Consumer Affairs
Make an impact on the development, delivery, and evaluation of consumer goods. Consumer affairs specialists are involved in consumer advocacy and protection, law and legislation, housing, and financial planning and counseling.
- Law
- Television and Radio
- Consumer Advocacy
- Public Utilities
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Market Research, Marketing
- Education
- Credit Counseling
- Product Safety
- Customer Service
- Health Care
- Financial Services, Banking, and Lending
- Government
- Food and Beverage
- Housing Industry, Real Estate
- Consumer Relations
- Property Manager
- Homeless Coordinator
- Travel, Tourism, Resort and Hospitality Management
- Public Relations
- Taxes and Insurance
- Personal Financial Planning
- Journalism and Fact-finding
- Investigation of Crimes against Consumers (Federal, State, and Local)
- University or College Professor (requires a graduate degree)
- Federal, state and county agencies
- Private businesses
- Housing authorities
- Trade agencies
- Food and drug departments
- Consumer advocacy departments
- Television and radio stations
- Private and municipal law offices
- Newspapers and magazines
- Credit counseling services
- Educational institutions
- Public utilities
- Health care facilities
- Retail outlets
- Financial services
- Food and beverage manufacturers and distributors
- Toy manufacturers
- Nonprofit organizations
- Resort hotels and restaurants, and other industries interested in attracting and protecting consumers while improving products and services
Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, new job opportunities for consumer affairs graduates are likely in the future with 3-13% percent job growth (CA and US).
Median annual wages
- Retail $34,000
- Financial Counselor $100,000
- Financial Services, Banking, and Lending $70,000
- Housing and Real Estate $56,000
- Consumer Relations $40,000
- Consumer Journalist $58,000
- Salary can range across private, public and nonprofit sectors
- Salary is often based on education and experience
Service orientation
Many consumer affairs specialists advocate and protect consumers. They shape policies that support the well-being of individuals, families, consumers, and communities.
Analytic skills
Consumer affairs specialists critique, develop, implement, and assess policies that may have a big impact on individuals, families, consumers, and communities.
Critical thinking skills
Consumer affairs specialists use diverse approaches for determining alternative solutions for consumer issues.
Communication skills
Effective communication is key to working with individuals, families, consumers, and communities. Consumer affairs specialists must be able to speak and write clearly so others can understand them.
Business skills
Consumer affairs specialists should have a deep understanding of legislation, financial planning, and housing services
- American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS)
- American Council on Consumer Interests (ACCI)
- Association for Financial Counseling, Planning, and Education (AFCPE)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Financial Therapy Association (FTA)
- National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE)