More than half of Americans believe that doctors and scientists have occupations that are of “very great prestige,” according to a 2006 Harris Interactive poll. The National Science Board’s Science and Engineering Indicators 2008 points to these numbers as an indication that these jobs are considered attractive, and may reflect their ability to draw talented people into their fold. It also, says the report, may reflect the public’s perception that these occupations affect the nation’s well being in the future. Though not included on the chart below, scientists and doctors were comparable in rank to nurses and firefighters, and fared slightly better than teachers and military officers. Scientist and doctors who enter the business world should note that the esteem held for their work does not extend to business executives. Business executives scored 11 percent to fall to the bottom of the list along with union leaders (12 percent) and journalists (16 percent). Some of us, however, would like a recount.