Being a software engineer can give you the opportunity to do computer programming all day long. The people who enter this profession usually have a strong passion for computer coding and working with software systems. A company will typically hire you to do work on computer systems and develop new programs. You may be responsible for managing one aspect of a company’s computer system. A company may want you to develop the security solutions for a company’s computer system. It is important for you to understand a variety of computer coding languages if you decide to pursue this career path. This field relies heavily upon an individual’s knowledge of all the cutting edge programs in the computer world. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a software engineer?” If you want to become a software engineer, then you should spend some time in refining your computer coding skills.

What’s it like to be a software engineer?

When you want to work as a software engineer, you will have the opportunity to work directly with computer programs on a daily basis. A supervisor may give you projects that need to be completed by a certain deadline. It may be your task to develop a new computer program and introduce it to the board of directors for a company. It is always important for you to meet these deadlines. The tech industry is quite fast-paced, and you will fall behind if you can not keep up with the workload. If you want to work in a city that has thriving new computer businesses, then you may want to choose to work in a geographic location like Silicon Valley. You can find other young professionals who have ambition and drive for developing computer software programs in Silicon Valley. You may work long hours if you decide to work for a start-up company. Be prepared to work long hours to meet deadlines if you work for a new tech company.

Education Requirements

Not all software engineers have an undergraduate degree from a college. If you are naturally gifted or make the effort to understand and master computer languages, then you can become a successful software engineer. Start-up companies are usually just looking for driven individuals who can deliver the work. They want to see that you have a strong commitment to the tech industry. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree makes it easier for you to get your foot in the door at large corporations. If you have a bachelor’s degree, then you will be able to work for a variety of high-profile tech companies upon your graduation.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary for a software engineer is about $90,000 a year. Most people work in this industry due to their background in working with computers. You should try to work in an internship position during your years in college. Having an internship can allow you to make connections with individuals who work for a company. You will be able to make connections that can help you obtain a position in the company. You should also try to apply for jobs in a city that has a thriving computer industry, such as Silicon Valley. You will be able to land a job much faster this way.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/facts_4884859_what-software-engineer.html

Sheriffs do important work in protecting members of society from harm. A sheriff ensures that the members of a community are safe. He or she may have to respond to emergency phone calls from citizens in the community. A sheriff may also need to manage all of the units in a patrol center. The sheriff has to make sure that the patrol center is having a positive influence in controlling violence in the community. The sheriff may need to analyze trends of crime in the community. It may be his or her job to create seminar programs the educate police officers about the ways to protect people from harm. If you want to become a sheriff, then you should have a desire for protecting people from harm. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a sheriff?” When you want to become a sheriff, it is important for you to obtain the necessary education and have an ability to perceive situations that can escalate to violence.

What’s it like to be a sheriff?

When you are a sheriff, you respond to phone calls from the public. You may need to go to a person’s home to ensure that the person is safe from harm. A person may call the patrol center and be afraid that he or she has a robber in the home. A person may also call the patrol center and be involved in a car accident or a situation of gang violence. It is the job of the police officers to respond to these situations. As a sheriff, you may also need to think about strategies for managing a riot that breaks out in a major city. You will have additional responsibilities in lowering crime rates if you work in a large city. If you work in a rural town, then your major responsibility may be managing the budget for a patrol office.

Education Requirements

To become a sheriff, you should obtain an undergraduate degree in criminal justice. It is important for you to have a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system. You should attempt to learn about the ways that the criminal justice system operates in detaining individuals. You should also learn about the laws that govern the police force. It is important for you to know what police officers can and can not do in arresting individuals. You may be the head sheriff who is responsible for instructing police officers about the proper ways to arrest individuals. You do not want your unit to conduct illegal searches and seizures. An illegal search will result in a case going to trial, and this ends up being more costly for the public. After you complete a degree in criminal justice, you will then need to take a test at a patrol center in order to become a sheriff. You will also need to undergo a training session in order to become a sheriff.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a sheriff is about $45,000 a year. If you are responsible for managing an entire unit, then your salary may be as high as $85,000 a year. Most individuals become sheriffs after working as police officers for a few years.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2083422_become-sheriff.html

Working as a security guard can be a nice job for the person who enjoys protecting others and maintaining safety in society. Working as a security guard can also be a peaceful career. You may work as a security guard for an office building and only work on nights. You may work during shifts when there is little to no activity in a building. Some security guards enjoy this sort of peaceful atmosphere. In other instances, you may work in a more exciting type of security position. You may serve as a security guard for a government entity that is the focus of much attention by the media. It will be your job to maintain a safe atmosphere for all of the politicians within the building, and this can be difficult. You may need to prevent some individuals from gaining access into a building. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a security guard?” When you want to become a security guard, it is important for you to have an ability to patrol an area and remain alert at all times.

What’s it like to be a security guard?

When you are a security guard, you have the responsibility of patrolling an area. You need to protect an area from intruders. It may be your job to deal with any thieves that enter a building. You may also need to protect high-end merchandise in a retail store or sensitive documents in an office building. There are individuals who may try to break into these buildings to get their hands on valuable merchandise or top-secret documents. You will have to know the protocol for handling these types of intruders. You may also need to use physical force at times. You are also responsible for escorting individuals who cause a scene or engage in physical violence in a building. As a security guard, you may have to work odd hours. You may work only night shifts. If you are open to having a flexible schedule, then you will be able to land a job as a security guard for a building.

Education Requirements

To become a security guard, it is important for you to obtain a certificate in security from a community college. You may also find that a company has its own training program for security guards. You should find out about the specific requirements for security guards before you apply for a position. It is important for you to find out what the requirements will be for you. You do not want to invest your time and energy in completing a certificate program that will not be helpful to you in applying for a certain job. Overall, it is important for you to know how to manage large crowds of people and protect individuals from harm.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a security guard is about $25,000 a year. This amount can be increased if you work for a high-profile corporation. You can also earn a higher salary if you decide to work additional hours during the holiday season or peak times for a business. To get a job, you should apply for open positions at businesses, office buildings and other entities that require security.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2074313_become-security-guard.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/security-guards.htm

When you are a respiratory therapist, you play an important role in improving the breathing of individuals. Imagine being able to help people relieve their stress and breathe easier in life. Your work is what can literally help individuals continue to survive and enjoy their lives. A breathing problem can pose serious issues to individuals. A breathing problem can impede a person’s ability to carry out a normal life. When you are a respiratory therapist, you work with individuals who have emphysema, cystic fibrosis and asthma. You may also need to work with a doctor to figure out the exact type of breathing problem that a person experiences in his or her daily life. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a respiratory therapist?” Fortunately, if you want to become a respiratory therapist, only a couple years of education are required.

What’s it like to be a respiratory therapist?

When you are a respiratory therapist, you meet with patients on a daily basis. It is your task to meet with patients and ensure that their breathing is improving every day. You need to work with patients to help them overcome breathing problems. It is also important for you to diagnose the specific issue that a patient faces. You also may need to refer the patient to a more specialized type of doctor who can offer a prescription medication for the patient. As a respiratory therapist, you work closely with other members of the medicine community. It is your job to work with other members of the medicine community to diagnose the illnesses of patients or figure out a remedy for their breathing issues. You may also need to deal with emergencies that arise. A child may be at school and suffer an asthma attack. It can be your task to deliver the appropriate inhaler to the child to ensure that he or she overcomes the asthma attack.

Education Requirements

If you want to become a respiratory therapist, it is important for you to obtain a two-year degree in respiratory therapy. You should obtain a two-year degree from a vocational school, college or hospital. You can find low-cost programs at hospitals or community colleges. When you complete one of these programs, you will receive an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy. After you receive your associate’s degree, you should take the exam that is administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. When you pass this exam, you will receive your license to serve as a respiratory therapist in a state. When you obtain a bachelor’s degree, you may be promoted to a supervisory position in a hospital or clinic. You may also be able to earn a higher salary if you have a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree program should focus on a field like biology, chemistry or anatomy.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a respiratory therapist is about $55,000 a year. You can obtain a position as a respiratory therapist by applying for positions in hospitals and clinics. You may also be hired by a private medical office. It is important for you to consider your long-term career goals in applying for positions at hospitals or private offices. If you wish to branch off on your own, then you may want to begin working for a private office.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_15158_become-respiratory-therapist.html

Being a preschool teacher can be an incredibly fulfilling career. Working with adorable young toddlers is one of the major perks of having this career. More than working with adorable young toddlers, your role as a teacher is to help mold the minds of young kids. The concepts that you teach young children can stay with them throughout their lives. From sharing to treating others with kindness, these basic concepts are important to impress upon toddlers’ minds. When you work as a preschool teacher, you have the ability to help children and create a positive learning environment for all kids. Preschool teachers usually have a great passion for educating young minds and teaching them valuable lessons that will stay with them for years. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a preschool teacher?” When you want to become a preschool teacher, it is important for you to complete a bachelor’s degree in education and have a motivation to help develop the minds of young children.

What’s it like to be a preschool teacher?

When you are a preschool teacher, you typically meet with a class of young toddlers for only a few hours every day. Toddlers do not typically go to school for an entire day. You usually only teach half-days of school. It is your responsibility to plan lessons for young kids. Your lessons should be engaging and fun for the young kids. It is also important for you to think about creative ways to motivate your students to treat one another with respect. As the preschool teacher, you have the additional responsibility of teaching your students about social skills. Pre-school is often the first stage of education that many of your students will experience. You should also be prepared to address the concerns that any parents of students have. You serve as a liaison between the parents and the administration of a school. It is important for you to listen to the concerns that parents may have.

Education Requirements

To become a preschool teacher, you should obtain a bachelor’s degree in education. It is important for you to take courses that expose you to the psychology of young children. You may want to take courses that also are designed for preschool teachers. The more relevant courses you take during college, the easier your job will be later down the line. You will be able to prepare lessons that are engaging and valuable for all of your students. It is a good idea to participate in an internship during your time in college. You may also want to gain some hours as a student teacher. Student teaching is one of the best parts of the educational process for becoming a preschool teacher.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, preschool teachers earn an average salary of about $25,000 a year. A preschool teacher may earn a higher salary if he or she works additional hours in a tutoring center. A preschool teacher may also do substitute teaching for a school and earn a higher salary. To obtain a job as a preschool teacher, one should apply for positions at public schools and in private schools. If a teacher works for a private school, then he or she will earn a higher salary.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_4473400_become-preschool-teacher.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm

One of the hottest careers in the medical profession is a physician assistant. Being a physician assistant is a great career choice for any person who wants to earn a nice salary and work minimal hours in the medical profession. When you are a physician assistant, you will not be stuck working late hours in a hospital. You will have a set schedule and will meet with patients during normal hours. You also provide valuable assistance to doctors in a hospital. Doctors will rely upon you to treat patients and ensure that they are improving in their condition. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a physician assistant?” When you want to become a physician assistant, you will need to think about all of the educational requirements that you need to complete.

What’s it like to be a physician assistant?

When you are a physician assistant, you meet with patients on a daily basis. A doctor may also want to meet with you to discuss the condition of a certain patient. It may be your task to check up on a patient in the hospital. You may also work in a lab setting. If you work in a lab setting, then you will need to order lab tests and record prescriptions. You will assist a physician in taking care of patients. Basically, you help the doctor in whatever ways that he or she requires. A doctor may want you to do additional research for a patient’s file. It is your job to carefully read through the patient’s file and understand his or her medical condition. The doctor may also want you to research the treatment for certain illnesses. It is important for you to always be punctual and ready to serve the doctor in whatever way you possibly can.

Education Requirements

To become a physician assistant, you should complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program. You will then need to apply for programs that offer a physician’s assistant certificate. These programs usually take about two years to complete. You can also complete a program at a college that combines a certificate program and undergraduate degree program. These types of programs usually take about five years to complete. The benefit of completing one of these types of programs is that you will save thousands of dollars in tuition fees. Before you apply for a physician’s assistant program, you should make sure that you have completed all of the course requirements. Some programs require that you have a certain number of credits in math and science.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the BLS, the average salary of a physician’s assistant is about $85,000 a year. You can get a job as a physician’s assistant by applying for positions at local hospitals. You may also find a job as a physician’s assistant by applying for a position at a private doctor’s office. The competition for these positions can be very tough, so it is important for you to apply for as many positions as possible.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_4495245_become-physicians-assistant.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm

As a physical therapist, you play an important role in helping people recover from injuries. A person may suffer from a back or knee injury that prevents him or her from engaging in daily work. Your job is to help rehabilitate the patient and ensure that he or she can carry on daily activities. You may teach the patient how to do certain exercises that allow joints to expand and move in a free manner. You may need to help patients do stretches that increase the circulation of blood in different parts of the body after a surgery. You help patients develop strength in muscles that may be weakened in the body after a surgery or injury. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a physical therapist?” When you want to become a physical therapist, it is important for you to complete years of education and pass certain medical exams.

What’s it like to be a physical therapist?

When you are a physical therapist, you work with patients on a daily basis. You may have an established set of patients who you meet with on a weekly basis. You may have to help individuals complete the cycle of exercises that they have for recovery. You may also need to massage certain parts of the body that have been injured. It is important for you to make connections in the medical community. Orthopedic surgeons and doctors will frequently recommend your services to their patients. Referrals may make up a large portion of your business. If you are the owner of a physical therapy center, then you may need to deliver presentations in the local community. It will be your job to inform the public about the ways in which they can treat and prevent injuries. You may also need to meet with patients outside of your normal business hours. You may need to meet with a patient who is recovering from a surgery at his or her home.

Education Requirements

To become a physical therapist, you should obtain an undergraduate degree in biology, anatomy or a pre-med program. Upon your completion of an undergraduate program, you will need to apply for physical therapy programs throughout the United States. A physical therapy program usually takes about four years to complete. You should try to apply to graduate programs that are located in your geographic area of interest for practice. You should try to anticipate where you will want to work upon your graduation from the program. You will also need to take the specific license exam for your particular state of practice. It is a good idea to hire a test prep company for your study and preparation. A test prep company will be able to teach you effective methods of studying so that you do not lose time and have to repeat the test.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a physical therapist is about $76,000 a year. The BLS anticipates that there will be a 40% increase in the demand for physical therapists in the future. If you want to get a job as a physical therapist, then you should apply for positions in a local clinic, private office or hospital.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_17701_become-physical-therapist.html

When you are a pediatric nurse, you have the joy of working with children on a daily basis. You are the friendly face who greets children before their appointments with a doctor. You may also need to be the person who administers tests or shots before a child’s appointment with a doctor. As a pediatric nurse, it is important for you to have a calming and compassionate manner. Children will likely be very anxious before their appointment with a doctor, and it is important for you to calm them and make them feel comfortable. Pediatric nurses also may work in hospitals and help children recover from surgery procedures. You may need to administer medications to a child who has had an operation procedure. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a pediatric nurse?” When you want to become a pediatric nurse, it is important for you to obtain a nursing degree and have the right skills for the profession.

What’s it like to be a pediatric nurse?

When you are a pediatric nurse, you typically see young patients before they go into an appointment with a doctor. You may need to ask the child about his or her illness. You may also need to administer routine tests, such as taking the child’s weight or recording the height of the child. It will also be important for you to make sure that the child is up to date on all of his or her shots. You will need to make sure that the child is ready to see a doctor. If a child is crying, it is your job to calm the child down before he or she meets with a doctor. If you work in a hospital, then your job will be to take care of children after their surgery procedures. You will need to ensure that all of the bandages have been changed for a child. You will also need to make sure that a child is receiving all of the medications that he or she requires.

Education Requirements

To become a pediatric nurse, you should obtain a nursing degree. You will need to complete pre-requisite courses before you become a pediatric nurse. It will be important for you to complete these courses and then apply for nursing programs. Getting into a nursing program can be very competitive. You should try to maintain a high grade point average during your years in college. You should also try to complete an internship at a hospital. These sorts of qualifications are what admissions committees want to see on an application. After you complete a nursing program, you will need to obtain a license to become a practicing nurse. You will need to look into the state requirements to receive your license. The state exams can be very difficult, and it is important for you to prepare for them as much as possible.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the BLS, the average salary of a pediatric nurse is about $65,000 a year. When you want to become a pediatric nurse, it is important for you to apply for jobs at hospitals and clinics. You should also try to apply for positions at private medical offices that have a need for pediatric nurses.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered-nurses.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/about_6578617_pediatric-nursing.html

A neurologist plays an important role in diagnosing diseases of the nervous system. If you suspect that you may have a spinal cord issue or brain disorder, then a neurologist can help diagnose your specific medical issue. Neurologists perform tests and administer treatments for these types of issues. He or she may have to perform a CAT scan, MRI or EEG. One should have a deep commitment to this profession if he or she wants to become a neurologist. The process of becoming a neurologist can take over ten years. The education required to become a neurologist can also be very expensive. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a neurologist?” If you want to become a neurologist, then the best thing that you can do is to begin making your education plan for the rest of your life.

What’s it like to be a neurologist?

When you are a neurologist, you meet with patients who have issues with their nervous system. A patient may have a tumor in his or her brain. The patient may have suffered a spinal cord injury. It is your task to figure out the specific medical issue that a patient faces and to think of the appropriate treatment for that issue. You are entrusted with a lot of responsibility as a neurologist. You may have to deal with a very complex brain disorder and have to recommend treatment for a patient. Patients depend on you for medical advice in times of hopelessness. You may also have to complete a very complicated surgery procedure for an individual who has a brain issue. Your weekly tasks may involve meeting with patients, administering tests and sending test results to laboratories. You may also have surgery procedures lined up for the week.

Education Requirements

To become a neurologist, the education requirements are quite rigorous. You will need to obtain a four-year bachelor’s degree in a field of science. It is a good idea to prepare for medical school by taking relevant courses in anatomy, biology and chemistry. After obtaining your bachelor’s degree, you will apply for programs at medical schools throughout the country. You will also need to take the MCAT entrance exam prior to applying for medical schools. The competition to get into medical school is very tough. It is important for you to maintain a high grade point average during your time in college in order to be admitted into a medical school program. When you are finished with medical school, you will then apply to specialized residency programs. You will need to spend time living in an actual hospital and observing the tasks of a neurologist. You will see how neurologists relate to patients on a daily basis.

Salary & How to Get a Job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary for a neurologist is about $166,000 a year. The demand for qualified neurologists is expected to grow by at least 24 percent in the next ten years. If one wants to get a job as a neurologist, then he or she can apply for positions at local hospitals or open a private practice. Some individuals decide to go directly into private practice after they graduate from a medical school program and residency program.

References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2070122_become-neurologist.html

Music producers have the joy of walking into a job where their creativity can flow everyday. Going to the studio, music producers help shape the music industry by working with the newest singers on the scene. Music producers listen closely to rhythms in songs and make adjustments as needed. Music producers also have the ability to help develop the vocals of an artist. A music producer may work closely with a new singer to help promote a new record. The tasks of a music producer can vary depending on what he or she wants to do. If a music producer owns a recording studio, then his or her options for creating new music are endless. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a music producer?” When you want to become a music producer, it is important for you to make as many connections in the music industry as possible.

What’s it like to be a music producer?

As a music producer, you have the joy of working with recording artists to create the next big single. Some music producers decide to focus on a specific niche in the music industry. You may only work with rappers or pop stars. It is up to you to decide where your career will ultimately go. Music producers typically work late hours in recording studios. You should be prepared to spend significant amounts of time in your recording studio and listening to artists sing their songs. Music producers will also take the recording of a song and make it enjoyable for the public’s ear. A great music producer can make a bad song sound incredible. The music producer has an ear for rhythm and beats. He or she is able to pick out the best features of a song and capitalize on those features. The music producer can also make suggestions to a singer or songwriter about changes that could be made to improve a song or album. If a singer works with a great music producer, there is no telling where his or her career may eventually lead. A great music producer has a tendency to bring out the best features in the individuals that he or she works with on a regular basis.

Education Requirements

To become a music producer, no formal education is required. You do not need to obtain a bachelor’s degree, but it can be helpful to pursue a degree in order to show your commitment to the field. You should spend time working with the equipment that a music producer uses on a regular basis. You should try to get a feel for what it is like to work in a recording studio. If possible, you should try to obtain an internship in a major recording studio. An internship can expose you to the music industry and can provide you with the opportunity to make valuable connections in the field.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The average salary of a music producer can vary greatly depending on his or her success. A starting music producer may only make $20,000 or $30,000 a year. A wildly successful music producer may make as much as $1 million every year. The salary of a music producer depends on the success of the music that he or she ultimately creates.

References:
1. http://blogs.payscale.com/salarystories/2007/02/music_producer_.html
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2040035_become-music-producer.html