Career Profile: Funeral Director	Home	Español
		Informal perspective of what an occupation might be like.

What I Do: I am a funeral director in a small town. When a death occurs, my staff and I meet with the family to assist with funeral preparations. Depending upon the family's wishes, we arrange for the body either to be buried or cremated. We submit the obituary notice to the local newspaper, contact the cemetery, assist with the funeral service, and provide transportation to the burial site. Sometimes we consult with people who want to plan their funeral before their death, to spare family members the anguish of making such arrangements later on.

Best and Hardest Parts of My Job: I help people in the midst of their grief and suffering. The part of my work I like the best is helping people, assisting them with difficult decisions and carrying out their requests. The hardest part is dealing with clients who are so upset. I always feel sorry for them, and funerals for children and teenagers are the saddest of all. This career requires maturity, empathy, and good communication skills. 

How I Got Started: In college, I majored in mortuary science. I took a wide variety of courses, such as anatomy and physiology, funeral service law, business management, and grief counseling. When I graduated, I took the State board licensing exam because funeral directors must be licensed. I was hired as an assistant at the funeral home where I now work, then became the director several years ago. I provide a valuable service to the people of my community.