7 Creepy, Crawly and Just Plain Spooky Careers

October 31st, 2016 by

Crime Scene Decontamination. Shows like “CSI” or “Bones” give us a glimpse into the horrors of crime scenes. What they don’t show you are the people who clean up when the investigation is done. A crime scene decontamination technician specializes in removing splatter and hazardous material after accidents and crimes. If you have the stomach for it, this can be a stable career choice.

downloadForensic Entomologist. Nothing creeps or crawls more than insects. A forensic entomologist studies all things slimy and crawly, looking at life cycles, morphology, population size and genetics to gather evidence in murder cases. Get ready to carve up cadavers and spend a lot of time around maggots.

Mortuary Science and Embalming. A mortician is in charge of preparing bodies for burial, which starts with embalming and can also involve facial reconstruction so the deceased appears the way they did in life. This spooky career also involves the most compassion. A mortician is also responsible for comforting the grieving family and making the funeral process as easy as possible.

Forensic Psychiatry. This is one of the spookier careers on this list. The concept of “Silence of the Lambs” comes to mind, where there is no ghoul or monster, just a man. A forensic psychiatrist is tasked with exploring the criminal mind and understanding why some people do horrific things. They evaluate criminals and provide treatment to those who need it.

Mining. If you’re claustrophobic or afraid of the dark, stay away from this career. There are few worse places to be for someone scared of tight, dark spaces than a narrow mine shaft. That combined with reminders that you could potentially be trapped (remember the 33 miners in Chile?) definitely qualifies this career to be on the spooky list.  

us_navyBomb Squad Technician. While police departments are using robots for bomb disposal at an increasing rate, there are still plenty of instances where a bomb squad technician is needed. This career requires courage, a steady hand and the ability to overcome thanatophobia (the fear of death itself) — a fear shared by just about everyone. This can be a very noble profession, but definitely a scary one.

Field Epidemiologist. In my opinion, this is the creepiest job on the list. Epidemiologist study microorganisms, bacteria and viruses. Field epidemiologists are often employed by the CDC to go to “hot zones” to study outbreaks and prevent them from becoming a full-blown pandemic. Wearing little more than a hazmat suit, an epidemiologist gets close to bodily fluids, germs and dead bodies on a regular basis. Nothing is scarier than being attacked by something you can’t see and the threat of a biological apocalypse.  

Happy Halloween!

Interested in one of these creepy careers? Here are some courses that can help you get started:

Careers in Criminal Justice

Careers in Social Work

Careers in Psychology

U.S. Military

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Careers in Hospitality: Restaurant & Hotel Management

October 26th, 2016 by

A career devoted to hospitality can take you all over the world, literally. With lodging and food establishments being the pillar of communities and tourist locations all around the world, you will always be able to find a job. If you enjoy being a leader and want to spend your career helping people, then this might be the career path for you.

Education

A career in hospitality management starts with an associate’s degree, which typically takes about two years to complete. An associate’s degree provides a strong understanding of the business and managerial aspects of running a restaurant or a hotel. Over the course of this degree you will learn management, safety and sanitation, event planning and accounting.8230196669_bcc2216f9d_b

You may want to consider going for additional education and completing a bachelor’s degree to help you with future job growth, however this isn’t necessary to have a successful career in hospitality.

A certification is not required to become a hotel or restaurant manager, but employers look favorably upon those who complete one. The American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) offers certifications in multiple fields of hospitality and completing a certification will demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to service.

Career

Hospitality management comes in a spectrum of work environments. From restaurants and hotels, to bars, catering services, resorts, theme parks and more. Day-to-day tasks will vary based on the industry you choose to work in, but typically include accounting, hiring and managing staff, planning events and providing excellent customer service. Overall, your job is to provide a positive experience for guests and patrons to ensure they have the best time possible at your establishment.

Salary and Job Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average salary of hotel managers as $49,720 in 2015 and the average salary of food service managers as $48,690.

Growth in the hospitality field is average at 5 percent growth over the next decade. While the field isn’t growing rapidly there continues to be a high demand for professionals in the industry.

Want some more information on careers in hospitality? Take Next Step Academy’s “Careers in Hospitality: Restaurant & Hotel Management” course!

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Five Careers That Require Two Years of Training or Less

October 12th, 2016 by

Post-secondary education is a requirement for most career paths, but not every career requires a four year degree. There are plenty of stable and well-paying jobs that only require a certification or an associate’s degree. These careers can be a great option if a four year degree isn’t something you are interested in or able to pursue.

Dental Assisting

Perform a range of tasks including record keeping, scheduling appointments, patient care and taking x-rays.

Average salary: $35,980

Education: Certificate

Registered Nurse

Provide patient care as well as medical advice and emotional support for patients. Nurses work in hospitals, physician’s offices, clinics and other healthcare facilities.

Average salary: $67,490

Education: Associate’s degree

Electrician

Install, maintain and repair electrical systems for homes, businesses and factories.

Average salary: $51,880

Education: Certification and apprenticeship

HVAC

Install and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Average salary: $45,110

Education: Certificate or associate’s degree

Cosmetology

Provide hair cutting, styling, manicure and other beauty services.

Average salary: $23,710

Education: Certificate

Salary estimations were based on BLS.gov as of 2015.
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Careers in Coding

October 5th, 2016 by

We rely on computer technologies every day to manage our finances, to get ready for work or school, stay entertained and socialize with friends. Without computer programmers to supply the code, none of these functions would be possible.

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An associate’s degree in computer science or a related field will allow you to obtain entry-level positions in the field. Over the course of an associate’s program you will learn about database management, networking and operating systems. Classes will also cover software design and programming languages.

Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions. A bachelor’s will also give you the best edge for career advancement in the future. You may also want to consider a master’s degree if you want to pursue a management position in the future. A graduate program typically takes 2 years after undergraduate school.

Career

As a computer programmer or coder, you will work with coding languages such as C++, C# and Java to write computer software. Coders also maintain and upkeep these programs. This includes continuous testing and debugging of programs to make sure they are running correctly.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer programmers earned a median salary of $74,280 or $35.71 per hour in 2015. Employment of computer programmers is expected to increase by 8 percent over the next decade.

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Careers in Clinical Biochemistry

September 14th, 2016 by

Clinical biochemists work in labs to research, diagnose and manage diseases. They need to have great critical thinking skills, be passionate about problem solving and above all else have a love for science. Does this sound like you? Then you should consider a career in clinical biochemistry.

Education

The first step towards a career in clinical biochemistry is a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree will prepare you for entry-level positions in clinical biochemistry such as a laboratory technician or research assistant.

clinical-biochemA master’s degree in biochemistry will be necessary for career advancement, allowing you to work as laboratory operations manager or a clinical lab scientist. A master’s degree is also necessary to teach post-secondary education.

A PhD isn’t required of clinical biochemists, but you will need to earn your PhD if you want to pursue independent research in the field.

Classes at the bachelor’s level cover mathematics, computer science, physics, biology and chemical sciences. As you study, classes will become more specialized covering topics such as toxicology, genetics, neurobiology and molecular biology. You will also be expected to complete laboratory hours, internships and possibly personal research.

Career

Clinical biochemists look at the processes happening within an organism at a molecular level, studying the components of cells. They analyze organic samples (bodily fluids), looking at lipids, proteins and organelles to find anomalies. When an anomaly is found, clinical biochemists run tests to help patients diagnose and manage their diseases.

Typically, clinical biochemists work in hospitals, medical research facilities or pharmaceutical companies. Clinical biochemists work full-time, sometimes being required to work nights and weekends or have on-call hours.

Salary and Job Outlook

The average salary for biochemists was $82,150 in 2015 as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. This varies depending on the degree held and whether you work in a lab or in research. Employment of clinical biochemists is expected to grow by 8 percent over the next decade.

Want to learn more about a career in clinical biochemistry? Take our course “Careers in Clinical Biochemistry

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Careers in Graphic Design

August 23rd, 2016 by

Graphic designers are prevalent in almost every industry. They create logos, advertising, packaging, book covers, product design, website layout… the list goes on and on. If you constantly find yourself doodling in the margins or posting stellar photos on Instagram, a career in graphic design may be the perfect for you.

Education

Graphic designers must have a passion for art and most companies require that you hold a bachelor’s degree in design or a related field. This typically takes four years to complete and give you the foundation for a successful career in graphic design.

As a graphic design student, your courses will cover art history, the elements and principles of design and how aspects of design are used to influence or appeal to a target audience. You will learn the significance of color, composition, symbols and typeface.

graphic-designer-1288477_960_720During the course of your education you will also take classes in photography, illustration and web design to help you develop your design skills. This is a great time to start putting together a portfolio. Keep all of your work and include your best pieces in a portfolio you can show off to potential employers.

You may want to consider certification programs for different types of design software (such as photo-editing software). A certification demonstrates your knowledge and gives you an advantage when looking for jobs.

Career

Graphic designers often work for an agency that provides design services to clients or they work directly for a company in the creative department. Graphic designers can also choose to work freelance, with 20 percent of graphic designers being self-employed and working for a number of clients and organizations.

There are typically four steps involved in a graphic design project. First, the designer meets with clients and discusses ideas. Once they establish an idea or goal for the project, the designer develops the visual elements needed for the project. Next, they meet with the client again to go over the visuals and discuss where adjustments should be made. Finally, the designer edits the project and sends it to be printed, uploaded or sent to a web developer, depending on the project.

Salary and Job Outlook

The average salary for graphic designers in 2015 was $46,900, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The industry is expected to have little no change with a projected growth of 1 percent over the next decade.
Take our Careers in Graphic Design course to learn more!

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Careers in Paralegal

August 11th, 2016 by

Paralegals play an important role in the legal process, offering support to lawyers and affordable legal assistance to clients. Ranked one of the 20 best jobs in America by CNN Money, a career as a paralegal can be extremely rewarding. If you are highly organized, enjoy research and can easily relate to people, then a career in paralegal may be the perfect fit for you.

Education

Paralegals need to complete a certification program or associate degree in paralegal or legal studies. Certification programs are great for students who want to enter the profession quickly, while an associate’s degree is good for students who want to advance their legal career later in life.

Over the course of a paralegal or legal studies program, you have the opportunity to take specialized courses so you can work in specific legal fields. Specialization typically falls within criminal, corporate or family law. You can also achieve specialization from on-the-job experience gained during an internship or in an entry-level position. Look for firms that work within the specialized legal field you have an interest in.

Paralegals are often encouraged to continue their legal education throughout the course of their career. This helps them stay on top of new laws and regulations and continue to meet the requirements for their state, firm or association.

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Paralegals work directly with or under the direction of lawyers and attorneys. They draft legal documents such as contracts and mortgages, draft and sign legal documents and represent clients when permitted by law.

Paralegals are also important during court proceedings. Prior to court, paralegals help gather facts, affidavits and statements for evidence. They then prepare cases by gathering and arranging the evidence and writing summarized reports to prepare attorneys and lawyers for trial. During a trial, a paralegal handles the exhibits and takes notes on the court proceedings.

Paralegals have a range of responsibilities that vary depending on the employer. However, by law they are unable to offer clients legal advice or opinion.

Salary and Job Outlook

Paralegals made and average annual salary of $48,810 in 2015 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or $23.47 per hour. The BLS expects the profession to grow by 8 percent over the next decade, which is about as fast as average.

Want to learn more? Take our Careers in Law: Paralegal course!

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Careers in Accounting

August 2nd, 2016 by

Accounting is a broad field that can lead you to a career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a tax or staff accountant, a financial analyst, a compliance professional, a financial planner or a loan officer. Each path has it’s own unique responsibilities, but they are built upon the same foundation: numbers. If you are a math geek with a passion for economics, a career in accounting may be the right fit for you.

Education

Bookkeepers or accounting clerks that hold an associate’s degree may be able to advance into junior accounting positions without additional education, but most entry-level positions in accounting require a bachelor’s degree and many employers prefer a master’s degree.algebra-1238600_960_720

A bachelor’s degree in accounting covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, personal finance concepts and fundamentals of marketing. Classes also cover ethics and the relevant laws that accountants need to be aware of.

Accountants with a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience are eligible to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam is broken up into four sections: Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulations. You must pass each section of the exam in order to become a certified CPA, allowing you serve the public and provide assurance services.

Career

The responsibilities of someone in accounting depend largely on the specific career path they choose. However, someone in this field typically examines financial statements, computes taxes owed and makes sure they are paid properly, inspects accounting systems, maintains financial records and suggests ways to cut costs and improve profits.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants is expected to grow by 11 percent from 2014 to 2024. The median pay for accountants in 2015 was $67,190 or $32.30 per hour.

 
Want to learn more about accounting? Take our “Careers in Accounting” course!

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Careers in Education Administration

July 13th, 2016 by

Having a career in education doesn’t limit you to teaching, you can also choose to pursue an administrative position. This typically includes assistant principals, principals and superintendents. People in these positions are leaders that play a vital role in making sure school districts run efficiently.

Education

School administrators need to complete a master’s degree in education administration or a related field and already have teaching experience. (Read our blogs on elementary education and secondary education to learn the education requirements for teaching). A master’s degree will typically take two additional years of education to complete. The courses you take will emphasize leadership, curriculum development and education laws and ethics. Many programs require students to complete an internship where you work directly with school administrators so you can develop skills in a real-world setting.

While a doctoral degree is not required to become an education administrator, this level of education will give you a better foundation for a career in this field. A doctoral degree can take up to three years to complete after graduate school and will require research and thesis work.

Most states require administrators to acquire an administrator or principal license. This varies state-to-state, but usually it involves passing a written test and background check. Some states also require administrators to take continuing education courses to maintain their certification.

Career

Assistant principals and principals take care of the administrative duties for a specific school. They are in charge of developing curriculum, evaluating teachers and disciplining students. They also act as a liaison between the school and the community.

Superintendents help manage the entire school district. Typically, they work with a board of trustees to develop goals for the district and oversee administrators.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics school administrators earned a median salary of $90,410 in 2015 and the field is expected to grow 6 percent over the next decade.

 

Explore a little more with Next Step Academy’s course “Careers in Education: Administration

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Careers in Secondary Education

July 6th, 2016 by

Pursuing a degree in secondary education allows you to enter a career as a teacher at the high school level. High school teachers tend to teach students about a single subject. They work hard to prepare students for post-secondary education and entering the workforce after graduation.

Education

Students who want a career in secondary education need to complete a bachelor’s degree, which will take about four years to complete. You’ll be expected to focus on a specific subject, such as math or history. You can also choose to focus on a more specific area of study, such as economics or politics, or special subjects such as art or foreign language.

A bachelor’s degree in secondary education usually includes field work, such as student teaching, which is often completed at the same time as teaching certification requirements. Teaching certification differs state-to-state, so you’ll need to find out what your state requires. Some states require you to receive a master’s degree after initial teacher certification,  which sometimes can be earned while teaching full-time.

Career

Secondary school teachers typically work with grades 9-12, but depending on the school district you may work with grades 7-12. As a high school teacher, you’ll need to create lesson plans that you can adapt to different class sizes. You will need to create a curriculum that prepares students for standardized testing, challenges them personally and academically and — most importantly — holds their interest.

This career also includes grading assignments and exams, which you may have to complete at home, and communicating with parents, fellow teachers and other staff. In the age of information, you’ll most likely be expected to upkeep a website to post assignments and coursework as well.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary in 2015 for secondary school teachers was $57,200. The profession is expected to grow by 6 percent by 2024, about as fast as average.

Explore a little more with Next Step Academy’s course “Careers in Education: Secondary Education

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