Astronomers

Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

On the job, you would:

• Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
• Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.

Education

• doctoral degree
• post-doctoral training

Math and Science

• physics
• arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Engineering and Technology

• computers and electronics
• product and service development

Arts and Humanities

• English language

Education and Training

• teaching and course design

Basic Skills

• reading work related information
• using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems

Problem Solving

• noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

• thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
• figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Investigative

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

• Analytical Thinking
• Persistence
• Achievement/Effort
• Attention to Detail
• Initiative
• Integrity

Verbal

• communicate by speaking
• communicate by writing

Math

• add, subtract, multiply, or divide
• choose the right type of math to solve a problem

Ideas and Logic

• make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
• use rules to solve problems

Visual Understanding

• see hidden patterns