Computer Analyst
If you've watched Millionaire you may have noticed how contestants take their time with difficult questions, carefully eliminating choices as they figure out which one is correct. The Occupational Outlook Handbook tells us that when looking for analysts employers usually look for people who have strong problem solving and analysis skills. They must be able to think logically and communicate effectively. Usually a Bachelor's degree is required. Those who work in the field come from many different occupational backgrounds (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition, Computer Systems Analysts, Database , on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm). This would put Mr. Trela in contact with people from many different fields. What a great way to pick up bits and pieces of the knowledge he needed to compete.Lawyer
Who wants to be a lawyer? A lot of people apparently. Competition to get into law school is stiff as is the competition for jobs among graduates. Dan Blonsky, then, was no stranger to competition when he appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionairein January 2000. He became the first winner of the year.Getting up in front of a live audience and a television audience of millions of viewers would make most of us a bit uneasy. Mr. Blonsky, was a commercial litigation attorney who made his living standing up in a courtroom arguing on behalf of his clients, however. Cross a judge the wrong way and you could be held in contempt. Lose your chance at winning a million dollars and you're no worse off than where you started.
A multidisciplinary background is suggested for those who want to attend law school. The Occupational Outlook Handbook says that "prospective lawyers should develop proficiency in writing and speaking, reading, researching, analyzing, and thinking logically—skills needed to succeed both in law school and in the profession." (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition, Lawyers , on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos053.htm). Sounds like these skills might have helped Mr. Blonsky win his prize.
