Guests who check into a hotel, motel or resort have high expectations. They are either there to relax or work away from home. They expect everything else to be handled, they don’t have want to worry about anything else.

And the public face of a hotel - the person who helps the guest from check-in to checkout - is the desk clerk. In the hotel business, their friendly demeanor and helpful attitude can make all the difference in a return visit from a guest. And the industry is looking for a few more people to fill that role.

Median Wages

• $9.37 hourly
• $19,480 annual

Things to Consider

• Are you friendly and a good communicator?
• Do you actively look for ways to help people?
• Are you experienced with computer systems?
• Do you write well?

Career Growth

The demand for hotel and resort desk clerks is expected to grow faster than the average job, at a rate of 14 to 19 percent more by 2018. Between 2008 and 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an additional 109,500 clerks will be hired.

Typical Work Activities

• Make reservations.
• Great, register and assign rooms to guests, as well as issue room keys and give instructions to bellhops.
• Route guest problems to the appropriate hotel service or manager.
• Use computer systems to post charges, bill guests, balance accounts and conduct nightly audits.

Work Environment and Hours

Three of every four desk clerks works at least 40 hours a week in hotels, motels and resorts. Because guests may check-in or check-out at any time, night and weekend work is common.

How Do I Become a Hotel or Resort Desk Clerk?

Most desk clerks learn the position through on-the-job training to become familiar with their job duties and the hotel’s systems. Postsecondary education isn’t required, but some coursework or training is helpful. Many Goodwill organizations provide this training.

There is 1 recognized apprenticeable specialty associated with this occupation: Hotel Associate. To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information website.

If you want to be hired as a desk clerk, most organizations look for people who are friendly, service-oriented, well groomed and display good judgment, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For more information about this and related positions, visit the related articles on O*NET OnLine and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our sources for this article.

Veterinary technologists and technicians perform many of the same duties for a veterinarian that a nurse would perform for a doctor. It’s a challenging job, but something an animal lover could really enjoy.

Median Wages

• $13.89 hourly
• $28,900 annual

Things to Consider

• Do you love animals? Do they generally love you, too?
• Would you be able to handle the emotional stresses of dealing with injured or dying animals?
• Are you comfortable dealing with and talking to people regularly?
• Do you have a mind for science and math?

Career Growth

The need for veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow faster than other careers by 20 percent or more between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. By 2018, there should be as many as 48,500 additional veterinary technologists and technicians positions.

Typical Work Activities

• Care for and monitor animals recovering for surgery, being diagnosed or undergoing treatment.
• Collect and prepare samples for lab testing.
• Perform lab tests to aid in diagnosis, including examining blood samples and using x-ray equipment.
• Maintain drug inventories and fill prescriptions.
• Administer animal first aid, medications, vaccines, serums and treatments.

Work Environment and Hours

Veterinary technologists and technicians can work in private clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, zoos, aquariums or research facilities, and they generally work 40 hours a week or more. In some settings, technologists and technicians must be on hand around-the-clock, so evening and night shifts are a possibility.

This is a demanding job. The U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics says this job is dangerous — full-time workers in this career experience work-related injury and illness at a rate much higher than the national average. Technologists and technicians who deal with abused animals or have to euthanize animals can deal with emotional stress.

How Do I Become a Veterinary Technologist or Technician?

Veterinary technicians must have a two-year associate degree, and veterinary technologists must have a four-year bachelor’s degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited institution. Both jobs are very similar, but technologists generally have a better chance of employment in research facilities, zoos and aquariums.

Both technologists and technicians begin as trainees supervised by a veterinarian. New employees with more hands-on experience will generally have a shorter training period.

Each state has different licensing and certification programs, but licensing is required. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has more information about these requirements.

Next Steps in This Career

Veterinary technicians and technologists with experience often take on more responsibilities and can do more without veterinary supervision. Some become supervisors to other veterinary technicians and technologists.

For more information about this and related positions, visit the related articles on O*NET OnLine and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our sources for this article.

The demand for heating and air conditioning mechanics and installers — sometimes called HVAC technicians because they work with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems — is only expected to rise over the next few years.

Median Wages

• $19.08 hourly
• $39,680 annually

Things to Consider

• Do you think logically and understand how things work?
• Can you follow instructions and blueprints?
• Are you friendly and attentive with customers?
• Are you generally healthy and able to work in uncomfortable temperatures and cramped areas?

Career Growth

Hiring for HVAC mechanics and installers is expected to grow 20 percent or more between 2008 and 2018, meaning that it will grow much faster than the average job. By 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expect their to be an additional 136,200 people working in this position.

Typical Work Activities

HVAC mechanics and installers may have different work responsibilities, depending on their employer and specialties, but they generally:

• Install and maintain heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, components and wiring.
• Diagnose problems with HVAC systems and make repairs
• Inspect and test systems to make sure they are working correctly, with an extra emphasis on safety
• Test natural gas piping and electrical components using electronic equipment
• Sell maintenance plans to customers

Work Environment and Hours

HVAC mechanics and installers work in homes, businesses or any other building where climate control systems need to be installed or maintained and may be dispatched to several different clients each day. They work outdoors and inside in hot and cold temperatures, and often work in cramped spaces.

Most HVAC mechanics and installers work at least 40 hours a week, often more during peak seasons. Shifts can be irregular and weekend, evening and on-call shifts are to be expected. Scheduled maintenance keeps most mechanics and installers busy during the slow season.

There is some risk of injury, so HVAC mechanics and installers should take care to take the proper training and precautions.

How Do I Become a HVAC Mechanic or Installer?

Because HVAC systems are so crucial, and can be so complicated, most employers prefer to hire mechanics and installers that have had formal training or an apprenticeship. Many secondary and post-secondary technical and trade schools offer training programs, as do many junior and community colleges. These courses may take between six months to two years. HVAC mechanics and installers can also earn accreditation with on-the-job experience.

There are also five recognized apprenticeable specialties associated with this occupation:

• Heating and Air Conditioning Installer-Servicer
• Furnace Installer and Repairer, Hot Air
• Furnace Installer
• Oil Burner Servicer and Installer
• Air and Hydronic Balancing Technician

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information website.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers more detailed information about training, licensing and certification for this career.

Next Steps in This Career

Advancement in this job usually comes with experience and additional certifications. More training and experience can lead to bigger jobs — and a higher paycheck. Most advancement in this career comes as earning more money, but some technicians may move on to become supervisors and service managers, move into their company’s sales or marketing departments, or other positions.

For more information about this and related positions, visit the related articles on O*NET OnLine and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our sources for this article.

Computer support specialists come to the rescue to resolve computer problems for users, develop computer training and design some of the computer procedures. One of the ultimate team players, computer support specialists are crucial for most business’s success.

Median Wages

$20.89 hourly

$43,450 annual

Is This Career Right For Me?

• Are you a strong critical thinker and problem solver?
• Do you communicate well with other people, listening carefully to their problems and then fully explaining solutions in a friendly way?
• Do you write well?
• Are you technically minded and good with processes and procedures?

Career Growth

Hiring for computer support specialists is expected to grow faster - 14 to 19 percent more - than average. Between 2008 and 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an additional 234,600 computer support specialists will be hired.

Typical Work Activities

A computer support specialist’s daily duties can vary from business to business and between exact titles. But, generally, computer support specialists:

• Answer user questions about computer software and hardware and work to solve any problems
• Set up equipment for users, install new software and perform repairs
• Keep detailed records of problems and repairs
• Work with vendors or technicians on major hardware or software problems
• Develop training materials and procedures and train users how to use hardware and software

Work Environment and Hours

Computer support specialists usually work 40 hours a week in offices, but may be on call after business hours to resolve sudden problems.

Some computer support specialists work for third-party firms, which serve several businesses. These specialists are out of their own offices regularly to work in their clients’ offices. With new technology, however, these specialists can increasingly provide technical support remotely and may even work from home.

How Do I Become a Computer Support Specialist?

Most businesses prefer to hire computer support specialists with some education after high school. Some firms require a bachelor’s degree, while others require an associate’s degree, and others will hire any candidate with the proper technical skills. Regardless, being manufacturer-certified in some hardware, software or processes helps job prospects. There is usually an on-the-job training period of up to one year after you are hired.

Next Steps in This Career

Because computer technology is constantly evolving, computer support specialists must always learn how to use and repair new hardware and software. Some computer support specialists may be promoted or move on to jobs as computer network, systems and database administrators; computer and information systems managers; or computer software engineers and computer programmers with experience and additional education.

For more information about this and related positions, visit the related articles on O*NET OnLine and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our sources for this article.

And the position — which may be either full-time or part-time and varies from business to business — is expected to grow faster and add more employees than other jobs.

Median Wages

$11.28 hourly

$23,460 annual

Is This Career Right For Me?

• Do you deal well with conflict - both verbal and physical?
• Do you follow procedures well?
• Can you quickly assess a situation and make the right decision?

Career Growth

Hiring for security guard positions is expected to grow faster — 14 to 19 percent more — than average. Between 2008 and 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an additonal 373,900 security guards will be hired.

Typical Work Activities

The duties of security guards can vary widely based on the business or institution they work for, but security guards generally:

• Monitor the premises by camera or by foot and authorize the entrance and exit or employees and visitors to protect property.
• Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
• Ensure security of doors, windows and gates.
• Provide personal protection to members of the organizations.
• Write regular reports to record property damage, theft or other problems.
• Answer telephone calls to take message, answer questions and provide information during off hours.
• Warn employees and visitors of violations, apprehend or evict violators from the premises.
• Call police or fire departments in cases of large emergencies.

Work Environment and Hours

Security guards may work indoors or outdoors, depending on their particular roles, and could spend a large amount of time in guardhouses near gates, patrolling a building or piece of property or monitoring security cameras. Regardless, most security guards spend a lot of time on their feet. Because of the nature of the work, the job may require working nights, weekends and holidays. While the work is largely routine, there is some danger involved and security guards must always stay alert.

How Do I Become a Security Guard?

• Education: Employers of unarmed guards don’t have specific education requirements, but companies prefer men and women with high school diplomas or equivalent certification for armed positions. Some employers also prefer to hire guards with police science or criminal justice degrees.
• Training: Most companies provide on-the-job training for new hires. The length of the training period varies between positions and industries, but training for armed guards is generally more rigorous and formalized.
• Apprenticeships: There is 1 recognized apprenticeable specialty associated with this job: Guard, Security. To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information website.
• Liscensing: Most states require guards to be licensed. Most licenses require an individual to be 18 years old, pass a background check and complete classroom training in laws and emergency procedures. Armed guards may be periodically tested  in the use of firearms and must be certified with their state. Regular drug tests are normal.

For more information about this and related positions, visit the related articles on O*NET OnLine and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our sources for this article.

It’s an important job that serves people when they most need assistance, and the field is expected to grow much faster than other careers by 2018.

Median Wages

$30.03 hourly

$62,450 annual

Is This Career Right For Me?

• Do you work well under pressure?
• Are you comfortable dealing with disease and blood when you’ve taken the proper safety procedures?
• Do you deal well with people, especially unpleasant or angry people?
• Do you work well with a group?

Career Growth

The demand for acute care nurses is expected to grow much faster - more than 20 percent - than the demand for other jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 1.04 million new registered nurse positions will be added between 2008 and 2018, many of those jobs going to acute care nurses.

Typical Work Activities

• Regularly perform emergency medical procedures to stabilize patients.
• Quickly assess a patient’s condition through diagnostic tests and screening procedures.
• Keep detailed records of a patient’s care.
• Manage patient’s pain relief medication.
• Administer blood transfusions and infusions.
• Set up, operate or monitor some invasive tools like tracheotomy equipment, venitlators, catheters and central lines.
• Discuss illnesses and treatments with patients and their family members.

Work Environment and Hours

Acute care nurses work primarily in healthcare facilities like hospitals and doctors’ offices. They spend a lot of time standing and walking to treat patients, and can sometimes work long hours that could include nights, weekends and holidays. Acute care nurses come in close contact with diseases and potentially hazardous compounds and medications, which is why they must strictly adhere to standardized guidelines to guard against these dangers.

How Do I Become an Acute Care Nurse?

Acute care nurses must be registered nurses. There are generally three ways to become a registered nurse, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• A bachelor’s of science degree in nursing: BSN programs are offered by colleges and universities and take about four years to complete. There may be more advancement opportunities for RN’s who have this or an advanced degree.
• An associate’s degree in nursing: ADN programs are offered by community and junior colleges and take two to three years. Nurses with an ADN can find an entry level job that may provide tuition reimbursement for additional education to obtain a BSN.
• A diploma program: Diploma programs are administered by hospitals and usually take three years, but there are relatively few programs like this. Diploma programs generally prepare nurses for a wide set of responsibilities.

In all three cases, registered nurses must pass a national licensing examination known as the National Council Licensure Examination.

For more information about this and related positions, visit the related articles on O*NET OnLine and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our sources for this article.

Occupation

Industry
Construction and renovation

Median Wages
$16.17 hourly
$33,630 annual

Is This Career Right for Me?
Roofers cover the roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, and related materials. They may spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures and work outside for most of the year.

Assess if this career path is right for you by answering the following questions:

• Do you enjoy working outside?
• Would you like to work in a job that is challenging physically?
• Would you be comfortable sometimes working high off the ground?

Career Growth
The projected growth in this career is between 14 and 20 percent between 2006 and 2016, making its growth faster than average. Roofing jobs are also less vulnerable to economic downturns than other construction careers.

Typical Work Activities

• Inspect problem roofs to determine the best procedures for repairing them.
• Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs.
• Align roofing materials with edges of roofs.
• Clean and maintain equipment.
• Cement or nail flashing-strips of metal or shingle over joints to make them watertight.
• Install, repair, or replace single-ply roofing systems, using waterproof sheet materials such as modified plastics, elastomeric, or other asphaltic compositions.
• Cut felt, shingles, and strips of flashing; and fit them into angles formed by walls, vents, and intersecting roof surfaces.
• Install vapor barriers and/or layers of insulation on the roof decks of flat roofs, and seal the seams.
• Cut roofing paper to size using knives; and nail or staple roofing paper to roofs in overlapping strips to form bases for other materials.
• Cover exposed nailheads with roofing cement or caulking to prevent water leakage and rust.

Work Environment
Roofing can be physically difficult, and requires you to be healthy enough to kneel for extended periods of time, lift heavy objects and climb ladders. Roofers work outdoors, which can expose them to all types of weather. Roofing can be a very hot job during the summer months, but roofers don’t usually work during the winter in snowy areas because of safety concerns. Roofers often work long hours to complete a job.

Work Styles

• Willingness to lead
• High attention to detail
• Cooperate with others
• Dependability
• Self control
• Working independently

Stepping Stone Positions

• A bachelor’s degree is not required for this position, but a high school diploma or GED is usually required.
• Training for this job may include an apprenticeship of anywhere from a few months to three years of working with experienced roofers.
• There is 1 recognized apprenticeable specialty associated with this occupation: Roofer

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities, visit the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information web site. For general information about apprenticeships, training, and partnerships with business, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship web site.

You can decorate your house, give crafts away as presents, or keep them as precious memories of your kids’ creative energies.

Crafts with kids

One way to save money on gifts is to do them with your kids. One person who almost always receives a gift is the teacher. Instead of buying your child’s teacher the usual gift card, you and your kids can create a personal gift for them.

This Disney FamilyFun site lists a few creative projects that you and your kids can make for a beloved teacher, including:

• Painting a birdhouse
• Getting a small T-shirt for a bear, having all of the kids in a class sign it, fabric painting over the shirt to bring out the signatures, putting the shirt on a teddy bear and presenting it to the teacher
• Decoupaging a tray with photos of the kids in the class
• Painting a photo album and putting a picture of the class inside

Activity Village also provides an extensive list of gifts that kids can make.

Each of these gifts is personal and inexpensive, and will be remembered by a teacher for far longer than a coffee shop gift card!

Year-Round Decorations

One way to save money on decorations is by creating them with your kids! There are loads of easy crafts that will brighten up your house without breaking the bank.

Kaboose Crafts has many unique and easy crafts that you and the kids can do together. There are crafts for every holiday. The site has a picture of every craft and detailed instructions on how to make it. Their site also has craft gift ideas, such as personalized greeting cards to send to friends and family.

DLTK offers printables for their crafts that makes them easier. The site also gives an age-rating on every craft so that you know if it is appropriate for you child. Another site that offers great craft ideas for kids is Enchanted Learning. This site divides kids’ crafts up into categories, and features everything from holiday to Native American crafts.

Guidelines for starting up a craft with kids:

• Give yourself more than enough time to do the craft. Prepare for setup, cleanup, and assume that the craft will take longer than you expect.
• Assume the kids will make a mess — and plan for it! Use old newspaper, a tarp, or an old table cloth to protect your furniture from the mess.
• Make sure to select an activity that is age appropriate — otherwise, your child will get frustrated or bored.
• Provide close supervision to make sure no one is eating glue!
• Store craft supplies in recycled plastic bins, old shoe boxes, etc. You don’t have to spend a fortune on craft supplies. The dollar store and discount art supply stores provide plenty. Also, you can use items in your home: old clothes, ribbons, cute print out paper, cardboard, etc.
• Let your kid express their creative side and craft well and often!!

For more detailed tips, check out Families Online Crafting Tips.

Craft away!

We still have a way to go, however. Saving is a new habit for many people. In 2006, the savings rate dipped into the negative numbers, which meant that more people spent more than they had.

Here is a list of some tips on how to save more money than you’re currently saving. Whether it’s for a new car, to pad your retirement account, or to build your wealth in case of emergencies, it is always good to know that you have the security of savings in your bank account.

Savings Tips

• Don’t use change for a purchase. If you buy something for $12.05, round up and give the cashier $13. Save the change you get back. This little step will add up over time.
• Make an emergency fund. If an emergency happens, this money will hold you over. Experts think that the amount of money in the fund should cover three to sixth months of expenses. For more information, visit Why You Need a Financial Plan.
• Budget different expenses every month by placing money in envelopes. Make different envelopes for the different items on your budget: Entertainment, Transportation, Mortgage, and so on. At the beginning of the month, put the money you set out for each category into the appropriate envelope (for example, maybe your transportation budget is $110). At the end of the month, if you have any extra money from any of the envelopes, save it.
• Take advantage of your direct deposit. If your employer offers direct deposit, make sure that a chunk of each paycheck goes into your savings account. This saves you the trouble of having to manually take money out of your checking account into the saving account, and is an easy way to keep saving.
• Whenever you get a rebate or a tax refund, save it immediately. The money you get back from anything as simple as a $5 rebate to a tax return should be stored away immediately. Save it for that rainy day.
• When you stumble across a chunk of money — make sure that you immediately save most if not all of it.
• Shop around for banks with good savings rates. Find out what your bank’s interest rate is on your savings account and if the interest is compounded yearly or monthly. This can make a big difference in the amount of money that is generated from.

Hopefully these tips will help you save more for your future! For more information, visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)’s article on saving.

Industry
Education

Median Wages
$13.12 hourly
$27,289 annually

Is This Career Right for Me?
Collaborate with social workers and health care professionals to provide health and social services to the public.

Assess if this career path is right for you by answering the following questions:

• Do you enjoy helping people in your community?
• Do you like working with the public?
• Are you interested in developing new socially-oriented programs?

Career Growth
This career is projected to grow almost 34 percent between 2006 and 2016, making its growth much faster than average.

Typical Work Activities

• Assist clients in need of counseling and intervention.
• Create and maintain patient reports.
• Organize and lead group activities.
• Provide clients with information about social services (ie, food stamps) and refer them to appropriate agencies.
• Interview mental health professionals and family members.
• Ensure that patients follow their prescriptions.
• Oversee the patients’ day-to-day activities.

Work Environment
Some social and health service assistants work in offices, hospitals, or clinics - while others work in halfway homes,  shelters, and day programs. Most assistants work 40 hours a week, and many work evenings and weekends.

Work Styles

• Desire to help others
• Good communication skills
• Responsible
• Have good time management skills
• Patience
• Understanding
• Work well in difficult or stressful situations

Stepping Stone Positions

• A bachelor’s degree is not required for this position.
• A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement. However, employers prefer to hire individuals that have some education beyond high school.
• Having an associates degree or a certification in human services is beneficial. In these programs, students learn how to observe and record information, conduct patient interviews, handle crisis management situations, use problem-solving skills, etc.
• There is one recognized Federal apprenticeship for this profession: Direct Support Specialist.

To learn more about specific internships, visit the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information. For general internship information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.