Saturday, April 12, 2014

6 Careers For People Who Love to Organize

Your Type A tendencies could lead to a bright future


Abstract background image of colorful hanging file folders in drawer. Macro with with extremely shallow dof. Selective focus in
By Rachel Zupek Farrell
Your closet is color-coded. You live by your day planner. And when you complete a task that on the off-chance didn't land on your to-do list, you add it there for the simple satisfaction of crossing it off.

Type A? We prefer to call it organized.

Thankfully there are different ways -- and things -- to organize. You can organize information, whether it's numbers or details. You can organize people by bringing them together for an event or overseeing a team. Maybe you prefer to organize businesses, keeping track of important documents and dates. Or perhaps you just like organizing stuff: homes, stores or closets.

Good for us -- and those who are not as organized -- there are careers perfect for like-minded individuals who love to organize. Here are a few.

1. Project manager
What you organize: Projects. As a project manager, you oversee all parts of a project from inception to execution. Only the most organized can deliver projects on time, on budget and within scope.
Median annual pay: $58,860*

2. Travel agent
What you organize: Trips. Some people like to travel by the seat of their pants but others like a plan. They just don't know how to make one themselves. You organize how to get from point A to point B, as well as accommodations and itineraries.
Median annual pay: $34,600

3. Real estate agent
What you organize: Details. Not only do you have to organize your day, such as showing times and locations, you must also keep track of all of your customers' contact information, listing details and contract deadlines.
Median annual pay: $41,990

4. Archivist
What you organize: Documents and records. You create and maintain databases, organize and classify archives and help users find any reference materials.
Median annual pay: $44,410

5. Merchandiser
What you organize: Stores. You arrange items in a way that should entice shoppers to buy them. Much of this includes straightening, putting up signage or putting items back in their correct spot. Plus, many merchandisers work for more than one store, so you must also organize your time.
Median annual pay: $60,550

6. Event planner
What you organize: Events. You make sure everyone is in the right place at the right time and keep track of details such as cost, guest lists, accommodations, schedules, etc.
Median annual pay: $45,810

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