Career Unit Vocab

Gig Economy

• A labor market characterized by long-term employment contracts.

• A labor market where the majority of people have short-term jobs or gigs such as freelancing and temp jobs rather than long-term employment.

• A market where all jobs are permanent and full-time.

• A sector focused solely on volunteer work and unpaid internships.

Stipend

• A variable payment based on performance.

• A set payment amount for a fixed time period of work.

• A bonus given at the end of a project.

• An hourly wage for part-time work.

Trade School

• A school that prepares students to enter a specific career directly after training, usually in less than 2 years.

• An institution that offers a broad liberal arts education.

• A university that focuses on research and academic degrees.

• A place for vocational training in arts and crafts.

Full-time work

• Work that averages at least 30 hours per week.

• Work that averages less than 20 hours per week.

• Work that is done only on weekends.

• Work that requires a college degree.

Wage

• A set amount you are paid for every hour that you work; also called hourly pay.

• A fixed salary paid annually regardless of hours worked.

• A bonus given for exceeding work targets.

• A payment made to employees based on their performance.

Intern

• A student or trainee who works, sometimes without pay, in order to gain work experience in a particular field.

• A full-time employee with a permanent position in a company.

• A volunteer who helps in community service without any formal training.

• A recent graduate looking for a job in their field.

Hard Skills

• Specific knowledge or abilities that let you tackle job-specific duties that you learn through courses, vocational training, and on the job.

• General skills that are applicable in any job setting.

• Soft skills that enhance interpersonal relationships in the workplace.

• Creative abilities that allow for innovative problem-solving.

Professional Organization

• A group of people who share similar career or background who meet to build professional skills and connections.

• An association formed to promote a specific product or service.

• A network of individuals who engage in social activities without any professional focus.

• A collection of businesses that collaborate for profit.

Gig Worker

• A self-employed person working temporary jobs in the service industry.

• An employee with a permanent contract and benefits.

• A full-time worker in a corporate office.

• A freelancer who only works online.

Elevator Pitch

• A brief overview of a company

• A 30-second personal summary with a request.

• A detailed business plan presentation

• A formal job application letter