Ready to enter the workforce? How to tackle your first part-time job and succeed 04/24/2012

Five weeks into my first part time-job, I got the call nobody wants to receive. My boss got right to the point, “I have to let you go, it’s not working out. You’re a good kid, but….”

I’d been fired. Epic fail!

At the time, I had no clue how to be a good employee. The truth is, many teenagers haven’t been taught what to expect in the working world. Here are some tips for success in your first part-time job!

Know why and where you want to work
Is this your first part-time job? Are you looking for a part-time job to help pay for college expenses, or transportation? You may need to work a certain number of hours every week. If you are just looking for extra spending money, you may be able to work a few hours per week. In other words, know what you plan to earn money for before you decide where to apply! Many teens choose to work in restaurants, retail, theatres or simple office jobs. In fact, these are the most common areas where teens will work.

However, you can benefit from finding work relevant to your future career interests. If you know what majors or field you are interested in, look for jobs related to that area. Thinking about becoming a teacher? Consider working in a day care, baby sitting or tutoring to earn extra cash and get the experience of working with younger children. Medical oriented students might look into possible jobs at a hospital or medical office. Check for age requirement and specific areas of employment for young people. Perhaps you love to work with animals and dream of being a zoologist or veterinarian. Check your local pet store, shelter, zoo or vet’s office for employment opportunities. Let potential employers know your interests and life goals and they may be more willing to give you a try!

Be wise when choosing jobs
Make sure your skills match the employer’s expectations. If the job is in a fast-paced environment like a restaurant, make sure you are a suitable fit. Do you want to work on your feet, or do you want to sit in an office? Think about what you enjoy in life. Start with those jobs first. Don’t be afraid to try something new if it dovetails with your passion.

Making a first impression: interview tips
Jacob, general manager of a Mexican fast food restaurant, has owned and managed several restaurants over the past 35 years. “Future performance is based on past behavior,” he states. “You are always being evaluated long before you put in an application. If you come in for an application and then ask for a pen to fill out your paperwork, or my phone to check your contact numbers, that shows me you are not prepared for this job.” It pays to come in ready and equipped to make a good impression.

You may not need a suit and tie or dress when applying for a restaurant or retail job, but your clothes do need to be neat and appropriately professional. Leave the baggy pants or wrinkled T-shirts at home, even if that is what everyone else is wearing. You are asking an employer to put their trust in you. Present yourself as someone capable of being part of their team.

“Try to convince the person you interview with that you will benefit the company,” David Clarke, owner of Buon Giorno coffee house in Grapevine, Texas, suggests. “I need to know you are not just collecting a paycheck. Don’t ask about money first. I know you want to get paid, but I want to know how much you are willing to give. I will cut off an interview when asked that question.”

Being a great employee: keeping that job
Teen workers are an indispensable part of America’s workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that 80 percent of teens will hold a job before leaving high school. Understanding how to get that important job and keep it is essential to meeting your life goals.

Clarke is extremely picky about whom he hires. He’s only had to fire two or three employees during the five years his coffee house business has been opened. “It’s not just about earning money,” he says. A prospective employee’s main reason for working here needs to be showing love, respect and service to your co-workers, the business establishment and especially your
community.”

Employers look for people who are hardworking, dependable, responsible and honest. Yet, they also want workers who care about their establishment and want to see it be successful. Such employees are there on time, ready to work and help make that business thrive. These workers get the better raises and promoted to higher positions. There are also a few other things to keep in mind when taking on a job.

“I’d like them to be aware of their approach to the working world,” Jacob says. “Some young people may just want gas or spending money, but it’s a livelihood to most of the other workers. This is not a game; it’s a serious activity. I want them to take that to heart.”

Whatever the job you are seeking, be sure to keep a professional attitude and take it seriously. Of course you want the paycheck, but the lessons learned and life skills obtained when working in the community are indispensable. Clarke adds, “They need to know they are not just doing me a favor, but themselves a favor by taking pride in the work they do here.”

You are important
Many establishments depend on teen workers. Yes, it often begins with minimum wage, but if you work hard, the raises will come and so do promotions.

Those who join the workforce early are more prepared to attend college and able to take on the heavy workload. They also are ahead of their peers who wait until after graduation to start finding jobs. Colleges, as well as future employers, look for those who are hard workers and take on responsibility well. Are you ready for the challenge?

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Consider a career in nursing You'll need math, science and people skills 11/21/2011

Are you looking for a profession that lets you help people every day? Are you interested in entering the medical world, but don’t want to spend years in medical school? Consider a career in nursing.

Education, skills
You will need at least an associate’s degree in nursing and have to pass the state licensing exam to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN).

Other opportunities for advancement allow you to specialize in a certain area, and you may advance to a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree, after which you can become a nurse practitioner (NP) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP).

Elaine Andolina is the director of  admissions at the University of  Rochester School of Nursing (www.rochester.edu). She obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Georgetown University (www.georgetown.edu) and worked in the pediatrics unit at Sibley Memorial Hospital, where she was promoted to head nurse position in the intensive care unit after one year.

A degree in nursing can open up many possibilities and professions beyond working in a hospital. You can become a midwife, travel to care for people in their homes, conduct research, write freelance articles or teach classes.

Typical day
A good nurse must be an excellent multitasker during a 12-hour shift. When you’re filling out patient charts, monitoring their heart rate, and changing an IV, it’s important to remain calm to keep the patient at ease.

“You have to be able to handle many things going on at once and not get stressed,” Andolina says. 

Is it for you?
You might make a good nurse if you are detail-oriented and have interpersonal skills that help you interact with patients and gain their trust. Although this is a big part of what nurses do, you must also have aptitude for the sciences.

“It’s not just nurturing,” Andolina says. “You’ve got to learn anatomy and biology and microbiology.”

There is an especially high demand for males in the field. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, men make up less than 7 percent of nurses in the country.

Also, consider that nurses have lots of career opportunities outside of hospitals, such as working for a private practice, a rehabilitation center and nursing homes. In fact, traveling nurses are the second most lucrative positions in the field, Andolina says.

Education
High school courses that will help prepare you for this career include algebra, biology, psychology, physics and computers. Some preliminary college coursework includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nutrition and statistics.

Vital stats

National average salary: $61,000 (RN)

Pursue if: You have a knack for science and want to help care for people as a profession. If you’re interested in pursuing this career, getting early hands-on experience by volunteering at a hospice is one way to do so.

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Tailor-made careers Despite how promising the outlook may be, not every job is one-size fits all. 11/04/2011

If you don’t like your 8:30 class on Monday morning, you are going to hate your job at 8:30 on Monday morning. And your job is going to last a heck of a lot longer.

That’s why John Strelecky says career decisions should be in line with your interests—not necessarily with the hottest new career in the field. “You have to find a heart connection to a job,” says Strelecky, author of The Why Café. And if you don’t have that connection, “you’re just trading time for money. That’s a sad future,” he adds. How are you starting your career exploration? 

Consider this: 30 percent of entering college freshmen dropout; the average completion of a college degree now takes six years; and 64 percent of employees under the age of 25 are unhappy in their jobs. These are sad statistics. So how do you ensure you don’t become another sad figure? Find the right fit.

Career exploration: What’s your fit? 

How do you decide on a career that’s in line with your passion? Jim Beqaj, a recruiting consultant, career coach and author of How to Hire the Perfect Employer, has helped answer the important question, “do you have the fit factor?”??

 

Beqaj, who spent 20 years in the financial security system, says he never quite fit. “Imagine how much better I would have done and how much more fun I would have had if I had fit,” he says. 

 

So what’s fit? It’s more than passion, Beqaj says. You have to consider what you want to be doing and what you are good at. In addition to the passion, you need the skills to succeed. If you could create a job for yourself, what would it be? You may enjoy playing golf or watching basketball, but that doesn’t mean you would be a good fit in the industry. 

 

Need some help figuring out what your fit is? Beqaj says everybody needs an infomercial. “If you don’t have an infomercial you are relying on somebody else to tell you who you are,” he says. Creating your infomercial tells prospective employers what you’re good at, what kinds of people you work best with, if you’re detail oriented and how you resolve conflict. 

 

Find the companies that need what you’re good at and distinguish yourself from the other applicants. Talk about why you’re the best candidate to strike the right “match” in terms of philosophy, vision and culture. Plus, if you are working a job you don’t like, you are likely worse at it and less motivated, which could equal less pay and chance for promotion. Employers will certainly notice your lack of enthusiasm. Fortunately, it goes both ways. 

 

“When you have deep, deep expertise in something, you become irreplaceable and it’s easy to get deep, deep expertise in something when you love it,” Strelecky says. Plus, that means someone will pay you more for your skill sets.

 

Career exploration: Too many opinions

Up until you are 17 or 18 everyone tells you what to do. Then you get ready to graduate and people start asking you about your future. It can be a bit overwhelming. Strelecky writes, “Most people make significant academic and then career decisions based on the feedback of family and friends. Sure these people mean well, but they aren’t you. Listening to others is only part of the equation. If you can’t listen to your own wants and needs, then you’re in trouble.”

 

He’s talking from experience. Strelecky’s dad was a dentist, so he figured he’d follow in his footsteps. But he soon realized dentistry was not his passion. His real passion was to become a pilot so he could work and see the world. After pilot school, at the age of 22, Strelecky was diagnosed with a heart condition that meant he could never fly again. Fortunately, Strelecky realized he could still see the world. He just needed to find another fit. “We’ve got lots of options at our disposal,” he says.

 

 

Still not sure? That’s OK. Every student’s personal situation is very different. Some students have known what they want to be since they were 5 years old. But most people switch majors at least once, usually twice. Then within two years of graduating college they end up working in an industry that’s not relevant to their college degree. So don’t worry so much about what your major is called or what careers are hot. If you look at people who are truly successful—in all definitions of success—they are all doing something they are psyched about. Find people who are successful in what you want to do and figure out how they found success. Ask them what courses they took in college and about their career path.

 

Strelecky writes, “The common thread among truly successful people in fields as diverse as those of Bill Gates to Bill Maher is that they are passionate about what they do. That passion is what creates drive, and that drive is what leads to success.”

 

Take as many different classes as you can. Backpack around the world. Take a semester at sea. Strelecky says it best: “Now’s the time to have a very broad horizon until you lock into that thing where you say, ‘that’s it!’” 

 

Enid Arbelo Bryant is Editor in Chief of NextStepU Magazine.

 

 

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Ask the right questions to find the perfect career fit Network, network, network! 09/30/2011

Q: Should I choose a career because of job outlook—even if I think I’ll hate the work?

A: What’s hot and what’s not predictions of supply and demand, outlook, or descriptions of futuristic careers are not reliable, nor realistic. But, inter-networking and interpersonal networking will provide data needed to set career field and job function goals. 

 

Remember…

• If you can describe a job, you might someday get that job. 

• If you’ve met someone with a job you would like, you can someday get that job.

• The more people you meet in career fields of interest, the more likely you will succeed in those fields. 

 

These three statements provide realistic and time-tested approaches to career exploration (what career to choose) and goal articulation. Today, learning about career fields, jobs and educational requirements, is a point and click away. 

 

Enter any career related phrase, including those you hear about in “top fields” and “future careers” articles, into Google, Yahoo, Bing or Ask. As you read downward look inward and think about values, interests and personality traits—not about outlook. Soon, you will be able to state: “The more I read about [insert three fields], the more I want to meet someone in these fields?”

 

Soon after inter-networking, conduct interpersonal networking. This involves e-mail communiqués, reviews of profiles on career websites, as well as in person or phone interactions. 

 

Networking via “information conversations” is how you learn about career and educational biographies. The last question you should always ask is: “Can you suggest two or three persons I can talk to about their backgrounds?” 

 

Once you have role models, you can follow in their metaphorical footsteps and the path becomes so much clearer. While you should envision weeks, months and years ahead, don’t try to control the future. Take steps that involve continued cyber sleuthing, networking for information and inquiry to potential internship sites or formal application for hire. 

 

Introspection and information yield goal clarification! Soon, you will know what career to choose!

 

Through books, articles and counseling, Burt Nadler, a career services professional, inspires high school students, college students and others to clarify, articulate and, step by step, to attain career, academic and personal goals.

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Law and order Careers in criminal justice make society a safer and more just place 08/08/2011

Are you addicted to watching Criminal Minds? Do you want to help enforce the law, take part in the judicial process or work toward correcting criminal behavior? Consider studying criminal justice, as there are many types of careers to pursue!

Education, skills

Those who work in criminal justice have to understand the law, court system and criminal thinking. Students who enjoy criminal law often go into types of careers like law enforcement positions, such as security guards and patrol officers.

 

Others like Adam Woody, who graduated with a degree in criminology and psychology from Drury University (www.drury.edu) in 2003, liked studying the judicial process, so he chose to become a criminal defense attorney.

 

“If you’re going to be in the criminal defense field, a criminal justice degree is a great way to learn the process at an early point in your career and the reasons why this field even exists,” Woody said.

 

Depending on which area of criminal justice you choose to focus (an which type of career you plan to pursue), you’ll need to develop a set of technical skills along with the theoretical understanding of criminal justice. For a law enforcement position that means learning to shoot, conducting surveillance and driving at high speeds. As an attorney you’ll need to be a confident researcher, writer and public speaker. 

 

“For me it was all about being well-rounded. I wanted to know everything about the criminal justice world before I decided to plunge into it,” said Meghan Sumney, who earned a criminal justice degree from Defiance College (www.defiance.edu) in 2008.

 

Sumney now works as a data analyst for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Ohio.

 

Typical day

As a data analyst, Sumney spends her workdays handling items seized by agents and task force officers from the DEA. She inputs the data into their computer system, analyzes it and ensures that all the information is accurate and accessible to use in legal proceedings. Woody works long days as a criminal defense attorney. He usually goes in at 6:30 a.m. to work on case files and prepare for a full day in court. Until about 3 p.m. he represents his clients in trials, arguing and filing motions before judges and juries. He spends the rest of the day back at his office in meetings with new and existing clients.

 

Is it for you?

A successful criminal justice career requires a mix of determination, patience and skill. It also helps if you’re adept at keeping your cool in stressful situations. But perhaps most importantly, you have to have a strong desire to see the justice system work and have compassion for the people involved. “What it really takes to be successful in the field of criminal justice, or law in particular, is a passion for it,” Woody says. 

 

Vital stats

National average salaries: $55,180 for patrol officers, $129,020 for attorneys and $50,500 for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov).

 

Jessica Lymberopoulos is a freelance writer based in Houston, Texas. 

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Get the job Tips for a successful interview 03/25/2011

Your first interview: Planning a career or a part-time job?

Whether you’re looking for a summer gig, need something a bit more permanent to last throughout the school year or hope to learn some professional skills with an internship for planning a career, you’ll need to make your way through a job interview first.

There are a lot of employment opportunities available for students and many people who want the same job you do. How do you make yourself stand out from the crowd?

 

The first impression

Preparing for a successful job interview begins with the choices you make before you even leave for the appointment. 

 

“The interview is the first opportunity to impress a potential employer,” says Kathy L. Sims, director of the University of California Los Angeles Career Center. “You should dress the way you expect the people in the organization to be dressed when you go to the interview.” 

 

Avoid wearing a lot of jewelry or perfume. Pull your hair back so the interviewer can see your face. Walk into your interview confidently with a smile and a sincere handshake. Throughout the interview, make sure you maintain good eye contact and proper posture. Show the interviewers you are listening to what they are saying. 

 

Be prepared

Though there is no way to know exactly what direction the interview will take, there are a few questions you can anticipate. One of the most common—and first—questions asked during an interview is why you’ve applied for the job. Do your homework before the interview so you know what the organization is and generally what the job entails, then answer this question honestly and intelligently. If you are applying for an internship, let the interviewer know long-term career plans.

 

“Why should we hire you?” is another common question during interviews. David Philippi, community partnership coordinator at Northwest Career & Technical Academy in Las Vegas, Nev., says the best way to answer this question is to be specific. “Talk about specific projects in school that relate to that type of position,” he says. 

 

It’s OK if you don’t have actual employment experience—no one does when applying for their first job—but talk about skills you’ve learned in school, clubs and volunteer work.

 

“All of those things are valued in an employment setting,” Sims says. “Don’t underestimate those experiences.”

 

Ask questions

Toward the end of the interview, you’ll probably be given the chance to ask questions. Take advantage of this opportunity to get clarification about the job or the company. Asking questions shows that you are excited by the job. However, Sims says it is best not to ask about hours of work or pay unless the interviewer brings it up.

 

“You don’t want to leave the interview without asking what you can expect to happen next,” Sims says. Find out when and how the organization expects to follow up with you. And, Philippi says, don’t forget to get a business card from the interviewer. 

 

“Make sure you send a thank you note, especially if you are applying for an internship,” he says. “It should be short and to the point.” 

 

Remember that you are capable of the duties required by the job, but you have to sell yourself to the organization. Put your best foot forward because the organization is doing you a favor by inviting you in for the interview. Be confident and honest, and don’t give your potential employer any reason to hire someone else. 

 

JoAnna Haugen (joannahaugen.com) worked in a grocery store, at a coffee stand and in numerous restaurants to save money for and pay her way through college. Now she interviews others as a freelance writer.

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Ten tips for acting out a great career Take center stage in your own life 02/10/2011

“Why can’t I get a part in that big play? I hate being left off the cast list!”

Many of us have experienced not surviving the final cut for the best parts or a place on the team or cast. At first glance, this disappointment seems to work in career paths planning, too. A few folks can declare early on “I am going to be a doctor!” or “I am going to play professional football” and it actually works out! But for the majority of us, our career paths feels a bit fuzzy and undefined, and the odds of great success seem small. 

 

Further, we are not really sure what we want to be when we grow up. Don’t worry! Often a career unfolds like a drama or a play, and it can take twists and turns that are hard for anyone to predict. So, then maybe what we need are a few tips along the way that help us become “better actors” as we act out our career drama. By learning to act well, we grow and create a perfect part for us, rather than waiting for it to appear. 

 

Career Tip #1: Don’t wait for a script

Sometimes we may think that an organization, or a career path, has a detailed plan for us, and we spend time waiting for it to unfold. The real secret is that it is up to you. Figure out what you enjoy and begin to act in that direction. Which leads to tip No. 2. 

 

Career Tip #2: Discover where you shine

You will be asked to do many things in a career. But start observing what kinds of activities really click with you and others. Often we can’t see ourselves too well, but if you notice that others seem to appreciate your work in a certain area, that could be a hint worth noting. Lean toward roles that energize you!

 

Career Tip #3: Join talented casts who are better than you

The best teams are developed with people who know more than you. No, you aren’t a dummy—they will respect you for what you know as well. But by staying close to those who excel in their roles, you will likely become better in yours. 

 

Career Tip #4: Develop the art of listening on stage

Learn to reflect back to people what you just heard and confirm what they say. Consider their words and insights, and you will benefit beyond your years! If you are looking for wisdom, listening may help you find it! 

 

Career Tip #5: Spend more time acting your part and less time wanting other parts

“Oh if I just had that other job!” “Oh, if they just noticed my work more!” Don’t waste time wanting things. Real career satisfaction comes from doing things. You will enjoy both the process and the output of your work, and over time, others will notice. Make your part special rather than waiting for that “special” part. 

 

Career Tip #6: Travel to other stages

If you can, see other places and find out how others of different cultures approach their work. It brings great perspective and allows you to connect better in this increasingly global marketplace. Maybe take in a few scenery changes to help you grow as an actor.

 

Career Tip #7: Share with those actors behind you

Whether it’s high school kids following a path similar to yours or junior executives learning the ropes, everyone appreciates a leader who takes the time to share experiences. Give your career tips to others and they will not forget who they got it from. 

 

Career Tip # 8: Allow yourself to laugh

Laughter makes audiences and workplaces worthwhile. Don’t be afraid to laugh—especially at yourself! Laughing changes the entire atmosphere of a meeting, or a hallway or one of your project groups! It also keeps your stress down and your health strong! 

 

Career Tip #9: Start saving small

How does this help your career? It teaches discipline and perspective for the long haul. OK, now you might not have a lot of income from your early parts. But never be afraid to start saving small in your early career. Most retirement plans are now called “defined contribution”, which means what you put in drives what you get out. So, even though a Hollywood retirement is far away, start saving anyway. 

 

Career Tip #10: Honor the good

When you see someone act out a great part in their chosen field, acknowledge them and learn from it. For instance, if you see someone who balances “acting” and home life well, learn from it. We grow from honoring and imitating others who excel. Overall, enjoy the career paths you find, and build on them to grow further.

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The dos and don’ts of networking The 411 on making connections that will guide your future 12/03/2010

You’ve heard it time and time again from your guidance counselors, teachers, friends and even your own parents: networking is important. 

If you don’t know how to network for your dream college or career, you may miss out on great opportunities. Here are some great dos and don’ts for your next networking event or interview that will help you achieve your career goals:

 

DO…

 

• Speak clearly and engage the person you are speaking with. There’s nothing more important (and impressive) than a firm handshake, pleasant smile and an eloquent speaker. Let the conversation flow freely.

 

• Find a mentor. Whether it be a teacher, guidance counselor or someone you admire, it’s great to have someone to talk to, especially about your career goals and the field you’re interested in.

 

• Dress appropriately. College interviews, much like job interviews, should be taken seriously when it comes to how you dress. Ladies, it’s important to wear a skirt of appropriate length and shoes with appropriate height. Guys, make sure your hair is a suitable length and your suit is tasteful. 

 

• Ask questions on your college admissions interviews. This networking skill shows interest and initiative. Always have a question or two prepared for when your interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?”

 

• Make your interests known. It’s crucial for college admissions counselors or others you’re networking with to know your career goals/passions and why you love them. If you’ve enjoyed working with children your entire life, make sure the teacher is aware of that interest. If you’ve been a writer since you were little, get in touch with a journalism professor.

 

• Keep your social networking sites appropriate. The people you meet as you network most likely will come across your Facebook or Twitter account. Keeping your social networking tasteful is important. If you still want to post photos that are questionable—use privacy settings. 

 

DON’T…

 

• Leave home without a pen and some paper. You’ll want to write down potentially good contacts you meet, so always have a pen and paper handy to write down names quickly!

 

• Underestimate the power of a thank you note. Let’s say you meet with a representative from your dream college. After the interview, you write a thank you note to the representative. Chances are, they’ll remember you and put in a good word with the admissions office.

 

• Worry about asking for help. Your parents or older siblings are a great resource. And if you need to vent or aren’t sure what to do with your resume, guidance counselors can help with questions or concerns, too.

 

• Be nervous. Many of your peers are just as scared as you are in this situation. It’s important to remember to relax.

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Careers in sustainable business This career will allow you to help organizations reduce waste, recycle and protect the environment 11/01/2010

Are you “green”? Do you want to develop ways to help organizations reduce waste, recycle and protect the environment? Consider studying sustainable business.

Education, skills
Those who work in sustainability have to be creative and always looking for ways to lessen their organization’s impact on the environment.

John Ebers graduated from a sustainable business program at Aquinas College in 2004. There, he took classes in chemistry, biology, business and sustainable business management. He also had an internship at Metro Health Hospital in Wyoming, Mich.

“My very first task was to do a waste audit of the hospital’s various waste streams and develop a recycling program,” Ebers says. “I had to research diff recycling strategies. I figured out a way to implement recycling and saved up to $30,000 doing it.”

Typical day
Ebers is now the sustainable business officer at Metro Health Hospital. He works with architects and engineers on everything from selecting furniture to implementing designs that will save energy, reduce water consumption and reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.

He even installed more than an acre of vegetation on a roof, which 75 percent of the hospital’s patients overlook. The vegetated roof keeps winter heat in, reflects summer sun and is nice for patients to view.

Is it for you?
To pursue a career in sustainability, you have to have a passion for the environment and the creativity to design effective solutions. Have a broad understanding of what it takes to be “green,” but think about an area in which you’d like to specialize.

And then once you start your work, let people know what you’re doing.

“Once people know, it’s amazing how much that catalyzes them to think out of the box,” Ebers says. “I get e-mails and phone calls from them. It creates a culture of creativity—how can we keep moving forward?”

Vital stats
National average salary: $69,940

Education: Have a strong business background with a sustainability focus. You will work with engineers, architects and other business administrators.

Pursue if: You have a passion for the environment and a knack for creative problem solving.

 

 

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Careers in chiropractics Check out this field if you are interested in medical care that goes beyond medicine 11/01/2010

Typical day
Chiropractors don’t prescribe medication or give surgery to help patients with their muscular, skeletal and nervous system health problems. Instead, they give nutrition and posture advice and do manipulations or adjustments to various parts of the body to ease pain.

“When most people think of a chiropractor, they think of back pain. But they can deal with headaches, back and neck pain and sports injuries,” says Michael Lynch, director of admissions at New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, N.Y. “They also counsel their patients in areas such as nutrition, posture and ergonomics. All aspirin really does is dull the pain. It doesn’t take care of the cause of the headache, which can be anything from stress to something you ate to having a misalignment.”

Education, skills
Chiropractors also must have strong business and communication skills. “You must be able to speak with your own patients and the public about the profession and the how/why of a treatment plan,” says Melissa Denton, director of admissions at Cleveland Chiropractic College in Overland Park, Kan. “And as a business owner, you will manage a staff and be responsible for all the processes and procedures needed to operate a successful practice.”

To become a chiropractor, you’ll have to earn a doctorate of chiropractic degree from a four-year chiropractic college after finishing an undergraduate degree.

After finishing a chiropractic program, you’ll have to take national board exams. After you pass those, you’ll be able to practice as a chiropractor in nearly all 50 states (more if you take state-specific exams) and many countries.

Many chiropractors go into practice by themselves or in a group. If you go into practice by yourself, you may have to undertake the office administration responsibilities, such as client-base building, that come with owning your own business.

“The income potential is limitless, as you can be your own boss, set your own hours and specialize in many areas, such as pediatrics, sports medicine or chiropractic research,” Denton says.

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Vital Stats
National average salary: $104,000

Education: Bachelor’s degree, then spend four years in chiropractic school to earn a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. Some chiropractic colleges allow entry after just two years of undergraduate study. Must also pass state and national exams.

Typical day: Meet with patients to mechanically correct skeletal, muscular and nervous-system pain and problems. Do not prescribe medications or conduct surgeries.

Pursue if: You’d like a field in which you can be self-employed. You are interested in other ways of healing besides using medication.

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To discover other careers, visit nextSTEPmag.com/careers.