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.

A General Overview of Medical Billing and Coding

Medical billing and coding are often referred to as a single term; however, in terms of employment and specific roles they are very different. Both are in high demand because of the changing face of medical institutions. More and more hospitals, clinics and other healthcare establishments are recognizing the important role of technology in their industry. With vast amounts of patient data being transferred from one building to another, and in many cases one country to another, it is important that this information is dealt with efficiently.

What Is Medical Billing?

Medical billing professionals are responsible for the entering of patient and clinical data into practice management software. This information is then used to process a bill for insurance claims. Without adequate medical billing facilities, institutions quickly find themselves with a mounting pile of paperwork to complete before payment can be received. A medical billing professional is also responsible for the integrity and quality of the information and the running of management reports. Billing performance is closely monitored to ensure that all money is received in a timely fashion.

What Is Medical Coding?

Medical coding, on the other hand, deals more closely with patient medical records. Alphanumeric codes have been assigned to all illnesses, injuries and treatments. This practice helps prevent misleading notes or diagnoses because the medical codes in use are considered accurate. Initially, this form of medical coding was used to record reasons for death but the usefulness of the system meant that it was soon adapted to general care.

The Differences between Billing and Coding

Medical coders require a vast knowledge of every medical code as well as anatomy and general disease treatment. This makes the medical coder’s job one that is highly specific to this area of work. In some cases, nurses choose to expand their knowledge of the medical profession by taking a coding course and changing career track. Similarly, qualified or experienced coders may gain an education in medical terminology and knowledge in order to progress into the promising medical coding career.

Similarities of the Two Roles

Both positions are in high demand. Medical billing in particular has become a vital role in many practices, both large and small. This means that because physicians, hospitals, care centers and rest homes are all on the lookout for qualified professionals it is easy to pursue a career in medical billing. Medical coding, because of its specialized skill set, attracts fewer employees than are generally required. Again, this means that the potential employee is in the driver’s seat.

Advancing a Career into Health Information Management

In general, Health Information Management (HIM) roles offer a way to advance beyond the billing role. HIM managerial roles, or practice manager roles, are becoming more abundant and with a larger network of employees in most establishments, a hierarchy or network of professionals is also being established.

Starting your Career

The best way to start a career in medical billing or medical coding is to study the appropriate course. >California medical billing and coding schools have many different courses to offer regardless of the route you want to take. While some of these courses offer a good all-around knowledge for HIM employees, there are specific certificates geared towards billing or coding as well as an accredited two-year degree specifically designed for medical coders.

View a list of schools in California offering medical billing and coding programs.

An Introduction To Nursing

Nursing is one of the more widely understaffed professions in the country. This is particularly true of nurses working in wards that have an understandably high mortality rate and patients that require a great deal of close observation and care. This is generally attributed to the difficult working conditions, mandatory overtime, and general roles.

The Change Over

Generally, nurses are given several patients (anywhere from two or three to ten or more) to care for through the space of their shift. At the beginning of a shift, the nurse will do the rounds of their patient with the nurse that is going off shift. All relevant and important information is handed over facilitating the smooth transition of nurses and the best possible ongoing care for the patient.

General Patient Care

General care duties range from bathing patients to feeding them. Obviously these are vital aspects to a patient’s recovery and poor care can lead to severe detrimental effects not only for the patient concerned but also the rest of the patients on the ward. Regular baths and mealtimes are allotted and depending on the shift that a nurse is working, it will be necessary to undertake many of these tasks.

Drug Administration And Management

The administering of drugs is a careful procedure. Records must be monitored and maintained on a regular basis to ensure that any reactions to a particular medicine can be caught early and acted upon. Subsequently it is also necessary for nurses to update the records as they go along. This offers a continuity of care that not only helps patients recover effectively but also enables nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals to complete their job properly and efficiently. Drug stocks must be maintained, and any medication required needs to be ordered from the pharmacist.

Dying Patient Care

It is also, regrettably, necessary to care for dying patients. This is one of the more demanding aspects of a nursing job and is one of the major causes for the shortage of nurses especially seen in ICU wards. For the patient this is the final step in their hospital stay, but for the nurse caring for that patient the work continues. The bed and surrounding area must be prepared for the next patient and the notes for the deceased patient must be written up carefully.

Educating Patients And Families

Education has become a more important factor in the nursing role. As hospitals and medical professionals are now geared primarily towards preventative medicine, it is the nurses that are generally responsible for educating patients and their families with regards to their particular illness and its treatment. Without this education, patients would be left with little or no understanding of their illness or how to prevent or treat it.

Wound Management

Wound management has earned itself separate mention because of its importance. A badly dressed or treated wound can have serious effects, possibly even culminating in death. Infections are also easily spread in an environment where many people are already weakened and, therefore, more susceptible to infection. It is, therefore, absolutely essential that wounds and dressings are maintained and treated regularly and properly.

Other Important Factors

There are also other factors to consider. Litigation by patients is an increasingly common occurrence and as such is something that must be watched and prevented carefully. Nurses are largely responsible for this in their manner of care as well as the actions they take.

Extended Shifts And Long Working Weeks

Another point to remember is the working day. Clearly, nurses need to be present 24 hours a day with adequate cover in the case of emergencies or staffing problems. In order to meet this incessant demand, and because of the shortage in nurses, more and more currently employed registered nurses are finding mandatory overtime to increase. Some hospitals have opened bidding style websites that nurses can access and take vacant shifts. This has, for the most part eliminated a lot of the mandatory overtime that was once required of a nurse. However, it is still not uncommon to work very long shifts – typically 12 hours – on a regular basis.

The Outlook

The combination of these factors has led to a large number of registered nurses leaving the profession. While this means there is an extraordinarily large demand for nurses throughout the country, it also means that working conditions are getting harder. Recruitment drives, though, are set to come to fruition, which will improve the conditions again. Nurses will still be expected to work hard and experience a working day that can easily go from calm to hectic in a matter of seconds.

View a list of nursing schools in California to find a program that’s right for you.

Crime Scene Investigators

The recent trend in television shows appears to be centered on the world of forensic science. With the introduction of shows like CSI, the role of crime scene investigators has been put under the spotlight to a certain extent. Many professionals have aired their opinion that while there are elements of truth to the CSI episodes they are also vastly exaggerated in many cases. For example, these shows indicate a very fast-paced work environment with instantaneous lab results and high-tech tools. In fact, CSI work tends to be much slower and limited budgets tend restrict the availability of cutting-edge technology.

The Crime Scene Team

Crime scene investigation rarely utilizes just one forensic professional. In addition to professionals who process DNA and fingerprints, CSI departments will usually incorporate dental experts, insect experts, pathologists and ballistics experts into their team. In some cases, forensics experts with much more specific knowledge may be brought in. All of these professionals have qualifications and experience in forensics and criminal justice.

Long and In-Depth Investigation

The work of a crime scene investigator is generally much more painstaking and slower than depicted on television. Lab results can take days, or even weeks before they are returned and the actual process of documenting the crime scene is a tedious process indeed. Absolutely everything must be recorded using photographs, in-depth notes, and software-created reconstructions.

The Use of Computers and Software

While it is sometimes necessary to physically reconstruct a crime scene and the crime itself, it has become more commonplace to use computers and software. This software is capable of analyzing many different factors. In some cases it can be used to accurately predict what occurred leading up to the committing of the crime. Computer software and technology has begun to play a very large part in the analysis of crime scenes.

Fingerprint technology has advanced incredibly and in this respect, the television shows serializing the life of a CSI are relatively accurate. A fingerprint can be photographed and emailed to the laboratory where it is identified and matched against possible suspects. However, DNA evidence can still take days or weeks to find a match. Technology is definitely improving but, as yet, the near instant results gained on TV shows are not possible.

The Length of Time to Analyze a Crime Scene

Generally speaking, the biggest difference between television and real-life investigations is the time it takes to analyze a crime scene and solve the crime. Clearly, television shows can’t be long and drawn out and must pack a lot into a one hour episode. However, real life cases can take weeks, months or even years to solve. The processing of evidence alone is certainly not a one-day job.

A Crime Scene Investigator Investigates Crime Scenes

A career as a CSI of any specialty is a more mundane and routine one than you might believe. A CSI does not chase criminals; this is left to the police detectives. Crime scene investigators are responsible solely for the analysis of evidence and the construction of facts.

The Different CSI Roles

One sense of realism is the importance that forensic scientists play in the role of solving crimes.

Odontologists specialize in identifying a body by its teeth. In cases where the body has become so badly damaged it is unrecognizable, the teeth are often the only method left to form an identification. However, the odontologist can often provide much more information than this. The age and sex of a victim can usually be determined and, in some cases, it is possible to determine the origin of that person and their social standing.

An entomologist studies insects and insect behavior. This can be particularly useful in determining the time of death. It is also possible to identify the area a person was killed as well as the cause of death in some cases. The nature of the work and the in-depth study means that it can take days or weeks to provide reliable and accurate facts.

Pathologists study the body itself. As well as being able to provide a cause of death and usually a time of death and other physiological information, pathologists often find vital evidence that may have otherwise been overlooked.

Your Suitability as A CSI

A crime scene investigation is a long an arduous task involving many people with different specialties. One word of warning that most forensic scientists will give is that you will see some horrific sites and be expected to deal with them on a regular basis. While the tasks at hand may become routine, the more specific cases can be far from routine. A CSI needs to be painstakingly methodical and have a keen eye for detail. New techniques and theories are being introduced all the time and it is necessary to stay ahead of these.

Additional Resources

View a list of schools in California offering criminal justice programs.

If you are looking for a criminal justice program outside of California, you may want to visit our partner site, www.criminal-justice-school-search, which lists programs across the United States and Canada.

Many people love the idea of working within a legal profession but for a majority of people law school is a distant dream. A degree or diploma in paralegal studies can lead to a rewarding career as a paralegal or legal assistant and can often help pave the road to becoming a full-fledged lawyer. In fact, the paralegal is responsible for many of the same duties that a lawyer would have completed in the past.

Paralegal Programs

A paralegal career will inevitably begin with the completion of a diploma or Associate’s Degree. California paralegal schools offer a wide range of these programs, some of which concentrate specifically on one topic or area of law. This specialization can prove beneficial in the long run should you choose the right area.

Local Laws Governing the Paralegal Profession

You should note that many states have strict legislation in place that dictates the level of education that a paralegal must have. As an example, California law dictates that a person wishing to be a paralegal must have either studied and passed a minimum of a three-year degree and have one year experience working for a registered attorney, or hold the appropriate certification from an accredited program or a program approved by the American Bar Association. All paralegals are required to take a four-hour course every three years that studies the ethics of paralegal practice. (Learn more about these paralegal requirements). There are several paralegal schools in California that offer this course.

The Work of a Paralegal

The actual work that a paralegal is expected to carry out depends on the organization and the paralegal themselves.

Case planning. This is geared towards paralegals that work within a law firm. Case planning is the preparation, research, and management of cases that reach trial. A paralegal is not allowed to present the case but will often prepare the case on behalf of the lawyer they work for.

Research. Research is a large part of any legal job. Finding relevant information and facts pertaining to a particular case as well as to legislation and laws that govern a particular area is important to organizations and lawyers alike. This can be a painstakingly slow and methodical part of the job, although the Internet has sped it up considerably.

Preparation of legal documents. The preparation of legal documents was once carried out solely by solicitors and lawyers. However, this is one role that lawyers now generally delegate to their paralegals instead. This incorporates the drafting, checking, and analysis of often long and complex documents.

Administrative duties. The maintenance and management of the legal office often lies firmly in the hands of the paralegal. Filing, maintaining records, corresponding with clients and other colleagues and maintaining a diary for all lawyers within the practice will generally fall to the legal assistant to complete.

Conducting Your Own Personal Research

It is generally a good idea to conduct as much research as possible on your potential career. In the case of paralegal studies it is particularly important to find out the most beneficial courses to take, areas to study, and possibly network with the people who may be ready to employ you once you have completed your training at one of the paralegal schools in California.

Additional Resources

View a list of schools in California offering programs in paralegal studies.

For a paralegal diploma or degree outside of California, please visit our partner site www.paralegal-school-search.com which lists paralegal and legal assistant programs in the United States and Canada.

For additional information about a career as a paralegal, you may want to read the transcript of our >interview with a paralegal, Dennis Tapia, who runs his own business in Vista, California.

Research And Knowledge

Being a real estate broker is all about being informed and doing research. It is absolutely essential that you understand every aspect of the area where you will be working. In most cases, real estate brokers and sales agents start working in their local region because they generally already have a good knowledge of the location in which they live. This existing knowledge gives a new broker or agent the chance to learn exactly what clients deem to be important before they chance their luck in a different area.

Local Schools

Education is always an important factor for families when choosing a home to purchase. Young families will want to know the performance of the local elementary schools and preschools; families with older children will be looking for information on high schools and colleges. Parents are likely to ask about the number of students, recent test results and the number of children per teacher. Some parents may also want to know about the availability of sports and other extracurricular activities such as art or music.

Factors Concerning Employment

Employment is another factor that can determine whether a client wishes to move to an area. Most people want to move to an area that has a lot of job opportunities available, but they will also want to be sure that the opportunities offered closely match their own requirements for work. For example, industrial workers are not likely to want to move to an area that is heavily reliant on tourism. Unemployment figures, details of the largest local employers and commute times will be the questions most often asked.

Local Amenities and their Accessibility

Amenities are essential to almost every client. While shopping can be done largely online, people still want the convenience of being able to pay a quick visit to local shops. If there are local malls or supermarkets then you should know how far they are and how easy they are to reach by foot and by car. You should also be able to give an accurate account of where the nearest major bus routes, train routes, and airports are.

Crime and Living Conditions

Crime rates and general living conditions may be slightly more difficult to get hold of but they are important. Low crime rates are obviously preferential but being able to confidently say that a house is situated in a close-knit community that keeps an eye out for one another will go a long way to help sell an area to a client.

General Trivia and History of the Area

Local trivia and interesting facts can often help sell a neighborhood or town. Clients are unlikely to ask, but if you are able to tell them that the latest big thing in Hollywood actually grew up three doors down, you would be surprised the effect it may have. Giving a brief history of the town and, in particular, the neighborhood in question is a very good way to generate interest in an area and is another vital weapon in the real estate broker’s arsenal.

Matching your Client to the Right Property in the Right Neighborhood

In addition to having good knowledge of the area you should attempt to find out as much as possible about the client. By closely matching your client to the real estate you show them, you can increase your chances of a sale and decrease the amount of time needed to show them around potential properties. You can also have your answers to common questions researched as thoroughly as possible. Don’t forget that general interests and hobbies may also play a part. Avid fishermen may want to know if there are any good fishing spots locally whereas keen sportsmen may want to know where the nearest ballpark is and how well the local teams are doing.

A Final Word of Warning

The days of the underhanded real estate broker are long gone. It is important that you always speak directly and truthfully to your clients. False information generally has a nasty way of coming back to haunt you, especially when your former client looks to move home again. Don’t forget that a happy customer is a loyal customer and that nearly every real estate agent depends on client referrals to grow his or her network.

Additional Resources

View a list of schools in California and online that offer real estate classes.

Who Should Consider Photography as a Career

Photography is not generally something you will succeed in unless you have more than simply a passing interest. Do not be fooled into thinking that simply because digital cameras have made the hobby less expensive and more accessible that anyone can pick up a camera and take professional-grade photographs. If anything, a digital camera makes this harder in some ways. A photography career will take equal amounts of creativity, technical knowledge, and persistence.

Creativity Can Not Be Taught

Creativity is something that cannot directly be taught. People are generally either creative or they aren’t. If you can see the potential shot in everything around you then there is a very real chance you have the level of creativity required. It may be necessary to take photographs of people, landscapes, nature and even food. It is essential that you can create a professional photograph from any one of these photographic subjects.

Technical Knowledge Must Be Taught

Technical knowledge, on the other hand, can be taught. By gaining a degree from a photography school in California you will be taught all of the finer nuances of digital and film cameras. You will be taught about natural and synthetic lighting and conditions. You will essentially be taught how to make the most boring of subjects or difficult of conditions work in your favor. This shouldn’t, however, be confused with creativity. While photographic techniques can be taught, you cannot be shown how to find the best picture.

Persistence Will Pay Off

Persistence is necessary on many different levels. Not only do freelance photographers have to be persistent in marketing themselves and contacting editors, they must also be persistent in their pursuit of high-quality photography. It isn’t always possible to get the shot you want the first time, or the second time or even the hundredth time. Getting the right light and composition for the perfect shot can take minutes, or it can take hours or even days. Persistence and patience are attributes that will pay off above all else.

Getting a Photography Job without a Photography Degree

If you intend to look for a salaried job then you should be aware that some companies look for very specific degrees. Scientific photographers can walk into a job if they have a degree in science and a strong photographic portfolio. In these cases, candidates that can demonstrate this combination are more likely to get the job than a candidate with a photographic degree.

Freelancing

Becoming a freelance photographer is certainly a viable option. Businesses rarely have an ongoing need for photographers but they do have the occasional need. They generally meet these needs through subcontracting photography work to a freelance photographer. You may be surprised at the number of businesses that require the infrequent services of a photographer. Next time you look at a fast food menu or browse through a company brochure think about the photographs you see. A photographer somewhere was paid money to take photographs of burgers and of people on talking on the telephone. Weddings and other events also provide a good source of income for freelance photographers.

Selling Yourself and Your Pictures over the Internet

The Internet is a superb place to sell your photographic wares. In particular there are many stock photography sites that give web designers and advertising/marketing professionals the opportunity to purchase photographs for use on websites or company collateral. These stock photography companies will take a commission each time one of your photographs sells; however, the value of the marketing power that they provide generally far exceeds this fee. You never know who might purchase your photograph and whether they will need more pictures in the future.

A Final Word of Advice for Aspiring Photographers

The best advice that anyone can offer an aspiring photographer is to take photographs. Take as many photographs as you can and of as many different subjects in as many conditions as possible. Not only will this help you to develop style and skill but will also provide you with the photographs you need to compile your portfolio. A strong portfolio is absolutely essential in any photographic job.

Additional Resources

If you are interested in pursuing a career in photography, you may want to view a list of schools in California offering degrees and diplomas in photography.