By earning an online degree in furniture design, you can turn your passion for this fun, hands-on hobby into a great career. When earning your degree, you will gain much needed understanding of the materials involved in creating uniquely designed furniture, such as metals, woods, plastics, and textiles, and how to combine the aesthetic and structural components of your designs. The skilled trade of furniture design is taught through practical education in the technology and technique behind this functional art.

Though traditional woodworkers who design and make one-of-a-kind items for their clients are still able to find work, there has become an increasing need in this field for furniture designers to develop a level of computer expertise. Modern wood shops have automated power tools and machines that will require a deep understanding of mathematics, geometry, and computerized programs; thus, the increased dependence on computer-aided design (CAD) programs have needed to keep current by incorporating CAD training into the coursework, teaching traditional drafting and technical drawing skills along with those that are aided by a variety of 2- and 3-D technologies.

You will need extensive knowledge of drawing, rendering, and color in order to work in the furniture design industry. You will additionally study other areas including conceptual and historical aspects of furniture design and contemporary aesthetics. Practical coursework will focus mainly on wood, welding, metal, and lamination techniques, but may also include ergonomics and research and development.

You can gain the knowledge and training necessary to work in the industry by earning an Associate of Arts or certificate through an online university. You might also continue your education in order to earn a Bachelor of Arts in furniture design, or industrial design with an emphasis in furniture design.

First working in a local wood or cabinet shop can help you develop hands-on techniques that will be beneficial in addition to your educational training. As a trained furniture designer, you may be self-employed or work for a small or large manufacturing company. Once graduated, some designers with one to four years of experience earned an average annual salary of over $40,000 in 2008. The job prospects in this field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, will depend greatly on economic cycles as well as entrepreneurial skills for those who wish to be self-employed.

With the right combination of technical ability and creativity, you may find furniture design to be an excellent career choice for you.

Studying Media Arts and Animation

The world of computer animation has come a long way in recent years; it is sometimes mind boggling to compare the animation of more recent films such as WALL-E and Up to those made even just a few short years ago: Monsters, Inc, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles, for instance. It is quite obvious that this type of technology has made astounding advancements.

Earning a degree in arts and humanities with a specialization in computer animation, visual effects, or gaming animation involves taking classes that will likely include those that teach computer-aided software programs and multimedia.

You will find, once you have graduated, that you will be able to find a position working for a video game company, a production studio, an architectural design firm, or a corporation that deals in marketing and media. Because the spectrum of computer animation has grown beyond the film industry, graduates have the opportunity to work in a variety of industries. Learning the technical aspects of animation, behind-the-scenes operations, storyboard creation, client business relations, presentation, and team building skills will provide you the education you need to be competitive in this field.

When you train for a career in Web design and animation, you will find a rich variety of topics will be covered:

• 3D animation skills
• 3D graphics design
• Movie and television production
• General computer animation
• Drawing and design animation
• Photorealistic and non-photorealistic animations
• Web design and Internet based skills
• Business building and marketing skills

Multimedia artists and animators, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, earned a median annual salary in 2007 of $54,550, with top earning animators commanding an almost double salary of $98,000. The median salary for graphic designers in 2007 was slightly more than $41,000 annually.

The top paying fields for animators in 2007 included: design services, Web search portals, motion pictures, and employment services.

The BLS indicates that job growth in the industry of animation and arts will grow by approximately 16% through 2016; during this period, graphic design should see a growth of 10%. Both fields are quite competitive, but if you have a keen eye for detail and a creative mind, an animation or design career may be the best career choice for you.

]]> http://ieducationblogs.com/2010/08/03/make-a-great-living-by-earning-an-online-degree-in-media-arts-and-animation/feed/ http://ieducationblogs.com/2010/07/30/a-wealth-of-opportunities-in-mathematics-and-statistics-for-those-who-earn-their-online-degree/ http://ieducationblogs.com/2010/07/30/a-wealth-of-opportunities-in-mathematics-and-statistics-for-those-who-earn-their-online-degree/#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:07:07 +0000 Stacey Boothe Snelling http://ieducationblogs.com/?p=1209

Earning Your Online Degree

Businesses, various industry sectors, and government all require statistical analysis; this means a wealth of career opportunities are available to those who double major in statistics and mathematics. Individuals who possess this joint degree can not only find jobs in finance, accounting and banking, but are invaluable in psychology, biological science and computer software engineering as well.

Those who have been formally trained in mathematics use techniques and innovative computer technology to tackle various issues – anything from exploring the safety of new prescription drugs to deciphering encryption systems for all branches of the military.

Likewise, statisticians are likely to enjoy many career opportunities. A statistician’s general job description is relatively simple; it involves analyzing, interpreting and summarizing data; however, their day-to-day tasks are actually quite a bit more complex with far-reaching effects that influence a wide variety of sectors of the economy such as psychology, sports, and engineering. Using their unique mastery of numbers, statisticians conduct surveys and experiments, then present the tabulated data in a manner that addresses practical issues.

With the proper education, those who have a natural give for mathematical comprehension will be well prepared to work in many different types of careers.

If you want to expand your options, but don’t have the time necessary to attend a campus-based university, there are a variety of excellent online degree programs to choose from.

Online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the fields of mathematics and statistics are available. Some of your coursework will include the following:

• Calculus and matrix algebra
• Statistical design
• Statistical data analysis and databases
• Bio-statistical methods
• Computational mathematics
• Mathematical modeling
• Mathematics and management science

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 9% or more growth during the 2006 – 2010 decade. Particularly in demand will be bio-statisticians due to the pharmaceutical boom. The annual mean salary for statisticians, according to the BLS, is approximately $66,000. As informational technology continues to make advances, the demand for mathematicians and statisticians will remain consistent.

Art History Degree

Do you have a deep appreciation for art, but studio classes just aren’t for you? Perhaps earning an art history degree is right for you. With a degree in this field, you will begin to understand the influences and motivations behind the world’s great masterpieces as well as trends in contemporary art. Regardless of what area of art you choose to study, your knowledge of art’s rich history will provide you with solid career training.

A degree in art history will provide and enhance your skills in observation, research, communication, and teamwork as well as expose you to the artifacts and artwork of other time periods and cultures.

Art historians have a wide variety of career choices available to them, including:

• Teacher
• Art critic/reporter
• Buyer and archivist for public and private collections
• Collector and seller of art and antiques
• Scholarly researcher and grant writer

Working in this field involves researching, observing, and writing about a wide variety of types of art; you might also choose to study cultural influences and social and historical conditions that have contributed to specific works of art.

History student interested in the humanities will benefit greatly by studying art history; artifacts associated with specific periods throughout history provide insight and various points of view about events and cultural practices within particular time periods in history.

When earning your degree, you will take classes in language, writing, math, humanities, and sciences; courses related to your major in art history might include design, seminars, and art appreciation. Through your core courses, you will also gain an understanding of how all aspects of culture and history influence one another and are connected.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that careers for curators, archivists, and museum technicians will grow by approximately 18% through 2016. Competition is expected due to cutbacks in art funding; however, entry level positions in museums and galleries should be available to those who obtain a bachelor’s degree in the field. Archivist and curator positions will require a master’s degree. Based on data from May 2007, $46,000 was the median salary for museum curators.

Due in large part to its flexibility, adaptability, and large vocabulary, English has become the universal language for entertainment, communication, business, and policy. Approximately 20 – 25% of the world speaks English (about 750 million people); therefore, those who master the language, particularly in writing, have a distinct advantage in the workplace as most business takes place via print media, written correspondence, and Web copy.

While earning your degree in English, you will focus on critical writing, critical thinking, literature, public speaking, and the like. Some of the careers you might pursue after graduation include those in publishing, law, politics, business, education, writing, and journalism; you can, however, find a position in nearly any industry and field imaginable – manufacturing, science, and even Hollywood to name a few.

An online English degree program will offer you the ability to master the crucial critical writing and thinking skills you will need to succeed in today’s business world while providing you the flexibility to continue fulfilling your current work and personal obligations. You won’t need to leave your home to take part in lectures or classroom discussions; you’ll be able to do it all online.

Earning an online associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in English leads many graduates to pursue careers in journalism; whether you become a reporter, correspondent, or news analyst, as a professional in this field, you will work in broadcast, print, and online media to write features, editorials, news, weather, sports, entertainment, business stories, and more. You might also become an editor, scriptwriter, or manuscript analyst.

Some graduates utilize their acquired English language skills to work as public relations specialists helping businesses and non-profit organizations establish and maintain a positive public image by crafting effective company publications, broadcast scripts, and press releases.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a strong 14% increase in jobs in the advertising and public relations sectors during the 2006 – 2016 decade; 20% of these will be in New York and California.

Help Others Resolve Conflicts

Whether they hold the title ‘mediator’, ‘conciliator’, or ‘arbitrator’, it is the job of a conflict resolution and mediation specialist to help individuals resolve disputes outside of court, in a hearing that typically has less formality than a judicial court does. A mediator serves simply as a neutral party, generally only making suggestions, not giving binding orders; in other words, either party can reject the mediator’s suggestions as they deem fit and proper.

When two disagreeing parties agree to mediation, they have decided to resolve their conflict themselves; if they are unable to do so, they then move on to a more formal hearing. The less formal process, however, because it offers a less expensive way to reach an agreement without all the attention taking the feud public brings, is usually more attractive than a long, drawn out, expensive courtroom trial.

As a prospective mediator, you have a broad level of career training options to choose from – from a certificate to a master’s degree. The American Arbitration Association, among other state agencies, offers certification in conflict resolution. You can find training in this field through independent mediation programs, post-secondary schools, and local and national mediation membership organizations.

While earning a degree in conflict resolution and mediation, you will learn the following skills:

• Conflict analysis: stepping outside of a conflict in order to analyze it objectively.
• Negotiation: leading people to compromise, utilizing skills such as questioning, agreement writing, and neutral language.
• Mediation theory: studying and learning the common ethical issues that arise during mediation and conflict resolution (i.e. informed consent, impartiality, and confidentiality).
• Handling cultural diversity: approaching conflict with an understanding of a culturally diverse setting.

You will find that the licensing requirements for each state varies widely – some require arbitrators to have experience in law, while others have no certification programs; check with your state to determine whether or not the degree and training you are looking into will qualify you to work in your state.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has determined that in 2008, mediators, arbitrators, and conciliators earned a median annual salary of $48,840.

Some of the top paying industries in this field include:

• State government ($60,080)
• Medical and surgical hospitals ($66,290)
• Universities ($68,350)
• Legal services ($69,010)
• Federal executive branch ($109,490)

The BLS expects conflict mediators to experience steady job growth of approximately 11% through 2016.

Earn Your Degree in Public Relations

When you become a public relations specialist, your work will involve advocating for various businesses, universities, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations in order to maintain their positive reputations. You will do this by handling organizational messages that involve media and consumer, industry, community and governmental communications. You will likely draft press releases and interact with various forms of media, be they broadcast or print, as well as establish speaking engagements. You might need to prepare speeches and talking points for the officials of the organizations for which you work. Essentially, you will be acting as the intermediary between your employer and the public and act as the “face” of the company.

To succeed in the field of public relations, you must possess excellent oral and written communication skills. When working toward your degree, you will focus on courses such as marketing, journalism, writing, and communications strategies. You may also take specific courses in marketing principles, public speaking, consumer behavior, social media, business, and technical writing.

Elective courses should be chosen with your ultimate career goal in mind; do you prefer a nonprofit, business, or public (i.e. hospitals, clinics, etc.) arena? Carefully choosing a focus for your degree will better equip you for a position in your desired sector when you graduate.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs in the field of public relations will increase by 18 percent from 2006 to 2016; however, the competition for entry-level positions is expected to be high. Graduates with higher degrees and greater experience will have the greatest opportunities and earn higher salaries. The median annual salary for a public relations specialist in 2007 was $49,800 (the top 10 percent earned $94,620).

Become a Legal Services Professional

Many law firms and businesses have begun to rely more and more heavily on paralegals and other legal assistants to provide basic legal services to clients due to the ever-increasing costs of offering legal representation. Because there is such a need for affordable legal services, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment opportunities to continue growing for legal assistants and paralegals.

Legal assistants and paralegals assist attorneys in preparing documents and cases and provide the research necessary to do so. Social services agencies and legal clinics will often employ legal services professionals in order to provide low-cost general legal support for their low-income clients. This type of work involves meeting with clients, making notes about their case, preparing documents, and providing some basic legal advice.

To succeed as a legal service professional, you need strong communication and interpersonal skills, and adequate computer skills for keeping records, documenting case files, and conducting legal research. It is essential to be able to conduct accurate research and to have impeccable organizational skills as well.

In order to become a paralegal, you must obtain a minimum of an associate’s degree; earning your degree online through an accredited college allows you to work around your current schedule and lifestyle.

If you have a strong interest in the law and love working with people of all types, working as a paralegal or legal assistant would likely be a very rewarding career for you. Generally, legal professionals enjoy a lucrative salary as well; as of 2007, paralegals and assistants earned a median annual salary of approximately $48,000. Individuals in this field also may receive bonuses and/or tuition reimbursement from their employers as well.

Public safety managers, unlike public safety or law enforcement officials, who walk the streets to keep us safe, work behind the scenes to ensure that specific plans are in place to keep the public safe.

Earning your degree in public safety management will prepare you to work in a number of different industries – coordinating events so they will run safely, inspecting buildings to ensure their safe occupation, and implementing safety personnel in various positions in large arenas, just to name a few.

Public safety is a broad field, making it possible to easily match your interests to a degree program. When you have achieved your public safety management degree, you will be prepared to work in a large corporation, fire or police department, or public safety organization.

With the public becoming more and more aware of the need for national security, individuals with degrees in public safety management are now in higher demand than ever, so those who have advanced degrees are more likely to be hired in this competitive industry.

When you study for a degree in this field, you will learn how to create a budget for the organization you work for, communicate effectively, manage a team of experts, and meet the demands of an organization’s mission statement. Essentially, a degree in public safety combines a business degree with one in law enforcement, thus you will develop your skills in business, finance, communications, management, law, and criminal justice, and the like, preparing you to take on whatever challenges you will face when you become employed with a particular organization.

If you are highly organized, have strong attention to detail and have genuine concern for the welfare of those around you, a degree in public safety management may be right for you.

An ideal public safety manager will also usually possess the following characteristics and skills:

• Excellent computer skills
• Strong leadership abilities
• Strong communication skills
• Budget management skills
• Multitasking skills
• Ability to plan ahead
• Ability to foresee problems
• Troubleshooting skills
• Creative problem solving abilities

Some of the career specializations you might choose include:

• Chief of Police
• Fire Chief
• Corporate Security Managers
• Public Events Security Coordinator
• Emergency Response Specialist
• Anti-Terrorism Task Force Coordinator

Becoming a Manager in the Food Industry

For those who are interested in becoming a culinary or restaurant manager, they must first consider their skill set. A successful culinary professional must be in good health and have great stamina, be self-disciplined, have drive and leadership capabilities, be open to a wide variety of personalities, possess strong attention to detail, be able to follow procedures, and have experience in the industry. To work in the better hotels, restaurants, and catering companies, career training in restaurant management can be very helpful in giving you the tools you need.

As a food service manager, one of your most important tasks is helping the chef select menu items and weekly/daily specials. Managers are responsible for analyzing the recipes of the chef’s choosing to determine the costs of food, labor, and overhead costs so a price can be appropriately assigned to each item on the menu. Because supplies need to be ordered and received prior to putting specific dishes on the menu, menus must be created well in advance.

If you are able to motivate your employees, are a good communicator, can maintain rigorous health and safety standards by ensuring a high level of service and quality foods, and pay close attention to what needs to be done to run a business legally, you will likely become a very successful restaurant manager.

If you choose to earn an online degree in restaurant management, you will learn how to utilize the Internet to stay up-to-date on industry trends, advertise, and find great recipe ideas. You will also be taught how to control inventory, track orders, enter patron orders through a point-of-service (POS) system, and keep track of employee payroll and schedules.

By obtaining a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in food service management, you will be much more likely to be selected to work in a management position than those who have work experience, but no degree.

While certification is not required for those seeking employment or advancement opportunities in the food industry, voluntary certification provides a tool that can show potential employers your professional competency.

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation offers two types of individual credentials.

1. Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) designation – requires you to complete exams and evaluates your education and/or experience.
2. Certificate of Course Completion – verifies that you have successfully completed courses related to food service management.