online schools, degree programs

Careers in Television Broadcasting and Production

The world of broadcasting and production may look glamorous, but behind the roles like anchoring or performing, there are many people that make things possible to be seen on the television or heard on the radio. Even if on-camera or on-air positions are the most familiar terms that are used in broadcasting, the majority of employment opportunities are behind the scenes. Although the rewards are very shinning television broadcasting and production is a very competitive industry and working hours can be very demanding. Consequently, it demands a good training and education, which you can have from a good art and design school.

These days, most degree programs in television broadcasting and production are offered at technical institutes and some art and design colleges and universities. The major benefit of completing a degree program in Radio and Television Broadcasting is that it helps you in understanding the conventions, technology and practices of the broadcast and production industry. It also helps you in understanding various subjects like video editing, radio studio techniques, digital photography and field production. Once you complete the program, you can hold a degree in Television Broadcasting and Production, that can help you make a career in different fields of television production and broadcasting, such as:

Assistant Producers – The Assistant Producer is one of the decisive job profiles that keep the engine in running mode by attending to many of the functions the Executive Producer does not have time to do. Working as an Assistant Producer, you could be the key professional providing support and background research along with assisting in the preparation of written and visual materials and time productions.

Television Broadcast Technician- As a Television Broadcast Technician your responsibilities may revolve around providing the most favorable television broadcasts to audiences by amending signal strength, and ensuring a better transition between programs and segments.  You may also operate and maintain the equipment used in television studios.

Recording Engineer – Recording Engineer is yet another important job profile. Working as a recording engineer you must be very efficient in setting, operating and maintaining the equipment that is primarily used in recording. You could be the very important person in the studio responsible for producing sound effects and finally dubbing them into tracks. Moreover, you might even be accountable for mixing different elements, like music recordings, into one track.

Television Camera Operator- Television Camera Operators are professionals that use knowledge of television conventions and cameras in order to shoot footage for news segments, documentaries and other television broadcasts.  The Television Camera Operator may also be called the Studio Operator and may work in studios or as part of the news team to capture the live footage of various events. However, it is important to note that if you are working as a Television Camera Operator, you need to have a good knowledge of not just filming but a thorough understanding of different editing techniques, specially news segments that must be aired right away.

Program Director – The Program Director is answerable for on-air programming in radio and television stations. Working as a Program Director, you may be the authorized personnel to make decisions on what type of music or program can be played and may even administer on-air personnel.

Adding to this, Broadcast News Analyst, Producer, News Director are other career possibilities. No matter what role you play, you could be the very important professional working in the production of various television shows and broadcasting, or as an employee working in advertising, sales, promotions, and marketing.

In the last few years, broadcasting has been one of the few industries in the United States that provided about 316,000 wage and salary jobs. Moreover, as per the recent studies made by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for broadcasting and production positions is also anticipated to grow at a gradual pace. Certainly, today a career in Television Broadcasting & Production is well-paid, and actually holds more respect in comparison to many other professions.

This has been a guest post by  Erik Johnson who regularly writes about Art and Design Degrees. For more information on careers in art and design browse http://www.artanddesigndegreesu.com/.


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Great Minors for a Liberal Arts Major

I’ve written about good career choices for liberal arts majors.  In this post I’ll write about some minors to complement a liberal arts major and why they make good choices.  Employers like well-rounded applicants, and having  a liberal arts major along with a technical or business minor will make you a more competitive candidate. Some minors to consider if you’re a liberal arts major:

Business Administration

A business minor will give you a foundation in accounting, marketing, and general management.  Whether you’re goal is to start work or to attend professional school, knowledge of the business world will be a great advantage.

Marketing

Many liberal arts majors pursue careers in marketing after college.  Having a minor in marketing can give you an advantage over the competition.

Human Resources Management

Human resources management is another common career choice for liberal arts graduates, particularly psychology majors.   Human resources management courses will teach you the business side of HR, while your psychology courses will help you understand the behavioral and emotional aspects.

Information Systems

Technical skills will be important no matter what career you choose.  Employers expect a certain degree of computer skills and an information systems or computer science minor will demonstrate that you’ve learned the basics.

Education

Although education is a common career path for liberal arts graduates, many are not prepared for the challenges of teaching.  By taking education classes, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect when you begin your teaching career.

Mass Media and Communications

A mass media and communications minor can be a great compliment for English major wishing to pursue a career in media or journalism.  See Adrienne Carlson’s guest post for career options for journalism majors.

To learn about more college majors and what jobs you can get with different majors, read the Book of Majors 2010 (College Board Book of Majors).

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Career Interests: People, Things, Facts, and Ideas

One important factor to consider when deciding on a career is interests. Four main categories of career interests are people, things, facts, and ideas. Interests may be partially determined by one’s personality. For example, a very introverted person might not be interested in working with people while extroverts might prefer working with people. Most of us have at least two interest areas, one primary interest area and one secondary interest area.  Fortunately, most careers combine two or three interest areas.

People

Those with an interest in working with people have a great advantage because people-oriented jobs aren’t as vulnerable to off-shoring. In-demand careers in education and health-care involve working with others most of the day. If you enjoy working with people consider the following careers:

* physical therapist                            
* sales representative
* social worker
* psychologist
* personal financial advisor
* public relations specialist

Working with people may mean providing a service, working with a team, or trying persuade others. Motivations for wanting to work with people vary from person to person, and will affect the type of people-oriented job one chooses.

Things

Those interested in working outdoors or working with plants, animals, tools, and materials have an interest in working with objects. Jobs that involve sitting at a desk all day or working with abstract ideas would not be fulfilling for people with an interest in things. Hands-on work provides the most satisfaction for these individuals. Examples of jobs that primarily involve working with things:

* electrician
* truck driver
* welder
* computer repairer
* mechanic

Skilled trades are particularly good choices for those who prefer realistic work. Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters don’t have to worry about their work being off-shored and they can earn a very good income depending on skill level and location.

Facts

In most careers that involve working with facts, information is analyzed and used to develop new ideas or to make recommendations. These careers may also entail recording facts and checking the accuracy of information. A few careers for those who are interested in working with facts:

* accountant
* paralegal
* statistician
* chemist
* technical writer

Working with facts often requires the development of ideas based on the facts, but a few careers allow for working only with facts while others develop ideas based on the given information.

Ideas

Artistic careers are popular choices among those who are interested in ideas. However, artistic jobs aren’t the only occupations that involve working with ideas. Teachers must develop creative lesson plan ideas to keep students interested, and managers have think of new ideas that will solve problems that develop in the workplace. Some jobs that allow you to try out your ideas:

* photographer
* creative director
* interior designer
* software engineer
* graphic designer

With increased technology and globalization, ideas are becoming more important because ideas can help distinguish an individual from his or her competitors.

Recommended Books:

50 Best Jobs for Your Personality
What Color Is Your Parachute? 2010: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers

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Remington College Online Accounting Degree Program

The following is a promotional post for Remington College Online.

Today’s most in-demand, well-paying jobs require a college education.  But if you work full-time or don’t live near a college campus, a college degree may seem out of reach. Fortunately, there are reputable online schools that can provide you with the skills you need to advance in your career.

The online accounting degree program at Remington College will prepare you for a career in banking, international accounting, taxation, and many other business fields.  The accounting program at Remington College includes courses in leadership, business ethics, marketing, entrepreneurship, principles of taxation, managerial accounting, cost accounting, and advanced accounting.  In as little as 36 months, you can complete your degree and be qualified for a career in a variety of business specialties.

Remington College Online offers accessibility, flexibility and support for non-traditional students.  Your courses, including lectures,  will be available 24/7 through the Moodle user platform.  You’ll be able to communicate with your instructors and other students through a discussion forum and user community links.

As an online student at Remington College, you’ll also be able to choose ebooks over paper-based textbooks for some of your courses.  Using the eBrary learning resource, you can create a personal bookshelf and add research tools.  The InfoTrac learning resource will give you access to an article database of over 75 million articles from a variety of publications. You can highlight, bookmark, and download the articles whenever you need them.

If you want to try out online learning before making a full commitment, Remington College Online offers a free orientation session where you can familiarize yourself with the online learning environment.  Your orientation will include a welcome session, policies and procedures, a section on research and writing, strategies for success, and information on getting help.

For more information about the online accounting degree program at Remington College, visit the Remington College website to request more information or to talk to an admissions representative.

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Meet Sara Lopez, New Media Star

Do you love social media? If so, Sara Lopez may have your dream job. I asked Sara some questions about her job as 8th Continent Soymilk’s new media spokesperson.

How did you get your job as a new media spokesperson?

My passion with social media and online marketing started when I was hosting and organizing art/ poetry events around town and I had to utilize the internet to increase attendance. From there, I knew that was what I wanted to do.

In my senior year of college I interned at an amazing marketing firm in Toledo, Ohio. After interning, I was an Account Coordinator and also was a Business Development Associate, but that never really allowed me to fully invest myself in my passion. One day I got a call from the CEO of the marketing firm that I had interned at and he said he had the perfect job for me- a social media job where I would be the brand ambassador for 8th Continent Soymilk. Being a vegetarian and lactose intolerant, I knew 8th Continent Soymilk because it was, and still is, my favorite soymilk. I made a 7-minute video that had everything from me speaking Spanish to dancing on desks, to one of my favorite Rock n’ Roll songs. The tattoos, the red faux-hawk, everything that would normally make a corporation hesitant to commit to me were the same things that made the people at 8th Continent fall in love with me. I was chosen out of about 11 different submissions and from there I used my online skills, my video editing experience and my ridiculously outgoing personality to become successful at my job.

What are your primary responsibilities?

My primary responsibility is to listen to and engage with soy fans.  I also raise awareness about the benefits of soymilk and in particular, 8th Continent soymilk. The social interaction aspect of my job has got to be one of the most important attributes. Marketing and social media is now a two-way communication experience. If one of my readers/ friends online, tell me that they have feedback or that they want to try 8th Continent for the first time, I send them a special link for a coupon.  I also  have the ability to take their feedback and share it directly with the people at 8th Continent so they can get their voice heard.

Which social media outlets do you use?

I try to use the inclusive social media networks as opposed to the exclusive ones. I have a fan page on Facebook, a Twitter account, an account on Brightkite, Youtube, Flickr, Foursquare, Gowalla, Whrrl, Dailybooth. Pretty much if you name it, I am probably on it at least once a day.

What do you enjoy most about the job?

The relationships I have built online.  I have always been the person that loves to meet new people and experience new things. And, through this job I have been able to meet all types of personalities from all over the US. Although it is my job to promote online, I still build a very tight-knit relationship with the other people I interact with. For example, I was on a three-month road trip that was called the 8th Continent Soymilk Taste of Life Tour.  I went around to the coolest events and places in the US – like Burning Man and The House On the Rock. In the middle of my road trip my fiancé and I split up. You can imagine how devastating this can be alone and in the middle of a three-month trip. My online friends really helped me through that time in my life with “You deserve better”s and “His loss”s .  Since I developed these relationships online we have helped each other through heartache and congratulate each other on accomplishments. We have truly become friends.

Are there any downsides to the position?

Sometimes I get calluses from typing so much, which is something lotion can tackle. Besides that, I am hard-pressed to pinpoint any downsides. Of course there are always the average challenges of finding enough time in the day to accomplish all that you would want to get done. But when you love your job, filling your hours with work feels more like fun activities instead of “work”.

What personality traits make a successful social media spokesperson?

The biggest thing I have learned from working as a social media spokesperson is that you just can’t take yourself too seriously. You really do have to have a sense of humor about things because you are not writing for a newspaper nor are you a journalist. You have been hired as a spokesperson to endorse a brand because of your personality and your belief in the product.

Any advice for aspiring new media stars?

You must be true to yourself. Do not present yourself as anyone except for the true you because you are linking your name to a personality the entire world could potentially witness. Also, I cannot stress the importance of networking! A “re-tweet” from the right person could open an entire new world of audiences.

Online Profile Links:

http://twitter.com/8thlopez

http://facebook.com/8clopez

http://brightkite.com/people/Lopez

Blog:

http://8cpassport.com

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The Best Online Career Tests

You can find plenty of career tests online, some more accurate than others. The best career tests are written by psychologists and take more than one factor into account. Generally, you’ll have to pay for the better career tests. And although a test may be accurate for some, it may not be for you. Therefore, you should take several career tests and look for a pattern among the results.  Below, I’ve compiled a list of online career tests that I have found to be most accurate.

MyPlan

MyPlan.com has four separate career tests available (personality, interests, values, and skills). The values assessment is free, while the other tests cost 7.95-$9.95 each. You can purchase a complete test package for $19.95. I found the values test to be most accurate and the skills assessment to be the least accurate. You can view the results for each test separately or the composite report.   Unlike many other online career tests, you can take the assessments as many times as you like once you are licensed. The MyPlan website also has career and college profiles, salary information, and many other resources.

MAPP Assessment

When taking the MAPP assessment, you will choose your most and least preferred activities from a group of three. After completing the 71-question assessment, you can match a list of 900 O*NET careers with your results for free. In order to view a list of your top career areas, you’ll need to purchase a package. Packages range from $19.95 for a narrative special to $129.95 for an executive package. I found the results to be quite accurate. The narrative report contained a very accurate interpretation of results that explained my motivations, interests, and temperament.

LiveCareer

Like many other career tests, the LiveCareer test requires you to choose the most and least desirable activities from among a group of three. The test consists of 100 questions and you can view a 15-page report for free. The report includes occupational interest scores and work styles. It also includes your top career areas based on Holland’s theory. You can purchase a premium report for $24.95 or a deluxe report for $39.95.

The Career Key

The Career Key test is written by Dr. Lawrence Jones and is based on John Holland’s theory of career choice. According to Holland’s theory, there are six types of work environments: realistic, artistic, investigative, social, conventional, and enterprising. By choosing the work environment that best suits your personality, you will increase your chances of career satisfaction and success. The Career Key test determines which environment is best for you. The online test costs $9.95 and you must pay before you can take the test.

Using Your Career Test Results

After taking several career tests, you should be able to identify two or three career areas that would be best for you. Conducting informational interviews and researching employment projections may help you narrow your options down.  Don’t feel pressured to find one perfect career. There are probably several careers that would suit your personality, interests, skills and values.

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Healthcare Careers for Introverts

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, you can find a career in healthcare that suits your personality.  Healthcare is a growing field with greater job security than most industries.  A few healthcare careers for introverts to consider:

Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists perform tests to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They analyze samples of body fluids, maintain lab equipment, and help conduct medical research. Half of laboratory technologists have a bachelor’s degree or higher, while 37 percent have some college. The median wage for medical and clinical lab technologists in 2008 was $53,500.*

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Medical records and health information technicians process, organize, and maintain records of hospital or clinic patients.  They also review records for accuracy, prepare business or government forms, and transcribe medical reports.  Twelve percent of medical records and health information technicians have a bachelor’s degree or higher, 51 percent have some college, and 37 percent have a high school education or less. The median annual wage for medical records technicians in 2008 was $30,610.

Pharmacist
Pharmacists compound and dispense medications.  They also advise customers on medication dosage, drug interactions, and side effects.  Pharmacy is a good field for introverts because most interaction is one-on-one with customers and patients.  Pharmacists in the United States must now have a doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD).  The median annual wage for pharmacists was $106,410 in 2008.

Nutritionist

Nutritionists and dietitians develop meal plans based on specific nutritional needs of patients or clients.  They often work with patients that have medical conditions requiring special diets.   The median annual wage for nutritionists and dietitians in 2008 was $50,590.  To see the requirements for becoming a registered dietitian, visit the Becoming an RD page at eatright.org.

Introverts shouldn’t feel limited to working alone.  One-on-one interaction fulfills an introvert’s social needs without draining his or her energy.  Introverts can even enjoy working with many different people throughout the day if they have down-time before or after work.   Introversion is only one component of personality, and personality is just one of many factors to consider when choosing a career.

*Salary and education information from O*NET

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Creative Careers for Introverts

Many introverts are creative and value creativity expression in a career.  Despite the competitive nature of many creative occupations, there are growing careers that make good choices for creative types.  Some careers for creative introverts to consider:

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create distinctive logos and packaging for promotional purposes.  They may also plan the layout and design of publications such as marketing brochures, magazines, or company reports. Graphic design is a highly competitive field, and designers with web design and animation skills can expect the best opportunities.  Thirteen percent growth is projected for graphic designers over the next decade. Visit the American Institute of Graphic Artists website for more information.

Web Developer

Web developers design and create web content, including applications and websites.  They must have knowledge of programming languages, browsers, operating systems, communication protocols, and information systems. A developer is responsible for creating a website that is both aesthetically pleasing and usable.  In addition to designing websites, they may offer website maintenance services. Many web developers work on a freelance basis. 

Copy Writer

Copy writers write advertising copy and create promotional materials for publication or broadcast.  Copy writers conduct research, review market research data and consult with sales or marketing representatives.  They may also write slogans or create new product names.  Overall growth for writers and editors is expected to be eight percent over the next decade.

Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces.  They plan the location of trees, flowers, walkways, and buildings.  Through the design phase, they consult with engineers and building architects.  After plans are complete, landscape architects monitor the implementation of their designs.  Landscape architects are required to be licensed in most states.  Employment for landscape architects is expected to grow by twenty percent through 2018.  Visit the American Society of Landscape Architects website for more information.

Industrial Designer

Industrial and commercial designers design manufactured products such as home appliances, apparel and cars.  Their goal is to create a product design that is functional, safe, and attractive. Nine percent job growth is projected through 2018. Visit the Industrial Designers Society of America site for more information.

Sources:

Occupational Outlook Handbook

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Career Options for Journalism Majors

It’s an exciting career option if you have the drive and energy to obtain, analyze and deliver the news as it is to the world, even in these times when newspapers are closing and the media is becoming more active on the Internet. Journalism graduates are still in demand, especially with television media still holding sway and more and more people looking for a career in web journalism. If you have a degree in journalism or a related subject, you could choose to work in newspaper offices, as part of an Internet news gathering and reporting operation, or with the television media. In all three options, you could seek work as a:

  • Reporter: This involves a fair bit of traveling as you’re required to visit places where news happens and gather information and facts. You have to be willing to follow leads, talk to people and most important of all, report the news as it is without embellishment or exaggeration. Most reporters work certain areas or go to places where they are asked to report from.
  • Photojournalist: This is probably the more glamorous version of being a reporter in that you get to have your own byline and travel to places where the news is happening. There may be an element of danger involved if you’re reporting from war-torn locations or places where natural disasters have occurred. Even so, many journalism majors are interested in photojournalism. It’s a hard field to break into, but once you’ve earned a fair bit of acclaim, it’s easy to keep going.
  • News analyst: You will be working behind the scenes, analyzing and dissecting the news so that editors are able to grasp how the news media should be presented to the public. Analysts decide the responsibility of the paper or television channel in that they set the policies that determine how much of sensationalism is allowed to creep into the news. They go by public and social trends in making their analysis.
  • Editor: Editors are responsible for the overall appearance of the news; they decide the daily headlines and they oversee the quality of the news and the veracity of the content. They are also responsible for coordinating with all other departments like advertising and management and ensuring that reporters and sub editors do their work. Editors and analysts are senior members of any journalistic organization.
  • Sub editor: This is an entry-level job that you can get if you have good language skills and are capable of writing and editing news copy. Most journalists begin their career as either a reporter or a sub editor who is responsible for shaping the reporter’s copy and editing grammatical and spelling errors.
  • Newscaster (television): This is the visible part of journalism, one that most people want to get into but which only those who have the looks and the pizzazz to carry it off succeed at. You may have to work in the industry for a while and prove yourself before you can become a newscaster who is responsible for reporting news on the television, either live or recorded.
  • Program director (television): This is similar to an editor’s job in the newspaper industry. A program director decides which news segments go into each newscast, which visuals should be used, how much air time each news item should get, and so on. It involves working behind the scenes in television.

There are various other jobs in the journalism industry besides these common ones listed above, so if you have a degree under your belt, all you need to do is find your passion and work at getting a job in the industry of your choice.

By-line:

This guest article was written by Adrienne Carlson, who regularly writes on the topic of accelerated online degree . Adrienne welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: adrienne.carlson1@gmail.com .

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Networking for an Internship

This is a guest post written by Elizabeth Cutten, a writer for FindCollegeCards, a college blog with over 750 articles all focusing on anything college.

Many college students out there have the assumption that an Internship is very easy to land.  What a lot of students soon find out is that it’s no different than finding a job.  Since major companies and corporations want quality talent, they are going to weed through Interns, just like they do their salaried employees.

So, the question is today, “How can I network effectively for an Internship?”

Be friendly with your professors

In college, what you’re going to find out is that a lot of your professors have worked a different career, or job sometime in their life.  It doesn’t hurt to mingle with them every once in a while, and ask questions.  Everyone on this planet has some sort of connection.  Ask them about their previous works, and also ask if they know of anyone that can help you land an internship.

You can never have enough friends

Colleges are jammed packed with kids, and the more social able you are, the more you’ll get to know other people.  If you ask a lot of people about their jobs today, you will find that they either found it through someone they knew, or they worked their way up from the bottom, whether it be an internship, or entry level position.  It’s essential that you get out there, and chat with others.  It sounds very cliché, but the more people you know, the more you’ll be able to connect in life.

Join groups online

I love the Internet, and with websites such as MeetUp.com, you can meet other people that share the same interests as you.  Find a local meeting in your area, and join it.  Every time they hold a meeting, show up, introduce yourself, and chat.  Again, you’ll be surprised at how many people can help you with whatever you need.

Join chat rooms and forums

Just like joining groups in person, you can have virtual meetings online as well.  Connect with other people in chat rooms, and message boards.  Become a regular contributor, and you will soon find out that you can connect with people in both the virtual world, as well as the real world.

Surf the web

Again, with the Internet, it’s filled with endless information, and if you don’t feel you can connect with the right people, you can check internship related websites online.  What you’ll want to do is search out “internship only” classifieds, and see if there’s anything made for you.  Remember, a lot of the times, an unpaid internship leads to a job offer if you can prove to the employer that you know what you’re doing, and you know how to do it right.

The lesson learned here today is that if you want to network effectively, you’re going to want to be social able.  The more outgoing you are, the more you’re going to increase your chances at landing a gig in the working world.  Try some of these tips above, and see if you can land your dream internship.

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