How are Occupations and Programs Connected in Analyst?

Emsi connects jobs (NOC codes) to the programs (CIP codes) which typically train for them using a modified version of the National Center for Education Statistics’s CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Emsi’s modifications to the basic mapping fall into three categories:

1. New degrees that haven’t yet been mapped by the NCES.
2. Overly extensive mappings: Some general studies programs in the source mapping connect to hundreds of occupations and present a skewed view of job prospects.
3. Ad hoc: Presented with a good argument, Emsi will review and update mappings based on client feedback.

This connection between jobs and programs serves multiple purposes but is most often used to show how much demand exists in the labor market for a particular job, and to what extent that demand is being met by local training programs.

The connection between jobs and programs can vary significantly. It’s quite common that many programs will train for a particular job. For example, there are 6 different programs which train for sales managers. The most common program is Business Admin and Management, General (CIP 52.0201). In other cases the number of training programs is much fewer; there may even be just one program. For example, if you want to become a Mechanical Engineer you typically have one option: the Mechanical Engineering (CIP 14.1901) program.

For many jobs there isn’t a particular training program which is normally required. Sales jobs frequently fall into this category. While there may be certain training programs which are a better fit for a sales career (e.g. business administration) they are by no means a pre-requisite. You can have a successful sales career with a psychology degree, a engineering degree, or no degree whatsoever!

Finally, the CIP to NOC crosswalk is by no means definitive way of describing the connection between programs and jobs, but merely attempts to describe what is typical.