Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow,
which means Americans can prepare to hunker down for six more weeks of
winter. Phil is the celebrity groundhog who makes headlines every
February 2nd. If he emerges from his lair on Groundhog Day and sees his
shadow -- as he has 99 times since 1887 -- expect six more weeks of
winter. Otherwise, an early spring is on its way.
In 2012, Phil's handlers determined he saw his shadow and more winter weather could be expected. If you have been longing for sunny skies, don't let the cold air get you down. Instead, consider these five occupations that can keep you busy as you wait for summer to arrive.
5 cold weather careers
1. Meteorologist
Wind, hail, ice and snow combine to make winter a prime season for meteorologists. More than just a pretty face on the TV, these professionals use sophisticated equipment to analyze atmospheric conditions and track weather patterns. Typically, meteorologists are found in the broadcasting industry, but they may also work for private firms or the government.
Entry level positions in the federal government require a bachelor's degree with at least 24 hours of coursework in meteorology/atmospheric science. Having a second bachelor's in a technical field or a master's degree may be preferred by some employers as well. In 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found atmospheric and space scientists, including meteorologists, earned mean annual wages of $88,010.
2. Zoologist
Zoologists don't only work in zoos, but those that do may find themselves just as busy in the winter months as they are in the summer. Once the crowds disburse, the animals may need to be transferred to winter quarters and exhibits prepared for the next year. Other wildlife biologists may take advantage of the natural increase in activity for some species to make observations and collect data.
Bachelor and master's degrees are available in zoology, biological sciences and related science fields. Those wishing to go on to research positions may need a doctoral degree as well. While undergraduate degrees may provide more generalized information in the subjects of biology and chemistry, advanced degrees often allow students to specialize in specific subfields. According to the BLS, zoologists and wildlife biologists earned mean annual wages of $61,660 in 2010.
3. Lodging manager
Whether they are fleeing the winter's cold or booking a romantic getaway for Valentine's Day, plenty of people travel during the winter months. Lodging managers -- particularly those working in resort towns -- keep busy throughout the year, overseeing their properties and attending to guest needs.
Although there are diploma, certificate and associate degree programs in hospitality, major resorts may be looking for job candidates with a bachelor's degree in business, hotel or hospitality management. Pay for lodging managers can vary depending on the type of property and its size. However, the BLS indicates the mean average income for these professionals in 2010 was $54,570.
4. Accountant
The winter months are never dull for accountants. After the start of the new year, tax preparation season begins in earnest. Corporate accountants may be busy reconciling the books while those who are self-employed may ramp up their workload as they help prepare individual tax returns.
Most positions in this field require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting. Corporations may prefer to hire those with a master's degree in business administration with a focus on accounting. In addition, accountants filing certain reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission must be certified public accountants. Individuals preparing and filing tax returns on behalf of others may also have to meet other federal requirements. Accountants and auditors had mean annual wages of $68,960 in 2010 according to the BLS.
5. Auto body repairer
Finally, it is a sad fact of life that slide-offs and accidents are a regular occurrence on slippery winter roads in many states. While passengers and drivers hopefully emerge safe and sound, the same can't always be said for the vehicle. Auto body repair professionals fix dents, paint dings and return cars to their former glory.
To work as an auto body repairer, you should expect to complete a vocational training program. These are generally offered at trade and technical schools or community colleges. In 2010, the BLS found auto body and related repairers earned mean annual wages of $41,270.
So the next time you are tempted to say "bah humbug" to the thought of six more weeks of winter, just think about all the great jobs you can find to fill that time. Getting the right degree is the first step toward these and other exciting employment opportunities.
In 2012, Phil's handlers determined he saw his shadow and more winter weather could be expected. If you have been longing for sunny skies, don't let the cold air get you down. Instead, consider these five occupations that can keep you busy as you wait for summer to arrive.
5 cold weather careers
1. Meteorologist
Wind, hail, ice and snow combine to make winter a prime season for meteorologists. More than just a pretty face on the TV, these professionals use sophisticated equipment to analyze atmospheric conditions and track weather patterns. Typically, meteorologists are found in the broadcasting industry, but they may also work for private firms or the government.
Entry level positions in the federal government require a bachelor's degree with at least 24 hours of coursework in meteorology/atmospheric science. Having a second bachelor's in a technical field or a master's degree may be preferred by some employers as well. In 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found atmospheric and space scientists, including meteorologists, earned mean annual wages of $88,010.
2. Zoologist
Zoologists don't only work in zoos, but those that do may find themselves just as busy in the winter months as they are in the summer. Once the crowds disburse, the animals may need to be transferred to winter quarters and exhibits prepared for the next year. Other wildlife biologists may take advantage of the natural increase in activity for some species to make observations and collect data.
Bachelor and master's degrees are available in zoology, biological sciences and related science fields. Those wishing to go on to research positions may need a doctoral degree as well. While undergraduate degrees may provide more generalized information in the subjects of biology and chemistry, advanced degrees often allow students to specialize in specific subfields. According to the BLS, zoologists and wildlife biologists earned mean annual wages of $61,660 in 2010.
3. Lodging manager
Whether they are fleeing the winter's cold or booking a romantic getaway for Valentine's Day, plenty of people travel during the winter months. Lodging managers -- particularly those working in resort towns -- keep busy throughout the year, overseeing their properties and attending to guest needs.
Although there are diploma, certificate and associate degree programs in hospitality, major resorts may be looking for job candidates with a bachelor's degree in business, hotel or hospitality management. Pay for lodging managers can vary depending on the type of property and its size. However, the BLS indicates the mean average income for these professionals in 2010 was $54,570.
4. Accountant
The winter months are never dull for accountants. After the start of the new year, tax preparation season begins in earnest. Corporate accountants may be busy reconciling the books while those who are self-employed may ramp up their workload as they help prepare individual tax returns.
Most positions in this field require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting. Corporations may prefer to hire those with a master's degree in business administration with a focus on accounting. In addition, accountants filing certain reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission must be certified public accountants. Individuals preparing and filing tax returns on behalf of others may also have to meet other federal requirements. Accountants and auditors had mean annual wages of $68,960 in 2010 according to the BLS.
5. Auto body repairer
Finally, it is a sad fact of life that slide-offs and accidents are a regular occurrence on slippery winter roads in many states. While passengers and drivers hopefully emerge safe and sound, the same can't always be said for the vehicle. Auto body repair professionals fix dents, paint dings and return cars to their former glory.
To work as an auto body repairer, you should expect to complete a vocational training program. These are generally offered at trade and technical schools or community colleges. In 2010, the BLS found auto body and related repairers earned mean annual wages of $41,270.
So the next time you are tempted to say "bah humbug" to the thought of six more weeks of winter, just think about all the great jobs you can find to fill that time. Getting the right degree is the first step toward these and other exciting employment opportunities.
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