What are the responsibilities of a diagnostic medical sonographer and a cardiovascular technician? 

People who hold these positions are in charge of operating special imaging equipment in order to capture images or run tests, which are then used by physicians to diagnose patients. Before doing so, however, sonographers and technicians are typically responsible for taking a patient’s medical history and taking any questions about the procedure. Afterwards, they must check their work for quality and accuracy. They usually are capable of determining abnormalities in the images, which they include in their summary to the physician. Diagnostic medical sonographers focus more on images of organs and tissues. They create sonograms or ultrasounds. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians, on the other hand, create images, conduct tests, or assist with surgical procedures involving the heart.

How much would you earn in this position?

In 2012, the median salary for diagnostic medical sonographers was $65,860, with a range from $44,990 to $91,070. For cardiovascular technicians, the median salary was $52,070, with a range from $27,830 to $80,790.  

Requirements:

Some skills that will help you to succeed in this career include being detail-oriented and having the ability to interact positively with patients. High levels of concentration are key as well. This type of work will require an associate’s degree or other professional certification. These can be attained from universities or hospital programs, depending on the place of employment and state requirements. Courses may include anatomy, medical terminology, and applied sciences.

Work Conditions:

This type of work usually means being employed by a hospital. However, other settings include physician’s offices and medical and diagnostic laboratories. These facilities are often open evenings, weekends, or overnight, meaning employees might need to work these hours. Forty hour work weeks are typical. Some positions may require workers to be on call.

-Samantha Phillips

What interests you about this career?  What other information would you like to know about it?

 Sources:
www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare
explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/30/Cardiovascular_TechnologistTechnician

You’ve been told time and again to watch what you post on social media. The message is often accompanied by warnings of the backlash that might result from posting party pictures on Facebook or tweeting complaints about a current employer. While this is a fair point, social media also has the potential to help get you hired. In fact, “Studies have shown that 92% of companies are using social media for hiring—and that three out of four hiring managers will check out a candidate’s social profiles.” With that statistic in mind, here are some tips that I’ve gathered to help you build a positive image on social media while also avoiding negative attention.

First is the obvious – clean up your profiles. Delete frat party photos, profanities, links to offensive articles, and ranting, extreme statuses. Also, consider the picture you use. It should be professional and recent. It should give a competent and friendly impression; to see if your photo is accomplishing this, check out PhotoFeeler. You should be consistent with your profile picture as well as your name across platforms. “It can be tempting to pick a punchy nickname or handle when making your profiles but, as much as possible, use your real name. This both looks more professional and means that people will be able to find your profiles when they search for your name. If you have a common name or often go by a nickname, at least choose a consistent name you’ll use across platforms, and try to have your real name somewhere on each account.” Also, your social media accounts should link to each other. Consider providing a link to your personal website or blog on LinkedIn and in your Twitter profile.

LinkedIn can be much more than a place to provide the long version of your resume. It’s about building connections. You might do this by updating your status regularly, linking to content that is relevant in your industry, or joining groups that will connect you to new professionals. LinkedIn allows you to learn about companies that intrigue you or monitor job postings. As for connecting on LinkedIn, you should generally follow the rule to only connect with people you’ve interacted with in the past. This is a broad definition, however, ranging from your employer of several years to a person you met at a conference. You should tailor the message in the invitation to the relationship. The generic invitation will be fine for people you are familiar with but you should personalize it if the person could use context for why you’re trying to connect with them. As for connecting with hiring managers during the application process, you should avoid sending an invitation. That comes off as a bit presumptuous according to an article entitled 45 Things Successful Job Seekers Do on Social Media.  

Twitter gives you the opportunity to brand yourself even with the limited character count. A marketing manager at IdeasTap suggests, “Try tweeting about current affairs relating to the sector you want to work in to help you to build a relevant following. Follow the companies you would like to work for and put yourself on their radar by interacting with them (responding to and retweeting their tweets).” For your profile, a social marketing consultant at Career Moves Group says, “I'd say things to avoid are motivational quotes or anything that anyone else has posted. Be concise and unique.” You’re using social media to build an image of yourself that appeals to potential employers. Make sure it’s a professional, intelligent, creative image you’re putting out there. Make your account really speak to your personality. “Twitter is a great place to establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. So, focus less on your personal accomplishments and more on sharing great articles about your field, commenting on news in your industry, and having a conversation with other major players.” Think specifically about your industry. For example, if you’re in the music promotion industry, it’s probably a good sign if your account shows that you’re grabbing drinks and checking out bands fairly often. The same wouldn’t hold true for a teacher. Be conscience of your target audience and just make sure your social media doesn’t send up any red flags to the people who are trying to decide if they want to work with you. Make your accounts private if they could make you appear to be a loose cannon. Keep these tips in mind, but most importantly, be yourself on social media in a positive, professional way. It could help you land that dream job.

-Samantha Phillips

How do you use your social media to benefit your career, or what have you learned to avoid online? 

Below is a list of the ten happiest jobs as well as the ten most hated jobs.

Ten Happiest Jobs (as reported in a General Social Survey by the National Organization for Research at the University of Chicago)

1. Clergy

2. Firefighters

3. Physical therapists

4. Authors

5.  Special education teachers

6. Teachers

7. Artists

8. Psychologists

9. Financial services sales agents

10. Operating engineers

Ten Most Hated Jobs (as reported in a CNBC article where Daniel Bukszpan draws on a survey of hundreds of thousands of employees conducted in 2011 by CareerBliss)

1. Director of Information Technology

2. Director of Sales and Marketing

3. Product Manager

4. Senior Web Developer

5. Technical Specialist

6. Electronics Technician

7. Law Clerk

8. Technical Support Analyst

9. CNC Machinist

10. Marketing Manager

It’s notable that money doesn’t equate to happiness, according to these lists. Studies have found that money is only important to the point that you can meet all your basic needs. Therefore, money can buy security but not much more. In fact, extra money does not make you happier. To be happy at work, you should actually look for a job that will make you feel that you are making a difference and is a ‘flow activity.’ This means that you become so absorbed in what you are doing at work that time seems to pass more quickly. The below graphic describes the two categories and shows that they matter because they’re connected to your long-term satisfaction, rather than short-term fulfillment. 

As for which countries are happiest, the Happy Planet Index explores several categories, including ‘experienced well-being.’ This attempts to measure the number of happy lives per unit of environmental output in 151 countries around the world.  The top three countries are Denmark, Canada, and Norway. America ranks 16th on the list. It seems that the opportunity for finding happiness at work exists, and is relatively common in our country. Just remember to pursue your passions once you've covered the basics.

-Samantha Phillips


What do you think about the presented research? Do you agree or disagree? 

If you’re looking to make some extra cash over the summer and boost your resume at the same time, now would be a good time to start your summer job search.

While it would be beneficial to look for a position that would be relevant to the field you might be interested in pursuing, this isn’t a necessity. Exploring a new field and finding out that you aren’t in fact a fan can be just as useful in your future job search as finding something by which you are intrigued. A realization that you don't want to further pursue a type of work means narrowing your search and learning more about yourself.  

Whatever opportunity you end up landing, you can pick up skills from it. Say you wind up as a receptionist at a local office. You’ll be walking away from that summer position with better communication and people skills while also becoming familiar with operating in an office setting. Maybe you want to be a camp counselor instead. Well, you’ll be sure to gain experience in a leadership position and develop problem-solving skills as well. All of these abilities make you look more employable to a company the next time you’re on the job hunt.  

Now that you know that you can learn something useful almost anywhere you’re hired, I’m sure your next question is how to go about getting a job. The job search can definitely be a stressful process, but it is doable! See if your parents or teachers have any connections in the community that could lead to you getting an interview. Networking will get you far, and it isn’t cheating -- it’s using your resources wisely. However, if that doesn’t pan out, don't fret. Check out these useful websites to kick off your search:

Coolworks.com
Snagajob
Summerjobs.com
Camp Channel

Apply to a healthy amount of positions (dedicating time and effort to each and every application), prep for your interview by researching the position and company thoroughly, and act professionally. Come fall, you’ll be far ahead of the game since you’ll have used your summer wisely by getting work experience. Good luck with your search, and get ready for a great summer! 

-Samantha Phillips

Employers are setting new standards in the job application process with the use of personality tests. These tests are typically required online at the beginning of the application process. Their purpose is to help identify a candidate who will be a good fit for the position, the department, and the overall company. This is meant to reduce turnover and lead to happier employees. 

Yet many applicants are dissatisfied with the idea of being written off based on a technical, automated process without the chance to explain who they are in person. Additionally, while the job search process is shortened prematurely for job seekers, it is extended to new lengths for employers. However, many companies have cited that waiting for a more cohesive match will pay off in the long run, making holding off to fill the position worth it. Yet this isn’t the only thing slowing down the search. Employers are becoming more reluctant to raise wages as well as pickier about misalignments between applicants’ skills or education and the demands of the position. The overall formula for workplace success is growing in complexity, while employers are less willing to take chances on applicants who don’t fit the mold.

The personality test trend has come about due to the availability of “powerful data tools and inexpensive online software,” which has led to lower costs and more accurate results. In 2001, 26% of large U.S. employers used pre-hire assessments. By 2013, 57% did. This is making it more difficult, especially for young adults and the long-term unemployed, to get hired.

And the tests are getting more thorough. In the past, companies hoped to simply glean broad personality traits. Now, applicants’ technical abilities, communication skills, and personalities are being assessed in minute detail.

What does this mean for those currently seeking jobs and those who will be applying in the future? While the tests can make mistakes and complicate the application process, they also mean that you will be hired in a position and at an organization where you will lead a happier, longer, more successful career. You will be less likely to quit and to be fired, which is a positive for both parties involved. It seems to me that the best way to prepare is to know yourself and your strengths well, which 4T’s programs are designed to accomplish. Check out 4T’s programs here. And good luck in the job search! 

-Samantha Phillips

What is your reaction to using personality tests in the job application process? Have you had any personal experiences with them?

Sources:
The Wall Street Journal: Today’s Personality Tests Raise the Bar for Job Seekers

What are the responsibilities of a barber, hairdresser, and cosmetologist? 

Customers visit any one of these businesses for hairstyling or beauty services. This includes hair, face, and scalp treatments. Hair care can range from washing, coloring, cutting, drying, to styling. These positions also entail handling monetary transactions and up-keeping tools. Barbers typically provide service to male customers, additionally offering facial shaving. Hairdressers serve both female and male clients. Oftentimes they make home care recommendations, including promoting products. Cosmetologists provide scalp and facial treatments as well as makeup advice. They may also handle wigs and hairpieces or sell skin care products.  

How much would you earn in this position?

In 2012, the median hourly wage was $10.95 for these careers, with a range from $8.11 to $20.39. In 2013, the median hourly wage for hairdressers was $11.12, which demonstrates growth in the profession. The best-paid earned approximately $44,220 annually. The highest paid areas in 2013 were San Francisco and Seattle, while the highest paid sector was the performing arts. Tips are common in this profession.

Requirements:

Some skills that will help you to succeed in this career include creativity, customer-service, listening, and time-management. If you are the owner of the business, other duties include hiring, supervising, and letting employees go. General business tasks must be completed as well, such as maintaining inventory records, ordering supplies, advertising, and more.

Licenses are required for all three jobs, which means one must attend and graduate from a cosmetology program in a post-secondary vocational school. This program might yield an associate’s degree as well. After graduation, an exam must be passed, which typically involves both a written portion and a practical application portion. High school diplomas are typically required too.

Work Conditions:

Other than working in barbershops or salons, these type of positions could be available in spas, hotels, and resorts. Considerations include being on your feet for long periods of time as well as exposure to chemicals, which is why protective clothing is common. Your hours will depend on if you are self-employed or not. This is often a part-time job unless you are the owner. Evenings and weekends are typical.

-Samantha Phillips

What interests you about this career?  What other information would you like to know about it?

Sources:
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmetologists 
Money - U.S. News: Best Social Services Jobs

What are the responsibilities of a pilot? 

An airline pilot, the type you are probably more familiar with, is expected to transport people and cargo in aircraft such as airplanes and helicopters within strict time schedules. A commercial pilot would be called upon for other reasons, including charter flights, rescue operations, firefighting, photography, and aerial applications. Pilots must monitor the condition of their aircraft, evaluate weather conditions and fuel supply, and communicate with air traffic control. They have to be capable of using cockpit instruments as well as responding to unexpected occurrences quickly and calmly. 

How much would you earn in this position?

In 2012, the median annual wage for all airline pilots and copilots was $114,200.  Most airline pilots start off making about $20,000 per year with annual increases until captain status.  In this senior position, earnings are about $55,000 per year for regional airlines and $135,000 per year for major airlines.  Additionally, airline pilots receive an expense allowance for every hour they are away from home and extra pay for international flights.  Their perks typically include health insurance and retirement benefits, and their immediate families usually can take free or reduced-fare flights.  As for commercial pilots, the median annual wage was $73,280 in 2012.

Requirements:

Some skills that will help you to succeed in this career include working well under pressure, teamwork, communication, observational, and problem-solving. Pilots interact with customers as well as small teams, including copilots and flight attendants, in close quarters. Therefore, their ability to communicate is important; they must be friendly and provide clear and honest feedback.

As for education and experience requirements, commercial pilots need a high school diploma. For certain specialties, additional requirements exist. Airline pilots are required to have a bachelor’s degree in whatever subject. All pilots must possess a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration. Other certificates and ratings may be required by certain companies.

Many pilots attend some type of extra schooling to learn how to fly. This includes independent instructors, flight schools, fixed base operators, and 2 to 4 year universities. Furthermore, most jobs have on-the-job training requirements, which is usually 6-8 weeks long plus 25 hours of flight time. Pilots are not done after this, however. Tests must be passed for the remainder of their career to ensure pilots’ ability to perform certain maneuvers in certain time frames. Periodic training and medical exams also occur.

Work Conditions:

In 2012, about 64 percent of pilots worked as airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers. The remainder worked as commercial pilots. This is a fairly stressful job, as pilots may have to cope with work-related hazards such as fatigue, jetlag, hearing loss from overexposure to engine noise, high concentration demands, being responsible for other people’s safety and lives, and having to be ready at all times for emergencies or tough landings.

Pilots work all over the country, but most are based near large airports. Their work hours are regulated by federal mandates, especially pertaining to the amount of rest between flights. Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties. Schedules are often atypical, with intense days on and then several days off.

Commercial pilots usually fly between 30 hours and 90 hours per month. They typically have more nonflight responsibilities than airline pilots. Both types spend long periods of time away from home, although this is usually truer for airline pilots. All pilots are required by federal law to retire at age 65.

-Samantha Phillips

What interests you about this career?  What other information would you like to know about it?

Sources:
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Transportation and Material Moving

Kasseem Dean, the famous producer better known as Swizz Beatz, recognizes the value of education, which he demonstrates not just with his words but with his actions.  Swizz Beatz made the decision to go back to school because he “wanted to get [his] education right” and was accepted into the elite Owner/President Management Extension Program at Harvard Business School.

Swizz has been posting about his educational journey on Instragram, expressing his excitement to be back in school and learning about topics that he can apply in his career.  The course is designed to be nine weeks long, divided over a three year time period so that students can take their lessons, apply them in the real business world, and then come back with their results.  Swizz Beatz has expressed the importance to him of this hands-on approach: “This is real life college, which is the best college for me….saying okay I can apply this to Reebok, I can apply this to helping other people out.” 

Swizz Beatz had certainly found success before this educational opportunity but also felt a real need to attend the program.  As a rapper who transitioned into the business side, he felt that despite being the person responsible for the occurrence of certain important meetings, he wasn’t respected in the meetings because he wasn’t able to contribute in the technical language.  This pushed him to consider pursuing his education past that of the high school degree he graduated with and the know-how he had picked up throughout his life. 

Upon reflecting on his high school education, he said, “Harvard has been something that I never dreamed of, coming from the South Bronx and never really taking a liking to school, just because of circumstances that I was in and I guess the circumstances that the teachers were in also.”  But Swizz Beatz refused to let a less than ideal educational system hold him back.  “My parents did a great job, but it still didn’t change the system…  But that’s not an excuse for me.  I didn’t want to use that as an excuse to not go back and tighten up and sharpen things up.”

Swizz Beatz is setting an inspiring example and will surely find even more success with the new tools he gains in a top-notch business education program.  4T’s recognizes his accomplishments, especially as a graduate of an inadequate NY public education institution.  We recognize the hard work that Swizz Beatz had to do on his own to identify his inherent skills and the relevance of education to his life.  4T’s hopes to provide programs to students to help them identify their own talents and grant them hands-on experience applying these skills in the real world so that all students will have a solid educational foundation in order to go on to do great things, such as Swizz Beatz.    

-Samantha Phillips

Please watch this clip to hear more of the quoted interview and follow the rest of Swizz Beatz’s journey to Harvard Business School certification on Instagram (@therealswizzz).  

What is an elevator installer or repairer?

An elevator installer or repairer does work on elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.  They are required to read blueprints, evaluate which equipment will be necessary for the installation or repair, identify the problem with the machine oftentimes by using test equipment, handle electrical wiring, comply with safety regulations and building codes, and keep records of all of their adjustments.  This job demands regular maintenance, including oiling, greasing, replacing parts, in addition to emergency repairs.   

How much would you earn in this position?

In 2012, the median annual wage for this profession was $76,650, with a range of $39,540 to $106,450.  Apprentices usually earn half the pay of fully trained and qualified installers and repairers.  According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, elevator installers and repairers is the highest paying job available to those who earned a high school diploma (and did not receive a higher degree).  

Requirements:

Some skills that will help you to succeed in this career include problem-solving and mechanical.  One should be detail-oriented and possess physical stamina and strength.  Team work is necessary for major installations or repairs, but minor maintenance or technical repairs are done alone. 

The Occupational Outlook Handbook states, “Maintenance and repair workers generally require greater knowledge of electronics, hydraulics, and electricity than do installers because a large part of maintenance and repair work is troubleshooting. In fact, most elevators today have computerized control systems, resulting in more complex systems and troubleshooting than in the past.”

The education and experience requirements include possession of a high school diploma in combination with an apprenticeship program.  Programs usually last for five years and contain instruction as well as on-the-job training.  Topics covered include blueprint reading, electrical and electronic theory, mathematics, applied physics, and safety.  To enroll in a program, basic aptitude tests may be required.  Additionally, 70% of states require a license for this career.  Ongoing education is common in order to keep mechanics up to date and potentially qualify them for promotions. 

 Work Conditions:

Elevator installers and repairers are seldom self-employed, typically working within the building equipment contractors industry.  This profession does involve lifting heaving equipment, potential falls from ladders, and electrical shocks.  Hence, protective gear is a must, including hard hats, harnesses, and safety glasses.  This job may require being on call around the clock due to the possibility of emergencies.  Working overtime, evenings, and weekends is also commonplace.  

-Samantha Phillips 

What interests you about this career?  What other information would you like to know about it?

Sources:
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Construction and Extraction

What are the responsibilities of a cook or chef? 

A cook is in charge of preparing, seasoning, and cooking the food.  They must check the freshness of ingredients and follow recipes.  They must tastefully arrange the food to be served.  Cleanliness of work area and equipment is key.  On top of these, a head chef will supervise the food preparation of others, create recipes, plan menus, manage inventory, and monitor sanitation and safety work practices. 

How much would you earn in this position?

In 2012, the median hourly wage for cooks was $9.88.  When breaking it down further, however, the range extended from $8.85 for fast-food cooks to $11.29 for private household cooks.  For chefs and head cooks, the median annual wage was $42,480 in the same year.  Those who earned the most were mainly located in upscale restaurants and luxury hotels in major cities and popular resort areas. 

Requirements:

Some skills that will help you to succeed in this career include team work, considering a group of people, each with a specialized task, will work in tandem to assemble dishes.  Additionally, being able to handle a variety of equipment, communicate, employ creativity, and manage your time will be assets.  For head cooks, leadership skills are also beneficial.  Familiarity with certain software might also be useful for scheduling and purchasing.  Furthermore, if you are interested in running your own catering business, basic business skills would be a necessity. 

As for education and experience requirements, experience is valued more in this field.  On-the-job -training is available if you have no formal education.  However, programs are available at culinary arts schools, community colleges, technical schools, and 4-year colleges.  These are all very hands on, which relates back to the emphasis on experience.  Other options include vocational and apprenticeship schools.  High school education is typically a requirement for these programs.   

Certifications are also not compulsory but available to offer an advantage.  Different levels exist, ranging from 6 months to 5 or more years of work experience. 

Work Conditions:

There are different types of cooks, mainly defined by their settings, including cafeteria, restaurant, short-order, fast-food, and personal cooks.  These type of positions demand long periods of standing in a fast-paced environment, which can lead to a pressured environment.  Hours range from early morning to late evenings, weekends, and holidays.  Twelve hour days are not unusual.  Depending on the setting, positions might not be available year-round, such as at a school or resort.   

-Samantha Phillips

What interests you about this career?  What other information would you like to know about it?

Sources:
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Food Preparation and Serving