Technical Education is defined as "practical" and "hands-on" experience or training based on a direct application of knowledge in an area related to one's future employment. Academic Education is defined as the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake through the study of disciplines such as history, literature, science, and mathematics. Technical Education prepares students for immediate work and is generally more focused on developing the specific skills required for their chosen field of employment. Academic Education prepares students for advanced education, careers requiring higher-level thinking, and careers in which they will be responsible for leading others. Technical Education is often shorter than academic education and prepares students for immediate employment. Academic Education can take longer and prepares students for further education, careers requiring higher-level thinking, and careers where they will be responsible for leading others.