A job in education can be quite lucrative. In many school districts you earn a reasonable salary and in many districts you get full benefits for your whole family. The schedules are kid-friendly; for example, if you have children you both get long breaks at the end of December and during the summer. What's more, you make a difference in students' lives.
A paraprofessional, or classroom aide, is now required to have an A.A. Your job might entail correcting papers, reading books and helping students complete assignments. You might teach students how to manage their emotions more effectively or to read. Aides to the handicapped do more hands-on activities, such as lifting students in to wheelchairs, feeding students and escorting students on community outings.
Paralegals usually have their A.A. in paralegal studies. However, there is some flexibility and some employers have on-the-job training. Many places of employment seek out Liberal Studies majors because of their broad knowledge and background.
Paralegals might perform legal research or interview witnesses. They also need to know legal terminology and principles. This is in addition to the other basic skills required of any desk job, such as good communication skills and the ability to work under a tight schedule. (See References.) Paralegals are one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States.
Administrative Assistants have some of the largest numbers of available jobs in the United States. This job requires a great deal of professionalism and responsibility. Administrative assistants often handle all of an office's communications, conduct research and make sure travel and guests' visits go smoothly. Many administrative assistants are hired with A.A. degrees.
School secretaries also have a large level of responsibility. They handle parent, community and staff's communications, and the details that run the school. They are knowledgable about all things regarding student registration and little things, such as who is in the principal's office, and for what.
Retail store assistant managers have a variety of responsibilities, which vary from store to store. A general manager will delegate time-consuming tasks to the assitant manager and give the asisstant the authority to make decisions. The manager might give him the chance to display skills by having them conduct training of employees. They answer to the general manager, however, there is often a chance for promotion, especially if the assistant managers demonstrate good management and people skills.
"Social and human service assistant is a generic term for people with a wide array of job titles, including human service worker, case management aide, social work assistant, community support worker, mental health aide, community outreach worker, life skill counselor, or gerontology aide," according to College Grad. Years ago the position took only a high school diploma; however, recently the qualifications have been raised to include education beyond high school.
Social and human service workers must have compassion and patience. They are put in difficult situations, as their clients are usually some of the people most prone to abuse or exploitation. A strong desire to help people is absolutely essential.