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Proofreaders

General Description Proofreaders read typed or computer generated text to check for mistakes. They look for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation in the copy they read and use special symbols to mark the errors they find. Others then correct the errors using word processing equipment. Proofreaders look up grammatical rules in references and publication manuals. Dictionaries and technical glossaries are also consulted as needed to ensure accuracy. A few proofreaders specialize in proofing Braille, copy prepared for the blind. Braille script is read by sliding one's fingers over raised dots positioned to represent letters of the alphabet. Mark errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation Revise errors from the copy to the original Refer to grammatical rules in references and guidelines Work alone most of the time Have a sharp eye for detail Must have an associate or bachelor's degree Earn $24,550 per year (national average) Hours & Conditions While most proofreaders work 35 to 40 hours a week, some evening and/or weekend work may be required to meet publication deadlines. Work Locations Work locations for this occupation include newspapers, printing companies, book publishers, and government agencies. Pros & Cons Proofreaders enjoy using their attention to detail to help produce polished documents. They like applying their advanced grammatical skills to catch mistakes that others would miss. The work can become routine, however. Also, working under deadline pressure can be stressful. Computer Programmers General Description Computer programmers write instructions that tell computers to perform a variety of different tasks. They may write programs that will perform accounting or billing functions. Other programs may operate robots or computer-aided design (CAD) machine tool operations. Some programs allow people to create artwork or graphics, while others coordinate space flight operations. Programmers speak with the individuals or groups that need programs in order to understand their needs. They then outline the steps the computer must go through to get the job done. It is the programmer's job to identify all of the steps the computer complete to produce the desired results. Programmers use computer languages to write programs. Some languages operate the computers while others are used to write programs that perform tasks. Higher level languages require less technical understanding of how computers operate. They are said to be more friendly. They are easier to use and may accomplish a complicated task with a single command. A less friendly, more basic program will require more detailed instructions. Programmers determine the appropriate language to use, based on the advantages and limitations of each. When programs are finished, the programmers must test or debug it to be sure that errors and problems have been found and corrected. Also, the programmers write two sets of instructions for individuals who will use the program. The first is for other programmers who will work on the program in the future. Another set of instructions is written for program users. This is a Hot Occupation. Over the next 10 years, job openings in this occupation are projected to increase by at least 27%. Write programs that tell a computer what to do Usually know more than one programming language Spend working hours alone, but often work in teams May have flexible schedules, including telecommuting Often work  long hours Have at least a bachelor's degree earn $61,730 per year (national average) Stay up to date on new programming languages Hours & Conditions Computer programmers usually work in well-lit, climate-controlled offices because computers do not function well in environments with extreme temperature or humidity fluctuations. Work Locations Computer programmers work at universities, government agencies, and business firms. Pros & Cons Programmers like working with computers and planning ways to solve problems. They find their jobs to be challenging. They like working indoors in clean, air-conditioned offices. Also, there are many opportunities for employment in this field. Animators General Description Animators create moving or lifelike images using pens, pencils, and/or computers. They sketch a series of characters based on the cartoon storyline. From these sketches, they select the ones that they feel will best visually project the desired theme or emotion. To create two-dimensional motion picture cartoons, animators draw the characters they have selected on cels (celluloid sheets) using pens, pencils, or color markers. They also draw the backgrounds and determine the colors to be used to accentuate the characters. The figures appear to move when the cels are projected one after another at a specific speed. Three-dimensional (3D) cartoons are produced by clay animation or 3D computer animation. Clay animators also sketch characters and select those that best project the storyline. They then model clay into the characters they have sketched. These figures are repeatedly posed and each pose is photographed to depict actions that follow the storyline. These photographs are developed and placed on cels, and the figures on them appear to move when the cels are projected one after another at a specific speed. Other clay animators take digital photographs of their clay characters and load these into computer software programs that allow them to refine the clarity, color, brightness, shading, and other visual effects of the cartoon. Animators, who use 3D or digital animation, use computers with programs that allow them to create 3D cartoons on their computer screens based on their cartoon character sketches. They create characters, design backgrounds, choose colors, and adjust brightness and clarity to accentuate the objects and characters that they have created. Special computer programs allow them to determine the direction and speed at which the images will move. Many people in this occupation are self-employed. Create moving or lifelike images using pens pencils, and or computers Sketch characters based on a storyline Portray themes sand emotions using characters May use 3D computer animation Select background color, shading, brightness and clarity Must be creative and have drawing skills Work 40 hour weeks or longer Have a  degree in drawing animation or graphic design May be self-employed Earn $46,700 annually (national salary) Hours & Conditions Animators work 40 hours a week. They may work longer hours to meet production deadlines. They must be creative, have drawing skills, and be able to distinguish fine visual details. Work Locations Animators work for motion picture companies and television networks. Pros & Cons Animators enjoy using their creative talents to produce entertaining material. They like the variety of their work assignments. 3D animators enjoy the challenge of utilizing new graphic technologies. It can be stressful working under production deadlines. Mathematicians  General Description Mathematicians specialize in either theoretical mathematics or applied mathematics. Most mathematicians work in applied mathematics. They solve problems using many different kinds of math and math-related areas. These include computer science, engineering, physics, and business management. Theoretical (pure) mathematicians are interested in the science of mathematics. They work on new ways to solve mathematical problems and develop new mathematical theories. These mathematicians are not as interested in everyday uses of mathematics as are applied mathematicians. Usually specialize in theoretical or applied math Theoretical mathematicians study ideas of theories Applied mathematicians use math to solve problems Many work alone most of the time May travel to attend conferences of seminars Most have a Ph.D. in math Earn 770,670 per year (national average) Hours & Conditions Mathematicians work in classrooms, offices, and laboratories. They usually work regular hours. Work Locations Pure mathematicians work in research labs. They work at universities and government agencies. Applied mathematicians teach at high schools and colleges. Research and testing services, educational services, security and commodity exchanges, and drug companies employ mathematicians. Banks, insurance companies, and public utilities also employ them. Pros & Cons Mathematicians enjoy figuring out complicated problems. They like earning high salaries. They sometimes get tired when working on complicated problems for a long period of time.