Sunday, October 31, 2010

Health Care Training Career

A health care career involves providing services to help treat individuals with injuries or illness and keep them healthy. It includes diverse jobs in hospitals, private clinics, and offices taking care of a person’s health and fitness. The passion to help others and save lives is a common motivation in this career.

Health care career training would prepare you to become professionals in the health care industry. This is important to become competitive in the fast-growing industry.

How to become a health care professional

If you want higher pay and an advancing career, get health care career training through a degree in accredited medical schools and take quality higher education. An associate degree is the minimum requirement, but this varies depending on the field. Some jobs require Master’s degrees such as health administration. Most employers prefer to hire those with a degree or certificate because the profession requires specialized knowledge. You would usually be required to have on-the-job training, internship, and practicum. In almost all health care positions, you would also need to get licensure and certification from professional regulating bodies and the state.

Health care professional types, Description, Information

You may have a career in health care in various fields such as allied health, counseling, psychology, dentistry, laboratory science, therapy and rehabilitation, dietetics, nursing, and medicine. In clinics or hospitals, you may work as a nurse, radiologist, medical laboratory technicians, or medical assistant. In offices, you may work as medical transcriptionist or health administrator.

Qualifications: Courses, Training, Certification

The courses you take would vary depending on the field you want to specialize in but basic courses include biology and chemistry with laboratory instruction.

If you need help in financing your education, you may work in rural or inner cities or contact clinics and hospitals that are short-staffed. You can contact the Rural Recruitment and Retention Network and the National Rural Health Association which offers scholarship and loan repayment programs.

Athletic Training Career

An athletic training career deals with treating and rehabilitating injured athletes. It involves providing immediate care and determining when injured athletes are well enough to return to practice and competition.

Athletic trainers work closely with patients, providing an effective therapy for their full recovery. They are an important communication link between the athlete, supervising physician, and coach. You need to have interest in medical health and a love for sports.

How to become an athletic trainer

Almost all athletic trainer positions require you to have a bachelor’s degree in colleges and universities offering accredited programs. You will usually work with teams to learn communication skills you need since you will be working with coaches, physicians, athletic directors, and athletes. You may take a master’s or doctoral degree which is required by some employers. You need to become licensed or registered by passing an examination.

Athletic trainer types, Description, Information

You may become an athletic trainer in high schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, work for professional athletic teams, or work in industrial or corporate settings. Generally, the basic work is treating injured athletes during practice or competition and helping prevent other injuries. You may also teach or work at sports medicine clinics.

Qualifications: Courses, Training, Certification

You will study health-related courses such as pathology, biomechanics, nutrition, and physiology and may undergo clinical education experience. Some schools offer long distance study programs to suit your schedule.


Physio Therapy Career

A physical therapy career deals with restoring and maintaining overall health and fitness of individuals suffering from disabling conditions such as arthritis, back pain, fractures, heart disease, head injuries, and injuries from accidents. They treat patients by helping them relieve pain, restore function, improve mobility, and decrease permanent disability.

Physical therapists assess patients’ medical histories then develop treatment plans to help the patients reintegrate into the community or workplace if possible. You need compassion and patience as well as an interest in health.

How to become a physical therapist

You need to have a degree in an accredited physical therapy program. Taking classes in areas such as physics, biology, and anatomy beforehand will be helpful. It is also important to gain experience and take a master’s or doctoral degree. You will then need to obtain a license. To maintain licensure, you have to have continued education and attend workshops to learn new techniques.

Physical therapy career types, Description, Information

You need to decide whether you would specialize in a certain area of practice such as pediatrics, neurology and orthopedics, or would treat a range of conditions. You could work in a hospital or clinic of other physicians. You could also put up your own private clinic. Teaching jobs is also a growing employment option as well as becoming caretakers for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Qualifications: Courses, Training, Certification

You will study specialized courses such as therapeutic procedures, manifestations of disease aside from the basic courses of biology, physics and chemistry. This takes three years with another year for supervised clinical experience.


Sports Management Career

A sports management career deals with the business aspect of sport. It involves handling the financial aspect of an athletic organization, special event promotions, or helping negotiate contracts and other business deals involving athletes or athletic organizations.

Sports managers may also be involved in the sale of sporting goods, media relations, sports broadcasting, facility management, fund raising, or in helping athletes stay healthy. A sports manager combines passion for sports, business, entertainment, and health.

How to become a sports manager

Many sports managers are former athletes or trained in various fields in the past. A college degree from an accredited college or university is required in almost all sports management careers. You may take a sports management programs in college. You may then major or take graduate degrees in various areas such as business law, business management, accounting, marketing, or journalism. It will help to pursue internships in team offices or volunteer as a coach or official for local athletes or work in the media for experience.

Sports manager types, Description, Information

Sports management professionals may have different employment settings. You may work in a school athletic program, sporting goods companies, professional sports franchises and teams, national sports organizations, media, and sports marketing consulting firms. You may become a promotion and development director, sports information director, sports agent, athletic director, sporting goods sales representative, or athletic business manager.

Qualifications: Courses, Training, Certification

You will study courses on the business aspects of sport, sports ethics, sports information, facility management, sport marketing, sport law, and sport finance. The courses include economics, accounting, management, and marketing. Online study programs are also available if you want to study on your convenient time.

You can seek scholarships to help you earn your degree. The Institute for Sports Management also offers two forms of scholarships to ISM members enrolled at an ISM-approved institution. The Women’s Sports Foundation offers scholarship to female Americans through the Dorothy Harris Endowed Scholarship.

Sales Training Career

A sales training career involves developing, implementing, and facilitating workshops and training programs for the sales force. A sales trainer ensures that the sales force work effectively, from knowing the product thoroughly to selling and closing deals.

Sales trainers design annual sales training plans for companies and entrepreneurs. If you love working with people and have a keen interest in sales, this is a good career to consider.

How to become a sales trainer

Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, sales or related areas. You would also need to gain hands-on experience since many top companies require around three to five years or more experience. Develop your interpersonal skills since excellent verbal and written communication skills are needed in the profession as well as good presentation skills.

Sales trainer types, Description, Information

Sales trainers teach sales and negotiating techniques to employees. Basically, you will be creating trainings that would suit the needs and objectives of the company or corporation. You must be ready to give trainings both to entry-level employees to those already at advanced levels.

Qualifications: Courses, Training, Certification

You will study business-related courses such as finance, retail marketing, sales, business administration, as well as courses that related to communication. Online programs are available if you will work while studying. There are also training courses that are available in CD format.

Schools, Colleges, Universities offering Sales Training Degrees


Before you can get a college degree, you need to be at least a high school graduate or completed GED. Choose accredited colleges and universities to have better chances of getting employed quickly.

Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Careers

Air-conditioning and Heating systems control the humidity, temperature and the total air quality in commercial, residential, industrial and other buildings. Refrigeration systems enable people to store and transport medicine, food and other perishable items. Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration installers and mechanics or technicians—install, repair and maintain these systems. Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems are often are referred to as HVACR systems. Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration consists of numerous electrical, mechanical and electronic components, such as compressors, motors, pumps, fans, pipes, ducts, thermostats and switches.

Types, Description, Information

HVACR systems technicians usually specialize in maintenance, installation or repair, though they are trained to do all. They also work in retail establishments, homes, hospitals, factories and office buildings. They may be assigned specific job sites daily or may be dispatched to diverse locations if they make service calls.

How to have a HVACR Career

Throughout the learning process, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians take a number of tests to measure their skills. HVACR technicians with at least 1 year experience in installations and 2 years of experience in maintenance and repair can take a number of t tests to certify their competency. These tests are available through the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, Carbon Monoxide Safety Association, HVAC Excellence, North American Technician Excellence, Inc. and Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Safety Coalition. Employers progressively recommend taking and passing these tests to obtaining certification in order increase advancement opportunities.

Qualifications: Courses, Training, Certification

Due to the growing sophistication of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems, employers tend to hire individuals who have completed a formal apprenticeship or technical school training. However, some installers and mechanics still learn the profession informally on the job.

Construction Career

Overview

Construction touches our lives in one form or the other, be it buildings, flats, houses, apartments, roads, bridges, or tunnels. All around us we are surrounded by the results of construction work. The variety of jobs in construction, like plumbing, roofing, painting, etc. makes place for numerous employment opportunities. Construction careers are open to people with any educational qualification and interests.

Construction Career Types:

Construction careers can be generally categorized into three types: building constructors, specialty trade contractors, and civil engineering construction contractors. Each has their work cut out for them. Building constructors are involved in constructing residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings. Civil engineering constructors build roads, bridges, tunnels, highways, and other projects. Those in specialty trade are involved in activities like plumbing, electrical work, painting, and carpentry. There are many options available while choosing a career in construction.

Construction jobs are mostly full time jobs and most people working in this sector put in more than 40 hours a week. Many times, construction jobs demand odd working hours to meet with deadlines or to handle emergencies. So you may end up working on the weekends or holidays and evenings. However, the bright side to this is the high hourly wages.

Good physical fitness standards and stamina are a must-have if you want a career in construction. Most Construction jobs are physically demanding and require physical strength and stamina to withstand strenuous working conditions and inclement weather. Some of these jobs are not for the faint-hearted as they require working with dangerous equipment and tools. Sometimes it may also involve working on temporary ledges outside the buildings in unsafe weather conditions. In view of all this, construction workers are more prone to injuries than other workers.

Many construction workers are union members and so enjoy the benefits of union contracts, better pay and also better working conditions.

Even with an entry-level job in construction your career path can easily progress to the supervisory or instructor positions or even move on to the management level. In fact, if you are independent and ambitious enough, you have the option to move on and be a sub-contractor or even start your own construction company.

Finance Careers

Overview

Financial management is the key to any successful establishment, be it a bank, a business or a corporation. A career in Finance offers many opportunities and has always been in great demand. The recent turbulence in the capital markets has created a great demand for people with the right qualification and experience to handle finances in most organizations.

A career in finance would basically mean the management of money or wealth management. A finance career opens up many fields which would include banking, investment, financial planning, insurance, corporate finance and real estate, to name a few.

The minimum qualification required to embark on a finance career is a bachelor’s degree in Finance or other related fields.

Finance Careers Types

Financial careers can lead you up to many types of fields, like banking, investment and credit. These can help you to essay different types of roles. You can choose to be a Financial Analyst, a Personal Financial Advisor, Financial Manager, and even move on to be the CEO of a company. You can also be a part of the money market and take on the role of an investor or broker and deal with bonds, stocks and equities.

Financial work can be classified into two types, that which involves buying and that which involves selling. The companies which have a lot of money to invest are the institutional investors. They belong to the first category and would include mutual funds and hedge funds, insurance companies, money managers etc. Those who are on the selling side are institutions like banks and security firms.

Finance Careers Information & Description

General qualities like motivation, enthusiasm, effective communication skills and inter-personal skills are important if you are looking at a career in finance. You should be good with numbers, have an analytical bent of mind and think up out-of-the-box solutions for financial problems.

Good inter-personal skills are also important. The objective of many Finance jobs is helping people and companies make informed decisions, so you must be able to convey complex financial matters to non-financial listeners.

Finance is not an isolated field, as it is largely influenced by outside factors as well. It is crucial to have a broader outlook while holding a finance job. It is vital to have business awareness and understand the finances of not only your firm but other competitive firms as well. In this day, when global economy plays a major influence, a thorough knowledge and understanding of international finance is very important.

Generally a financial career would involve working standard business hours, but sometimes, depending on the role you have taken on, you may have to schedule meetings and appointments beyond working hours.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Midlife Career Change

Mid life career change can be one of the toughest decisions one takes in one’s lifetime. It is not easy to get out of the comfort-zone and go looking for greener and better pastures. On the other hand, if you don’t choose something you love to do atleast now, then when would you do it?

It is important to get your reasons right for a midlife career change, as a lot is at stake. However interesting and challenging a job is, it can start to jade with years of being in the same set-up. Is it a change of job or a change of career that you are looking at?

The best way to approach a change in career in your midlife is by keeping a few tips in mind:

Analyze yourself to understand the reasons behind wanting to go in for a career change. Make sure they are genuine and are not the result of an underlying restlessness to try out something new and fun. A good amount of soul-searching at this juncture could avoid a lot of regrets later on.

You don’t have to lose out on the experience you have gained so far. You can carry forward the experience you have gained in one field and fit that in with the career of your choice.

Midlife is a time and stage when you cannot undermine the importance of financial stability and also the obligations and responsibilities on the personal front.

Planning is vital at this stage especially, as financial issues and job-satisfaction should take precedence. Job security, and a challenging and responsible role should also be given due importance.

Work-life balance is equally important and so you must take into account practicalities of the day to day working conditions of your new career-choice.

Career Change Ideas

Career change is a time for both introspection as well as looking outside for the right choices. Gone are the days, when people stuck to one kind of career through-out their lifetimes. Today’s employees want to take up a career which gives them all that they desire.

You can make your career change smoothly if you follow a few tried and tested career change ideas.

The process has to start with identifying what kind of a person you are, whether you are a people’s person, a reserved one, an academically or technically oriented person. Depending on your self-evaluation, make a list of your personality traits and skills. Based on this, you can short-list some careers that appeal most to you.

When you are looking for a career change, be assured that you are beginning your search armed with qualifications, experience and exposure gained from working in a professional environment.

Explore your choices through research and comparative analysis. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of the new choice. A career may seem very attractive initially but it may not have much scope for career-progression or growth at a later stage.

Networking is a good way to find a suitable career. More and more people are now relying on networking to help them make a career-switch.

Upgrade your skills and knowledge through courses and training, as these will be useful while changing careers.

Ideally, it would be very helpful to get a hands-on knowledge about a career. So, explore the possibility of picking up a part-time or a temporary job in your chosen field.

Career Change Advice

Change is never easy, and the path of career change is generally fraught with anxiety, uncertainty and being unsure about the right course of action. However, if you have the right career change advice, then the decision need not be tough.

As you stand on the threshold of a career change, the following advice may stand you in good stead.

Career change is an important decision; do not take it in haste. You must make that decision in the right frame of mind, in a rationale and practical manner. Understand and examine your reasons for a career change.

It is good to make a list of all that you wish and desire in a career. It is also helpful to make a list of all the reasons that are bogging you down in your present career. This way, you have a list of what you like and what you dislike in relation to your career.

It is good to jot down your strengths, and highlight your skills and expertise in the fields of your interest. By doing this, you can determine the skill-set you want to carry forward into your new career. Each experience equips you with a skill that you can utilize in a different and appropriate manner. These skills are popularly called the ‘transferable skills’ or ‘soft skills’ and it is good to use these to your advantage in your new career.

Follow-up your choices with research as it can help you get a better insight into the career of your choice.

Career Change Counseling

Career change counseling is the best option for you if you are going through a career transition. Rated among the most stressful periods of one’s life, career change is not an easy undertaking. This stressful and worrisome transition can be a smooth sailing if you take career change counseling.

Most people want to change their careers for any or more of the following reasons. These could include stagnation in the present career, no fulfillment or job-satisfaction, no challenges or career progression. As you are coping with dissatisfaction and tensions, you may be confused and uncertain of making the right choice for yourself. At this point career change counseling can step in and hold your hand when you most need it.

Career change counseling has a holistic approach as it guides you and offers support and advice to choose the right career. It offers the following:

*Helps you to understand and analyze your likes and dislikes.

*Assists you in identifying your transferable and soft skills which can be best utilized in other careers.

*Guides you in planning and approaching career change options in a systematic and realistic manner.

*Helps you in identifying any courses or qualifications you may require to complete, to pursue your dream career.

*It facilitates the process of short-listing the most suitable careers and presents you with various career options.

*Helps you in identifying your long-term career goals and fit that with your aspiration for work-life balance.

*It also helps you to write professional resumes and cover letters and also prepares you to attend interviews successfully.

Career Change Tips

Career change is an important phase in your life, much the same like the time when you set out on your first career. While considering a Career change you must take into consideration a few pertinent issues.

Top tips for a career change:

Self-analysis and self-assessment: Before starting on the process of a career change, it is important to know, why you want a career change. A career change is not merely changing jobs; it is changing the direction of your career path. It is important to understand your reasons for a career change and see how valid they are.

Highlight qualifications, strengths and experience: When you want to go in for a career change it is important to know your strengths and talents. By highlighting your strong points, you can then visualize how best to use them in your new career. For instance, if you have good sales and marketing skills, these can be used in many different fields.

Research and ground realities: Though grass always appears greener on the other side, it may not necessarily be so. It is important to do a bit of research and talk to people who are already in the particular field of your choice. Such research and networking can help you understand the ground realities.

Choose the right time: Right timing is everything. It is important to make the switch in careers at the right time, both in terms of personal as well as professional life.

Plan your move: However, appealing it may be, a career change should not be an impulsive decision. It must be a well planned move, so that the transition is smooth. If you have the option, then a good idea would be to test the water by opting for freelance or part time jobs in the career of your choice, before taking that final plunge.

Entertainment Careers

Entertainment industry is a multi-billion dollar industry which offers a wide array of career paths. It is one industry which continues to thrive under all circumstances, whether it is a financial boom or a crisis. Most people look to entertainment as a leisure-time activity or as something that keeps them away from the day to day worries.

You can become a part of the entertainment industry even without any formal training or education. However some formal training in your chosen field can always brighten up your career prospects.

Careers in entertainment industry can be broadly divided into three types. These three types of entertainment careers are those associated with live performances, cultural exhibits, and leisure-time activities. These broad categories can be sub-divided intomovies, television, music and sports careers. Each of these offers a wide variety of career options to choose from.

Growing incomes and an increase in people’s interest for leisure activities have spurred the growth of the entertainment industry. Thejob description for these careers cannot be confined to any strait-jacketed roles. Flexibility and choices are two of the many attractive features of this industry.

Careers in entertainment industry are demanding in more sense than one. You may be expected to work long hours without any fixed timings. It may also involve working outdoors under not so comfortable conditions. You are expected to have good physical and mental stamina to cope with the stresses of the job. Some of the jobs in this industry may also involve manual labor.

Another unique feature about the jobs in this industry is that many of the jobs here are part time jobs. Some of the jobs may have fewer working hours per week as compared to other industries. Those who love traveling may find many interesting job options here that entail a lot of traveling.

The only downside is that though the entertainment industry looks very glamorous not all the jobs may be well-paying.

Media Career

In a world that is communications-driven, media careers are multiplying by the day and offer an array of career opportunities. Media careers throw open many different fields and one can choose a career path according to one’s choice.

You can become a part of the media industry if you have good communication skills both written and verbal. It is also important to have, what is called a ‘nose for the news’, broad outlook, ingenuity, diligence and perseverance. Knowing a foreign language is also an added advantage. A working knowledge of computers is a must-know in this day and age of high-tech communications. Sometimes, knowing other skills like photography come in handy while looking for job opportunities in media.

It is important to have the requisite educational qualifications before embarking on a media career. Subjects like Journalism and Mass Communications are much sought after when deciding to pursue a career in media. The right qualifications and work experience can help you when you are looking for media jobs.

Media Career Types:

Media today, includes many different types of media and is not restricted to one or two types. Media careers can be pursued in the print media, where you have the choice of working for magazines, newspapers, periodicals or journals. Then, there is the audio visual media, which includes radio, television, and films. The emergence of new media which includes digital media and networked information like the Internet have thrown open more number of opportunities. Social media is an integral part of web-content development. It is a forum where you will find a mixture of social interaction, technology and content development. Some of the forms of social media are blogs, podcasts, RSS feeds, social networks and wikis.

Media careers throw open not only different mediums, but also different fields in which you can pursue your objective. You can choose your area of interest like finance, news, sports etc. and select your career path accordingly. Work may include, gathering data, reporting, analyzing data, writing, speaking, etc.

Depending on the type of media and the subject you have chosen, the work environment may vary. However, a career in media is quite demanding both physically and mentally. It requires a certain amount of stoic composure and strength to cope with the stresses of the job. Working under pressure to meet deadlines is almost a daily feature of the work atmosphere. Travelling, irregular working hours are other factors which can add to the stress.

Chemical Engineering Career

A chemical engineer is an engineer who deals with the transformation of raw resources into useful products. This is a profession that merges physics and chemistry. Knowledge in mathematics and mechanics is also an advantage when pursuing this course. A chemical engineer will work to invent processes that include chemical processes that are used in manufacturing. They also work to sustain and improve already tested processes. The processes that they design are required not to just be efficient but also economically viable, environmentally friendly and safe.Chemical engineers are responsible for the manufacture of fertilizers; plastic, glass and petroleum just to mention a few. Disciplines like biomedical engineering were birthed from chemical engineering.

How to Become a Chemical Engineer

An interest in chemistry and physics will go along way to help one advance in this career. Like most engineering courses chemical engineeringis technical and requires dedication. It also involves a lot of research so the ability to be analytical is necessary. The entry level is mostly a degree, although because of the technical nature of this course most chemical engineers have more than a degree in the course.

Types, Description, Information

Chemical engineers are hired in manufacturing plants or in industrial plants. They are responsible for the chemical processes that are used in these areas. They are hired to also improve them or come up with new inventions that will ensure efficiency.

Qualifications: Courses, Training and Certification

There are institutions that offer chemical engineering as a degree. Finding a reputable institution is very vital so that one can be able to enjoy the best facilities while pursuing this course.

Job Opportunities, Salaries and Recruitment Chemical engineering is said to have very few openings but this is bound to change if people retire. Upon graduation; graduates should expect to enter into a well paying profession. Chemical engineer jobs are considered to be technical and very demanding. The life span of this career is also considered to be very long. This field is also growing and producing other engineering fields that one can pursue.

Mechanical Engineering Careers

Engineering careers have gained popularity in a fast evolving technological world. Mechanical engineers are not only involved in research but in the actual design and development of machines like car engines and other forms of equipment that use mechanics to operate. A mechanical engineering degree covers a broad array of engineering courses making one eligible for employment in many companies. If you are the type of person who tries to invent or solve intricate problems then this is the career for you.

How to become a mechanical engineer

To be able to have an exciting career in this field one needs a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from a recognized college or university. The Bachelor’s degree should not be limited to mechanics only but on computer related studies, sales, communication and fine arts. This makes and all rounded person and ups your creativity. Engineering requires analytical skills to help you work independently and/or in a team setting.

Types, description, information

Engineering involves the design, development, manufacture, production and maintenance of mechanical devices and components. The engineers have to ensure that components are functioning safely and optimally. Engineering demands continuous learning in response to the evolving technological demands. Engineers develop an array of mechanical devices like air conditioner systems, household appliances, commercial products and furnaces. Mechanical engineers spend their day carrying out various activities including research, solving of problems, brainstorming on ideas, development and designing, presentations, analysis and preparing and documenting formal reports.

Mechanical engineers can specialize in anyone of the following fields: Sales, Industrial equipment, Aerospace, Nanotechnology, Management, Materials, refrigeration among others.

Qualification: Courses, Training, Certification

A degree in Mechanical Engineering that takes 4-5 years from a recognized college or university is mandatory leading to a Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Technology, Bachelors of Science or bachelors of engineering degree. The core subjects in Mechanical Engineering include statics and dynamics, Hydraulics, pneumatics, Engineering design, Thermodynamic, energy conversion, HVAC and heat transfer, Materials Engineering among others.

Schools, College, University

To be competitive in the job market you have to do a thorough background search of the college/university you want to apply to. The institution must have a track record of churning out competent engineers into the job market.


Job opportunities, salaries and recruitment

The rate of employment for mechanical engineers is on the increase because of the need for more superior and efficient machinery. Biotechnology, nanotechnology and material science have advanced in terms of technology creating more employment opportunities for mechanical engineers. Skills and knowledge in Mechanical engineering being applicable to other engineering specialties further raises their demand in the job market.

Salaries: Salaries in this field vary with your level of education, specialization and the industry you are working for. The pay package for a holder of a mechanical engineer degree is much higher than other equivalent field.

Engineering Careers

In a world that is technologically driven, engineering careers are among the most popular today. Engineer careers are sought after not only because of the high pay packet but also because they give you an opportunity to contribute to a growing technological world.

To become an Engineer, the minimum qualification required is a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from any of the accredited Institutes. Engineering courses generally offer specialization in particular fields. With correct career guidance you can choose the field of your choice. The subject you choose at this stage determines what type of an engineer you would become.

Certain personal qualities like analytical abilities and out-of –the-box thinking with an eye for detail will be added assets when you aim for an engineering career. With technology touching different spheres of our lives today, it is important for an engineer not only to have technical skills but also good communication skills. This is important when you interact with people related to non-technical fields.

Engineering Career Types

Engineering is a vast field and specialization is required to pursue an engineering career. Engineering courses are divided broadly into seventeen categories by the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. However, a number of engineering schools and engineering colleges offer many different branches of specialization along with the general seventeen branches. The most popular engineering courses are: Automotive Engineering, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering and Mechanical Engineering to name a few.

The job description of engineers would include many skill-sets. Engineers are generally involved in designing, developing, testing, manufacturing, producing and maintaining of products. The safety of the functioning of various products also becomes the responsibility of concerned engineers. In keeping with the evolving technological advances, engineers are expected to continually update their subject-knowledge and skill-sets.

Depending on the branch of engineering, you may be either working in an office environment, laboratory or an industrial plant. Most of the time you are expected to put in a 40-hour work week. However, working under the constraints of a limited budget, meeting deadlines and coping with unexpected problems can get stressful sometimes.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING CAREER

If you like intrigue, drama and mystery especially if it comes combined with arithmetic, then you are cut out for a forensic accounting career. Forensic accountants, use their financial and accounting skills to do investigative accounting for businesses and other organizations to ensure that accounting crime is not perpetrated. Forensic accountants may even be required to testify in criminal cases in court. It was a Forensic Accountant who led to the capture of Alcapone.

How to Become A Forensic Career Accountant

You will need to attain a Bachelors degree and have a minimum of 24 accounting hours.

You can choose to pursue a master’s degree course with specialization in Accounting

You should also have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification

In addition to your accounting qualifications, you should enlist with the American College of Forensic Examiners or become a Certified Fraud Examiner.

For a good forensic accounting career path, it is important that you gain practical experience on the job. You might want to work for governmental agencies at the start of your career for instance the FBI, Homeland Security and the Treasury Department. This is because you will gain a lot of experience due to the large amounts of accounting fraud that these organizations handle.

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING CAREER Types, Description and Information

You can either chose to work in the private or public sector. Be aware that if you are working for a governmental organization, you will be under probation in your first year in that organization. Therefore, if your performance is not up to par, you will be dismissed from employment. Your career path can also deviate into different sectors. For instance, Crime and Fraud investigation, Auditing or consultancy

Qualifications: Courses, Training, Certification

You will need to take classes in auditing, finance and investigative accounting to qualify as a forensic accountant. You have the option of doingdegree courses in Business Administration, Bachelor of commerce, and Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting, MAcc degrees or any other degree course that offers a solid accounting base. If you are enrolling for certification online courses for Forensic Accounting Degrees, it is important to ensure they offer training in law, justice and accounting.

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING CAREER Schools/colleges, degree, education, entrance exams.

As a prerequisite, you will need to have a high school diploma to enroll for a Bachelors degree. If you have SAT and ACT scores, you might not need to do entrance exams before admission.

TOP 5 colleges/ Universities for forensic accountant career.

Florida Atlantic University offers a Masters in Forensic Accounting for those who do not have an accounting background.

Kaplan University-Online Course

American Intercontinental University (AIU)

Ashworth College

Central Pennsylvania College

Job Opportunities, Salaries/Pay.

There are many job opportunities available for those in the Forensic Accounting Career. They can work in banks, insurance companies, investigative organizations, accounting firms and legal offices.

When engaged in a government job search, be aware that you will be subjected to a thorough background check during or after recruitment.

As you begin your Forensic Accounting career, the outlook is that your salary will range between $30,000 and $ 60,000 in your first year. As you work your way up your career, your pay will increase up to $125,000-$150,000.

Accounting Courses, Training, Certification

If you want to be an accountant, the minimum qualification required is a Bachelor’s degree, preferably with a specialization in Accounts. A Master’s degree is an added advantage. Being a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) will enhance your career opportunities.

It is important to be a CPA because only then, can you file a financial report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). To be a CPA, most States require you to be a college graduate. You will need a total of around 150 credit hours of University study to be eligible to appear for the CPA exam. Some States may substitute experience for degree.

CPA is a four part examination prepared by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is uniformly followed in all the States. Though it is a tough exam, it is not necessary to appear for all the four parts at one time. The only condition is that you must clear all the other sections within 18 months of passing the first section.

The other important Certifications that can act in your favor while looking for accounting jobs are:


Certified Management Accountant (CMA), which is given by the Institute of Management Accounts.

Institute of Internal Auditors offers Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). You can also gain the following Certificates from this institute:Certified in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA).

The criteria and minimum required qualifications vary for each of the above courses

Accounting career

Accounting career can be challenging and stimulating as it involves working in a constantly changing and evolving business-environment. Accounting career would involve recording business transactions, computing costs and gains, preparing financial statements for the financial year and helping in calculating taxes among other things.

How to Become an Accountant:

You can become an accountant if you have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. It is an added advantage if you have a Master’s degree and a certification or licensure. You can become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by clearing the uniform exam prepared by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Practical knowledge of computers and its applications is also an asset because most companies rely on new technology to maintain their records. You must have an aptitude for mathematics and must be able to analyze, interpret and compare facts and figures quickly. You must not only be good at working with numbers but people as well. Based on the facts and figures, you must be able to guide people in matters related to finance.

There are four major types of accountants: Public Accountants, Management Accountants, Government Accountants and Internal Accountants. In recent times, Forensic Accountants are in much demand. Their job involves investigating and interpreting bankruptcies and other complex financial issues.

List of accounting careers:

Public Accountants also known as External auditors have to look after accounts, audits and taxes and also provide consultation for their clients. Their clients can be government agencies or organizations, nonprofit organizations or corporations or even individuals. Most of the Public Accountants are also CPAs.

Management Accountants are also known by various other designations. They are sometimes called Cost Accountants, Industrial Accountants, Private Accountants or Corporate Accountants.

The work of Government Accountants is related to financial records of government agencies and public firms.

Internal Accountants are involved in examining and evaluating a firm’s internal accounting procedures, to ensure that all financial records are in order.

Most Accountants have to put in a 40 hour work-week. You will be generally working out of a typical office setting and occasionally may have a chance to work from home.

Geologists’ Examination 2010


Name of Dept: Union Public Service Commission
Last Date of Application: 19.07.2010


Remarks: For details/form etc of above vacancy please refer to Employment News Dated 19 June 2010 - 25 June 2010

Career Opportunities in Social Work

Social work is both a profession and social science. It involves the application of social theory and research methods to study and improve the lives of people, groups, and societies. It incorporates and utilizes other social sciences as a means to improve the human condition and positively change society's response to chronic problems.

Social work is a profession committed to the pursuit of social justice, to the enhancement of the quality of life, and to the development of the full potential of each individual, group and community in the society. It seeks to simultaneously address and resolve social issues at every level of society and economic status, but especially among the poor and sick.

Social workers are concerned with social problems, their causes, their solutions and their human impacts. They work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Social work and human history go together. Social work was always in human societies although it began to be a defined pursuit and profession in the 19th century. This definition was in response to societal problems that resulted from the Industrial Revolution and an increased interest in applying scientific theory to various aspects of study. Eventually an increasing number of educational institutions began to offer social work programmes.

Social work has its roots in the struggle of society to ameliorate poverty and the resultant problems. Therefore, social work is intricately linked with the idea of charity work; but must be understood in broader terms. The concept of charity goes back to ancient times, and the practice of providing for the poor can be found in all major world religions. The practice and profession of modern social work has a relatively long scientific origin, originating in the 19th Century. The movement began primarily in Europe and North America. The settlement movement's emphasis on advocacy and case work became part of social work practice. During the 20th century, the profession began to rely more on research and evidenced-based practice as it attempted to improve its professionalism. Today social workers are employed in a myriad of pursuits and settings.

The International Federation of Social Workers states, of social work today, "social work bases its methodology on a systematic body of evidence-based knowledge derived from research and practice evaluation, including local and indigenous knowledge specific to its context. It recognizes the complexity of interactions between human beings and their environment, and the capacity of people both to be affected by and to alter the multiple influences upon them including bio-psychosocial factors. The social work profession draws on theories of human development and behaviour and social systems to analyze complex situations and to facilitate individual, organizational, social and cultural changes."

The current state of social work professional development is characterized by two realities. There is a great deal of traditional social and psychological research (both qualitative and quantitative) being carried out primarily by university-based researchers and by researchers based in institutes, foundations, or social service agencies. Meanwhile, many social work practitioners continue to look to their own experience for knowledge. This is a continuation of the debate that has persisted since the outset of the profession in the first decade of the twentieth century.

One reason for the gap between information obtained through practice, as opposed to through research, is that practitioners deal with situations that are unique and idiosyncratic, while research concentrates on similarities. The combining of these two types of knowledge is often imperfect. A hopeful development for bridging this gap is the compilation, in many practice fields, of collections of "best practices" which attempt to distill research findings and the experience of respected practitioners into effective practice techniques.[citation needed] Although social work has roots in the informatics revolution, an important contemporary development in the profession is overcoming suspicion of technology and taking advantage of the potential of information technology to empower clients.

Course Details:

Professional social workers are generally considered those who hold a professional degree in social work and often also have a license or are professionally registered. Social workers have organized themselves into local, national, and international professional bodies to further the aims of the profession.

The minimum educational qualification for a career in social work is Master in Social Work (MSW), which is a 2 years course open to all graduates from any stream. But candidates with Sociology background would get some preference. Many government colleges, universities and private educational institutions are offering this course throughout the country. There is also M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes in Social Work offered by many institutions. Besides educational qualification career in social work requires certain personality traits like compassion for the underprivileged and urge to help them, capacity to work hard under far-from-perfect working conditions, patience and dedication.

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) was established in 1936, as the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work. In 1944, the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work was renamed as the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. The year 1964 was an important landmark in the history of the Institute, when it was recognized as a Deemed University by the Government of India (GoI).Since then, the TISS has been expanding continuously in terms of educational programmes and infrastructure.

Over the years, the Institute has made consistent contributions to civil society and the development sector, through its education, research, field action and extension and today, the TISS has earned recognition as an institution of repute from different Ministries of the GoI; various State Governments; international agencies such as the United Nations; and the non-government sector, both national and international. A high degree of freedom and autonomy shape the positive work ethos and creativity in the Institute facilitating strong linkages between education, research, field action and dissemination, whose bulwark is a commitment and responsiveness to social needs.

Several institutes and universities are offering Bachelor and Master Degree in Social Work in India. Some most important among them are Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Calcutta; Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai; Institute of Social Sciences, Agra; University of Delhi, Delhi; Rajasthan University, M.S. University of Baroda, Bombay University, Aurangabad University, Mangalore University, Loyola College of Social Sciences, Trivandrum and Madras School of Social Work, Chennai. List of the colleges offering different courses in social works are:

Degree / Course

Eligibility

Course Duration

College/Institutes

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W.

Graduation Course in Social Work - BSW

Graduation

10+2

2 years

3 years

Visva Bharati, PO Santiniketan 731235, West Bengal

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W.

Graduation

2 years

Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore 452001

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Deomar, Bombay 400088

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation Course in Social Work -BSW.

Graduation

10+2

2 years

3 years

University of Madras, Chennai 600005

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Rajasthan Vidyapeth, Udaipur 313001

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Andhra University, Waltair 530003

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 132120

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation Course in Social Work BSW.

Graduation

10+2

2 years

3 years

Karnataka University, Pavate Nagar, Dharwad 580003

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Bharathidasan Palkalai Perun, Tiruchirapalli 620024

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Tirupati 517502

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Madurai Kamaraj University, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai 625021

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Vikram University, Ujjain 456010

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Bharathiar University, Maruthamalai Road, Coimbatore 641046

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi 221003

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Gujarat Vidyapeth, Ahmedabad,380014

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Agra University, Agra 282004

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore 452001

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Deomar, Bombay 400088

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

University of Madras, Chennai 600005

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Rajasthan Vidyapeth, Udaipur 313001

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Andhra University, Waltair 530003

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 132120

Graduation Course in Social Work -BSW.

10+2

3 years

Utkal University, P.O. Vani Vihar, Bhubaneshwar

Graduation Course in Social Work -BSW.

10+2

3 years

Osmania University, Hyderabad 500007

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation

2 years

Gulbarga University, 'Jnana Ganga' Gulbarga 585106, Karnataka

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation Course in Social Work -BSW.

Graduation

10+2

2 years

3 years

Amravati University, Near Tapowan, Amravati 446002, Maharashtra

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation Course in Social Work -BSW.

Graduation

10+2

2 years

3 years

Nagpur University, MG Marg, Nagpur 440001, Maharashtra

Post Graduation in Social Work - M.S.W

Graduation Course in Social Work -BSW.

Graduation

10+2

2 years

3 years

Marathwada University, Aurangabad 431004, Maharashtra

Career Prospect:

Occupational Opportunities For Social Work Majors

Agency Director

Aging/Gerontology Specialist

Assistant Director of Agency

Case Aide

Casework Supervisor

Caseworker

Child Welfare Caseworker

Clinical Social Worker

Community Organization Director