Careers in Focus

Ferguson's Careers in Focus books are a valuable career exploration tool for libraries and career centers. Written in an easy-to-understand yet informative style, this series surveys a wide array of commonly held jobs and is arranged into volumes organized by specific industries and interests. Each of these informative books is loaded with up-to-date career information presented in a featured industry article and a selection of detailed professions articles. The information here has been researched, vetted, and analyzed by Ferguson's editors, drawing from government and industry sources, professional groups, news reports, career and job-search resources, and a variety of other sources. For readers making career choices, these books offer a wealth of helpful information and resources. Each profession article includes: Quick Facts: a snapshot of important job facts Overview: briefly introduces duties and responsibilities History: describes the origins and history of the job The Job: describes primary and secondary goals and duties Earnings: discusses salary ranges and typical fringe benefits Work Environment: looks at typical work conditions and surroundings associated with the job Exploring: offers suggestions on how to gain experience and knowledge about--or even test drive--a career before making a commitment Education and Training Requirements: discusses required high school and post-secondary education and training Certification, Licensing, and Special Requirements: explains recommended and required certifications or prerequisites for the job Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits: summarizes the personal traits and skills and professional experience needed to get started and succeed Employer Prospects: gives an overview of typical places of employment and the best ways to land a job Advancement Prospects: presents an expected career path and how to travel it Outlook: summarizes the job's potential growth or decline in terms of the general economy and industry projections Unions and Associations: lists essential and helpful professional groups Tips for Entry: additional tips for preparing for a career and getting a foot in the door For More Information: lists organizations that provide career information, networking, and professional development Sidebars: short features showcasing stats, trivia, and insight about a profession or industry Careers in Focus: Public Safety, Second Edition covers the following 29 jobs: Airport Security Personnel Bail Bondsmen Bodyguards Border Patrol Agents Bounty Hunters Corrections Officers Crime Analysts Customs Officials Deputy U.S. Marshals Detectives Directors of Security Emergency Medical Technicians Emergency Services Dispatchers FBI Agents Fire Inspectors Fire Investigators Fire Protection Engineers Fire Safety Directors Fire Safety Technicians Firefighters Forensic Experts Fraud Examiners, Investigators, and Analysts Intelligence Officers Park Rangers Parole Officers Police Officers Polygraph Examiners Secret Service Special Agents Security Consultants and Guards