Friday, December 22, 2017

Career of the Day: Attorney

How comfortable are you with reading? How persuasive can you be in written and spoken form? How is your attention to detail? Successful attorneys are able to perfectly craft their legal arguments in order to best represent their clients, and must stay well informed of all related current and previously decided court cases in order to do so. Many attorneys don't actually work in the courtroom like we see in primetime dramas, but the occupation can be very gratifying if you choose a legal specialization that is meaningful for you. Becoming a lawyer requires a three-year law degree beyond your four-year college degree.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Career of the Day: Dental Hygienist

Every time you have an appointment with your dentist, the doctor examines your teeth, but you spend most of your time getting your teeth cleaned by the dental hygienist. A dental hygienist maintains a high level of care, regarding both your privacy and your medical needs. Dental hygienists have good fine motor skills and are content following rules. The training for a dental hygienist license requires completion of a program that usually meets the requirements for an associates degree. Because people will always have teeth that need to be cleaned, you can count on employment opportunities in this field. 

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Career of the Day: Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists collect and analyze data to investigate health issues. For example, an epidemiologist might collect and analyze demographic data to determine who is at the highest risk for a particular disease. Research epidemiologists typically work for universities. Applied epidemiologists work with governments, addressing health crises directly. The most common problem both types of epidemiologists work on is infectious diseases, but they examine other public health issues, as well. Epidemiologists who work in private industry commonly work for health insurance companies or pharmaceutical companies. Those in non-profit companies often do public advocacy work. Becoming an epidemiologist often requires a master's degree in public health. If this field interests you, take as many courses in biological sciences as you can.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Career of the Day: Insurance Agent

Insurance sales agents help insurance companies generate new business by contacting potential customers and selling one or more types of insurance. An agent explains various insurance policies and helps clients choose plans that suit them. An increasing number of insurance sales agents offer their clients comprehensive financial planning services, especially for clients approaching retirement. These services include retirement planning, estate planning, and help in setting up pension plans for businesses. In addition to offering insurance, these agents may become licensed to sell mutual funds, variable annuities, and other securities. This practice is most common with life insurance agents who already sell annuities, but many property and casualty agents also sell financial products. More than one-third of insurance sales agents have a bachelor’s degree. Public speaking classes can be useful in improving sales techniques, and often agents will have taken courses in business, finance, or economics. Business knowledge is also helpful for sales agents hoping to advance to a managerial position.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Career of the Day: Financial Manager

Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization. Since computer software makes some of those tasks more accessible to non-experts, but they now do more data analysis and advise senior managers on ideas to maximize profits. They often work on teams, acting as business advisors to top executives. Financial managers also do tasks that are specific to their organization or industry. For example, government financial managers must be experts on government appropriations and budgeting processes, and healthcare financial managers must know about issues in healthcare finance. Moreover, financial managers must be aware of special tax laws and regulations that affect their industry.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Career of the Day: HVAC Technician

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often referred to as HVACR technicians—work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the air quality in many types of buildings. Heating and air conditioning systems control the temperature, humidity, and overall air quality in homes, businesses, and other buildings. By providing a climate controlled environment, refrigeration systems make it possible to store and transport food, medicine, and other perishable items. When working on air conditioning and refrigeration systems, technicians must follow government regulations regarding the conservation, recovery, and recycling of refrigerants. This often entails proper handling and disposal of fluids. A growing number of HVACR technicians receive postsecondary instruction from technical and trade schools or community colleges that offer programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. These programs generally last 6 months to 2 years and lead to a certificate; or in some cases, an associate’s degree.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Career of the Day: Salesperson

If you thought a career in sales translated into a life of selling shoes and knocking on doors, think again. While being motivated, outgoing and willing to roll up your sleeves are critical to success in the profession, sales jobs span nearly every industry, from agribusiness and pharmaceuticals, to telecommunications and property management. Typical college majors are related to marketing and business.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Career of the Day: Radiologic Technologist

Healthcare professionals use many types of diagnostic equipment to diagnose patients. Radiologic technologists specialize in x-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. They may be called CT technicians or MRI technicians, depending on the equipment they work with. Technologists may be certified in multiple specialties. There are formal training programs in radiography that lead to a certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Associate’s degree programs are the most common. Certificate programs typically last 6 to 12 months. Typical programs include both classroom training and clinical training. Coursework includes anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Career of the Day: Counseling Therapist

Individuals of all ages, families, and couples all go through times when they need someone to talk to. Friends offer limited support, because they often take sides or have a limited understanding of the problems at hand. This is why counseling therapists are available to help their clients work through these times. Therapists can specialize in substance abuse, mental health, career counseling, or focus on any segment of the life span. Counselors all have at least a master's degree, which requires at least one year of graduate training in counseling, psychology, or social work beyond a four-year college degree. They are excellent listeners, take accurate notes, and are frequently organized because they manage billing and insurance reimbursements.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Career of the Day: Musician

For those of you who are musically talented, you may wish to consider becoming a professional performer. Professional musicians pursue careers with orchestras, local and nationally touring ensembles, and in popular, jazz, rock, and even liturgical styles. Whatever niche you pursue, you will need many hours of practice and training in order to compete at that level. Music performers often struggle for a long time before making it big; very few musicians are as fortunate as the young stars we hear on the radio or see on TV. Be prepared to make compromises along the way in order to pursue your art. 

Friday, December 8, 2017

Career of the Day: Dispatcher

Every time someone calls 9-1-1 or is in need of emergency assistance, dispatchers handle the request for appropriate emergency service personnel. They need to stay calm for the person in crisis while obtaining accurate and critical information so that the fire department, police, or medical technicians can respond appropriately. In order to be successful and happy in this career, one must be patient and care about others, while staying cool in the face of adversity. Education in safety procedures and protocol is necessary, and on-the-job training is to be expected for this career.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Career of the Day: Actor

In professional acting, an artist takes on roles that are assigned to him or her on screen or on stage. Actors get paid to portray characters that have existed in the screenwrighter's or playwright's imagination in a way that a director envisions them. Actors can work in commercials, plays, television shows, or movies, and are responsible to memorize lines anywhere form a few lines to over an hour. You should have some formal training, which prepares you for the audition for a theater arts major, and aspiring actors should be willing to work several years before getting their big break.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Career of the Day: Industrial Designer


Industrial designers develop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys. They combine art, business, and engineering to make products that people use every day. Industrial designers focus on the user experience in creating style and function for a particular gadget or appliance. A bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering is usually required for entry-level industrial design jobs. Most design programs include the courses that industrial designers need in design: sketching, computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), industrial materials and processes, and manufacturing methods.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Career of the Day: Massage Therapist

Every year, more and more Americans are utilizing massage therapy for the many health benefits it offers. With increased popularity comes demand for qualified massage therapists. This field offers flexible schedules and hours, active and healthy work environments, and professional growth opportunities. Becoming a licensed massage therapist require an educational program that can last six to twelve months, and you should find one that meets state licensing requirements.

Monday, December 4, 2017

Career of the Day: Business Logistician

Every single purchase you make requires an immense orchestration of services and products, and at each transaction of raw materials, overhead costs, and supplies, someone had to plan to maximize profits by minimizing risk and cost. These people are logisticians, or experts in the logistics of getting things where they need to go. The most visible business logisticians are the corporate account managers at FedEx or UPS, but many companies of their own proprietary logistics divisions. You may enjoy this career and major if you enjoy management, attention to detail, overcoming challenges, and working in the background as part of a team with a common goal.

Friday, December 1, 2017

Career of the Day: Historian

Historians conduct research and analysis for governments, businesses, nonprofits, historical associations, and other organizations. They use a variety of sources in their work, including government and institutional records, newspapers, photographs, interviews, films, and unpublished manuscripts such as personal diaries and letters. They also may process, catalog, and archive these documents and artifacts. Most historians present and interpret history for the public. They often trace and build a historical profile of a particular person, area, idea, organization, or event. Once their research is complete, they present their findings through articles, books, reports, exhibits, websites, and educational programs. Historians need a master’s degree or Ph.D. for most positions. Many historians have a master’s degree in history or public history, which takes 2 years beyond a four-year bachelor's degree to complete. Others complete degrees in related fields, such as museum studies, historical preservation, or archival management. Many programs require an internship or other onsite work experience as a part of the degree program.