September, 2010
29
Sep 10
10 Highest Paying Jobs and Career Paths
Many students start college not knowing exactly what career they want to pursue. If a high salary is one of your priorities in choosing a career this blog could help you. Here is a list of the most profitable career paths for the average person from statistics taken directly from the U.S. Labor Department.
1. Doctors and Surgeons
Formal education and training requirements for Surgeons are among the most demanding of any occupation, but earnings are among the highest. After training for at least 10 to 15 years (additional schooling for specializations), a surgeon has the ability to earn at least $206,770. Anesthesiologists, Gynecologists, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Internists, Prosthodontists and Orthodontists are also among the best paid health care professionals.
2. Business & Management Career Path
Top Executives are among the highest paid professional, however, this career also involves long hours, considerable travel, and might be highly stressful. Often it takes years of experience to reach management level.
3. Education Career Path
Post Secondary Health Specialties Teachers earn the highest salary in education. Health Specialty Teachers for example can earn around $102,000. Ph.D. recipients should experience the best job prospects. Many faculty members apart from their base salary have significant earnings from consulting and writing for publication. They also receive many benefits like access to campus facilities and housing and travel allowances.
4. Computer & Mathematical Science Career Paths
Job prospects seem to be excellent for computer and mathematical scientists and they may earn as much as $151,250. Computer and mathematical science researchers and scientists earn the top salaries.
5. Architecture & Engineering Career Paths
Starting salaries for Engineers are among the highest of all college graduates. But in order to keep up with improvements in technology, continuing education is critical. Petroleum Engineers have the highest salaries in the architecture and engineering occupations.
6. Legal Career Path
Remember that competition for admission to most law schools is intense. Salaries of experienced attorneys vary widely according to the type, size, and location. Median annual wages in the management of companies and enterprises is $145,770. But as a Judge you can earn above $162,140 a year.
7. Social and Political Sciences Career Path
Employment opportunities for Sociologists and Political Scientists are projected to grow much faster. Median annual wages of political scientists is $104,130. As an Economist you can earn as much as $113,590 annually, but only candidates who hold a master’s or Ph.D. degree in economics reach top salaries.
8. Biological Science Career Path
Biotechnological research and development should continue to grow at fast rates. Microbiologists earn an average annual salary of $97,264; Ecologists, $84,283; Physiologists, $109,323; and Zoologists, $116,908.
9. Physical Sciences Career Path
With their skills in problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, Computer Programming, and organizing and interpreting scientific data, Physics grads are in great demand in a wide range of industries. Such industries include telecommunications, industrial physics, hospital physics, electronics, computing and quality control testing. Potential earnings are around $106,440 a year.
10. Recreation and Fitness and Wellness Studies Career Path
As increasing numbers of people spend more time and money on Leisure and Fitness Services, job opportunities in fitness, wellness and recreation are expected to grow rapidly. Recreation and fitness employees plan, organize, and direct sport activities in recreation areas, fitness centers and tourist attractions.
Reference: USA Bureau of Labor Statistics 2009
27
Sep 10
Etiquette and Good Manners – Course of The Week
Countless books have been written on the subject of etiquette. Dining etiquette, business etiquette, phone etiquette all have varying sets of rules one should follow according to etiquette specialists. In fact, “soft skills” are as important in daily life as in a workplace, and for this reason most employers consider them to be among their most important hiring criteria. If you are looking for ways to identify and avoid common etiquette pitfalls, and learn effective techniques for selling yourself with confidence, then an etiquette and good manners course might be just what you need.
The Protocol School, located in Ellicott City, USA, offers comprehensive programs where etiquette skills are presented to participants in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. From School to Careers is a three-hour etiquette program designed for young people to provide them with some valuable, easy-to-use tools that will help them to reach their professional goals.
The Etiquette Advocate based in Washington DC offers a Course in Etiquette and Dining for Young Professionals. As a participant you will learn office etiquette, business card protocol, introductions and a proper handshake among other skills.
If you are considering pursuing a certificate in etiquette to instruct others, The Protocol School of Washington will provide you with Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant training and certification. You will learn how to present dynamic seminars and briefings on business etiquette, international protocol and dining skills.
24
Sep 10
Welcome to College Cartoon
Joe Heller, Wisconsin - The Green Bay Press-Gazette - http://www.cagle.com
22
Sep 10
Women Earned Majority of U.S. Doctoral Degrees
Women for the first time in American history earned the majority of U.S. doctoral degrees (50.4%) last year, according to a report released this month by the Council of Graduate Schools. The survey examined 57,600 doctorates, 90 percent of the total in the U.S received in the 2008-2009 academic year.
Stereotypes Still Affect Women Today. But the fields in which women now make up a majority go far beyond traditional disciplines. The most woman-dominated fields include: arts and humanities (53% women), education (67% women), social and behavioral sciences (60% women ), health sciences (70%women) and biological and agricultural Sciences (51% women).
There are still doctorate fields that continue to be dominated by men. 78% of Engineering doctorates and 73% of Math and Computer Sciences doctorates were awarded to men last year.
This milestone was somewhat predictable, as women have received the majority of masters degrees since the 1980s. Women constitute the majority of new doctorate recipients and their numbers increased by 6.1 last year. During the last 10 years, annual rates of increase in doctorates awarded to women was more than double compared to the male percentage. Today 60 percent of all master graduates are women. If trends continue, the number of female doctorate recipients it is likely to continue rising.
Reference: http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/09/14/doctorates
20
Sep 10
Computer Game Art & Design – Course of The Week
Behind every PlayStation, Nintendo and PC game is a brain – the Computer Game Designer. Anyone can play a video game for hours on end, but the real challenge is to create one yourself. According to the PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the video game sector will note the fastest growth in the global entertainment industry in the coming years. A career in Game Art and Design is definitely worth considering if you have a passion for video games!
Relevant Game Art and Design coursework will generally include such key topics like 3D modeling & animation, level creation using commercial engines, digital audio and video production, and demo reel creation. There are a number of colleges where you can pursue this career:
In The Art Institute of California – USA Bachelor of Science in Game Art & Design students learn hands on, using industry-related software and technology.
Master of Arts in Computer Games Art at the University of Teesside, School of Computer Animation & Games in Middlesbrough, UK focuses on the creative design and development of content suitable for a computer gaming environment.
3D Graphics and Game Development Graduate Certificate at the Concordia University in Montreal, Canada offers the fundamental concepts and advanced design principles of 3D graphics and intelligent systems.
After you successfully complete the program you should be able to research game genres, styles and trends to aid in the design of games and business plans; create and edit storyboards, scripts, graphics, soundtracks and animation; develop game narratives, character histories and online help files; design a complete game level from storyboard through media distribution; prepare a portfolio and demo reel to assist in securing your future job.
17
Sep 10
Education Lowers Heart Attack Risk
Prevent Heart Disease
According to a recent study, in “high-income” countries such as USA, UK, Canada and Australia, risks of stroke and heart disease declines as education levels rise. A study was conducted on 61,332 people from 44 countries who had either been diagnosed with heart disease or those who showed to have risk factors, such as smoking or obesity. A link between cardiovasular disease risks and education was found to exist in “higher-income” countries, and is probably due to better knowledge about what causes heart disease and how to prevent it. Knowledge of risk factors may help to make healthier choices. Obesity (one of the main heart disease risk factors) was more prevalent among those with less education in higher-income countries. It was found that in high-income countries, the highest educated men smoked less than men with the fewest years of formal education. However, higher rates of smoking were noted among more highly-educated women in these countries. The study also found that the link between education and heart disease risks did not apply in middle and low-income countries.
These findings were published in the September 2010 issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
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Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death worldwide. Major controllable risk factors that can be lowered by modification, treatment or control include smoking, high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, lack of physical activity, obesity and stress.
Reference: Reuters Health and American Heart Association
15
Sep 10
How to Become a Successful Online Student
Distance learning has many advantages: it’s convenient, flexible and nowadays has a wide variety of available programs. Online studies are often more affordable than traditional modes of study and can work around your job or career. However, there are also several drawbacks to studying online. With online studies the student has less (if any) face-time with professor. In addition, there is limited social interactions with other students and no campus atmosphere nor collective learning. Many students get behind in the their studies because it takes a lot of discipline to keep up without the reminders from professors and students. If you are taking an online course or interested in taking an online course, have at look at these tips below for a better chance at having a sucessful experience:
Self -Motivation and Self-Discipline It is up to you to motivate yourself and stay on track at all times. Be aware of all deadlines, complete all assignments and stay up to date with all class work and news.
Time Management Consider dedicating specific days of the week, and times of the day, to complete particular tasks. Determine what time of day you think would be best to dedicate to your online class. Stick with schedules that you impose on yourself to meet the course deadlines.
Solve Potential Technical Problems Before They Pop Up The computer will become your primary learning tool. And although you don’t need to be a computer whiz, you do need to have some basic technology skills to succeed. Technical problems can be a major source of frustration so it is best to have some basic computer skills before you start. Find out which programs and software will be needed to start the class beforehand so that you don´t get behind.
Learn the e-learning System Become familiar with e-learning systems as quickly as possible so that you can more efficiently concentrate on the course content.
Reach Out to Professors and Classmates You might feel isolated without face-to-face interactions with professors and peers. Use virtual classrooms, chat rooms, Skype and interactive presentations to establish successful cooperation with other students taking the course.
Communicate in Writing You should feel comfortable in expressing yourself in writing as almost all correspondence is in written form.
Remember It’s All Up to You! Becoming a successful online student is not an impossible task. It only requires adjusting to a different style and way of learning.
Search for online courses around the world on Educaedu:
Online Courses in the USA, Online Courses in Australia, Online courses in the UK, Online Courses in Canada
13
Sep 10
Tour Guide – Course of The Week
Most of us love to travel and would gladly do it more often if given the time and resouces. After all, flights, accomodations, food and day-to-day expenses make traveling an expensive pastime. But what if we were paid to travel? Tour Guides are those geniuses who make money while traveling! Imagine if your office was a tour bus traveling through Europe, or a safari jeep crossing Africa, or a tent, camped out in the Andes. A Tour Guide is a person who guides travelers and tourists from city to city, country to country and interprets the cultural and natural heritage of that area. Tour Guides must have very strong communication and interpersonal skills. They must be able to retain historical facts, dates and anecdotes and relate that information to visitors in an interesting way. If this sounds like something you would love to do, maybe this job is for you!
In the United States Tour Guides are generally trained “on the job”, but many complete Travel and Tourism Management Programs & Degrees offered by travel schools and community colleges. The International Guide Academy in Denver, Colorado offers a Tour Guide Certification Program that covers travel industry terminology, public speaking, airline and airport procedures, motorcoach commentary, cultural practices, city tours destination itinerary planning, group psychology, passenger emergencies, among other subjects.
International Career Institute awards Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas after completing their distance Travel & Tourism Course. The ICI travel and tourism course has been designed in conjunction with industry representatives and helps you learn the skills you need to succeed within the Tourism industry.
10
Sep 10
The Pros and Cons of a Gap Year
Photo: www.ghanagapyear.com
Before starting college or university many students decide whether to take a gap year from studying to travel the world. There are a mass of choices out there: learning Spanish in Argentina, teaching English in Russia, volunteering in Peru or biking across Australia. Making a Gap year decision depends on what your aim is: learning new skills, earning money, making a difference or embarking on an adventure. Gap years offer a brilliant opportunity to experience another culture, learn a new language and new skills that will improve your employment potential. You will get a chance to broaden your horizons and see new things in new countries. New people and situations will challenge you in ways you’re unlikely to face back home and you will get a unique chance to prove yourself and show your maturity.
Recently however, in the eyes of British universities, the vast majority of gappers do not use their year-out constructively. Is the golden age of the gap year over? Twenty-five years ago, Koh Phangan was a little-known hippy hang-out Thai island, but today it’s visited by 10,000 to 30,000 European youngsters per month who do nothing but all-night partying. According to Richard Oliver, chairman at Year Out travel agency, more than 80% of gappers just travel independently without any real purpose and look to experience anything apart from tourism.
When you plan for a gap year, we recommend to avoid ending up with little valuable experience. Dedicate time to plan a rewarding year out designed to suit your individual requirements and aspirations. A gap year can be an expensive way of avoiding responsibilities at home. Keep in mind that, after you return, too much debt may spoil your plans for entering college or university.
We wish you a good time! Enjoy your gap year, have fun, use it well and learn!
Reference: The Guardian
8
Sep 10
`Back to School´ Anxiety is Understandable
For many students both in Europe and in the United States, September means the sad end to summer vacation. ‘Back to school’ anxiety sets in. Many students may feel anxious about going back to school and some feel stressed about starting school or college for the first time. Whichever the case may be; the morning rush, the homework, studying, the quicker pace of life, it´s not something to look forward to after the summer break. It does not mean that a student doesn´t like school, but realistically there are few students who are not concerned about the new changes that ‘back to school’ time brings, including new teachers, new classmates and new study material. And there is the added pressure of fitting into a new social group.
Parents and teachers can try to help ease the transition, but the question is how to cope with and relieve ‘back to school’ stress yourself? First of all, you shouldn’t panic. Nearly every student starting school with you is feeling the same. Stay in contact with your old school friends and give it time. Soon you will have a new group of friends that you hang out with. Socialize, introduce yourself to people you don’t know and get involved in school activities like music or sport to meet new people with the same interests.
Look at the positives of being at a new school –more independence, more variety in classes, some choice in what you want to study and new challenges. And keep in mind, in a few months time there’s going to be a winter break!
Reference: http://www.cyh.com
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