Career

3 Best Finance Certifications to Compliment Your Career

Accountants are the backbones of the entire economy — without the work they do, companies would come crashing down. They keep track of money flows so people know how much they have to spend, and help executives plan ahead. The best accountants also have the best finance certifications, to train them on how to handle anything.

It doesn’t matter if they’re managing wealth and helping it grow, or are tracking global expenses. There are certifications to prepare accountants for any kind of work and to help them achieve whatever they want with their finance careers. All they need to do is apply for a program that prepares them for it and then pass the test.

Testing for the best financial certifications is never easy, though. To become an accountant that works alongside some of the biggest companies, you need tenacity, fastidiousness, and focus. Otherwise, your spot may go to someone else.

Keep reading below to learn about which certifications you should pursue, and how to get them.

1. Become a Chartered Certified Accountant for Global Work

This kind of certificate is recognized by accounting organizations across the world. It proves that an account can work on topics such as financial management, reporting, taxation, auditing, leadership, and even ethics. It covers almost anything and shows that an accountant is ready for almost any kind of work.

To get one, accountants need to go through three modules and take up to 13 exams. It can cost around $2,500 to get, and many accountants said that it took around 3 years to complete the program. You can read on here to learn more about the financial risk management part of the program.

2. Certified Public Accountants Are the Cream of the Crop

A CPA certification is one of the most important certifications for any kind of accountant, no matter where they are. Being certified as a public accountant is a huge step for finance careers and employers even list it as a requirement for many positions. 

It covers topics like auditing, attestation, financial accounting, and reporting. They also usually go over-generalized topics like business environment and concepts, as well as regulation.

3. Chartered Financial Analysts Have the Best Finance Certifications

A designation as a CFA speaks volumes about the capability of an accountant and helps them secure high-ranking positions across the world. With a CFA, you will distinguish yourself as a good candidate for becoming a financial analyst, keeping an eye on the portfolios of wealthy people and companies.

It will prepare you to do more than just track transactions. With a CFA, you’ll be able to help people grow their wealth and make their money work for them in ways it wouldn’t without you. However, it can cost around $5,000 to be certified, and take around four years.

The Best Certifications Are the Ones You Want

There is one way to tell which are the best finance certifications — they’re the ones that you want. If you’re going after a certification that you want and will help you with your career, then you don’t need to worry about how it compares to the rest. All you need to do is work on getting it.

And for that, we’re here. Keep reading our website to learn more about how you can become the best possible accountant you can be!

Do you feel like you’re in a career slump? Even if you’re in a job field that you’ve always loved, it may be time for a career change. Wouldn’t it be great if you lived every day pursuing your passion rather than just punching a time clock?

Did you know that the average person will change their job five to seven times during their lifetime? If you’ve only had three jobs by the time you retire, then you are in the minority. Going to the same company day in and day out can be tiring.

You may find that you’re becoming burnt out with the monotony of it all. In many cases, a career change will do you good.

Signs It’s Time to Change

How do you know whether you should bite the bullet and make a career change or stay and reap the benefits of tenure? There is something to be said for people that hang on to a job until their retirement years, but few make it that far.

Pursuing your passion is not always financially the best decision. However, your mental and physical health can take a toll on you if you’re doing a job you don’t like. Here are some signs that it’s time for you to make a change.

1. You Dread Going to Work

The adage says that if you find a job that you like that you will never work a day in your life. So if you love your career, then you won’t dread going to work, right? Well, work is not always fun, but you should have friends and things about the position that is redeemable.

Now, keep in mind that there will be stress and some days are going to be better than others. However, if you find yourself continually dreading going to work, then it could be a sign that you need to make a change.

2. You’re Always in A Bad Mood at Work

Do you notice that your mood and behaviors are subpar when you’re at work? If every little thing irritates you and you find that the smallest thing sets you off, then it could be a sign that you need a career change.

While there may be certain situations that are irritating, you need to weigh if the circumstances warrant how you feel. In many instances, you may find that you are overreacting out of stress and ongoing angst from the situation. However, a bad situation can take a drastic toll on your overall mood.

3. You’re Apathetic to Change

Do you lack desire? When there is a special project, do you try to hide in the back of the crowd to avoid being picked? If your innovation is lacking, then it may be a sign you need to start packing.

You need to be at a job where your talents can be recognized. If you don’t even care to participate because of past failures or a lack of motivation, then it might be time to move on.

4. Your Focus is Poor

Unless you have a medical condition like ADHD, you shouldn’t have a hard time focusing. However, your focus can be directly linked to your interest. Have you ever tried to get your child to do homework when all they wanted to do was play?

Some parents have described getting their kids to work on an assignment is like nailing Jello to a tree. Can you relate? If you try but cannot seem to focus on the tasks at hand, then it’s time to reevaluate your job.

5. You’re Unproductive

Were you a star player, but you’ve fallen in the ranks? Do you no longer care if you get recognition or make the top seller list anymore? You may find that you are just totally unproductive.

When your focus is off, and you don’t want to be there, then you will find that doing your job is impossible. Are you missing deadlines, or have you had reprimands because you’re not meeting quotas?

Sometimes people become burned out. No matter how hard you try to push yourself, you may not be able to give the company the productivity you once did. It’s just another indication that a change would do you good.

6. Your Self-Esteem is Suffering

Does your job make you feel lackluster and subpar? A career that once made you feel fulfilled is now making you miserable. Your self-esteem can suffer when you’re not hitting your goals, and your performance much less than that of your colleagues.

If a position doesn’t make you feel better about yourself, but it makes you doubt your abilities, then it can cause damage to your psyche. A person who thinks they can’t do something will not perform near as well as someone who believes they can do anything.

7. Your Heart is Not in It

Many people find that their heart is not in their job anymore, but how can you tell? Well, do you not return calls to customers that you would have answered right away before?

Do you let customer service issues slide or handle a situation in ways that you would have never dreamed of when you first started? Do you drag into work late, take more extended lunches, and are the first one out the door? When you can’t wait to get out of the workplace, you’re just there to collect a paycheck.

When your heart is not in your job, your performance and everything else will suffer. If it pains you to drag yourself out of bed to go to a job that makes you feel miserable, then you might want to change careers.

8. You’re Eternally Bored

Are you twiddling your thumbs rather than doing any real work? The only thing worse than being overworked is having little to do. Maybe your company doesn’t need you or business is slow.

Work shouldn’t be entertaining, but you don’t need to be bored out of your mind either. If the days drag on and there are spaces of time when you feel like climbing the walls, then you need to reevaluate your situation. The day can seem like years when you have nothing to do.

9. You Daydream of Another Job

Do you sit at your desk and daydream? Are you jealous of a friend that is traveling the world and seeing exciting places while you’re stuck in the same old job? A career change is inevitable if you’re daydreaming about a way out.

It’s common to think the grass is greener on the other side. However, if you find yourself dreaming about a new job and doing something else, then it may be a sign, it’s time to start the job hunt.

10. You’re Looking for Ways Out

Have you already begun sending your resume out to potential companies looking to hire? Are you networking with other businesses about the possibility of a career change? Some people start searching even though they may not be serious about the job hunt.

However, if you are miserable enough to scroll the help wanted section or join a job search engine, then it’s a sign that you need to pick up the pace and find something.

11. You Don’t Get Along with Management

Are you having problems getting along with people on the job? Do you have an issue with management and their leadership styles? Do you have write-ups and marks against you for insubordination or other offenses because you just can’t get along?

Management issues can be troublesome to anyone who is trying to make a living. While you can expect a certain degree of employee/management disagreements, you should look up to and respect your leaders. If the powers that be at your company don’t support their employees or seem to have a problem with you, then it’s time for a career change.

12. You’re Disconnected from Your Passions

Sometimes the need for a career change has nothing to do with the job and more about you as a person. Do you feel like the passion and drive has been sucked out of you at the end of the day?

If you would rather be feeding the hungry and building houses for the homeless, yet you’re stuck behind a machine in a warehouse, you could say that you are disconnected from your passions.

Final Thoughts on Deciding It’s Time for a Career Change

A job can make you so miserable that you will become unnoticeable to those around you. It can make you anxious, depressed, and put a damper on your life. Rather than living under the dark cloud, why not make a change?

If you’re only there for the money, you don’t have any connections with employees or management; then you need to go. If you’ve started dreaming up sicknesses to avoid going into work, then it’s time for a career change.

When you’re unhappy, your entire body can feel the stress from a life out of balance. What is your passion? Where do you see yourself? Many people have found that they wanted to work for themselves and never punch a time clock again. Maybe you’re done with the career stress and have an entrepreneurial side that is trying to burst out.

How to Make a Career Change When You’re Feeling Lost and Unfulfilled

In 2017, Gallup Poll executed a survey, which confirmed that only 15% of people found meaning in their work. 

Unlike the baby boomers who valued job security, the younger workforce has concerns about work-life balance. 

Unfortunately, work hours have become longer, and the retirement age seems incredibly far away.  

If you’ve been feeling unsatisfied in your career, you’re not alone. A significant number of Americans seek to change their jobs at some point in their lives. 

Do you feel unsatisfied with your current job? It’s probably time to make a career change. 

Keep reading to learn more about how to make a career change — the right way.

1. Have a Reality Check

The grass always seems greener on the other side, but this isn’t always the case. 

Before you put down your tools at your present workplace, you need to be sure you’re making the right move. The last thing you want is for your dream career to turn into a nightmare.

Once you’re certain you want to change your career path, compare your current career to the ideal one. You need to make a comprehensive list of the reasons why you feel you need a new job. 

Will the new career solve these problems? Unfortunately, some millennials tend to leave their jobs for flimsy reasons. 

When writing down your list, you’ll want to be honest with yourself. Remember that a career change can have significant impacts on your social, emotional, and economic life.

While at it, you need adequate information about the career you want to pursue. Check out the possible job descriptions. Visualize how your day would look like in the industry. 

2. Assess Your Skills

One of the main worries for people seeking to make a career change is whether they possess the necessary skills. 

Arguably, you might need to master several new skills. If the career change is drastic, the learning curve will be undeniably steep. 

With the notable interconnection of careers, it wouldn’t be surprising to realize that you already possess some of the valuable skills required in the new job. 

In this case, the transition might be fairly smooth. However, you’ll have to consider filling some of the gaps if you find areas that require improvement. 

In some cases, you might need to go back to school. Consider whether you’re ready for this commitment. For example, taking a HESI practice test as an aspiring nurse will help you know if your performance will be exemplary in a nursing school. 

3. List the Occupations You Desire to Explore 

The list of occupations in a career is inexhaustible. If, for example, you want to move from accounting to the healthcare sector, you should start examining your options. Self-assessment tools can help you list at least five possible occupations to explore.  

Look at each occupation and assess the educational requirements, job description, possible opportunities for advancements, and the compensation packages. 

Sites such as Glassdoor and Indeed.com are a great place to start. 

Your research will help you to narrow down the list further. Some occupations might require a degree that you don’t possess. Alternatively, the salary in some of the jobs might be less than you are comfortable with. 

Now that you are confident of the career path you want to pursue, your moves have to be specific. 

Note that landing your dream job rarely happens overnight. 

4. Consider Informational Interviews

Informational interviews allow you to connect with professionals in your prospective career. 

With the right networks, you will get insider knowledge on the job you’ve been admiring. This information can further guide you when making this significant change.

However, it’s important to note that people have different perspectives based on their own experiences. 

For all you know, they might be equally unsatisfied with their jobs, which affects their perception of the career. So, consider asking general questions that might not have a personalized view. 

Your questions should focus more on seeking to understand the work environment, personality traits that prompt success, and any surprises that you need to know about. 

Interviewing more than one professional will help you make a concrete comparison. 

5. Set Realistic Goals and Make a Career Plan

At this point, you’re sure about your career change and the occupation you desire is precise. 

Setting goals will guide your moves. 

It will help to categorize your goals as short-term or long-term based on the time it will take you to complete them. 

If you’re getting into a completely different field, undertaking an associate’s degree might be one of your short-term goals. Getting certified in many fields takes more than two years, which makes it a long-term goal. 

The goals you set will allow you to evaluate your career progress. 

You are 42% more likely to reach your dream and goals if you write them regularly. Indicate the steps you will take to achieve each of the goals and possible barriers that might hinder your progress.  

6. Make the Career Change 

When you decide to actualize a career change, you need to start by getting the relevant training. 

Some of the ways that you can get new skills include applying for an internship, taking an online course, or pursuing a certification or degree.

Once you have everything in check, it’s time to move. It is essential to resign as per the company’s policy. 

The feeling of guilt and anxiety is normal as you prepare to put in your notice. The journey you’re about to undertake is not easy, but it’s worth it.

A Career Change Is Necessary When Your Job Feels Unfulfilling

Sticking with a career that makes you sick every morning can be devastating. If you’re in such a place, changing jobs is probably the best option. 

A career change is not a destination per se — it is more of a process. 

You might face discouragements along the way, especially if you’re starting from scratch. So, celebrate all the milestones so you can remain motivated. 

With time, your passion and hard work will make you excel in your new career.  

Explore our site further for more empowering content. 

Making It in Marketing: How to Get into Marketing as a Career

In 2018, there were over 1.5 billion customers worldwide who bought products and services online. With so much commerce at stake, companies need world-class marketers to attract this potential customer base.

If you’re ready to join this crowd of world-class professionals then you can begin to build your marketing career today. Check out this helpful guide to learn more on how to get into marketing. Your next best career could be waiting for you.

Careers in the Marketing Field: A Snapshot

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that marketing professionals earn a median salary of over $129,000. Marketing careers are predicted to grow ten percent by the year 2026.

Marketers create and implement promotions for products, services or brands. They know how to grow sales by targeting areas of need. Once they know these areas, they recommend services or goods that have the best impact on their customers.

There are plenty of different careers in marketing you can choose from. Some of the career tracks include the following:

• Advertising;
• Brand Management;
• Market Research;
• Promotions; and
• Public Relations.

How to Get into Marketing

The following is a step by step process to jump-start your marketing career. You’ll see what training and networking you’ll need to help you excel in this field.

Get Your Marketing Bachelors Degree

In today’s academic industry, there are plenty of marketing bachelors degree programs offered by top name universities. The good news is that many of these degree programs are now offered online, too.

Oregon State University, Purdue University, Walden University, and Regents University offer online bachelor’s degree programs. 

Once you enroll in one of these programs, you’ll soon be studying the following courses:

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a method where a company sells its own products by signing up other companies (“affiliates”) who market those products for a commission fee. Students learn how to be an affiliate marketer and use performance-based marketing techniques to generate sales.

Automation

Automation helps marketers collect data and spot frequent patterns in customer behavior. Students learn how to use this data to anticipate the customer’s thought patterns and actions. This data helps marketers predict consumer buying habits.

Coding

Marketing students learn coding basics that web designers use to create websites. Two of the most common languages are Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) and Hypertext Markup Language (HTML.)

Marketers learn these languages to help them work better with web designers. That way they can ensure that their client’s web properties rank high in search engine results.

Copywriting

Marketing students also learn skills and strategies for copywriting. Copywriting involves creating advertising text to increase brand awareness or persuade a customer to take a specific action. Copywriting can be found in ads as well as brochures or newsletters.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing covers advertising products and services on the internet. Some of the most effective digital marketing platforms include search engines, social media, and email. Digital marketing courses show students how to reach buyers through either mobile phones or computers.

E-mail Marketing

E-mail marketing uses automated communications to advertise products. It’s also an effective way to build relationships with current or potential buyers. Students learn how to use automated e-mail messaging through blogs, websites or social media.

Inbound Marketing

Inbound marketing is a different marketing tool besides e-mail. With inbound marketing, students learn how to create high-quality content on websites to attract potential customers, while e-mail marketing is a more direct outreach to deliver sales messaging to potential customers.

SEO Optimization

Marketing students must learn Search Engine Optimization (SEO) skills to increase the number of online visitors to a client’s website. These skills help design content that’s more attractive than what their competitors create. When more visitors come to the site, the site will rank higher on search engine results.

Website Analytics

A website analytics class teaches students how to collect a site’s performance metrics. Students also learn how to evaluate performance reports and follow marketing campaigns. With this data, they can recommend areas for improvement.

Video Marketing

Video marketing entails moving images on display advertisements rather than still photos. Students earn how to use video marketing to create live video streams of events over the internet. Students also learn how to incorporate these rolling advertising units onto websites instead of spot advertising.

Professional Networking

If you’re just starting a career in marketing, consider joining a professional organization. These groups can help you build your skills. They can also help you cultivate valuable connections in the field.

Here are some of the top professional marketing networks you should consider joining:

American Marketing Association (AMA)

AMA includes professionals who teach or work in the marketing industry. They also offer their members networking and training opportunities to advance their skills. Members can also access templates to help create project budgets or marketing proposals.

Public Relations Society of America

The Public Relations Society of America currently has a membership of has over 20,000 members. They support public relations’ promising practices and develop standards for ethical advertising. Members can also leverage continuing education on corporate communications and social media techniques.

American Advertising Federation

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) was first created in 1905. AAF includes college chapters, marketers and media companies in its membership. Members can also take part in continuing education events to follow the latest trends in marketing and technology.

Next Steps

If you want to learn more about how to get started in marketing, do some research on the web. Review what other projects marketing agencies are already working on and subscribe to their blogs. It’s a great way to find out what the latest trends are in the field today.

Research some of the colleges listed above. Exam their course descriptions to be sure they have the right classes to prepare you for a career in the marketing field.

Don’t forget to check our website for more helpful tips on how to get into marketing. We’re here to help you take charge of your life and make that marketing career dream come true for you!

How to Pursue a Career as an Aquarist

Did you know that over 17,000 species live in the sea? If you’re fascinated by marine life, then working as an aquarist might be the perfect career for you.

If you’re wondering how to become an aquarist, we’ve put together a complete guide on starting and completing your career. Read on to learn about what it takes to become a successful aquarist. 

What Does an Aquarist Do?

If you have a passion for animals and enjoy the water, a career as an aquarist might be the perfect role to explore your skills and interests. Aquarists spend their hours interacting with the animals and making sure that their home is safe and comfortable. 

This is a unique career that’s highly enjoyed by those who pursue it. Wondering what your day-to-day life might look like as an aquarist? Read on to learn about the many essential tasks of the job.  

Caring for Marine Life

As an aquarist, one of your top priorities would be taking care of the health and wellness of the marine animals. This might involve feeding them every day or planning out a special diet for certain creatures. 

Your knowledge of marine life will come in handy because you’ll need to know what each fish and animal needs to help them be happy. If a fish is sick, it could become your job to monitor and treat its illness.

Like other animals in a zoo, the aquatic animals need love and attention to live happy lives. Sometimes this requires mental stimulation with toys or challenges.

As an aquarist, it’s your job to care for, feed, and monitor all aspects of marine life. You’ll spend time both inside and outside the water. This is why aquarists need to enjoy being in the water to interact with the creatures directly.  

Maintaining the Environment 

An essential part of caring for aquatic animals is maintaining a clean and safe environment. This includes not only the tank but all of the natural elements inside it. 

Animals living in a shared body of water need extra attention to survive. Because they may all eat, drink, and eliminate waste in the same water, aquarists must be careful in monitoring the water levels. 

Water quality testing is essential for fish, coral, and any animal that makes its home in an aquarium. As an aquarist, you would have to check the water for things like pH levels, temperature, ammonia, and nitrates. 

Part of this process would be checking to make sure that all pumps and filters are working properly. A reef tank clean up crew will spend time cleaning the aquarium tank and removing any algae. 

When you work as an aquarist, you’ll be a part of a team that works together to ensure all aspects of the aquatics area are in good working order. You’ll be sharing your passion for sea life and have fun doing something different every day. 

How to Become an Aquarist in the US

Think this career sounds like something you’d enjoy? Becoming an aquarist means you’ll get the chance to nurture sea life and learn about the science behind aquariums. 

If you’re wondering how to become an aquarist, here are some steps you’ll need to take. This career requires essential knowledge and experience related to sea life. 

1. Earn a Bachelor of Science Degree

To understand the needs of aquatic animals, you’ll need to study marine biology, zoology, or aquaculture. Some aquarists also earn degrees in other related fields like environmental engineering or veterinary science. 

In school, you’ll learn how to monitor water quality and provide medical care to animals. You’ll also learn about which species thrive together and which don’t.

This knowledge will help you understand how best to interact with the creatures in a tank. If you end up working for an expanding zoo, an aquarist degree will also give you the knowledge you need to design a healthy aquarium.

2. Get Scuba-Certified and CPR Certified

The next step to becoming an aquarist is getting scuba-certified and CPR certified. This is also a step that you can do while you’re working towards your BAS. 

Many people who aren’t aquarists choose to get scuba-certified for vacations and fun outings. Because of this, it will be easy to find a place near you that offers courses for scuba certification. 

The process of scuba certification involves three steps. First, you’ll learn the basic principles of scuba diving. Second, you’ll learn how to do confined water drives. Third, your scuba instructor will teach you how to do open water dives. 

Earning your CPR certification is an important step to ensure your own safety and the safety of others in your field. Because you’ll be in and around water often, having this safety skill will be essential. 

3. Gain Experience Through an Aquatics Internship

An essential part of studying to become an aquarist is gaining hands-on experience with sea life. To do this, you can sign up for an aquatics internship with a local zoo or aquarium. 

Your school will likely have connections with local places that offer aquarist internships. Working at an aquarium will help get you on your way to becoming a professional aquarist. 

4. Apply for Jobs in the Field

After graduation, you can search for aquarist jobs in many different places. This includes local zoos, aquariums, and even wildlife museums. 

There are over 200 zoos and aquariums in the US. This means you’ll have many options to choose from while searching for an aquarist position. 

Perhaps the most important part of gaining an aquarist job is to never stop learning. An aquarist salary will vary depending on your level of education and certification, so once you’re hired, continue to gain certifications that will expand your knowledge. You can even join aquarist societies and organizations that will help you further your career.

A Career You’ll Love

You can put your passion for marine wildlife to good use by working as a professional aquarist. This fun and challenging career will help you grow your expertise while caring for the natural world. 

Need help growing your career? Check out our guide on advancing your career through continued education. 

School’s Not Out: How to Advance Your Career Through Continuing Education

You’ve hit a wall.

Your boss has asked you to complete a task but you have no idea how to do it because the technology has changed so much in your job field. So, you end up spending hours with your head in a manual and turn in your assignment late.

It sounds like it’s time to teach this old dog a few new tricks by looking into continuing education programs. These programs can walk you through all the changes that have happened in your career field and give you the skills you need to advance forward.

Does all of this sound great to you? If so, check out these tips on how to advance your career with continuing education.

1. How You’ll Benefit in the Long Run 

Before we get into how to choose a school and how to succeed in their programs, let’s give you a little bit of motivation to get started with the process. Here are a few benefits that will come your way when you choose to continue your education. 

It Looks Great in the Eyes of Your Employer 

Employers love employees that show a strong effort in the workplace.

When you inform your boss that you’re planning on taking classes, it will show them that you’re willing to keep up with advances in the company so you can keep producing quality work. It will also tell them that you’re a trustworthy worker because you’re committed. 

You’ll Learn New Skills

Technology is constantly evolving which means the required skill set for jobs is always changing.

By taking classes you’ll be able to keep up with the newest skill requirements for your job field. It’s also nice to have these skills on your resume in case you decide to get back into the job search game at some point. 

Gain More Motivation 

When you get behind in the technology in your workplace, you’ll lose your confidence and your self-esteem will drop.

This will have a huge negative impact on your productivity. Continuing your education will help you gain a new appreciation for your job and give you the confidence boost you need to advance. 

2. Types of Continuing Education 

Do these benefits have you interested into looking into programs?

If so, then it’s time to weigh your educational choices. The main two are going to be heading to a university or doing courses online. 

Going to a University 

While online learning and going to a university are both valid choices, you’ll develop personally a little more when you take physical classes. You’ll also have a lot more networking opportunities through your university staff and it makes for more hands-on learning. 

The negatives with going to a university are that it’s hard to juggle with a full-time job and it’s expensive. If your work schedule is a little hectic or you’re not in a good place financially, it may be best to go with online learning.  

Online Learning 

If you want to improve on the new advances in your workplace then online learning is a great choice. You can pick and choose courses based on what you want to learn. The only real requirement for online classes is that you turn your assignments in on time. 

You’ll never have to physically be in a classroom so it gives you a little more flexibility to work and go to school at the same time. You’re also only paying for the classes that you take and maybe textbooks so it’s a lot cheaper than attending a university. 

4. How to Succeed in Your Chosen Program 

Choosing a university or online program is the easy part of continuing your education. You have to go through certain lengths to make sure you succeed with it. Here are a few tips. 

Decide On Your Goals

You have to identify why you are going back to school and this answer can’t be because you can. If you don’t come up with a valid reason it’s very likely that you’ll lose motivation halfway through. Sit back with a pen and a piece of paper and really write out your goals. 

Do you want to impress your boss by strengthening your skills so you can get a promotion on down the line? Do you want to leave your current career field altogether and try something new? Both of these are great reasons. 

Allow Feedback

After you write down your goals, you should get feedback from a professional in your field.

If your goal is to advance in your current company then you can take your questions to HR or even your boss. If your goal is to go into a new career then you can research big influencers in that field and reach out to them.

These people will be able to talk to you about your goals and suggest programs and schools that would be a good match for you. This will ensure that you don’t waste your time with a program that won’t actually help you, won’t be so hard that you quit, or be so easy that you don’t benefit from it. 

Consider Your Schedule

Going back to school calls for quite a bit of schedule juggling and if you can’t handle that or don’t have the time then you may be setting yourself up for failure. 

Take a look at your current work schedule and see if you have time gaps during the day where you can fit in classes or course work. The biggest part of succeeding in school is time management so you have to be able to commit to that. If that means doing your homework during your lunch at work then so be it.  

Choosing the Right School and Program 

Going to an accredited university is great and all but if the program you go into doesn’t actually help you then all you come out with is a piece of paper. To make sure you’re picking the best program for you, take the time to do a little research. 

Compare the new advancements in your career field to the school’s course list, check out reviews online, and look at what kind of experience the professors have (most school websites have a list of staff so you can get names and do research).

In short, do all you can to learn more about any program before you commit. 

5. Funding

Going back to school is all well and good but if you can’t fund it then that will be a bit of a problem. The good news is that you have plenty of options in this regard.  

Will Your Boss Fund it?

The last thing that you probably want is to get involved with loans to fund your education. That’s why you should ask your boss about helping you out first. If you’re a truly valuable employee many companies will actually pay you to go back to school. 

Sit down with your HR department to see what they can do for you in this regard. The worse that they can do is tell you to go take a hike. Keep in mind that if your motivation for going back to school is to go into a new company you may want to try and go a different route in regards to funding.  

Nine times out of ten companies will fund your education because it’s an investment in their business. The truth is, they will usually make you sign a contract before they do though.

This contract will bind you to the company for a few years when you get done with school to ensure you don’t use them to further yourself and then leave. It’s simply their way of protecting themselves and their money. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships

If your HR department or boss won’t fund your education, you do have other options. There is always the tried and true FASFA and scholarships. Most students reach out to both.

There are many organizations that offer scholarships. Most of the time you just need to apply by writing a short essay. 

How to Advance Your Career with Continuing Education 

If the developing technology in your workplace is going a bit over your head, you may benefit from taking a few classes to catch yourself up. Use these tips on how to advance your career with continuing education courses to get in the know and head down the path to greatness. 

Some classes are going to be harder than others when you go back to school. One subject that a lot of people struggle with is writing.

If this is your problem area then it may be time for you to hire a tutor. Keep reading to find out all the benefits of hiring an online writing tutor. 

Lifestyle of the Rich and the Instafamous: How to Launch the Blogger Career of Your Dreams

As recently as just 15 or 20 years ago, the idea of launching a successful blogging career would have sounded laughable. People didn’t think there was any way to make serious money sitting at a computer and blogging all day long.

But by now, you’ve probably heard plenty of stories about people who have launched a blogger career and managed to rake in hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars every year by running a blog.

You’re not going to get rich right away when you start a blog. But if you play your cards right and build up your blog over time, you could turn it into a lucrative operation before long.

Here is how to launch the blogger career of your dreams in seven simple steps.

1. Pick the Right Blog Topic

First things first: before you can launch a blog, you need to sit down and think long and hard about what the topic of your blog is going to be.

Are you going to use your blog to talk about:

• Saving money?
• Finding love?
• Working your way through school?
• Buying cars?
• Playing sports?
• Something else entirely?

If you want your blog to blow up in a big way, it’s usually best to pick a topic that will appeal to a large number of people. If you choose to write exclusively about, say, exotic animals found off the coast of Northern Africa, you’re going to attract a lot less attention than you would if you started a blog called “Cats Are the Coolest!”

You should, of course, be passionate about whatever your blog is going to cover. But try not to have it be too niche if you can help it.

2. Set up Your Blog

Once you know what your blog is going to be about, set it up through one of the many blog publishing platforms that are available out there.

This part of the process is intimidating for some people, especially those who aren’t great with technology. But setting up a blog is a lot simpler than you might think. You can get your blog up and running within a matter of just minutes in most cases.

3. Start Filling Your Blog with Content

After you set up your blog, it’s going to be time for you to get to work. And there is going to be a lot of work that will need to be done within the first few weeks.

You’re going to need to fill your blog with content that people will want to read. That means you’ll need to brainstorm and develop some great blog ideas.

If you’re having a hard time coming up with ideas for blogs, view more lifestyle blogs like yours to see what they’re covering. You should not steal their ideas and try to pass them off as your own. But you can usually drum up some good ideas based on blog topics other blogs have done in the past.

4. Use the Right Headlines for Blogs

You can come up with the most amazing ideas in the world for your blog. But if you don’t start them off with the best possible headlines, you’re going to be in a world of trouble. You’ll find people won’t take the time to read your blogs when that’s the case.

There are a few things you should try to accomplish with your blog headlines. First and foremost, they should be as “clickable” as they can be. You want your headlines to entice people to click on your blog headlines to visit your blog.

You should also consider keeping SEO in mind when creating blog headlines. You want your headlines to include certain keywords and phrases that people might be searching for on Google.

Additionally, your headlines should help set the tone for your blog as a whole. Whether you’re going to be running a super serious blog about science or a snarky blog about socialites, your headlines should reflect the feel of your blog.

5. Post Links to Blogs on Social Media

Bloggers used to struggle to promote the posts they put together once they went live. In many instances, they had to put together email newsletters to blast them out to those who were interested in their work.

Today, social media has made it a cinch to promote blogs and get people interested in reading them. By posting a link to your blogs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites, you can increase the traffic to your blog dramatically.

You do want to be careful about going too crazy with posting links to blogs on social media. You don’t want to run the risk of annoying your social media followers. But one or two links per day should do the trick.

6. Build Your Brand

Your goal throughout this entire process shouldn’t be just to establish a blog and get a few people interested in reading it. It should be to build up your personal brand and convince people to buy into you.

You want people to feel like they’re missing out on something special if they don’t read your blog. Building up your brand is easier said than done, but by blogging consistently and creating your own voice on social media, you can get the job done.

7. Find Ways to Monetize Your Blog

Bringing lots of readers to your blog is only half the battle. Once you’ve done it, you need to move on to figuring out good ways to monetize your blog so you can officially launch your blogger career.

Some bloggers choose to do this by selling ads on their blogs. Others do it by using affiliate marketing. There are even some who put together special promotional blog posts for companies willing to pay them to do it.

It’s up to you to decide the best way to go about monetizing your blog. Try to pick the one that’ll bring in money without compromising the integrity of your blog.

Get Your Blogger Career Going Now

Launching a blogger career is far from easy at the beginning. You’ll need to work your butt off to get your blog off the ground.

But once you get things going and build up some momentum, you’ll start to see results in the form of traffic and loyal readers. It’ll be a great feeling and will show you there is a strong market for your blog.

Check out our blog for tips on becoming a better writer so that your blogs stand out.

I Need a Career, Stat! The Best Medical Careers That Don’t Require Medical School

Do you need a career change? Or, are you part of the 20-50 percent of college students who are having a hard time choosing a career path?

A career in the medical field is a great option if you’re looking for job stability and a great paycheck. But, what if you’re not interested in going to medical school? 

The good news is that you don’t have to be a doctor to work in the medical field. There are lots of medical careers that don’t require eight-plus years of schooling.

Read on to learn more about some of the best medical careers out there.

Benefits of Choosing a Career in the Medical Field

Why should you pursue a career in the medical field? There are lots of benefits that come with a medical career, and they go way beyond getting to wear cool scrubs like the ones in this collection.

Some other reasons to pursue a medical career include:

• Massive industry growth
• Job security
• Great pay and competitive benefits
• A challenging and stimulating work environment
• Lots of opportunities for promotions and cross-training
• Travel opportunities
• Flexible hours

Of course, it’s also important to note that a job in the medical field can be incredibly rewarding. You’re always provided with opportunities to help others and make a difference in their lives. What could be better than that?

The Best Medical Careers

Okay, you’re convinced that a career in the medical field might be the right option for you. But, which career should you choose?

There are tons of different medical careers out there that don’t involve going to medical school. The following are some of the best ones you might want to consider:

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists help those who have difficulty breathing.

They care for patients who suffer from a wide range of respiratory conditions, including asthma and emphysema. They work with doctors to develop patient treatment plans, perform diagnostic tests, and teach patients how to properly use at-home treatments.

Respiratory therapists may also provide emergency care to patients who are suffering from heart attacks or other cardiac events. 

This career also requires a minimum of an associate’s degree.

Cardiovascular Technologist

As a cardiovascular technologist, you will work with physicians, nurses, and patients to take images and conduct a variety of tests. There are a number of specializations available within this field.

For example, you can work as an invasive specialist to perform cardiac catheterization. Or, you can work as a cardiopulmonary technologist and test and monitor patients’ breathing and lungs.

Cardiovascular technologists require a minimum of an associate’s degree in order to practice.

Registered Nurse

There are tons of nursing jobs available for registered nurses. If you want to care for others while earning a competitive salary, this is the career for you. 

As a registered nurse, you will be required to provide and coordinate patient care. You’ll also be in charge of educating patients and their families about a variety of health conditions while also providing advice and emotional support.

This career requires a minimum of an associate’s degree.

Registered Dietician

Are you interested in helping people eat healthfully and maintain a healthy lifestyle? If so, a career as a registered dietician might be for you.

As a registered dietician, your job will be to consult with patients and create meal plans to help them improve their health.

You can also work with health care institutions like hospitals and nursing homes to help them put together healthy menus.

Registered dieticians require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

Diagnostic Sonographer

Diagnostic sonography involves using ultrasound machines to detect a variety of conditions, including blood clots and heart conditions.

As a diagnostic sonographer, you can specialize in a variety of areas, such as cardiovascular health, abdominal health, or pediatric care.

In order to work in this field, you’ll need at least an associate’s degree.

Radiation Therapist

A radiation therapist treats patients who are suffering from cancer by administering various radiation treatments. These treatments include X-rays, CT scans, and Cone beam computed tomography scans.

You need a minimum of an associate’s degree to work as a radiation therapist. This career field is growing rapidly, and job availability is supposed to increase by 12 percent by the year 2026.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists to help clients improve their quality of life and maintain or regain their independence.

Occupational therapy assistants teach patients how to perform everyday tasks like tying their shoes, getting dressed, or carrying out household chores.

In order to work as an occupational therapy assistant, you need a minimum of an associate’s degree.

Physical Therapy Assistant

A career as a physical therapy assistant is similar to a career as an occupational therapy assistant. Except, of course, you’ll be assisting a physical therapist instead of an occupational therapist.

This career involves helping patients perform stretches and exercises in order to regain strength and range of motion, often after an injury or illness. Physical therapy assistants also perform treatments like ultrasound therapy and soft-tissue massage. 

You need a minimum of an associate’s degree to work as a physical therapy assistant.

Medical and Health Services Manager

There are also opportunities to work a more traditional office job while still working in the medical field.

As a medical and health services manager, you will plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health care services for specific departments or entire facilities. This career is also sometimes referred to as a healthcare executive.

In order to work in this field, you will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

Looking for More Career Advice?

As you can see, a career in the medical field is a great option for folks who want to earn a steady income while helping others feel their best.

Do any of these medical careers appeal to you? Or, are you interested in learning about other career options?

If you want to pursue other careers, be sure to check out the careers and jobs section of our site today. There are tons of helpful articles here today that will help you make the right choice for yourself.

Truck Driving Career: How to Become a Truck Driver in 7 Easy Steps

49.3 million tons – that’s how much freight the U.S. transportation system moved every day in 2015. These shipments, packages, and parcels were worth around $52.5 billion.

Of all methods of transportation used, trucks come out on top. The trucking industry takes care of about 70% of all freight in the U.S. every year.

No wonder then, that the country is seeing a shortage on truck drivers. Experts estimate that within the next 10 years, the U.S. would need at least 890,000 truckers. Especially with the continuous rise in e-commerce and online shoppers.

All this has opened many truck driving career options to interested truckers.

So… Are you one of those who’ve always wanted to know what it feels to be behind the wheels of these massive machines? If so, then check out this guide we’ve made that’ll help you do exactly that!

1. Figure Out if a Truck Driving Career Is Really for You

As with any other career, you first want to answer the question, “Is truck driving a good career?” You want to make sure it fits you and your income goals.

Speaking of income, truck driver salary in 2017 averaged $44,500 across all states. Keep in mind that’s only the average, as salaries vary based on many factors, such as experience. There’s also the specific type of trucking and of course, the employer.

Experience is a huge determiner in the trucking industry. Those with about five years of trucking experience under their belt can earn around $55,000 a year. Working for the same company also increases the chance of seeing a salary increase.

Some trucking jobs, like those who drive for performers and artists, also earn more. The same is true for truckers who transport hazardous chemicals or fuels.

That said, once you’re sure you want truck driving as a career, choose which industry you want to work in. Especially since some sectors, like hazardous chemical transport, require a specific license.

2. Determine if You Have the Personal Qualifications

Next up, be sure you have what it takes to be a trucker. One of the most important is the ability to work independently, most of the time even alone. Also, keep in mind that many jobs may involve up to 11 hours of “daily driving”.

Since you can expect long hours of daily driving, you should have the physical stamina for it. You also need power and energy for loading and unloading the freight you move.

You should also have a sense of responsibility and a squeaky-clean driving record. Timeliness and stress management skills are also important to become a good trucker.

Plus, it’s important to have in-depth know-how of truck mechanics. You need to know when to change tires and have at least a basic understanding of truck maintenance.

3. Meet the Minimum Requirements

You should be at least 21 years old before you can drive a commercial truck. Also, most employers need their applicants to have finished high school. Some accept a GED equivalent though, so be sure to check with your potential employers.

A commercial’s driver license (CDL) is also mandatory. But before you can get a CDL, you first need to pass your state’s regular driver’s license examination.

4. Decide on the Type of CDL to Get

CDL drivers can only drive what their license allows them to. That’s because there are several CDL classifications, from A to C.

The type of license dictates the maximum size vehicle you can operate. It also dictates the specific type of vehicles you can drive. It even specifies what kind of freight and load you can legally move and transport.

The license with the least restrictions is the Class A CDL. With this license, you can drive any size vehicle, including tractor-trailer combinations. It also lets you move loads weighing more than 26,001 pounds.

Having a Class B license lets you drive single vehicles with a total weight of more than 26,001 pounds.

A Class C license gives you the authority to drive any vehicle outside of the A and B Classes. But it’s reserved for carrying and moving hazardous materials. Class C CDL drivers may also carry and move sixteen or more occupants (including the driver).

5. Get Your CDL Training

Once you’ve decided which type of CDL you want, next is to get the training for it! There are institutions that provide exactly that, such as the Truck Driver Institute.

Depending on the CDL classification you want, program lengths vary. If you’re interested in becoming a HAZMAT driver, then expect more training.

Consider getting the highest level of CDL qualification. This way, you’ll have more job opportunities even if your first job only needs a Class B or C license.

6. Pass the CDL Exam

CDL exam procedures vary from state to state, although most consist of both a written and a road skills exam. You need to pass both so you can get your license.

In general, the written test analyzes your knowledge of truck driving and road laws. It’ll also test you about other essential trucking safety regulations.

As for the road skills test, a state-licensed examiner will ask you to drive a commercial vehicle. You need to show them your actual driving skills in this test.

7. Seek Help from a Job Placement Service

Most reputable CDL training schools offer their students job placement services. That’s why you’d want to choose an institution that also provides this kind of assistance.

Aside from your school, truck driving associations can also help you find your first job. Make sure you also check reputable websites for job openings, such as Indeed or Monster.

Get Started with Your Career as a Pro Trucker

You can get started on your commercial truck driving career as soon as you hold a license! But since the entire process takes quite some time, it’s best you start Step 1 as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get behind the wheel.

As soon as you’re ready for your first truck driving job, accessorize! Check out this list of best truck accessories every trucker should have.

How to Get Started in a Caregiver Career

Finding a career that’s fulfilling and well-paid can be nearly impossible for many. Only a few souls get the opportunity to work in the field that stimulates them on multiple levels (including their wallets).

If you’re on the search for a career path that will do the same for you, then why not consider healthcare? You may find that a caregiver career is an ideal industry for you.

However, if you’re not sure what being a caregiver involves, don’t worry. We’ll cover what the job duties are and what it’s all about so you can make a more informed decision.

Let’s get into it!

What to Expect in a Caregiver Career

Now, what does it mean to be a caregiver? Just as it sounds, you’re giving care to an individual or individuals. Other names for a caregiver include personal care aide and home health aide.

Your primary duty in this role is to help people who are sick, elderly, injured, fragile or disabled mentally/physically. The work environment is the patient’s home or a health center, such as an assisted living community.

The range of duties and tasks range from setting doctor appointments, driving to get groceries, driving to doctor appointments, bathing, grooming, feeding, cooking and light cleaning. You also have to ensure the patient takes their meds on time.

What’s great about the caregiver career field is that the wages are decent and you don’t have to go through extensive education to become one. No college courses are needed.

All you need is a high school diploma and training to perform the aforementioned duties.

Next, let’s take a look at the steps you can take to enter into the caregiver career field.

Getting the Proper Education

You likely already have adequate knowledge of the tasks you must complete. For instance, you may know how to operate a stove and microwave, and you can read labels and follow prescription directions.

However, it’s a good idea to get a more specialized education on different conditions that your patients may have. This way, you can provide the best care possible. Look for local job ads for home health aides to see what are the highest demands.

Maybe you find a lot of families and facilities requiring aides to care for patients with autism, Alzheimer’s or paralysis. If that’s the case, then you should read up on these conditions.

There are also home health aide courses you can take that will teach you about safety, emergency response, cooking special diet foods and hygiene.

You’ll need to check with your state to see if you’re required to take formal training from a vocational school, home health organization or elder care program.

In the event you want to work for an agency, you’ll have to get proper certification. This is the case for agencies that receive Medicaid and Medicare.

Job Skills You’ll Need

If you’re in good shape and have past work experience or even cared for children, you may find you are already more than qualified to become a caregiver.

Once you acquire the certifications and skills, you can work for an agency like this company.

Here’s a quick look at what it takes to be a good home health aide.

Have Good Attention to Detail

Obviously, you have to come to work ready to watch your patient closely. Their condition will determine how closely you’ll need to pay attention. This includes the young, the elderly and those with mental and major physical disabilities.

This job isn’t for anyone who’s glued to their smartphone or table the whole day. Nor can you expect to sit and watch TV the whole shift.

Great Interpersonal Skills

Since you’re going to spend a lot of time with your patients, it’s important to have great interpersonal skills. You’ll need to be empathetic and sensitive to their fragility, needs, and pain. Without compassion, your caregiver career won’t last long.

Excellent Stamina

No, you don’t need the ability to run marathons or bench press hundreds of lbs, but you will need the ability to stand, walk and lift your patient throughout your shift.

If the patient you’re caring for is handicapped, then they will require assistance with getting into and out of the tub, into and out of bed and into and out of their wheelchair. Then you’ll also have to do the cooking, light cleaning and running errands, such as shopping, going to doc appointments.

In some cases, you’ll also take patients outside to stroll or play.

Great Time Management

As the caregiver, you’re the schedule keeper. This means you need to ensure your patient takes their medications on time, eats on time and bathes/grooms before your shift is over. You also have doctor appointments you’ll need to take patients to.

The Salary & Outlook for the Caregiver Career

Where you live will determine how much you will earn. The median hourly pay for caregivers, as of 2016, was $10.66. And the annual salary was around $22,170. At this time, there were nearly 3 million jobs in this field.

The more experience and certifications you receive, the higher your pay will go. The future outlook for caregivers is set to increase rapidly over the coming years.

Thanks to the aging baby boomers, you can expect job growth to excel by 41% by 2026. This is a lot faster than the average job, so it’s definitely a career field that shows promise.

You can start your career by getting a certificate or license as a CNA, CHHA or LPN. With an advanced degree, you can increase your earning potential. And then if you can specialize in certain illnesses and handicaps, then you can increase your demand as well.

Become a Home Health Aide Today

Anyone with the physical and mental capacity to care for another human being can get into the caregiving industry. The more you educate yourself about the field and the conditions you may run into, the better.

You may even find that starting your own business in caregiving is the right move.

You can also find career and business advice at Working Home Guide. Whether you think caregiving is the right career for you or not, you can find tips and guides that will help you make the right choice.

Stop by our site today to see what information you can use to help with selecting a new career path.