Top 5 Business Majors in College

Business and related fields are some of the most popular college majors of all. After all, students who pursue these majors are almost guaranteed to find some kind of work upon graduation and, what’s more, they have a lot of options in terms of the type of work they do. While you can certainly get a generic business degree, it’s usually in your best interest if you have a more specific idea of what you want to do. These individuals don’t have to apply for general jobs, and they also show their employers that they have always been interested in and devoted to their particular field. Even if you’re not sure just yet which business major is right for you, take a look at this list of the top five business majors in college. One of them might just be the right choice for you!

Accounting

Have you always had a head for mathematics? Do you enjoy the “number crunching” that most other people dread? Do you like dealing with money and helping people find ways to make their dollars go further? If so, then a career in accounting might be the right fit for you. Accountants work in many different settings. Some are personal accountants, working with their clients on an individualized basis. Others set up shop and work for the general public, while some are committed to the business world as a whole or to one or more specific businesses. A career in accounting is lucrative and many people find the work to be personally rewarding as well.

Marketing

Marketing is not for everyone, but for some, it’ s an absolutely perfect fit. Those who work in the marketing world are usually dynamic and charming, creative and innovative, and have a head for sales, computing figures, budgeting money, and working with the general public. Prospective marketing majors should ask themselves? Am I naturally gifted at ‘promoting’ products and services? If I see an advertisement, do I almost instinctively create a mental list of potential improvements? If you answer these questions in the affirmative you’re well on your way toward a marketing degree. If you’ve been told that you could sell anything and if you’d like to come up with new ideas and see them put into action, consider majoring in marketing.

Business Administration

Some people are just natural born leaders, and those who are are usually quite well suited to a career in business administration. If you want to be the “big boss,” the one who pulls all the strings and who makes high-end executive decisions that have the power to affect an entire company and the people who work for it, then make business administration your major. Do be aware, however, that this is a high pressure, demanding career, but it is one that comes with a great amount of power, prestige, and usually, a pretty hefty salary.

Finance

If you’re the person who always seems to have money left over when everyone else is flat broke, and if you answer all of your friends’ financial questions with ease, then a career in finance is likely right up your alley. One of the great things about this major is that it’s so versatile in terms of what you can do with it! Finance majors often go on to become stockbrokers, investment bankers, relationship bankers, accountants, and so much more.

Global and/or International Management

Those who love to travel, who have an interest in international and foreign affairs, and who have a head for business and a love for other cultures often do well in global and/or international management positions. This job might call you to travel extensively or even to live abroad, a prospect that is thrilling for many. Plus, there’s no limit to where this job can take you. Even if you start with a lower level position, you can easily work your way up the career ladder with time and effort.


This piece was contributed by Terrence Gilman, a resident of the great city of Seattle and a freelancer with an interest in education, business and current global affairs; for those looking to further their education, be sure to view plc courses and other courses which offer training in high demand areas.

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Undergrad Degree in Chemistry and Its Uses

As it becomes easier and easier to earn undergraduate degrees, more people are pursuing further degrees before seeking positions in their fields of study. This raises the question of whether or not an undergraduate degree in Chemistry is enough to have a career

Chemistry degrees

An undergraduate degree in Chemistry requires four years of education at a college or university. During this time, you will learn the basics of higher-level chemistry, as well as specific information based on your intended career path. For example, if you would like to teach high school Chemistry, you would also need courses in education.

Some schools offer specialties within the degree programs, such as biochemistry. These degrees focus on a specific area of chemistry, and may be suited for a specific career path.

Career options

There are many career options available for those with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry. Some common career paths include teaching, chemistry manufacturing and sales or working in a lab setting.

Chemistry teacher

Teaching Chemistry is a good way for people passionate about science to share what they know with others. Requirements for a teaching position vary by state. Some states may require a degree in Education in addition to Chemistry. In addition to sharing knowledge about chemistry, teachers are responsible for creating lesson plans, grading assignments and other typical duties associated with teaching.

Chemical manufacturing or sales

A chemical plant manager is someone who supervises a chemical manufacturing facility. This career has typical managerial responsibilities, in addition to performing quality control. Chemical sales representatives sell products and services. Their responsibilities are typical of sales representatives. Having a degree in Chemistry allows the sales representative to speak about the products and services with authority, as well as answer questions the prospective customer may have.

The chemical products and services created and sold are often used outside the chemistry field. This allows those in this field a wide variety of opportunities to pursue areas of interest.

Laboratory Technicians and Research Assistants

Laboratory Technicians are men and women who perform tests and procedures in a lab setting. They must have a good knowledge of Chemistry and other sciences in order to perform the proper procedures and interpret the results. A research assistant is someone who helps doctors, scientists or other researchers develop new medicines or products.

Additional education

Many people who pursue careers in Chemistry decide to get advanced degrees. This allows them to pursue a particular field of interest, as well as opening up a wider variety of career opportunities. For example, while a chemical plant manager position may not require a Master's degree, having one can give the applicant an advantage.

Ultimately, some careers will have more applicants with higher degrees, while others will not. If the career path you are pursuing is trending toward requiring advanced degrees, the investment may be worth it. However, if the career path you are pursuing continues to focus on applicants with undergraduate degrees, an advanced degree will not be necessary. The final decision of whether or not an undergraduate degree is "enough" for a career in Chemistry will come down to the particular career being pursued and where you would like to be as your career path progresses.

This article was composed by Ty Whitworth for the team at http://www.ChemicalWire.com/.

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Choosing the Best Major

There are few decisions more important than the major that you choose in college. While not everyone will ultimately end up using the major that they choose in their career endeavors, that is the ideal path to having a long, fruitful, and lucrative career in the field that interests you most. Having a degree that is relevant to the jobs that you want makes you appear experienced, intelligent, able to finish what you start, and just generally makes you a far better candidate than those without specialized knowledge. In this economy, you really can’t afford not to make yourself as promising a prospect as possible, and that means getting the right degree in the right major.

If you’re completely at a loss as to what you’d like to major in, there are many different tools that can help you to decide. There are a wide array of college preparatory courses and tests available, all of which are designed to help you determine your strengths and weaknesses and what jobs you would most likely be suited to. Also consider what subjects you enjoyed and/or did the best in during your high school years, as this can provide clues as to smart majors for you. Talking to a college or career counselor can also be a good move, particularly if you’re struggling to make a choice between several different options.

Be sure to at least give some consideration to the realities of the labor market. Although nearly all of us would prefer to pursue our passions vocationally, this turns out to be impossible in many, if not the majority, of cases. Do not exclusively focus on yourself, but also consider larger societal trends: what services are likely to be in great demand in the near future? What products are likely to rise in popularity? These considerations are undoubtedly important for your analysis.

Career tests, also known as aptitude tests, ask you basic questions about your strengths and weaknesses and seek to get an overall view of your personality. These tests then tabulate this information to list several potential careers and/or majors that could be good options for you. While you should take these results with a  grain of salt—after all, you know yourself better than some test does—the results can provide a wonderful jumping-off point and give you some choices to consider. They are also good indicators of the areas in which you’ll have the most successes career-wise and feel the most personally satisfied.

Likewise, college counselors are a great way to talk with someone in the know. A college counselor will know your past grades and will be able to help you find and apply to the schools that are the most likely to accept you. Your counselor can also explain what is required of different majors and for different career paths, such as how much schooling you’ll ultimately need. You can also discuss possible financial aid options and any special concerns you may have, such as seeking accommodation for a learning or other disability. Remember that your quest to obtain a high quality post-secondary education involves many things which are totally new and potentially intimidating: it’s important to take advantage of every resource available, and guidance counselors are excellent resources for shedding light on otherwise unfamiliar territory.

While preparing for college, you’ll want to take steps to make your college application as strong as possible. After all, you can’t earn a degree in any major if you can’t get into college. In addition to doing your best to make good grades and doing well on the SAT or ACT, you’ll want to show involvement in extracurricular activities and/or volunteer work. It’s also a wise idea, even after you’ve been accepted, to seek relevant internships, as these can give you a further leg up when you start applying for jobs. You may also want to try working a few small part-time jobs or gigs to learn more about your own strengths and the type of work you enjoy best. Finally, give the college experience your all! You will be meeting new and different people and growing into who you were meant to be and learning what you were meant to do. College is challenging, often intimidating, and most of all extremely rewarding opportunity: you will start to develop a sense of genuine independence and freedom which, if crafted properly, can propel you toward a rich and satisfying post-collegiate adult life.

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This article was composed by Ty Whitworth for the team at Keiser University; be sure to view their Online Information Technology Associate Degree as well as other degrees.

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Interior Design Career: Licensing and Certification

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"You should be an interior designer.” How many times have you heard that when someone walks into your home and sees the beautifully decorated rooms? Or how many times have you watched the professionals on home and garden programs, or flipped through a magazine, and thought, “I could do that!”

With the proliferation of TV shows, magazine, books and online sources these days, it seems like almost anyone can call themselves an interior designer or decorator. However, what many people may not realize is that in order to be considered an interior designer in most states, you need to hold a license, or at least be registered with the appropriate regulatory agencies.

Reasons for Regulation

If you’re not familiar with the interior design profession, you might be thinking, “Why do designers need to be licensed? Aren’t they just choosing furniture and decorating rooms?” And while yes, those tasks are certainly part of the equation, they are just the tip of the iceberg.

Professional interior designers do more than just paint and hang curtains, especially when they are hired for a major remodeling job. Designers need to have a fundamental understanding of the principles of architecture, as well as building codes, plumbing, electrical work and other regulations, in order to manage projects. Without that knowledge, the outcome could be dangerous -- even disastrous. Requiring those who carry the designation “interior designer” to meet certain requirements helps to protect consumers, and ensure that buildings meet the minimum safety standards set by the government.

State Laws

Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding the practice of interior design – and about half don’t have any laws at all. However, of those that do have laws, most place strict restrictions on who can use the term interior designer and some actually limit the practice of interior design to those who meet the state licensing requirements.

To determine your state’s requirements, contact the licensing authority, or the American Society of Interior Designers, a professional organization that maintains a comprehensive listing of state requirements.

Getting Certified

Qualifying for licensure in interior design is much like earning a license in other fields. You can only qualify for the designation after meeting strict education, experience and testing prerequisites.

Of the states that do regulate the profession, most require at least two years of education in interior design; some states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada and Virginia, actually require four years. Some states specify a minimum number of years of combined education and experience, but all states require at least six years of experience.

In addition to completing an education at one of the accredited interior design colleges, most states require licensed interior designers to pass an examination covering the fundamentals of the profession. The most commonly required exam is the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam, a multi-day exam that’s limited to those who hold a degree and have a minimum number of years of experience.

While the NCIDQ is generally required by state licensing boards, there are other certifications that designers can seek within their areas of specialization. For example, those who work in the kitchen and bath design field, and meet the education, experience and training requirements, can seek the National Kitchen and Bath Association certification, while those who work exclusively in residential interior design can seek certification through the Council for Qualification of Residential Interior Designers.

A growing field of design is “green,” or environmentally friendly design, and experienced designers can seek certification in that area as well. The National Association of Green Designers sponsors a certification for those who specialize in eco-friendly design, the Certified Green Designer designation, which indicates the designers’ commitment to environmentally friendly design and use of sustainable materials.

Of course, completing all of the licensing requirements for your state doesn’t always mean you are licensed for as long as you practice. Most states require continuing education or professional development courses to keep the license current.

In the end, states enact certification and licensing requirements to protect both consumers and designers. Earning the right to call yourself an interior designer is a major achievement, and one that all designers and students should take seriously.

Image from Flickr’s Creative Commons

Yvette Conolly is an award-winning licensed interior designer. The owner of a successful residential design firm, she serves as an advisor to aspiring designers. Her work has been featured in several magazines.

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Best Study Abroad Cities for Political Science Students

--> When deciding where to study abroad, it’s always a good idea to consider locations that will enhance and supplement your academic studies. For example, a student who is majoring in art history would both enjoy and benefit from studying abroad in Paris, France, or some other city with a rich history in the arts. By choosing a city or region that promotes an industry that involves the subject you are studying, you will be able to observe the subject as it applies to the real world; a learning experience that is highly valuable and useful.

For political science majors who are interested in studying abroad, the choices are endless, because government is everywhere. However, there are some locations that could be considered more significant and educational, in terms of both historical and current politics. Below are four of those locations, and why they are such great choices for political science students who are studying abroad.

Brasilia, Brazil 

Brazil has only recently begun to enjoy political stability, in terms of presidential leadership. As a democratic republic, the country practices a form of government that was modeled after the United States’ system. Its capital city, Brasilia, is a great place for political science students to learn about current political, economic and social events in the region, because it is the governmental headquarters of a country that has the strongest and fastest-growing economy in South America and the world. If you are a political science student who is especially interested in South American politics and developing nations, Brasilia is a good study abroad location.

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is the capital of Belgium, but it is also the de facto capital of the European Union. It is also very close to other important political capitals in Europe, including Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, London, Luxembourg and Paris. Brussels (and Europe, in general) is an especially valuable place for

political science students, because the continent has always played a major role in the development of governments and international politics. Many historical wars were fought in Europe, the first democracy was formed there (in Greece) and the current political environment is especially relevant to the global economic recession and the future of world politics.

Beijing, China 

China is a communist nation, so its capital, Beijing, is the perfect place for political science students to learn more about this form of government. Although most communist nations have failed, China has succeeded well under its unique political scheme, which has been described by its leaders as “socialism with Chinese characteristics.” China has the second largest economy in the world, in terms of GDP. It is believed that the country may someday soon surpass the United States as the most economically and militarily powerful country in the world. China also has a fascinating political past that many students would find interesting.

Washington, D.C., United States 

Last but not least, the capital of the United States of America is one of the best places for political science students to observe democracy in action. The city is both politically and culturally vibrant and is also just a short train ride away from other historically significant U.S. cities, such as Baltimore, New York City and Philadelphia. The United States has been the center of international politics since the end of World War II, and it is still the strongest nation in the world, in terms of economics and military power. If you are interested in learning more about the history and current political climate of this remarkable country, consider studying abroad in Washington, D.C.

For more information about studying in one of these four great political capitals, visit your university’s study abroad center today.

Lauren Bailey is a freelance blogger for BestCollegesOnline.com. Her articles cover topics related to trends in education, student advice and teaching methods, and in her spare time, she works as a Spanish tutor to non-traditional students. You may reach her with your questions or comments at blauren99@gmail.com.

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Choosing a Healthcare Career

Choosing a career path is a huge decision for anyone regardless of his or her age. Most careers are lifetime investments. No one wants to get stuck with a career they don't enjoy, but yet it happens to people every single day. It is extremely important to pick a career path that you will enjoy for years to come.

Many people who have a desire to help others are taking a closer look at the many career paths within the healthcare industry. The healthcare industry is a wonderful career path that can blossom into a bright and outstanding future, but trying to figure out which career path to take is often just as difficult as any other industry. There are doctors, nurses, nurse aides, management and much more. Which career path is right for you? Keep reading to find out.

Deciding Which Path Is Right for You

A little bit of research will go a very long way when choosing the healthcare career path that is right for you. Before you make any decisions, you will have to ask yourself a few questions. The most important question is this, what do you want to get out of your career? For some, the answer is simple. They want a career that pays them well. For others, they may be looking for a way to help people while making a decent income that helps support their family. Knowing what you want from your career is the most important decision you will ever make. 

Ask yourself this question too. Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years from now? Knowing the answers to these two simple questions will give you a better understanding of which career paths in the healthcare industry will help you accomplish these goals.

Healthcare Administration Careers Help Many Others

Choosing to pursue a career in healthcare administration gives you the unique ability to help millions of people. You might focus on management or human resources. Healthcare administration helps keep entire hospitals, and doctors’ offices organized. Without these people, the doctors and nurses would not be able to do their jobs. Every career path in the healthcare industry is going to require some kind of specialized education. Many people who choose this career path are choosing to get a healthcare degree online.

Is Becoming a Nurse the Right Choice for You?

Nurses are the ultimate care givers in any type of healthcare environment. They typically have more contact with people who are sick or injured than any other people in the entire healthcare industry. A career as a nurse is all about helping others. If you decided to pursue a career in the healthcare industry because you wanted to help other people, then being a nurse is quite possibly the best way to do that.

Nurses get great satisfaction from their jobs, and they also earn a nice salary. Nursing careers are currently in extremely high demand, and the demand is only expected to grow in the coming years. This career path will also require a specialized education.

Should You Become a Doctor?

Choosing to become a doctor takes a great effort. Depending on which type of doctor you choose, you will be facing many years of school before you can practice. Doctors make an excellent salary, and there is always a demand for their services.

A doctor can choose to work in a busy hospital, or they can start their own private practice. Either way, doctors are well-rewarded both financially and socially. Doctors help save lives, and they help cure the sick or injured. Choosing to become a doctor is not the right career choice for everyone. If you want to help people, but you don't like the idea of becoming a doctor, then you may be better suited for one of the many careers in healthcare management.

Any job in the medical industry can be lucrative and rewarding, but they will all require some sort of specialized training school. Determining which healthcare profession offers the most really depends on what you want to get out of life. There is a lot more to a career path than money. Make sure that you choose a career path that makes you happy.

Contributing author, Susan Andersen, is a clinical nurse at a local healthcare clinic in small town Pennsylvania. Her original career path was pharmacology, but says she realized that she’s better-suited for hands-on patient care.

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What Can You do With an Education Degree?

A degree in education may seem like a one-way street to a lifetime in the classroom, but there are many different career options for people who don't want to teach in a classroom. For those who simply want to be involved in educating kids without the pressures of the classroom setting, alternative careers do exist. In fact, some of these career opportunities allow the educator a better opportunity to engage with young people.

Museums and cultural centers
Many museums and cultural centers need the services of professional educators. Qualified candidates can serve as tour group leaders, small group educators and customer service representatives. In each of these jobs, they will be educating and engaging with kids. Someone who works at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, for instance, will need to teach about Chickasaw history and culture each day while helping visitors of all ages during their visit.

Someone who works at a children’s museum will need to guide children in interaction with the exhibits throughout their visit. The same need exists in art museums, history museums and cultural centers throughout the country. In each of these locations, understandinging how to teach and guide children is a vital skill, even though no formal teaching happens.

Non-profit organizations
Non-profit organizations often work with children and need people who are trained to do so. For example, the Girl Scouts, YMCA and Big Brother/Big Sister programs all give people the chance to teach and guide children without being in a formal educational setting. Teachers often volunteer in these organizations in the summer, but the groups need long-term commitments as well. Those with a teaching degree who are not working in a classroom can find paid opportunities with these organizations. Whether someone serves as a counselor in a camp, helps out with an after-school care program or acts as executive director of one of these non-profits, training in education will be a vital asset.

Tutoring
Tutoring is teaching on a smaller scale. Rather than working with a classroom filled with students, a tutor interacts with students on a one-on-one basis. Personal attention can be quite powerful for both students and educators, as tutoring gives the teacher the chance to work with a student’s individual strengths and weaknesses and help him or her achieve.

Community educators
Community educators work with institutions and government groups to provide education to the community as a whole. Hospitals may need educators to help spread information about health and wellness programs. Government welfare agencies may need educators to teach about proper nutrition and exercise. Financial institutions may need educators to help promote their products and provide education about finances. A degree in education makes it far more likely to land a position as a community educator, regardless of the type of organization offering the educational programming.
Education does not have to happen just in the classroom. Opportunities to teach and learn exist at museums, cultural centers, tutoring facilities and many other locations. Each of these career options engage students' minds in a less formal venue than a classroom setting. Whether a teacher is looking for a break from the classroom or a young person is considering a degree and exercising their options, educational careers show just how flexible a teaching degree can be.

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Applying a Degree in Forensic Psychology

Sadly, this country has experienced over the last 20 years a rise in sensational, media-bloated shootings, all of which have left communities grieving and wondering why – why would anyone do such a horrible, evil thing? Even worse, we’ve become almost accustomed to the tragedies, as if accepting of their eventualities, as if we’re unsurprised that people exist who can walk into a movie theater and murder a dozen strangers.

We accept that there is something psychologically wrong with the killers, but what goes on their heads intrigues us while it repels. It is because of this that we turn to forensic psychologists now more than ever, hoping their expertise and ability to delve into the psyche of truly disturbed people will offer us clues on how to spot a potential murderer and stop them, before something like the Aurora shooting happens again.

Forensic Psychologists: A Career Profile

Forensic psychologists are specifically trained psychologists who specialize in criminal investigation and the law. While the field actually encompasses surprising issues like custody disputes, insurance claims and lawsuits, a population among forensic psychologists does pursue criminal profiling while working with law enforcement and/or legal personnel. Forensic psychologists’ tasks include competency evaluations, recommending sentences, testifying in court cases and evaluating child custody cases.

One of the things that forensic psychologists do – which, thanks to popular media, both scripted and real, has become the popular conception of their job – is create criminal profiles, as well as give their expert opinion whether or not a suspect is psychologically competent to face charges and/or stand trial. This is, of course, a small and very specific aspect of forensic psychology, but it’s both fascinating and essential.

Interested candidates must start with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. (Thanks to the technology of today, nontraditional students can consider pursuing their initial psychology degree online, with a wide variety of internet-based programs.) A career in forensic psychology absolutely requires a doctoral degree; some schools offer programs with a forensic focus and will often provide the student with courses in both psychology and law. Graduate work can take between five to seven years to complete. On top of that, years of experience are necessary before the candidate should feel ready to apply for American Board of Forensic Psychology certification.

The forensic psychologist salary varies based on experience. Those just starting out can expect something in the range of $40,000-50,000. What’s incredible about the field is that those in the upper echelons of earning command yearly salaries of almost $120,000. Those forensic psychologists who work independently as consultants (who can, therefore, set their own rate) can expect the higher pay.

What Forensic Psychology Has to Say about Mass Shooters

 

While there is no definitive answer for why a person will carefully plan out an attack to murder innocent people, forensic psychologists have studied past cases and weighed in with their insight.

Some have articulated groups especially at risk based on personality traits. They cite delusional individuals, whose beliefs, though proven wrong, become their own personal truths; narcissists, who care little for others and will do whatever they must to obtain their own goals; and the severely depressed and suicidal, those who despair so deeply of living that they can be driven to take others down with them, fueled in part by their feelings of anger and self-justification at wrongs done to them.

This anger can come out in a few different ways. Some killers specifically target those who have “wronged” them – a boss who fired them or a woman who rejected them. Others will target a “representative” group: a poor student might shoot at a group of wealthy ones, even if none of them ever actually ridiculed him or her. Forensic psychologists say that a third type, the kind that targets indiscriminately, like James Holmes, the accused shooter in Aurora, CO, is the least common and the most difficult to understand – certainly the most difficult for the public to comprehend.

Forensic psychologists say that certain behaviors may offer clues: increasing interest in weapons or past mass murderers, violent fantasies or even expressed threats, however subtle or direct. What is clear is that forensic psychologists and law enforcers can only do so much. It’s a frightening truth of our time that we must be aware of these signs and symptoms and ready to speak up when someone makes us uneasy.

David Michaels is a contributing writer and psychology major in his senior year of college. He hopes one day to own his own practice as a child psychologist.

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Internship Search 101

Finding a Valuable Summer Internship

An internship during the summer can be an excellent way to earn money to fund your post-secondary education and present opportunities to build up your resume. On-the-job experience plus the contacts that you can make during your internship can give you in-roads to your dream job after graduation. However, finding an internship isn't always easy and prospects can be slim, so here are some tips and things to keep in mind when you are gearing up to go internship hunting.

Defining Value

You'll need to define what a valuable internship is before you can go hunting for one. Are you alright with working as an unpaid intern or are you looking to get paid for your labor? What are you planning to do with your degree and what industry are you looking to get into after you graduate? How far are you willing to travel to get to your workplace and where are you going to be living during the summer? Answering all of these questions will help you both focus your search for a valuable internship and restrict your search to the right places.

For example, if you are one of those fortunate few who can get by without earning money during the summer, you can broaden your search to include both paid and unpaid internships. Similarly, if you can't afford gas and are planning to stay home with your parents to save money, you'll know to restrict your search to internships available only within walking or public transportation distance of your parents' home.

Casting the Net and Hauling in the Catch

The real trick to getting your ideal internship is to try, try, and try again. You should definitely try to raise your chances of success with each internship application, but there is almost nothing that you can do to absolutely guarantee an internship position. Instead, you should try to cast as many fishing lines into the sea as possible, but all that you really need is one successful hook and catch.

You can raise your chances for successfully getting an internship by doing the same things that you would do to successfully secure a job. You'll want to make sure that you thoroughly understand the requirements of the position that you are applying for so that you can tailor your resume to directly appeal to the person going through the list of candidates for that position.

Actively Research Your Internship Prospects

Take an interest in the company offering the internship and be prepared to ask questions that demonstrate your interest and understanding of their activities rather than confusion or ignorance during the interview. Be sure to act fast on any leads that you generate and be ready to start at an instant because these things demonstrate that you are exactly the kind of energetic go-getter that most companies want as an intern.

As for finding internship opportunities, there are many places to search and no end to the resources that can help. Your university's career office will have the knowledge and experience to help you with your internship search, as will local career fairs and websites that specialize in helping students find internships.

If you have spent your time around people already in the industry that you want to enter, you might be able to secure an internship through one of your network contacts. Finally, if you are truly desperate and see no opportunities elsewhere, you should consider directly contacting local companies to see if they have internship opportunities available even if they are not listed on their websites.

By: Alan Lints is a writing professional who has previously benefited from having internship experience. His knowledge of the topic comes from interning with his local paper and a major sports publication during his college years. He also contributes to Degree Jungle's Best Online Schools ranking system.

Additional References:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2012/01/31/how-to-get-an-internship/

http://www.quintcareers.com/finding_ideal_internship.html

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10 Ways to Narrow Your Career Focus and Major

Conduct career research to guide college endeavors

Most college students will change their major at least once, if not more often. This isn't bad if it's the first week of school, but if a student changes his or her career course three years into college, they're going to suffer setbacks in several forms by having to pay for extra courses to fulfill the requirements of a new degree. The unfortunate truth for many college entrants is that they begin their post-secondary education without any idea of what they want to specialize in. 

In many cases, these students could have saved themselves time, money and stress by doing research early on in their professional pursuits - even while they were still in high school.

Taking your career into your own hands

When refining one's interests and targeting specific fields of interest, one of the worst things a high school or college student can do is place their future in the hands of a school guidance counselor. Considering the average of 457 to 1 counselor-to-student ratio is nearly twice the recommended ratio according to the American School Counselor Association, it is unrealistic to expect high performance by counselors under such conditions. Counselors are often tasked with a number of wide-ranging responsibilities not related to career

counseling. Counselors are often trained to provide interventions and one-on-one counseling to students, but unfortunately, the constraints just detailed prevent them from providing comprehensive, effective guidance and advocacy for every student’s college planning. Discussing future prospects with a school counselor can still be beneficial, but if students and parents want to maximize their benefit, they need to be proactive.

In addition to resources like the College Readiness Indicator System, which is designed to support school counseling efforts by using data analysis to determine how ready for college a high school student is, parents and students alike need to actively conduct research and explore their options. Going on school visits, meeting with prospective college advisors, and doing other legwork can provide much more "guidance" than a school counselor has the time to offer.

Do some research to narrow down options

That doesn't mean anyone has to map out the rest of his or her life at age 17. But narrowing down interests ahead of college can help a person focus general education in a way that best serves the most likely career paths. For example, if a student is interested in math and science fields, taking prerequisites and general education courses that work toward a Master of Science degree can make things easier once that specific degree path is determined.

Some career paths can be more complicated than others. The engineering field, for example, features a range of degrees and specialties that often appear similar on the surface but can be widely divergent from one another when the details are examined. Many students eventually entering into a construction management degree program settle on this career path after exploring their options in the field of engineering and construction.

Free resources

Because most college students want to prepare themselves for a profession likely to exist throughout the course of their working years, job outlook is a key consideration when narrowing a career search.
The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics is a great resource for learning more about any profession a student might consider. From taxi drivers to government officials, a number of resources provide information spanning several aspects of each job, including the average pay, working conditions, education requirements, additional training, and -- most importantly -- the job outlook for that profession.

Construction management, mentioned above, is projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to enjoy an average job growth of 17 percent between 2010 and 2020, a figure slightly above the national average for all jobs. That means students earning a construction management degree may experience average or slightly above-average job opportunities over the next decade.

In addition to job research, other methods of personal discovery are available, including job shadowing of construction management personnel to aptitude tests that gauge a student's interests and skills and suggest fields that may be a good fit for them.

Putting the journey ahead of the destination

Of course, there's a reason colleges force students to sample courses from a variety of professional paths and interests. It can be hard for students to know what they want to do when they don't know all the options available to them. The ultimate goal for both students shouldn't be choosing a career path as early as possible. Instead, early active exploration and research should be the emphasis. With those goals in mind - and a little patience backing those efforts - the career will come in time.

Guest Post by Joe Baker 
You can reach him at josephbker@gmail.com 

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Top 10 College Degrees

--> The unemployment rate in America is more than 8 percent, yet the cost of a college degree continues to increase. This presents a problem because students are reluctant to work for a college degree that won’t pay for itself. There are jobs that have good job growth predicted, so it makes sense to find one of those jobs and choose a college major based on that choice.

1.     Those who earn biomedical engineering degrees should have a good chance at finding jobs. This job is expected to see a growth of 72 percent by 2018. These people work to build medical items like artificial limbs or better ways to dispense medicine. People who might be interested in this degree, which can pay from $82,000 to $103,000, would benefit from a biology or physics degree.

2.     Through 2018 it is projected that there will be 1.26 million teaching jobs from elementary through secondary education, making an education degree a good bet. Schools often have a difficult time finding math, chemistry, and physics teachers so people with these majors will be highly sought after.

3.     Technology degrees will continue to be in demand. Whether computer science or information processing, people with this degree will find work. Businesses need IT people, and they will inevitably seek out individuals who know how to use technology to guide their growth into the future.

4.     Businesses are projected to need people with economics or finance degrees over the next few years. With the economics problems we've seen worldwide in recent years, companies will look for employees who can help them make sense out of what is happening and steer them in a fiscally responsible direction.

5.     Nursing jobs are expected to be in demand for at least the next 10 years. As Americans age, more caregivers will be needed to take care of them. An individual with a bachelor’s degree in nursing can make $60,000 per year, and if they are willing to relocate, getting a job is rarely a problem.

6.     It is predicted that there will be a shortage in special education teachers. As more children are diagnosed with autism and other learning difficulties, more special education teachers will be needed to assist these students and their teachers. There tends to be a lot of paperwork with this job, but it can be very rewarding.

7.     Actuaries specialize in risk assessment to help predict various outcomes. As businesses want to protect their investments, more actuaries will be needed. People who seek this job must have a college background in statistics, corporate finance, and business.

8.     There is expected to be a 21 percent increase in forensic technicians in the next several years. These professionals, who help police and insurance companies, need a degree in forensic science or chemistry and can expect a starting salary of at least $35,000.

9.     Over the next 10 years there will be an increased need for medical assistants. As doctors’ offices and hospitals try to reduce overhead, one way is to hire more physician assistants who will take histories, make some prescriptions and generally enable doctors to do more focused work.

10.  There will likely be a shortage in many areas of engineering over the next 20 years or so. These are some of the highest starting salaries of all professions. Students considering this major should excel in math and science.

The cost of getting a college degree keeps going up, so if a person is going to make that investment, it makes sense to choose a degree that will allow the graduate to find a job and make a decent living. Fortunately, by doing some research and using common sense, there are professions that defy the current economy and are growing. Get in on them, and move into the future.

Contributed by Joe Baker
You can reach him at josephbker@gmail.com

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A Background in Chemistry Opens Many Doors

As the economy is only beginning to recover, many college students are seeking ways to distinguish themselves in one of the most difficult job markets ever.  To look more attractive to employees, college students may want to consider a degree in chemistry.  And while many may think a chemistry degree is a one-way ticket to laboratory work, the comprehensive scope of a chemistry degree can help you land a job in a number of fields.  According to Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liveris, whose interest in chemistry started in grade school, “95 percent of the things that touch our lives — such as food, water, shelter, transportation, and medicine — are made possible through chemistry.”  It’s no surprise then that so many industries look approvingly on students that graduate with a chemistry degree.  Further, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers, those who graduate with a chemistry degree earn 12% more than those that graduate with degrees in psychology, biological sciences, linguistics, or history and 30% more than those without a degree at all.  Here is a more complete look at some of the opportunities: 

1. Environmental control: Governmental enterprises like the EPA and environmental groups like the Sierra Club or the NRDC all rely on scientists to provide them with the most appropriate environmental data.  Chemistry is extremely important, especially when measuring air, soil, and water quality for possible contaminants.

2. Forensics: From your local police force to the CIA or FBI, chemistry plays a huge role in the field of forensics, performing tests to help solve crime.

3. Pharmaceuticals: Whether you choose to work at a local pharmacy or help design new life saving drugs, some of the most beneficial careers for those with a chemistry degree can come in this field.

4. Graduate Study: Having a background in chemistry also builds a solid foundation for those looking to enter medical school or law school, and also provides a concrete knowledge base for those interested in teaching at the high school or college level.

One other interesting and emerging concept is that of “green chemistry” which, as defined by the EPA, is the design of chemical products that eliminate the use of hazardous substances.  When envisioning a chemical plant, it can sometimes bring to mind pipes with green ooze trickling out into the local water supply.  Historically in chemistry, this type of hazardous waste came from solvents and resources needed for the chemical reaction to create the end product.  But through green chemistry, scientists are developing ways to remove these hazardous materials from the process altogether, creating a safer way to produce items we need daily without contaminating the environment.

Overall, the list above is just a small sample of the possibilities that are presented to those with a background in chemistry.  With the food, water, and energy problems facing the world today, Liveris, along with the UN and other international institutions, deemed 2011 the International Year of Chemistry (IYC) to help inspire students to consider chemistry and to encourage people from around the world to apply chemistry as a catalyst for change.  Clearly chemists are desired now more than ever, and hopefully students appreciate the potential of a chemistry degree, and use it to distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive job market.

Alan Parker is a blogger based out of New York, NY who writes about alternative energy, green business, sustainability, and climate change.
Follow on Twitter @AGreenParker

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