ECONOMIC & BUSINESS RESEARCH
By Jack Geary
There is a very important relationship between industries, the companies that belong to
the industry, the position titles or job titles the company uses to define the job functions
staffed by the company, and the required and desired education and training required by
the company. Industry groups, trade and professional organizations develop relationships
with university, colleges, and vocational schools to shape the educational preparation or
skills training. The relationships shape the content of courses, the course offering, the
grouping of course offerings that make up the “college major,” and the requirements for
certificates and degrees. The relationships shape state codes for licensure and
certification. The occupational title is a generic description and the position title is
specific to a company establishment.
The choice of a college "major field of study" and employment options cannot be made
without consideration of the relationships. Knowledge of the fundamental relationships is
essential to smart career planning and decision making. It would be wise for you to know
about the relationship. The research resources are available to understand the
relationships.
THE BIG PICTURE
Information about industries provides the context in which companies operate. If you do
not understand the "industry" you do not understand the company, the occupation, or
your position. Most important you do not understand the extent your skills are
marketable. A complete understanding of an "occupation" requires an intimate
knowledge of the typical position titles used by the companies that staff the position.
Each company controls the labels placed on occupational titles, known as “position
titles.” Each company determines the functions that are performed by each "position title"
or classification. Companies staff or fill positions- they do not hire people. (Yes, a
machine would be