When you are a funeral director, you play an important role in your community. The community looks to you for sympathy during tragic losses. You also have the dual responsibility of caring for your business and seeing that administrative tasks are completed in a timely manner. Being a funeral director is a career that requires the ability to handle high levels of stress and emotional turmoil. If you are able to handle the stress associated with this career, then you can enjoy great job security and a high salary. Maybe you have thought, “How do I become a funeral director?” If you want to become a funeral director, then you should attempt to shadow another director for the most insight into this profession.

What’s it like to be a funeral director?

As a funeral director, your daily job changes every day. On one day, you may be hosting a reception at the funeral home for the family members of a lost loved one. You may need to host counseling sessions with the family members in order to get them through the difficult time. You may also need to refer family members to other psychologists in the community. It is important for you to network with professionals such as lenders, psychologists and lawyers so that you can refer family members to these professionals. You should also be on good terms with the spiritual leaders in your community. Spiritual leaders will frequently come to you after a tragic event has occurred and may refer family members to you. Apart from counseling members of the community, your other tasks will be overseeing your business. You will need to keep a monthly budget and make sure that all of the bills are paid for the operation of the funeral home. You will need to send out notices to the local newspaper. You may also need to print remembrance cards for family members of loved ones who have passed away.

Education Requirements

It is important for you to pursue a degree that relates to mortuary sciences. You should look to your state requirements in order to see whether you need to obtain an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. In addition to obtaining a college degree, you will need to complete an apprenticeship with a funeral director. The apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to have all of your questions answered about the funeral business. You will also see the appropriate way to embalm bodies and care for them. You will learn the entire process of storing bodies. You will also learn how to be sensitive and compassionate in dealing with family members of those who have died. Being a funeral director can bring a deep sense of peace to you. You may actually enjoy the sense of serenity that you feel in helping people transition from earth into the spiritual world.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The average salary of a funeral director is about $55,000 a year. To get a job in this field, you should start out as an intern for a funeral home. You can then apply for director positions within funeral homes. You may eventually decide that you want to open and operate your own funeral home.

When you become a funeral director, you will have a sense of peace and tranquility. It is peaceful to know that you are helping people come to a comforting understanding of human nature. It can also be very satisfying to know that you are helping people come to terms with a tragic loss. You can help people put aside feelings of anger and resentment so that they can come to appreciate the time they had with a loved one. You can also help people understand that death is a natural part of life.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2302555_become-funeral-director.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/funeral-directors.htm

Imagine being able to use your creativity to its full potential in order to create page layouts for books or newspapers. Your next illustration could be on the cover of the next best-selling novel. As a desktop publisher, you have the freedom to create your own schedule and work from home. You may be a contributor to the next major online newspaper. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a desktop publisher?” If you want to make your own hours every week and enjoy using your creativity to its full potential, then the good news is that you do not have to pursue endless years of education. You do not even have to have your college degree in order to get started in the world of desktop publishing.

What’s it like to be a desktop publisher?

When you become a desktop publisher, you have the ability to work at many projects at once. You may be an independent contractor, or you may work for a particular media company or newspaper agency. You may work for a magazine and assist with creating graphics for the pages of the magazine. You may research new graphics software to use in creating the images for your newspaper, magazine or other publication. Desktop publishers usually have very strict deadlines that they must meet. You may be in the process of designing the cover for a novel that is ready to be published in only a couple of weeks. Sometimes, you may be offered last-minute brochure projects that must be completed in only a day or two. Typically, however, you do not have to work in a high-stress or high-pressure atmosphere. You can also decide to work as a desktop publisher on only a part-time basis.

Education Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for becoming a desktop publisher. You should be knowledgeable in the use of computer programs to create graphics. You should also know how to use basic word processing programs. It is essential that you know how to easily manipulate fonts and graphics. You should also be open to criticism and revising your work product. It is not uncommon for companies to send a brochure or newspaper page back to the desktop publisher for minor adjustments. You should be a “people” person and have great written and oral communication skills.

Lastly, you should put together a portfolio of all of the brochures, magazines and newspaper layouts that you have completed. Having a portfolio of your work is essential in the event that a client wants to see examples of your work.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The typical salary for a desktop publisher is about $36,000 a year. To get a job in this field, you can simply begin doing contract-based work for companies online. It is easy to find freelance work online for this type of position. If you want a more stable position, then you can apply for jobs with newspapers, blogs and magazines. Established blog writers now have a demand for experienced desktop publishers who can help them achieve an aesthetically pleasing layout for a blog. You may also be able to negotiate a higher salary if you take on a full-time position with a company.

When you become a desktop publisher, you have the full freedom to work for the clients that you choose. You can take on projects that fascinate you and make you feel good about your work. You can also see the end product and know that your work helped create a best-selling book or one of the hottest blogs on the Internet.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/desktop-publishers.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_8111_become-desktop-publisher.html

Being an engineer is the perfect career choice for those who have a love for science, chemistry and math. As an engineer, you will have critical input for the design of products for companies. You may also work out important equations for a lab or the engineering department of a university. The majority of engineers decide to specialize in a specific type of engineering, such as mechanical engineering or biomedical engineering. Whatever the case, having an engineering degree is the easiest way to ensure a stable career for the rest of one’s life. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become an engineer?” When you want to become an engineer, it is important for you to stay committed to an education plan that will help you pursue this goal.

What’s it like to be an engineer?

The typical engineer works about 40 hours a week for a major company. He or she may work for a company like Dow Chemical. One has a supervisor who assigns certain projects to the engineers of the company. You will also have to meet with other technicians to discuss your progress on your projects. An engineer usually has to attend multiple meetings in a given week. He or she has to meet with supervisors to discuss the status of projects. An engineer may also need to give a presentation to a group of professionals about his or her project. If you succeed in the projects that are given to you by your supervisors, then you may receive a promotion at your company. Engineers are typically promoted to a position that is akin to a “project manager” within a company.

Education Requirements

To become an engineer, it is essential for you to obtain a bachelor’s degree in engineering. You should make sure that a college has a strong engineering program before you attend. You should also make sure that you have a strong background in math and science. You will need to pass very difficult prerequisite courses in order to become an engineer. It is also a good idea to research co-op programs that may be available at a college. When you participate in a co-op, you will gain experience that will benefit you in your future career. You will also be able to gain connections that may help you gain employment upon graduation from an engineering program.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the BLS, the average salary of an engineer can vary from $58,000 to $96,000 a year. The salary that one earns depends on the type of engineer that one becomes. If one is an aerospace engineer, then he or she will earn a significantly greater salary than a mechanical engineer. To gain employment as an engineer, one should apply for open positions at engineering firms and companies. Universities frequently have a lot of open positions for engineers in their science departments. One may also be able to find research positions in the engineering field. It is also a good idea to meet with a counselor from the career services department of a college. A counselor may know of open positions at local engineering firms.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Architecture-and-Engineering/home.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2301724_become-engineer.html

If the thought of designing great buildings thrills you, then you may have a future as an architectural engineer. Becoming an architectural engineer can be a great way to contribute to society and pursue a fulfilling career. There are plenty of ways to succeed as an architectural engineer. One may work for an architect company, or one may open his or her own design firm. An architectural engineer is usually consumed with making sure that a building is safe for the public use. An architectural engineer also wants to ensure that a building meets code regulations in a particular locality. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become an architectural engineer?” When you want to become an architectural engineer, it is essential to pursue a degree in architecture and engineering.

What’s it like to be an architectural engineer?

Being an architectural engineer is a very fulfilling career for people who are creative and also have a passion for science. When you become an architectural engineer, you will likely be assigned to work on a particular building project. You may need to work with sketch artists in order to develop a presentation for the leaders of your company. It will be important for you to make progress on a project every week. You will have to meet with project supervisors to let them know the status of your project. When you are an architectural engineer, it is important for you to know how to work well with a team of people. You will likely have to work with other engineers to develop a building project.

Education Requirements

To become an architectural engineer, one will need to pursue a bachelor’s degree in architecture. It is important for a person to gain a thorough education in structural design when he or she wants to become an architectural engineer. Having a background in design can also prove to be helpful for a career as an architectural engineer. When a person has a background in design, he or she will be able to create a beautiful aesthetic design for a building. You should also try to pursue an internship during your time in a college. Participating in an internship gives you the opportunity to gain skills that will help you in your career as an architectural engineer. You may also gain connections in your workplace that prove to be valuable upon your graduation from an engineering program.

You should also take the required state examination in order to become a licensed architectural engineer. You should research the requirements for the exam. In some states, you need to complete an apprenticeship for at least two or three years before you can become an architectural engineer.

If you want to teach at the university level, then you should consider pursuing a doctoral degree in architectural engineering. Pursuing a master’s degree can also be a wise decision for those who want to have a greater earning power.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The average salary of an architectural engineer is about $78,000 a year. When you want to become an architectural engineer, it is important to seek open positions at engineering firms. Architect firms also typically hire engineers to work closely with architects. You should be prepared to work as part of a team.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes170000.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2075514_become-architectural-engineer.html

One of the greatest careers in the world is that of a writer. Being a writer, you have the chance to explore undiscovered worlds. You get to know the forces that affect and influence people, and you write novels based upon characters. You may write novels that are based off of your own life adventures, or you may decide to choose another specialty in writing biographies, advertisements or blog content. Writing is a profession that empowers the individual to clearly develop his or her own voice. It is a profession that gives a person the opportunity to share his or her hidden thoughts with the world. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a writer?” When you want to become a writer, here are just a few of the steps that you can follow to pursue this endeavor.

What’s it like to be a writer?

When you become a writer, you can enjoy a great deal of flexibility in your career. If you are a freelance writer, you will literally be able to pick and choose the number of projects that you have at any given time. You may only want to work on a part-time basis. The majority of writers work on a full-time basis for a company. You may be able to work out a type of work situation where you are able to write from home. When you become a writer, you will be able to enjoy putting your creativity to use. You will be able to enjoy getting in “the flow” of writing and being able to center your thoughts. Writers are typically individuals who enjoy having full control over their mental faculties. The major benefit of being a writer is that a person gets to enjoy ultimate freedom. He or she does not need to abide by “the rules” for a boss and can enjoy having total control over his or her work product.

Education Requirements

It is a good idea to pursue a college degree in English or Creative Writing if you want to become a serious writer. You do not have to have a bachelor’s degree in order to become a writer. Some of the most renowned writers in the world did not have a college degree. When you want to thrive as a writer, it is a good idea to simply practice as much as possible. Try to read books about grammar and writing techniques. Your self-education may prove to be incredibly valuable in assisting you in the process of creating quality writing.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The starting salary for a writer is about $55,000. There are plenty of opportunities available in the writing field. Right now, it is easy for people to find freelance writing opportunities on the Internet. One may also advertise his or her services through a personal website. One may also apply for positions at companies in order to become a writer. It is also possible for a person to find a position as a writer at an advertising agency. A writer should seek to develop a portfolio of his or her work in a particular specialty. This will help a writer to become incredibly marketable to other companies. A writer will be more likely to be successful when he or she has a specialty.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2308324_become-author.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm

Being a systems engineer can be a fulfilling career choice for those who enjoy working with math equations and formulas. In today’s world that is so dependent on technology, many businesses need to hire in-house systems engineers. These engineers maintain computer systems and ensure that they function in an efficient manner. A systems engineer can also salvage a system that has been affected by viruses. A systems engineer plays a very important role in ensuring that a business functions at its optimum level. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a systems engineer?” When you want to become a systems engineer, it is essential to pursue an education that focuses on a specific area of engineering.

What’s it like to be a systems engineer?

When you become a systems engineer, you work as a part of a team for a company or the government. You seek to understand the type of systems that a company uses in its daily operations. You need to ensure that the data output is efficient. It is also important for you to understand the system of data organization for a company. It is also your responsibility to research the possible causes of downtime for a company’s computer system. You will need to figure out ways to prevent downtime in the future. The typical systems engineer only works about 40 hours a week. If a company’s website is experiencing downtime, then you may need to put in some extra hours. You may need to dedicate more time to improving the functioning of a company’s computer system. Part of your job may also entail meeting with company directors to discuss the implementation of a new system for a company.

Education Requirements

To become a systems engineer, you should pursue a degree in engineering. It is also helpful if you pursue a degree in computer science or mathematics. Engineering management can also be a solid degree for this type of career. Companies want to see that you also have excellent communication skills and are able to work well with others. Your daily tasks may involve writing proposals for a company. You may need to write proposals that are read by your supervisors and that discuss the status of all of your projects. It is also a wise idea to participate in a co-op that focuses on systems engineering. Many large companies will advertise these positions at colleges. You should pay attention to any on-campus interviews that a large company is conducting for co-op positions. Co-op positions are an excellent way to be exposed to the systems engineering field and earn a salary at the same time.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The starting salary for a systems engineer is about $80,000 a year. It is also possible to earn a greater salary if you work for a company for over five years. To become a systems engineer, you should try to apply for open positions at engineering firms. You can speak with a career services specialist at your college to discuss any on-campus interviewing events that will be hosted too. Large companies frequently travel to college campuses in order to do their recruiting and hire engineering students. On-campus interviews are a great way to get your foot in the door with a large engineering firm.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2071005_become-systems-engineer.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172112.htm

Petroleum engineers have the important task of finding areas of the earth that contain oil. Investors rely upon the information that is provided by petroleum engineers. Investors need to find the best places to drill for oil, and they typically spend millions of dollars to find these types of areas. As a petroleum engineer, you also analyze the safety of drilling in particular locations. You may write up a report that discusses the risk of drilling in an area, and you may give this report to the CEO of a major oil company. There are many perks involved in being a petroleum engineer. Most individuals choose to specialize in this area of engineering, because they love working in the oil industry and the great salary associated with this career. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a petroleum engineer?” When you want to become a petroleum engineer, it is important for you to choose an engineering program that gives you the opportunity to learn about the oil industry.

What’s it like to be a petroleum engineer?

When you are a petroleum engineer, the job can be quite intense. Investors may rely upon you to deliver fast reports about a particular geographic location in the world. You may spend weeks analyzing one oil rig to determine whether it actually contains oil that will be profitable for investors. You may also have to write reports that discuss the safety measures that a company should take to protect its workers from harm in a particular oil rig. The typical petroleum engineer works about 40 hours a week, but the number of hours can be increased depending on the amount of research that an engineer has in a given week.

Education Requirements

To become a petroleum engineer, one should pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering. One should research college programs to see whether classes are offered in oil drilling. These types of classes can help a petroleum engineer get to know the oil industry. It is important for a petroleum engineer to have a strong background in statistics. A petroleum engineer will need to figure out all of the ways to avoid mishaps with the drilling of a particular oil rig. One may also want to have a background in geology. Knowing all about the different rocks that form the earth’s core can be helpful for the study of oil drilling. It is also important for a petroleum engineer to develop excellent communication skills during his or her time in college. One may also want to consider pursuing a graduate program that offers a specialty in petroleum engineering. Schools like the University of California-Berkeley are renowned for the variety of engineering programs that they offer to students. These programs can give petroleum engineering students an edge in the job market upon graduation.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary for a petroleum engineer is about $140,000 a year. The salary for a petroleum engineer will increase depending on the number of years that he or she works for a company. When you want to get a job as a petroleum engineer, it is important to network with other engineers in the field. People usually obtain jobs in this field due to the connections that they have.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/about_5081775_petroleum-engineering.html
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2060809_become-petroleum-engineer.html
3. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172171.htm

A network administrator has the task of maintaining LAN systems and local area networks. The work of a network administrator ensures that individuals in the community are able to receive the Internet and other services the depend on the maintenance of these networks. The network administrator has a thorough knowledge of computer and internet systems. Becoming a network administrator does not take a significant amount of one’s time. It only takes a couple of years to become a certified network administrator. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a network administrator?” When you want to become a network administrator, it is important for you to learn more about college programs that are offered near you.

What’s it like to be a network administrator?

The typical network administrator works about 40 hours a week. He or she simply oversees a LAN system to make sure that it is operating in an effective and efficient manner. The network administrator seeks to ensure that the local community is able to access the Internet. The network administrator may have to respond to an individual phone call from a member of the community if he or she is having difficulty in accessing the Internet. The network administrator may also need to update the system that a community uses. One may also work as an in-house network administrator for a business. Businesses will frequently hire network administrators to ensure that all employees have access to the Internet for their daily work functions.

Education Requirements

To become a network administrator, one should look for educational opportunities at his or her local community college. A community college or trade school typically offers a one or two year program for network administrators. These programs will expose individuals to the ways in which internet systems function. One may also be able to earn a certificate from major companies like Microsoft. If one earns a certificate from a company like Microsoft, this will put a person in a good position for obtaining a job as a network administrator. Companies want to see that a person has been trained in the minimum skills that are required to become a network administrator. Cisco is another company that offers a certificate for network administrators. One should also try to work in a part-time position in an IT department during his or her time in one of these programs. Working with other individuals in an IT department can help a network administrator learn how to work as a part of a team. It is essential for network administrators to also learn about the different types of systems that companies use on a daily basis, such as Oracle.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The starting salary for a network administrator is about $50,000 to $90,000 a year. The salary that a network administrator receives will depend on the amount of responsibility that he or she has in the position. It is important for a network administrator to try to negotiate his or her salary before accepting a position. To obtain a job as a network administrator, one should apply for positions with the government and at local businesses. Local businesses frequently have a great need for network administrators to work with their IT professionals.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm

If you enjoy helping people solve their life problems, then a career as a counseling psychologist may be right for you. When you are a counseling psychologist, you have the opportunity to get paid to listen to other people’s problems. Of course, part of your job is also helping people overcome significant emotional barriers that block them from achieving a stable and peaceful life. You should be an emotionally resilient and strong person in order to become a counseling psychologist. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a counseling psychologist?” If this career appeals to you, then you should be prepared to devote a significant number of years in pursuing the education that this high level career demands.

What’s it like to be a counseling psychologist?

When you are a counseling psychologist, you have the opportunity to gain a true understanding of the struggles that humans face. The majority of your time is spent in meeting with patients on a one-on-one basis. They may have lost a loved one or been involved in a serious accident. They may have an eating disorder or other issues that they are battling with. It is your job to pinpoint the exact issue that an individual is suffering in his or her life. You will listen to the ways in which a patient describes an emotion that he or she feels. You will also listen to a patient recount his or her history and help that patient come to an understanding of an issue that plagues him or her. One of your other tasks may be to help a patient develop a positive way to respond to negative emotions. You may help a patient learn how to become conscious of his or her emotions and help him or her deal with them in a healthy manner. Part of your job may be suggesting forms of therapeutic healing, such as drawing, exercise or meditation.

Education Requirements

To become a counseling psychologist, it is important for a person to obtain a doctorate. One will also have to pass a certification exam for the state in which he or she intends to practice. To enter into this field, one can have a college degree in psychology or counseling. It is also wise for a person to obtain internship experience during his or her college years. An internship experience can provide a person with the opportunity to learn how to run an independent counseling practice. It can also help a person learn different counseling techniques that may not be taught in a college program.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary for a counseling psychologist is about $68,000 a year. One may earn a higher salary if he or she works for a counseling company for five or more years. When a person wants to become a counseling psychologist, it is essential to network with other established professionals in the field. One will likely go to work for a major counseling center upon graduation from a college program. The majority of counseling psychologists work for a major counseling center. After one works for a center for a few years, then he or she may be able to go on and open an independent counseling center.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/list_7586762_counseling-psychology-methods.html
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_5698921_become-counseling-psychologist.html
3. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Life-Physical-and-Social-Science/Psychologists.htm

Certified Nursing Assistants play a vital role in improving the health of patients. They are typically hired to visit the homes of patients and administer treatments to them. A CNA may also be hired on a full-time basis by a family. A family may want to hire a CNA to take care of a person who is physically disabled or has a tragic illness like cancer. The CNA can work flexible hours if he or she wants. Some CNAs only work one day out of the week. If you are someone who likes to care for other people, then you will make a great CNA. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a CNA?” When you want to become a CNA, it is important for you to obtain training that will provide you with the right skills for serving as a CNA.

What’s it like to be a CNA?

When you are a CNA, you have the ability to care for patients who need your help. You will administer medications to patients. You may also help them with physical therapy assignments that they have. For example, you may help a disabled person learn how to use a different part of his or her body for daily tasks. You may also help an elderly person get his or her daily exercise. Being a CNA is a dream career for people who enjoy taking care of others. One may also work in a hospital setting. If one works in a hospital setting, then he or she will likely have to work late hours. One will also have to work with a greater number of patients on a regular basis.

Education Requirements

To become a CNA, one should obtain the appropriate training. Local community colleges frequently offer courses for individuals who want to become CNAs. These courses help people learn about the different ways to take care of other people. A training course may also teach CNAs about techniques for lifting patients or for administering medications to them. A CNA will also learn about things to do in emergency situations. If a patient passes out, then a CNA will know how to respond and help the patient. A CNA should also be prepared to take a state competency exam. It is important for a CNA to take this type of exam in order to receive his or her license. If one wants to work for a hospital or agency, then he or she will need to present this license to the appropriate authority.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary for a CNA is about $24,000 a year. This figure can increase if a CNA decides to work additional hours. Many CNAs choose to put in overtime hours at a hospital in order to receive a higher pay. To obtain a position as a CNA, one should apply for positions at a local hospital or agency. An agency will refer a CNA to families who need to hire a personal nurse for a family member. In a hospital setting, the CNA will be assigned to a specific floor of patients.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2305105_become-cna.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm