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	<title>SayCampusLife: Campus News, Sports and Events &#187; work</title>
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		<title>7 Facebook Mistakes College Students Make</title>
		<link>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2012/02/06/7-facebook-mistakes-college-students-make/</link>
		<comments>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2012/02/06/7-facebook-mistakes-college-students-make/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:05:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Matthew C. Keegan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Social Networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Facebook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[slider]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tips]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.saycampuslife.com/?p=7851</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How NOT to mess up your social media presence. Facebook now has 800 million global users and is a behemoth that will soon transition from private to public ownership. As a user, it can be easy ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><i>How NOT to mess up your social media presence.</i></p>
<p>Facebook now has 800 million global users and is a behemoth that will soon transition from private to public ownership. As a user, it can be easy to think that your presence on Facebook is a benign one, but please note: the actions you perform on Facebook today can come back to haunt you, especially as you seek full-time employment.</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s take a look at seven of the chief mistakes college students make when using Facebook:</p>
<p><strong>1. TMI</strong> &#8212; Too much information about yourself can lead to people stalking you. If you want to put up your birthday, that&#8217;s okay. Leave off your birth year and put little else up about yourself including where you live. Stalkers prey on FB users and if you&#8217;re a pretty young thing, then you&#8217;re vulnerable to being harassed.</p>
<p><strong>2. Revealing photos</strong> &#8212; Never post photos of yourself that are revealing. Sexually suggestive pictures and photos of you in a drunken state reflect poorly on who you are. You may be able to delete those photos, but if they&#8217;re are copied and tagged by others, then you have no control over what happens to them.</p>
<p><strong>3. Controversial groups</strong> &#8212; Never be ashamed of your beliefs, but just know that if someone takes exception with your much publicized involvement with the NRA or support for Planned Parenthood, these choices can affect you.</p>
<p><strong>4. Political leanings</strong> &#8212; It is a fact that some people are too &#8220;out there&#8221; with their political opinions and that information can hurt their chances for employment. Speak respectively of people in the public arena even if you respectively disagree. FB can become a cauldron of anger for people who don&#8217;t know when to quit.</p>
<p><strong>5. Send private messages instead</strong> &#8212; Posting on someone&#8217;s wall can be fun, but do you want everyone else to read what you wrote? Even if you have the ultimate in privacy protection, your information once written can be shared elsewhere. Write it in private if at all.</p>
<p><strong> 6. Too many friends</strong> &#8212; How many &#8220;friends&#8221; can you reasonably stay in touch with on FB? To be <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/908045/do-you-have-302-friends-">socially attractive</a>, 302 FB friends is what you should have. If you have thousands, then people will see that you go well beyond the regular contacts. Network only with those you can help and those who help you.</p>
<p><strong>7. Job information</strong> &#8212; If you use FB to network for a job, you need to put your work history, education details and other resume related information in full view. You don&#8217;t need to publish your entire resume, but you should include enough information to help recruiters know more about you.</p>
<p>Facebook is fun and can be a part of your daily networking experience. Drawing the line and cleaning up information that does not belong on your wall is essential for your career success.</p>
<p><strong>lSee Also</strong> &#8212; <a href="http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/08/22/10-twitter-tips-for-college-students/">10 Twitter Tips for College Students</a></p>
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		<title>Make the Most Out of Your College Career Fair</title>
		<link>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2012/01/02/make-the-most-out-of-your-college-career-fair/</link>
		<comments>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2012/01/02/make-the-most-out-of-your-college-career-fair/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:05:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Matthew C. Keegan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advanced Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[campus visit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[college planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[representatives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resume]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[slider]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[work]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.saycampuslife.com/?p=7691</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Face to face meetings help you get acquainted. If you&#8217;re in high school and planning to attend college, one of the best ways to get acquainted with a school is to attend a college career fair. ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><i>Face to face meetings help you get acquainted.</i></p>
<p>If you&#8217;re in high school and planning to attend college, one of the best ways to get acquainted with a school is to attend a college career fair. Most high schools have them &#8212; these are usually one-day events where recruiting staff from local colleges and universities show up, set up tables and encourage you to stop by. Some fairs are much larger and include schools from across the country and abroad. </p>
<p>Let&#8217;s take a look at how you can make your next college career fair a personal success:</p>
<p><strong>Your guidance counselor</strong> &#8212; First things first: you&#8217;ll want to stay in touch with your guidance counselor to keep abreast of when the next college career day will be held at your school. Your counselor should have dates at the ready and know which schools have committed to attend. Although you&#8217;ll want to eventually make a campus visit, an earlier meeting at your high school with college reps can help you make your plans. Some high schools hold multiple fairs at various times of the year too.</p>
<p><strong>Attend a resume workshop</strong> &#8212; Guess what? A resume can come in handy as you meet with college recruiters. Most high school students do not have one, but resumes certainly come in handy when you&#8217;re considering a college. When your high school offers a resume workshop, plan to attend it. Work with staff or volunteers to build a resume that accurately depicts who you are and what you&#8217;ve done academically as well as your work or volunteer pursuits.</p>
<p><strong>Just before the fair</strong> &#8212; About one week before the fair begins, you&#8217;ll want to do to two things: set aside a professional wardrobe to wear to school on the day of the fair. That way, you&#8217;ll have the dress that will match your professionalism. You&#8217;ll also want to identify which school representatives you&#8217;ll want to meet up with. Some fairs have dozens of schools in attendance &#8212; you don&#8217;t have the time to visit all nor should you. Choose 6-10 schools that interest you and plan to visit each table during the course of the fair.</p>
<p><strong>Plan your questions</strong> &#8212; You may have uncovered many things about the colleges you are interested in through the school&#8217;s website, its Facebook page or its Twitter account. Likely, you have some questions you want to have answered. This is the time to write out your questions that might include: What GPA is required for consideration? Can I live off campus during my freshman year? How diverse is your campus? When can I make a personal visit?</p>
<p><strong>Obtain an agenda</strong> &#8212; College career fairs are typically crowded with students, high school faculty and parent volunteers, and college representatives. You&#8217;ll want to obtain an agenda and circle the stations (tables) you want to visit and make an effort to stop by each place during the fair. Allow enough time to stop by and work in breaks to write or record notes. Be mindful that  popular schools often attract the most students and have the longest lines. Move on to another school if your wait is long &#8212; you can always return later when lines have diminished.</p>
<p><strong>Know your elevator pitch</strong> &#8212; What is an elevator pitch? That is a brief introduction you can make to anyone who asks you about yourself. Such pitches are fewer than 30 seconds or just long enough for the elevator to open up and let someone out. In this case you&#8217;ll be meeting face-to-face and not have the benefit of an elevator to practice your routine. Share your name, your interests and aspirations and ask questions as part of your normal dialogue.</p>
<p>When you finish meeting with a representative, collect that person&#8217;s business card. You&#8217;ll also likely be asked for your contact information; be prepared to submit a copy of your resume and to fill out the appropriate form for a follow up talk or visit. Follow up with your guidance counselor if you weren&#8217;t able to meet with a college representative or have questions to ask your advisor.</p>
<p><strong>See Also</strong> &#8212; <a href="http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/04/21/unique-ways-to-find-internships/" title="college intern">Unique Ways to Find Internships</a></p>
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		<title>The Average Salary of Automotive Engineers</title>
		<link>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/12/07/the-average-salary-of-automotive-engineers/</link>
		<comments>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/12/07/the-average-salary-of-automotive-engineers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:05:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Matthew C. Keegan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Career Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[automotive engineers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BLS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[car manufacturers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[salaries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[slider]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[work]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.saycampuslife.com/?p=7561</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Where the jobs are! The U.S. car industry is on the rebound, showing signs of sustained growth for the first time in more than three years. Customers are returning to showrooms, seeking good deals on new ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><i>Where the jobs are!</i></p>
<p>The U.S. car industry is on the rebound, showing signs of sustained growth for the first time in more than three years. Customers are returning to showrooms, seeking good deals on new cars. Some of this rebound can be attributed to pent up demand &#8212; old cars are wearing out and in need of replacing.</p>
<p>For college students majoring in engineering, the job prospects have brightened considerably in recent months. That&#8217;s because car manufacturers are looking for students who are well versed in all things technical, not just automotive. Indeed, if you have a computer background, you could be the ideal candidate for a job with GM, Ford, Chrysler or with a foreign manufacturer. Pay is excellent too, something engineering students will want to consider as they explore their options after college.</p>
<h3>Average Salaries</h3>
<p>The average salary for an automotive engineer was $78,160 in 2010 according to <a href="http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2141.02">O*Net Online</a>, a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website. This figure equals $37.58 per hour. </p>
<p>As of 2008, some 239,000 people were employed as automotive engineers.  The BLS predicts slow, but sustained growth through 2018, reflecting a 3 to 6 percent increase in jobs.</p>
<h3>Job Duties</h3>
<p>Automotive engineers may be expected to handle a number of tasks during the course of their work day including conducting or directing system-level automotive testing. Engineers may design control systems or algorithms for purposes such as automotive energy management, emissions management, or increased operational safety or performance; analyze automotive systems; alter or modify designs; build clay models; calibrate vehicle systems; develop engineering specifications and calibration methodologies; and conduct automotive design reviews.</p>
<h3>Education</h3>
<p>Not many colleges and universities offer automotive bachelor degree programs in the United States. According to <a href="http://www.indstate.edu/majors/automotive.htm">Indiana State University</a> that number is currently at 16. Coursework is similar and involves automotive electronics, engine theory and service, steering and suspension systems, physics and chemistry, and transmission and drivelines among others. Even if your engineering degree is not in automotive science, don&#8217;t let that stop you from applying. Modern cars, such as the <a href="http://fordhood.com/2011/11/14/at-a-glance-ford-focus-electric/">Ford Focus Electric</a> utilize many parts that aren&#8217;t just used in cars including lithium-ion batteries, electric charging ports and voice activated navigation.</p>
<h3>Considerations</h3>
<p>Automotive engineering can also serve as a springboard for other job opportunities. You can use what you learn working with a car manufacturer to work for many other companies including industry suppliers. Your career route may not always seem clear-cut, but it can yield much satisfaction if you are innovative and flexible.</p>
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		<title>Should Internships Pay?</title>
		<link>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/11/21/should-internships-pay/</link>
		<comments>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/11/21/should-internships-pay/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:05:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Matthew C. Keegan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[experience]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FSLA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[intern]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[internships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[slider]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[work]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.saycampuslife.com/?p=7474</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To pay or not…that is the question. College students who are preparing to enter the job market are in a bit of quandary. Most employers are looking for potential employees with experience, but how do you ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>To pay or not…that is the question.</em></p>
<p>College students who are preparing to enter the job market are in a bit of quandary. Most employers are looking for potential employees with experience, but how do you get experience if you have never worked before?</p>
<p>This is where internships come in.</p>
<p>Thousands of employers retain interns who are typically young, college-aged students who are seeking to gain experience, but not always with recompense. The thought of laboring long hours without pay can seem daunting, especially if you have personal expenses to cover such as room, board and food. Moreover, the Fair Labor Standards Act may have some say whether you should be paid, at least receiving minimum wage which can bring you close to $300 per week if you work full-time.</p>
<h3>The Test</h3>
<p>The FLSA requires employers to &#8220;test&#8221; whether an internship should be paid or not. The following six criteria must be applied when making this determination:</p>
<p>1. The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to training which would be given in an educational environment;</p>
<p>2. The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern;</p>
<p>3. The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff;</p>
<p>4. The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded;</p>
<p>5. The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and</p>
<p>6. The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship.</p>
<h3>Pay</h3>
<p>Clearly, if an employer meets all six requirements of the test, then this internship does not have to pay the intern. However, it would be reasonable as an intern to ask the company to provide a minimal wage, given that you still have personal expenses to cover. As an intern, you should determine whether the duties and responsibilities of the internship are something you believe should result in payment.</p>
<p>If not regular pay, you can ask for a stipend, which would be a set amount of money paid weekly or monthly regardless of the number of hours worked. Some colleges and universities also pay stipends, particularly if your internship is for a non-profit organization. Check with your college&#8217;s career office to see what options are available to you. At Wellesley College, for example, students can receive stipends by participating in its &#8220;global engagement internships,&#8221; earning $3,500 for working in the U.S. or $5,000 for working abroad.</p>
<h3>Considerations</h3>
<p>Should you find a position that offers no pay or a stipend, but provides work experience and networking opportunities you would find difficult to obtain elsewhere, then you may find that an unpaid internship is the way to go. Keep in mind that you&#8217;ll have to shoulder extensive out of pocket expenses including buying work clothes, shelter, food and transportation. In return, you&#8217;ll gain experience that you can list on your resume and perhaps make contacts that can lead to a permanent, paid position when you graduate from college.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs71.htm">United States Department of Labor: Fact Sheet #71: Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wellesley.edu/cws/students/internshipsbyname.html">Wellesley College: Internships by Name</a></p>
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		<title>Career Choice: Dental Hygienist</title>
		<link>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/11/02/career-choice-dental-hygienist/</link>
		<comments>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/11/02/career-choice-dental-hygienist/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:06:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Matthew C. Keegan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Career Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dental hygienists]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dentist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medical]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[slider]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[work]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.saycampuslife.com/?p=7382</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dental hygienists assist dentists, by cleaning teeth, examining the mouth, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. Hygienists may educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x-rays, or apply fluoride or sealants according to ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dental hygienists assist dentists, by cleaning teeth, examining the mouth, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. Hygienists may educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x-rays, or apply fluoride or sealants according to O-Net Online.</p>
<h3>Duties</h3>
<p>Today’s dental hygienists have expanded job responsibilities, handling tasks previously performed only by the dentist. Hygienists examine and review patient medical histories, examine gums for evidence of periodontal disease, chart conditions and treatment of disease and gum recession, prevent tooth decay through the administration of fluorides and more. Hygienists also operate dental equipment include x-ray machines, polishers and syringes. Familiarity with dental billing and medical software is usually a requirement for this position.</p>
<h3>Education</h3>
<p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 300 schools offer hygiene programs that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Association. Most programs grant an associate degree or a certificate, however some programs are more advanced and offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Programs include laboratory, clinical, and classroom instruction in such subjects as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, radiography, histology, periodontology, pathology, dental materials, clinical dental hygiene, and social and behavioral sciences. Dental hygienists must be licensed by the state where they practice; the American Dental Association&#8217;s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations administers a written examination, one that is required for licensure.</p>
<h3>Salaries</h3>
<p>The mean annual salary for dental hygienists was $68,680 as of May 2010 reports the BLS. Salaries ranged from $45,000 to $93,820, with the middle 50 percent earning between $55,930 and $81,340. The median income for this profession was $68,250.</p>
<h3>Employers</h3>
<p>More than 95 percent of the 177,520 employed as of 2010 worked for offices of dentists, earning $300 above the national mean. A few other employers of dental hygienists included offices of physicians, outpatient care services, employment services and hospitals. Salaries for these employees ranged from $56,950 to $68,390.</p>
<h3>Locations</h3>
<p>Employment for dental hygienist roughly followed the population of each state with California, Texas, New York, Florida and Michigan having the most hygienists employed. In California, wages averaged $90,220 per year, behind Alaska where wages averaged $90,220. Other states reporting high wage averages included Washington at $87,810 and Nevada at $83,930. Among metropolitan areas, top pay was available in greater San Francisco, California, at $104,250 and Santa Rosa, California, at $101,510. Wages in New Haven, Connecticut averaged $98,090 followed by Oakland and Sacramento in California averaging $97,340 and $97,190, respectively.</p>
<h3>Outlook</h3>
<p>The bureau is projecting tremendous growth for the dental industry, with the number of dental hygienists employed expected to rise by 36 percent from 2008 to 2018. This rate is approximately triple the rate of all jobs and is attributed to older people deciding to keep their teeth and better access to dental care across society. Wages should remain high, one of the few industries where an associate degree can lead to high salaries.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p><a title="dental hygienists" href="http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2021.00">O-Net Online: Summary Report for: 29-2021.00 &#8211; Dental Hygienists</a></p>
<p><a title="dental hygienists" href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition; Dental Hygienists</a></p>
<p><a title="dental hygienists" href="http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292021.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics; 29-2021 Dental Hygienists</a></p>
<h3>See Also</h3>
<p><a title="5 dental hygienist schools" href="http://www.saycampuslife.com/2010/09/27/5-dental-hygienist-schools/">5 Dental Hygienist Schools</a></p>
<p><a title="Best Career Paths for College Students" href="http://www.saycampuslife.com/2010/01/28/best-career-paths-for-college-students/">Best Career Paths for College Students</a></p>
<p><a title="dentist" href="http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/09/21/career-choice-dentist/">Career Choice: Dentist</a></p>
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		<title>Career Choice: Mortician</title>
		<link>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/11/01/career-choice-mortician/</link>
		<comments>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/11/01/career-choice-mortician/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:19:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Matthew C. Keegan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Career Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[funeral counselor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortician]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortuary science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[salaries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[slider]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[undertaker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[work]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.saycampuslife.com/?p=7377</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Working with the dead has its advantages. They don’t talk back, they care less how they look and you’ll never see them again once you’re done serving them. Seriously, working with the deceased isn’t for everyone. ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Working with the dead has its advantages. They don’t talk back, they care less how they look and you’ll never see them again once you’re done serving them. Seriously, working with the deceased isn’t for everyone. You need to have certain people skills &#8212; compassion, empathy and sympathy &#8212; that not everyone has. You’ll also need to be specially trained and equipped to work as a mortician, a professional who is also known as an undertaker or a funeral counselor.</p>
<h3>Duties</h3>
<p>A mortician consults with decedent’s next of kin to make funeral and burial arrangements. This professional will need to fill out legal documents, including a death certificate, and complete a burial permit. The mortician schedules, plans and coordinates the funeral, including discussing with kinfolk casket options, cremations, wake or memorial services and coordinating with the cemetery or crematorium. The mortician may offer counseling, including discussing what survivor benefits may be available and by working with other professionals including clergy as needed.</p>
<h3>Education</h3>
<p>On the job training is an important aspect for the mortician, but first the apprentice should have completed a two- or four-year mortuary science program. Accredited programs from the American Board of Funeral Service Education covers about 60 mortuary science programs, usually leading to two-year degrees. All states require funeral directors to be licensed and most require these professionals to take continuing education courses. While in college, students will take a variety of courses including anatomy, physiology, pathology, embalming techniques and restorative art. Also business management, accounting and computer, and client services courses are essential for this position.</p>
<h3>Salaries</h3>
<p>The mean annual wage for morticians, funeral counselors and undertakers was $62,490 per year as of May 2010 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With fewer than 30,000 people working as morticians, the industry is small, but fairly lucrative for experienced workers. Starting pay is low, averaging $29,930 for those in the 10th percentile and rising to $40,050 for those in the 25th percentile. Morticians in the 50th percentile earned $54,330 in 2010. Those in the 75th percentile earned $72,920 while those in the 90th percentile averaged $98,820 per year.</p>
<h3>Employers</h3>
<p>The death care services industry, comprised of funeral homes, crematoriums and similar planning businesses employes more than 85 percent of all morticians according to the bureau. This industry paid its workers $62,360 per year in 2010, nearly matching the national mean. The remaining workers were self-employed or employed by the federal government and employment services, averaging $71,150 and $61,080 per year, respectively.</p>
<h3>Location</h3>
<p>More morticians worked in Texas than in any other state, earning $51,080 per year on average, far below the national mean. New York had the second highest number of morticians, who earned well above the national mean at $81,270 reports the bureau. Morticians in Pennsylvania averaged $63,710, those in California earned $73,210, while morticians in North Carolina made $591,60 per year on average, to round out the five states with the highest employment levels.</p>
<h3>Outlook</h3>
<p>The job forecast for funeral service workers is expected to be good, with the bureau anticipating a 12 percent growth rate from 2008 to 2018, corresponding to the rate of growth for all jobs. The bureau notes that many opportunities for employment will come as older workers retire. Moreover, the mortuary science major who is willing to relocate may find more opportunities by casting his or her net further afield.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p><a title="mortician" href="http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-4031.00">O-Net Online: Summary Report for: 39-4031.00 &#8211; Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors</a></p>
<p><a title="funeral directors" href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos011.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition; Funeral Directors</a></p>
<p><a title="funeral service workers" href="http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes394831.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics; 39-4831 Funeral Service Managers, Directors, Morticians, and Undertakers</a></p>
<p><a title="American Board of Funeral Service Education" href="http://www.abfse.org/html/directory.html">American Board of Funeral Service Education: Programs</a></p>
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		<title>Career Choice: Medical Appliance Technician</title>
		<link>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/10/31/career-choice-medical-appliance-technician/</link>
		<comments>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/10/31/career-choice-medical-appliance-technician/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:05:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Matthew C. Keegan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Career Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medical appliance technician]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NCOPE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ocularist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[salaries]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Training]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.saycampuslife.com/?p=7363</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A medical appliance technician is tasked with constructing, fitting, maintaining, or repairing medical supportive devices, such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances. This professional is sometimes known ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A medical appliance technician is tasked with constructing, fitting, maintaining, or repairing medical supportive devices, such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances. This professional is sometimes known as a prosthetics technician, an ocularist or an orthopaedic technician.</p>
<h3>Duties</h3>
<p>Missing a limb, an eye or having a disability requiring the use of a medical appliance is not just for the elderly. Our war wounded need to be outfitted with devices to help them to stand, walk, pick up items and hold loved ones. Working with these people are technicians who fit such appliance onto patients and make adjustments as necessary. Some technicians are skilled at building such appliances or at least repairing and modifying them accordingly. The technician must ensure that such appliances are measured properly by taking the patient’s body or limb measurements.</p>
<h3>Education</h3>
<p>Most medical appliance technicians have some college, but no degree with one in nine having a bachelor’s degree notes O-Net Online. Employers typically train technicians on the job, but also prefer people who have had formal training. Students who complete a National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education approved training program are desirable candidates; just five schools in the United States offer this program as of 2011. Students complete a certificate program or an associate degree enroute to receiving NCOPE certification.</p>
<h3>Salaries</h3>
<p>The mean annual wage for medical appliance technicians was $38,610 as of May 2010 reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries for those in the 10th and 25th percentiles were $23,450 and $28,550, respectively. The median salary was $35,670. Those in the 75th percentile averaged $44,950 per year, while those in the 90th percentile earned $58,060 on average.</p>
<h3>Employers</h3>
<p>More than 60 percent of the 13,320 medical appliance technicians employed as of 2010 worked in one industry &#8212; medical equipment and supplies manufacturing. These professionals averaged just below the mean annual wage, earning $37,920 per year. Health and personal care stores paid its technicians $39,910 with equipment wholesalers offering the top annual salaries at $46,260 per year.</p>
<h3>Location</h3>
<p>The bureau reports that California had the largest number of medical appliance technicians, with these professionals earning $42,700 per year on average. Top pay of $50,160 per year was earned by technicians in Iowa with those in Kansas and Colorado following, earning $47,180 and $46,630, respectively. Medical appliance technicians working in Michigan averaged $46,450 per year and those in Minnesota came in at $46,270 annually. Among the lower paying states for this profession were Indiana at $28,830 and West Virginia at $30,870. The top paying metropolitan area for these professionals was the Des Moines, Iowa, region with average annual pay of $58,070. Baltimore and Los Angeles followed with wages of $51,790 and $51,510, respectively.</p>
<h3>Outlook</h3>
<p>The BLS has forecast that job growth for medical appliance technicians will increase by 11 percent from 2008 to 2018, matching the growth rate for all jobs. The bureau notes that few people seek these jobs, attributing that to the general lack of awareness for these kinds of positions. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease contribute to limb loss and because these diseases continue to affect an increasingly older population, the demand for medical appliance technicians should remain high.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p><a title="ocularist" href="http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-9082.00">O-Net Online: Summary Report for: 51-9082.00 &#8211; Medical Appliance Technicians</a></p>
<p><a title="medical appliance technician" href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos238.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition; Medical, Dental, and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians</a></p>
<p><a title="medical appliance technician" href="http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes519082.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics; 51-9082 Medical Appliance Technicians</a></p>
<p><a title="NCOPE" href="http://www.ncope.org/info_students/schools.asp">National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education: List of Schools</a></p>
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		<title>Career Choice: Accountant</title>
		<link>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/10/26/career-choice-accountant/</link>
		<comments>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/10/26/career-choice-accountant/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:01:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Matthew C. Keegan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Career Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[accountant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[auditor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BLS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.saycampuslife.com/?p=7344</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you’re good with numbers, are analytical and interested in financial information such as company reports, the stock market, investments and tax liability, then a career as an accountant might be right for you. These professionals, ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you’re good with numbers, are analytical and interested in financial information such as company reports, the stock market, investments and tax liability, then a career as an accountant might be right for you. These professionals, who sometimes work as auditors, will encounter a wide variety of job duties depending on which of the four major fields of accounting and auditing selected: public accounting, management accounting, government accounting and internal auditing.</p>
<h3>Duties</h3>
<p>Accountants are responsible for preparing, examining and analyzing accounting records, financial statements or reports, to ensure that such data is accurate, complete and conforms to company and procedural standards. Accountants report to upper management, detailing the company’s financial position and making recommendations as warranted. These professionals develop recordkeeping and accounting systems for their firms, typically using existing computer technology to accomplish that task. Accountants liaise with private and government auditors, analyze business operations, trends and costs, and advise clients as needed.</p>
<h3>Education</h3>
<p>About 80 percent of accountants have a bachelor’s degree according to O-Net Online. Five percent have an associate degree and approximately 1 in 10 has a master’s degree. Most accountants majored in accounting while in college and took courses in engineering, mathematics, technology and computer science.</p>
<h3>Salaries</h3>
<p>More than one million people were employed as accountants and auditors as of 2010 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage was $68,960, with those in the 10th percentile earning $38,940 per year. For accountants in the 25th and 50th percentiles, their average annual salaries were $47,990 and $61,690, respectively. For accountants in the 75th and 90th percentiles, their average salaries were $81,290 and $106,880, respectively.</p>
<h3>Employers</h3>
<p>Approximately 25 percent of accountants worked for accounting firms, the largest employer of such professionals, paying $74,250 per year on average. Accountants employed by corporations and other businesses earned close to the national mean, averaging $68,760 per year. Local and state governments represented the third and fourth largest employer category, offering average pay of $59,190 and $56,460, respectively. Top annual pay of $89,310 was earned by accountants employed by the federal government followed by accountants who worked for the Securities and Exchange Commission. SEC accountants earned $83,610 per year on average.</p>
<h3>Location</h3>
<p>Employment levels for accountants generally follows state population sizes as accountants are needed in every state, county, city and in most companies. California, the largest state, had nearly 1 in 9 of the nation’s accountants in 2010, professionals who averaged $74,360 per year. New York followed, with much higher wages, averaging $85,230 per year. New Jersey had the second-highest average wages for accountants at $79,620 per year. The greater New York City area had the highest average wages in the nation, with accountants earning $89,220 per year. Metropolitan San Jose, California, followed at $88,750 per year. In the District of Columbia, accountants averaged $84,390 per year.</p>
<h3>Outlook</h3>
<p>Job growth for accountants should be twice the rate of all jobs according to the BLS. The bureau has forecast a 22 percent rise from 2008 to 2018, citing “an increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and corporate governance regulations, and increased accountability for protecting an organization&#8217;s stakeholders will drive job growth.” Achieving professional recognition is beneficial for the prospective accountant as can having a master’s degree in accounting or a master’s degree in business administration.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p><a title="O-Net Online" href="http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-2011.01">O-Net Online: Summary Report for: 13-2011.01 &#8211; Accountants</a></p>
<p><a title="accountants and auditors" href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos001.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition; Accountants and Auditors</a></p>
<p><a title="accountants and auditors" href="http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132011.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics; 13-2011 Accountants and Auditors</a></p>
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		<title>Career Choice: Meteorologist</title>
		<link>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/10/25/career-choice-meteorologist/</link>
		<comments>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/10/25/career-choice-meteorologist/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:05:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Matthew C. Keegan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Career Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[atmospheric scientist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[job]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[meteorologist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Weather Service]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.saycampuslife.com/?p=7336</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The term “weatherman” is no longer used, replaced by the more modern meteorologist moniker. Meteorologists are atmospheric scientists, professionals who investigate and interpret atmospheric phenomena, including past, current and future weather conditions. Most meteorologists work for ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The term “weatherman” is no longer used, replaced by the more modern meteorologist moniker. Meteorologists are atmospheric scientists, professionals who investigate and interpret atmospheric phenomena, including past, current and future weather conditions. Most meteorologists work for the federal government, but citizens are likely to encounter these professionals when watching television news stations. Every meteorologist has at least a bachelor’s degree, with some having obtained a master’s degree or completed a Ph.D.</p>
<h3>Duties</h3>
<p>Offering weather forecasts is a significant duty for meteorologists. Such forecasts can have a profound impact in helping citizens avoid injury, death and loss of property when these forecasts are accurately given and heeded. Making a forecast means collecting and interpreting data from a number of sources including satellite imagery, computer models, weather balloons, by reviewing government data, and consulting with colleagues.</p>
<h3>Education</h3>
<p>A bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a closely related field is required of all atmospheric scientists. Students will take courses in meteorology, physics, earth science, mathematics, and geography, and other courses as outlined by the few schools offering such degrees. Those desiring to work for the federal government should follow current course requirements as outlined by the National Weather Service.</p>
<h3>Salaries</h3>
<p>The mean annual wage for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, was $88,010 as of May 2010 reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries ranged from $45,050 to $132,130. The middle 50 percent earned from $64,200 to $107,000. The median income for these professionals was $87,780.</p>
<h3>Employers</h3>
<p>As of 2010, the BLS reported 8,640 people were employed as atmospheric scientists. Of this number, the federal government employed 3,010, many of whom worked for the National Weather Service. Annual pay for federal meteorologists averaged $95,760, more than $7,500 above the national average. Scientific and technical services employers paid an average of $66,810 per year; colleges, universities and professionals schools offered average wages close to the national mean, paying $87,450 per year. Meteorologists working for scientific and research firms averaged $90,490 annually while those working for radio and television stations earned $82,790 on average.</p>
<h3>Locations</h3>
<p>One in eight atmospheric scientists can be found working in the state of Colorado, home to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration’s National Geophysical Data Center. Meteorologists in Colorado average $99,510 per year while their colleagues at NOAA’s headquarters in Maryland earned $114,650 per year. New Jersey at $107,840, California at $98,130 and Texas at $95,320 are other states where salaries were above the national mean. The top pay among metropolitan area at $135,640 per year was for meteorologists working in the Baltimore-Towson, Maryland, area which includes NOAA’s national headquarters.</p>
<h3>Outlook</h3>
<p>The BLS has a forecast for meteorologists that prospective weather professionals will love: sunny. For the 10-year period spanning 2008 to 2018, the bureau anticipates a 15 percent growth rate, which is faster than average for all professions. Private industry may hold the key to employment as competition in this field is keen. Obtain that graduate degree if you want to increase your chances of finding work or pursue a doctorate if you want to perform meteorological research.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p><a title="National Weather Service" href="http://www.nws.noaa.gov/careers.php">National Weather Service: Careers</a></p>
<p><a title="atmospheric scientists" href="http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-2021.00">O-Net Online: Summary Report for: 19-2021.00 &#8211; Atmospheric and Space Scientists</a></p>
<p><a title="atmospheric scientists" href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos051.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition; Atmospheric Scientists</a></p>
<p><a title="atmospheric scientists" href="http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes192021.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics; 19-2021 Atmospheric and Space Scientists</a></p>
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		<title>Career Choice: Urban Planner</title>
		<link>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/10/24/career-choice-urban-planner/</link>
		<comments>http://www.saycampuslife.com/2011/10/24/career-choice-urban-planner/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:05:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Matthew C. Keegan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Career Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[regional planner]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[urban planner]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.saycampuslife.com/?p=7314</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Urban centers with towering skyscrapers, mass transportation networks and manicured city parks did not get that way by happenstance. Years of carefully planning has enabled some towns to become major cities, the joint handiwork of city ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Urban centers with towering skyscrapers, mass transportation networks and manicured city parks did not get that way by happenstance. Years of carefully planning has enabled some towns to become major cities, the joint handiwork of city administrators and urban planners who put their ideas on a blueprint, formalizing final plans after much input from citizens. Urban planners are used by cities large and small, and may also work for towns, counties and other regional governments.</p>
<h3>Duties</h3>
<p>Urban planners develop extensive and comprehensive plans for land use in towns, cities and counties across the country. These professionals work with elected and appointed officials to develop areas within their political jurisdiction according to local plans, state codes and federal regulations. Urban planners must conduct studies, prepare reports, analyze data and consider the socio, economic and legal feasibility of each project. Projects can range from the redevelopment of a city park to the creation of an all-new neighborhood. Planners must work with other professionals to assign a cost basis for each proposed project.</p>
<h3>Education</h3>
<p>Urban planners must have at least a bachelor’s degree, with O-Net Online reporting that 52 percent have a master’s degree. Students major in urban design, geography or environmental planning and may also take courses in political science, mathematics, engineering and civics. Courses in architecture, finance, administration and statistics are also beneficial for the student.</p>
<h3>Salaries</h3>
<p>The mean annual wage for urban and regional planners was $66,020 as of May 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries ranged from $40,410 to $96,420, with the middle 50 percent earning between $49,960 and $78,890. The median annual salary for urban planners was reported at $63,040.</p>
<h3>Employers</h3>
<p>Approximately two-thirds of urban and regional planners worked for local governments reports the BLS. These governments paid slightly below the national average, with professionals earning $63,430 per year on average. Architectural and related firms were the second largest employer, paying an average salary of $72,880 per year. State government, management firms and the federal government followed, with average annual salaries of $62,470, $75,410 and $88,740, respectively.</p>
<h3>Locations</h3>
<p>California led all states in pay, averaging $79,920 per year followed by New Jersey at $75,820. Nevada and Wisconsin followed, with average annual wages of $74,610 and $72,740, respectively. Among urban areas, the District of Columbia had some of the highest salaries, with urban planners making $88,690 per year on average. Top pay of $106,800 was realized by such professionals in the Milwaukee area. Those working the Napa and San Jose, California, metropolitan areas earned top pay too of $98,140 and $93,150, respectively.</p>
<h3>Outlook</h3>
<p>The job forecast for urban and regional planners is a bright one with the BLS forecasting 19 percent growth from 2008 to 2018. According to the bureau, “Employment growth will be driven by the need for State and local governments to provide public services such as regulation of commercial development, the environment, transportation, housing, and land use and development for an expanding population. Nongovernmental initiatives dealing with historic preservation and redevelopment will also create employment growth.” Having a graduate degree from an accredited program carries more weight than a bachelor degree.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p><a title="urban planners" href="http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3051.00">O-Net Online: Summary Report for: 19-3051.00 &#8211; Urban and Regional Planners</a></p>
<p><a title="urban and regional planners" href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos057.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition; Urban and Regional Planners</a></p>
<p><a title="urban and regional planners" href="http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193051.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics; 19-3051 Urban and Regional Planners</a></p>
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