Alternative Career Options

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

People who work in this occupation look at workplaces to ensure they're run according to applicable rules and regulations, and in ways that are safe for people. They may take materials samples, evaluate workflow and processes, and look into workplace accidents. Occupational health and safety specialists may also develop workplace safety training programs for employees. The BLS reports that roughly one-third of occupational health and safety specialists worked for local, state or federal agencies in 2012.

Employment typically requires a bachelor's degree in occupational health or a field like engineering or chemistry, followed by on-the-job training; some employers give priority to candidates with voluntary professional certification. The BLS reports that jobs in this field are predicted to increase 7% from 2012-2022, a rate that's slower than average for all jobs during that same decade. The agency reported that occupational health and safety specialists earned median pay of $66,790 in 2012.

Quality Control Inspector

A quality control inspector looks at items to see if they've been manufactured according to the product blueprints, recommending changes to the manufacturing process to make corrections, if necessary. In addition to visual inspection, quality control inspectors may also conduct tests on items. Quality control inspectors may also keep records and prepare reports related to inspected products.

While many jobs require a high school diploma, job-seekers may have better chances of employment if they've completed some post-secondary education, such as in industrial subjects or lab sciences; quality control inspectors also receive on-the-job training. Experienced quality control inspectors may earn voluntary professional certification. Jobs in this field are predicted to increase 6% from 2012-2022, per the BLS, with workers earning median pay of $34,460 in 2012.

Forensic Engineer Examinations

For those seeking to become a professional engineer in the United States, they must first take and pass the difficult Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. The PE (as it’s commonly referred to) exam is created and scored by NCEES, or the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Prospective forensic engineers can take the exam in one of many disciplines such as mechanical, civil, environmental, structural, or industrial to name a few. After completion of the PE exam, one must then take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. Anyone who holds a degree in engineering is qualified to take this exam. Some States do not require this exam as a part of their requirements for licensure, so be sure to check with your State department.  The PE exam is an 8-hour, 80-100 multiple choice question exam that is administered in one day, with a lunch break separating the day into 4-hour blocks. Depending on your discipline there may be an essay that is required.