As a sonogram technician, you can have the joy of helping parents see the miracle of life. You are the one who provides parents with their first glimpse at their developing child. You also may have the responsibility of performing sonograms for people who have tragic illnesses, such as cancer. A sonogram technician has a wide variety of responsibilities and helps people at their most important stages in life. Whether one is having a new baby or dealing with a tragic illness, sonogram technicians play a vital role in helping that person.

What’s it like to be a sonogram technician?

As a sonogram technician, you will likely work in a hospital setting. You may also work in a private office. Because there is a demand for sonogram technicians, you may be able to take as few or as many hours as you would like. Some people decide that they want to be a sonogram technician on a part-time basis and only work 10 to 20 hours a week. In this important role, you have the ability to help doctors in diagnosing forms of cancer. You may help doctors determine exactly which parts of the body they may need to perform surgery upon for a biopsy. Conversely, you may have the task of telling parents whether they will be having a baby boy or girl.

Education Requirements

You only need a two-year degree in order to become a sonogram technician. You can pursue a two-year degree at a community college or vocational school. You may also be able to find a one-year program that is available online for pursuing your dream of becoming a sonogram technician. You should take courses that help you feel comfortable with medical terminology. You will be expected to know about different parts of the heart, brain, liver and uterus. You may also decide to specialize in a particular type of imaging technology for an area of the body. People will frequently decide that they only want to perform sonogram work for pregnant women. Others decide that they want to specialize in a complex area of study, such as neurosonography.

When you do find a few programs that interest you, you should make sure that they have been fully-accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This committee is responsible for putting forth standards in the sonography field. You will then want to obtain a professional certification from the American Radiological and Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. The process of registering for this certification should not be time-consuming, as you will not have to take any exams.

Salary & Types of Jobs

The average salary for a sonogram technician can vary from $30,000 to $60,000. Sonograph technicians who work with cancer patients are frequently paid in the $40,000 to $50,000 range due to the specialized knowledge that this position requires. If you are able to be promoted to the head of a sonography department in a hospital, then your salary will increase. Upon the completion of a sonography program, you should begin applying for jobs at local hospitals or at private practices. You may want to apply for a job at an OB GYN or the office of a cardiologist. If you do decide to specialize and become a echocardiographer, then you will be paid at a higher rate in comparison with other sonogram technicians.

Entering this field can be exciting for anyone who has a passion for helping doctors in the process of diagnosing major illnesses. It can be rewarding to know that the work of a doctor would not be possible without your assistance.

If you are the type of person who loves solving computer problems for companies, then you will enjoy a career as a solution architect. The main task of a solution architect is to develop IT security systems and improve engineering methods in order to help a company’s computer system operate at its best capacity.

Recommended Solution Architect (IT) Programs

1. Rasmussen College – BS Computer Science
2. Everest University – BS Computer Information Science
3. Capella University – BS Information Technology

What’s it like to be a solution architect?

As a solution architect, one may be given important responsibilities on a daily basis. On one day, this type of IT professional may have to configure security tools. One may also need to make financial decisions about investing in security software for a corporation. The typical solution architect is also given the responsibility of managing a group of other IT professionals in his or her office place. Other IT professionals will consult with the solution architect as they develop an entire IT program. The solution architect understands how to balance his or her various roles every day. He or she may be consulted as an engineer and business manager in one day. He or she understands how to also manage relationships with other software developers and professionals working within the computer industry.

Education Requirements

To become a solution architect, it is essential to have extensive knowledge about software systems like Oracle, Microsoft, Mac OS X and other systems that are relied upon by businesses. You should also understand coding language like CSS and HTML. You may be called upon to improve a company’s website upon the first day of work. You will typically need a bachelor’s degree in order to break into this field. Try to pursue a degree that focuses on information technology. Software engineering and computer science are two popular degree options that solution architects frequently choose. You should be sure to take courses in programming, systems engineering and advanced mathematics. To work for a major corporation, you may need to have additional educational requirements under your belt. A master’s degree in advanced computer architecture theory or project management may help set you apart from the competition. If you do not have the time to devote to a master’s program, then you may want to think about an online certificate program to earn additional qualifications in specific areas of computer science. For example, you may be able to take an online course that specializes in instruction on Oracle.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau Labor of Statistics, the salary for a solution architect can start at $90,000. The salary for this position may increase if a person is given additional responsibilities for a corporation. The competition for these positions at major corporations is fierce. You will likely be offered a position as a solution architect based upon your prior experience and connections in the field. You may also be able to market yourself well and apply for positions at corporations. You should take the time to outline all of your experience in planning software systems and managing projects for a corporation. As a solution architect, you may be responsible for focusing on information technology awareness or IT standards. You may also be responsible for social media management in a company. This will require knowing the types of information that companies should share with people. As you can see, there are different aspects of a solution architect’s job that may require additional knowledge in business or psychology.

Pursuing a career as a solution architect is rewarding for people who enjoy working with technology and being a leader for a major corporation or government entity.

Service coordinators all have the special gift of being very organized and able to allocate resources for a business. A service coordinator may have the task of sending employees to complete tasks for customers. These individuals enjoy knowing that they help make the administration side of a business operate in an efficient manner every day. You may be wondering, “How do I become a service coordinator?” Becoming a service coordinator is easier than you may think.

What’s it like to be a service coordinator?

As a service coordinator, one has the ability to “juggle” multiple responsibilities at once. One may be able to manage customers or supervise a group of employees. Project management may be one of the essential duties of a service coordinator. For a small business, a service coordinator may be given the responsibility of managing the paperwork for the administrative side of the business. One may have to make sure that all of the contracts for the business are updated. One may also have to coordinate orders that must be mailed out to customers. In addition to working for businesses, service coordinators may also work within the health care industry. In the health care industry, service coordinators advocate for elderly clients and those with disabilities. They may explain all of the different services that a patient can take advantage of in a certain government health care program.

Education Requirements

To enter this field, one should consider which particular niche he or she prefers before pursuing a degree. One should know whether he or she wishes to work for a major corporation or within the health care industry. To become a service coordinator in the health care industry, one should pursue an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in the fields of social work or psychology. To become a service coordinator for a major corporation, one should pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration or hospitality. It is essential to complete coursework that is related to compliance issues for the industry that one chooses. One should also take courses in communication studies to learn how to communicate effectively with customers and employees. Lastly, taking a course in professional ethics is also essential for succeeding in this area.

Salary & How to Get a Job

Because service coordinators work in a variety of fields and have different responsibilities, the salaries for this position vary. The BLS reports that the salaries may be anywhere from $30,000 to $118,000 for a person working within this career field. The industries that typically pay service coordinators the best salaries are the film, gasoline and finance industries. Also, the salary for this position varies greatly depending one’s location. In New York, for example, service coordinators make an average of $102,000 a year.

To obtain a position as a service coordinator, one should look for open positions in corporations, hospitals and government agencies. One may also be able to land this position through referrals. A small business may need an office manager who performs skills that are similar to what is required of a service coordinator. Before applying for positions in this career field, one should be sure to have the “soft skills” that are necessary to succeed. Skills such as interpersonal communication skills and the ability to resolve conflicts are essential for thriving in this career. If you plan on being an effective service coordinator and managing large groups of people, then these skills will be very beneficial for you.

As a service coordinator, you have the ability to help make an impact in the management of a company. You also have the ability to report to yourself and enjoy a great level of independence.

As a senior software engineer, you can gain great satisfaction from knowing that your work helps make a business’s daily computer activities entirely possible. You may be hired to serve as an “in house” engineer for a major corporation, or you may do some contract work to develop a new software program for a branch of the government like the IRS. You may wonder, “How do I become a senior software engineer?” To pursue this career, you should have at least five to ten years of experience in the computer software industry. You should also be prepared to face tough competition from other highly qualified individuals for this position.

Featured Online Software Engineering Degree Programs

1. Colorado Technical University B.S. in Information Technology – Software Systems Engineering
2. Western Governors University B.S. Information Technology – Software
3. Post University B.S. in Computer Information Systems / Software Development Management

What’s it like to be a senior software engineer?

When you become a senior software engineer, you will be required to manage many computer projects at once. You will likely work with upper management in order to implement any recommendations that they have for a particular software program. If there is an issue with a virus, then you will be the one who is responsible for immediately responding to the report. You will need to do regular maintenance checks on computer systems in a business. You also should be ready to write proposals if you have chosen a new program that you want to purchase for the company. Senior software engineers communicate with a variety of high-powered people on a daily basis. If they need to obtain funding for a new computer system, then they will need to present their ideas on why it is a good investment for the company to make.

Education Requirements

To become a senior software engineer, you should have a bachelor’s degree. The majority of senior software engineers have advanced degrees in computer science or software engineering. Even if you do not have a college degree, this does not disqualify you from certain positions in the software engineering field. If you have developed skills in working with major computer systems and software like Oracle, then a corporation may hire you without any educational background. You will have to continue to develop your skills if you want to remain competitive in this field. If you are seeking an entry level position as a software engineer, then a corporation may have an in-house program for you to complete.

It is helpful if those seeking a career as a senior software engineer have a Ph.D in computer science or a master’s degree in information technology. These sorts of qualifications help establish one’s credibility with a corporation seeking to improve its IT department.

Salary & How to Get a Job

When you want to become a senior software engineer, it is important to establish your reputation as a leading expert in software engineering. People frequently obtain these positions through personal recommendations. The BLS reports that the starting salary for a senior software engineer is $87,000 a year. Growth in the demand for qualified people who can serve as senior software engineers is expected in the next ten to twenty years. More businesses are desiring to hire senior software engineers who have a specialty in cyber security. Cyber security is becoming a growing concern of businesses that face the threat of losing the confidential information of customers due to cyber terrorists and thieves.

To become a senior software engineer, you should try to gain experience in working as an entry-level software engineer for a major corporation. This is the easiest way to establish your reputation and move up within the ranks of the corporation. If you do excellent work on a regular basis and protect the corporation from cyber threats, then you will likely be promoted to this position.

If you enjoy being responsible for the sales growth of a company, then you will make an excellent sales director for a company. Individuals who choose to pursue a career as a sales director are typically highly driven and dynamic people. They are able to effectively communicate with high-powered CEOs and disgruntled customers. They know how to resolve issues and maintain customer loyalty. You may wonder, “How do I become a sales director?” Fortunately, you do not have to have an advanced degree to find a position as a sales director.

What’s it like to be a sales director?

As a sales director, you are responsible for managing a group of sales associates. You will be responsible for implementing new programs that are aimed at increasing the profitability of a company through increased sales. You will have to hold a team of sales associates accountable for reaching monthly targets. The days can be quite long for sales directors, especially during the holiday season. During the holiday season, companies typically expect that sales directors will work with marketing teams in order to develop promotions that help sell additional products. Sales directors may also have to oversee the training of new sales associates. To become a sales director, one should be comfortable with juggling multiple responsibilities at once. Being comfortable in speaking with people on a daily basis is also essential to become a sales director.

Education Requirements

There are no formal education requirements to become a sales director. People do frequently move up to this position through the hierarchy within a company. One may begin working for a corporation as a retail associate and then find that he or she is eventually promoted to a position as a sales director. There are degree programs that can provide people with a helpful foundational knowledge for becoming a sales director. One should choose a major in marketing or business administration during college. Specific courses in risk management, economics, sales and social media marketing techniques can help a person gain the necessary knowledge to be a successful sales director. Communications courses are also essential for those with a desire to enter the sales field. The major way that these professionals are able to push products is through effective communication techniques with customers.

Sales directors may also find that a certificate in conflict resolution can be helpful for this career. Conflict resolution can be helpful when a customer has a complaint aimed at a particular product. A sales director will be ready to handle any disputes that a customer has if he or she has completed a conflict resolution course.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The average salary of a sales director is about $98,000 a year. To get a job in this field, you should show that you are a driven and ambitious individual. As the person who is responsible for setting goals, analyzing data and ensuring that goals are met for a company, ambition is essential. Companies seek highly energetic and motivated people to take on positions as sales directors. When you want to become a sales director, you should be prepared to offer your ideas for increasing the net sales of a company within a short time period and over the next five to ten years.

When you work as a sales director, be prepared for long hours and working under pressure. Sales directors frequently receive a lot of pressure from other directors to reach certain sales for the month or year. Sales directors should be able to deal with stress and have strong leadership skills.

Being a retail store manager requires the ability to manage employees and deliver excellent customer service. A retail store manager is essentially the person with the most responsibility in any retail store. The manager must maintain an inviting store atmosphere and be ready to handle any problems that arise in the daily functioning of a retail business. You may wonder, “How do I become a retail store manager?” If you want to increase your earning power, then the best thing that you can do is to pick up a position as a cashier or inventory clerk within a retail store. Experience proves to be a powerful asset when you want to be promoted to a retail store manager position.

Recommended Management Programs

1. American InterContinental University – Bachelor’s (BBA) Management
2. Walden University – B.S. in Business Administration / Management
3. Rasmussen College – Bachelor’s Business Management

What’s it like to be a retail store manager?

A retail store manager frequently works a full-time schedule. In any given week, the retail store manager may deal with a wide range of responsibilities. He or she may need to hire additional retail associates for positions as greeters or positions within the merchandise department. As such, the retail store manager should know how to seek job candidates who possess the qualities that will make them successful in these departments. The retail store manager may also need to train employees in a given week within a training program. The retail store manager may also need to take on responsibilities at the cash register if employees are taking a sick day. The retail store manager also manages that payroll for a retail store and determines the amount of pay for each employee. He or she will also be responsible for ensuring that a business meets its target sales goals for a given month.

Education Requirements

When you want to become a retail store manager, the value of experience actually outweighs the value of education. Most corporations want to see that a person seeking a retail management position has had significant experience in working in the retail industry. A person can pursue a four-year degree in marketing or business management if he or she does want to obtain a more theoretical perspective of what this position requires. Classes in accounting can be particularly helpful for individuals who seek retail management positions. It is essential for retail store managers to have strong accounting skills and to be able to make sure that a business stays within its budget for the month.

Cashiers, inventory clerks and other workers can quickly become promoted to managerial positions. Businesses will often reward these individuals if they have helped to increase the profitability of a company.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the BLS, the average salary of a retail store manager is about $40,000 a year. If you do become a retail store manager, there may be other perks associated with your position. You may be able to take advantage of additional store discounts. You may also be extended benefits that are available through the company. Stock options are frequently offered to retail store managers. If you want to become a retail store manager, you should simply try to obtain a position in a company that you could see yourself working for in a long-term career. The best way to become a retail store manager is to simply put in the hard work and advance in the corporate hierarchy of a retail store.

When you do become a retail store manager, you will have the ability to further advance your career beyond being a manager. Ambitious individuals enjoy working in the retail industry for the few educational requirements that it has.

Regional sales managers are an essential part of the operation of any business. They do far more than make sure that the shelves are stocked with merchandise. In addition to this responsibility, regional sales managers do the accounting for businesses and make sure that sales goals are met every month. They also oversee employees and may promote those employees who are excelling in a particular location. Maybe you have asked yourself, “How do I become a regional sales manager?” If you are wondering this, then you may be relieved to know that experience is highly valuable in obtaining this position in a corporation.

What’s it like to be a regional sales manager?

When you are a regional sales manager, you will keep a close eye on the budgets for the stores that you oversee. You may stop in the stores that you oversee every month. You have the duty to check up on store managers and make sure that no legal issues have arisen in the past week or month. You may have to do interviews for new employees in a store. One of the most important aspects of being a regional sales manager is holding a store accountable for meeting sales goals. You should be a highly motivated person if you want to be a regional sales manager. You should also have the ability to balance multiple projects at once. You will have to oversee multiple stores, and you may be called upon to deal with issues that a store manager faces with a particular employee. You also have the responsibility of dealing with stores that are not meeting their sales goals for the month. You may have to transfer successful employees to a store that needs additional help in meeting its sales goals. It is also important for you to have a strong understanding of the factors that influence the local market for your stores.

Education Requirements

When you want to become a regional sales manager, you will quickly find out that there are no set educational requirements for this position. To become a regional sales manager, you have to be successful in making sales. It is important that you have the ability to train other people to be able to meet their sales goals too. The typical job candidate who seeks to be a regional sales manager has a bachelor’s degree in communications or business administration. He or she may also have a marketing background. Usually, companies will look to promote successful employees who have already been working for them for a good number of years. For example, McDonald’s is an example of a chain restaurant that frequently promotes its own store managers to the position of regional sales manager. A corporation wants to see that you have a working knowledge of the business’s own ethics and way of doing things.

Salary & How to Get a Job

Regional sales managers frequently enjoy nice salaries. According to the BLS, the average regional sales manager makes about $100,000 a year. You may also have a specialized industry in which you want to become a regional sales manager. Every industry has a need for this type of manager. The auto industry, chain restaurant industry and retail industry all require qualified professionals to handle the responsibilities of a regional sales manager.

To become a regional sales manager, the best thing that you can do is network with other professionals in the industry. You should try to gain experience as a store manager and increase the sales for a specific store within a corporation. This will prove that you have what it takes to be a successful regional sales manager.

Quality assurance engineers can be found in the architectural and software industries. There is a major demand for these highly educated individuals. Your main task as a quality assurance engineer will be to test a product with a computer software program. You will attempt to see how different materials will react to weather conditions and help create safe products and building structures. Maybe you have thought, “How do I become a quality assurance engineer?” If you have wondered this, then you can gain experience by shadowing a quality assurance engineer for a day to find out what his or her daily challenges are.

What’s it like to be a quality assurance engineer?

When you become a quality assurance engineer, you will be entrusted with the task of making sure that products meet certain quality standards of your company. More importantly, you will also have to make sure that products meet legal safety standards. You will have the sole responsibility of making sure that a product passes certain tests. When you are promoted to the position of a quality assurance engineer, you typically do not have a supervisor. Many engineers aspire to become this type of engineer due to the immense freedom and independence that they have. When you become a quality assurance engineer, you will also be able to create your own schedule. You will be able to test products at your own leisure.

Education Requirements

It is recommended that you have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in engineering in order to become this type of engineer. It is also helpful if you have a certificate completed that relates to legal compliance issues. Companies now want to see that engineers have a strong understanding of the legal issues that companies face in creating and marketing products to the public. When you are pursuing a four-year degree in college, it is helpful for you to obtain an internship in the quality assurance department of a corporation. This will allow you to see the daily tasks of a quality assurance engineer and to find a mentor in the field. You may also want to do research for a professor who specializes in teaching courses that relate to quality assurance testing.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the BLS, the typical salary of a quality assurance engineer is about $119,000. The best way to become a quality assurance engineer is to work as an entry-level engineer for a corporation. You should try to impress your supervisor in a company if you want to become a quality assurance engineer. You may also want to take on unassigned projects to show that you have great initiative and want to eventually become a quality assurance engineer for a company.

You can typically find job opportunities in this field through job placement agencies or word of mouth. It is also easy to find out about job opportunities in this field if you already work for a major corporation that develops products or is involved in architecture. You can pursue a career as a QA engineer in a variety of industries. Whether you want to work in architecture or health care, there is always a demand for engineers who can test products and ensure that they meet regulatory guidelines.

A QA engineer enjoys solving complex problems and is a valuable asset for any company. A QA engineer helps a company to ultimately limit its liability. A QA engineer has the ability to develop new products for a company that will also be safe for use by members of the public.

As a purchasing manager, you are some who is entrusted with making important decisions for a company. You will have the sole responsibility of ordering inventory and choosing which products to purchase for a company. You are someone who has a knack for analyzing market trends to find out which products are hot sellers on the market. Perhaps you have wondered, “How do I become a purchasing manager?” If you have thought about becoming a purchasing manager, then you should seek to build upon your retail experience and pursue a degree that relates to business or supply chain management.

What’s it like to be a purchasing manager?

If you want to become a purchasing manager, then you should be prepared to work non-stop throughout the day. You will travel to different conventions and supply shows in order to negotiate business deals for your company. You will likely order large quantities of products in order to save money for the company. You may be required to not only purchase products that will sell well for your company, but also purchase products that can be used in the office too. The responsibilities for this position can vary greatly depending on the industry. You may also have the task of overseeing other purchasing agents in your company. You will have to make sure that the products they are choosing are resulting in profits for your company.

Education Requirements

If you want to become a manager of a group of purchasing agents, then you should have a master’s degree in business administration. To become a purchasing manager, you need to show that you have a strong skill set in being able to predict market trends. You will need to have an eye for the hottest product on the market and a knowledge of whether customers will actually purchase the product. You should also try to gain a mentor during your time in college. Having a mentor who works as a purchasing manager can provide you with a full oversight of the career that you are about to enter. It is a good idea for you to have a full understanding of the responsibilities that will be required of you in this position.

You should also try to gain an internship with the merchandise department of a company during your time in college. An internship can provide you with knowledge of the responsibilities associated with being a purchasing manager. You can also gain connections in the field by participating in an internship. Lastly, you will want to take the exam to become a Certified Purchasing Manager. Obtaining this certification is essential if you want to work for a major corporation.

Salary & Job Opportunities

The typical purchasing manager makes about $58,000 a year. If you want to become a purchasing manager, then you should try to gain a position as a purchasing associate with a company. Having this experience will give you the opportunity to prove yourself and show that you are ready to become a purchasing manager. You can be a purchasing manager in a variety of industries. The fashion industry is most notable for its hiring of purchasing managers. This industry is highly competitive, and you should have a true ability to anticipate fashion trends if you wish to make it as a purchasing manager. Other industries that have a need for purchasing managers are the auto industry, sporting goods industry, clothing industry and essentially any other industry that sells a product.

Being a purchasing manager can give you a sense of satisfaction that you contributing to the global economy. The products that you choose for a company allow consumers to have greater options when they are out shopping at the mall or online.

Perhaps you have wondered, “How do I become an underwriter?” In a difficult economy, people often consider new career paths. They may want to consider being an underwriter for the plentiful opportunities there are in this career field. Insurance underwriting is a great career for people who pay attention to detail, are good at math and enjoy finance.

What’s it like to be an underwriter?

Insurance underwriters are responsible for meeting with clients and helping them renew or start a new insurance policy. They will explain the risks associated with having different types of coverage so that a person can choose the best insurance policy. The underwriter plays an important role in the greater insurance company. An underwriter must know when to give extensive coverage to a high-risk individual, as well as the right policy for a “safe” candidate. Those who want to become an underwriter are also usually able to have a good sense about whether clients are being truthful within interviews regarding the status of past accidents, health history and other factors taken into consideration for a policy. The typical underwriter will work a 40-hour work week. He or she should have a knowledge of the computer system that an insurance company relies upon for its daily applications. You will also have to be experienced in using computer programs that assess risk for individuals.

Education Requirements

Insurance companies frequently require that individuals now possess an undergraduate degree. If you do not have a college degree and possess experience in the insurance industry, then this may qualify you for a position at an insurance company. Accounting, law and business experience are all very helpful skills to have in an insurance position. If you want to become an underwriter, then you should hone your accounting skills for the profession. You may also be required to complete a training program for a position at an insurance company, especially if you work for one of the national insurance corporations. It is also helpful if you have strong computer skills when working for an insurance company.

Salary & Job Opportunities

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average underwriter makes about $57,000 a year. Insurance companies are also known for providing great benefits to their workers. You can also expect to enjoy substantial discounts on health insurance, life insurance and other types of policies if you decide to purchase one from the company. Many parents ultimately go into the insurance profession in order to obtain substantial discounts on insurance policies for all of their family members. Your family members will be able to take advantage of insurance policy options offered by your company.

There are a variety of job opportunities available, depending on the type of insurance company that you want to work for. The health insurance field is expected to experience a great demand for qualified individuals in the future. Some companies offer every type of insurance policy, while other companies specialize in offering health insurance or business insurance. You can become an underwriter who also works in a solo practice.

Conclusion

When you want to become an underwriter, you can bolster your chances by trying to gain experience as a secretary or assistant for an insurance company. This career can provide you with great flexibility in making your own schedule if you can stick it out. You may also find that you enjoy the freedom to schedule meetings with clients from different backgrounds and interview them. This is a great career for friendly individuals who like to help people make their way through life by obtaining one of life’s necessities- an insurance policy.