Meet Your Future - Social Studies

Social Studies and Careers

According to Thomas Jefferson, the crucial purpose of American education is the development of productive citizens. In a democratic society, citizens acquire knowledge of the political process and of the workings of government A solid base of social studies knowledge and skills assists in the development of civic competence. The social sciences focus on the rights, the responsibilities and individual and collective respect of others. If you have an interest in history, geography, economics or civics, you may want to explore careers with a concentration in one or more of the social studies.

For example, if you are a human resource manager for a business, you acquire an understanding of the needs of employees. You formulate and implement policies and pay scales; you listen to employee grievances and act on policies and procedures related to employment. You consider the age of employees, health care policies, and the overall cost of living. You also need to be able to communicate effectively with everyone – another aspect of a career in social studies. Alternatively, maybe you are considering becoming a hotel manager. Guests of a hotel you manage would benefit from your knowledge of various cities and cultures of the worldknowledge gained from studying history and geography.

In general, studying the social sciences helps you to understand people, their problems, and how to solve them.

Understanding people is an important asset for success if you choose to be a receptionist, a public relations professional, a social worker, a police officer, an educator or any career in the social studies.

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Inscription on the southwest quadrant of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC Passages were selected from the "Declaration of Independence" drafted in 1776

The Faces Of Social Studies

gerontologist

human resource manager

immigration inspector

geographer

paralegal

geographer

media buyer

psychologist

anthropologist

receptionist

parole officer

hotel manager

historian

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police officer

social worker

archaeologist

event planner

public relations specialist

lawyer judge

“You can be anything you want to be, if you put your mind to it.”

Who Uses Social Studies?

Why do students take classes in the social sciences: history, geography, economics and geography? Through mastery of the key concepts and process skills involved in social studies, students will become accomplished problem solvers and informed decision makers. By studying the social sciences, students will be able to assume their places in the economic work force as effective producers and consumers. of products and services. Look over the list of professionals below. Write a brief explanation of how individuals in each career might use the principles and information learned in Social Studies.

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THE SOCIAL STUDIES HEADLINES

Barge Traffic to Continue on Mississippi River

January 7, 2013

The Mississippi River will remain open to barge traffic, but only just. The river, which routinely sports some of the largest numbers of barge transports in the U.S., is at record low levels following the harshest drought in decades.

10 States Raise Minimum Wage

January 2, 2013

A total of ten states have raised the minimum wage to start off 2013. Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington all raised the minimum wage. The amount of the increase varied, from 10 cents to 35 cents.

No More Saturday Postal Deliveries

February 6, 2013

Here are some cool internet sites with more headline news in Social Studies: www.dogonews.com/category/social-studies

The U.S. Postal Service will stop Saturday delivery, unless Congress objects. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said that the practice of delivering direct mail and magazines on Saturdays would stop in the first week of August. Donahoe said that the move would save the Postal Service more than $2 billion a year.

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www.socialstudiesforkids.comwww.kidinfo.com/current

Social Studies In The News

Exciting events happen in Social Studies every day. Archaeologists discover lost civilizations, psychologists learn new facts about the human mind and political power shifts in countries around the world. Find an article in a newspaper or magazine, or a story from a television or radio news broadcast, about Social Studies Take notes of the important details and then answer the questions below.

• Who is involved in this news story?

• What are the main participants’ occupations?

• What are the main facts of the story?

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• Why is the story important?

• When did it occur?

• Where did it happen?

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Following you find interviews with five young career professionals. Read each interview and answer the corresponding questions.

JOB DESCRIPTION

I work for the American Cancer Association, a nonprofit organization. I am responsible for increasing cancer awareness in the community I also help the organization raise funds I coordinate public forums, write press releases and develop media campaigns to educate the public about important health issues I coordinate and research grants, and plan special events I manage a group of volunteers, and I work closely with other non-profit organizations like the United Way I maintain the web site and coordinate design and blogging to promote our message more effectively.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

I have a bachelor’s degree Most nonprofit organizations would probably require a college degree. I think good communications skills are equally important.

REQUIRED SKILLS

I have to be able to work with the public. I give public speeches and appear on TV and radio. I have to be comfortable giving presentations. I also have to be a good writer. In many ways, my job is like sales. Diplomacy skills are essential.

BEST ASPECT OF JOB

My job gives me a lot of freedom, and I feel like I am making a difference. I have to be creative. I need to think of unique ways to do things. I can make my job whatever I want. Getting the message out there is what is most important.

WORST ASPECT OF JOB

Since I work for a nonprofit agency, I don’t make a lot of money. I also have to work odd hours. I may have to show up at a TV station at 5 a.m. to appear on a morning talk show, but that doesn’t happen too often.

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

I would like to continue working for nonprofit organizations. Someday I hope to become an executive director.

FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECTS

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Social Studies, Speech, English

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME

As a public relations specialist, I think it is important to be creative, flexible and persuasive

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY

$45,849

The Straight Facts....

What Public Relations Managers and Specialists Do

Public relations managers and specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for their employer or client. They write material for media releases, plan and direct public relations programs, and raise funds for their organizations.

Work Environment

Public relations managers and specialists work in high-stress environments, often for long hours. Most work full time.

How to Become a Public Relations Manager or Specialist

A bachelor’s degree is typically needed for public relations manager and specialist positions. Public relations managers also must have related work experience

Pay

The median annual wage of public relations specialists was $52,090 in May 2010

Job Outlook

Employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow 23 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will be driven by the need for organizations to maintain their public image in a high-information age and with the growth of social media

Similar Occupations

Advertising Sales Agents

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

Demonstrators and Product Promoters

Editors

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Multimedia Artists and Animators

Producers and Directors

Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives

Writers and Authors

Market Research Analysts

1. If you were a Public Relations Specialist, what do you think would be your favorite part of the job?

2. What skills or strengths do you have that would make you a good Public Relations Specialist?

3. What other career associated with Public Relations would you like and why?

4. What are some other organizations or businesses that might employ public relations specialists?

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5. How does Social Studies help a Public Relations Specialist?

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Anthony Singleton Archaeologist

I work with a group of archaeologists excavating important sites in Mexico. Our project is funded by an American university. We are trying to prove that ancient people in western Mexico provided and exported metal objects like bells and jewelry to other cultures. We are digging sites in other regions to match the artifacts to ones found in the west. We are also analyzing the metals used to match them to the regions where they were mined.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

I have a master ’ s degree in archaeology. Some of the members of this team are students still working on their degrees. We also have several professors with doctoral degrees on the project.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Archaeologists are thinkers. I have to carefully think about the objects I find at sites. Archaeology is very much like science. I develop theories based on the artifacts I find. The more support evidence I find, the stronger my theory becomes.

BEST ASPECT OF JOB

Learning about other cultures is the best part of my job. I’m discovering information that doesn’t appear in any history book. My team ’ s work will change the world’s understanding of ancient civilization.

WORST ASPECT OF JOB

I have to work long hours in the heat. Our team is isolated from civilization for long periods of time. Archaeologists can ’ t be soap opera addicts.

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

I hope to rewrite the world’s understanding of ancient Mexican history

FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECTS

Social Studies, Spanish, Science

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WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME

I would describe myself as serious and curious. I am a real go-getter kind of guy when it comes to things I want.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY

$51,080 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

The Straight Facts....

What Anthropologists and Archeologists Do Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings, past and present. They examine the cultures, languages, archeological remains, and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world

Work Environment

Although some anthropologists and archeologists work in a typical office setting, many work in laboratories or in the field. Fieldwork sometimes requires anthropologists and archeologists to travel Most work full time during regular business hours

How to Become an Anthropologist or Archeologist

Anthropologists and archeologists need a master ’ s degree or Ph D for most positions

Experience doing anthropological field work is also important.

Pay

The median annual wage of anthropologists and archeologists was $54,230 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Similar Occupations

Archivists

Curators, Museum Technicians, and Conservators

Economists

Geographers

Geoscientists

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Employment of anthropologists and archeologists is expected to grow 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations However, applicants should face strong competition for jobs because of the small number of positions.

Historians

Postsecondary Teachers

Psychologists

Sociologists

Survey Researchers

1. What would you like most about being an archaeologist?

2. How can an archaeologist change history?

3. What other similar career would you be interested in and why?

4. What skills or strengths do you have that would make you a good archaeologist?

5. How does Social Studies help an archaeologist?

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Lisa Wild Social Worker

I work as a case manager at a shelter for runaway and homeless teenagers. I help them develop plans to get off the streets. I counsel them about their personal problems and get them thinking about the future. For some teens that may mean returning home or going into foster care. I also help teenagers get into independent living programs and continue their education.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Most programs look for job candidates with at least a master ’ s degree in social work or clinical psychology. You have to have a strong background in counseling. A knowledge of issues like domestic violence and drug abuse is very important.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Interpersonal skills are important. I want my clients to know that I can relate to their problems. In addition to my counseling work, I have to fill out reports and write treatment plans. I also have to work closely with people at other social service agencies. My job often involves a group effort. These teens have complicated problems. Solutions don’t come easily.

BEST ASPECT OF JOB

I am working toward empowering youth to get off the streets and make healthier decisions for themselves.

WORST ASPECT OF JOB

I have to hear about the horrible things my clients have faced at such an early age. These teens are real survivors. Unfortunately, many of them have learned not to trust people. Sometimes it isn’t easy to win their trust.

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

I would like to get a doctorate in clinical psychology. It would enhance my ability to work with others and create greater opportunities in the mental health field

FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECTS

Psychology, Photography, Spanish and French, Social Studies

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WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME

I think the factors that make me good at my job are my compassion, honesty and motivation to make change.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY

$38,120 (Bureaus of Labor Statistics)

The Straight Facts.... What Social Workers Do

There are two main types of social workers: direct-service social workers, who help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, and clinical social workers, who diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues

Work Environment

Social workers work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, and private practices. They generally work full time and may need to work evenings and weekends

How to Become a Social Worker

A bachelor’s degree is required for most direct-service social work positions, but some positions and settings require a master ’ s degree. Clinical social workers must have a master ’ s degree. Licensure for social workers varies by state Clinical social workers must be licensed

Pay

Job Outlook

Similar Occupations

Health Educators

Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Psychologists

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The median annual wage of social workers was $42,480 in May 2010

Employment of social workers is expected to grow by 25 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will be due to an increase in demand for health care and social services but will vary by specialty.

Rehabilitation Counselors

School and Career Counselors

Social and Community Service Managers

Social and Human Service Assistants

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

1. What would you like most and least about being an social worker?

2. What skills or strengths do you have that would help you to be a good social worker?

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3. What other career related to social work would you like and why?

4. How would fluency in a foreign language help a social worker?

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5. How can Social Studies help with a career in social work?

Ken Kidd Special Events Planner

I plan special events at a convention center. I talk with clients about their needs, pick appropriate rooms in our facility and make all of the arrangements. I arrange everything from tables and chairs for meetings to menus and decorations for banquets. I have to stay within my clients’ budgets. I coordinate a staff of over 100 people. I have to run around and make sure everything is perfect. I rely a lot on my staff.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Management experience is important in this job. You have to work your way up to the position. I know exactly what most of my staff should be doing because I have done their jobs before. Many employers now look for job candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

REQUIRED SKILLS

I have to be a great communicator. I have to work closely with both my clients and my staff. I must be well-organized. Many details go into planning a successful convention or meeting. Being able to solve problems under short notice is important.

BEST ASPECT OF JOB

My job is different every day. Each client brings a unique challenge to my work. I also like getting to work with new people all the time.

WORST ASPECT OF JOB

I work a lot of strange hours. Sometimes I have to set up a room for an early morning breakfast. Many of our events are on weekends and holidays. I have to be accessible to my staff at all times.

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

I would like to go into business for myself.

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FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECTS

English, History, Art and Music

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME

I have a strong sense of ownership, urgency and commitment.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY

$38,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

The Straight Facts....

What Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners Do Meeting, convention, and event planners coordinate all aspects of professional meetings and events. They choose meeting locations, arrange transportation, and coordinate other details.

Work Environment

Meeting, convention, and event planners spend most of their time in offices. During meetings and events, they work on-site at hotels or convention centers, and they often travel to attend events and to visit prospective meeting sites. Many work more than 40 hours per week, especially during major events

How to Become a Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner

Applicants should have at least a bachelor's degree and some related work experience in planning Job opportunities should be best for those with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management

Pay

The median annual wage of meeting, convention, and event planners was $45,260 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Similar Occupations

Administrative Services Managers

Food Service Managers

Lodging Managers

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Employment of meeting, convention, and event planners is expected to grow 44 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations As globalization increases and businesses continue to recognize the value of professionally planned meetings, the need for meetings and events is expected to grow.

Public Relations Managers and Specialists

Travel Agents

1. Do you have the skills to be an event planner and what are they?

2. What would you like most about being an event planner?

3. What would be the hardest part to being an event planner?

4. What extracurricular activities might help you prepare for a career as a special events planner?

5. How does Social Studies contribute to a career as an event planner?

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Renee Pennington Psychologist

I am in private practice. Technically, I’m a geropsychologist. I specialize in working with elderly patients. I am concentrating my work on battling the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. I counsel both patients who suffer from the disease and their families. We don’t know a lot about this disease. I hope to find some answer for future generations.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

I have a doctorate in psychology, which is generally the norm.

REQUIRED SKILLS

I apply the principles of science to human behavior. I combine theory and patient interaction to help my clients. I have to keep thorough notes of all of my sessions.

BEST ASPECT OF JOB

I think my work really helps my clients’ family members. Alzheimer’s disease can be very stressful on a family.

WORST ASPECT OF JOB

I know the life span of this disease I know that I can ’ t cure my patients The best that I can do is help them cope with their illness.

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

I would like my work to play a role in finding a cure for this disease I’ve been working on some research with a group of medical scientists. My observations of clients may give them clues they need to find the cause of the disease

FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECTS

Social Studies, Science and English

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WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME

I’m a very sensitive and devoted person. I’m also a problem solver.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY $40,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

The Straight Facts....

What Psychologists Do

Psychologists study mental processes and human behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people and other animals relate to one another and the environment.

Work Environment

Some psychologists work independently, doing research or working only with patients or clients. Others work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with physicians, social workers, and others to treat illness and promote overall wellness. Those in private practice have their own offices and set their own schedules, often working evenings and weekends

How to Become a Psychologist

Psychologists need a master ’ s, specialist, or doctoral degree in psychology Practicing psychologists also need a license or certification.

Pay

The median annual wage of psychologists was $68,640 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Similar Occupations

Anthropologists and Archeologists

Market Research Analysts

Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists

Physicians and Surgeons

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Postsecondary Teachers

Employment of psychologists is expected to grow 22 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects should be best for those who have a doctoral degree in an applied specialty and those with a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology.

School and Career Counselors

Social Workers

Sociologists

Special Education Teachers

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder

Counselors

1 What skills or strengths do you have that would help you with a career as a psychologist?

2 How could a psychologist make a significant change in the world?

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3. What other careers associated with psychology would you find interesting and why?

4. What would you enjoy most about being a psychologist?

5. How does Social Studies play a role in psychology?

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The Social Studies Skill Drill

Choose a career from the job descriptions you just read. Then look at the list of skills below. Write a brief statement explaining why each skill would be important to that particular social studies career.

MATH

COMPUTER PROFICIENCY

READING

WRITING

COMMUNICATION

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PROBLEM-SOLVING

Social Studies At Work

Look at the list of Social Studies careers at the bottom of the page. Choose the career that best matches your personal interests Write a short story about a typical day at work

Include the following information:

• How do you use Social Studies at work?

• Where do you work?

• What special tools or equipment do you use?

• What other careers work with you?

• What are the rewards of your job?

• What is the hardest part of your job?

• What special skills or training did you need to get this job?

Social Studies Careers

1. a lawyer who works as a public defender

2 an anthropologist who studies the culture of Appalachia

3. a sociologist analyzing violence on television

4 a social worker who helps the homeless

5. a high school guidance counselor

6 a child psychologist

7. a human services worker at a senior citizen center

8. an elementary school principal

9. a historian who works at a museum

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10. a human resource manager at a large corporation

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Problem Solving with Social Studies

The knowledge and insight you gain in Social Studies can help solve real-life problems. Read the situations on these two pages In the space after each problem, list the people in social studies careers who could help find a solution.

1. The Barker family loses its home and all of its possessions in a fire. They need food, clothing and a place to live.

2. Richard Cosgrove was injured in a serious accident when he was 15. He relies on a wheelchair to get around. He wants to have his own apartment and work as a computer programmer.

3 San Francisco has hundreds of homeless people living on the streets The mayor would like to help them.

4. While walking on the beach in Florida, Lynn Ketchum finds what she thinks is a flat stone. When she picks it up for a closer look, she realizes it is really a silver coin She thinks it might have washed up on shore from a shipwreck.

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5. A journalist is writing a story about an upcoming political election. She would like to include information in her article about the city’s first political election more than 100 years ago.

6. The President of the United States suggests changes to the current tax laws. He wants to make sure his proposal will have a positive effect on the economy.

7. Vivica Miles believes she was turned down for a promotion in her company because she is a woman.

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8 Three car accidents have happened at the corner of Oak Street and Hilmond Boulevard because there is no traffic light. The residents of the neighborhood want a light installed to make the intersection safer

9 Major traffic jams in the city of Rutherford make it difficult for commuters to get to work every morning. City council members would like to solve the problem.

10. A third grade teacher has a student who constantly interrupts class. His behavior makes it difficult for other students to pay attention.

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