Mechanical engineers are responsible for advising major companies about the construction of metal tools and pieces of machinery. A mechanical engineer may also need to work through complex formulas to understand how different types of metal work together. The mechanical engineer designs new equipment for companies. One may have to actually visit a company that is experiencing a problem with its equipment. The mechanical engineer will need to diagnose the problem and will have to attempt to fix it. If you want to become a mechanical engineer, you should be prepared to devote a significant number of years to your educational pursuits. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a mechanical engineer?” When you want to become a mechanical engineer, it is important for you to research the specific types of engineering programs that are available at colleges.

What’s it like to be a mechanical engineer?

When you are a mechanical engineer, you work as an advisor for a company. You may have to advise a company about the construction of a new piece of equipment. You may also perform maintenance work for companies. You may be the one who has to travel to companies in order to fix a piece of equipment. As a mechanical engineer, you will usually work about 40 hours a week. You may need to put in more hours for a project if a deadline is approaching. One of the other tasks that your job may require is the completion of complex formulas. You may need to complete complex equations in order to design a new type of machine for a company.

Education Requirements

To become a mechanical engineer, you should obtain a bachelor’s degree in engineering. If it is possible, you should complete an engineering program that has a specific focus on mechanical engineering. It is important for you to enjoy math and science if you intend to become a mechanical engineer. You will need to excel in math and completing equations if you want to become a mechanical engineer. Your job may require that you conduct experiments with the machines and equipment that you design. It is also a good idea for you to participate in an internship program to gain experience as a mechanical engineer. Being an intern gives you the chance to make valuable connections that will serve you for the rest of your life. You may also want to think about completing a graduate degree in mechanical engineering. When you complete a graduate degree, you will be able to more career opportunities open to you. You may also be able to advance more quickly in a current position that you hold.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a mechanical engineer is about $78,000 a year. When you want to get a job as a mechanical engineer, it is important for you to network with other established engineers in the field. You should try to apply for open positions at engineering firms. You may also want to apply for jobs at major companies. If you work in a co-op program, then this is also a great way for you to distinguish yourself from other applicants for engineering positions at a competitive company.

References:

1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2071006_become-mechanical-engineer.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm

When you are a kindergarten teacher, you hold the incredible task of molding young minds. It is up to you to present information to young children in a way that is fun and exciting. The skills that you teach to your classes will build a foundation in students for the rest of their lives. Kindergarten is one of the most influential levels of education for preparing students for the first grade. You may have to teach basic reading skills to all of your students. You may also be charged with the task of teaching kids how to add and subtract basic numbers. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a kindergarten teacher?” When you want to become a kindergarten teacher, it is important for you to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education.

What’s it like to be a kindergarten teacher?

Being a kindergarten teacher is a very fulfilling job. You are able to present lesson plans to your students every day. You may be responsible for caring for a class of over thirty children. One of your other responsibilities as a kindergarten teacher will be to actually create the lesson plans that you teach to your kids. You may need to research effective teaching methods for students who do not behave well in class. It is your job to figure out how to convey information in a way that sticks in the minds of your students. As a kindergarten teacher, it is important for you to build strong connections with the parents of children in your class. When you build strong connections with the parents, they may be able to help plan holiday parties and volunteer in other ways to help you. You will find that you can make the parents of students your greatest allies throughout the school year.

Education Requirements

When you want to become a kindergarten teacher, it is important for you to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education. You should also take psychology courses that focus on effective teaching methods for students. You will also need to research the specific requirements that your state has for teachers. You will need to figure out whether you need to obtain a specific type of certification for serving as a kindergarten teacher. It is also important for you to spend time in creating your teaching portfolios. When you apply for teaching positions at schools, you will need to present your teaching portfolio to the individuals who are in charge. This will help the people in charge of a school to feel more confident with the quality of your teaching methods.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a kindergarten teacher is about $51,000 a year. When you are applying for positions as a kindergarten teacher, it is important for you to network with other established teachers in the field. You should also apply for positions at public and private schools. You may find that the salary for kindergarten teachers is much higher in private schools. When you work in a private school, you may also have a greater amount of academic freedom. Working at a tutoring center is another way that you can gain valuable connections in the field of education.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_4454654_become-kindergarten-teacher.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Education-Training-and-Library/Kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm

Being a judge is one of the most respectable careers that a person can achieve in his or her life. When a person serves as a judge, he or she has a significant impact on the development of law in the country. A judge has the ability to interpret existing case law and provide his or her input. The judge is able to serve in an influential capacity within the worlds of politics and the law. To become a judge, one should be well-known and respected in his or her local community. It is important for a judge to be committed to contributing in a positive way to his or her local community. The judge will be consulted on important issues in society. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a judge?” When you want to become a judge, it is important for you to obtain a legal education and demonstrate your commitment to a career as a judge.

What’s it like to be a judge?

When you are a judge, you are responsible for hearing cases from your daily docket. It is important for you to come to an appropriate judgment in difficult cases. You will need to use your discretion in order to rule upon civil and criminal matters. You may be hearing a case that involves the foreclosure of someone’s home, or you may be hearing evidence in a DUI trial. The cases that you hear as a judge are wide and varied. Being a judge is a very fulfilling career for those who have a passion for the rule of law. A judge is also a very influential member of the community. Others who are in need of help may consult with a judge. A judge may also need to rule upon important cases involving the local city or state. The judge may have to decide who ultimately wins in a complex lawsuit. A judge usually spends a considerable amount of time reviewing case law outside of courtroom hours.

Education Requirements

To become a judge, you will need to obtain a law degree. Prior to receiving your law degree, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree from a college. It will be important for you to also excel in the LSAT exam before you apply to law school. You will need to take the LSAT and gain a high score if you want to be admitted to one of the top law schools in the country. It is also important for you to gain as much trial experience as possible. It is helpful for you to get experience in a court room.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a judge is about $91,000 a year. If you want to become a judge, you should spend some time getting to know members of your local community. You will need to campaign for election as a judge. The general public will vote for the best candidate to fill the position of a judge in your community. A president may also appoint individuals to serve as judges in federal courts. If you want to become a judge, it is important to be respected in the local community and to have a reputation for handling matters with discernment and care.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/judges-mediators-and-hearing-officers.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_12356_become-judge.html

Being a high school counselor is a fulfilling career for anyone who enjoys helping students with their emotional and familial problems. A student can go through tumultuous times when he or she is in high school. A high school counselor may need to meet with a student who is suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder. High school counselors help reassure students during times of trouble and loss. A student who has lost a parent may need to meet with a high school counselor on a regular basis. A student who is having academic issues may need to also meet with a high school counselor. A high school counselor helps a student resolve academic issues and get on the path to academic success. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a high school counselor?” When you want to become a high school counselor, it is important for you to pursue an educational background that focuses on psychology.

What’s it like to be a high school counselor?

When you are a high school counselor, you will usually meet with students throughout the week. During your weekly appointments, you may consult with students about their academic progress and emotional health. You may need to help a student learn how to express his or her emotions in a constructive way. You may help a student overcome a difficult emotional issue by giving him or her the space to talk about the issue. It will be important for you to work with a student to stay focused on school. When you are a high school counselor, you serve in a supportive capacity for students. Your work helps students to succeed in school and ultimately obtain their high school diploma without any setbacks.

Education Requirements

To become a high school counselor, you should obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology, communications or social science. Pursuing a degree in psychology or social science will help you relate better with students. You will be able to understand the mental processes of the students that you are assigned to work with in a high school. You will also know about techniques that can be used to help a student release difficult emotions that he or she experiences. You should also try to obtain counseling license or teaching certificate. Having a counseling license will put you in the best position to quickly be hired by a school. In some states, it is illegal for you to practice as a high school counselor without a license.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a high school counselor is about $53,000 a year. If you work on a part-time basis, then your annual salary may be about $20,000 to $25,000 a year. When you want to get a job as a high school counselor, it is important for you to apply for a position at a public or private high school. You should try to keep your options as open as possible. Being a counselor in a private high school may provide you with a greater salary than would be paid in a public high school. Networking is another way that you can gain valuable connections in order to land a job as a high school counselor.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Community-and-Social-Service/School-and-career-counselors.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_5371456_become-high-school-counselor.html

When you want to be a guidance counselor, it is important for you to have a genuine passion for people. You should enjoy helping people solidify their educational plans. One of your other tasks may be to provide a person with advice about his or her career plan. You may need to meet with students to help them figure out how to proceed in the college application process. A guidance counselor plays an important role in the development of students. Guidance counselors help students cope with difficult family issues. Guidance counselors also help students learn how to stay focused on school amidst family hardship. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a guidance counselor?” When you want to become a guidance counselor, it is important for you to pursue an education plan that focuses on psychology and leadership.

Featured Psychology Programs

1. Capella University BS – Psychology
2. Walden University BS – Psychology
3. Kaplan University – BS – Psychology

What’s it like to be a guidance counselor?

As a guidance counselor, you will continually have to review the files of students. You will need to make sure that students are receiving all of the credits that they need in order to graduate. You will also need to be conscious of the social environment of a high school. It will be important for you to pay attention to the social lives of students. You will want to make sure that no students are being bullied. It will be essential for you to meet with students who are victims of bullies in the school. You will also need to pay attention to the emotional health of students who are experiencing the divorce of their parents. You will need to meet with these students and make sure that they are completing all of their homework and studying for exams. A guidance counselor plays an important role in ensuring that students stay focused on school.

Education Requirements

To become a guidance counselor, one should try to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. It is important for a guidance counselor to obtain any type of certification that may be required by a school or state. A guidance counselor can also distinguish one’s self in the profession by obtaining a teaching certificate. A teaching certificate will allow a guidance counselor to teach a course or two that a school may need to have filled. If a substitute teacher needs to be hired, then a guidance counselor can readily fill the position. A guidance counselor will also be able to increase his or her salary by having additional certifications.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a guidance counselor is about $53,000 a year. When a person wants to become a guidance counselor, he or she should simply apply for positions at local high schools. It is important for a person to explore all of the open positions that may be at private schools too. A private school may provide a person with a greater salary than would be possible in a public high school.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_5368487_become-school-guidance-counselor.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Community-and-Social-Service/School-and-career-counselors.htm

Being a plumber can be a great job for a person who wants to own an independent business. When you are a plumber, you set up your own schedule. Clients will contact you whenever they feel it is appropriate. You can set up as many appointments as you would like within a week. You can also work for a company that provides you with your own set of clients. When you work for a plumbing company, you will not have to make the initiative to go out and market your business to clients. Instead, you will simply be able to work for a plumbing company and get all of your business appointments completed in a given week. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a plumber?” When you want to become a plumber, it is essential to obtain all of the qualifications necessary. You should try to learn as much about plumbing techniques prior to entering this field.

What’s it like to be a plumber?

When you are a plumber, you are in full control of your schedule. You will likely make a couple of visits to clients’ homes in a given day. At these appointments, you will conduct a thorough inspection of a bathroom area or pipeline in order to determine what the problem is. You will need to figure out the root cause of any issue that is hampering a person’s plumbing system. It can sometimes take hours to discover what the root cause of a problem is. You may have to do some pipeline work in order to unclog a pipe. One of the most common problems that needs to be fixed in bathroom areas is the clogged pipeline. One will always receive multiple calls for unclogging a pipeline in a given week. Aside from these house calls, you may be responsible for the daily operations of your business. You may need to do all of the accounting and budgeting for your business. You may also need to refer clients to other plumbers in the company who are able to take their appointments.

Education Requirements

Attending a trade school is one of the best ways in order to become a plumber. Some people also enter into the trade by doing an apprenticeship with another established plumber in the field. He or she may study all of the techniques that are used in order to become a plumber. One may also need to research all of the requirements for becoming a plumber. A particular state may require that one provide 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 216 hours of classroom work. The requirements will vary depending on the type of state that one wants to open a plumbing business within. Doing an apprenticeship is truly one of the best ways to enter into this field.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary for a plumber is about $46,000 a year. To get a job in the field, one should try to network with other established plumbers in the field. It is also important for one to apply for positions at local plumbing companies. Applying for positions at local plumbing companies is one of the best ways to easily land a starting job in the field.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_8119_become-plumber.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm

Being a pharmacy technician is a great job for those people who enjoy being involved in the medical profession. When a person becomes a pharmacy technician, he or she has the opportunity to assist in the disbursement of drugs that patients need. Pharmacy technicians also assist with all of the organization of medical prescriptions and other types of medications. One may also need to take a complete review of all of the inventory in the back room of a pharmacy department. A pharmacist often relies heavily upon the pharmacy technician. Without the pharmacy technician, the daily operation of the pharmacy would not be possible. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a pharmacy technician?” When you want to become a pharmacy technician, it is essential to gain all of the skills that will be required of you in this position.

What’s it like to be a pharmacy technician?

Being a pharmacy technician is a fulfilling career. Most pharmacy technicians only work about 40 hours a week. One may be able to work on a part-time basis. Most pharmacies give pharmacy technicians the opportunity to decide which type of work-shift that they prefer. They may work in a local drugstore, large pharmaceutical company or laboratory. A pharmacy technician may also do all of the cashier work for a local drugstore. The pharmacy technician may need to meet with patients in order to make sure that they have obtained the correct prescriptions. He or she may also meet with patients who have special needs or requests. A patient may need to have a prescription for birth control pills fulfilled by a pharmacy technician.

Education Requirements

To become a pharmacy technician, you should devote some time to pursuing a 1-year program at a local community college. There are a variety of trade school programs that also give individuals the opportunity to pursue a degree in order to become a pharmacy technician. It is also a good idea for students to obtain work experience as a pharmacy assistant. One may want to try to do an internship during his or her college years. Participating in an internship program will help a person to make all of the connections that he or she needs in order to land a job at a pharmacy. One may also need to take an exam upon graduation from one of these programs. By passing the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, you will be proving to your future employers that you have all of the skills that you need in order to succeed. You can also become an official “Certified Pharmacy Technician” when you pass this exam.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The starting salary for a pharmacy technician is about $28,000 a year. A person can earn a higher salary if he or she is promoted to the managing pharmacy technician of a pharmaceutical department. To obtain a position as a pharmacy technician, one should try to look for open positions at local drugstore companies. One should also try to look for open positions in hospitals. One can also look for open positions by meeting with a career counselor from a college program. A career counselor will be able to help a pharmacy technician learn about local job opportunities.

References:

1. http://www.ehow.com/how_1000120_become-pharmacy-technician.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm

Being a landscape architect can be a very fulfilling career for those who love the outdoors. From creating entire exterior layouts for homes to trimming large trees, you can have a very active role in the creation of a home’s outdoor look. Being a landscape architect gives you the opportunity to add a stylish touch to a person’s yard. You may decide to open your own landscaping business, or you may decide to work for a contractual company. There are plenty of options that you have when you decide to become a landscape architect. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a landscape architect?” When you want to become a landscape architect, it is important for you to gain as much as experience as possible in designing outdoor layouts.

What’s it like to be a landscape architect?

When you are a landscape architect, you will likely have multiple appointments to make in a given day. You will have to travel to the homes of all of your clients. You may need to install a tree fixture or plant new bushes within a client’s yard. A client may simply want to meet with you to discuss all of the ways to improve his or her yard. A client will meet with you so that you can provide your input about the exterior design of the client’s yard. The client will want you to figure out new ways to create a beautiful design for his or her yard. You may also need to offer your advice about taking care of bushes and other hedges in the yard. It is the task of a landscape architect to inform clients about the care-taking measures that will be required when they decide to plant new trees and bushes in their yards.

Education Requirements

To thrive as a landscape architect, one should obtain the necessary education. One should obtain a degree in landscape architecture from a local college. One may also want to study horticulture and other plant studies in college. A business background can also prove to be incredibly helpful for individuals who want to become landscape architects. When an individual has a business background, he or she will be able to thrive in owning a landscape company. One may be able to do all of the accounting measures for his or her landscape company when a person has a degree in business. There may also be seminar series that are conducted by local landscape professionals. These sorts of seminar series can be very helpful for informing architects about all of the ways that they can improve their businesses in the local community. A landscape architect may also be able to learn new tips to apply during his or her visits to clients.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary for a landscape architect is about $68,000 a year. To get a job as a landscape architect, one should try to apply for jobs at all of the local landscaping companies. One should also speak with investors in the local community if he or she is interested in opening his or her own landscaping company. This can provide a landscape architect with the opportunity to gain new clients in the community too.

References
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Architecture-and-Engineering/Landscape-architects.htm

When you are a director, you can have the ultimate creative career. You are able to make movies, television commercials and internet ads. Being a director gives you the freedom to let all of your creative juices flow and simply embrace a more abstract type of career. You are able to create movies that inspire millions of people, or you can create television ads that help stimulate the economy. You are able to help businesses get their products out into the world in a fun and exciting way. One of the other benefits of being a director is that you can decide to branch off and work in an independent manner. You can create your own films and don’t have to submit to the requests of a movie company. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a director?” When you want to become a director, it is simply important to gain experience in refining your movie-making skills.

What’s it like to be a director?

Being a director is one of the most incredible professions. When you are a director, it is the most thrilling experience to create movies that intrigue and motivate audiences to see the world in a different manner. You may have to work long hours as a director. Gathering all of your production assistants is one part of the battle. The other part is actually making the movie with all of the actresses and other individuals involved in the making of the film. Once you make the film, you will also have to work with editors in order to make sure that the version ultimately meets your approval. You may also be involved in the marketing of a film in any given week. You will have to conduct interviews with other individuals who can have an influence on the distribution of your film into a mass audience.

Education Requirements

To become a director, you should consider attending a film school. Attending a film school is one of the best ways to learn all about the movie-making process. You will learn about all of the techniques that are required to make a movie. You will also be able to network with other individuals who want to “make it big” in the film industry. You will be able to make connections that may last you for a lifetime when you decide to attend a film school. One of the other benefits of attending a film school is that you will be able to learn about the production stages of making a film. You will learn how to do everything from the casting of actors to the actual making of the film.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The starting salary of a director is about $68,000 a year. If a director owns a studio, then he or she may be able to earn a greater salary. When you want to get a job as a film director, it is important to apply for jobs at television agencies and film studios. You may also want to simply open your own film studio. If you can find investors to provide you with the financing of a new studio, then this may be a viable option for you. The BLS reports that the demand for directors is expected to grow by at least 11 percent in the future.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/producers-and-directors.htm

As a retail manager, you can enjoy all sorts of perks with the job. From sales discounts to the opportunity to move up in a corporation, being a retail manager can be a highly attractive career for motivated people. Being a retail manager can give a person the opportunity to interact with customers on a daily basis and learn what it takes to run a company. When you become a retail manager, you will need to study accounting, budgeting and all of the other important aspects of running a company. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a retail manager?” When you want to become a retail manager, it is important for you to establish yourself within a corporation.

What’s it like to be a retail manager?

As a retail manager, you will typically work a normal 40-hour work week. You will be responsible for greeting customers and helping to ring up their purchases during busy times. You may also need to do all of the accounting for your store. This means that you will need to make sure that your store is meeting its sales quotas every month. You will also need to ensure that your store is becoming more profitable every month. One of the other major responsibilities of a retail manager is to ensure that people do not steal items from a store. A retail manager needs to also have a knack for the sales profession. He or she should know when the appropriate time for a sale is.

Education Requirements

One of the benefits of desiring to become a retail manager is that no education is required. One does not need a college degree in order to become a retail manager. Instead, he or she should simply have experience in the retail profession. The most important thing for companies is to see that a person has worked in a retail store previously in his or her life. Experience is the name of the game in the retail profession. Experience is what will provide a person with that one line that stands out on a resume. If a person does want to obtain a college degree, then he or she should take courses in the fields of accounting, finance and marketing. Knowing these special fields will help a person run a very successful store operation.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The starting salary for a retail manager is about $40,000 a year. Retail managers can have varying salaries depending on the type of company that they work for. If a retail manager works for a small retail chain, then he or she may earn a lower salary. If a retail manager works for a national chain, then his or her salary may increase. To obtain a position as a retail manager, a person should try to apply for as many positions as possible at retail stores. One can find these positions listed on the Internet or in newspaper ads. One may also want to simply go to retail stores and inquire about any openings that the retail store has. Networking can also be very valuable when a person wants to obtain a position as a retail manager. Networking will provide a person with the connections that he or she needs to get a foot in the door.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2120589_be-retail-manager.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes411011.htm