The Career Counselor
ALL THE INFO TO GET YOU THERE
People
who say that making good career choices is easy must have one heck of a wise career
counselor (or, perhaps, just enjoy the attention that comes from making stuff up).
For the rest of us, choosing the right path usually involves days or months — or even
years — of indecision and anguish.
Good information is often scattered. That's one reason choosing a career can be so difficult. It takes determination and, sometimes, luck to find all the info you need to make an informed decision.
So much of today's online career counseling happens in little pieces. A tidbit here. A tidbit there. But when you're ready to go after your future, you need comprehensive information — in one place. You need an accurate guide to help you navigate the puzzling mazes you'll encounter as you pursue different careers.
Plus, you have a lot to consider before starting school. You might know, for instance, that you want to become a nurse. But do you know that there are different kinds of nurses, each with different education and licensing requirements? Do you know the difference between a degree and a diploma in regards to the career you're thinking about? Do you know what to look for in the schools and training programs that you investigate?
We can all use a little help up the mountain to our future. That's why The Career Counselor exists. Think of us as your climbing partner, pointing out all of the challenges and opportunities you might not be noticing. You want to know about potential salaries, college costs, the upsides, the downsides, and everything in between? You got it.
The following articles provide in-depth, well-researched information about many careers that are in demand. And this collection will keep growing. So start thinking big about your possibilities! We are.
Beauty
Cosmetologist
People who look their best often feel their best. As a cosmetologist, you could help others maintain the confidence that comes from having a good personal appearance. But is cosmetology right for you? Find out what cosmetologists do, how they differ from estheticians, the requirements they need to meet, what beauty school is like, what the upsides and downsides are, and so much more.
Health Care
Dental Assistant
Dentists and dental hygienists aren't the only professionals that make good oral healthcare possible. With more people going to the dentist than ever before, there is a growing need for dental assistants. Learn what they do, how they are different from other dental workers, what it takes to get started in a dental assisting career, the pros, the cons, and much, much more.
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Nursing is a fulfilling health care career that often involves the highest amount of direct patient care and hands-on interaction. If you are considering pursuing a future as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), it can help to first gain in-depth knowledge about all aspects of this career choice. Read this in-depth information to gain knowledge of LPN careers, education, prerequisites, job outlook, salaries, certification, and much more.
Medical Billing and Coding
Quality administration is vital to the health care industry, and medical billing and coding is no exception. If you want to learn more about medical billing and coding, and how you can prepare to join this vital area of health care administration, read this in-depth information on medical billing and coding careers, training, salaries, certification, work environments, and much more!
Pharmacy Assistant & Pharmacy Technician
Medications make life better for millions of people. But they can also be dangerous. That's why we need professionals with the skills and knowledge to ensure that the prescription drugs we rely on for our health are handled safely and effectively. Pharmacists are only part of the equation. Learn what pharmacy assistants and pharmacy technicians do, the challenges they face, how much they can earn, how to get started as one, and a great deal more.
Physical Therapy
Accidents, aging, and physical problems happen. But that doesn't necessarily mean we have to resign ourselves to a miserable existence when they do. Physical therapy professionals exist to help us restore our movement and well-being. Physical therapists might get a lot of the credit, but physical therapist assistants often carry out most of the treatments. Learn what makes physical therapy such a satisfying vocation, what physical therapists do exactly, the requirements of the profession, how to start pursuing a career in this deeply rewarding field, and much more.
Surgical Technologist
It takes more than a gifted surgeon to ensure that a surgical operation is carried out successfully. It takes a whole specially trained team of healthcare professionals. Surgical techs are critically important members of such surgical teams. Their work can make the difference between life and death. Learn about what surgical technologists do, the pros and cons of the occupation, the educational requirements, how much they can earn, and a lot more.
Veterinary Assistant & Veterinary Technician
Like people, animals need quality healthcare too. And veterinarians can't do it all by themselves. They rely on the skilled support of veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians to ensure that pets and other animals get the best medical attention possible. Learn what veterinary assistants and vet techs do, how they differ in their duties and educational requirements, what the challenges and rewards of the work are, how to get started in a veterinary career, and a great deal more.
Media Arts
Music Producer
Music production can be one of toughest industries to break into. However, if you are truly passionate about music, it can also be one of the most fulfilling—allowing you to work with fellow musicians by helping them transform their creative visions into reality. If you are considering pursuing a future in music production, you can gain comprehensive knowledge of the field by reading in-depth information about music producer training, programs, job responsibilities, career outlook, salaries, and much more!
Skilled Trades
Auto Mechanic
Auto mechanics play an important role in keeping our lives running smoothly. They help ensure that the vehicles we count on are safe, reliable, and efficient. If you're considering a career in this vital trade, you might be asking questions like, "What does an auto mechanic do exactly?" or "How can I become an auto mechanic?" or "How much does a mechanic make in a year?" If so, this comprehensive and informative article is an ideal place to find answers to these questions and more.
Electrician
Electricity is vital in today's society. Whether it's the coffee maker on your kitchen counter, the computer you use at work or school, or lifesaving equipment in a hospital — we rely on electricity in countless ways every day of our lives. For this reason, electricians are an essential part of the skilled trades industry. If you are considering becoming an electrician, gain in-depth information about electrician careers, education, apprenticeships, job prospects, salaries, certification, and much more.
HVAC Technician
In a world that fluctuates between hot and cold outdoors, we rely on climate-control systems and good ventilation to keep us comfortable and healthy indoors. But heating and cooling equipment doesn't just magically install or repair itself. That's why HVAC technicians are so essential to maintaining our modern lifestyles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) field is full of satisfying employment opportunities for the right kind of people. Are you one of them? Learn what HVAC technicians do, how to get trained, the upsides and downsides of the industry, how much you can earn, and a lot more.
