IT'S AMAZING to think that almost 80-million people, more people than we have in our entire country, are added to the earth's population every year.

Facts like these are part of the field of demography, the branch of sociology that studies the characteristics of human populations.

Dr Gretchen du Plessis, a demographer at Unisa, says: "Demographers, also known as population scientists, study the nature of a population and describe and predict changes and trends in population characteristics.

"Demographers analyse statistical data such as birth and death rates and migration and research the factors that impact on them," she says.

"Such analyses are crucial for governments, social service agencies and private companies to plan ahead," Du Plessis explains.

Demographers work for government departments, research organisations, universities and population bureaus. Some are self-employed as consultants.

Working hours and conditions vary and depend on the employer and the specific task at hand. While many hours may be spent in front of a computer analysing data and writing research reports, collecting data through population surveys or censuses can require travelling.

"Demographers in formal employment work an average of 40 hours a week with overtime when necessary. If employed at universities theyspend some time lecturing students and offering guidance to postgraduates," Du Plessis says.

"Academics are also required to publish articles in journals, present papers at national and international conferences and talk to the media about their recent findings. Some demographers act as self-employed independent consultants and may thus have more flexible working hours," she says.

If you have an interest in research and social issues and are good with figures, you may be perfect for a career in demography.

Because demographers will collect data in the field, work alone and as part of a research team, good people skills and self-discipline are important.

This field is not only about gathering population data, but helping others understand what population estimates and projections could mean for their businesses or services, so analytical thinking is important.

Du Plessis states: "This career is best suited to people who pay attention to detail and like to uncover new insights from information.

"All social fields require a passionate interest in the human condition and an ability to recognise and act on the need for good quality, up-to-date information," she says.

Though South Africa as a population certainly presents an interesting group for study, demography is unfortunately not well established as a separate field yet.

"Demography is better established in the US, France, the UK and other countries.

"In South Africa it is often offered as part of courses in sociology, epidemiology or actuarial sciences, which means that demographers in academic circles often have to focus on other issues besides demography.

They then become generalists instead of specialists, which can be frustrating," she says.

Du Plessis hopes that in time the specialised career of the demographer will gain the recognition it has in other countries. Population Association of Southern Africa is making it possible for demographers to network, publish and become more established as the specialists that they are.

In South Africa population studies are very relevant.

Du Plessis explains: "Population-related concerns, such as ageing, the impact of HIV-Aids, poverty and migration mean there's a lot of work that should be done by people with skills in researching these demographic issues." - sacareerfocus