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Who works for the government and why does their work matter? An urgent and absorbing civics lesson from an all-star team of writers and storytellers. The government is a vast, complex system that Americans pay for, rebel against, rely upon, dismiss, and celebrate. It's also our shared resource for addressing the biggest problems of society. And it's made up of people, mostly unrecognized and uncelebrated, doing work that can be deeply consequential and beneficial to everyone. Michael Lewis invited his favorite writers, including Casey Cep, Dave Eggers, John Lanchester, Geraldine Brooks, Sarah Vowell, and W. Kamau Bell, to join him in finding someone doing an interesting job for the government and writing about them. The stories they found are unexpected, riveting, and inspiring, including a former coal miner devoted to making mine roofs less likely to collapse, saving thousands of lives; an IRS agent straight out of a crime thriller; and the manager who made the National Cemetery Administration the best-run organization, public or private, in the entire country. Each essay shines a spotlight on the essential behind-the-scenes work of exemplary federal employees. Whether they're digitizing archives, chasing down cybercriminals, or discovering new planets, these public servants are committed to their work and universally reluctant to take credit. Expanding on the Washington Post series, the vivid profiles in Who Is Government? blow up the stereotype of the irrelevant bureaucrat. They show how the essential business of government makes our lives possible, and how much it matters.
In this captivating, insightful book, acclaimed physicists Alan Lightman and Martin Rees illuminate the life and work of numerous scientists in order to demystify the scientific process and show that scientists are concerned citizens, just like the rest of us. "Remarkable. . . . Illuminating with refreshing clarity the ordinary and sometimes extraordinary work of scientists. This book is essential reading." --Jennifer Ackerman, bestselling author of What an Owl Knows In an age of rapid scientific discovery and technological advancement, it's understandable that many feel uneasy about the future. While we might have confidence in these new developments when we go to the hospital for a medical procedure, fly in an airplane, or take an elevator to the top floor of a building, the motivations and lives of scientists themselves feel shrouded from public view. There is a growing sense that scientists are not to be trusted--that they may be guided by political or financial interests, or beholden to governments, or state institutions. This growing mistrust of scientists is an urgent problem. With the onset of climate change, the imminent threats of pandemic or nuclear war, and rapid acceleration in the fields of artificial intelligence and DNA sequencing, innovations in science have the potential to change the world. It's crucial that we not only gain a better understanding of science as a field, but also reestablish trust with its practitioners. The Shape of Wonder guides us through the fascinating lives and minds of scientists around the world and throughout time, from a young theoretical physicist who works as a research assistant professor at the University of Washington and rock climbs in their free time; to German physicist Werner Heisenberg in his early life, when he was a student of music and philosophy; to Govind Swarup, an Indian astronomer whose work on radio telescopes was profoundly important. We get an inside peek at what makes scientists tick--their daily lives, passions, and concerns about the societies they live in. In this brilliant and elucidative work, Lightman and Rees pull back the curtain on the field of science, revealing that scientists are driven by the same sense of curiosity, wonder, and responsibility towards the future that shapes us all.
Provides a thorough introduction to the wide range of career opportunities available to those interested pursuing a rewarding career related to travel & adventure, including everything from adult basic education teacher to zoologist.
Provides a thorough introduction to the wide range of career opportunities available to those interested in the many areas of this influential industry, from acting to writing, and everything in between.
Provides a thorough introduction to the wide range of career opportunities available to those interested pursuing a rewarding career related to culinary arts, including everything from agricultural engineer to wholesale sales representative.
Provides a thorough introduction to the wide range of career opportunities available to those interested in the many areas of this influential industry, from arbitrator to tax examiner, and everything in between.
For most teens, graduating from high school feels like a finish line. But choosing which path to take next can be overwhelming. It helps to become informed about the options and know how to narrow them down to fit your personal goals. Filled with practical advice about preparing for the future now, deciding whether or not to pursue post-high school education, paying for college or career training, and setting goals along the way to make the journey easier, this book covers career planning, the cost of education, and how to approach the future with a mindset that will set you on the right path.
There are many career options for people who like the creative arts. This book explores what it's like to be a music producer, graphic designer, interior designer, and writer. Job descriptions, required training, tips for getting started, and future directions for each career are included.
There are many career options for people who like sports. This book explores what it's like to be a sportscaster, athletic director, exercise physiologist, and someone working in public relations for the sports industry. Job descriptions, training required, tips for getting started, and future directions of each career are included.
There are many career options for people who like social media. This book explores what it's like to be a content creator, social media manager, customer service representative, and digital forensics investigator. Job descriptions, required training, tips for getting started, and future directions for each career are included.
There are many career options for people who like gaming. This book explores what it's like to be a video game artist, animator, video game writer, and programmer. Job descriptions, required training, tips for getting started, and future directions for each career are included.
Finding a job can be overwhelming, even for a seasoned professional. For first-time job applicants, it can be even harder not knowing the ins and outs of job searching and applications. From determining what jobs are available to balancing work and school, you can approach your first job search informed about the working world and with skills to present yourself as a dependable and valuable worker. This book is filled with practical advice about searching for job opportunities, creating a marketable résumé, preparing for interviews, and learning how to be a professional in any setting. Learn about the job application process, the importance of professionalism, and how to use a first job to build a life-long career.
Quotes and examples from individuals working in math-related fields show students what a typical workday is like for an actuary, physicist, economist, and others. Educational requirements, skills, and working conditions are presented. Includes an interview with a financial analyst and a list of dozens of additional math-focused career options.
Many possible careers could be good choices for young people with a passion for music. Exploring Careers in Music profiles six careers: background singer, booking agent, DJ, music teacher, music therapist, and session musician, delving into what each job entails, how to prepare for it, and what its future prospects are. Readers will discover some satisfying ways to make money while being creative and making other people's lives better.
Skilled and vocational trades offer many different fulfilling career paths. This book explores what it's like to be an auto mechanic, including what an auto mechanic does, what training is required, and the future of the career.