9 jobs for detail-oriented obsessives
If you prefer the scrupulous to the superfificial, take a thorough look at these careers.
In many job ads, “detail-oriented” is a common qualif i c a t i o n t h a t e mpl oye e s require of candidates — and you probably already know this if you’re inclined to, well, pay attention to details.
For those of you who love digging into data, mining the minutiae or just geeking out over the little things that make a huge difffference, Monster used U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data to track down 10 jobs that are perfect for you.
Anesthesiologist
Why details matter: It’s a perilously thin line between too much and not enough when it comes to putting and keeping a patient under for surgery and then bringing them back to consciousness.
What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree, four years of medical school and additional specialization training.
Annual salary: $187,200
Pharmacist
Why details matter: Filling prescriptions is serious business. One medication c an come in a var iet y of potencies, and it’s critical that patients receive proper dosages. Accuracy is imperative in this role.
What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree plus a four-year doctor of pharmacy degree, followed by licensing.
Annual salary: $121,500
Web developer
Why details matter: These workers produce and maintain countless lines of computer code, often in tandem with numerous other people collaborating on the same project. One wrong keystroke — the needle in the proverbial haystack — and the software program won’t function as intended.
What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Annual salary: $100,690
Architect
Why details matter: Architects can’t afffford to come up (literally) an inch short, as that could result in a crooked house or unstable foundation. They have to design buildings of all shapes and sizes that are fully functional and safe — and preferably do it with style.
W h a t y o u ’ l l n e e d : A degree in architecture and an internship to gain experience, followed by a certifification exam.
Annual salary: $76,100
Accountant
Why details matter: Every penny counts. Accountants not only keep track of bottom-line fifigures, but also dozens or hundreds of individual accounts within an organization’s books. This dizzying array of interconnected accounts matters for day-to- day business but also for tax time, with its own bewildering array of detailed rules.
What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree typically is the baseline, and further certifification/specialization often is expected.
Annual salary: $67,190
Copy editor and proofreader
Why details matter: As the Internet meme says, there’s a major difffference between, “Let’s eat, Grandma!” and “Let’s eat Grandma!” Sharpeyed copy editors and proofreaders review articles and manuscripts to ensure the words — and their accompanying punctuation and grammar — appear as intended.
What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree in communications, English or journalism, and skill with language and computers is a minimum.
Annual salary: $56,010
Mechanic
Why details matter: It’s worth nothing that the largest, most complex machines in the world — say a space shuttle, for instance function in part thanks to literal nuts and bolts. Millions of them. Mechanics excel at overseeing the installation and maintenance of all those parts, one by one.
What you’ll need: Formal postsecondary training and industry certifification often are expected as a minimum.
Annual salary: $37,850
Executive assistant
Why details matter: Executives can have some pretty specific and complicated wants and needs, and the assistant is there to see that every last one is taken care of, from scheduling international business flflights (no layovers longer than three hours!) to ordering lunch for 25 people (half of whom have dietary restrictions!).
What you’ll need: A highschool diploma is a minimum, and additional education and several years of experience may be expected.
Annual salary: $36,500
Seamstress/tailor
W h y d e t a i l s m a t t e r : Whether using a needle and thread, a specialized computer or an industrial sewing machine, seamstresses and tailors hone their craft according to both form and function. They have a vast knowledge of difffferent fabrics and patterns and depend on precise measurements so that every bead, button and bow appears exactly where it should.
What you’ll need: There aren’t many specifific educational requirements; generally on-the-job experience and an aptitude/interest in the fifield are enough.
Annual salary: $25,830