Over the last decade criminal investigation fields have become very popular. There are many careers and specialties that fall into this profession, with a variety of possible education paths. The complexity of this sector leaves prospective investigators wondering, “How do I become a criminal investigator?” Below is a simple, how-to guide.

Career Characteristics

What’s it like to be a criminal investigator? Job duties vary greatly depending on education, prior experience and areas of interest. Individuals who choose to become a criminal investigator are considered law enforcement professionals who participate in the process of solving crimes through their area of specialty. Investigators may analyze evidence, gather it from a crime scene, conduct searches and interviews or perform surveillance operations. Depending on the individual’s career path, criminal investigators may work as part of a team or alone. They may work in the field or in a laboratory. Often times they are called to testify in court as to evidence recovered from a crime scene or evidence discovered via lab tests.

Education Options

The education options for students seeking to become a criminal investigator are numerous. Some states and jurisdictions will hire investigators based on experience, but most prefer a bachelor’s degree. A major in criminal justice or criminology is a popular choice for individuals wanting to become a criminal investigator. Depending on the branch of criminal investigation you are seeking, other helpful degree specialties include psychology, sociology, crime scene investigation, forensics or forensic accounting. If you seek to pursue a career in the laboratory, obtaining a degree in forensic biology, forensic science, chemistry or computer science is advisable. Many online universities offer an accelerated program that allows students to get into the field faster.

Certain areas of criminal investigation require less education. Two-year programs or certifications are available. However, they are usually very specific as to the area of evidence analysis. Obtaining a four-year degree offers greater flexibility and opportunities for advancement.

Education requirements may also vary based on the state and jurisdiction you wish to serve. Some areas will allow individuals with only a high school diploma to receive on-the-job training for specific jobs. Certain areas may also require that criminal investigators receive police officer training and work in the field before moving on to become an investigator.

Job Opportunities

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Statistics, jobs in forensic science increased by 20 percent just between 2010 and 2011. If you are seeking to become a criminal investigator, the options are plentiful and salaries range depending on career path and jurisdiction. On the higher end of the salary spectrum are executive-level positions, boasting a mean wage of $96,290. The average annual salary for forensic technicians in 2010 was $51,570. Criminalists’ salaries range between $65,000 to $100,000. Crime scene supervisors can make between $65,000 and $98,000.

The key to finding a job in the field of criminal investigation is to research and prepare. Research the area that interests you the most. Prepare by receiving appropriate education. Research the job offerings and the agencies seeking to hire. Learn about their requirements, applicable exams and level of experience expected.

A profession as a cop or police officer can be a great option for those who are interested in protecting and serving their communities and bringing criminals to justice. Cops are important parts of any community, and can do anything from writing tickets to arresting criminals and responding to emergencies. Have you ever wondered, “How do I become a cop?”

So what’s it Like to be a Cop? Many people who are interested in the field of criminal justice ask themselves this same question. But before you decide that you want to be a cop, you should become familiar with what the job is like. Most police offers, on a regular basis, are assigned to a specific area of their department or jurisdiction and work a set shift during the day or night. They receive calls and dispatch requests through a radio throughout the day, which they respond to by arriving on scene and dealing with various situations that can arise. A police officer must be ready to face anything that comes his or her way.

As you can imagine, becoming a cop is not something that can be done overnight and that takes years of education and training to accomplish. For starters, most police departments these days prefer to hire officers who have a Bachelor’s Degree is criminal justice, or a related field. This is not usually a concrete requirement, but it can be.

Educational requirements are just the beginning of the process, however. Candidates looking to become a cop must also go through many screening tests to ensure that they have what it takes to become a cop. For starters, many departments will require physical ability tests and psychological tests before even considering a candidate. This can include anything from passing a polygraph test with detailed questions about the candidate’s past, to having psychiatric evaluations done. Background checks are also run in detail, and it is difficult for anyone with a criminal record to become a cop.

Finally, once all of these requirements are met, a candidate must go through approximately six months of training in what is often referred to as “Academy.” This involves physical training, simulations or potential incidents a cop may get into, and other skills needed on the job.

For those who want to become a cop, they may also be wondering about the types of opportunities out there today and the pay involved. Most officers start out at close to $30,000 per year, though this varies depending on the specific department. Most officers receive promotions each year, and can eventually work their way up the ranks as well.

There will always be job opportunities out there for cops because all communities need some kind of police protection. However, in times of economic crises, some cities have cut their funding to police departments. Still, the prospects for finding a job as a police officer are high, so long as one is willing to go through the intense and rigorous training involved to work as a law enforcement officer. From there, one can enjoy a rewarding and exciting job protecting and serving the people of their community and gaining respect along the way.

Investing in an education is one of the best things that a person can do. If you are wondering, “How Do I Become a Carpenter,” here are some things you should know. Carpentry is a rewarding field, and professionals earn a good salary. Carpenters work for large commercial construction companies and local contractors.

What’s it like to become a carpenter?

Carpenters are one of the major players in the construction industry. Professionals are responsible for cutting, measuring and joining wood. They routinely build homes and commercial buildings. Carpenters construct and repair buildings and may work on structural or detail work. The career is demanding, but salaries are high. Plentiful opportunities exist for work, and commercial contractors routinely hire professional craftsmen. Professionals may work on large building projects. Some projects cost millions of dollars, and carpenters serve a vital role in the construction of local communities. Math and communication skills are an integral part of the job, and carpenters need to know how to read a tape measure.

Educational requirements

Trade schools are one of the primary training grounds for carpenters. Most construction companies require a modicum of education before a job is offered. For this reason, attending a local trade school, community college or Internet university is essential to become a carpenter. These schools teach the fundamentals of the trade. Most geographical areas have a set building code that is in place. This is used to create industry standards and ensure that buildings will last. Carpenters need to know local codes, and this is one of the first steps to become a carpenter. In addition to building codes, most contractors require carpenters to know about safety regulations. The career is a dangerous one, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a number of regulations in effect. It is imperative for most carpenters to learn the basic safety guidelines, and carpentry schools may allow students a chance to earn OSHA certification. The agency has a number of educational programs in effect to familiarize professionals with safe work habits. Carpenters also need to know how to add, subtract and perform mathematical problems. Reading blueprints is another essential carpentry skill that can be learned from a trade school or on the job.

Job Opportunities

Even though the housing industry has slowed, there are plenty of job opportunities for professional carpenters. Choosing to become a carpenter is a proactive career choice. Jobs are offered in the residential and commercial industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keeps detailed records of wages and economic growth. The BLS reports that the average salary in 2010 was $39,530 per year. This is the national average, and many geographical areas pay higher wages. Carpenters can expect to earn more money in large cities, like New York or Los Angeles. The BLS also reports that the job outlook is expected to increase faster than the national average over the next decade. Demand is expected to increase by 20 percent, and this should keep salaries high and ensure adequate job openings. Apprenticeships and trade schools are great ways to land a job. Many construction companies offer on the job training, and carpenters may begin as laborers and work up.

Choosing to Become a Teacher Can Lead to a Rewarding Career Path

If you have ever asked yourself, “How do I become a teacher,” there are many routes to this career path. People who want to make a living by educating children and preparing the future can take online classes or courses in a classroom to meet the educational requirements of becoming a teacher.

Life as a Teacher

Being a teacher allows adults to make a living studying and educating others on their favorite academic subjects. These subjects also include mechanics, woodworking, art, theater, and music. Preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school classes give future teachers the option to select the age range of children or teens they feel most comfortable working with. Some people prefer teaching basic tools and lessons to small children while others enjoy shaping and refining academic pursuits in older kids. A teacher is able to enjoy instructing, guiding, and providing encouragement to children by making learning engaging and interesting.

Educational Requirements to Become a Teacher

If you are interested in becoming a preschool teacher, the requirements are less strict for teaching this age group of children than they are for older ages. To work for some preschools or childcare facilities, it is only necessary to have an Associate’s degree in child development. Other facilities may require a Bachelor’s degree in child development or early education in order to consider hiring an individual.

Elementary and high school teachers must have a minimum degree of a Bachelor’s degree in education or a very closely-related field. Substitute teachers do not have to have a Bachelor’s degree, but they must meet the amount of college credit hours required by their specific state in order to qualify for this position. Becoming an elementary, middle school, or high school teacher will also mean that a person must intern as a teacher or an assistant teacher as part of his or her mandatory educational requirements.

To teach at a vocational technical school, college, or university, a minimum of a Master’s degree must be obtained. In many colleges and universities, a Doctorate’s degree is required before a person is able to work as a college or university professor. With these types of teaching careers, interning as an advanced educator is also mandatory.

Career Rewards as a Teacher

Teachers often enjoy long-term contracts, government benefits that include health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a retirement fund. Upon graduation from an educational degree program, an individual can then submit resumes through online job boards for teaching positions in their area. If the person wants to move out of state to accept a teaching position, it may be necessary to pass a state educator’s exam in order to be qualified to teach in a new state.

Salaries for teachers are heavily dependent upon where the person has accepted a job, what age group the person is teaching, and the education and experience a person has. Salaries for elementary, middle school, and high school teachers range in the thirty thousand dollar salary range. Higher salaries can be made if a person has obtained a Master’s degree and assists with administrative school duties in addition to teaching.

If you have been helped by a social worker in your life or you feel like you are being called to the profession for another reason, you may be wondering, “How do I become a social worker?” The field of social work has many opportunities for people who are dedicated to helping others overcome social issues.

What is it like to be a social worker?

Social workers focus on helping people find solutions to their current problems. Coordination with other agencies is a major part of a social worker’s job. A social worker assesses the needs and strengths of each client to guide them toward the best individual outcome. Most people who want to become a social worker are compassionate and interested in social justice. Social work can be a very personally rewarding profession.

Social workers work with many different groups of people. Some social workers advocate for abused children and others work with the elderly and their families. These direct service social workers generally work in the field, visiting clients where they live and work. Social workers believe in preserving the dignity of their clients. To become a social worker, you will have to earn at least a four-year degree.

Education requirements

A bachelor’s degree and a professional license are required for most entry-level social work jobs. Most states require a bachelor’s of social work degree for licensure. When a similar degree is accepted, there are strict course requirements to be sure that all social workers are qualified to provide services to vulnerable individuals and communities. Schools of social work prepare students for work with diverse and disadvantaged populations. Common courses include social work ethics, human behavior and development, social work methods and social welfare policy. Social work students are required to complete supervised field work. This field work, in addition to a written exam, is required for licensing in most states.

A master’s degree in social work, or MSW, is offered at most schools of social work. Students who have a BSW can apply for an accelerated master’s degree program. The accelerated program can be completed in one year. Additional field work is required to earn a master’s degree. If you want to become a social worker who works independently or supervises others, a master’s degree is required.

Job opportunities

Social workers find jobs in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, substance abuse and mental health treatment facilities and government social service agencies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average social worker salary is $42,480. School and healthcare social workers have the highest salaries while family service workers tend to be paid less.

Social workers with a bachelor’s degree typically work directly with clients under the supervision of a master’s level social worker. When you decide to become a social worker, you have a lot of options. You can work with clients in need of cash, food or medical assistance in a government office, coordinate home care for patients who are being released from the hospital, assist mental health and substance abuse patients with their transition after inpatient treatment or be an advocate for abused and neglected children. As long as there are disadvantaged people in society, there will be a need for social workers.

Having the desire to help others can transition into a number of exciting careers. For individuals interested in counseling and mental health care, a career in psychology can be very rewarding. With several different areas of discipline to practice, many people may ask themselves, “How do I become a psychologist?”

The life of a psychologist varies depending on the setting in which they work. Clinical psychologists usually work in hospitals or mental health facilities. They spend majority of their time evaluating and diagnosing patients who suffer from mental or emotional disorders. Psychologists who work in academic settings as school psychologists and counselors will spend majority of their time working with children, adolescents and other faculty members. Researchers may work alone or on teams, depending on the complexity of experiment requirements. While some time is spent in the field collecting data, researchers also spend many hours reading and performing statistical analyses.

There are several routes that can be taken to become a psychologist. First, individuals will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited university. But having a bachelor’s degree alone will not qualify students to work as psychologists. While majoring in psychology is not mandatory, students who want to become a psychologist are advised to take introductory courses relating to psychology, statistics and research to prepare for graduate work. After determining the discipline of psychology that they would like to pursue, students will need to apply to graduate school programs. Most programs in clinical and counseling psychology are very competitive so students may want to apply to several different schools to increase their chances of acceptance. People interested in working in public or private school settings will need to have at least a master’s degree in psychology. Additionally, most school psychologists have backgrounds specializing in education. Industrial and organizational psychologists usually have a master’s degree as well. Doctorate degrees in philosophy (Ph.D) or psychology (Psy.D) are required for all psychologists who administers treatment plans or who provides mental health assessments and diagnosis. Most states require that all psychologists be licensed and certified in the state where they practice.

Many students who want to become a psychologist wonder how much they can make. This depends on a combination of the industry in which they are employed and the amount of education and experience acquired. The median salary for psychologists in 2010 ranged from $66,000 to $89,900. Salaries can exceed this range, especially for those who have independent practices. Graduate students can get a job in psychology a number of ways. Accepting an internship can open many avenues for permanent employment. Local universities may host job fairs for new graduates. Networking and joining psychology associations can also be useful in finding new job leads. Employment opportunities are in demand for clinical, counseling, industrial and school psychology. With job prospects expecting to increase by twenty two percent between the years 2010 and 2020, undergraduates and adults looking to start a second career should consider what it takes to become a psychologist.

Are you wondering how to become a nuclear engineer? In the following article, we answer this question to help you take the steps you need for a career as a nuclear engineer.

Nuclear engineering is an in-demand, lucrative profession. With so many young people facing an uncertain job market, it is no surprise that many are asking the question, “How do I become a Nuclear Engineer?” Well, the answer is: hard work and dedication. It is not easy to become a nuclear engineer, but many feel that the sacrifice is worth the reward.

What Is It Like to be a Nuclear Engineer?

It is a high stress but rewarding profession. Nuclear engineers must be detail-oriented professionals who rarely make mistakes. Making a mistake when overseeing or working on a nuclear power plant can have dire consequences. For that reason, nuclear engineers must be able to work under near constant pressure.

Not only is nuclear engineering a high-stress field, it is one that requires long hours. There are not enough engineers who specialize in nuclear power to go around. As a result, when you become a nuclear engineer, you will be expected to work long hours. Some weeks you will be on duty for over seventy-two hours of the workweek.

What Education Should You Obtain to Become a Nuclear Engineer?

To become a nuclear engineer, you must master a unique skill set. If you are still a high school student, you want to pay particular attention in your math and science courses. These basic skills are of the utmost importance when applying to nuclear engineering programs across the country. When you reach college, your first degree will need to be in either physics or engineering. It will be the first of many degrees. Most advanced positions within nuclear engineering require a doctorate or master’s degree. A bachelor’s degree is enough to get your foot in the proverbial door, but you should plan to return to school to seek an advanced degree.

Once you obtain your bachelor’s degree, it is time to prepare for your Fundamentals of Engineering Examination. This test is designed to ensure that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the engineering field. Once you past this test, you will be given the title of Engineer Intern. At this point, you can begin working under an experienced engineer.

After 4 years of on the job training, you can take your Principles and Practice of Engineering examination. Passing the PPE Exam means you can now call yourself an engineer, and work without direct supervision. The road to become a nuclear engineer is long and difficult, but for many, it is worth it in the end.

What Kind of Salary do Nuclear Engineers Earn?

Because the demand for nuclear engineers is so high and the supply so low, nuclear engineers can expect to earn significantly more than engineers in other fields do. The average starting salary for an engineer is approximately $45,000. The average starting salary for a nuclear engineer is $65,000.

Even though demand is high, obtaining a job in nuclear engineering is not easy. Employers are very selective. Your best means of landing a job involves making contacts in the industry. You can do this by securing an internship while still pursuing your degree, using your professors’ contacts in the industry, or even receiving education and on the job training in the military.

Not all nuclear engineers work at a nuclear power plant, and you should not limit your job search to nuclear plants. Many nuclear engineers find gainful employment in factories that make nuclear equipment, as consultants for the military, research facilities and in the medical field.

The opportunities for advancement in the nuclear engineering field are many. Most people start out at the same level, but as they gain experience, many segue into supervisory and managerial roles. Some use their intimate knowledge of nuclear power to transition to an executive position or operate as freelance consultants.

So you’re thinking about a future career and wondering How do I become a computer programmer? You’ve come to the right place! Our goal is to answer that question with this article.

Computer programmers play a key role in developing new software programs and fixing existing ones. While they use different types of programming language, their primary duty is to format software programs so that machines can recognize them. If you are asking yourself “how do I become a computer programmer?,” the following information should help.

This profession revolves around creating new programs and making systems run as smoothly as possible. When you become a computer programmer, you can work on a variety of projects both large and small. Some common projects include creating new web applications, computer games and widgets. Along with this, you may end up spending time fixing issues like glitches and computer bugs on existing programs. In some cases, you will work alongside a team of other programmers on large projects. Other times, you may work independently on smaller ones. To become a successful computer programmer, you should have solid technical and mathematical skills.

In terms of educational requirements for this career, they are as follows. At the bare minimum, you will need at least an associate’s degree or a certificate from a reputable program. However, you will be limited to the types of positions you can attain with only this amount of education. In order to increase the amount of positions you are eligible for, it’s best to have a four year bachelor’s degree in an area like computer science, information systems or a related field.

If you want to maximize your earning potential, you may want to consider going to graduate school after receiving your bachelor’s degree. This way, when you become a computer programmer, you should have plenty of open doors upon graduation and can earn more money. Throughout your time in school, it’s highly recommended to enroll in some type of internship program. By doing this, you can get plenty of hands on, real world experience that will better prepare you for later on down the road. Along with this, you can often establish connections and it tends to look better on your resume when applying for future jobs. Due to the evolving nature of technology, you may also be required to attend periodic seminars to stay abreast of changes after being hired.

When it comes to salary, the average person will earn approximately $69,620 a year. However, you will often have to work your way up the ladder when you become a computer programmer and may start off at significantly less. In order to streamline the process of landing a job, it’s smart to join a professional association like the IEEE Computer Society or the ICCP. Doing so should give you a sense of credibility, and these associations can also provide you with help for choosing your specific career path.

Some common types of jobs in this industry include working at computer software companies, helping people perform troubleshooting, doing software consultation, working as an instructor and doing independent freelance work. Due to technological nature of this career, it’s often possible to work remotely and telecommute for your job.