How Do I Become An Architect?

Imagine being able to be the next Howard Roark and watching your own architectural vision come to life. Architects are a fiercely independently-minded group of people, and they enjoy seeing a building rise up from the ground. If you enjoy the thought of sketching your own architectural masterpiece and constructing it, then you may be the next great architect. Architects are gifted in creating sketches and visualizing the art form of buildings. An architect is really an artist who understands how to choose the right materials for the construction of specific building projects. He or she has an “eye” for the right design of buildings in locations. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become an architect?” When you want to become an architect, it is important for you to pursue a degree in architecture and make your dreams come to life.

What’s it like to be an architect?

When you are an architect, you spend your time drafting sketches that can be used for the creation of structures and buildings. You may also need to do research to determine which types of materials will be best for a building that you intend to construct in an area. You may work for a company and serve as part of a team of architects. When you work as part of a team of architects, you submit your designs to a supervisor. You may be given a specific project with a deadline that you need to meet. If you are given a project with a deadline, then you may need to work overtime in order to meet the deadline.

Education Requirements

To become an architect, you should research architecture programs at major colleges and universities. You may decide to obtain a bachelor’s degree in architecture. This type of degree program usually takes about four years to complete. You may also want to obtain a master’s degree in architecture. A master’s degree in architecture will give you an edge as you apply for positions with major architecture companies and firms. There are also five-year Bachelor of Architecture programs that exist. A five-year Bachelor of Architecture program will give you the opportunity to obtain a respectable degree and get the most value of your degree program for the lowest cost. You should also be skilled in listening to the wants and needs of your clients. Being an architect requires the ability to be an effective communicator. You need to know what your clients want and be able to deliver a product that matches their wants. An architect should also be very familiar with the use of architect software like CADD.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of an architect is about $70,000 a year. An architect may earn a higher salary if he or she has an independent firm. One may also earn a higher salary if he or she works for a prestigious architecture firm. To get a job as an architect, one should apply for architecture firms upon completion of an architecture program. One can also create his or her own architecture business upon graduation from a college program. If an architect has a truly unique vision to bring to the world, then he or she may want to own an independent business.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_7975_become-architect.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes170000.htm

How Do I Become A Vet Tech?

When you are a vet tech, you have the ability to work directly with animals. Whether you are prepping a chameleon for a surgery or comforting a kitten before an appointment, you can find joy in interacting with animals on a daily basis. For people who don’t want to devote eight to ten years in pursuit of a veterinarian’s degree, this is the ultimate career. You do not have to spend a lot of money or time to obtain the skills necessary for working as a vet tech. You can become a vet tech by getting an associate’s degree in only a couple of years. One of the other benefits of becoming a vet tech is that you can work on a part-time basis and do not have to work long hours. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a vet tech?” When you want to become a vet tech, you should pursue an associate’s degree in veterinarian medicine or veterinarian technology.

What’s it like to be a vet tech?

A typical day as a vet tech includes scheduling appointments, handling animals before appointments and interacting with nervous pet owners. You may need to explain the typical stages of an appointment to a new patient of the clinic. Your duties may also change depending on the needs of a vet office. You may be required to fulfill secretarial duties, such as handling phone lines and scheduling appointments for a clinic. A veterinarian may want you to be present at all appointments. You may be able to help control animals during appointments.

Education Requirements

To become a vet tech, you can have a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree. People who are considering becoming full-fledged veterinarians will often obtain an associate’s degree so that they can decide whether they want to become a veterinarian. After completing a program with a focus in veterinary work, you will be able to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam. This is a test that lasts for four hours, and it will provide you with an additional certification that will make you highly respected in the vet world. The Veterinary Technician National Exam covers areas such as lab procedures and animal nursing. You may need to also receive additional training if you wish to work with a particular type of animal. You may need to receive additional training if you want to work with exotic animals like boa constrictors or tarantulas.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a vet tech is about $29,000 a year. A vet tech may earn a higher salary if he or she works additional hours for a vet clinic. To get a job as a vet tech, one should simply apply for open positions at veterinarian offices. You can also obtain a membership with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. This organization will put you in contact with many veterinarians in your area. You may be able to land a job as a vet tech by making a connection with a veterinarian who lives in your city. You can also obtain a job as a vet tech by looking for open positions at vet clinics in your area on the internet or through a job placement agency.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2065319_become-veterinary-technician.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm

How Do I Become A Travel Nurse?

Travel nurses only work for three months out of the year. The travel nurse enjoys a life of luxury and is able to help people at the same time. If you have a passion for helping people heal and overcome illnesses, then being a travel nurse may be the right choice for you. You can work for a variety of medical entities, such as a teaching facility or research center. You may also work in the emergency room or in a small community hospital. You will have the opportunity to explore new countries and take part in other cultures. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a travel nurse?” When you want to become a travel nurse, it is important to consider the type of education that you want to receive in order to become a travel nurse.

What’s it like to be a travel nurse?

As a travel nurse, you are sent to various locations throughout the world to help patients. Your work may involve treating patients who have been injured in natural disasters. You may also need to help people who have been injured in violent outbreaks throughout the world. Your job is exciting and is always changing, which is one of the main attractions for individuals choosing this career path. As a travel nurse, you can also choose where you want to work. If there is a particular country that you have always wanted to visit, then you can choose this type of assignment as a travel nurse. During the three months in which you are working, you may have to work extended hours. Volunteer travel nurses frequently have to work overtime in order to help patients.

Education Requirements

To become a travel nurse, one should obtain a degree to become a registered nurse. If one does not want to make the commitment to a four-year bachelor’s degree program, then he or she can obtain a nursing degree in an associate’s program. Hospitals frequently have nursing programs that offer nursing programs for individuals. The degree programs at hospitals usually take about four years to complete. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an individual may also want to choose a specialty for his or her practice. One may choose a specialty like cardiac care or pediatrics. Having a specialty will help you to distinguish yourself from a crowd of applicants for a travel nurse position. You will also need to obtain a certain number of continuing education requirements if you want to work as a travel nurse. Knowing a second or third language can also be beneficial for individuals who want to work as travel nurses throughout the world. It is also essential for a travel nurse to have superb communication skills in order to excel in this profession, since a travel nurse deals with people from a variety of cultures every year.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a travel nurse is about $65,000 a year. An individual can obtain a position as a travel nurse by seeking out opportunities with travel nurse agencies. A travel nurse agency will place a nurse at another location in the world for anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months.

References:
1. http://www.healthedsolutions.com/articles/traveling-nurses-bls-acls-pals
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2107995_be-travel-nurse.html
3. http://www.nursezone.com/Explore-Travel-Nursing/travel-nursing-faqs.aspx#4
4. http://www.miracleworkers.com/Article/CB-169-Nursing-Working-as-a-Travel-Nurse/

How Do I Become A Teachers’ Aide?

Being a teachers’ aide can be a very fulfilling career for individuals who love working with children, teaching them and taking care of them. As a teacher aide, your main task is to help a teacher control the classroom and provide care for each child. On some days, your tasks may be as simple as getting the kids ready for gym class or putting on their snow gear for recess. On other days, a teacher may call upon you to help children learn concepts like multiplication or to improve their reading skills. You play a valuable role in creating a positive learning environment for all of the students in the classroom. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a teachers’ aide?” If you want to become a teacher aide, then you should simply develop connections with teachers at a local public or private school.

What’s it like to be a teachers’ aide?

When you are a teacher aide, you work during normal school hours. You may work only on a part-time basis and have to fill in for one or two classes a week. If you want to earn a higher income, then you may work on a full time basis for a teacher. One of the most joyful parts of being a teachers’ aide is being able to work directly with children. You can help children with their reasoning abilities. You can also find satisfaction in knowing that you are helping a teacher to control his or her classroom. One of the best parts of being a teacher aide is being able to take part in the daily lessons and having fun in the educational process. Your work is what helps children learn.

Education Requirements

To become a teacher aide, you do not need to have a bachelor’s degree. It is preferable if you have an associate’s degree and are working toward a bachelor’s degree in teaching. Some teachers will not require that you have any sort of educational background. A lot of teachers are just looking for a parent or someone else who can dedicate some help for managing the classroom. A teacher just wants to know that you will be there to help on a regular basis. A teacher also wants to make sure that you can help in taking care of children and helping them learn in the best way possible. If you are pursuing a degree in teaching, then a teacher may actually promote you to a teaching assistant position. This will mean that you can actually assist in teaching lessons to the children.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a teacher aide is about $23,000 a year. To get a job as a teacher aide, one should try to make as many connections as possible with teachers in elementary and middle schools. If one has a child in a teacher’s class, then one should try to get to know the teacher to obtain a position as a teacher aide. Most teacher assistants decide to work part time. Other teacher assistants may only work for a couple hours every week. The growth for this type of position is expected to increase by at least 15 percent in the next ten years.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/teacher-assistants.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2221101_become-teachers-assistant.html

How Do I Become A Surveyor?

Being a surveyor can be a fulfilling career for anyone who enjoys working with construction and likes to set boundaries. When you are a surveyor, you help to determine the boundaries of cities and also plan out the location of buildings within a city. A land surveyor may also look for certain features to include in a surveying project that he or she works on, such as a hill or mountain range. A land surveyor may also be called upon to resolve a boundary dispute. City councils frequently look to the work of surveyors in planning out the locations of buildings within cities. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a surveyor?” When you want to become a surveyor, it is important for you to become an expert in the use of land surveying software and be able to have a knack for creating maps.

What’s it like to be a surveyor?

When you are a surveyor, you have the ability to do work for local city governments. The work that you do helps cities to create maps that can be used for locating buildings and other city markings. You should have an interest in land boundaries or mapmaking to become a successful surveyor. As a surveyor, you may also be assigned to a couple of land development projects. You will be assigned to these projects and expected to contribute your thoughts about the appropriate locations of buildings. You may have to travel to locations to take measurements of city buildings and other land markings. One of the benefits of being a land surveyor is that you may be able to make your own schedule. You may only have to work on a part-time basis.

Education Requirements

To become a surveyor, it is important for you to receive a bachelor’s degree in surveying, forrestry or civil engineering. You may also want to think about obtaining a bachelor’s degree in forestry or another related field. You will want to take specific courses that will help you develop the skills needed to be a surveyor. A course in cartography or blueprint reading can be very helpful for the development of your career. You should also devote some time to using land surveying software to become a great surveyor. If you know how to use land surveying software, then you will be able to create maps for the cities that you work for.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a surveyor is about $37,000 a year. The BLS reports that surveyor positions are expected to increase by 16 percent in the next ten years. To obtain a job as a surveyor, one should apply for positions at local city governmental units. If you begin working as a survey intern, then you will earn about $25,000 a year. If you have your license to serve as a qualified surveyor, then you will earn about $40,000 to $60,000 a year. Private companies tend to offer higher salaries for surveyors. You may also be able to find more open positions within private companies. A firm that specializes in building inspection or engineering may ultimately hire a surveyor.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_5017206_become-certified-land-surveyor.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/surveying-and-mapping-technicians.htm

How Do I Become a Forensic Scientist?

Evidence is the essence of any trial. The prosecution attempts to admit evidence in order to prove the guilt of a defendant. The defendant challenges the admissibility of certain types of evidence, such as fingerprints or DNA gathered from the scene of the crime. No one in the courtroom ever sees the person behind the gathering of this evidence, however. This person happens to be the forensic scientist. A forensic scientist gathers evidence from crime scenes and administers tests upon it in a laboratory. The forensic scientist may gather human hair, DNA, blood or other types of evidence that are relevant for the jury in a trial to consider. The jury is able to make its determination of guilt based upon a view of the relevance of the evidence in a case. Because of this, the forensic scientist plays an incredibly important role in having an impact on the outcome of a trial. If certain evidence may not be admitted, then a jury may not be able to honestly determine the guilt of a defendant. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a forensic scientist?” When you want to become a forensic scientist, it is essential for you to understand the educational requirements necessary for this career.

What’s it like to be a forensic scientist?

As a forensic scientist, the majority of your time may be spent in the laboratory. Your work will depend on what a supervisor requires of you. If you work for a lab, then you may spend all of your time analyzing evidence and preparing it for admission into a trial. Your work may require packaging evidence so that a jury can have the chance to observe the evidence. You may also have to handle complex issues in a case, such as extracting DNA from a sample of evidence. The trend in this field has been for forensic scientists to obtain DNA samples for use in trial. You may also be called to testify as an expert witness in a case. If you want to become a forensic scientist, you should be prepared to work extended hours in complex cases.

Education Requirements

To become a forensic scientist, you should have a strong interest in the sciences. You should also enjoy being part of the investigation team of an act of crime. You can prepare for a career in forensic science by studying biology, anatomy and other science classes in high school and college. A bachelor of arts in biology is the typical degree that forensic scientists obtain. You may also be able to find a specialized program in forensic science at a college. These sorts of programs give you the opportunity to gain experience in gathering and testing evidence. You should try to participate in an internship program at a local police department too. An internship experience can allow you to see the daily tasks that forensic scientist does.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a forensic scientist is about $51,000 a year. When you want to become a forensic scientist, you should apply for positions at a police department forensic unit or in a laboratory. You may also be able to find open positions at a university.

References:
1. http://www.cdr.state.tx.us/shared/WhyStudyThis/Interviews/molina.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm
3. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes194092.htm

How Do I Become A Forensic Investigator?

Being a forensic investigator is like being at the center of any crime scene. You assemble evidence and literally trace the footsteps and fingerprints that criminals leave behind at crime scenes. You have the thrilling task of gathering this evidence for a crime lab. You gather this evidence so that criminals can be prosecuted in a court of law. A forensic investigator may even need to research the causes of an individual’s death in a case. This may involve performing an autopsy or collecting DNA from an individual’s body. The task of the forensic investigator is to figure out who may have caused the death of an individual too. The forensic investigator may analyze a crime scene where a murder took place. He or she may need to research an act of terrorism that has occurred in a country. The forensic investigator has important responsibilities in researching crime and ensuring that justice is upheld in society. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a forensic investigator?” When you want to become a forensic investigator, it is important to obtain a bachelor’s degree that focuses upon criminal justice.

What’s it like to be a forensic investigator?

When you become a forensic investigator, you may have a certain number of cases that are in your file. Your job is to research all of these cases so that you can figure out who the perpetrator of a crime is. A forensic investigator takes photographs of a crime scene. He or she may also need to gather physical evidence that is at a crime scene. The prosecution team in a high-profile case may rely upon a forensic investigator for producing evidence that connects up certain loopholes in a case. For example, a prosecutor may need access to DNA that shows a criminal was actually the murderer or rapist within a case. It is up to the forensic investigator to find any DNA evidence that could reveal an individual is actually guilty of a rape or murder crime.

Education Requirements

To become a forensic investigator, one should obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology, anatomy or criminal justice. A forensic investigator may also want to seek out programs that focus upon the use of computer software programs that help forensic investigators manage evidence. Labs and police departments are increasingly requiring that individuals have a background in using technology for evidence collection purposes. One may also benefit from having a degree in sociology in the forensic evidence field. When one has a degree in psychology or sociology, he or she is able to relate to the victims that he or she may deal with in cases. A forensic investigator may need to work with victims to obtain information for gathering evidence for their cases.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a forensic investigator is about $50,000 a year. A forensic investigator who works in a large city may be able to earn a greater salary of about $70,000 a year. One will earn a lower salary if he or she works in a rural town. If one works in a rural town, then he or she will earn about $30,000 to $50,000 a year.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm
2. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_a_forensic_investigator_do
3. http://www.ehow.com/how_2311263_become-forensic-investigator.html

How Do I Become A Flight Nurse?

Imagine being able to rescue people from traumatic events and natural disasters. As a flight nurse, this would be your typical task. Your job would be to rescue people who may be located in remote areas. You are part of the team of medical professionals who works on flights to help treat people with serious injuries. A flight nurse is also responsible for ensuring that a patient is safe on a flight to a hospital located in a major city. Planning and responding to a patient’s in-flight needs is also an important part of being a flight nurse. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a flight nurse?” When you want to become a flight nurse, it is important for you to obtain one of the certifications that is required for this career.

What’s it like to be a flight nurse?

As a flight nurse, you will have an exciting career. You may be called in at the last minute to fly to an island or other remote area in which a patient is suffering. You may need to become part of a rescue team during an emergency situation. Flight nurses also serve the military and provide care for soldiers on the field. When you are a flight nurse, you will be able to administer medications and the appropriate treatments for severe injuries. You may have to bandage wounds or perform minor surgery procedures. You may also need to administer CPR or other life-saving measures for patients. The job of a flight nurse is highly stressful and exciting at the same time. One should be prepared to take on lots of responsibility and have the ability to respond quickly in emergency situations as a flight nurse.

Education Requirements

To become a flight nurse, it is essential for you to obtain a degree in nursing. You will need to apply to nursing programs, and you should be aware that nursing programs can be highly competitive. You need to have a high grade point average to be admitted to most nursing programs. It is also important for you to consider obtaining a specific certification to become a flight nurse. You can receive a certification to become a Certified Emergency Nurse or Critical Care Registered Nurse. You can also receive a certification to become a Certified Flight Registered Nurse. When you receive a certification, you make yourself much more marketable as a flight nurse. You can also receive a higher salary as a flight nurse when you have a certification.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The average salary of a flight nurse is about $66,000 a year. A flight nurse may earn a higher salary depending on the number of hours that he or she works. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of jobs in this field is expected to increase. By 2016, the BLS expects that there will be an additional 600,000 jobs in the flight nurse field. A military flight nurse may earn a high salary of at least $120,000 a year. If one works for the military, then he or she may also receive a housing allowance of about $600 to $1,200 every month. One may also receive additional funds for family separation allowance too.

References:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_nurse#Role_and_duties
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_4586266_become-flight-nurse.html
3. http://www.bls.gov/k12/help04.htm
4. http://www.flightnursing.org/Flight-Nursing-Salary.html

How Do I Become A Software Engineer?

Being a software engineer can give you the opportunity to do computer programming all day long. The people who enter this profession usually have a strong passion for computer coding and working with software systems. A company will typically hire you to do work on computer systems and develop new programs. You may be responsible for managing one aspect of a company’s computer system. A company may want you to develop the security solutions for a company’s computer system. It is important for you to understand a variety of computer coding languages if you decide to pursue this career path. This field relies heavily upon an individual’s knowledge of all the cutting edge programs in the computer world. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a software engineer?” If you want to become a software engineer, then you should spend some time in refining your computer coding skills.

What’s it like to be a software engineer?

When you want to work as a software engineer, you will have the opportunity to work directly with computer programs on a daily basis. A supervisor may give you projects that need to be completed by a certain deadline. It may be your task to develop a new computer program and introduce it to the board of directors for a company. It is always important for you to meet these deadlines. The tech industry is quite fast-paced, and you will fall behind if you can not keep up with the workload. If you want to work in a city that has thriving new computer businesses, then you may want to choose to work in a geographic location like Silicon Valley. You can find other young professionals who have ambition and drive for developing computer software programs in Silicon Valley. You may work long hours if you decide to work for a start-up company. Be prepared to work long hours to meet deadlines if you work for a new tech company.

Education Requirements

Not all software engineers have an undergraduate degree from a college. If you are naturally gifted or make the effort to understand and master computer languages, then you can become a successful software engineer. Start-up companies are usually just looking for driven individuals who can deliver the work. They want to see that you have a strong commitment to the tech industry. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree makes it easier for you to get your foot in the door at large corporations. If you have a bachelor’s degree, then you will be able to work for a variety of high-profile tech companies upon your graduation.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary for a software engineer is about $90,000 a year. Most people work in this industry due to their background in working with computers. You should try to work in an internship position during your years in college. Having an internship can allow you to make connections with individuals who work for a company. You will be able to make connections that can help you obtain a position in the company. You should also try to apply for jobs in a city that has a thriving computer industry, such as Silicon Valley. You will be able to land a job much faster this way.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/facts_4884859_what-software-engineer.html

How Do I Become A Sheriff?

Sheriffs do important work in protecting members of society from harm. A sheriff ensures that the members of a community are safe. He or she may have to respond to emergency phone calls from citizens in the community. A sheriff may also need to manage all of the units in a patrol center. The sheriff has to make sure that the patrol center is having a positive influence in controlling violence in the community. The sheriff may need to analyze trends of crime in the community. It may be his or her job to create seminar programs the educate police officers about the ways to protect people from harm. If you want to become a sheriff, then you should have a desire for protecting people from harm. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a sheriff?” When you want to become a sheriff, it is important for you to obtain the necessary education and have an ability to perceive situations that can escalate to violence.

What’s it like to be a sheriff?

When you are a sheriff, you respond to phone calls from the public. You may need to go to a person’s home to ensure that the person is safe from harm. A person may call the patrol center and be afraid that he or she has a robber in the home. A person may also call the patrol center and be involved in a car accident or a situation of gang violence. It is the job of the police officers to respond to these situations. As a sheriff, you may also need to think about strategies for managing a riot that breaks out in a major city. You will have additional responsibilities in lowering crime rates if you work in a large city. If you work in a rural town, then your major responsibility may be managing the budget for a patrol office.

Education Requirements

To become a sheriff, you should obtain an undergraduate degree in criminal justice. It is important for you to have a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system. You should attempt to learn about the ways that the criminal justice system operates in detaining individuals. You should also learn about the laws that govern the police force. It is important for you to know what police officers can and can not do in arresting individuals. You may be the head sheriff who is responsible for instructing police officers about the proper ways to arrest individuals. You do not want your unit to conduct illegal searches and seizures. An illegal search will result in a case going to trial, and this ends up being more costly for the public. After you complete a degree in criminal justice, you will then need to take a test at a patrol center in order to become a sheriff. You will also need to undergo a training session in order to become a sheriff.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a sheriff is about $45,000 a year. If you are responsible for managing an entire unit, then your salary may be as high as $85,000 a year. Most individuals become sheriffs after working as police officers for a few years.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2083422_become-sheriff.html