Thursday, November 30, 2017

Career of the Day: Landscape Designer

Landscape architects plan and design land areas for parks, recreational facilities, highways, airports, and other properties. Projects may include subdivisions and commercial, industrial, and residential sites. People enjoy attractively designed gardens, public parks, playgrounds, residential areas, college campuses, and golf courses. Landscape architects design these areas so that they are not only functional but also beautiful and harmonious with the natural environment. Landscape architects plan the locations of buildings, roads, and walkways. They also plan where to plant flowers, shrubs, and trees. Landscape architects design and plan the restoration of natural places disturbed by humans, such as wetlands, stream corridors, and mined areas. A bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture usually is necessary for entry into the profession. In 2011, 68 colleges and universities offered undergraduate or graduate programs in landscape architecture that were accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board, part of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Career of the Day: Interpreter

Interpreters convert information from one spoken language into another—or, in the case of sign language interpreters, between spoken language and sign language. Interpreters must usually be fluent speakers or signers of both languages because they communicate back and forth among the people who do not share each other's language. Simultaneous interpreting requires interpreters to listen or watch and speak or sign at the same time someone is speaking or signing. Simultaneous interpreting requires a high level of concentration. Simultaneous interpreters are often familiar with the subject matter so they can anticipate the end of a speaker's sentences. In contrast, consecutive interpreting begins only after the speaker has said or signed a group of words or sentences. Although interpreters and translators typically need a bachelor’s degree, the most important requirement is that they be fluent in English and at least one other language.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Career of the Day: Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual concepts, by hand or using computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They help to make an organization recognizable by selecting color, images, or logo designs that represent a particular idea or identity to be used in advertising and promotions. Graphic designers combine art and technology to communicate ideas through images and the layout of web screens and printed pages. They may use a variety of design elements to achieve artistic or decorative effects. They develop the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. Graphic designers work with both text and images. They often select the type, font, size, color, and line length of headlines, headings, and text. A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is usually required. However, those with a bachelor’s degree in another field may pursue technical training in graphic design to meet most hiring qualifications.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Career of the Day: Hospitality Manager

If there’s one rule of thumb that should apply to the work force, it’s this: Pleasant jobs call for pleasant people. And as of late, one industry needs friendly folks more than ever. A Hotel general manager's Responsibilities include Directing everything involved in the operation and financial result of the property; creating standards for personnel administration and performance, service to patrons, room rates, advertising, publicity and food selection. Becoming a hospitality manager usually requires at least a two-year associates degree.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Career of the Day: Financial Analyst

Financial analysts evaluate investment opportunities. They work in banks, pension funds, mutual funds, securities firms, insurance companies, and other businesses. They are also called securities analysts and investment analysts. Financial analysts can be divided into two categories: buy side analysts and sell side analysts. Buy side analysts develop investment strategies for companies that have a lot of money to invest. These companies, called institutional investors, include mutual funds, hedge funds, insurance companies, independent money managers, and nonprofit organizations with large endowments, such as some universities. Sell side analysts advise financial services sales agents who sell stocks, bonds, and other investments. Some analysts work for the business media and are impartial, falling into neither the buy side nor the sell side. Financial analysts generally focus on trends affecting a specific industry, geographical region, or type of product. For example, an analyst may focus on a subject area such as the energy industry, a world region such as Eastern Europe, or the foreign exchange market. They must understand how new regulations, policies, and political and economic trends may affect investments.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Career of the Day: Civil Engineer

Every road and bridge that you see is planned, designed, and maintained by civil engineers. Civil Engineers must take into consideration the natural environment and intended use of physical structures, be they for transportation, industry, or provision of natural resources. They need to find a way to balance current and intended future human use with the geospatial existence of natural structures. Several colleges have civil engineering majors, and it is recommended that you attend one accredited by the American Society of Civil Engineers if this career is appealing to you.

Monday, November 20, 2017

Career of the Day: Librarian

Librarians help people find information from many sources. Most librarians, such as those in public and academic libraries, maintain library collections and do other work as needed to keep the library running. Most librarians need a master’s degree in library science. Some positions have additional requirements, such as a teaching certificate or a degree in another field.

Friday, November 17, 2017

Career of the Day: Florist

Floral designers, also called florists, cut and arrange live, dried, or silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays. They also help customers select flowers, containers, ribbons, and other accessories. Floral designers may create a single arrangement for a special occasion or design floral displays for rooms and open spaces for large scale functions, such as weddings, funerals, and banquets. They use their sense of artistry and knowledge of different types of flowers to choose the appropriate flowers for each occasion. They need to know what flowers are in season and when they will be available. Many programs in floral design and floriculture are available through private floral schools, vocational schools, and community colleges. Most offer a certificate or diploma. Some community colleges and universities offer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in floral design.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Career of the Day: Fashion Designer

Fashion Designers use hand- or computer-aided sketches to visually represent their vision for apparel. Some designers work alone, but most work for a clothing company. They stay current in recent trends in style, technique, production, and materials. Although formal training is not necessarily required for one's artistic vision, it is very helpful to demonstrate preparation for the field in order for employers to feel confident hiring an aspiring designer to join their team.


Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Career of the Day: Music Educator

If you love music and would love to share that excitement with generations to come, you may find happiness is being a music teacher. Music educators are in every level of education, teaching young children about rhythm and different instruments, middle schoolers how to read notes on the staff, and high schoolers how to get the most from their instruments of choice. They may even give private lessons to people who are looking to improve or perfect their skills outside of conventional schooling. Becoming a music educator, however, requires quite a challenging education, as both music classes and education classes take a lot of time and dedication. However, if you have a passion for the field, it will be well worthwhile!

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Career of the Day: Forensic Science Technician

Forensic science technicians help investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Most technicians specialize in either crime scene investigation or laboratory analysis. Forensic science technicians reconstruct crime scenes by carefully studying information gathered by investigators and conducting scientific tests on physical evidence. For example, lab technicians may look at photographs of blood splatter patterns and conduct ballistics tests on bullets found at the crime scene to determine the direction from which a shot was fired. All forensic science technicians prepare written reports that detail their findings and investigative methods. They must be able to explain their reports to lawyers, detectives, and other law enforcement officials. In addition, forensic science technicians may be called to testify in court about their findings and methods.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Career of the Day: Human Resources Specialist

Human resources specialists recruit, screen, interview, and place workers. They also may handle human resources work in a variety of other areas, such as employee relations, payroll and benefits, and training. Many specialists are trained in all human resources disciplines and do tasks throughout all areas of the department. In addition to recruiting and placing workers, these specialists help guide employees through all human resources procedures and answer questions about policies. They often administer benefits, process payroll, and handle any associated questions or problems. They also ensure that all human resources functions comply with federal, state, and local regulations. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree. When hiring a human resources generalist, for example, most employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field.

Friday, November 10, 2017

Career of the Day: Geoscientist

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future. In a day in the field, they may use a hammer and chisel to collect rock samples and then use sophisticated radar equipment to search for oil underground. In laboratories, they may use x rays and electron microscopes to determine the chemical and physical composition of rock samples. They also use remote sensing equipment to collect data and advanced geographic information systems (GIS) and modeling software to analyze data. Many geoscientists are involved in the search for and development of natural resources and minerals such as petroleum. Others work in environmental protection and preservation and are involved in projects to clean up and reclaim land. Geoscientists need at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions. A Ph.D. is necessary for most high-level research and college teaching positions. A degree in geosciences is preferred, although degrees in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, engineering, or computer science are usually accepted if they include coursework in geology.

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Career of the Day: Fitness Trainer

Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular exercise (exercises for the heart and blood system), strength training, and stretching. They work with people of all ages and skill levels. Employers prefer to hire certified fitness trainers and instructors. Personal trainers are often required to be certified to begin working with clients or with members of a gym or other type of health club. Group fitness instructors may be allowed to begin without certification, but employers often encourage or require them to become certified.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Career of the Day: Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on their quick reaction and competent care. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities. Salary and responsibilities increase partially with experience, but mostly with the level of EMT training a paramedic has had completed. Effective EMTs are compassionate, physically fit, and have strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Career of the Day: Executive Chef

Executive chefs, head cooks, and chefs de cuisine are primarily responsible for overseeing the operation of a kitchen. They coordinate the work of sous chefs and other cooks, who prepare most of the meals. Executive chefs also have many duties beyond the kitchen. They design the menu, review food and beverage purchases, and often train employees. Some executive chefs are primarily occupied by administrative tasks and spend little time in the kitchen. A growing number of chefs and head cooks receive formal training at community colleges, technical schools, culinary arts schools, and 2-year or 4-year institutions. Students in culinary programs spend most of their time in kitchens practicing their cooking skills. These programs cover all aspects of kitchen work, including menu planning, food sanitation procedures, and purchasing and inventory methods. Most formal training programs also require students to get experience in a commercial kitchen through an internship, apprenticeship, or out-placement program.

Monday, November 6, 2017

Career of the Day: Broadcast Talent

Every time you watch the news or listen to the radio, you are absorbing the work of many individuals, but the most visible members of that team are the on-air talent. These professionals typically have degrees in journalism or communications, and have worked several years behind the sound board or camera, and/or worked on-air for several years in a remote geographic area that does not have as large a market share - or viewing or listening base - as major metropolitan areas.

Friday, November 3, 2017

Career of the Day: Lobbyist

If there is a cause that you feel passionate about, and you are compelled to have elected representatives better understand your cause, becoming a lobbyist is a way to achieve your goals. Lobbyists are experts in both political science and their areas of specialization, in order to better inform their audience about why they should sponsor, support, or oppose certain bills. Lobbyists are excellent at making arguments in both spoken and written form, and conduct themselves professionally, understanding that relationships and compromise are how things happen in government.

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Career of the Day: College Admissions Counselor

Jacques Steinberg of the New York Times once described admissions counseling like this: "You travel, you do public speaking, you do one-on-one counseling, you plan events, and you sit by yourself and read for hours on end." Being an entry-level admissions counselor requires many tasks, all aimed at one goal: to recruit and select the most appropriate students for your institution. Admissions counselors work as members of a team, and use knowledge of sales, customer service, sociology, psychology, and even grief counseling at times. The level of responsibility increases with one's experience and education.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Career of the Day: Line Cook

Large restaurants and food service establishments tend to have varied menus and large kitchen staffs. Teams of restaurant cooks, sometimes called assistant or line cooks, work at assigned stations equipped with the necessary types of stoves, grills, pans, and ingredients. Professional culinary institutes, industry associations, and trade unions sponsor formal apprenticeship programs for cooks, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Labor. Typical apprenticeships last 2 years and combine technical training and work experience. The American Culinary Federation accredits more than 200 formal academic training programs and sponsors apprenticeship programs around the country.