Author: Michelle Burton (Page 11 of 26)

Which Careers Require Continuing Education?

May 12, 2011 / Michelle Burton

Continuing education is usually mandatory for jobs that require a license or certification. Continuing education may consist of a few courses or an entire program which can be taught online, on-campus or other location. The different types of careers that require continuing education are in the medical field, education, real estate, law, engineering and construction, to name a few.

Continuing education is not only important to keep up with changes in the law, it is also important to keep up with competition and modern developments. Many companies also require continuing education as a condition of employment. For example, many human resources professionals must attend continuing education classes to stay current with employment laws, salary trends, and other employment related issues.

Although many continuing education courses or programs are mandatory, some are 100 percent voluntary. Many of these programs are for personal development only, so they do not have to be accredited. Courses or programs that are required as a condition of employment or for maintaining licensure or certification must be accredited. Accreditation is a voluntary process. However, only an accredited program or course will meet the requirements of employers and licensing agencies.

There are literally dozens of recognized accrediting agencies covering hundreds of specialized programs and courses. For example, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council Committee is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Before signing up with any given continuing education course or program, especially if it’s a requirement for an employer or licensure, please verify that it’s accredited and that the agency is recognized.

To find out if an agency is recognized by visiting the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

Your Career, Your Education, Your Workplace

continuing education

Why Major in Political Science?

May 11, 2011 / Michelle Burton

A political science degree is a common degree of choice for aspiring attorneys, public administrators, public relations specialists, and journalists. Although political scientists can find work in these fields and many others, many work in education, research, and government. These areas require an advanced degree, but an undergraduate degree in political science is the first step to acquiring one.

Having a variety of careers to choose from is only one benefit of a political science degree. Another is salary growth. The top paying industries for political scientists are:

-Federal Executive Branch, $114,040 per year
-Local Government $83,790
-Social Advocacy Organizations $77,410
-Scientific Research and Development Services $77,160
-State Government $58,040

Salaries vary, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for political scientists is $104,090 per year. The lowest paid political scientists average $46,520 per year and the highest earners average $151,360. Salaries for political scientists have increased every year since 1999. Increases are significant, with the largest jump occurring between 2004 and 2009.

-Year 1999: $74,280 per year
-Year 2004: $86,460
-Year 2009: $104,090

Job growth in this field is promising for all degree levels, but an advanced degree can increase your options even more. Job growth for political scientists increased between 1999 and 2004 from 4,280 employees to 4,490. Between 2004 and 2008, the number of employees in the field decreased to 3,970. However, between now and 2018, overall employment of political scientists is expected to grow 21 percent. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. Many other career fields for political scientists will continue to grow as well. For example, job growth for attorneys is 13 percent from 2008 to 2018. For public relations specialists, job growth is 24 percent during the same time period.

If you choose a career as a political scientist, you can expect to perform the following duties:

-Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.
-Research a wide range of subjects, such as relations between the United States and foreign countries, the beliefs and institutions of foreign nations, or the politics of small towns or a major metropolis.
-Study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology.
-Analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities.
-Conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

If you’re interested in a career in political science, you can get started by earning your undergraduate degree. Political science degrees are offered at colleges and universities across the U.S., but some of the best programs are offered at:

-Columbia University, New York, New York
-Cornell University
-Massachusetts Institute of Technology
-New York University
-Northwestern University
-Ohio State University
-Princeton University
-Stanford University
-University of California
-University of California – San Diego
-University of Chicago
-University of Michigan
-University of Minnesota
-University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
-University of Rochester
-University of Texas at Austin
-University of Washington
-University of Wisconsin
-Washington University in Saint Louis
-Yale University

You can find other colleges and universities that offer a political science degree by visiting Princetonreview.com or Petersons.com. For more information about political science careers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at bls.gov.

Your Career, Your Compensation, Your Education

What are the Different Types of Bachelor Degrees?

May 6, 2011 / Michelle Burton

A bachelor’s degree is awarded after completing four to five years of full-time study at a college or university. A bachelor’s degree program can take several additional years to complete if you attend part-time. There are more than a dozen different bachelor’s degree programs, but the most common are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS).

As the name suggests, a Bachelor of Arts requires coursework in the arts. You can expect to take courses in areas such as music, fine arts, humanities, and social science. A Bachelor of Science degree requires coursework mainly in the sciences. You can expect to take courses in the areas of physical sciences, mathematical sciences, and life sciences. Other degrees are more specific and include:

-Bachelor of Architecture – BArch
-Bachelor of Applied Science – BASc
-Bachelor of Business Administration – BBA
-BComm – Bachelor of Commerce – BComm
-BCompSc – Bachelor of Computer Science – BCompSc
-BD – Bachelor of Divinity – BD
-BDes – Bachelor of Design – BDes
-Bachelor of Education – BEd
-Bachelor of Engineering – BEng or BE
-Bachelor of Fine Arts – BFA
-Bachelor of Mathematics – BMath
-Bachelor of Music – BMus
-Bachelor of Pharmacy – Bpharm
-Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering – BSEE
-Bachelor of Science in Forestry – BSF
-Bachelor of Technology – Btech
-Bachelor of Laws- LLB

Some degrees such as the Bachelor of Mathematics and the Bachelor of Laws are also the names of a postgraduate degree in some colleges and universities.

Bachelor’s Degree Earning Potential

A bachelor’s degree offers nearly double the lifetime earning potential than a high school diploma. High school graduates can expect to average $1.2 million during their lifetime. Bachelor’s degree holders can expect to earn an average of $2.1 million. For more information about how a degree can affect your earning potential, read The Big Payoff: Educational Attainment and Synthetic Estimates of Work-Life Earnings by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Your Career, Your Education

Drug Testing Centers – Why Employers Want You to Visit One

May 5, 2011 / Michelle Burton

It’s a common misconception that employers only request drug tests before hiring individuals to operate heavy machinery or a vehicle. These days, many employers require a drug test, credit check, and/or a full background check before they’ll hire you. Employers aren’t interested in invading your privacy or putting your lifestyle choices under a microscope. What they are interested in is maintaining a drug-free work environment and there are plenty statistics to support this interest.

For starters, companies have a legal obligation to protect other employees from harm. Drug users are 3.6 times more likely to cause an accident at work. Next, companies also have a legal obligation to distance themselves from individuals that may put them in a position to support drug use, whether intentionally or not. Companies must also protect themselves from other issues such as high health care costs and worker’s compensation claims. When compared to drug-free co-workers, drug users are one-third less productive, they are 10 times more likely to call in sick, health care costs are three times higher, and they are more likely to file a worker’s compensation claim.

If an employer uses tax credits and federal grant money, it must comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. The Act states that any company that uses federal money or tax credits must maintain a drug-free workplace. So, if you take a drug test and it comes back positive, no matter how qualified you are for the position, the company cannot hire you, period.

Taking a Drug Test

If a company requires a drug test, they will likely send you to a drug testing center of their choice. They will provide a form for you to take to the drug testing center, but you can schedule your own appointment. After taking the test, the drug testing center will complete the form and send it to your potential employer. A positive result will help move the hiring process forward. A negative result will stop it in its tracks.

It’s important to note that some employers perform random drug testing. This means that even if you’ve been in a position for years and your record is clean, a positive result at any time can still cost you your job.

Your Career

What are the Different Types of Insurance Jobs?

May 3, 2011 / Michelle Burton

Whether you’re an insurance sales agent or underwriter, you’ll likely work with all types of insurance from auto to life. Insurance sales agents are in the business of selling insurance. Also called “producers,” insurance sales agents sell life, property and casualty, disability, health, and long-term care. They work with businesses, families, and individuals to find the best policies to protect their property, lives, and health. Some insurance agents work with all types of insurance, while others specialize in one area.

Life insurance agents sell policies that pay beneficiaries when the policyholder dies. Health insurance agents sell health insurance policies that help cover the cost of medical care in the event of an accident, illness, or injury. Health insurance agents may also sell disability policies and dental insurance. Property and casualty insurance agents auto insurance to businesses and individuals, as well as property insurance policies that protect against loss due to theft, storms, fire, and vandalism.

Insurance sales agents have other tasks outside of selling. They provide financial planning services and advice on minimizing risk. They maintain records, prepare reports, generate new business, and settle insurance claims. Insurance sales agents work for one company. Independent insurance agents are brokers who work for several companies. Around 21 percent of insurance agents work for insurance carriers and 51 percent work for insurance agencies and brokerages. Twenty-two percent are self-employed.

Insurance underwriters calculate risk. They make the decision about who insurance companies should grant policies to and under what terms. Underwriters use advanced technology to analyze information provided by insurance applicants. This technology helps determine which types of risks are acceptable and won’t result in a loss. Once risk is established, underwriters prepare policies that cover the risks. Some companies are conservative in their underwriting activities while others are liberal. An insurance underwriter is expected to work under these guidelines, whether he agrees or not.

Qualifications for Insurance Jobs

To become an insurance sales agent, a college degree is preferred. Companies also prefer graduates that majored in economics, business, or finance. Some colleges offer insurance courses and others, such as Indiana State University and Ball State University, offer a bachelor’s degree in the field. Although a degree isn’t mandatory to become an insurance sales agent, a State-issued license is. Licensure requirements are determined on a state-by-state basis, but they require successful completion of insurance courses and a passing score on several exams.

Insurance sales agents average $45,430 per year (median). The middle 50 percent earn $33,070 to $68,730 per year. High earners average $113,930 per year. In addition to earning a good living as an insurance agent, job growth looks great. The industry expects to add 51,600 jobs over the next seven years, which is a 12 percent increase in job growth.

Becoming an Underwriter

Most companies prefer to hire college graduates for underwriting jobs. A degree in business administration or finance is preferred, but a bachelor’s degree in any field in addition to accounting and business law courses might get your foot in the door as well. Insurance underwriters average around $56,790 per year. The highest paid underwriters average around $99,940 per year. Although you can make a good living as an underwriter, job growth is down. The industry expects to lose 4,300 jobs over the next seven years.

For more information about insurance jobs, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov.

Your Career, Your Compensation