Friday, September 29, 2017

Career of the Day: Auditor

Being an auditor is a bit like being an editor, but in the financial field. Auditors require the same type of education as accountants, but instead of actually entering the numbers and assigning categories to them, auditors have the added challenge of coming in to verify that accountants or bookkeepers followed legal and/or corporate policy when doing their job. Auditors are there to keep everyone following the rules, and must have a high ethical standard. It is crucial for auditors to be brave and have a painstaking attention to detail.

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Career of the Day: Architect

Architects are visionaries, artists, and problem-solvers. They are licensed to create the structures in which we live, work, learn, and play. Because architects are responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of the people who occupy the buildings they design, it's important for students to be aware that with this career comes significant responsibility. While math and science are important for a career in architecture, artistic and creative thinking skills are equally, if not more highly, valued. Architects need to have the ability to go from being artistic/creative to technical/logical and everywhere in between.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Career of the Day: Furniture Builder

Despite the abundance of plastics, metals, and other materials, wood products continue to be an important part of our daily lives. Woodworkers make wood products, using lumber and synthetic wood materials. Many of these products are mass produced, including most furniture, kitchen cabinets, and musical instruments. Other products are custom made with specialized tools in small shops. Although the term “woodworker” may evoke the image of a craftsman who builds ornate furniture using hand tools, the modern woodworking trade is highly technical and relies on advanced equipment and highly skilled operators. Workers use automated machinery, such as computerized numerical control (CNC) machines, to do much of the work. Some woodworkers obtain their skills by taking courses at technical schools or community colleges. Others attend universities that offer training in wood technology, furniture manufacturing, wood engineering, and production management. These programs prepare students for jobs in production, supervision, engineering, and management and are increasingly important as woodworking technology advances.

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Career of the Day: Professional Athlete

Do you consider yourself to be among the best three-hundredths of a percent of all high school athletes? That's how few end up playing professional sports. However, for the most talented and most committed, a career in professional athletics can lead to fame and fortune. As many know, playing competitive athletics in college is often a prerequisite for professional athletics, and the NCAA maintains consistent academic standards for collegiate athletes, both in high school and while they are active in college. If you plan to stay active in sports, it is important that while conditioning your body, you are also equally focused on the "student" side of being a "student athlete" so you have options after retirement or in case of an untimely end to your athletic career.

Monday, September 25, 2017

Career of the Day: Audiologist

Audiologists use audiometers, computers, and other devices to test patients' hearing ability and balance, determine the extent of hearing damage, and identify the underlying cause. Audiologists measure the volume at which a person begins to hear sounds and the person's ability to distinguish between sounds. Also, before determining treatment options, they evaluate psychological information to measure the impact of hearing loss on a patient. Treatment options vary and may include cleaning wax out of ear canals, fitting and checking hearing aids, or fitting and programming the patient with cochlear implants to improve hearing. (Cochlear implants are tiny devices that are placed under the skin near the ear in an operation. Cochlear implants deliver electrical impulses directly to the auditory nerve in the brain so a person with certain types of deafness can hear.) Audiologists also counsel patients on other ways to cope with profound hearing loss, such as by learning to lip read or use American Sign Language. The doctoral degree in audiology is a graduate program typically lasting 4 years beyond a bachelor’s degree in any field.

Friday, September 22, 2017

Career of the Day: Specialist Physician

A specialist physician is trained and certified in a specific field and the range of options for specialization is seemingly endless. Examples of specialist physicians include cardiologist, pediatrician, emergency medicine specialist, gynecologist, general surgeon, internal medicine specialist, and neurologist. The educational path of a specialist physician is much like that of a general practitioner. An undergraduate degree, medical school, internship, and residency training are usual requirements. In addition to this, specialist physicians must undergo intensive training in their chosen specialty, and acquire a license in this field. The duration of this training depends on the physician's field and level of specialty.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Career of the Day: Food Scientist

Agricultural and food scientists play an important role in maintaining the nation’s food supply. Many work in basic or applied research and development. Basic research seeks to understand the biological and chemical processes by which crops and livestock grow. Applied research uses this knowledge to discover ways to improve the quality, quantity, and safety of agricultural products. Many agricultural and food scientists work with little supervision, forming their own hypotheses and developing research methods accordingly. In addition, they often lead teams of technicians or students who help in their research. Agricultural and food scientists need at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited postsecondary institution, although many obtain a doctoral degree. Food scientists and technologists and soil and plant scientists typically earn bachelor’s degrees.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Career of the Day: Fire Protection Engineer

Each year in the United States over 3,000 people die and thousands are injured and $10 billion in property is damaged as a result of fire. Fire protection engineering is a unique profession that uses science and technology to make our homes, workplaces, schools, the economy and the environment safer from the devastating effects of fires. They analyze how buildings are used, how fires start, how fires grow, and how fire and smoke affect people, buildings and property. Additionally, Fire protection engineers use the latest technologies to 
a) Design systems that control fires, alert people to danger and provide means for escape; 
b) Evaluate buildings to pinpoint the risks of fires and the means to prevent them; 
c) Conduct fire safety research on consumer products and construction materials; and 
d) investigate fires to discover how fire spreads, why protective measures failed, and how those measures could have been designed more effectively. 
For a person who is looking for a satisfying career that provides a solid income, flexibility, and the opportunity to make a difference, fire protection engineering is an excellent career choice. To find out more go to http://careers.sfpe.org.

Monday, September 18, 2017

Career of the Day: Publication Editor

Editors plan, coordinate, and revise material for publication in books, newspapers, magazines, or websites. Editors review story ideas and decide what material will appeal most to readers. They also review and edit drafts of books and articles, offer comments to improve the product, and suggest titles and headlines. In smaller organizations, a single editor may perform all of the editorial duties or share them with only a few other people. Employers generally prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or English. Those with other backgrounds who can show strong writing skills also may find jobs as editors. Editors who deal with specific subject matter may need experience related to that field. Fashion editors, for example, may need expertise in fashion that they get through formal training or work experience.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Career of the Day: Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. Electrical engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment such as broadcast and communications systems, from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPS). Many also work in areas closely related to computer hardware. To become an electrical engineer, you should get a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from a program that is accredited by ABET.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Career of the Day: Commercial Diver

Commercial diving and underwater welding career opportunities are exciting and challenging, highly in-demand, and incredibly varied from job to job. You may be working at a nuclear power plant, hydroelectric dam, or wind farm, or water treatment facility, offshore oil rig, or laying underwater fiber optic cables. With the increased innovation for alterative power sources and telecommunications, much of the infrastructure will take place underwater. One training program offers certification in five months, and most graduates begin their careers earning 50-80 thousand dollars a year.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Career of the Day: News Producer

A news producer is the behind the scenes quarterback of a newscast. A producer’s responsibilities include determining which stories will be covered, placing the stories in a logical order, and writing them in a short and succinct manner so viewers can easily understand them. During the newscast, producers make sure the show is on time and going as planned. Solid news judgment and excellent writing skills are critical to being a successful producer. You must also handle deadlines well. A journalism degree is helpful, but it is important that you have a well-rounded education.
(written by Jeremy Freedenberg, Producer, CBS Philly)

Monday, September 11, 2017

Career of the Day: Dentist

A dentist is a doctor that cares for teeth and gums. Dentists identify symptoms of potential and current problems in oral health, and take steps to intervene. Because the knowledge and practice required for becoming a dentist is so involved, the training requires a four-year doctorate program in a dental school, beyond a four-year bachelor's degree. Usually, in order to be successful in a dental school, one should seek an undergraduate major in biology or related life science. If you plan to obtain your own practice instead of working in a partnership, you should be prepared to handle business tasks and other leadership roles.

Friday, September 8, 2017

Career of the Day: Economist

Economists apply economic analysis to issues within a variety of fields, such as education, health, development, and the environment. They research and analyze data using a variety of software programs, including spreadsheets, statistical analysis, and database management programs. More than half of all economists work in federal, state, and local government. Federal government economists collect and analyze data about the U.S. economy. They also project spending needs and inform policy makers on the economic impact of laws and regulations. Many economists work for corporations and help them understand how the economy will affect their business. Specifically, economists may analyze issues such as consumer demand and sales to help a company maximize its profits. Students can pursue an advanced degree in economics with a bachelor’s degree in a number of fields, but a strong background in math is essential.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Career of the Day: Recording Engineer

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio and television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies and in office and school buildings. These workers may be called broadcast or sound engineering technicians or operators or engineers. At smaller radio and television stations, broadcast and sound technicians may do many jobs. At larger stations, they are likely to specialize more, although even their job assignments may change from day to day. They set up and operate audio and video equipment, although the kind of equipment they use may depend on the particular type of technician or industry. Most broadcast and sound engineering technicians have an associate’s degree or vocational certification, available at institutions like CCBC and Sheffield Institute. 

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Career of the Day: Database Administrator

Database administrators, often called DBAs, make sure that data analysts can easily use the database to find the information they need and that the system performs as it should. DBAs sometimes work with an organization’s management to understand the company’s data needs and to plan the goals of the database. Database administrators often plan security measures, making sure that data are secure from unauthorized access. Many databases contain personal or financial information, making security important. Database administrators are responsible for backing up systems in case of a power outage or other disaster. They also ensure the integrity of the database, guaranteeing that the data stored in it come from reliable sources. Most database administrators have a bachelor’s degree in management information systems (MIS) or a computer-related field.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Career of the Day: Detective

Detectives help solve crimes. They are usually promoted from the role of police officer, and require more leadership, insight, and investigative skills and interests than the daily requirements of an officer on patrol. Because of the complex nature and sometimes morally challenging tasks in detective work, it is crucial that an aspiring police officer or detective have a strong ethical decision making and have demonstrated wisdom in other capacities. The training usually involves the typical police academy, with more coursework in criminal justice.