some of these same
things but also make higher-level design decisions. To
obtain a position, applicants typically need a computer
science degree or equivalent programming experience.
Salary range: $45,000 to $105,000
Product Specialist
As a product specialist, you master a specific area within
the software development process and attend to relevant
projects. For instance, you might take on the area of
customer service and help develop customer service
procedures for titles published by your company. This
is a common starting point for recent college grads who
want to break into the software world.
User Interface (or Experience) Designer/

Content Engineer
Technical Writer
If you have a strong writing background and an
aptitude for technology, this could be the job for you.
Computer science majors with a flair for writing might
also take a look at this position. Technical writers
produce materials that support the software products,
such as product documentation and marketing white
papers.
Software Architect or Designer
Industries
Tech support people staff the phones and answer

questions from consumers who recently purchased the
product. If you dont have a tech background, this is a
great way to break into the industry, and recent college
grads from various backgrounds (and with excellent
people skills) can do well in this area.
Now that software development can be outsourced to

many politically stable, English-proficient countries
with advanced communications infrastructures, the
expanded supply of technically skilled (and low-cost)
workers has blunted demand. Still, dont underestimate
the power of the local: Its hard to collaborate
efficiently with workers many thousands of miles
away. Many software projects will stay in this country,
especially those with tight deadlines, rapidly changing
requirements, and applications specific to U.S.
regulations and culture. Take heart from the Bureau of
Labor Statistics, which predicts that occupations in the
computer software industry will be some of the fastestgrowing through 2014.
Much of the activity in computer software is
happening in Silicon Valley, but you might want to
check out opportunities in other high-tech regions,
including Atlanta, Austin, Boca Raton, Boston, Dallas,
Denver, Minneapolis, New York, and the Research
Triangle area of North Carolina.
Of course, it takes more than technical talent to
build a successful software business. Sales, marketing,
and customer service provide many jobs for those who
prefer thinking and talking about software to actually
creating it. On the technical side, high-level software
architecture skills are likely to become more valuable as
the nuts and bolts of software projects are outsourced
overseas.
Introduction
This role has several titles and in the past was often
shared by the project manager, senior programmers,
and others on the development team. But now theres
often one person in charge of the user experience and
logic flowhow all the text, graphics, sound, and
other information fit together.
Like a magazine with a very good art director, welldesigned content feels natural and inviting. Software
companies are increasingly willing to spend time and
money finding just the right writer/artist/interface
expert with significant technical experience for this
slot.
Job Prospects
The Software & Information Industry Association
(www.softwarecenter.cmu.edu)
National Association of Software & Service
Companies (www.nasscom.in)
Careers
This senior-level position requires someone with

a comprehensive grasp of software design and an
understanding of industry trends. Software architects
make key decisions about how to put products
together; they also oversee a vast array of titles and a
large staff.
Salary range: $90,000 to $125,000
21
Industries
Introduction
Key Computer Software Companies

Company
1-Yr.
2006 Revenue
Change
($M)
(%)
Employees
Microsoft (1)
44,282
11.3
71,000
IBM Software
18,204
8.2
N/A
Oracle (2)
17,996
25.1
56,133
SAP (3)
12,408
23.1
39,355
Automatic Data
8,882
Processing
4.5
46,000
Symantec (2)
5,199
25.5
17,100
Sega Sammy
Holdings (3)
4,705
1.9
6,416
Fiserv
4,544
11.9
23,000
SunGard Data
Systems
4,323
8.0
16,600
CA (2)
3,943
3.9
14,500
Highly diversified company; figures include departments

that operate in other industries
(2)
2007 figures
(3)
1)
Consulting
Careers
So youre about to graduate, and you think you
want to be a management consultant. Or, more likely,

you think youll spend a few years as a consultant
and then move on to other things. Youre not alone.
Consulting firms are traditionally among the largest
employers of candidates from top undergraduate and
graduate engineering programs. Competition for jobs
is stiff every year.
More than half the people in top universities flirt
with the idea of becoming a management consultant.
Its a high-paying, high-profile field that offers students
the opportunity to assume a lot of responsibility right
out of school.
22
In essence, consultants are hired advisers to

companies. They tackle a wide variety of business
problems and provide solutions for their clients.
Depending on the size and strategy of the client, these
problems can be as straightforward as researching a
new market, or as complex as rethinking the clients
organization. No matter what the engagement,
management consultants wield a great deal of power.
They can advise a client to acquire a related company
worth hundreds of millions of dollars, or to reduce the
size of its workforce by thousands of employees.
One word of clarification: Consulting is a big, onesize-fits-all term that includes virtually any form of
advice-giving. This industry profile focuses primarily
on management consulting. Often called strategy
consulting, this industry segment includes firms that
specialize in providing advice about strategic and
core operational issues. Although some of the worlds
highest-profile firms populate this segment, theyre not
the only ones doing consulting.
Trends
IT Is It
By far the fastest-growing industry sector is
information technology consulting. This broad
segment covers e-commerce, telecommunications,
intranet and Internet strategies, hardware and software
systems design and implementation, and website
design and operation. Companies of all sizes and
industries are looking to IT consultants for help in
choosing, acquiring, implementing, and maintaining a
vast array of new technologies.
Spending on IT consulting is rising in a big way
as companies look to technology to cut costs and
drive growth. According to Plunkett Research, IT
and systems consulting revenue accounts for 60 to
70 percent of the consulting market. Companies are
also seeking better ways to manage vast amounts of
customer and business data, not to mention strategies
to keep that information safe and secure.
Public Sector Dollars

After 9/11, a number of firms, including Accenture,
The Challenge to Outsourcing
Computer hardware and software firms continue to

elbow their way into consulting through business
process outsourcing. Thats when service firms take
over management of noncore business functions, such
as purchasing and accounts payable. Web applications
have made it increasingly easy to outsource this work
and to manage it remotely. This trend began with IBM
Global Services, which now earns more than half its
$91 billion in annual revenue from consulting services.
Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Oracle, and SAP are a few of
the hardware and software firms following Big Blues
lead by beefing up their consulting services.
How It Breaks Down

These days, it seems like just about everybody and her
brother is a consultant. Hold on, you say. How can
Aunt Suzie be doing the same thing as those blue suits
at the posh New York offices? All of them may really
be consultants, but you can bet theyre not all doing
the same thing. Just as there are many different sorts
of doctors, there are consultants with all manner of
expertise and specialty.
To help you get a better handle on the options,
weve categorized consulting firms by segment. But be
aware that firms in one group compete directly with
players in other segments.
Industry Elite
This group has a few top strategy firms and a host of
smaller challengers. Its members primarily provide
strategic or operational advice to top executives in
Fortune 500 companies. For this, they charge the
highest fees and enjoy the most prestige. They also
have the fattest attitudes, work the most intense hours,
and take home the most pay. Representative firms
include A.T. Kearney, Bain & Company, Booz Allen
Hamilton, The Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte,
and McKinsey & Company.
23
Careers
Companies will increasingly

turn to consulting firms to
manage their outsourcing
efforts.
Competition from Computer Companies
Industries
Of the trends affecting the consulting business,

the shift toward outsourcing is perhaps the most
significant. Outsourcing noncore operations lets
companies of all sizes focus on their business. This
trend represents the biggest growth opportunity for
business-services firms. Already a $300 billion market
by Gartners estimates, outsourcing is expected to pick
up even more momentum in the next few years.
While outsourcing has been one of the greatest
revenue builders for many IT firms like Accenture, a
number of India-based firms, such as Infosys and Tata
Consultancy Services, are now major players. They can
charge $30 an hour versus the $150 that Accenture or
IBM Global Services would bill.
To counter their overseas rivals, some consulting
firms are throwing in hardware and other consulting
services to sweeten their bids. Still, it often isnt
enough: Indian firms have advantages in both cost and
quality.
Expect North American firms to keep acquiring
Indian firms. Thats what IBM did in 2004 with
Daksh eServices, one of the worlds largest call-center

operations.
Introduction
American Management Systems, BearingPoint, EDS,

IBM Global Services, and Perot Systems rushed to
offer homeland security consulting. Government
entities at the local, state, and federal levels are shelling
out big bucks for IT, security, and HR consulting
services. In 2005, Booz Allen Hamilton ranked ninth
among Washington Technologys Top 100 Federal
Contractors, earning more than $1.7 billion in federal
contracts.
Industries
Introduction
Boutique Strategy Firms

Some firms specialize along industry or functional
lines. Although often smaller than their elite
counterparts, theyre highly regarded for their
operations and strategy work. Representative firms
include Cornerstone Research (litigation support),
Gartner (high-tech research), and PRTM (high-tech
operations).
Technology and Systems Consulting Firms

Firms here typically take on large projects to design,
implement, and manage their clients information
and computer systems. Technology consulting often
occurs in the bowels of the client organization. In
general, this kind of consulting job requires large
teams of people who actually do the computer work.
As a result, there are usually more opportunities for
people from undergraduate or technical backgrounds
than for those with MBAs. On the downside, the
work is less prestigious than what youll find at strategy
consulting firms. Members of this group include
Accenture, BearingPoint, Capgemini, Computer
Sciences Corporation, EDS, HP Technology Solutions
Group, IBM Global Services, Novell, Oracle, SAP, and
Synopsys.
Human Resources Consulting

This can include designing an employee evaluation
and compensation system, conducting organizational
effectiveness training, and helping an organization
through a merger or other significant change event.
HR consultants often work as long and travel as
much as their counterparts in general management
consulting. Representative firms include Accenture
(Change Management Group), Buck Consultants, Hay
Group, Hewitt Associates, Mercer Human Resource
Consulting, Towers Perrin, and Watson Wyatt.
Careers
Key Jobs
Roles basically boil down to analyst (research associate
or staff consultant at some firms), consultant (or senior
consultant), manager, and partner or VP. While MBAs
typically dominate, consulting firms are increasingly
24
hiring people with technical and engineering expertise

as projects grow more complex.
A note about salaries: In the consulting world,
signing and year-end bonuses are common and often
large. These figures vary widely and arent reflected in
the salary ranges listed below.
Analyst/Research Associate/
Staff Consultant
This is the position at the bottom of the professional
pyramid, held mostly by young, talented, and hungry
college graduates. Many firms structure this position
to last two to three years, after which the analyst is
expected to move onperhaps to graduate school
or another employer. However, others let employees
progress up the management ladder without ever
leaving.
The workload can be demanding. It often includes
field research, data analysis, customer and competitor
interviews, and client meetings. In IT, analysts may do
heavy-duty programming.
Associate/Consultant/Senior Consultant
The typical port of entry for newly minted MBAs,
this position is increasingly opening up to nonMBA graduate students as well. Senior consultants
often perform research and analysis, formulate
recommendations, and present findings to the client.
At many firms, they have to implement those great
ideas, too.
Although this is usually a tenure-track role, a fair
number of consultants will leave the business after two
or three years to pursue entrepreneurial or industry
positions.
Salary range: $70,000 to $130,000
Manager
After a few years, a senior consultant will move up
to manager. As the title implies, this usually means
leading a team of consultants and analysts toward
project completion. Some firms may hire MBAs with
significant work experience directly into the manager
position, particularly in their IT practices. In addition

to overseeing the project team, the manager will
typically be the point person for client interactions.
Salary range: $70,000 to $150,000
Congratulations! Youve forded the River Jordan of

consulting and arrived at the Promised Land. Note
that some firms further subdivide partners into junior
and senior grade. And if you aspire to it, theres always
that chairman or CEO position.
As a partner, one of your big responsibilities will be
to sell new work. Fortunately, as with other big-ticket
sales jobs, the pay can be rewarding.
Salary range: $250,000 to several million dollars at
leading firms
Job Prospects
Association of Management Consulting Firms

(www.amcf.org)
Consulting Central (www.consultingcentral.com)
Consulting Magazine (www.consultingmag.com)
Consulting Times (www.consulting-times.com)
The Duke MBA Consulting Club
(www.fuquaconsulting.com)
Institute of Management Consultants USA
(www.imcusa.org)
Kennedy Information (www.kennedyinfo.com)
The McKinsey Quarterly (www.mckinseyquarterly.com)
Top Ten North American Consulting

Players, by 2006 Consulting
Revenue
Firm
2006 Revenue
($M)
1-Yr.
Change
(%)
Employees
IBM Global
Services (1)
47,357
2.5
50,000
Electronic Data
Systems
21,268
7.6
131,000
Accenture
18,228
6.6
140,000
Computer
Sciences (2)
14,857
1.6
79,000
Capgemini
10,159
23.3
67,889
Deloitte
Consulting (1)
7,814
N/A
33,000
Mercer
4,225
11.0
15,000
McKinsey & Co. (1) 3,800
20.6
12,900
BearingPoint
3,444
1.6
17,400 (1)
Booz Allen
Hamilton (1)
3,000
11.1
17,000
Industries
2005 figure(s)
2007 figure(s)
Sources: Consultants News, August 2006; Hoovers; individual firm websites;
WetFeet analysis
(1)
(2)
25
Careers
When the economy hit a wall in 2000, the consulting

industry crashed hard, too. But fear not: Lately, the
sector has enjoyed steady, solid growth. According
to Consultants News, revenue at the largest firms
grew more than 15 percent from 2002 to 2005, the
biggest three-year jump since the 80s. Several firms
are privately held and dont release their sales figures
annually, but a number of firms continued their strong
growth in 2006.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the
industry will grow 60 percent by 2014. In fact,
consulting is the fifth fastest-growing industry.
Demand will be highest for technical and global
expertise. In years to come, knowledge of the
complexities of business processes will be particularly
attractive to hiring managers.
What does this mean for job seekers? The industry
growth rate will certainly mean more jobs, but
competition will remain stiff. Consulting is one of the
sexiest industries for recent grads, who are drawn by the
prestige and high salaries. However, you may have an
edge: The training and course work typical for engineers
is invaluable in honing the analytical and problemsolving skills needed to succeed in the consulting game.
As technology continues to drive growth in this industry,
Introduction
Partner or VP
those with cutting-edge skills will be in demand.
Industries
Introduction
Energy and
Utilities
Industry Overview
The energy and utilities industry faces a dilemma:
How does it meet rising demand without depleting the
reserves on which its business relies?
Complicating matters is the fear of global
warming. While the U.S. under the Bush
administration calls for increasing the supply of oil
and other fuels, the rest of the industrialized world
aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions under the
terms of the Kyoto Protocol.
Energy and utilities companies will have to
innovate and take risks over the long haulwhether
that means finding new oil reserves, running giant
wind farms, producing cheaper solar cells, developing
next-generation nuclear facilities, or focusing on
alternative energy sources for transport. But whatever
these players do, they wont be leaving the scene
anytime soon. Indeed, several of the top producers
generate revenue in the hundreds of billions of
dollars annually.
Trends
Careers
Consolidation
To enhance economies of scale and increase energy
reserves, the big have gotten bigger. First, British
Petroleum merged with Amoco in 1998 to form BP.
The following year, Exxon acquired Mobil to form
Exxon Mobil, and Frances Total acquired Belgiums
PetroFina to create Total Fina. BP bought Atlantic
Richfield in 2000, and Chevron gobbled Texaco
in 2001. In 2002, Conoco and Phillips Petroleum
merged to form ConocoPhillips. Then Shell and
Royal Dutch Petroleum merged in 2004 to form
Royal Dutch Shell. In 2005, Chevron acquired
Unocal. The point: If you go to work in the oil sector,
dont expect to serve the same corporate master your
entire professional life.
26
Biodiesel
Biodiesel, a fuel derived from vegetable oil, gets a lot of
press. President Bush referred to it in his 2006 State of
the Union address as a particularly promising energy
option. Meanwhile, country musician Willie Nelson
has started a company to make and sell it, hoping the
public will catch on to the idea. But critics argue that
the cost of producing enough biodiesel to support a
mass market would be prohibitive.
Terrorism and Political Unrest

Mideast turmoilwhether it be the war in Iraq,
terrorist bombings in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, or
violence between Israel and the Palestiniansthreatens
to destabilize the oil market. Volatile prices make it
harder for energy and utility companies to predict
revenue and create long-term business plans.
Hurricane Katrina
Human conflict isnt the only unsettling variable. In
2005, Hurricane Katrina reminded the world that
natural disasters can also wreak havoc on the energy
market. Katrina took oil refineries offline for months,
causing prices to skyrocket.
Turning Disaster into Profit

Despite the uncertainty, oil companies reported record
profits in 2005 and 2006, thanks to higher fuel prices.
Thats good news for shareholders, not consumers.
Even nuclear power is

getting another shake as
environmentalists weigh the
risk of radioactivity against
the certainty of increased
greenhouse gas emissions.
Alternative Energy
Playing Politics
The oil companies dont retain armies of lawyers and
lobbyistsor make huge political contributionsfor
nothing. Because there are strong ecological arguments
against oil extraction in places like Alaska, they must
depend on their legal and political clout to protect
their financial interests. A good example of politics
at work can be seen in Florida, where the federal
government agreed to purchase their rights to oil fields
off the Gulf Coast to prevent drilling there.
New Demand from Asia
Equipment and Services

Schlumberger, Halliburton, and others provide the
equipment and services for the oil, coal, and gas
companies to extract those products. This oncebooming sector took a hard hit in the late 90s because
of overproduction. While the largest companies
will survive, boutique concerns such as Dawson
Geophysical, a technology expert, are more vulnerable.
Industries
At 5.5 million barrels a day, China is already

the worlds second-largest consumer of oil. An
International Energy Agency report predicts that by
2030, China will import as much oil as the U.S.
the form of giants such as Chevron, ConocoPhillips,

and Exxon Mobil, which are involved in every phase
of petroleum production and sales. Big oil is a major
force in the worlds economy, not to mention politics.
However, its susceptible to global surpluses and
plummeting oil prices when members of OPECthe
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries,
the worlds leading oil cartelcant agree to restrain
production.
Production and consumption of natural gas have
grown far more rapidly in recent years, partly because
of gass environmental advantage over oil. Also,
natural gas is relatively less expensive as an electricitygenerating fuelan advantage thats been magnified
by the competitive nature of the electricity industry
since deregulation.
Introduction
The quest is on for renewable energy. In the case of

biodiesel, solar energy, and wind power, tax breaks and
other government subsidies play an important role in
making these still-expensive alternatives competitive. A
number of states have adopted standards that require
utilities to buy a set portion of their electricity from
renewable sources.
How It Breaks Down

Americas energy companies are clustered in the
oil-patch region of Louisiana and east Texas, although
many have major offices in Los Angeles and other
coastal cities. The big oil companies are global;
Exxon Mobil alone has a presence in more than 100
countries. By contrast, utilities are generally more local
in nature, usually doing business in a single city or
regionalthough with deregulation, this is beginning
to change. The vast industry can be broken down as
follows.
Integrated Oil and Natural Gas
Coal
Mainly used to generate electricity, coal faces
increasing demand from developing countries such as
China and India. True, the 1990 Clean Air Act calls
for cuts in high-sulfur coal production, and there are
growing worries about global warming. Nevertheless,
27
Careers
We have John D. Rockefeller and his Standard Oil

Company to thank for the vertical integration of the
worlds largest oil and energy companies. His empire
has long since been dispersed, but its legacy remains in
While big oil is increasingly

involved in the natural
gas business, there are still
specialists such as Questar.

coal production and consumption should remain
robust for some time to come.
Introduction
Utilities
More than 3,000 utilities in the U.S. deliver electric
power to homes and businesses. Major players include
Southern Company, the nations largest investorowned utility, as well as regional giants such as
Consolidated Edison in New York and Pacific Gas
and Electric in California. The balance of the industry
comprises federal agencies such as the Tennessee Valley
Authority; local, publicly owned utilities, which are
usually run by municipal or state agencies; and rural,
nonprofit electric cooperatives, which serve small
communities.
Industries
Nonutilities
Although theyre in the business of electric power
generation and distribution, nonutilities serve large
individual clientsmostly utilities that need extra
electricity, as opposed to cities or regions. While they
account for only 10 percent of power generation,
nonutilities such as Duke Energy represent the
industrys fastest-growing sector. In the wake of
deregulation, smaller-scale generators are freer to
sell energy to big distributors, and small, efficient
producers can be profitable.
Key Jobs
Careers
Electrical Engineer or Gas Engineer

These are the people who design or maintain power
plants or natural gas delivery systems, or ensure the
smooth operation of the complex grid that connects
power plants and individual homes and businesses. A
BS in electrical or gas engineering is generally required.
New grads can expect to begin by performing
technical support and analysis. More experienced
engineers can move on to project planning and
management, where duties range from cost analysis to
the evaluation of new products and technologies.
Salary range: $45,000 to $110,000
28
Mechanical Engineer/Civil Engineer/

Architect
These engineers design and oversee industry
construction projectsoffshore oil rigs, dams, and
coal mines built by energy and utilities companies.
A BS in engineering or architecture is a minimum
requirement. Recent grads handle the nitty-gritty of
design and structural analysis. Experienced people
move on to project planning and management,
where duties include planning of future projects,
management, and cost analysis once work is underway.
Salary range: $45,000 to $100,000
Computer Systems or Telecommunications

Specialist
Jobs include technical support and troubleshooting of
existing systems, as well as the planning, purchase, and
implementation of new systems. The most sought-after
positions require at least a BS in computer science
or a related field. Strong communications skills and
project-management experience are big pluses.
Salary range: $35,000 to $120,000
Petroleum Engineer or Geologist

These are the people responsible for the discovery
and development of new oil deposits. Geologists,
geophysicists, and geology engineers form the
team that figures out where and how deep to drill.
Petroleum engineers handle the drilling itself, plus the
production, processing, and transport of the extracted
crude. Minimum requirements include a BS in
petroleum engineering or a geology-related field.
Salary range: $60,000 to $110,000
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers turn raw materials like crude oil
into products such as gasoline. Recent grads with a BS
in chemical engineering provide support for day-today operations. As you gain experience, you can expect
to participate in project management and the planning
and development of future projects.
Salary range: $45,000 to $105,000
Project Manager
Lobbyist
The utilities industry is still in limbo, half regulated
and half deregulated. That means lobbying and
public relations are key to determining the future of
the industry. Candidates with JDs are particularly
attractive for these positions, although excellent
communication and people skills may be enough to
land you a job.
Salary range: $72,000 to $150,000 or more
Trade Representative
Job Prospects
Center for Energy and Economic Development

(www.ceednet.org)
Edison Electric Institute (www.eei.org)
Energy Crossroads (http://eetd.lbl.gov/
EnergyCrossroads)
Energy Information Administration (www.eia.doe.gov)
Energy Science and Technology Virtual Library
(www.osti.gov/EnergyFiles)
Gas Technology Institute (www.gastechnology.org)
Oil & Gas Journal (www.ogj.com)
OPEC (www.opec.org)
U.S. Department of Energy (www.doe.gov)
Careers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects utilities jobs to

grow slowly in coming years. Even worse, the number
of jobs in the oil and gas sector is projected to shrink
through 2014, at least in the U.S.
There are several reasons for this. First, mergers
and acquisitions in both sectors have triggered more
than a few layoffs. Second, technological advances
boost productivity with fewer workers. Finally, most
petroleum sources in the U.S. are already tapped out.
Not all is bleak, however. Employment
opportunities are expected to skyrocket in the watersupply and sanitary-services area of the utilities sector,
Industries
Traditionally, people in these positions sold oil futures.

But with electricity becoming as much a commodity as
petroleum, utilities now offer similar jobs. Candidates
should have degrees in engineering or business and
marketing, plus proven negotiation or communication
skills. Those with both technology and MBA degrees
do particularly well.
Salary range: $50,000 to $150,000
while the job outlook for petroleum engineers and

geoscientists looks good for those willing to work
abroad.
In the energy sector, job seekers face a particularly
unstable market as prices (and profits) fluctuate
drastically. But dont throw away your geology
or petroleum engineering degree yetrecruiters
at big oil companies are anxious to hire qualified
candidates. Entry-level jobs for engineers will be the
most plentiful. Firms recruit new engineers primarily
from the undergraduate level, and they typically favor
internal candidates who started as engineers to fill
higher-level positions. The fact that many longtime
industry pros are entering their retirement years will
increase demand for new workers.
The deregulation of the utilities industry also
means new opportunities. Many utilities, suddenly
free to diversify their business interests, have entered
the telecommunications industry, with Southern
Company and American Electric Power leading the
way. Such seismic shifts are sure to create prospects
for young, ambitious employees, as formerly stuffy,
hierarchical organizations have to entertain new ideas.
Introduction
For candidates who combine technical training

with excellent business and communication skills,
project management is the way to go. Stress
levels are high, but so are the pay and sense of
accomplishment. These jobs require at least a BS
in engineering, as well as an MBA or an excellent
industry track record.
Salary range: $70,000 to $150,000 or more
29
Industries
Introduction
Top Ten Energy & Utilities Players,

by 2006 Revenue
Company
2006 Revenue
($M)
1-Yr.
Change
(%)
Employees
Exxon Mobil
377,635
1.9
82,100
Royal Dutch
Shell (1)
312,323
1.8
108,000
BP (1)
265,764
7.9
97,100
Chevron
210,118
6.0
62,500
ConocoPhillips
188,523
2.8
38,400
Valero Energy
91,833
11.8
21,836
Koch Industries
90,000
12.5
80,000
Marathon Oil
65,499
2.8
28,195
Sunoco
38,715
14.6
14,000
Citgo (2)
32,028
27.0
4,000
(1)
Foreign company; figures reflect worldwide sales and employment.

(2)
2005 figures
Source: Hoovers; WetFeet analysis
Investment
Banking
Careers
Industry Overview
Investment banks (I-banks for short) are experts at
calculating what a business is worth, usually for one
of two purposes: to price a securities offering, or to
set the value of a merger or acquisition. Securities
include stocks and bonds, and a stock offering may be
an initial public offering (IPO) or any subsequent (or
secondary) offering. In both cases, I-banks charge hefty
fees for this valuation service, along with other kinds
of financial and business advice.
When banks underwrite stock or bond issues, they
ensure that institutional investors such as mutual and
pension funds commit to purchasing those issues
before they actually hit the market. In this sense,
30
I-banks serve as intermediaries between the issuers of

securities and the investing public. In addition, many
I-banks offer retail brokerage and asset-management
services.
Trends
The Tech Revolution
Technology is having an enormous impact on
investment banking. The biggest industry change was
the 2005 merger of the New York Stock Exchange
with Archipelago, an electronic trading platform.
While an electronic stock exchange is more efficient
than the traditional system, its hard to believe that the
bustling swarm of traders on the NYSE floor is rapidly
becoming a thing of the past.
Computers are also revolutionizing the way equity
trades are performed. A significant chunk of equity
trades are transacted using computerized algorithmic
trading systems, which let traders move large blocks
of shares without overly affecting the price at which
theyre able to buy or sell those shares. Under the old
system, if you were to suddenly announce your intent
to sell hundreds of thousands of shares, the price
buyers would offer you would probably drop just as
Not surprisingly, the center of

this industry rests in the lofty
aeries above Wall Street and
Midtown in New York. Other
hotspots include London,
San Francisco, and Silicon
Valley. Firms also compete in
Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Tokyo,
and other foreign markets 24
hours a day.
suddenly. The beauty of algorithmic trading is that it

slices up blocks of stock to avoid letting the market
know just how much of it youre trying to move.
Expect this trend to intensify.
Investment banks posted enormous profits in 2005

and 2006 and seemed headed for a strong 2007. But
the collapsing subprime mortgage market threw a
midsummer haymaker at the economy and took the
luster off hedge funds. Investor jitters threw stocks
into a tailspin, forcing the Fed to lower one of its key
interest rates.
How all of this will affect investment banking
remains to be seen. But the short-term future seems
less certain.
Universal Banks
Scandals on the Street

Over the years, Wall Street firms have come under fire
for allegedly overvaluing stocks, charging excessive
commissions, and playing fast and loose with
accounting rules.
Nearly all the major investment banks have
paid fines totaling in the billions of dollars to settle
allegations against them, and the scrutiny of regulators
remains sharp. Firms now shell out millions to
purchase independent research for their customers.
The Bulge Bracket

Although variously defined, this group basically
includes the largest of the full-service investment
Boutiques are niche firms that focus on a specific

industry like technology, or on a financing vehicle such
as municipal bonds. Regionals provide financing and
investment services in particular geographical areas.
As mergers and acquisitions alter the landscape,
these traditional categories are becoming less
meaningful. Big commercial banks that have acquired
investment banks are bringing large amounts of capital
to the playing field, along with a mix of financial
services more varied than ever.
Key Jobs
Investment banking jobs fall into four areas: corporate
finance, sales, trading, and research. Shifting from one
to another isnt unheard of, but since doing your time
and moving up the ranks in one area is the quickest
way to make lots of money, most people stay put.
Corporate Finance Analyst

Think of corporate finance as financial consulting to
businesses. Activities range from underwriting the sale
of equity or debt for a corporate client to providing
advice on mergers and acquisitions, foreign exchange,
economic and market trends, and specific financial
strategies. When most people refer to investment
banking, this is the sort of work they mean.
CorpFin analysts, as theyre known internally, spend
80 hours a week proofreading and photocopying pitch
books, running financial models, and preparing duediligence studies on target companies. After two or
three years, theyre off to business school.
MBAs are brought in at the associate level, where
31
Careers
How It Breaks Down
Boutiques and Regional Firms
Industries
Investment activity across U.S. borders is rising

with giant purchases of foreign equities and M&A
activity by multinational companies. Meanwhile,
foreign firms such as Deutsche Bank and UBS have
moved aggressively into U.S. markets. The result:
Firms in the U.S. and abroad are looking for partners
or acquisitions to beef up their global presence.
Almost everything we do now has some cross-border
component, says one insider.
Introduction
Jittery Markets
banks. Associating with any one of its members is

prestigiouswhether youre a startup with an IPO to
sell, a Fortune 500 company planning an acquisition,
or a job seeker sending out resumes. Citigroup Global
Markets, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, Lehman
Brothers, Merrill Lynch, and Morgan Stanley hold top
spots in this bracket, at least for the moment. Other
major players include Bear Stearns, Deutsche Bank,
JPMorgan Chase, and UBS.
Introduction

they help underwrite equity (stocks) and fixed-income
(bond) offerings, write sections of pitch books, sit in
on client meetings, and participate in forging financial
strategies. They also supervise teams of analysts. After
three or four years, the next step is VP; after another
three to five years, the goal is managing director.
Salary range: $95,000 to $200,000
Beginners fetch takeout food and run other

thankless errands. More seasoned traders scream and
yell when their markets heat up and do the crossword
puzzle the rest of the time. A few even grow up to be
CEOsand why not? They know more about the
markets and money than anyone else in banking.
Salary range: $65,000 to $100,000
Financial Engineer
Research Analyst/Quantitative Analyst
A growing number of engineers are employed in

the CorpFin area, practicing financial engineering
or computational finance. Financial engineers use
various mathematical, statistical, and computational
techniques to solve practical problems. An engineering
degree is usually required, as is intimate knowledge of
programming languages such as C/C++ and Java.
Salary range: $90,000 to $300,000
People in this role engage in quantitative research

(corporate financing strategies, product development,
and pricing models), economic research (forecasts for
U.S. and international markets, interest rates, and
currencies), and individual-company coverage. Some
focus on an industry sectorhealth care, oil and gas,
or software, for example.
You move up in this profession by consistently
predicting the movement of specific stocks. The best
analysts are ranked annually by Institutional Investor
magazine. Their buy, sell and hold recommendations
wield enormous clout, and competition among firms
for the top analysts can be intense.
The job typically requires an advanced degree in
computer science or engineering.
Salary range: $90,000 to $300,000
Industries
Sales
Some firms hire only MBAs for sales jobs, whereas
others dont even ask about your education. In any
case, the bottom line is how well you can sell the
new debt and equity issues CorpFin unloads on your
deskand how quickly you can translate news events
or a market shift into transactions for your clients.
These jobs are usually much less hierarchical than
positions on the banking side. Your sales volume and
asset growth are what really matter.
Salary range: $65,000 to $100,000
Careers
Trading
When Hollywood directors want to portray the
rough, unruly underside of Wall Street, they wheel
the cameras onto a trading floor. This is as close to
the money as you can get. Trading commands respect
because its tougher, riskier, and more intense than any
other job in finance. But it isnt for the genteel or the
faint of heart.
As a trader, you manage the firms risk and set
prices, based on supply and demand, for the securities
CorpFin has underwritten. Although youre tied to the
premises while the markets are open, you get to leave
after the closing bell.
32
Job Prospects
The hiring market in 2006 and through the beginning
of 2007 has been strong. The economy has added
jobs. The stock market has been up. Businesses
have increased their spending. More companies are
going public and spending money to acquire other
businesses. Emerging markets such as China promise
vast new banking opportunities. Industry leader
Goldman Sachss revenue and profits reached record
highs in 2006.
All those banks that laid off employees when the
markets tumbled have been hiring. And because its
cheaper to employ a recent grad than someone with
more experience, prospects look especially bright for
people fresh out of the best business schools. However,
those who do I-banking internships will have the best
shot at full-time openings.
Nonprofits
and
Government
Introduction
InvestorLinks.com (www.investorlinks.com)
The Motley Fool (www.fool.com)
The Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com)
SNL Financial (www.snl.com)
Industry Overview
Nonprofits
Top Investment Banking Firms,

by 2006 Revenue
1-Yr.
Change
(%)
Employees
Citigroup
Corporate &
Investment
Bank (1)
146,558
21.8
337,000
Bank of America
(Global Capital
117,017
Markets and
Investment
Banking) (1)
39.3
203,425
UBS (1)
105,753
38.6
78,986
Deutsche Bank (1) 101,183
39.3
68,849
JP Morgan
Chase (1)
99,845
25.0
174,360
Morgan Stanley (1) 76,551
47.0
55,310
Merrill Lynch (1)
70,591
47.7
56,200
Goldman Sachs
69,353
59.8
26,467
Credit Suisse
Group
67,532
1.3
44,871
Lehman
Brothers
46,709
44.0
25,900
Nomura
Holdings
17,601
15.3
14,688
(1)
Figures include all divisions of multifaceted company
Sources: Company websites; SEC filings; Hoovers; WetFeet analysis
Government
Some 20 million Americans hold government jobs.
Workers at federal, state, and local agencies handle
issues as diverse as highway construction, wilderness
protection, public health, farm subsidies, and fireworks
displays on the Fourth of July.
Federal and state legislators make laws, and city and
county supervisors pass ordinances. Executive agencies
from the White House to city hall issue regulations.
Governments employ armies of civil servants.
33
Careers
2006 Revenue
($M)
Industries
Company
Nonprofit organizations are businesses designed to

make change, but not in the monetary sense. Granted
501(c)(3), or tax-exempt, status by the government,
these entities focus on causes ranging from breastcancer awareness to human rights. Many nonprofit
interest groups maintain offices near the Capitol
or state legislatures, where they lobby for favorable
legislation.
Such organizations derive their operating revenue
from foundations, government grants, membership
dues, and fees for services they provide. They typically
attract people who are passionate about solving social
problems. The big upside of working in this sector is
that you can make a positive impact on behalf of your
organizations cause. The downside is that most jobs in
the nonprofit sector dont pay well.
Nonprofits and charitable organizations are
becoming more entrepreneurial, learning lessons
from the private sector about how to operate more
efficiently and do more with less. Theyve adopted
marketing techniques to enhance their fundraising
efforts, and even started their own small businesses to
generate income for social programs.
Industries
Introduction

Among these foot soldiers are the people who analyze
policy, draft legislation, and issue building permits.
Nearly 2 million civilians worked for the federal
government in 2006. That same year, a whopping 15.9
million public employees served at the state and local
levelsincluding firefighters, hospital workers, police
officers, and teachers.
While most public employees enjoy excellent
benefits, government work has its downside. For
one thing, the pay is often lower than in the private
sector. And in many government positions, jobs are
politicized: Your priorities (and the culture of your
workplace) can change with the election cycle, and the
program youre working on or the representative who
hired you may not even be around next year.
State and local governments

collectively employ eight times
as many people as the federal
government.
Trends
Careers
Going High-Tech
Technology is changing the face of the nonprofit
sector. More people are making charitable
contributions via the Internet. In 2004, the American
Red Cross received 22 percent of its tsunami
disaster-relief donations online. The following year, a
staggering 45 percent of its Hurricane Katrina donor
funds came from the Web.
More nonprofits are using email and the Internet
for their fundraising and marketing, creating demand
for new technology. Some nonprofits are encouraging
donors to establish monthly online gifts as opposed to
one-time contributions. This increases donor renewal
rates. Companies such as Convio, Blackbaud, and
Kintera offer software tools that let nonprofits submit
34
grant reports and process credit-card transactions more

easily.
In addition, nonprofits are turning to Web service
formats such as XML and RSS to integrate their online
presence with back-office applications, including
member and donation databases. Software maker
MicroEdge is one vendor thats furthering this effort.
Homeland Security
Since 9/11, government funding for security has
attained record levels. Job opportunities abound for
those interested in working under the Department of
Homeland Security umbrella.
Meanwhile, in the nonprofit arena, many complain
that homeland security is eroding civil rights. They
argue that the government has stifled nonprofits that
oppose its policies. They point to IRS audits and
attempts to limit or eliminate federal funds for certain
nonprofits.
Government Outsourcing
Traditional government functions such as garbage
removal are increasingly being outsourced to the
private sector. Theoretically, the profit motive
encourages efficiency and drives down costs.
The reality isnt so clear-cut. The cost of services can
go up even when private enterprises are more efficient,
since companies must charge more to make a profit.
How It Breaks Down

Nonprofits
More than 25 kinds of nonprofit organizations are
recognized by the IRS, from the sacred (religious
groups) to the obscure (trusts for miners suffering from
black lung disease). They fall into two broad categories:
lobbying groups, such as Greenpeace and the National
Rifle Association; and service organizations, such as
museums and homes for pregnant teens.
Alongside the large national and international
nonprofits are smaller, local entities. Like their cousins,
they include everything from community theater
troupes to womens shelters and convalescent homes.
The nonprofit arena also includes philanthropic
Government
There are plenty of political opportunities that

technically lie outside government. Many work at
lobbying firms such as Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &
Feld and Patton Boggs; nonprofit interest groups like
the American Medical Association and the Teamsters
Union; and think tanks that include the Brookings
Institute, the Cato Institute, and the Heritage
Foundation. Most organizations of this nature are
located in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals.
In addition, both the Democratic and Republican
parties have national committees, as well as state and
local offices, where job seekers interested in partisan
politics may find opportunities.
Key Jobs
Program Analyst
People in this role work at government agencies,
where they analyze proposed or existing programs
for presentation to the legislature. The job requires
knowledge of the budgetary process and a financial
background.
Civil Engineer
This is a broad job category that involves the planning,
construction, and maintenance of public works,
including roads, bridges, and sewerage systems. A BS
in civil engineering is required.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers focus on public health
issues such as pollution control, recycling, and
waste management. At the government level,
theyre currently studying acid rain, auto emissions,
Careers
Members of Congress
maintain staffs in their home
districts or states. You can
often find opportunities here,
especially if you have a solid
education and good political
connections.
Nongovernment Political Jobs
Industries
Executive agencies, including the Bureau of Engraving

and Printing, the Environmental Protection Agency,
the FBI, and the Social Security Administration,
account for the largest group of federal jobs. Positions
are also available in agencies under the aegis of
the judicial and legislative branches, such as the
Congressional Budget Office and the Library of
Congress.
There are two basic types of federal agency
positions: civil service; and political, or Schedule C,
appointments.
Not all people with federal agency jobs are based
in Washington, D.C. Consider the postal employee
braving snow, rain, heat, and gloom of night; the
diplomat at the U.S. embassy in Cairo; or the ranger
in Yellowstone National Park. Think of the bureaucrats
in federal office buildings in every major U.S. city;
the Bureau of Indian Affairs agent on an isolated
reservation in New Mexico, the civilian technician
maintaining communications gear in the tropical heat

of Guam; or the medical researcher culturing bacteria
at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.
Congressional jobs, on the other hand, are more
concentrated geographically. Most of them, though
not all, are located in the nations capital.
Introduction
funds and foundations, which come in several

varieties. Community foundations raise funds
from community and regional donors. Corporate
foundations are established by companies to make
charitable grants. Independent foundations usually
consist of an endowment made by a single individual
or family. Operating foundations focus on funding
their own nonprofit programs.
35
Introduction
global warming, and ozone depletion. A degree in

environmental engineering is usually a minimum
requirement.
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear engineers design, develop, analyze, test,
operate, and maintain nuclear fission systems and
their components. They also might deal with nuclear
safety, nuclear fuels technology, and the effects of
radioactivity. In addition to a degree in nuclear
engineering, the job requires a solid background in
math, thermodynamics, and other areas of physics and
chemistry.
Salary range: $57,000 to $115,000
Industries
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and
supervise the deployment of electrical systems for
telecommunication systems, electric power stations,
or industrial machinery. These engineers are also
responsible for a fair amount of soft skills, such
as developing and presenting proposals, preparing
budgets, and managing project schedules and teams.
The job requires a BS in electrical engineering.
Careers
Job Prospects
It can be tough to land a job in nonprofits or
government. Persistence pays off, though. If youre
committed to a particular issue, dont hide it.
Volunteering and interning are two good ways to start
at a nonprofit. However, if you want a government
internship, youll most likely have to be a student.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
employment will rise more slowly in government than
in any other sector. It projects 11 percent growth at
the state and local levels through 2014, and a less than
3 percent increase at the federal level. While there
should be job growth in the Homeland Security office,
there will be declines in other areas of the federal
government because of budget cuts, outsourcing,
and devolutionthe practice of relinquishing federal
36
programs and initiatives to state and local jurisdiction.

The few federal hires made in coming years will
most likely fall into the categories of emergency
preparedness, border and transportation security,
public health, and information analysis. Projected
job growth in state and local government is linked to
the devolution of federal responsibilities and rising
demand for social services.
If youd like to get into the nonprofit world, the
Bureau of Labor Statistics has better news for you:
These job opportunities should grow by 15 percent
through 2014. Thats largely because of high job
turnover and the looming retirement of many baby
boomers, along with the growing demand for more
social services.
As demographics change, so do social-service needs.
For example, high rates of divorce and out-of-wedlock
births nationwide heighten the demand for family
counseling and child care. The swelling elderly and
immigrant populations also require additional services.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy (www.philanthropy.com)
Foundation Center (www.foundationcenter.org)
Governing magazine (www.governing.com)
Government Executive magazine (www.govexec.com)
Govtjobs.com (www.govtjobs.com)
Idealist (www.idealist.org)
OpportunityKnocks (www.opportunityknocks.org)
USAJobs (www.usajobs.opm.gov)
Top Ten Nonprofit Players,

by 2005 Revenue
Top Ten U.S. Government Agencies,

by 2008 Federal Budget Outlays
Headquarters
2005
Revenue
($M)
YMCA of the USA
Chicago
5,131
The Salvation Army
Alexandria, Va.
American Red Cross
2008 Federal
Budget Outlays
($M)
2007 Civilian
Employees
4,559
Health and Human

Services
699,240
64,038
Washington D.C.
3,888
Defense
583,283
669,240
Catholic Charities USA
Alexandria, Va.
3,286
Treasury
524,990
106,842
Goodwill Industries
International
Bethesda, Md.
3,023
Agriculture
89,026
98,297
United Jewish
Communities
Veterans Affairs
83,288
242,234
New York
2,149
Transportation
67,032
53,849
Memorial SloanKettering Cancer Center
New York
1,790
Education
58,603
4,355
Boys & Girls Club of

America
Homeland Security
43,200
169,749
Atlanta
1,329
Justice
24,045
106,384
AmeriCares Foundation
New Canaan, Conn.
1,316
Interior
10,528
68,446
Habitat for Humanity

International
Americus, Ga.
1022
Source: Budget of the U.S. Government
Sources: The NonProfit Times; WetFeet analysis
Telecommunications
Industry Overview
broadcasting satellites to telephone handsets to

fiber-optic transmission cables. Services include
running the switches that control the phone system,
providing Internet access, and configuring private
networks by which international corporations conduct
business. Software makes it all work, enabling email
transmission, relaying satellite data, controlling
telephone switching equipment, reducing cell phone
background noise, and more.
The breakup of AT&T in 1984 created the
modern telecommunications industry, subjecting
telephone companies to free-market forces for the
first time. While the long-distance market became
competitive almost immediately, the so-called Baby
37
Careers
Telecommunications may have traditionally referred

to telephone service, but it now encompasses any
communication over a distance, be it via telephone,
television, radio, wireless network, computer network,
telemetry, or other means. Indeed, the line separating
telecommunications from other industries is getting
blurrier all the time as technologies converge. If you
want to work in an industry that requires you to learn
fast and adapt quickly, this one is it.
Telecommunications is a mammoth sector,
comprising companies that provide hardware,
software, and services. Hardware includes products
that enable communication globally, from video
Industries
Department
Introduction
Organization
Introduction

Bells fought to keep companies such as AT&T (since
acquired by SBC) and MCI (recently acquired by
Verizon) out of the local phone market. But the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 deregulated local
phone markets. Proponents say deregulation makes
telecommunications services more competitive,
benefiting consumers. Critics say it gives a few
giant companies unchecked sway over our ability
to communicate with one another. Regardless,
deregulation appears here to stay, with the industry
swept up in waves of consolidation that are likely to
continue.
Careers
Industries
If you want to work in an

industry that requires you to
learn fast and adapt quickly,
telecom is it.
Trends
Convergence Confusion
With each passing year and each new generation of
products, its getting harder to pigeonhole companies
and their offerings into traditional categories like
telecommunications, computer hardware, and
consumer electronics. Consider cell phones: These
days, cell phones can take digital photos, send and
receive email, access the Internet, download and play
music and videos, and transmit their geographic
location via GPS technology. You tell us: Should cell
phones that do all that be called consumer electronics
products? Telecom products? Computer hardware
products?
One result of convergence is that players in the
consumer electronics, computer hardware, and
telecom sectors are increasingly finding themselves
competing head-to-head to determine who will lead in
new product categories. Turmoil in the form of M&A
and fluctuations in profitability is likely to result.
38
The Growth of Wireless

The wireless sector is growing like gangbusters, with
wireless connections rapidly multiplying. The launch
of dozens of 3G networks is enabling faster speeds,
quicker downloads, and improved service. At the same
time, wireless carriers have been consolidating: Think
Cingular and AT&T, Sprint and Nextel, and Alltel and
Western Wireless.
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) makes it possible
to send phone calls as data packets across the Internet
and other IP networks (such as private LANs). That
means phone calls no longer have to travel through
local phone company lines. The quality, consistency,
and reliability of VoIP dont equal those of traditional
phone networks. But theyre getting there. And the
price sure is right: Like email, VoIP-to-VoIP phone
calls are free. The only cost is for your broadband
Internet connection. Thats typically a small, fixed,
up-front fee.
Todays VoIP offerings do have disadvantages While
corded phones usually continue to work during power
outages, VoIP calls themselves require power. Also,
most VoIP offerings dont support encryption, so the
security of VoIP phone calls is questionable. Still, use
of VoIP is growing all the time.
How It Breaks Down

Before 1996, a variety of regulations divided
telecommunications artificially: Cable TV companies
were prohibited from offering local telephone service,
video programming over phone lines was banned,
and local and long-distance service providers were
forbidden from competing in each others markets.
The Telecommunications Act that year lifted those
restrictions.
One remaining regulatory barrier prohibits service
providers from manufacturing telecommunications
equipment. The cleanest way to break this industry
down, then, is between those who make the software
and hardware and those who provide various services.
Service Providers
Wireless Service Providers

Marked by carrier consolidation and partnering to
augment geographical reach and gain economies of
scale, wireless communication services have shaken
up the telecom industry. Theyve also brought
telecommunications to the far corners of the world,
including parts of Africa and South America that lack
wireline infrastructures, and made local markets far
more competitive in the U.S.
Satellite Telecommunication Services
ISPs are the companies that let you go online,

including AOL, EarthLink, MSN, cable companies,
and the RBOCs. With the convergence of voice and
data networks, the Internet has also been adding huge
amounts of talent.
Customer Premise Equipment (CPE)

Manufacturers
Telecommunication service providers are the biggest
customers of telecommunications equipment makers.
To sell their services, these providers must purchase
switches, some of which can serve tens of thousands
of users, as well as other CPEtelephones, voicemail
systems, private branch exchanges (PBXs), and more.
LANs require their own routers, switches, and hubs.
The big players here include Alcatel, Fujitsu, Lucent,
Nortel, and Siemens.
Networking Equipment and Fiber Optics

Manufacturers
Networking equipment, including routers, hubs,
switches, and servers, makes a LAN operative. Fiber
optics consists of the optical fiber and fiber-optic cable,
transmitters, receivers. and connectors that carry data
and voice messages. The biggest switch makers are
Lucent and Nortel. Cisco and 3Com are among the
biggest makers of networking equipment.
Wireless and Satellite Communication

Equipment Manufacturers
These are various categories that weve grouped together.
The radio-based communication systems, switches,
transmission devices, and subscriber equipment for this
sector differ from what the wireline service providers
use. Large players in wireless equipment include
Motorola, NEC, Qualcomm, and Sony. Satellite
communication equipment makers include Comcast
and Intelsat, as well as cable providers and DBS
companies.
39
Careers
Satellite telecom services break down into fixed satellite

services such as Intelsat; low earth orbit (LEO) satellite
companies such as Globalstar and Iridium; direct
broadcast satellite (DBS) companies like DirecTV;
and the global positioning system. Satellite services
include such technologies as navigation systems (like
Internet Service Providers
Industries
The hiring outlook is good

in high-speed data services,
voice communication over the
Internet, wireless networking,
and other telecom sectors
that are bringing exciting new
technologies to market.
those in the dash of some new vehicle models), video

broadcasting, and data transmission.
Introduction
These companies provide local and long-distance

wireline (nonwireless) telephone service. Industry
insiders call this POTS, for plain old telephone
service. Wireline providers include the large longdistance companies, such as Verizon and Sprint, and
the RBOCs (regional Bell operating companiesthe
baby Bells), including AT&T and BellSouth. A new
generation of companies, including Qwest, Level 3,
and Verizon, is laying fiber-optic wire networks to
handle the rapidly increasing amount of data traffic.
Introduction

Key Jobs
Software or Applications Engineer
Telecommunications Engineer
People in this role concentrate on writing code. Most

telecom companies require code to be written on Unixbased machines.
Salary range: $45,000 to $100,500
Telecom engineers are experts in the transmission of

information via cablesor through thin air. They
work with the transmitters and receivers necessary to
power our cell phones and wireless Internet service. A
degree in electrical or telecommunications engineering
is a must, and knowledge of programming languages is
also usually required.
Network Engineer
Industries
The network engineer designs, implements, monitors,

and maintains telecom networks and network
systems. This position demands a fair amount of
creativity and problem-solving ability, as you work
on meeting client or market requirements. Network
engineers usually have a degree in computer science
or an engineering field and excellent IT skills and/or
experience.
Electrical Engineer/Electronics Engineer

Electrical engineers are in great demand in this
industry. They work on the design, manufacturing,
implementation, and maintenance of large-scale
electrical systems. Sometimes a distinction is made
between an electrical and an electronics engineer. The
difference is that an electronics engineer works on
smaller-scale electronic systems and devices, circuits,
and control systems across the industry. Both roles
require a BS in electrical engineering.
Salary range: $49,000 to $120,000
Test Engineer
Careers
The test engineer makes sure the product works

especially its switches, which are critical. The test cycle
is often as long as the development cycle.
Salary range: $45,000 to $100,000
40
Job Prospects
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects telecom
employment to drop 7 percent from its 2004 level
by 2014, compared with 14 percent growth for all
industries combined.
The outlook is good in telecom sectors that are
bringing exciting new technologies to market. Highspeed data services, voice communication over the
Internet, and wireless networking are some of the
sectors that will be hiring, and small companies are
good places to find jobs. Electrical and electronics
engineers, computer software engineers, systems
analysts, and customer-service professionals will find
opportunities growing faster than for the overall
industry as networks expand, providers invest in
R&D, and computer technology becomes more
sophisticated. Line installers and repairers should also
find work as residential users add broadband service
and businesses seek to increase connections to suppliers
and customers.
Technology largely dictates

hiring needs. For example,
voice-recognition technology
means fewer directoryassistance operators but more
engineers.
Top Ten Telecom Players,

by 2006 Revenue
1-Yr.
Change
(%)
Employees
Verizon
88,144
17.4
242,000
AT&T
63,055
43.8
302,000
Nokia (1)
54,292
34.1
68,483
Motorola
42,879
16.4
66,000
Sprint Nextel
41,028
18.3
103,483
Telefonaktiebolaget
LM Ericsson
25,974
36.1
56,055
Comcast
24,966
12.2
90,000
Cisco Systems (2)
24,484
14.9
49,926
Alcatel (1)
16,209
4.2
79,000
DirecTV Group
14,756
12.1
11,200
(1)
Industries
2006 Revenue
($M)
Introduction
Company

(2)
Highly diversified company; figures include departments
that operate in other industries
Sources: Fortune.com; Hoovers.com; WetFeet analysis
International Telecommunication Union (www.itu.int)
TelecomCareers.Net (www.telecomcareers.net)
Telecommunications Industry Association
(www.tiaonline.org)
Telecommunications magazine
(www.telecoms-mag.com)
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
(http://wireless.fcc.gov)
Careers
41
Careers
Information Technology........... 44
Manufacturing and
Production. ........................... 46
Medicine and Health. .............. 49
Operations. ........................... 52
Programming......................... 54
Project Management................ 57
Supply Chain Management....... 59
Web Development................... 61
Careers
Industries
Introduction
Information
Technology
smoothly functioning computer network that provides

an effective flow of information so the company can
improve its work processes, customer retention and
acquisition, and other aspects of its business.
Career Overview
Requirements
Email, PCs, and the Internet: These products of the

information age have become common currency
among working professionals. They make life simpler
by providing speedy communication, efficient work
tools, and access to vast information. But they also
introduce a risk factor: If your computer fails or the
network connection goes down, you lose time and
possibly money.
Thats where information technology specialists come
in. IT brings you the information and applications
such as word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation
softwarethat office workers everywhere rely on for
their jobs. IT specialists create, set up, and maintain
employees vital programs and systems.
Their work varies widely. They upgrade your
software, get your network or computer running after
it crashes, set up and maintain the servers on which
your companys internal applications run, create and
customize software products, and build and maintain
the databases you need to serve customers.
IT professionals wear many hats and go by different
names, depending on their expertiseengineer,
programmer, website producer, and network
administrator, to name a few. The range of IT jobs
is vast. For example, the skills needed to set up an
office networkthat is, to install the cables, configure
the computers, and keep the PCs runningdiffer
from those required to establish and customize an
automated-payroll software system. A database
specialist needs still other skills to administer everchanging information generated by enterprise
applications and the company website, including files
on visitors who have signed on as members or made
purchases.
But no matter what job they do, all IT professionals
focus on improving the usability and efficiency of
technological systems and processes. Their goal is a
Theres a broad range of jobs in IT, and not all

positions require technical skills. Our best techsupport people had humanities backgrounds, one
insider says. Communication and business skills are
important qualifications. Four-year college-degree
programsnot necessarily in computer sciencealso
serve job candidates well.
Employers look for relevant skills and experience.
A degree in computer science tends to be most
important for database developers and software
engineers. Certificate programs are more common
for support and system administration specialists
(see the Certification section that follows for more
information). On-the-job experience can substitute for
either academic credential, although a degree offers a
tremendous advantage to people just entering the job
market.
Nontechnical credentials matter, too, especially if
youre doing IT work for a non-IT organization. For
example, a biology minor will come in handy if youre
a software developer working with an insect database
at a university research center.
44
Because IT is part of so many

industries, a secondary field
can be anything that interests
youfilm, chemistry, history.
No matter what it is, its likely
to complement an industry
searching for IT workers.
Network Engineering
A certificate is almost always a prerequisite for a

job in information security. A number of common
acronyms appear beside the names of successful
security professionalsfor example, CCSE (Check
Point Certified Security Expert), CCSA (Check
Point Certified Security Administrator), and SCSE
(Symantec Certified Security Engineer).
Network and system administrators are also
increasingly turning to certification programs like
those offered by Microsoft and Red Hat. However,
formal training is less important for system
administrators than for other kinds of IT professionals.
Education doesnt end when you land a job. Part of
working in IT is learning new technologies. Since the
field is constantly evolving, todays hot tech skills
C++, Java, Linux, .NET, and Oracleare just that.
Next year, the list will change. Every job comes with
its own list of requirements, and however careful you
are at selecting your skills, youll need to update them
and pick up new ones.
Network engineers build and maintain a companys

back-end technology. Duties include implementing a
LAN for intra-office communication and a WAN to
support an Internet connection. In addition, network
engineers must ensure that all workstations, hubs,
servers, routers, and switches operate properly.
IT jobs fall into two general categories: back-end

and front-end work. Back-end involves supporting
networks and databases. Front-end concentrates
on improving the user-interface realm, such as the
design and navigation of a website. Some of the more
common IT jobs are described below.
Software Engineering
Database Administration
Database administrators develop, implement,
update, test, and repair server databases. Since these
repositories typically store information on thousands,
if not millions, of existing and potential customers,
maintenance is a formidable task that often requires a
project team. Other DBA duties include monitoring
performance, archiving and backing up information,
and keeping confidential data secure.
Web Production and Development

Web producers collaborate with corporate
management to create a website that communicates
the companys message and promotes its products or
services. Working with graphic designers and a team of
Web developers who code the content, they establish
objectives and devise plans for the sites future. In
addition, they post, update, and quality-check online
content.
Web developers engineer Internet-specific software
to post and update information on the company
website. Using markup languages such as HTML
and JavaScript, they create pages of text, images, and
hyperlinks.
45
Careers
Software engineers are programmers who write the

code that makes software products run. In a traditional
sense, they design, develop, and debug application
softwarethe programs you use for word processing,
managing your finances, or learning foreign languages.
However, theyre now devoting more attention to Web
enablement. For instance, a team of engineers might
design a banks online checking system or develop the
multiplayer Internet version of a PC game.
Network administrators and systems support staff

boost efficiency and output by building and upgrading
employees computers, downloading software, backing
up information, and setting up email accounts.
Net admins also respond to emergencies such as
hacker attacks and virus threats, troubleshoot new
applications, and field a never-ending barrage of user
questions.
Industries
Career Tracks
Network Administration and Systems

Support
Introduction
Certification
Introduction
Quality Assurance
The quality assurance team is the last line of defense
against mistakes before a product or website is
made available to the public. At computer hardware
companies, for example, QA engineers oversee the
production process, ensuring that the plant assembles
a flawless machine. At companies with an online
presence, QA verify that the websites features,
interface, and navigation are bug-free and fully
functional before content is posted. In both cases, a
QA technician pinpoints problems so developers can
remedy them before distribution.
Careers
Industries
Job Outlook
Despite sluggish performance in the past few years, the
Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs in this industry
to grow faster than the national average through 2014.
It projects that one out of four new jobs in the next
decade will be IT-related, with software engineering,
computer science, and database administration ranking
among the fastest-growing occupations.
One reason for the strong growth is that businesses
have been relatively stable. Companies have been
moving forward with expensive IT ventures, including
upgrading systems and developing new products.
However, the news isnt all good. Programming and
operations work will see a sharp decline over the next
few years. Overseas outsourcing is a major factor here,
as is rapidly advancing technology. These days, either
new software or someone abroad can perform many of
these duties more cost-effectively.
Employment prospects are best for recent
grads with up-to-the-minute tech skills and work
experience. Perhaps the career track in highest demand
will be computer security, as protecting networks,
infrastructures, and data is a top priority for most
companies. Other hot areas of IT are e-commerce and
mobile technology.
If you really want to stay ahead of the curve,
youve got to develop those nontechnical business
skills. Computerworld magazine predicts that by
2010, companies generally will be seeking versatile IT
specialists for information and systems integration,
46
project management, systems analysis, and even

business architecture.
Association for Computing Machinery (www.acm.org)
Computer & Communications Industry Association
(www.ccianet.org)
Information Technology Association of America
(www.itaa.org)
Software & Information Industry Association
(www.siia.net)
Web Developers Virtual Library
(http://wdvl.internet.com)
Manufacturing
and Production
Career Overview
Without manufacturing and production, thered be
no products to market or sell. Accountants would
have nothing to account for. Programmers would lack
computers to do their jobs. In short, thered by very
little need for any other career.
Manufacturing and production are more or less
interchangeable terms for making a product, including
the processes involved along the way. Our clothes,
books, and computers were all manufactured. So were
the textiles for the clothes, the paper for the books,
and the components for the computers.
People who work in manufacturing and production
dont just create products; they create them as quickly
and inexpensively as possible, and in the necessary
quantities. In this industry, time is money: The faster
a companys machines and processes work, the better
the company will perform. It doesnt matter whether
youre producing silicon chips or Pokmon toys. The
manufacturing challenge is to develop better production
processes, secure the right material and component
supplies at the lowest cost, reduce production time,
eliminate waste, and ensure product quality.
Many enter the manufacturing and production

arena with an engineering degree, usually electrical
or mechanical. However, numerous universities
offer specialized degree programs in manufacturing
engineering, process engineering, and robotics.
As with many technology areas, job titles in
manufacturing vary among companies. Roles can
become highly technical and specialized. The following
descriptions refer to typical positions with common
types of responsibilities.
Industrial Designer
Industrial designers are the engineers who dream
up next years Porsches, Mack trucks, and technical
machinery. They interact regularly with other
departments, so communication skills are important.
Technical savvy is also vital.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial engineers hold the manufacturing process
together. Responsibilities may include managing
productivity and inventory, controlling quality, and
designing the layout of the factory floor. Industrial
engineers need a thorough knowledge of product
design, assembly methods, and QA standards.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers develop machinery to make
operations more efficient. They conduct experiments,
evaluate findings, and present new concepts, products,
equipment, and processes.
47
Careers
Most manufacturing and production positions require

a BS in a relevant engineering field. That could mean
chemical, electrical, manufacturing, or mechanical,
depending on the product.
Career Tracks
Industries
Requirements
A two-year degree may suffice for lower-level

positions, although most of these require training in
specific types of PLC and/or computer platforms, such
as the Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, and Toshiba systems.
Certificate courses in PLC systems are available at
most community colleges, and the PLC manufacturers
themselves offer courses through their dealers and
distributors.
Introduction
While the introduction of industrial automation

technology has reduced the number of blue-collar and
semiskilled positions in manufacturing, the evolution
of the manufacturing process itself has opened many
opportunities for technicians, engineers, industrial
designers, and managers. As production lines become
less labor-intensive, they depend more on computers,
sensors, and robotics. Programmable logic controllers
(PLCs) handle what human hands used to do, and
step-by-step production control is left to sequencing
equipment.
But PLCs are just the beginning: Sophisticated
robots and intelligent computer-software programs
can now run entire factories, requiring skilled
programmers and software engineers to develop
human-machine interfaces (HMIs) that let these
high-tech creations communicate with their human
masters. This may sound like science fiction, but some
of the most advanced technology helps produce vast
quantities of consumer goods and industrial products.
When companies move their production centers
worldwide, they need experienced production
professionals to direct overseas plant construction
and equipment installation, as well as to train local
technicians and engineers. Production managers,
process engineers, and others involved in
manufacturing travel extensively to qualify foreign
suppliers or introduce systems and techniques to their
international subsidiaries.
Manufacturing and production work calls for
technical skills, attention to detail, and the creativity
to improve processes. Youll also need to endure stress,
as the quest for faster and cheaper production methods
never ends.
Although many companies hire all majors, some
are definitely engineering-driven, with marketing and
other functions taking their cues from engineers.
Introduction
Software Engineer
People in this role design the software that helps
companies sharpen their competitive edge in the
global marketplace. In addition to a bachelors degree
or higher, the position usually requires knowledge of
computer languages like C++, Java, and VB.NET, as
well as expertise in client/server software architecture
design and implementation.
Test Engineer
A test engineer is the stickler of the manufacturing
group. Here your job is to create and run simulations
to find problems in a manufacturing process. Senior
positions offer opportunities to explore new ways of
doing thingsfor example, rerouting conveyor belts,
or switching or resequencing various production steps
to enhance the process. A BS or MS in chemical,
electrical, or mechanical engineering is usually
required.
Industries
Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineers are the eggheads of the production
process. Robotics is a highly technical field, and
robot-enabled production lines are extremely capitalintensive. New technology is always emerging to make
the most of that investment. Robotics engineers need
to understand the entire robotic process, from software
design to mechanical operation. Such jobs generally
require an MS or a PhD in a technical, scientific, or
engineering field.
Systems and Controls Engineers
Careers
Systems and controls engineers design and maintain

human-machine interfaces. The job requires a BS
in engineering, as well as excellent computer and
software-programming skills. Experience is a must:
You need to know how manufacturing engineers think
and how the machines work so you can devise a way
for the two to interact.
Design Engineer
People in this position design, develop, modify, and
enhance existing products and processes, usually in the
48
interest of developing a new product. They ensure that

processes and design implementations are consistent
with good scientific and manufacturing practices. In
addition, they may manage vendor relationships and
administer contracts to accomplish goals. The job
requires a BS in a science or engineering field.
Process Engineer
The process engineer is the link between product
design and production. Process engineers work
with manufacturing and design engineers during
product development to ensure that a product can be
manufactured effectively from both a technical and a
financial standpoint.
The job involves substantial coordination and
communication, as well as a good deal of paperwork
and administration. It usually requires a BS or MS in
electrical or mechanical engineering.
Materials Engineer
Materials engineers study the properties of matter.
They extract, process, and test materials to discover
new applications, often in the chemical and biotech
manufacturing industries. The job requires at least a
BS in chemical engineering or material science, with
extensive knowledge of chemistry and physics.
Manufacturing engineers are responsible for
maintaining a specific part of the manufacturing
process. They review product and process designs
for manufacturing feasibility, as well as recommend
product and process improvements. People in this
role usually have a BS in electrical, manufacturing, or
mechanical engineering.
Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Companies hire senior manufacturing engineers
to develop cost-effective manufacturing processes.
The position is extremely high-profile. Experience
counts more than education, but an MS in a relevant
engineering field is usually desired.
Director of Manufacturing
Job Outlook
Career Overview
Youll find an enormous range of career opportunities
in medicine and health care. If youre interested
in healing people and helping them stay well,
theres almost certainly a job for you. Health
care practitioners include everyone from doctors,
emergency medical technicians, and physical therapists
to physician assistants, radiology technologists,
respiratory therapists, nurses, home health aides, and
speech pathologists.
The field employs a host of other workers as well.
Among them are IT professionals; business, sales,
marketing, and administrative people; public policy
experts; medical writers, editors, and transcribers; and
lab technicians.
Medicine and health care

offers a dizzying array
of career opportunities,
especially when you broaden
your scope to include
pharmaceutical manufacturers
and biotech companies.
Industries
Its no secret that U.S. manufacturing isnt faring well.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment
in the industry to drop 6 percent by 2014. Many
manufacturing sectors, including textiles and
electronics, are losing jobs to overseas outsourcing.
Others, such as autos and aerospace and defense,
are consolidating. The only bright spot seems to be
pharmaceutical manufacturing, where the bureau
expects jobs to grow 26 percent by 2014.
But manufacturers will always need engineers to
improve productivity. One of the most sought-after
specialties is mechanical engineering, particularly in
the aerospace and machinery manufacturing sectors.
For recent college graduates, the outlook in
manufacturing appears fair: Companies still appear
to be hiring, albeit at a tempered pace. Current
engineering skills and knowledge of hot technologies
will get you far in your job search.
Medicine and
Health
Introduction
In a large organization, the director of manufacturing

may oversee several production facilities and
command a large staff. In other cases, the director
of manufacturing may be responsible for managing
contract manufacturers, selecting the best production
facilities and communicating with the contractors
to make sure they meet production rates, quotas,
and cost targets. Most positions require an MS in
an appropriate engineering field, as well as five or
more years of relevant experience as a manufacturing
engineer or systems/controls engineer.
Requirements
In every state, doctors must be licensed. Licenses are
granted to graduates of accredited medical schools who
have passed a licensing exam (the USMLE, or United
States Medical Licensing Examination) and completed
one to seven years of graduate medical school
(residency) in an accredited program. Most specialists
WETFEET INSIDER GUIDE 49
Careers
Association for Manufacturing Excellence

(www.ame.org)
The Association for Manufacturing Technology
(www.amtonline.org)
Manufacturing.net (www.manufacturing.net)
National Association of Manufacturers (www.nam.org)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (www.sme.org)
Industries
Introduction

also become board-certified in their specialty in order
to gain an edge in a competitive job market, although
board certification isnt a state requirement.
Accredited medical schools are those that have
been approved by the Liaison Committee on Medical
Education. A list of accredited medical programs
is available on the LCME website (www.lcme.org).
Accredited residency programs have been approved
by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical
Education; for a list, visit the ACGME site (www.
acgme.org).
After completing their residency, doctors
commonly find employment with a medical group or
hospital. With more experience, they can expect salary
increases and may even earn shares in the practice.
While some doctors pursue management positions,
most continue to practice medicine. As a doctors
career advances, he or she will typically develop a base
of regular patients and accept fewer new ones. The
heavy workloads and long hours generally diminish as
retirement approaches.
Other health care professionals, including RNs and
nurse practitioners, also require licenses to work.
Career Tracks
When most people think about health care, they think
of doctorsand sure enough, in the descriptions that
follow, youll find details about some of the options
open to those considering careers as physicians.
But the medical and health care field isnt just for
doctors. Weve included other important health care
professions, including registered nursing, the largest
single health care profession, to give you an idea of the
breadth of the different careers.
Careers
Physicians: MDs and DOs

For all the complexity of their profession, doctors
have a simple goal: to treat and heal people who suffer
injury or illness. As part of their practice, doctors
examine patients, evaluate medical histories, perform
and interpret medical tests, make medical diagnoses,
and prescribe and administer treatments that may
include surgery, drugs, or physical therapies.
50
Many of these activities are done in conjunction

with other professionals, such as nurses and clinical
laboratory technologists. But ultimately, the doctor is
responsible for diagnosing the patient and deciding on
treatment.
Doctors are also involved in keeping patients
healthy through preventive care, which includes
counseling patients about diet, exercise, and stress
reduction. Preventive medicine has become more
popular in recent years, as managed care emphasizes
cost controls and the prevention of illnesses that may
be expensive to treat.
There are two types of physicians: MDs, also
known as allopathic physicians; and DOs, or doctors
of osteopathic medicine. Both can perform a full range
of medical services for patients, including surgery
and drug therapy. The main difference is that DOs
focus more on preventive medicine and the proper
functioning of the bodys musculoskeletal system. Both
MDs and DOs work in general medical practices or
various specializations.
General Practitioners
General or family practitioners have always been
common in the medical field, but theyre now more
prevalent than ever. Thats largely because of managedcare systems, which emphasize the role of the primarycare physician: the patients regular doctor, who often
must authorize referrals to specialists or nonemergency
admissions to the hospital.
Primary-care physicians generally specialize in
internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, or
geriatrics. Because general practitioners have become
increasingly responsible for their patients, they must
be able to recognize a wider range of conditions. That
enables them to recommend appropriate treatments
and to refer patients to specialists.
Specialists
Medical specialists focus on a specific area of the
body, a particular type of illness or condition, or a
certain procedure. Body-related specialties include
cardiopulmonary medicine (heart and lungs),
Health care is the largest U.S. industry, accounting

for roughly 15 percent of the countrys gross national
product. It should grow even larger as the baby
boomer population ages. The Bureau of Labor
Statistics projects that by 2014, the number of jobs in
the sectorcurrently 13.5 millionwill have jumped
27 percent since 2004.
Managed care has affected the career opportunities
of doctors and other health professionals in significant
ways, both positive and negative. As part of their costcutting initiatives, HMOs and other managed care
plans steer patients toward primary care physicians
rather than more expensive specialistsand toward
even less pricey nurse practitioners where possible.
Consequently, the job outlook is good for general and
family practitioners, general internists, pediatricians,
and nurse practitioners. Nurses in particular enjoy a
buyers market when it comes to jobs.
51
Careers
Registered nurses make up the largest health care

profession: There are approximately two million
working RNs. They play an important role in helping
patients and perform a wide range of duties in clinical
settings. While RNs often work with physicians, they
may also work alone on certain aspects of patient care.
State laws regulate the scope of RNs work, so their
job descriptions will vary by state. Typically, RNs
perform or assist with activities such as examining
patients, taking medical histories, devising treatment
plans, administering medication and other treatments,
observing and evaluating patients symptoms and
Job Outlook
Industries
Other Health Professions
responses to treatment, and performing follow-up

evaluations and care.
Physician assistants offer health care services under
the supervision of physicians. Depending on state
regulations, PAs may examine patients, order tests and
Xrays, make diagnoses, treat injuries, and prescribe
medications.
Medical assistants perform a combination of
administrative and simple clinical tasks. Their duties
may include answering phones, managing medical
records, drawing blood, and educating patients about
how to take medications.
Clinical laboratory technologists perform tests on
bodily fluids, tissues, and cells, as well as evaluate the
results of such tests.
Cardiovascular technologists administer tests to
diagnose heart disease and related conditions. Procedures
include electrocardiograph (EKG) tests and stress testing.
Physical therapists work to improve function and
mobility and to relieve pain in patients suffering from
disease or injury. PTs often prescribe exercise regimens,
although they may use other techniques such as
electrical stimulation and massage.
Introduction
gynecology (female reproductive system), dermatology

(skin), immunology (immune system), endocrinology
(endocrine glands), gastroenterology (digestive system),
hematology (blood, spleen, and lymph nodes),
hepatology (liver and biliary tract), neurology (brain,
spinal cord, and nervous system), ophthalmology
(eyes), otolaryngology (ears, respiratory, and upper
alimentary systems), rheumatology (diseases of the
joints, muscles, bones, and tendons) and urology
(adrenal gland and genitourinary system).
Condition-related specialists focus on allergy
(reactions to irritating agents), oncology (cancer and
tumors), toxicology (poisons and their effects), and
obstetrics (pregnancy, labor, and delivery).
Procedure-related specialties include anesthesiology
(managing patients pain and consciousness during
and after operations and other procedures), radiology
(using radiation to diagnose and treat patients),
and surgery (using invasive operative techniques to
diagnose and treat patients). Many specialties have
subspecialties. For instance, a doctor might specialize
in head and neck surgery, radiation oncology (use of
radiation to treat cancer), or pediatric cardiovascular
surgery.
Managed-care plans are still evolving, and these
models are sometimes combined into hybrids and
other configurations. But its clear that traditional feefor-service plans and solo careers in private practice are
mostly a thing of the past.
Careers
Industries
Introduction

Geriatric specialists will likely be in high demand
as the U.S. population ages and advances in medical
technology make it possible to live longer. The market
for many specialists has waned since the advent of
managed care. Still, demand for certain specialties,
such as cardiology, will remain strong as heart disease,
hypertension, strokes, and other conditions associated
with older adults become more common.
timely and accurate manner.

Some industries are more operations-intensive
than others. Youll find the most opportunities in
sectors like banking, financial services, health care,
manufacturing, retail, telecommunications, and
transportation.
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric

Medicine (www.aacpm.org)
American Medical Student Association
(www.amsa.org)
American Physical Therapy Association
(www.apta.org)
HealthWeb (www.healthweb.org)
The New England Journal of Medicine (www.nejm.org)
United States Medical Licensing Examination
(www.usmle.org)
If you know how to get

things done and dont mind
working outside the spotlight,
operations may be just the
place for you. Operations
professionals understand that
the little pieces create the big
corporate picture.
Operations
Requirements
Career Overview
The operations field comprises the activities that
contribute directly to a companys main lines of
business.
Consider a company like Gap, which manufactures
clothing and sells the merchandise in its own
stores. Operations for Gap would include product
manufacturing, shipments to the companys retail
stores, systems for tracking sales and returned items,
Website orders, and customer service.
People in operations ensure that their employers
businesses run smoothly, effectively, and professionally.
They include assembly line workers, mailroom
employees, and the folks who load and unload the
trucks. Also in this category are office, purchasing,
and supply chain managers; manufacturing-process
consultants; and brokerage firm back-office employees,
who see that securities transactions are completed in a
52
While you can get a customer-service job with

little experience, most operations positions require
a four-year degree and industry background. Most
universities offer degrees in operations management.
But a degree in business can be just as good,
depending on whether you want a more or less
technical career in operations.
If you want to climb the corporate ladder, consider
earning an advanced degree. Most VPs and COOs
have an MBA, and many have a PhD. Without such
degrees, promotions will take longer. It may also be
more difficult to land a job at another organization.
To win a promotion, you must prove you can get
the job done right the first time and manage all aspects
of a project within budget. Attention to detail, strong
analytical skills, and the ability to thrive in a team
environment are essential.
Career Tracks
Facilities Coordinator
Facilities coordinators are responsible for an
organizations physical environment and how a
buildings design, layout, furniture, and other
equipment affect the efficiency and profitability
of the business. They buy office furniture and
supplies, determine when more space is needed,
select appropriate vendors, and manage the facilities
budget. A business management background and keen
understanding of how working environments affect
employee productivity are prerequisites.
Procurement Analyst/Purchasing Manager
Process Engineer
Process engineers develop processes that use energy,
labor, and materials more safely and efficiently. They
also develop metrics to manage those processes.
A process engineer in a distribution center might
come up with a better way to deal with invoices and
the flow of products. In a manufacturing environment,
a person in this role might devise a better method for
handling raw materials.
Transportation Manager
Transportation managers work under logistics
managers to oversee the traffic of finished products
to and from distribution centers. Duties may include
managing outside carriers, monitoring costs using
specific metrics, negotiating contracts, and ensuring
that freight moves smoothly across international
borders.
Warehouse Operations Manager

People in this role generally work in the retail,
distribution, and transportation industries.
Responsibilities include monitoring and optimizing
warehouse inventories, hiring and supervising
warehouse personnel, and ensuring that the warehouse
meets safety regulations.
Logistics Analyst/Manager
Customer-Service Manager
Analysts and managers in this field work on a wide

range of logistics functions, including warehouse
and distribution operations, forecasting, planning,
logistics information systems, customer service,
and purchasing. Analyst roles might address an area
within the logistics function, while senior roles, such
as manager or director, involve overseeing a team of
analysts.
Managers negotiate contracts with suppliers and
carriers, develop supply chain metrics and strategy, and
Individuals in this position set service levels and ensure

that customer-service reps meet those standards. They
also work with other departments to keep customers
satisfied while controlling service costs.
Industries
In large organizations, purchasing is a strategic

endeavor that involves negotiating and managing
contracts with suppliers. Purchasing managers
work with materials managers and manufacturing
departments to identify the organizations material
needs. They also develop metrics on which to base
management of procurement costs, delivery times,
service levels, and quality.
Procurement analysts are junior people who
typically target a single aspect of purchasing. They
might analyze historical purchasing costs, make cost
projections, or find prospective vendors.
oversee day-to-day management of logistics functions.

Analysts devote much of their time to problem solving,
forecasting, and ensuring that operations are running
within determined metrics.
Introduction
Exactly which functions an operations department

controls depends on the companys size and structure.
The following is a list of the most common operations
jobs.
Product-Development Manager
53
Careers
Product-development managers set detailed scientific

and technical goals based on top managements broad
outlines. Those goals may include improvements in
manufacturing processes, a product redesign, or the
Industries
Introduction

development of a brand-new product. Working with
their staffs, the managers brainstorm concepts and
identify technical problems to be resolved.
that the entire back end of the organization operates

efficiently. The COO is the person to whom senior
operations managers report.
Job Outlook
Manufacturing engineers take a product design and

determine how the product will be assembled. They
define, design, and improve the necessary machinery
and processes.
Regarded as the plants technical experts, these
engineers are well-versed in process technologies,
automation equipment, operations methodologies,
and statistical controls. They work with small
manufacturing teams.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job

opportunities in operations to grow at about the same
rate as the average for all occupations in coming years.
Expanding industries such as high tech may offer more
opportunities than relatively mature industries like
manufacturing. Moreover, technology advances will
lessen the demand for operations professionals in some
career areas.
Logistics Engineer
Academy of Management Online

(www.aomonline.org)
Institute for Operations Research and the
Management Sciences (www.informs.org)
The McKinsey Quarterly: Operations
(www.mckinseyquarterly.com/category_editor.
aspx?L2=1)
Operations Management Center
(www.mhhe.com/omc)
Logistics engineers plan the distribution of work

orders, mapping out the process from beginning to
end. People in this role must constantly be on the
lookout for improvements. The position requires
attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and
an ability to analyze business processes in depth.
Operations Analyst
Operations analysts study the operations
infrastructure, seeking areas where the system breaks
down and finding ways to resolve those problems.
Strategies may include using different vendors or
transforming work processes. The job requires much
in the way of administrative responsibilities. People in
this role report to the operations manager.
Careers
Operations Manager/Director
Operations managers or directors determine how the
processes in their departments should be implemented
and what duties must be performed. Duties include
hiring and managing low-level staff, selecting vendors,
completing departmental financial analyses, and
setting a budget. People in this role report to the VP of
operations or chief operations officer.
Chief Operations Officer

The chief operations officer is responsible for ensuring
54
Programming
Career Overview
Programmingwriting instructions to be carried out
by a computer or other programmable device using a
given programming languagecombines elements of
math, science, and engineering.
Computer programmers are at the center of
information technology, or IT. Without their input,
your PC, for example, would be nothing more than
a dumb box. It couldnt even solve a simple math
problem without a series of programming commands.
Programming languages arent languages in the traditional sense. Rather, theyre systems of code that instruct
computers how to operate. Most programmers know
several languages and must constantly learn new ones.
Requirements
You can find computer programmers in virtually all

industries. While the working environment may vary,
the goal of all programming is to make computers
operate effectively. Usually, programmers work within
a companys IT department. Organizations sometimes
bring in skilled contractors to work on specific
projects. Smaller businesses may outsource part or all
of their programming. Following is a list of the most
common programming job titles.
Application Programmer
Systems programmers develop programs that control

computer hardware and how it will interact with
peripherals such as terminals, disk drives, and printers.
At a fundamental level, systems programmers design
and construct operating systems, which communicate
directly with the computer hardware.
Also in this group are programmers who develop
software that controls computer networks and lays out
the paths along which data is routed. At a telephone
company, for example, the systems programmer writes
programs that direct millions of phone conversations
across a network of wires and fiber-optic cables.
Systems programmers may work on a number of
projects simultaneously. Theyre frequently brought in
at the end of the development cycle to find hardware
glitches that prevent a program from operating
properly. Their input is an important part of the
troubleshooting process.
55
Careers
Application programmers develop the software we

know best. Examples include word processing, video
games, and accounting packages. Programs may be
written to reach a wide audience, as in the case of off-
Systems Programmer
Industries
Career Tracks
the-shelf software, or for a specific function within an

organization.
Most application programmers work with a
product from its inception through final testing. At
the start of a project, they meet with designers and
management to understand the nature of the program
to be developed. Several strategies are designed,
outlining the best ways to proceed. Any potential
flaws or design complications will be noted for future
reference. The options are then presented to the
project manager, who selects the best one. At this
point, programmers can begin writing code. After the
program is completed, the applications team works
with the systems programmers and quality assurance
personnel to remove any bugs.
Application programmers must have strong
communication skills and technical expertise. Most
have experience working with multiple computer
languages. Specialization in an industry, such as
finance or health care, is common. Most companies
require a four-year degree, but having recent
experience in the industry and knowledge of a
programming language can open doors.
Introduction
Most computer programmers have a four-year degree

in computer science. However, a degree from a
related technical field, such as math or engineering,
is acceptable. Around 20 percent have an advanced
degree in computer science or engineering. A
limited number of programmers are self-taught.
Certification programs, available through technical
schools or community colleges, offer another route to
employment.
While degrees are important, employers usually
place more emphasis on actual work experience.
Many recent college graduates with sparkling report
cards cant find work because they lack portfolios. A
programmer who has a limited formal education but
a strong knowledge of several programming languages
has a better chance of landing a job. Take advantage of
all available work opportunities and internships. The
more experience you can show, the better your chances
of finding a position after graduation.
Its important that computer professionals continue
to update their skills. Software development tools
and technologies evolve. Programmers must seek
trade shows, seminars, periodicals, and professionaleducation classes to stay abreast of changes in their
industry.
Introduction

All systems programmers have substantial technical
backgrounds. They must have an intimate knowledge
of the entire computer system. Almost all systems
programmers have four-year degrees, and a significant
number have advanced degrees in computer science.
Database Administrator
Database administrators, or database engineers,
create software that controls and maintains massive
databases. Large corporations, including online
retailers and financial firms, typically use such
programs. The computer systems are usually large and
can encompass a vast network.
Industries
Web Programmer
Writing pages in HTML is a relatively simple process.
Until recently, self-taught HTML coders could
use this to their advantage. The bar of entry into
Web development was easily crossed. But theres an
increasing demand for websites that interact with
users. Developers of these sites must have extensive
knowledge of Perl and other object-oriented languages,
such as Java. These languages create Web pages
that not only interact with users, but also tap into
information in large company databases connected to
the website.
Careers
Project Manager
The project manager oversees the work of the
programming team, ensuring that the programmers
finish their assignments on time and within the
specified budget. Since the team reports directly to
the PM, its up to that individual to see that all its
members are cooperating with one another.
The project management role is part technical
consultant, part manager. PMs must understand all
the technical components in the development process.
They work with upper management to make the final
decision on how a project advances. Accordingly, they
must be expert negotiators, excellent communicators
and time managers, and experienced financial
forecasters.
Companies say this is the hardest programming
56
position to fill. In fact, many hires dont last through

their first PM assignment. However, individuals who
can successfully work under these conditions are
always in demand.
A demonstrated ability to get the job done right
may be more important than educational background.
That said, many PMs have bachelors degrees in
computer science, and some also hold MBAs.
Moreover, numerous employers favor PM certification
and require it for advancement.
Software Engineer
Software engineers are concerned with the overall
structure of a project. They apply general engineering
practices, such as quality assurance and failure analysis,
to the process of software production. Working
directly with the QA team, they develop quantitative
tests to identify programming shortfalls.
Usually, a software engineer has several years of
experience as a general programmer or traditional
engineer. A few lucky ones have been hired directly
from undergraduate programs. Many have advanced
engineering degrees.
Quality Assurance
The quality assurance team has the final look at a program
before its released to users. Its members work with the
software engineers and programmers to find bugs that
could halt a computer system. As part of that process, QA
staffers develop testing procedures that simulate the many
ways in which a program could be used.
Most technical organizations have QA teams that
search through previously written code to find and fix
errors. Smaller companies or non-IT businesses may
outsource this function.
Job Outlook
The picture for programmers has changed drastically
in recent years. Firms are consolidating their computer
systems and often outsourcing programming overseas,
where salaries are much lower. Off-the-shelf software is
becoming more sophisticated and reducing corporate
reliance on IT.
Project
Management
Career Overview
Requirements
Educational requirements for project managers vary
greatly according to the type of projects they manage.
For construction projects, a civil engineering degree is
usually necessary. High-tech PMs may need a degree
in electrical engineering or computer science. In most
cases, the most successful project managers have some
type of formal business training, including an MBA.
Project management has a direct effect on a companys
bottom line, so a PM must be able to evaluate a
projects financial repercussions from a corporate
viewpoint.
Project managers also need strong leadership skills,
the ability to set and stick to a schedule, multitasking
57
Careers
Project management is all about setting and achieving

reasonable and attainable goals. Its the process of
planning, organizing, and overseeing how and when
these goals are met.
Unlike business managers who oversee a specific
functional business area, PMs orchestrate all aspects
of time-limited, discrete projects. For instance, a
project manager whos overseeing the development
of a new product or service may manage folks from
departments as disparate as marketing, IT, and HR.
Everyone practices project management to some
degree. Farmers plan what, when, and how to plant;
Industries
Computerworld: Careers
(www.computerworld.com/careertopics/careers)
Dice (www.dice.com)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Computer Society (www.computer.org)
Pencom Systems (www.pencom.com)
how to take care of the crops as they grow; and how

and when to harvest. Parents plan what dinners to
prepare for their children. (If they have strong project
management skills, theyll delegate chores like setting
and clearing the table.)
In business, project management is an art, a
skill, and a demanding full-time job. PMs are
key employees in the architecture, construction,
engineering, manufacturing, and real estate
development industries. But many opportunities
for PMs exist outside these areas. For example, in
high tech, biotech, and pharmaceuticals, PMs are
responsible for launching products, developing new
technologies, and managing alliance programs with
strategic partners.
Large corporations such as insurance companies
and banks may also hire PMs to manage the
implementation of new standards or practices in their
many branch offices. Internet companies often look
for project managers to oversee site launches or the
development of new applications.
Whether a project involves releasing a product,
building a new office site, or launching a rocket,
PMs make sure everything comes together in a
timely, cost-effective mannerand take the heat if it
doesnt. Their high-profile, high-risk work demands
multitasking ability, analytical thinking, and excellent
communication skills.
Introduction
As a result, many programmers wages have

declined. Raises have been the exception.
While these factors have put pressure on jobs,
the information age has created an ongoing need for
skilled programmers. People who thoroughly know
the latest programming languages, understand how
business needs determine programming priorities, and
work well in teams should find opportunities.
In general, the Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees
programmer opportunities rising no faster than
the average rate for all occupations through 2014.
However, the future looks brighter for computer
software engineers who count programming among
their responsibilities but are often more involved in
software design.

capability, analytical thinking, strong communication
skills, and an orientation toward getting things done.
Careers
Industries
Introduction
Certification
manager directly. Rather, theyre usually assigned

specific tasks to manage. They meet regularly with the
PM to report progress and problems.
Professional certification in project management is

available through the Project Management Institute,
which bestows the professions most globally
recognized and respected credential: certification as a
Project Management Professional (PMP). To obtain
this, applicants must satisfy requirements involving
education and experience, agree to a code of ethics,
and pass the PMP certification examination. Many
companies require the PMP credential for employment
or advancement.
Project Manager
Career Tracks
A wide range of industries use

project managers to handle
everything from product
launches to restructuring
efforts.
Few people start in the field as full-fledged project

managers. Most are offered an assistant position
on a project management team and are assigned
responsibility for one aspect of the work. As you gain
experience, you may be assigned more tasks until
youre ready to lead others in completing an entire
project.
In this position, you may run a project yourself or

lead a management team, delegating task management
to assistants. PMs report to the owner of the project,
whether thats a real estate developer, a government
agency, or your companys senior management. You
oversee the budget and schedule, as well as take
responsibility for the projects completion.
Project Coordinator
A project coordinator is an entry-level position that
offers exposure to the work of project managers.
Its usually an administrative position involving
paperwork. You generate and distribute the reports
that keep the project management team, company
staff, and others informed of the projects progress.
You also schedule meetings and assist the management
team.
Senior Project Manager
Project Scheduler
Job Outlook
For larger projects, a project scheduler runs the

software, inputting the information supplied by the
management team and updating files as needed. This
is a technical position that involves a great deal of
computer work and little actual management.
While project management in general is going

strong, job prospects are especially promising for
PMs in the biotech and high-tech arenas. Project
management opportunities depend on the number
of projects taking place at any given time. When the
economy is booming, demand for PMs is usually
widespread. When the economy is less robust, look for
opportunities in hot industry sectors.
Assistant Project Manager

Assistant PMs dont necessarily assist the project
58
Many large organizations that tackle multiple

projects simultaneouslyespecially construction and
engineering companiesemploy a senior project
manager. This individual supervises a companys
project managers, coordinating the allocation of
company resources, approving costs, and deciding
which projects should take priority.
Supply Chain
Management
Career Overview
INSIDER SCOOP
Supply chain management involves everything
that happens to a product from cradle to grave.
The focus of this profile is on those industries for
which supply chain management is essential to remain
competitive: manufacturing, retail, and logistics and
distribution. Manufacturing companies emphasize
materials management and sourcing functions.
Retail and logistics companies highlight logistics,
warehousing, and inventory management.
For the most part, supply chain management recruiters

dont want generalists, even at entry level. Rather,
they usually turn to a select group of SCM programs,
While theres no single career trajectory, insiders say

the apex of the supply chain cosmos is VP of supply
chain managementwhich seldom leads to COO, let
alone CEO. Although supply chain management has
become more cross-functional in recent years, the field
has yet to gain traction as a sparkling career path in
most companies.
The following are some of the general career
opportunities in supply chain management.
Supply Chain Manager

The supply chain manager is the holy grail of supply
chain management and logisticsboth sought after
and hard to come by. The role spans logistics and
distribution, purchasing, manufacturing, inventory
management, and even marketing and product
development.
Careers
Requirements
Career Tracks
Industries
Behold leaf-cutter ants! The leaf-cutters themselves cut

leaves from rain forest trees into manageable pieces.
The forager ants carry the pieceseach hauling up to
30 times its own body weightin a perfectly ordered
line back to the gardener ants, who continue the work
of the colony.
As a species, humans have no such innate sense of
how to move products from their source to end users.
Supply chain managers create processes for businesses
to do what ants do naturally: They attempt to combine
and optimize the steps required to produce the right
amount of the right product and deliver it to the end
user at the right time.
including those at Arizona State and the University of

Wisconsin. If you arent in a school at which the firm
recruits, an internship might get you in through the
back door.
Because the market is soft now, companies are
demanding industry and functional experience even
for entry-level positions. In the MBA world, they
look for supply chain course work or dedicated supply
chain programs.
Certifications arent required, but they help in
a slack market. Common certificates are Certified
Purchasing Manager and Certification in Production
and Inventory Management. More than 25 percent of
all purchasing professionals are CPMs, and nearly 10
percent hold a CPIM.
Proficiency in an enterprise resource planning
software package such as i2, Oracle, or SAP greatly
enhances your marketability. So does painstaking
attention to detail, which youll want to demonstrate
when communicating with prospective employers,
either in informal conversations or during the
interview process. Finally, because of the crossfunctional nature of the field, communication and
people skills are paramount.
Introduction
PMForum (www.pmforum.org)
Projectmanagement.com
(www.projectmanagement.com)
Project Management Institute (www.pmi.org)
59
Introduction
The supply chain manager reviews existing

procedures and examines opportunities to streamline
production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution,
and financial forecasting.
VP, Supply Chain Management

At the top of the SCM food chain, the VP is part
of the senior management team and usually reports
to the COO. The role often embraces all supply
chain functions, including logistics, facilities, and
purchasing. The VP translates executive strategies into
supply chain functions. Directors of functional areas in
the supply chain typically report to the VP.
Industries
A supply chain manager

develops strategies to cut costs,
improve quality, and increase
customer satisfaction.
Process Engineer
Process engineers design processes that make better
and safer use of resources. They also develop metrics to
manage the improved processes.
Account Specialist/Customer Service

The account specialist/customer service role is an
entry-level position for newly minted SCM majors.
Duties include resolving customer-service problems,
building relationships with clients and carriers, and
coordinating shipments for clients.
Supply Chain Management Consultant

Production Analyst/Manager
Production managers serve as mini plant managers
in a manufacturing company. Their responsibilities
include coordinating production schedules, forecasting
labor requirements, maintaining quality, determining
material requirements, and managing finished-goods
inventory/output.
Many companies seek people with Six Sigma and
lean manufacturing experience. The career path in
production management might be two to four years as
an analyst, another two to four years as a production
or plant manager, then on to director-level roles.
Logistics Analyst/Manager
Careers
and purchasing. Analyst roles might address an area

within the logistics function, while senior roles such
as manager and director involve overseeing a team
of analysts. Managers negotiate and contract with
suppliers and carriers, develop supply chain metrics
and strategy, and oversee day-to-day management of
logistics functions. Analysts devote much of their time
to problem solving, forecasting, and ensuring that
operations are running within determined metrics.
Analysts and managers work on a wide range

of logistics functions, including warehouse and
distribution operations, forecasting, planning,
logistics information systems, customer service,
60
The consultant is a senior role, usually post-MBA.

Along with the analyst and project manager, the
consultant makes up the team on an engagement.
SCM consultants review existing procedures and
examine opportunities to streamline production,
purchasing, warehousing, distribution, and financial
forecasting. In addition, they devise strategies to cut
costs, boost quality, and improve customer satisfaction.
It generally takes five to seven

years to become a manager,
and ten to fifteen years to
achieve director status.
Job Outlook
Web
Development
Career Overview
Because there are so many functions in Web

development, many skills can lead to a job. Experience
with scripting and markup languages such as HTML,
CGI, Java, and XML is required for many production
and programming positions. Knowledge of Web
development tools such as Acrobat and Dreamweaver
can be invaluable.
If youre going into Web design, minimum
requirements include knowledge of HTML,
Illustrator, and Photoshop. If youre going into content
development or production, HTML and writing skills
will be important. Experience with Web databases is a
required skill for most database jobs.
In addition to technical skills, companies want to
hire people with a firm grasp of how the Web works,
experience using the Web for research, and knowledge
of trends in e-business. Its important to be able to
work effectively with a team and communicate both
verbally and in writing. Organizational and project
management skills are critical to production. Many
roles require the ability to persuade others who dont
necessarily report to you.
Numerous colleges and universities now
offer programs specializing in Web design or ecommerce. Traditional marketing, graphic design,
communications, computer science, and engineering
degrees can help you break into the field, but they
probably wont be enough on their own. Many
vocational and technical schools offer specialized
training. One of the best ways to get your start is by
building a portfolio through internships or classes. A
good internship will expose you to all aspects of Web
development, including group collaboration.
Web developers must continually update their
skills. Computer technology changes in the blink of an
61
Careers
Web developers conceive, design, build, program,

brand, market, support, and manage websites. They
include product and project managers, writers,
designers, information architects, programmers, and
database administrators.
These professionals live in a 24/7 world, where they
contend with server migrations, download times, and
site crashes in a virtual space driven by databases. Their
goal is to make websites user-friendly, especially to
generate revenue from e-commerce sales, advertising,
and subscriptions.
Requirements
Industries
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals

(www.cscmp.org)
Institute for Supply Management (www.ism.ws)
The Stanford Global Supply Chain Management
Forum (www.stanford.edu/group/scforum)
Supply-Chain Council (www.supply-chain.org)
Web developers put in long hours. Many work on

a contract basis; others are part of an in-house staff,
professional service, or consulting firm.
At small organizations, Web developers wear
different hats. At larger organizations, their roles tend
to be more sharply defined.
Introduction
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, supply

chain management jobs will grow more slowly than
the national average through 2014. In the near future,
significant declines in the manufacturing sector are
expected to put a damper on SCM positions generally.
However, those aspiring to the supply chain manager
role stand to benefit as companies reorganize around
supply chain management, as opposed to logistics or
materials.
In addition, candidates should find many
SCM opportunities in the health care sector,
the countrys largest growth industry. Look for
openings in burgeoning subsectors such as specialty
pharmaceuticals, biotech, and medical-device
manufacturing.
Introduction
eye. The skills that helped you get your last job might
not help you keep the next. Continuing-education
classes, trade shows, seminars, and periodicals on
Internet topics abound. Take advantage of them.
Career Tracks
Web developers come from a variety of backgrounds.
Some have grown up with the Internet. Others have
adapted offline skills such as brand management,
desktop publishing, and journalism and applied them
online.
The following description of career tracks provides
a general introduction to opportunities in Web
development. Bear in mind that job descriptions in
this field are fluid. Many roles evolve into others. A
title at one company may mean something different at
another.
Industries
Web Design
Web designers are responsible for creating the look
and feel of a website. They create logos, banners, and
other graphics; determine where to put text; and
sometimes structure a sites navigation, either alone
or in collaboration with a user interface designer or
information architect. Designers need to think about
download speeds as well as creating an attractive
and functional site. They also work closely with the
marketing team and branding experts to ensure that a
site conveys a consistent image. Smaller organizations
that lack the budget or inclination to create and
maintain a website themselves frequently outsource the
design function.
Careers
Web Programming
Programmers turn the Web development teams
concepts into a functioning site. They must thoroughly
know HTML, the basic coding language of websites.
Most are experts in programming languages such
as ColdFusion, Java, JavaScript, Perl, and PHP.
Programmers should also have experience with Web
development tools such as Dreamweaver and Flash.
These languages and tools enhance the capability of
websites by adding animation, sound, interactive
62
games, online forms, and e-commerce functions to

otherwise flat pages.
While highly technical coding knowledge is
essential, programmers must also have a strong
understanding of user interface design. They need to
know how people view, use, and interact with their
computers. A successful Web programmer is able to
put this understanding into practice.
Web Production
Web producers roles vary by organization. In some
cases, they code a websites text and graphics. In others,
they coordinate across departments to see that all
content elements, including links and online forms,
work properly.
Producers coordinate between various Web
developers to ensure the site supports the companys
business objectives. They work with users to determine
the sites product offerings and look and feel. They
work with the design, content, and programming
teams to ensure the site functions effectively. They
track user behavior and work with other departments
to incorporate what they learn into the sites general
operation.
In a sense, the producer

orchestrates the other
developers to ensure
that everything works
harmoniously to improve the
companys business.
Content Development
Content developers often work in the Web production
department. They create the contentwhether text,
audio, or video clipsthat visitors see when they
access a website. Content developers write, edit, shape,
closer to an Internet that integrates with all aspects

of our lives, the nature of jobs in Web development
will continue to evolve. Those seeking a career in the
industry should pay attention to the development of
new technologies and industry trends. They should
learn new skills relevant to changes in the industry.
Project Management
eClasses.org (www.eclasses.org)
Internet.com (www.internet.com)
Red Herring (www.redherring.com)
Web Developers Virtual Library
(http://wdvl.internet.com)
Webdeveloper.com (www.webdeveloper.com)
Webmonkey (www.webmonkey.com)
WebReference.com (www.webreference.com)
World Organization of Webmasters
(www.joinwow.org)
Project managers lead teams to get things done. They

set a production schedule, enforce deadlines, and
see that everyone works together. Theyre usually
responsible for allocating resources, both human and
financial. Project managers may lead discrete projects,
such as adding community features to a website.
They may also oversee wider areas. The role requires
excellent communication skills; a strong technical
background; an understanding of budgets, project
plans, and schedules; and management experience.
Introduction
and publish articles, features, and other information

on a website. They may also work with programmers
to define and build a salary calculator or interactive
game. Often, content developers are responsible for
the look and feel of a particular area within a site; they
may add and move information, or send newsletters
to users.
System Administration
Industries
The system administrator is the IT professional

who maintains and services an organizations server,
hardware, and software. People in this role look
after the security of the computer system and how it
interfaces with the Internet service provider.
An e-commerce site may also have a technical
administrator for its transactional software. The
programming behind online monetary transactions is
far more complicated than standard Web production.
Security and technology issues are the main concern of
technical administrators, who ensure that e-commerce
transactions run smoothly and dont bog down other
Web applications.
Job Outlook
Careers
Web development isnt the anyone can get a job at a

Web-company career it was half a decade ago. But the
number of Internet users tripled between 2000 and
2005, and advances in technology will make Web skills
an ongoing need in the corporate world, government,
academic institutions, and the nonprofit sector.
As wireless and broadband technologies move us
63
Introduction
WETFEET INSIDER GUIDES series

Ace Your Case - Consulting Interviews
Ace Your Case I: Consulting Interviews, 3rd ed.
Ace Your Case II: Mastering the Case Interview
Ace Your Case III: Market-Sizing Questions
Ace Your Case IV: Business Strategy Questions
Ace Your Case V: Business Operations Questions
Interviewing
Ace Your Interview!
Beat the Street I: Investment Banking Interviews
Beat the Street II: I-Banking Interview Practice Guide
The Wharton MBA Case Interview Study Guide: Volume I
The Wharton MBA Case Interview Study Guide: Volume II
Industries
Resumes & Cover Letters

Killer Consulting Resumes
Killer Cover Letters & Resumes
Killer Investment Banking Resumes
Job Hunting
Getting Your Ideal Internship
The International MBA Students Guide to the U.S. Job Search
Job Hunting A to Z: Landing the Job You Want
Job Hunting in New York City
Job Hunting in San Francisco
Financial Services Careers
25 Top Financial Services Firms
Careers in Accounting
Careers in Asset Management and Retail Brokerage
Careers in Investment Banking
Careers in Venture Capital
Careers
Financial Services Companies

Deutsche Bank
Goldman Sachs Group
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Merrill Lynch & Co.
Morgan Stanley
UBS AG
64
Consulting Careers
25 Top Consulting Firms
Careers in Management Consulting
Careers in Specialized Consulting: Information Technology
Consulting for PhDs, Lawyers, and Doctors
Consulting Companies
Accenture
Bain & Company
Booz Allen Hamilton
Boston Consulting Group
Deloitte Consulting
McKinsey & Company
Career Management
Be Your Own Boss
Changing Course, Changing Careers
Finding the Right Career Path
Negotiating Your Salary and Perks
Networking Works!
Industries and Careers: General
Industries and Careers for MBAs
Industries and Careers for Undergraduates
Million-Dollar Careers
Industries and Careers: Specific
Careers in Advertising and Public Relations
Careers in Pharmaceuticals
Careers in Brand Management
Careers in Consumer Products
Careers in Entertainment and Sports
Careers in Health Care
Careers in Human Resources
Careers in Information Technology
Careers in Marketing
Careers in Nonprofits and Government Agencies
Careers in Real Estate
Careers in Retail
Careers in Sales
Careers in Supply Chain Management

Industries and Careers For Engineers

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Insider

Industries and Careers for Engineers

Industries and Careers for engineers

Industries and Careers for Engineers

Industries and Careers for Engineers

Engineers enjoy abundant employment

opportunities. To help you weigh the myriad options,

Chapter 2 profiles industries that hire engineering

How We Arrived Here

How to Use this Book

too narrowly on a single career or industry. But by

Computer Hardware Process

Electrical engineering is the biggest engineering field.

Electronics Design Engineers

Generally speaking, chemical engineers are experts

Engineers apply the theories and principles of science

Aerospace engineers develop components for aircraft

considering a smaller set of potential industries. Our

Electronics design engineers create the circuits at

Industries and Careers for Engineers

electronics design subspecialty is radio frequency

Quality Assurance and Test

to ensure that a finished product will meet design

Software, Web, and IT

The future looks bright for engineering grads,

Computer software, biomedical, and

Opportunities in agricultural, chemical, civil,

Opportunities in aerospace, marine, and nuclear

Petroleum and geological engineering

Even specialties with relatively low growth rates

WETFEET INSIDER GUIDE

Industries and Careers for Engineers

enjoying production gains as well. But nobody has

Fighting terrorism remains the top U.S. defense

Aerospace and defense manufacturers develop aircraft

Soaring Defense Spending

Competition from Abroad

How It Breaks Down

Brazils Embraer, Textrons Cessna subsidiary, and

Missiles and Space

Satellites, Electronics, and Communications

WETFEET INSIDER GUIDE

Commercial demand is sure to grow in this segment

The role of this market segment is to build and

The big players here depend on U.S. and foreign

This segment manufactures our militarys birds of prey,

systems, such as mission control in Houston and

Industries and Careers for Engineers

Technical Support Specialist

People in this role design aircraft navigation systems.

This job involves testing and follow-up maintenance

As aircraft become increasingly computer-controlled,

Instructors train customers in the use of aerospace and

Top Ten Aerospace and Defense

General Dynamics 24,063

BAE Systems (1, 2)

Pharmaceutical (pharma) companies produce

spent on research in biochemistry, molecular biology,

Industries and Careers for Engineers

The Aging Population

Big Pharmas Frustrations

are illegal in the U.S.and, according to the Food and

Still More Ethical and Legal Concerns