If you have ever watched an episode of CSI or Law and Order, then you have probably seen sketch artists hard at work during trial. A forensic artist is responsible for sketching the scene of a crime just as a suspect is arrested. He or she may also draw caricatures of the individuals who are involved in a trial in the courtroom. A forensic artist should be someone who can create life-like drawings in only a moment’s notice. Forensic artists have an ability to draw excellent portraits that can be used to distinguish the features of a suspect or person who is on trial. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a forensic artist?” If you have always wanted to become a forensic artist, then you should make sure that you have fully developed your drawing skill set.

What’s it like to be a forensic artist?

When you become a forensic artist, you can expect to work odd hours of the day. You may be called to immediately show up at the scene of an accident to begin drafting sketches of suspects. While you may work odd or long hours, this career is exciting and fulfilling for those who have a passion for adventure. If you like spontaneity in your daily life, then this is definitely the career for you. You should also make sure that you have the necessary talents and abilities to succeed as a forensic artist. You will need to be able to draw life-like portraits of humans on a regular basis. These portraits may be viewed by judges, police officers, lawyers, witnesses and other important individuals who are involved in a case. It is important that you have the ability to clearly communicate the facial expressions of individuals who are involved in a trial. Your sketches may be what is used to depict a private court room scene to the public. The media may consult you on a regular basis to obtain copies of your sketches.

Education Requirements

If you want to become a forensic artist, then you should check out what the degree requirements are with your local courthouse or law enforcement agency. Some agencies only require that you have a high school degree. If you can prove that you are a talented sketch artist, then that may be the only qualification that you need in order to get hired by an agency. You should spend considerable time in putting together a portfolio of your work. Your portfolio should contain at least 20 sketches of humans that you have completed. You should also be prepared to demonstrate your artistic abilities in the interview process. An interviewer may want to see that you can complete a sketch in less than a few minutes.

If you do feel that you need to further develop your artistic abilities, then you can pursue a forensic drawing program at an art school or community college. You may be able to find a low-cost program at your local community college. There are also online programs that are now available and that will help you develop your drawing abilities.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The average salary of a forensic artist can vary from $30,000 to $60,000 a year. If you live in a city like New York City, then you can expect to earn a higher salary. If you want to obtain a position in this field, then you can look for open positions at your local law enforcement agency. You may also want to work as a freelance artist for a few years.

If you have a knack for analyzing the root of society’s problems, then you may enjoy a career as a criminologist. When you become a criminologist, your job will be to study impoverished neighborhoods so that you can understand what drives certain populations into crime. You will understand how poverty can contribute to high murder rates or gang violence rates in inner cities. Criminologists also seek to understand the intent and motives that cause people to engage in violence. A criminologist will typically do research studies and ultimately publish the results of these studies in a book or report. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a criminologist?” If you want to become a criminologist, then you should first pursue a bachelor’s degree in forensic science.

Featured Criminal Justice Programs

1. Saint Leo University – BA in Criminal Justice
2. American InterContinental University – Bachelor Criminal Justice
3. Walden University – B.S. in Criminal Justice

Continue reading →

If the idea of being at a crime scene thrills you, then you may be the perfect fit for a career as a criminalist. As a criminalist, you will investigate a crime scene to determine connections between a suspect and victim. You will try to compile evidence from a crime scene that will later be used in a trial. You will be responsible for sorting through evidence to determine which parts are relevant and which parts are irrelevant. You hold a lot of power in developing the case of a criminal, and it is important that you have the necessary skill sets if you wish to be an effective criminalist. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a criminalist?” If so, then you should consider pursuing a four-year degree to express your commitment to this career choice.

What’s it like to be a criminalist?

When you are a criminalist, you will be responsible for driving to the scene of an accident. You may have to spend an entire day trying to put together pieces of evidence at a crime scene. This can involve working with sharp glass and other dangerous objects. You should also have the ability to work in an independent manner if you wish to become a criminalist. There will be many days when you have to spend hours trying to figure out the ways in which a vehicle crashed on the side of a road. You may have to try to analyze evidence to figure out whether an accident was truly caused by the suspect. When you become a criminalist, there may be days when you work until the late evening. If a trial is coming up, then you may need to put in overtime in order to assemble all of the evidence that will be used in that trial.

Education Requirements

If you want to become a criminalist, it is important for you to obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or general science. You may also want to think about pursuing a specific degree program that is aimed at forensic science or criminology. You should research the course offerings at a college before you simply decide to attend. You can research which colleges are known for offering strong degree programs for individuals who have an interest in pursuing this career option. You can also succeed if you decide to pursue a master’s degree in forensic science. Finding a job as a criminalist may be much easier if you have this additional qualification.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The starting salary of a criminalist is about $53,000. If you work for a city in which there is major crime problems, then your salary may increase. When you work in a city with high crime rates, then you will probably earn at least $58,000 a year. You can also earn an average of $93,000 if you decide to work for the government.

If you want to obtain a job in this field, then you should apply for open positions at the local law enforcement office. You should also try to gain new connections in this field. It is important for you to try to build a network so that you can be referred to new positions that are open. You may also want to work with the career services department at your college to learn about job openings at local law enforcement offices. This can make the job application process a lot easier for you. You may also be able to find work in a private detective’s office.

When you work as a contract specialist, you have the main duty of overseeing all of the contracts of a company. You will need to carefully read through each contract that you receive to ensure that the terms and conditions are written in a way that is favorable for your company. If you do happen to spot an unsavory term in a contract, then it will be your responsibility to either renegotiate the term or bring it to the attention of a legal department. Being a contract specialist requires having an eye for detail and a love for reading. You should also understand legal terminology and know how to carefully analyze documents. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a contract specialist?” If you want to become a contract specialist, then you should consider pursuing your law degree for this position.

What’s it like to be a contract specialist?

When you are a contract specialist, you will have the duty of reading through many contracts on a daily basis. You may have a stack of twenty contracts that you need to approve before they can be given out. You may work in a specific department within a company, such as human resources. If you work in the human resources department, then you can expect to mostly work with contracts that deal with employee disputes or the employee hiring process. You may need to also ensure that contracts include arbitration disclaimers if you are working in this department of a company. It will be important for you to carefully analyze contracts and make sure that they have been drafted in accordance with the standards of your company.

Before you accept a position as a contract specialist, you should ensure that you fully understand the policies of a company. It will be important for you to understand these policies so that you can draft terms and conditions that are in accordance with these policies.

Education Requirements

To become a contract specialist, you should have your law degree. You will need to pursue a bachelor’s degree prior to attending law school. You can choose any major for your undergraduate program. It is most helpful if you decide to choose a major that focuses on the development of your writing skills and ability to analyze reading. It is a good idea to consider majors in English and communications if you decide to become a contract specialist. When you have completed your four-year degree, then you will need to take the LSAT exam. The LSAT is an admissions exam that will test your ability to analyze data and think in a critical manner. If you receive a high score on the LSAT, then you may be admitted to the nation’s top law schools. After you complete the LSAT, then you can begin submitting your applications to law schools. A law school program typically takes about three years to complete.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The average contract specialist makes about $48,000 a year. If you work for a major law firm or corporation, then your salary will likely be from $80,000 to $90,000 a year. To obtain a position in this field, you will typically interview with various law firms through your law school program. Your law school will usually invite hundreds of law firms and corporations to participate in interview days at the school. If this is not the case, then you should seek out open positions at corporations. You can also work with the career services department of your law school in order to find out about new positions at corporations.

If you have a passion for doing research, then you may love the opportunity to become a clinical research assistant. As a clinical research assistant, you can have an incredible impact on health care systems around the world. You will undergo training in order to learn more about the design and implementation of important research studies. It will be essential for you to learn how to review research data in order to help medical companies develop effective drugs for the treatment of patients. You may also play a role in helping a company to develop drugs that meet legal regulations. Maybe you have asked, “How do I become a clinical research assistant?” If you have always dreamed about working in a lab, then you should pursue a bachelor’s degree at the minimum in order to pursue this goal.

What’s it like to be a clinical research assistant?

The day in the life of a clinical research assistant can be very busy. You may have to work long hours if a government grant proposal is due for your medical entity. You may need to develop a proposal for a new research study that will analyze the impact that a drug has on the general population. A clinical research laboratory will expect you to devise and implement research studies. You may ultimately have the position of overseeing a group of employees and ensuring that they follow through with a research study. You may need to order equipment that is going to be used in your research study. As a clinical research assistant, you hold a tremendous amount of responsibility and will have to ensure that a research study is being conducted according to a set budget.

Education Requirements

It is important for you to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree if you want to become a clinical research assistant. You should also try to obtain as much experience as possible before you begin the process of applying to jobs at laboratories. You should try to gain at least two years of experience in working within a pharmaceutical company. It is essential that you try to gain practical experience and are able to see how a research study is conducted from start to finish.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau Labor of Statistics, the average salary for a clinical research assistant is about $57,000 a year. A clinical research assistant can expect to earn a higher salary after about five years of working within this field. One may also be promoted to a position of higher authority. The BLS reports that the demand for this career is expected to grow by at least 14 percent in the next ten years.

To become a clinical research assistant, one should try to gain internship experience during his or her undergraduate years. By gaining experience in an internship, you will be able to foster connections that may prove to be valuable during the job application process. You may be able to land a position with a high-profile pharmaceutical company simply due to your prior internship experience. Otherwise, you should seek to become as qualified as possible before you begin to apply for positions as a clinical research assistant. The competition for this position has been growing more intense in the past few years. You should try to set yourself apart from the competition by having a variety of degrees under your belt. This will also put you in a good position so that you can ultimately receive a promotion or better salary in the years to come.

If you have great organizational abilities and enjoy caring for patients, then you may enjoy the opportunity to become a case manager. As a case manager, you will be responsible for coordinating the cases of patients in the hospital. You will need to help coordinate care for patients who have major illnesses. You will need to oversee every aspect of the patient’s case. From monitoring his or her treatment to monitoring the responses of the patient, you will need to ensure that the patient is not facing any issues in his or her care. If you do notice that a patient is beginning to suffer adverse effects from a medication, then you will need to note that in the patient’s file. You may need to consult with the doctor who is working on his or her case. You will need to figure out how to move forward in the patient’s treatment. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a case manager?” If you want to become a case manager, then you should be ready to work in a highly stressful atmosphere and obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

What’s it like to be a case manager?

As a case manager, you will be able to oversee a variety of patient files at once. You will probably work long hours, and there may be times when you need to work additional hours over a 40-hour work week. You will need to check up on patients on a regular basis. You will need to make sure that all of your patients are receiving the appropriate medications and treatments. You may need to actually meet with patients to see whether they are receiving adequate care. You will take notes on their progress, and you will report to a supervisor and doctor. You will need to tell the doctor about any changes that you noticed in the patient’s behavior and health. Being a case manager can be stressful during times in which a hospital receives a high influx of patients.

Education Requirements

If you want to become a case manager, then you should seek to obtain your bachelor’s degree in nursing. It will probably take about four years for you to receive your bachelor’s degree in nursing. After you receive a bachelor’s degree in nursing, then you should go ahead and seek to obtain a certification in nursing. You should obtain a certificate in case management studies. A certificate program will usually only take a year for you to complete. You may also be able to complete this type of certificate program online.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can expect to earn $55,000 to $65,000 a year as a case manager. You should be sure to contact a local hospital if you wish to apply for a position as a case manager. You should try to gain internship experience prior to submitting applications for a position as a case manager. In an internship, you will be able to learn about the ways in which you should handle the cases of patients. You may even be able to assist with the care of a few patients. You may also be able to apply for positions at private medical offices. If you ultimately work in a private medical office, then you will likely earn a higher salary. You will only be responsible for working with a few patients at one time. If you work in a public hospital, then you will likely have more responsibilities in working with multiple patients.

As a journalist, you hold the incredible power of informing the public about news stories. You inform the public about the latest happenings in the worlds of business, politics and other influential aspects of society. It is important for you to possess excellent written and verbal communication skills if you intend upon becoming a journalist. Journalists have the ability to help the public understand and make sense of stories that happen on a daily basis. Journalists may work for news stations, newspapers, magazines, radio stations and online mass communication websites. They may work as writers, editors, publishers and anchors. A journalist plays an important role in helping the public become educated about its own history.

What’s it like to be a journalist?

As a journalist, you can expect to work long hours. You may have to report on a story that is occurring in the community at the last minute. Journalists must respond to things that happen in the world as soon as they occur. They must have the willingness to go out and “follow the story.” They should also be willing to interview key witnesses in a story. A journalist may also have to do an in-depth interview with a political figure in order to obtain the truth about a certain incident or policy. Journalists have a dedication to the truth, and they seek to share the truth with the public through their articles and interviews.

The responsibilities of a journalist can vary depending on the environment that he or she works within. If a journalist works as a news anchor, then he or she will be responsible for orally conveying stories on television. He or she will work with producers and writers in order to create news segments. A reporter may be given the task of traveling to areas that have been impacted by a natural disaster, and he or she may need to report on how the natural disaster has affected the local community.

Education Requirements

To become a journalist, one should pursue a bachelor’s degree in journalism, English or communications. It is essential for a journalist to be able to write quality articles on a short notice. He or she should also possess great research skills. A journalist should be willing to do whatever it takes to get to the heart of a story. Journalists should take courses that also expose them to the industry. It is important for a journalist to understand how to work with camera production teams. He or she should also seek to understand how industries in the media function. Gaining experience by working at a college newspaper can be very valuable for a journalist. One should also try to obtain an internship with a media outlet during his or her college years. The best way to learn about the journalism industry is by “learning on the job” and gaining experience.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The average salary of a journalist is $36,000 to $51,000. If one works for a major news agency, then he or she can make $100,000 to $500,000 a year. To obtain a position in this field, it is important for one to network with other journalists. The way in which most journalists land a position at a news agency is simply through connections. One should try to meet as many journalists as possible. One should also have a portfolio of written work that he or she can submit to a media company. A journalist will need to prove his or her abilities to a media outlet.

References:

1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/reporters-correspondents-and-broadcast-news-analysts.htm
2. http://education-portal.com/journalism_career.html

If you enjoy working with databases and have a knack for organization, then you may want to think about becoming a database analyst. A database analyst thinks about the most effective ways to organize data for companies. They think about the ways that individuals at a company may want to access data. Database administrators will attempt to use the best software to ensure that customers and employees have easy access to the information that they need from a company or government entity. Before you begin to pursue a career as a database analyst, you should think about the type of industry that you ultimately wish to enter. In the healthcare industry, there is a significant demand for qualified database analysts. You may be able to find a great position in this industry.

What’s it like to be a database analyst?

When you are working as a database analyst, you may have to research the ways in which a company decides to store information. As a database analyst, you have a tremendous amount of responsibility in a corporate atmosphere or government workplace. When you become a database analyst, it is important for you to figure out the most effective ways to store information so that others are able to access the information. You may also have to train new employees in a company. You may have to show them how to access and use databases. If you are working for an entity like a law firm, then you may need to help lawyers locate the case files that they need within a database. In a government agency, you may need to access documents that help support a new policy measure that is being taken. Overall, being a database analyst is a great experience for those who enjoy maintaining information in a highly organized fashion.

Education Requirements

There are a variety of degree types that you can pursue in order to become a database analyst. You can pursue an associate’s degree if you want to have an entry-level position with a medical office. Most database analysts work in a healthcare field. They will assist in maintaining patient medical records. They will ensure that patient medical records remain confidential. You can also pursue a bachelor’s degree if you wish to work full-time for a major corporation. If you have a bachelor’s degree, then you will likely be able to earn a greater salary as a database analyst. If you ultimately wish to teach classes at the university level, then you should obtain a doctoral degree.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The salary of a database analyst can be anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000. If you choose to become a database analyst, then you should be prepared to recover lost data and implement security measures to prevent losing additional data. Your salary in this position will depend on the amount of responsibility that a company chooses to give to you. If you are given a significant amount of responsibility, then you will earn a higher salary. You may also be given the responsibilities that an IT person would normally accept in this position.

When you want to become a database analyst, you should try to research the types of positions that are available. Right now, the health care has plenty of opportunities for individuals who wish to work as database analysts. You should also consider the variety of scholarship opportunities that are available when you want to become a database analyst. You may be able to find a scholarship that covers the entire cost of your education.

References

1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/info_8606904_responsibilities-database-analyst.html

If you enjoy the process of organizing and analyzing data, then you may be the perfect fit for a career in data analysis. When you become a data analyst, you can enjoy the opportunity to work flexible hours. While there are plenty of full-time positions available in this field, there are also plenty of opportunities for parents, students and other individuals to work on a part-time basis. Because of the flexibility that this career choice provides, it is a highly attractive choice for individuals who also want a stable career that requires minimal education. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a data analyst?” If you want to become a data analyst, then you should begin the process of obtaining an associate’s degree in medical information technology or a bachelor’s degree in information technology.

Recommended Data Analyst Programs

1. Walden University – Accounting
2. Kaplan University – Accounting

What’s it like to be a data analyst?

When you become a data analyst, the type of experience that you have will depend on the type of industry that you are in. If you are in the health care industry, then you will probably deal with minimal stress. You will have to enter patient data into a computer. You will also need to research patient data in order to compile information packages for insurance companies. On the other hand, your job as a data analyst may be more stressful if you work for a business. If you work for a business, then you may need to analyze profitability trends for the past year. A business may expect you to figure out the ways that it can cut costs. You may need to analyze marketing trends and make presentations to the marketing group of your business. You will need to discuss all of the ways that a business can improve its marketing efforts. This can be a stressful position, especially if you work in a fast-paced office.

Education Requirements

The education requirements for a data analyst career depend upon the type of industry that an individual aspires to work within. If one only wants an entry-level position in a medical office, then he or she can pursue an associate’s degree. There are other degree programs at colleges that provide individuals with certificates. These certificate programs may only take up to one year to complete. If you want to become a full-time analyst for a corporation, then you should pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting or information technology. It will be important for you to have strong analytical abilities. You should be able to analyze information and present your own conclusions to high-powered business people.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The starting salary for a position also depends on the industry. In the medical industry, the starting salary for a data analyst can be $40,000 to $60,000. It may be significantly less if a person decides to accept a part-time position as a data analyst. If a person decides to enter into the business world, then his or her salary will be $60,000 to $80,000. To get a job at a business, you should try to apply for positions during your last year of college. If it is possible, then you should also try to gain experience in an internship position during your college years. This will teach you about the demands that you will face as a data analyst.

References:

1. http://www.ehow.com/about_6607671_job-description-data-analyst.html

If you dream about working in gorgeous forests and getting paid for it, then you should think about becoming a conservation officer. As a conservation officer, you will have the task of maintaining some of the world’s most beautiful natural habitats. You will be able to promote the conservation of forests and help protect the animals that live in such forests. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a conservation officer?” If the thought of working in a beautiful habitat intrigues you, then you should obtain a degree in environment conservation or one of the sciences. It is important for you to obtain a degree that exposes you to the ways in which people maintain natural parks and habitats.

What’s it like to be a conservation officer?

When you become a conservation officer, you will get to work in a gorgeous environment. You may work in the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon or another natural habitat that is visited by the public. Your job is to promote the maintenance of the natural habitat that a government agency has assigned you to protect. Your daily tasks may include making sure that employees are fulfilling their daily tasks in caring for the property. You will need to make sure that there is no litter on the property. You will need to make sure that all of the animals in the area have been fed. It is important for you to also promote the property in the local community. You will want to draw as many tourists as possible to the area. Tourists may provide the only source of revenue for the maintenance of the property. In other instances, you may be charged with the task of planning an annual gala that is attended by donors.

Education Requirements

You should pursue a bachelor’s degree in energy conservation or natural habitats if you want to become a conservation officer. You may also want to find out whether a college offers a degree program in wildlife management. You should try to also gain a general education that includes accounting courses, communication courses and policy courses. You may need to partake in general duties for a natural habitat. You may be expected to do the monthly accounting for a natural habitat. You may also need to give presentations to the public as a conservation officer. By obtaining a general education, you will be able to prepare yourself to meet the demands of a career as a conservation officer.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary for a conservation officer is $30,000 to $40,000. Your salary will increase as you are promoted to higher positions of authority at a conservation. You will also be able to receive a great benefits package if you work for the government. One of the other benefits of having this type of position is that you can enjoy paid holidays. To obtain a position as a conservation officer, you should apply for positions at local government agencies. You may also want to pursue an internship at a local conservation so that you can establish your reputation in the community. This will make it easier for you to get hired by the conservation upon your graduation from a degree program. You should also try to volunteer for local conservation efforts. By volunteering to help protect endangered species in the community, you will be able to establish a good image for yourself. You should also try to assist with any anti-littering efforts in the local community.

References

1. http://www.ehow.com/facts_7289809_average-salary-conservation-officer.html
2. http://www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/2760.htm
3. http://education-portal.com/articles/Become_a_Conservation_Officer_Education_and_Career_Roadmap.html