Note: Information about these careers is based on national statistics, so salaries and opportunities may be different in your town.

Advertising professionals do a variety of things from copy writing to special promotional campaigns to creative strategies to media buying. They are responsible for positioning the company's products or services in the marketplace in such a way that the public wants to buy.

Education: Most employers prefer a bachelor's degree in advertising or journalism.

Salary: Starts at about $21,000 for advertising majors.

Outlook: Very good

Broadcast news analysts, commentators and talk show hosts present current events, interpret them and discuss how the issues affect the nation as a whole or individuals personally.

Education: A broad liberal arts background or a degree in broadcast journalism from a college, broadcast school or university. Look for schools that have on-campus radio and television stations and for schools which can get student internships with commercial stations.

Salary: Range from $17,000-$163,000 depending on the size of the market. Rule of thumb: salaries are higher in television than in radio, higher in larger markets than in small ones, and higher in commercial than in public broadcasting.

Outlook: Good

Public relations specialists use any necessary communication media (direct mail, billboards, radio, newspapers, television, etc. ) in their effort to maintain the support of the specific groups upon whom their organization's success depends. For example, public relations specialists may clarify or justify a firm's
point of view on health or environment issues to community or special interest groups.

Education: A bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, advertising or journalism is preferred. Completion of an internship during college is a big plus.

Education: Starting average is $21,000.

Outlook: Competitive

Lobbyists use their persuasive abilities to win over legislators and regulatory agencies to a special interest group's point of view. Almost every conceivable group, from the National Teachers' Association to the National Rifle Association, has paid lobbyists. Even foreign governments have U.S. lobbyists in Washington working to get favorable trade agreements.

Education: A degree in political science, public affairs/governmental relations or law is helpful as is knowledge and/or experience in an area of special interest. Many former legislators work as lobbyists after they leave office.

Salary: Varies, depending on the ability of the lobbyist to get things done and the ability of the special interest group to pay. Some lobbyists represent more than one group; others work exclusively for a specific association, trade union or industry. The over-all median salary is $91,300, making the job one of the 10 highest paying in America.

Lawyers act as both advocates and advisors. As advocates, they represent one of the opposing parties in criminal and civil trials; as advisors, they counsel their clients as to their legal rights and obligations and suggest possible courses of action. Whether acting as advocates or advisors, all lawyers interpret the law and apply it to specific situations.

Education: College and law school education usually takes seven years of full-time study after high school. The choice of undergraduate studies is important, too. For example, law schools with patent law tracks require bachelor's degrees (or at least several courses) in engineering and science, while future tax lawyers should have a strong background in accounting. Many undergraduate courses are available at community colleges.

Salary: Beginning lawyers in private industry average about $37,000; top law graduates obtaining positions in the nation's largest firms may start at $80,000.

Outlook: Demand will be sparked by a growth of legal action in areas such as employee benefits, health care, intellectual property, environment and real estate, but competition is keen for top positions.

Insurance agents/brokers help individuals, families and businesses select insurance policies that provide the best coverage against loss. Insurance agents may work for one insurance company or as independent agents selling for several companies. Insurance brokers do not sell for a particular company, but place insurance policies for their clients with the company that offers the best rates and coverage.

Education: High school graduates with a potential or proven sales ability may land entry jobs, but most companies and agencies prefer to hire college graduates. Many community colleges offer courses in insurance. Courses in finance, mathematics, accounting, economics, business law, government and
business administration are important.

Salary: Ranges from $15,000-$70,000

Outlook: Stable. Opportunities should be best for ambitious people who enjoy sales work and who develop expertise in a wide selection of insurance and financial services.

Other jobs for persuaders: stockbroker, corporation executive, sales representative, automobile salesperson, leasing agent, police captain, district attorney, promoter, securities trader, TV producer, coach, purchasing agent, legislator, school principal, collections agent.

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