Are you the type of individual who marks down the release date of books you want to read? Perhaps one of your favorite pastimes is sitting outside on a hammock or in a chair reading with a good book. Those who are hooked understand the pleasure, joy and relaxation that a good book provides. It is a chance to escape and put your imagination to use. With the following careers, you can also put your love of reading to use as well.
Whereas once books, brochures, calendars, magazines, newspapers and anything else that resulted in printed materials were designed and produced using printing presses, today they are produced using computers by what is known in the industry as desktop publishers. Simply stated, desktop publishers use computer software to design and create their materials. In a typical day, a desktop publisher may edit copy, create graphics to go with the copy, design a page layout or a brochure, create an advertising campaign or presentation and even write original content for the materials they are working on. Because desktop publishers often work with specific software, they may need to continue their education/training on specific electronic publishing software including HTML (Hypertext Markup Language).
A desktop publisher who is strong in graphic design, copy writing, editing and other tasks will see the best job opportunities. And while no formal education is required, those with a certificate, associate or bachelor's degree in graphic arts, graphic design or graphic communications will put themselves in the best position for advancement. The median annual earnings in 2006 for a desktop publisher were $34,130 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Walk into any library today and it is quite apparent that the role of a librarian has changed dramatically. While the main function of a librarian is the same, the manner in which they spend their time has been greatly influenced by technology. So much so, that for many, their title may be better known as “library technicians, librarian specialist and/or information specialist.
A librarian's main responsibility is still assisting people in finding information that they need whether it is for research, entertainment/leisure or professional purposes. What has changed is the use of computer technology which requires librarians to be able to utilize the Internet, digital libraries and other electronic resources as well as utilizing their location's own printed materials. Librarians may work in a school library, be it elementary, secondary or college, a public library or they may even work for the government, a private corporation, a law firm and a hospital.
To work as a librarian, you need a master's degree in library science or information science. Many earn their bachelor's in education in order to meet school licensing requirements but if your career plans do not include working in a school, than most any undergraduate degree is acceptable. It is strongly recommended that, because of the reliance on computers, having a strong computer background is a necessity. If you are planning on specializing in either law or corporate library for example, having a law degree and library science degree is advisable.
Depending on the type of library one is working at, the median annual earnings does vary but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, In May 2006, librarians earned $49,060.
From national chains to college campus bookstores to major book publishing companies, there are many opportunities to take your love of books and reading and apply it to a career. For one, the education textbook market is an expansive business that relies on campus bookstores and publishing brand managers to sell their product. You may enjoy working in a college campus bookstore environment where you will oversee the purchasing of textbooks as well as overseeing the employees in an environment geared toward young adults. Or, you may work for the publisher themselves, where your role is more of promoting the overall brand/product.
Perhaps you will find a position running a national bookstore such as Barnes and Noble or Borders. While this position is considered to be more retail in nature, you are around books of every genre and may find yourself instilling the love of reading into a very young child during story time or hosting a well known author during their book release tour.
Another option for those with an entrepreneurial spirit may be to open their own bookstore. While many mom and pop style bookstores disappeared during the high growth years of the national chains, finding the right combination of books and ambiance may bring success to those who can offer their customers an enjoyable and unique shopping experience.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual earnings of a marketing manager, which most closely relates to product or brand managers, was $104,400 in May 2007 with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $53,520. For those representing the large book publishing companies' products, this may well be the perfect way to turn your love of books into a lucrative career. It is recommended that you earn a bachelor's degree in business as taking this path will provide you with the tools needed to begin a career in the retail industry and eventually work your way up to a brand manager.
For those interested in working in a retail environment or opening up their own retail store, also having a bachelor's degree in business with a concentration in retail management will also put you on the path to an exciting career.
Another option is to earn a bachelor's degree in business with a concentration in marketing. This course of study will provide you with a well rounded view of marketing's role and open the door to many employment options including e-commerce and brand management to name a few.
As an avid book lover, there are other fields to pursue, aside from those listed above, including becoming a writer or a reporter. Reading is a great hobby and offers so many benefits including the ability to take that enjoyment and turn it into a future career.