Urban planning is a vital component of creating livable and economically viable neighborhoods and towns. As a part of this, when considering their future career options many students ask: “How do I become a urban planner?” Fortunately, there are a number of methods available to enter a career in urban planning.

Urban planners develop and implement effective plans for communities ranging from large cities to small rural neighborhoods. These urban plans not only incorporate the current situation but work to forecast likely economic, social and environmental trends in the area. In the modern city, urban planners must also consider such factors as crime, pollution, traffic patterns, and population growth when preparing long-term urban plans to offer to their supervisors.

In addition, urban planners are often hired to help implement mass transit and waste disposal projects. In this case, the planner will focus on how best to integrate them with already existing infrastructure.

To become a urban planner requires that the student have a firm educational grounding. While some universities offer a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, most schools only offer a master’s degree in urban planning, requiring at least two years of study. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) considers a master’s degree the entry-level education required to become a professional urban planner, and many organizations will only hire individuals who have a master’s degree. Finally, most potential employers will only consider degrees that have been conferred by schools that are accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board, which sets professional and educational standards for urban planning courses.

Additionally, many urban planners choose to become certified with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), which is a part of the American Planning Association (APA). In order to become a urban planner that is certified with the APA, the candidate must pass a very demanding professional exam, as well as having a certain amount of professional experience in the field of urban planning. The amount of time the candidate must have worked as an urban planner varies depending on his or her educational level at the time of application.

Employment opportunities for urban planners are spread across the United States, allowing those who wish to become a urban planner to work in any part of America. The median salary for urban planners, according to the BLS is approximately $63,000. The current rate of job growth for urban planning remains stable and is roughly equal to other professional careers.

In most cases, becoming an urban planner will require work experience in a related field, such as architecture. Paid and unpaid urban planning internships are also available to those who wish to become a urban planner.

Modern urban planning professionals have a wide variety of job opportunities. Especially with the growth of America’s urban population, effective urban planning is becoming a vital part of city construction and revitalization projects. Private developers also make use of urban planners to create attractive and flexible housing developments.

Urban planners will continue to play a vital role in urban and rural development. As such, this profession has a very bright future.

The field of environmental science offers numerous employment options in different specialties for individuals interested in the health of the environment and its impact the earth’s inhabitants. “What is an environmental scientist, what does the job entail, what are the education requirements and how do i become an environmental scientist?”

What is an Environmental Scientist?

The role of an evironmental scientist is determined by the specialty chosen. Environmental health, environmental chemistry and atmospheric science are only a few the specialty areas of environmental science. While each specialty requires different areas of expertise to become an environmental scientist, workers in this field generally engage in similar activities that lead to discoveries about the health of the planet and how those conditions affect the population. Discovering solutions to environmental concerns through field research and scientific study motivates many individuals to become an environmental scientist, as well as a desire to maintain the earth’s resources for future generations.

Education Requirements

The diverse field of environmental science provides entry-level positions for workers with a bachelors degree in environmental science or a degree in a related subject area such as natural science, biology, chemistry or ecology. Advanced positions in this field usually require a masters degree or doctorate study. Accredited programs are available at campus-based colleges and universities and online degrees provide a convenient option for busy working students to become an environmental scientist.

Typical courses required to earn a degree in environmental science include, physics, geology, chemistry and biology. Math is also a strong component of any science degree as well courses that develop analytical and problem-solving skills. Courses related to different specialties may include, waste management, health sciences, ecology and marine biology. Courses introducing environmental regulation and policy are often included in masters level programs, in addition to courses in environmental ethics.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that students with classroom and field experience in data analysis, geographic information systems and computer modeling are best prepared for an entry into the field. Workers with experience in foreign language, cultural studies and international relations may be well-suited for work opportunities with international consortiums that focus on solutions to environmental concerns.

Salary and Employment

According to the BLS, as of 2010, the annual median wage for environmental scientists was $61,700 and jobs are expected to increase by 19 percent between 2010 and 2020. Federal and state governments employ the largest percentage of workers, with the not-for-profit sector employing the second largest group.

Excellent job opportunities are predicted in the field for environmental consultants as a result of increased public interest in environmental hazards and safety, in addition to the rise in international legislation affecting environmental law and regulations.

Individuals with a degree in the field and experience through previous work or volunteerism may receive priority interest from hiring organizations. For recent graduates, career counselors working through the university or college career center is an essential resource for pursuing employment to become an environmental scientist. Graduates interested in working primarily in research may find opportunities through the National Institutes of Health or other research institutions.

Few careers inspire ideas of adventure and intrigue quite like the job of an archaeologist. Some people find inspiration in popular movies that feature archaeologists. Others develop an unrivaled love for a particular ancient culture and spend a lifetime pursuing artifacts that deepen the cultural knowledge of that ancient people. One thing is certain, young people and career-changers alike often ask “How do I become an archeologist?” While the path to this career is not a simple one, the rewards are rich.

Life as an Archaeologist

The experience of being a professional archaeologist varies a great deal because individuals employed in this field have so many varied opportunities. Entry-level archeologists find steady field work that allows them to travel extensively. Supervisory-level archaeologists enjoy broader responsibilities and opportunities to specialize. The upper echelon of archaeologists often enjoy the life of a university academic during the school year and attend digs during the summer months.

Educational Requirements

Archaeologists are well-trained professionals. The first step in attaining an educational preparation to become an archaeologist is earning a B.A. Prospective archaeologists major in history, anthropology, or archaeology. Students with a particular field or region of interest will choose coursework that augments their knowledge of the specialization. Many students study both ancient and modern languages. Students seek additional training and experience through a summer field school that offers prospective archaeologists the opportunity to participate in archaeological digs in a hands-on capacity.

While individuals in possession of a BA and field school experience can easily find employment as a field tech, many students pursue advanced training in order to advance in the field of archeology. Indeed, to become an archaeologist with membership in the Society of Professional Archaeologists one must have a minimum of an MA/MS degree, a published thesis, and one year of field experience. This graduate degree also opens doors for career advancement on a dig site or as an educator at the community college level. Highly motivated students often pursue a PhD in archeology. This level of education, in concert with a dissertation and adequate field experience, paves the way for work in any sector of the field of archaeology.

Salary and Job Opportunities

The career opportunities in archaeology vary a great deal based upon the level of education an individual has attained. Individuals with a BA in a will find steady work as a field tech on dig sites throughout the world. Some dig sites may even hire a student who wants to become an archeologist and who is in the midst of earning a B.A. Archaeologists with an MA/MS and field experience may be employed as project archeologists or prime investigators. In addition to overseeing the dig site, these individuals also write proposals for digs, secure funding, and publish reports on findings. Finally, individuals who earn a PhD may work in academia, in a museum, or as a lead archaeologist on foreign soil.

The median salary for a professional archaeologist with an MA is $54,230. With careers in this field expected to grow faster than average, it is certain that individuals who pursue a career as an archaeologist will always find steady opportunities for both employment and adventure.

How do I become a Project Manager is a question that has been asked by several individuals. To become a Project Manager, you must first have all the right credentials and industry knowledge. This includes on the job experience, as well as educational degrees or certifications in your respective field.

Job Entailment

Many also wonder what it’s like to be a Project Manager. For one, Project management is a highly detailed and intricate profession. Therefore, you must possess strong analytical, social, and problem solving skills. According to industry critics, one of the best ways to enter Project Management is by securing a business degree. From business administration to marketing, these degrees can be attained on-line or at traditional business schools. To become a Project Manager, you must also possess solid leadership skills. This will help you manage projects within time and budget, while ensuring your team meets all goals, initiatives, and directives.

Education

As previously stated, a sound education is simply a must for anyone wishing to become a Project Manager. This includes business courses, as well as project management degrees or certifications. As you study, you should also familiarize yourself with this vast and endless field. This means reading books, as well as checking blogs or listening to project management pod-casts. Experts also recommend volunteer work at school, and especially with non-profit organizations and entities. If possible, try applying for managerial positions as well. This can be part-time work, or even managing your school’s library or store. This will help you gain valuable managerial experience, which can later be applied to project management tasks as a whole.

If you work on a team, try having an existing Project Manager become your mentor. He or she can offer a wealth of information, as well as show you how to manage, lead, and ensure positive results with any given task. You must also learn as many software applications as possible. This will play both an essential and pivotal role in future project management undertakings. There are even Project Management associations that you can join. Simply check your area for local PMI chapters, which can help you achieve your desired goals.

Salary

While salaries tend to differ, project managers can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 a year. This, of course, depends on the company or industry you venture into. The salary amounts can even be more for those that have MBA Degrees in Project Management. Like any other field or sector, there are several jobs available in project management. This includes the construction field, as well as business, marketing, advertising, medical, health, and other sectors. With the advent of social media, a number of project managers are in demand for online marketing and optimization projects. You simply need to apply for these jobs, or contact a local recruiter that can help you secure interviews and placement.

There are simply several ways to become a Project Manager. At the end, it all depends on your work ethic, and how strong you want to land a job in this spectrum. Remember, a Project Manager oversees all assigned projects from start to finish. This means you have to have tremendous patience, while setting deadlines and following up on all project aspects and goals.

Many young people wonder, “How do I become a logistics coordinator?” While a career in logistics can be a financially and emotionally rewarding experience for many people, it’s important to understand the educational requirements and experience one must have before starting this career. The following guide provides simple tips and tricks on how to become a logistics coordinator.

Logistics coordinators can be found at many different types of businesses. For example, logistics coordinators work at warehouses, retail outlets, shipping companies, restaurant distribution centers, manufacturing plants, automotive factories, farms, government offices and more.

A logistics coordinator helps move products or commodities from one location to another as quickly and efficiently as possible. For example, moving a trailer of grain from Iowa to Florida could cost thousands of dollars in fuel if the shipper uses a regular vehicle. However, it’s often possible to save a significant amount of money by using trains to transport goods for part of their journey. By combining different types of transportation networks, a logistics coordinator can help reduce the cost of transporting goods and commodities across long distances.

In addition, logistics coordinators work in warehouse environments to develop efficient means of delivering goods. For example, it can be time-consuming for an individual to pick up an item off a shelf in a warehouse and put it in a box for mailing. It’s often possible to reduce the cost of these processes by automating them. Many large companies, like UPS, Fedex and Amazon, use logistic coordinators to develop efficient shipping systems.

Logistics coordinators also help develop systems for managing the cost of vehicles and other transportation tools. For example, logistics coordinators often help develop automated tools to improve the routes that delivery drivers follow. By making right turns instead of left hand turns, it’s possible for delivery drivers to reduce the amount of time they spend in traffic. By enhancing the routes that delivery drivers follow, it’s possible to reduce package delivery times and reduce fuel usage by delivery trucks. In addition, these types of practices can help promote a healthy, green environment.

It takes a moderate amount of education and experience to become a logistics coordinator. In many cases, an individual will need to have a bachelor’s of science in systems engineering or transportation technology. After getting a degree, an individual will need to spend at least a few years working in the field before reaching the position of logistics coordinator. In many cases, an individual will work as a dispatcher before he or she becomes a logistics coordinator. Most dispatchers help manage the location of vehicles on the road.

The average salary for a logistics coordinator in the United States was $83,324 in 2011. However, this salary can vary based on many factors. For example, people starting out in the field of logistics will usually only make $20,000 to $30,000 a year. However, it may be possible for an individual to receive a six figure salary after several years of experience on the field.

Logistics coordinators play an important role in modern society. Without logistics coordinators, it wouldn’t be possible to receive products and commodities quickly and easily.

The rapidly growing field of forensic psychology attracts individuals with an interest in the human mind and criminal behavior. Forensic psychologists are called upon as experts for legal decisions regarding defendant competency, violent criminal risk, discrimination and civil commitment. Below is the answer to the question, “How do I become a forensic psychologist?,” and more about this career.

What’s It Like to Be A Forensic Psychologist?
Forensic psychologists perform their work in a wide range of environments, including offices, courtrooms and correctional facilities. At times, this career requires dealing closely with potentially dangerous individuals. Besides criminal matters, forensic psychologists deal with custody battles, lawsuits and insurance disputes. Occasionally, forensic psychologists handle psychotherapy with victims of crimes.

Forensic psychologists must be comfortable working as part of a team and directly with clients and criminals. The career also involves ample amounts of commitment and patience in resolving cases. Because intense scrutiny is constantly applied to the forensic psychologist’s decisions, these professionals have to be confident in their skillsets on the job.

Education Requirements
Forensic psychology first requires an undergraduate degree in psychology from an accredited college or university. Many individuals enter the field after earning their doctoral degree in either clinical or counselling psychology. Some aspiring forensic psychologists obtain a doctorate degree in forensic psychology, which is offered at an increasing number of modern schools. Some universities offer master’s degrees in forensic psychology, but the measure of success possible with this degree is not yet well-established.

In some cases, forensic psychologists obtain dual degrees in psychology and law. Some schools let students combine the two degrees in a joint program, and others offer a one-year program for individuals to obtain the Master of Legal Studies degree. Legal studies may not be necessary to become a forensic psychologist in most cases, but the dual degree track will certainly make candidates stand out in the job market. In addition, legal studies will make a more well-rounded forensic psychologist who may be prepared to work in a wider variety of fields within the legal system.

Salary and Certifications
Forensic psychologists earn anywhere from $35,000 to $118,000, depending on employer, location and experience, with the median earning about $80,000 per year. To become a forensic psychologist, individuals must obtain state or local licenses and certifications after their education is complete. Certain specializations or positions may require additional experience or endorsements as well. Most forensic psychologists are employed by agencies within the federal government, such as the FBI.

Job Opportunities
There is no lack of opportunity for the individual who decides to become a forensic psychologist. In clinical positions, these professionals provide criminals with psychological treatment or counselling. In law enforcement, forensic psychologists often work as criminal profilers, helping agents catch suspects. Some government positions entail helping recently-released convicts find work or counselling juvenile delinquents to keep them out of a life of crime. Forensic psychologists also advise politicians on criminal law issues, such as helping develop effective changes to laws and community outreach programs designed to reduce crime. Finally, it is also possible to become a forensic psychologist involved in teaching or research.

Today’s hectic lifestyle causes many people to experience psychological problems. This prompts them to seek help from professionals, such as clinical psychologists. Due to demand for their help, many students want to learn more about this profession. Some of them may ask, “How do I become a clinical psychologist?”

Clinical psychologists use clinical judgment from the scientific discipline of clinical psychology in their practice. Clinical practice involves assessment, treatment and prevention of psychological problems of their clients or patients. For instance, a clinical psychologist helps a depressed woman to self-regulate her mood more effectively.

In order to become a clinical psychologist, a candidate must understand the roles of the profession. This includes working directly and indirectly with clients and patients, performing clinical supervision, providing training and consulting with colleagues and teaching. Additionally, they perform administrative work, write reports of clinical sessions and set their appointment schedule.

Candidates who want to become a clinical psychologist must acquire a Ph.D in psychology or Psy.D. In order to attain a Ph.D degree, students must conduct original research, complete a dissertation, perform a one year long internship and pass a comprehensive examination. On the other hand, a candidate who does not want to perform research and write a dissertation can obtain a Psy.D degree. This degree can be obtained through an evaluation of practical work and an examination.

After graduation, one who seeks to become a clinical psychologist must acquire a license or certificate from the state where they seek to practice. For most states, the prospective licensee must complete one to two years of internship in a professional setting. They can perform their internship by working under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist. Additionally, they must pass the Professional Practice in Psychology examination. Many states also require continuing education to keep the license.

Other than having a degree and license, a person who wants to become a clinical psychologist must have strong people skills. This profession also requires them to have good listening and communication skills, patience and be trustworthy. Additionally, they need to have analytical and problem solving skills to develop solutions.

In 2010, the median annual wage for clinical psychologists was $66,810. Employment as a clinical psychologist is expected to grow by 22 percent in the decade from 2010 to 2020, making this profession one of fastest growing occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of professionals in the field of psychology, including clinical psychology, is expected to increase from 154,300 in 2010 to 188,000 in 2020. Many clinical psychologists work in universities conducting research, and teach and supervise graduate students. They also work in hospitals, clinics, schools, government agencies, mental health and community health centers and rehabilitation facilities. In these settings, they work full time or in shifts. However, many clinical psychologists decide to open a private practice. By doing this, they can set their own hours and schedule, and meet clients outside of regular business hours. With the expected increasing number of jobs, the prospect to become a clinical psychologist is bright.

With the popularity of television shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, careers in those fields have also become more popular and have left many wondering “how do I become a crime scene investigator?” While being a real forensic investigator isn’t quite as exciting as the portrayal on TV, it can still be a rewarding career that allows you to give back to the community and help those in need.

Real crime scene investigators do much of what is seen on television, including processing and documenting a crime scene and collecting evidence, but depending on the size and location of the agency, a crime scene investigator might do more or less. Most often, however, crime scene investigators are given three main tasks: scene recognition, scene documentation, and evidence collection. Scene recognition is simply a preliminary search of a crime scene. Scene documentation requires investigators to take photos, draw sketches and make notes about the scene that they are investigating. After those steps are completed, investigators collect evidence which will be processed later at a lab.

The amount of education needed to become a crime scene investigator varies by position. For instance, a technician working out in the field will need less training than a Criminalist who is processing evidence in a lab. Some departments require a four year degree (usually in science or Criminal Justice) while others may want a certificate program or a high school diploma/GED. Since every agency’s requirements are different, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with their expectations before applying.

While a degree in science (like Biology) or criminal justice is an excellent place to start, there are other paths that can make you marketable to agencies looking for crime scene investigators. There are many colleges and universities that offer Forensic Programs and Crime Scene Investigation programs outside of the more general sciences and Criminal Justice. Community colleges and respectable online programs are also available for those interested in Crime Scene Investigation training. Depending on the program, you can earn a full degree or a certificate in the field. These programs usually take less time than a traditional four-year university. Be sure to research any program, especially if it is online, to make sure that you will be getting a legitimate degree. These programs may help supplement an existing degree, or they may be able to stand alone as qualification, based on the agency’s requirements.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor, crime scene investigators who work in the field as technicians typically make between $51,200 and $63,440 per year. A Criminalist can expect to make somewhere between $65,640 and $102,190.

To find a job in the crime scene investigation field, start by searching the employment pages of local police agencies. Make yourself familiar with their requirements. Once you know you fulfill those requirements, prepare for the interview by studying up on the agency and the job requirements. Agencies will appreciate applicants that have done their homework both about the position and about the community that they serve.

So you’d like to add a little excitement to your life? Maybe derive a deeper purpose from your career? Perhaps you’ve decided that average is a better description for the middle of a group of numbers than it is for a job description. If this sounds familiar, you’ve probably also thought at one point, “How do I become an accountant?”

Accounting is a profession that’s been around since the dawn of numbers and has only become more complex and complicated over time. If you want to become an accountant here’s what you can expect from a daily perspective. You will generally work at your headquarters location, but occasionally can be sent on assignment to the client’s location. Hours are generally rigid at first, but become flexible as you progress through the ranks. Plan on 50-60 hour weeks at more established firms as you start out. Your life will mostly consist of running equations in spreadsheets and checking for balance totals. You will have to prepare summaries of data sets, and vouch for the accuracy of figures and statistics. It’s detail oriented work that keeps you busy all day long.

Most major accredited universities have a specific Accounting major. The major will include many classes that can help one become an accountant, but there might be additional general education requirements if completed at a formal four year university. Core accounting classes revolve around math, statistics and a few economics and business principles. Although a degree is not necessary for employment, discriminating employers whittle down a highly competitive field of new hires by comparing degrees. Without a degree, an individual will need to take and pass a variety of tests depending on which specialization of accountancy they want to focus on. Certified Public Accountants are licensed at the state level and focus on serving the public at large. A Certified Internal Auditor will usually become an accountant so that they can work exclusively with companies as an internal auditor. An individual with a Certificate in Management Accounting will usually have more experience at the individual and business levels and commonly works with payroll and employment related accounting. All classifications of accountants will find benefit in being versed in current communications and business ethics and will frequently need to employ aspects of marketing, networking and public speaking.

Applicants that want to become an accountant should be aware that accountants will always be in demand. The high demand has led to increased competition at the top of the field and makes the lower end of the market a bit more challenging to survive in. Jobs with the big four accounting firms tend to be located in densely populated metropolitan centers of business and politics, and will usually be able to offer a competitive starting salary that supports the higher cost of living of those city locations. $100,000 in salary plus benefits is a great starting sum for accountants. Many mid-level firms can usually handle around $40,000 to $60,000 of annual salary on an initial offer. Below that there are some hourly wage support positions in various accounting departments of large companies.

As you go through your daily Internet browsing, you might be struck by a particularly impressive website design. You might wonder how such websites are created and even ask yourself, “How do I become a web designer?” Web designers create all the websites you see on the Internet today. Web designers also work behind the scenes to code the design and ensure browser compatibility. Many web designers also perform regular maintenance on a website, constantly making sure it is functional for all visitors.

Web designers spend most of their day in front of their computer. If you become a web designer, most of your time will go towards creating and coding new website designs. Your clients may be famous brand names or the little barbershop around the corner. Your design skills are as important as your interpersonal skills because your job relies on receiving customer feedback. Ultimately, it is your customer’s opinion on your design that matters the most when it comes to completing a successful assignment. Additionally, web designers need to spend time learning the latest advances in the website design business. Coding standards are constantly changing as web browsers evolve.

Although anyone can become a web designer through self-directed learning, most successful web designers have relevant training and experience. Web design companies are far more likely to hire you if you have a degree. Most colleges offer degrees in a variety of relevant fields, including graphic design. A degree in graphic design will give you the skills to manipulate digital graphics and photographs to make a visually pleasing design. Students will learn how to use computers and software to create designs. Students will also learn about color theory, fonts and many other elements of a good website layout. A good artistic vision is necessary for a successful website design career.

If you are planning to become a web designer, taking as many web design classes in college as possible is the best way to land a job later. Having a degree in graphic design will help you get your foot in the door, but you need the technical skills to back it up as well. Web designers also need a solid understanding of the coding languages that power website layouts. Many advanced designers know additional computer languages so they can write their own powerful website scripts.

Typical job opportunities for web designers include working for a company or freelance opportunities. Company work involves either working in an in-house web design division for a large corporation or working for a web design company. This type of work is consistent and doesn’t require you to seek out your own clients. These types of web designers can expect to make about $30,000 a year when first starting out. Most web designers must show an impressive portfolio and have a college degree to get a job with a company.

Additionally, if you become a web designer, you can also choose to freelance. Freelance web designers must market themselves to find new work and rely on positive feedback from current customers to get paid. Freelance designers are free to work their own hours and set their own hourly rates.