CAREER
From Issue #16
A Different Calling
Not So Common Summer Jobs
by David Silverman
Each year, high school grads face the difficult decision of going on
to post-secondary education or pursuing a career. And you’ve all heard
about common professional fields such as medicine, law, and engineering
that require many years of school and lofty tuition costs, but there
are exciting non-traditional careers which also offer financial security
and self-fulfillment.
IRON LADY
Kristine Banakiewicz, a former ESL teacher
realized her job was too monotonous and
lacked the challenge she was looking for.
So, Kristine spent the $400 start-up costs to
become an ironworker. And after passing a
series of tests and completing her
apprenticeship program, Kristine became the
first ever female ironworker for Hamilton
Local 736. “I love working with my hands,
and constantly working on different projects,”
says Kristine. She explains the myth that you
have to be a strong, burly man to work on a
construction site is simply that. With a
comfortable annual salary and flexibility to
enjoy summer, Kristine has never looked back
from her career decision.
GRAVELY YOURS
Perhaps one of the most non-traditional
occupations that promise never to disappear
are funeral directors and morticians. For most
people, the thought of constantly working
with dead people draws a certain stigma, but
this job requires more then just a fascination
with death. There is a rigorous training and
apprenticeship program, which includes
theoretical courses on embalming, funeral law
and ethics. Did you know before becoming an
award-winning actress, Angelina Jolie studied
mortuary science?
TAN AT YOUR WORK
Another skilled trade that has an
aging workforce and is looking for
young blood is the roofer. Roofers
install, repair, or replace flat roofs
and shingles, shakes or other
roofing tiles on sloped roofs.
Normally a high school diploma is
required along with a 1–3 year
apprentice program to be fully
certified. Once a certified roofer,
there’s a potential salary of $50,000
and up, and the opportunity to
constantly work on your tan.
SUPER HEROES
Firefighters also face risks on
the job, but the gratification of
saving lives is second to none.
Although some colleges offer
courses in fire science, the
application process requires all
applicants to complete arduous
written, physical, and medical
examinations. Over the years,
firefighters have assumed a range of
responsibilities, including emergency
medical services. In fact, most calls
firefighters respond to involve medical
emergencies, and about half of all fire
departments provide ambulance service
for victims. From smoke jumpers to fire
investigators, firefighters continue to
play an instrumental role in our society.
STUNTS
Certain careers can
involve elements of
thrills and risks and
stunt performers thrive
off it. But how do you
know you have what it
takes to get punched in
the face and run over
by cars?
One of the best ways
to enter Hollywood is
to bring a specific set of
skills to the set. Production
coordinators look for
people with experience in
things such as
gymnastics,
skateboarding, and
martial arts. Although some
stunt performers can earn
thousands of dollars a day
for certain stunts, any stunt
performer will tell you it is
not just about the money.
Aside from the physical
risks, being a stunt
performer means working
long hours and sacrificing
your personal life. You have
to be dedicated to love
crash-landing on the hood
of a car.
