CHOICE OF CAREERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23048, 27 May 1938, Page 4

CHOICE OF CAREERS

MANY OPPORTUNITIES NEW PROFESSIONS OP€N DANGER OF "BLIND ALLEYS" New careers, strange as it may scorn, conform to fashion. That is to say—somo careers have a "rim" on thorn, states an English writer. Girls are attracted to a mannequin's job. Secretarial work is always popular, and so is film work. Dress designing has been looking up a lot; so has fashion designingIn typewriting and shorthand particularly, there is the danger of "blind alley" occupation. The comparatively quick ability that this affords of earning (even a moderately reasonable sum) means that a girl will fairly easily get a job as a shorthand-typist and, if she does not marry—may find herself "on the shelf" as regards the work market as well as the marriage one later on. Constant investigation is being carried on to keep in close touch with the whole field of employment. Outside the teaching and nursing professions (which have their own agencies), there is no branch of the higher professions open to women to-day in which the Central Employment Bureau for Women and Students' Careers Association is not prepared to try and placo trained and qualified candidates.

At tho present time, according to a woman official concerned in openings for women, there are certain careers which offer the most opportunities. For instance, that of hospital, almoner, gymnastic and games mistress, and domestic subjects teacher. A Hospital Almoner The girl who wants to become a hospital almoner must attain a high standard as a student. No certificate can bo granted under the age of 22. '.theoretical, practical interest in general social work, and hospital experience (under tho guidance of a trained hospital almoner) are necessary. A two years university course costs from 30 to 50 guineas; and tho Hospital Almoner s Institute foe is 20 guineas; this includes charity organising society and hospital training. Tho work is entirely responsible. Individual consideration to patients' needs, sympathetic understanding of home backgrounds and domestic difficulties have to bo entered into. Surgical instruments have to bo bought and repaired, patients who have to go to convalescent homes have to be arranged for and transported. All these are branches of the almoner's duties. It is a very human kind of work. It should appeal to many who instinctively want to help and care for those in trouble and sickness. As to domestic science—where there are openings for women —part-time courses can be taken. It is a wide subject, ranging from specialised cookery to electrical housecraft and laundry work. A full-time day course of a year should be regarded as the minimum, however —according to one authority A number of colleges are offering twovcar courses in which domestic science training is combined with that of institutional management. Electricity Demonstrations

There arc opportunities, too, for nursery nurses—for housing and estate managers, anil for electricity and gas demonstrators. Natural bent must influence choice, of course. One girl might succeed admirably in executive and administrative work and be an utter failure, when it came to washing a babv's ears! Electricity and gas demonstration needs a mechanical mind behind it. It is no good being afraid of "pops and flashes." "Girls who want to become electrical demonstrators should be up to matriculation standard," Miss Caroline Haslett, the Electrical Association for Women's Director declared. The chief branch of the industry in which women might find employment is in the capacity of demonstrators and saleswomen in electrical showrooms. They can, however, also obtain posts as lecturers with, particular reference to electricity, and as supervisors in factories or canteens. Candidates should take training at a domestic science college—and the curriculum should include cookery, housewifery, catering or household management—and a dimple knowledge of electricity. Then they should sit for the Electrical ' Association for Women's Electrical Housecraft certificate —and after passing thi.s, they are qualified to l\pld posts as trainees or junior assistants in showrooms. After working a short time without payment, students usually get bo-1 tweeu 25s and -'sos weekly. Women Police After two years' experience they may apply for the grade one diploma for demonstrators or saleswomen issued by the Electrical Association for Women. This carries with it eligibility for senior and responsible posts in the electrical industry. Salaries range then from £.'3 to £4 'weekly. Rural electricity has opened another door for women in the electrical industry—they can lecture at Women's Institutes throughout the country. At the present time Miss Haslett says that the demand for women exceeds the supply in the electrical industry. In addition to catering (which is a field apart, and covers a wide range of different subjects, conditions and training needs) there are two other callings which are listed officially as offering the most openings for women. These are probation work—and women police. Special qualifications are needed — women require initiative, a good educational standard, and some experience in social work. The pay of policewomen is not equal to that of men. As a general rule it starts at £2 to £2 10s weekly, rising by 2s anrtyial increments to £4. A pension may be gained. •.These careers provide plenty of variety for those girls who seek interesting jobs in the world. There is no need to take a "blind alley" post for want of choice.