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September 2008
A Q&A session with a Darcy K, the owner of DarcyK Designs, which is an interior design company located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Q: Can you tell us who you are currently employed with?
A: DarcyK Designs. We are located in Las Vegas, and our focus is on interior design for nightclubs and ultra clubs located throughout Vegas.
Q: What is the most requested service you provide?
A: Design and implementation. Creating proposals and design drawings takes up an incredible amount of an interior designer’s time if you didn’t know it. Club owners expect to have our vision on display prior to an approval of the features. Once our design is accepted, making the vision a reality for our client is what we do best. Working in Las Vegas as an interior designer is demanding work. The expectations are high. Club owners are looking to offer tourists the best. Successful nightclubs have a combination of amenities that make them successful, and environment is one. Our job is to give the club owner the best opportunity to become, or stay, successful.
Q: How long has DarcyK designs been working in Las Vegas?
A: 4 Years. It’s been a wonderful experience after putting in the time to train and travel. To have come as far as I have comes with a great sense of satisfaction. I took everything I learned and put it together with a great place to work and live. The industry here gives me an opportunity to do what I love to do, and do it a lot.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your training and school experience?
A: I grew up in Burlington, Vermont. The opportunity to travel to many different locations around the world was available to me, and the more I traveled, the more I began to notice the differences in taste and culture. I was attracted to the different designs and features of the places I visited. I graduated from the well-known FIDER design program at Virginia Tech, and after my training at the FIDER school, I attended the American International University in London studying hospitality design, European architecture, and photography.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being an interior designer?
A: I consider myself pretty lucky. This was a dream that became reality after much hard work and being able to fulfill a dream is what most of us hope to do, isn’t it? Our clients are our friends. Through the entire process, our attention to what the client wants and needs brings us closer to our clients than other business relationships. Our knowledge of design must work with the clients’ vision. By the time the project is finished, the relationship between designer, owner, and design is complete. We are regularly invited back to do more work for our friends who love what we do for them.
Q: What is the worst part?
A: As far as what I don’t like about my job, I must say that sometimes our vendor relationships could be better. There are too many businesses that are willing to take advantage of others. It is always an upsetting feature of working with other businesses to keep your business working. When problems arise, it’s been our best policy to only accept what responsibility is ours and move on. If a vendor doesn’t perform as expected, we stay prepared to handle any situation that may arise. That’s the worst part: underperformers.
Q: Tell us about an average day at DarcyK Designs.
A: Our office hours are standard 9 to 5. Office hours are different than working hours though. We hope to begin working before and end our day after those hours, but on an average day I would say the day starts about 8:30AM. I’ll go to the studio to go over the calls and reply to customers that came in from the previous day. I will make any appointments I have scheduled. I like to schedule two sets of appointments when necessary so I’ll be at an appointment around 10:30. So, between the time I get to my desk and the time to leave at 10:00, I’ll work on any project set-ups that need attention. I’ll make notes and adjustments that need to be made to the mockup and my staff will complete the idea. Meeting with clients usually means I have my display with the proposal design. It may be just a walk-through, or it may be a status update, the point is, appointment time means business. The same thing will happen in the afternoon at 1:30, and after the appointments, I visit jobsites or return to the studio to finish new work. Add-in the time spent talking to new clients, old clients, potential clients takes up the what the vendors don’t take, and I should get home around 7:00PM.
Q: What are your future career goals?
A: I would want to create a business profile that others want to emulate. I wouldn’t mind having DarcyK Design franchises dotted around the world. Why not? Stopping here just means I’ve concluded my dreams. It may be franchises; it may be a different kind of art or architecture. Anything is possible.
Q: Did your previous work history have anything to do with your current business position?
A: If you consider my schooling to be previous work history then yes. I became an interior designer and built up my own position because of my education and life experiences. I did not work with other designers, but I learned from them when I had the chance.
Q: As an interior designer, what kind of benefits do you receive from the work place?
A: Our company offers all our employees the basic health and vacation benefits. As founder, I retain my own set of health and vacation options, as well as retain revenue profits in the form of my salary. I think the biggest benefit from my job is freedom to run my business and work the way I see fit. That’s the biggest benefit.
Q: Speaking of your salary, would you mind telling a little about the money you make?
A: Our company makes a percentage of the cost build that ranges from 8-20%. The business expenses and liabilities the company has must all be met before a salary is retained by me. On average, I will earn $60,000 after everything is said done.
Q: What makes someone good at this profession?
A: The ability to develop creative designs drawn from the knowledge of various measures of interior design. A commitment to the client and a love for design must be present at all times. What makes someone good at anything is that they enjoy what they do, so what makes someone want to be a good interior designer is a desire to develop creative design implementation.
Q: Would you recommend this career path to others?
A: Yes, interior design is something that I love. Even when I discussed some of the things I do not like about the business, it pales in comparison to the enjoyment I get from my work. My clients are friends, I love the work, I enjoy taking something that is rough and working it out until it shines. I believe that interior design offers everyone the same ability and benefits. I would suggest that those who are interested in this business become well trained in some exacting procedures prior to attempting to do this as their job. Reputation is important in this business, and many unskilled designers have had short lived careers because of being poorly trained and unable to accomplish some of the basics that come with the business.
If you want to pursue an interior design career like Darcy K., start by viewing a list of interior design programs available in California.
October 4, 2005
A Q&A session with Barbara Kavalvs, an X-Ray Technician, who works at Scripps Hospital in Encinitas, CA. Barbara provides great insight into the career of an X-Ray Technician.
Q: Describe your average daily routine. What types of tasks are you expected to complete as part of your job?
A: To take x-rays of people that come into the ER. If they break a bone, we are there to x-ray. If there is a trauma (car accident, etc.) we are there immediately to take x-rays before the patient can be moved. We also take x-rays in the operating room (OR) while surgery is being performed. Mostly for orthopedics, when screws or plates need to be inserted to hold bones together. We also x-ray internal organs by injecting contrast materials that is radiopaque. This includes stomachs, intestines, colon, kidneys, uterus, fallopian tubes, etc. We use a method called fluoroscopy, which is a live x-ray, like a movie.
Q: What do you like the most about being an X-Ray Technician?
A: I enjoy helping people. I also enjoy how interesting the human body is.
Q: What do you dislike, if anything, about being an X-Ray Technician?
A: You are exhausted at the end of your shift. At times it is very stressful, especially if you work at a trauma center. The pace is extremely fast at hospitals.
Q: What is your work environment like?
A: My work environment is very busy and very stressful. You just learn how to work under these conditions. I work with great people and that makes all the difference.
Q: What is your work schedule like?
A: I work 8 hour shifts, but at places you can work 12 or 16 hour shifts. Grave yard shift if tough to stay awake, but some people love it. You can also take “call” overnight which means if they get busy they will call you to come in.
Q: Where did you get the training necessary for your job?
A: I took a 2 year college program and earned an AS degree in radiology. You must also complete so many clinical hours. You then must take a registry exam earning you an “RT” degree. This will allow you to be licensed in the state. The program is difficult and involves a lot of math, physics and anatomy. It is a very interesting field, but right now there is a waiting list at some colleges.
Q: Would you recommend your job as an X-Ray Technician to another person?
A: I love my job and yes, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to make a difference. My daughter just joined the program as well.
Q: What is the next step in your career?
A: I will be staying as an x-ray technician for the foreseeable time being.
View a list of schools in California offering x-ray programs.
October 6, 2005
A Q&A session with Dennis Tapia, a paralegal, who owns and operates Legal & Tax Services in Vista, CA. Dennis has been in this field for the last 20 years.
Q: Describe your average daily routine. What types of tasks are you expected to complete as part of your job?
A: Each day is different, I assist many people who wish to either file for a divorce, name change, prepare a will or a living trust. I must contact clients, ask questions and gather data in order to prepare the legal documents. Once the documents are complete the documents must be signed and filed with the proper court. The court requires the documents/forms be submitted in the proper format. I must keep current with laws and procedures in the field of family law and trust and probate law. Time is very important in all cases and if the forms and/or documents are rejected this could cost my clients valuable time and money.
Q: What do you like the most about being a paralegal?
A: I would have to say I like helping people solve their problems and saving them money. It’s a very rewarding field and you meet very interesting people.
Q: What do you dislike, if anything, about being a paralegal?
A: The high cost of court filing fees, each year they go up and my clients must pay this before a case can get started.
Q: What is your work environment like?
A: It can be busy but it’s very rewarding and sometime it’s a bit stressful when you have deadlines to meet.
Q: What is your work schedule like?
A: My normal work day starts around 7:00 am up to 6 pm, five to six days a week. Most people think if you work for yourself it’s easy but if you’re not completing cases, answering phones, you’re not getting paid. But you have the option of taking long weekends, once in awhile.
Q: Where did you get the training necessary for your job?
A: I attended Santa Ana College in Orange County where I received a certificate in Paralegal Studies. The program took 3 years to complete, full time. I learned the basic skills on how to prepare legal documents/forms, procedures, and laws. I would recommend this program because it prepares you to work for attorneys or work for yourself.
Q: Would you recommend your job as a paralegal to another person?
A: Yes, you have the option to work at your own pace, take the case you want and set your own fee schedule.
Q: What is the next step in your career?
A: Right now, continue to grow my business and promote it. I plan to stay in this field, I found out everybody needs some type of legal and/or tax help sometime in their life. We all must follow the law and pay taxes.
View a list of schools in California offering paralegal programs.
October 6, 2005
A Q&A session with Dennis Tapia, an accountant, who owns and operates Legal & Tax Services in Vista, CA. Dennis has been in this field for the last 20 years.
Q: Describe your average daily routine. What types of tasks are you expected to complete as part of your job?
A: As a tax preparer I gather data from my clients and input this data into the proper IRS form. I also teach my clients what they can and cannot use as a deduction, make sure they pay the proper tax to the IRS and FTB. As a bookkeeper, I input my clients’ data to show them where they are spending their money, and make sure that their business is producing a positive cash flow. I also balance their checkbooks and provide my clients with financial reports.
Q: What do you like the most about being an accountant?
A: I enjoy helping my clients with their taxes and books. I teach them what to look for and keep in contact with them throughout the year. Most tax preparers only see or talk with clients once a year, I encourage my clients to contact me anytime with there questions or concerns.
Q: What do you dislike, if anything, about being an accountant?
A: So far nothing, I enjoy my job and my clients.
Q: What is your work environment like?
A: Well during tax season from January to April 15 it is very busy and at time stressful. After tax season it dies down a lot and everything is back to normal.
Q: What is your work schedule like?
A: During tax season I have worked 10 up to 15 hours a day. But once tax season is over I normally take a week or two off to relax.
Q: Where did you get the training necessary for your job?
A: I went to Jackson Hewitt where I was trained as a tax preparer. The program took 3 months on a part-time schedule. I learned basic tax preparation for both personal and business taxes and was awarded a certificate at the end of the program. Once you earn your certificate, you must maintain a $5,000.00 bond and take a renewal test each year.
Q: Would you recommend your job as an accountant to another person?
A: I would recommend this to indivuals who like working with numbers, have good math skills and don’t mind filling out lots of forms.
Q: What is the next step in your career?
A: To further my education and become an EA (Enrolled Agent).
View a list of schools in California offering accounting programs.
October 11, 2005
A Q&A session with Cynthia Arroyo, a pharmacy technician, who works at Scripps Hospital in Encinitas, CA. Cynthia has been in the field for a year and a half.
Q: Describe your average daily routine. What types of tasks are you expected to complete as part of your job?
A: When I arrive in the morning I help the pharmacist catch up with the orders that were scanned between 12 AM- 7 AM. Then if there are any IV’s to be made before the IV tech arrives, I’ll mix them or fill any labels that were printed out. While I’m delivering the medications, my coworker starts with the Pyxis refill. In the morning we refill the main floors like ICU, 2N, NICU, ED, etc.
As we are doing all of this, we are also responsible for answering the phone. The pharmacist also answers phones and enters the orders that are being scanned or that need to be verified.
After we fill the buckets with the medications that are low in amounts, the pharmacist checks them off and one of us leaves to fill the Pyxis. The other tech will stay to answer phones, enter orders, or if it’s slow, fill trays and help the IV tech.
At 12:00 PM, one of us goes to lunch while the other one stays to help the pharmacist. Then we switch again. At around this time, an afternoon pharmacist will arrive and help with narcotics that are low in amounts around the whole hospital. As we are waiting to take out the narcotics, we are doing different things, like helping people at the window, refilling labels, checking for outdates, and many other tasks. After the pharmacist is done refilling the narcotics, we deliver them about 2:30. By this time, one of the afternoon pharmacy techs has arrived and will deliver some of the narcs. Then when we return it’s about to go home.
Q: What do you like the most about being a pharmacy technician?
A: The thing that I like the most about my job is the fact that as I am filling the medications, I learn about different medications and what they do and what they are good for. I gain knowledge on what to take for this and for that. Another thing that I like about my job is that I have chance to meet different people from visitors to doctors, to the CEO.
Q: What do you dislike, if anything, about being a pharmacy technician?
A: I really enjoy my job, the job itself, I like everything about it, but the people I work with, well that is something else.
Q: What is your work environment like?
A: In the mornings, it can be pretty stressful and busy, especially when pharmacists get a uncommon order that they need to investigate the dose, the route, the strength, etc. And when the pharmacist falls behind, we start getting a lot of phone calls that they need this and that, and we can’t really do anything because it needs to be verified or checked by the pharmacist. Usually the other pharmacist will jump in and help.
Q: What is your work schedule like?
A: I’m supposed to be part time but since we are short one tech, I work full time, 40 hours per week. I usually work from 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, or I even work in the afternoon, from 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM or 3:00 PM – midnight. I gain 5-8 hours (I’m not sure) of vacation time every 2 weeks.
Q: Where did you get the training necessary for your job?
A: I attended the pharmacy technician program at the American Institute of Health Sciences. The program was part-time and lasted 10 months, plus an internship of 330 hours. I learned about compounding, order entering, presentations, where look for information (all the resources that pharmacists use), mechanism of drugs, and much more. I would recommend the program because it’s challenging but very interesting because you don’t only learn about medicine but about communications skills, writing skills and even math skills.
Q: Would you recommend your job as a pharmacy technician to another person?
A: Yes I would, because, yes it can be very busy, but I see it more like time passes by faster and when you think about it it’s time to go home. Also because all the experiences and knowledge you gain by working at a pharmacy can be applied to your personal life, like you know what the best thing you can give to a family member when they have a cough. Another reason is that you have all the resources to look up when you are in doubt in something related to health. And then you have the pharmacist that you can ask too.
Q: What is the next step in your career?
A: Right now I’m working on my BS in Biology and then I’m going to apply to Pharmacy School. I am planning to work as a pharmacy tech while I’m attending my school.
View a list of schools in California offering pharmacy technician programs.
November 2, 2005
A Q&A session with John Bailey, a respiratory therapist, who works at Scripps Hospital in Encinitas, CA. John has been in the field for 2 1/2 years.
Q: Describe your average daily routine. What types of tasks are you expected to complete as part of your job?
A: My job mostly consists of aiding patients who are in any form of respiratory distress or who have any degree of respiratory difficulty. This includes patients with asthma, bronchitis or any other respiratory disease. My typical day consists of administering medication to patients to help dilate airways so they can breathe easier. When I’m in the intensive care unit I am working with patients who are critically ill and sometimes need to be on ventilators. When these patients are on a ventilator the Respiratory Therapist (RT) is continuously monitoring lung volumes and pressure. RT’s also aid doctors with bronchoscopies. Bronchoscopies are procedures that involve the use of a fiber optic scope. The scope is introduced into the airway of the patient usually through the nose and passed down the trachea into the lungs. While down there, the doctor can diagnose and sometimes treat pulmonary disorders.
Q: What do you like the most about being a respiratory therapist?
A: I enjoy the technical aspects of my job. I like being in the intensive care unit where I work with ventilators that are used to monitor and manipulate lung volumes and pressures. I also like to aid doctors with the bronchoscopies where I use specialized instruments such as forceps and brushes to help diagnose the patient’s condition.
Q: What do you dislike, if anything, about being a respiratory therapist?
A: I don’t like it when patients I’m working with come close to dying. It can also be very stressful dealing with difficult family members. Difficult family members can sometimes prevent me from doing my job effectively.
Q: What is your work environment like?
A: The work environment can be quite unpredictable. There are times when it’s slow. There are also times when it is very busy and stressful. For the most part it is usually steady and there is always work to do. Things at a hospital can change in a matter of seconds so it is always important to be prepared for chaos.
Q: What is your work schedule like?
A: Most respiratory therapists in the area where I am work 12 hour shifts three days a week. That is considered full time. My days start at 6 am and end at 6:30 pm. There is a half hour overlap between shifts for giving report on the patients. Vacation time is on an accrued basis. I usually accrue seven hours a pay period. Those hours go into a bank called PTO (personal time off) and then I can use them when I decide to take a vacation.
Q: Where did you get the training necessary for your job?
A: People can obtain a Respiratory Therapist license by first completing a program that is usually two years. There are also 18 month programs as well. Those programs tend to cost a little more but it is six months less time and t hey don’t normally require prerequisites. In my area (San Diego, CA) there is Grossmont college. It is a junior college. It requires about one to two years of prerequisites which include human anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. Once the prerequisites are completed the RT program itself is two years. The school I attended was California College. It is a private school. It requires only a high school diploma or GED. It is an 18 month program. There is an entry level exam that must be passed which should be obtainable for the average person. The program itself is full time, five days a week, about five hours a day. When clinical rotations start you are required to work the 12 hour shifts three days a week. It is important to study and not let the program get ahead of you. For those 18 months all you will think about is respiratory care.
Q: Would you recommend your job as a respiratory therapist to another person?
A: I would recommend this job to other people as long as you don’t get grossed out easily. There are things about our job that does require dealing with bodily secretions. It is interesting, challenging, and sometimes fun. Being an RT is a technical job which I find exciting and mentally stimulating. There is always something new to learn about. It is a stable profession as well and a lot of security comes with working in health care.
Q: What is the next step in your career?
A: I think respiratory care is a great field to work in. I have learned quite a bit. It is a great stepping stone to use as you move on to other jobs. You can make a decent living from it but you’re not going to become rich. I myself plan on going back to school eventually to advance my education. But I will use respiratory therapy as a tool to further my knowledge.
View a list of schools in California offering respiratory therapist programs.
November 29, 2005
A Q&A session with Mairead Doherty, a dental assistant, who works for a private dentist office in San Diego, CA. Mairead has been in the field for 8 years.
Q: Describe your average daily routine. What types of tasks are you expected to complete as part of your job?
A: I greet patients when they arrive, bring them to the treatment room and review procedures with them. I set up rooms with the proper instruments and materials. I assist the doctor during the procedure at all times until the treatment is complete. I sterilize all instruments, order supplies, update charts at each visit, take x-rays, make temps and take impressions.
Q: What do you like the most about being a dental assistant?
A: Because I work for a general dentist, I get to see the same people on a regular basis. It’s fun getting to know them and to see how happy they are when they complete their treatment, whether it be cosmetic work or whitening. Also, working 4 days a week is a bonus, as most dentists tend to only work Monday through Thursday.
Q: What do you dislike, if anything, about dental assisting?
A: Nothing.
Q: What is your work environment like?
A: It all depends on the office. My environment is upbeat, busy, fun and very relaxed.
Q: What is your work schedule like?
A: I work 36 hours per week Monday through Thursday with 2 weeks vacation per year.
Q: Where did you get the training necessary for your job?
A: I was actually trained on the job. Then, after you have been in the field for 3 years you can take the exam to get certified which I did. Just look up the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries near you and they will have all the information on what you need to do get certified.
Q: Would you recommend your job as a dental assistant to another person?
A: I would recommend this job because it pays well, the hours are great and you would never be without a job – people always need a dentist no matter were you live.
Q: What is the next step in your career?
A: I’m planning on staying in my current job indefinitely.
View a list of schools in California offering dental assistant programs.
High School Courses
A computer networking career can progress quickly, however, the actual speed of progression will be largely determined by the individual. A high school diploma is generally a good place to start because it offers a superb background of information. Diplomas are generally available in networking as well as other computer-related topics.
An Important Decision to Make
Once high school is completed, an important decision lies in wait. Do you wish to get an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in computer networking or complete a shorter certificate or diploma program? Many schools in California offer one or both of these networking program options. (View a list of networking schools in California.) There are arguments for both sides of this debate. Some employers and organizations prefer to see the commitment associated with earning a degree. On the other hand, some employers may prefer the hands-on experience that can only be gained through actual employment.
A Degree Offers More than Computer Networking
For those looking to embark on a network programmer’s career it may be best to study for a degree in computer programming that incorporates networking into its curriculum. This gives you the perfect balance between networking and programming that you will require and it’s certainly fair to say that you are unlikely to be penalized by prospective employers because you completed a degree. Always look carefully at the degree you are considering. While there are specific computer networking degrees available, there are also others that only incorporate networking as one module or one portion of the degree. This may be what you are looking for, but always make sure you get what you expected.
Quicker Entry to the Workplace with a Networking Certificate
Studying for a degree may mean a higher entry wage but it also means that you won’t enter the career ladder for four years. In contrast, a student that studied for a networking certificate or diploma will have been in the work force for 3 years gaining invaluable experience and potentially progressing in respect of job role and salary. The decision really is a very personal one.
Supply versus Demand
It could have taken 12 months after completion of high school, or four years, but there will come a time when you start looking for work. With over a quarter of a million network administrators’ jobs available there are many to choose from. On the flip side there are also a lot of potential candidates for the position so be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up.
Microsoft, Cisco and CompTIA Certificates
Once you have your foot in the door, the first thing to consider is getting a professional networking certification. Large companies like Microsoft and Cisco offer these programs and they are incredibly useful to you and your employer. Networking-related professional certificates include: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Microsoft MCSE, Cisco CCNA and CCNP.
After passing your initial exam for certification, it is necessary to periodically re-take the exam in order to ensure that you are up to date with the latest advances in networking. This proves to employers or potential employers that you are able to learn new technologies and can implement the latest techniques and best practices. Consequently, you can use these certificates to gain promotion, negotiate pay rises, or move to a more ideally suited company and a better role. Because of the regular examination and the teaching of new techniques, some companies offer to pay for employees to enroll in and study the course.
Job Specialization
It may become necessary at this point to specialize your role. Network analysts and programmers are considered similar roles. However, this is not always the case:
- Network Analysts. Literally speaking, an analyst is responsible for analyzing networks and identifying possible changes. They may also be responsible for the testing, recommending, purchasing, and implementation of scripts or software to further improve a network.
- Network Programmers. Programmers, on the other hand, are more inclined to create the programs themselves.
Analysis versus Programming
In smaller organizations it is reasonable to assume that one role will be given to an individual who can perform both tasks. In a larger organization though, it is more likely that an analyst will be employed to identify problems and formulate a possible solution while the programmer will create this solution based on the analyst’s findings. Working in a large company means a decision must be made regarding the route you would rather take. Speaking to employers can help give an insight into what is required and obviously your own knowledge and experience will play a big part in your final choice.
Becoming a Freelancer
Another option is to become a freelance network professional. Working contracts can prove to be very lucrative but offers little in the way of job stability or security. However, more and more companies are seeking ways to reduce costs while improving performance. Outsourcing certain computer networking tasks is one area of freelance work that has seen considerable growth.
Summary
A networking career can be a long and fruitful one. Whether you choose to study for a computer based degree or opt for one of the shorter networking courses widely available, you can expect a reasonable starting salary and good opportunities to further advance your career. A Microsoft or Cisco certificate will help you on your way to this improved level of success and will also ensure you are up to date with the latest hardware, software, and general technological advances. Alternatively, you may want to consider becoming a freelance or contract worker.
View a list of schools in California offering networking degrees and certificates.
Employment opportunities in every industry are subject to cultural, social, and economic changes that the population faces as a whole. This is equally true of the culinary arts industry. While the opportunities are always likely to exist, there are regular shifts in the need for top chefs and cooks. A major increase in fast food cooks has been witnessed that has only recently begun to slow. The Department of Labor expects further changes to occur in the coming years that all culinary students should be aware of.
Dual Income Families and Their Impact on Culinary Demand
One of the major factors likely to determine the increase in culinary careers is the number of working families and their subsequent income. More and more households contain two working adults and as working days and working weeks grow steadily longer this leaves very little time for the preparation of home cooked meals. A consequence of this is that couples and families will come to rely on meals cooked by others.
Disposable Income Levels are Increasing
Another important fact on the subject of demographics is the disposable income of the average household. Higher wages generally means greater expectations and in terms of food and meals, these expectations will likely be met by high-end restaurants rather than take-out and fast food joints. Whereas we have previously seen an increase in the number of low-paid fast food cooks, it looks increasingly likely that this will turn in favor of highly-respected chefs.
Increased Life Expectancy Means an Older Population
Another demographic factor is the age of the population. As life expectancy continues to increase, the population becomes older. This older generation is already witnessing a greater level of disposable income than once associated with the retired class and the consequence may a higher demand for restaurant-prepared meals.
For Convenience’s Sake
On the flip side of this is the argument of convenience. As more and more of the younger generation seek convenient meals they may turn to the ready cooked meals offered by grocery stores and super stores. For this reason it is expected that cooks who also have serving capabilities will prosper in this area.
Institutions such as schools, hospitals and large companies are becoming more dependent on outsourcing work such as the cooking of meals so that they can concentrate on the core aspects of their business. This trend looks certain to continue meaning that there will be fewer jobs available in the institutional sectors but more opportunities in the food preparation companies that will be formed as a result.
Overall View of Culinary Careers and Education
Overall, the future is bright for anyone looking to start or advance a career as a chef or a cook. The bigger increases are likely to be seen in casual and formal restaurants as well as convenience meals. There will always be a demand for high-end chefs but there will also always be a fairly high level of competition for positions. One of the best ways to get ahead is to combine a culinary course with a math, economics, or business course. This combination lends itself perfectly towards restaurant or hotel management as well as being able to establish your own business.
Further Consideration
A general trend toward healthy meals will be witnessed in most areas of the industry from the under-fire fast food restaurants to the trendy, upscale restaurants. While this will not have any significant difference on employment levels it is likely to see a change in certain aspects of any culinary curriculum.
View a list of culinary arts schools in California.
A career in massage is quite an unusual one, in so far as two thirds of all masseurs are self-employed. The actual level of self-employment varies from the part-time worker who visits client’s homes to the entrepreneur who owns his or her own practice and employs several staff members. Both have potential to earn good money as well as the versatility that owning your own business and working for yourself offers. However, as with any business, the success of a massage practice is dependent on how well it is established and maintained. It can be difficult and will require you to undertake various roles above and beyond the role of a masseur.
If you are determined to establish your own practice then you already have one essential ingredient – determination. The initial hard work and long hours that are required to establish a thriving practice can prove too much for some people to bear. Things will get easier in time, though.
Education
Depending on your location, it may be necessary to pass certain licensing laws. The regulations that govern this differ from state to state, and city to city so check all local laws. If you do need to become accredited then your state or city boards will give details of exactly what is required. Generally speaking it is usually necessary to complete a relevant formal education. You will be required to complete a minimum number of hours of educational experience. In most cases this figure is 500 hours, but it can be as few as 350 or as many as 1,000 hours.
massage schools in California.)
Experience
Once you complete your training, it is feasible that you could start setting up your own practice immediately. In the case of those working from home or visiting clients’ homes, some research and local advertising will be needed to get under way. However, if you wish to set up a full practice with your own dedicated premises then you will need to find funding. The two most popular ways to find this funding are: 1) submitting a business plan and being accepted for a business loan or, 2) using your own money.
Often the best route is to start out working as a self-employed masseur. Gaining experience through short term contracts or call outs can be an excellent way to build a potential client base, gain valuable experience, and raise some much needed cash.
Business Laws
Every state has laws that govern the establishment and running of a business. You should carefully determine exactly what is required in your area and take the appropriate steps to set your business up properly. These laws are definitely not optional and a failure to adhere to them will see your business fail and potentially see you left with a hefty fine.
Hiring a solicitor can be helpful if you have the necessary funds available. A business solicitor will know of all the necessary licenses but they can prove expensive. Solicitors are also often aware of any grants or government loans that might be available, both of which can prove invaluable to the new business and are certainly worth closer investigation.
Advertising and Marketing
Opening a massage therapy practice demands the same rigorous program of marketing as any other business. If potential clients don’t hear about your practice then they won’t visit. On the other hand, without clients, it can be difficult to pay for a marketing campaign. You should start advertising as soon as possible. Local newspapers, local radio, and even local television stations are all valid and generally inexpensive options. Also, if you do have formal qualifications, then speak to your local physicians, doctors, and hospitals. They may be willing to advise your services to their patients or at least let you advertise in their establishment.
Customer Services
Running a successful business means keeping your clients happy. A happy client will keep returning to your practice and will generally do your advertising for you via word of mouth. Viral marketing, i.e. word of mouth, is among the most powerful forms of advertising available and costs you nothing except good manners and customer satisfaction.
Record Keeping
Businesses accumulate large amounts of data on a daily basis. All of this information will be important in the long run, especially when it comes to tax returns. Ensuring that you keep all the information you need may prove to be a struggle without careful planning. Most courses offered by massage schools also cover many of these aspects of running a business, another reason why you must consider getting your education before taking the leap to practice owner.
Summary
Becoming a masseur offers excellent potential, especially to those who wish to run their own business. Setting up any business is difficult without the appropriate knowledge and careful research. Massage schools in California do give the all round knowledge that is needed to run a successful massage practice.
View a list of California massage schools and programs.
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