Career Change for Old People 

Deciding to make a career change isn’t an option reserved for younger workers.  Older members of the workforce are still in demand and will find many opportunities when it comes to making changing careers.

The following statistics show that employers value older and more experienced employees:

• The Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that from August of 1989 to August of 2003, more than 380,000 jobs were lost by workers ages 15-24 in favor of older workers.  Some of this was brought on by younger workers becoming full-time students, but it also shows that Australian employers sought out older workers.
• In the Netherlands, according to figures from December of 2000, over 500,000 employees are age 55 and older.  This number has grown steadily since 1995.

If you’re an older worker who has decided to make a career change, here are some tips for getting the job you desire.

Career Change Tip – Emphasize Experience

When older workers update their resumes, they should highlight their experience and accomplishments.  In most cases, these will outweigh the experience of younger applicants and give the older applicant a definite advantage.

Employers often look a steady employment history and for long periods with the same employer.  Since employment history is one of the most important parts of the resume, older workers should focus on it.

Older workers who have frequently changed jobs and only spent a short amount of time with each employer should de-emphasize this in their resumes.  Many employers see frequent job changes as a negative.

For more information about putting together a strong resume, visit The Nuts and Bolts of Writing a Good Resume

Career Change Tip – Update your Skills

Update your job skills when making a career change.  If you are seeking employment in a professional field, look into certification programs.  Read up on new developments and trends in your chosen field.

Read this section on Further Studies to Advance your Career for more information.

Career Change Tip – Conduct an Online Job Search

Conduct an online search for job openings.  Some employment agencies advertise jobs for seniors online.  Using internet search engines, you can narrow your search to the jobs which you’re interested in and to the geographical area where you want to work.

The following resources are available for older workers making a career change who live outside the United States.

For Asian jobs, visit The Top 5 Career Websites for Asian Jobs.

For European jobs, visit Top 5 Career Websites for European Jobs.

For Indian jobs, visit Top 5 career websites for Indian Jobs.

Career Change Tip – Suggested Jobs for Older Workers

Jobs that are not limited to younger workers include the following:

1. Specialized professional work, such as medicine or engineering.  Experience is a strong factor when being hired in these fields.

2. Lecturing and public speaking.  There is no age requirement for speakers who are invited to lecture on a specific topic.  Knowledge and experience are determining factors for this type of job.

3. Writing.  Non-fiction and fiction writing require good writing skills.  Many writing jobs can be done at home, which is a plus for older workers.  With more writing opportunities opening up on the internet, this is a good area for a career change.

Forensic science technicians investigate crimes by collecting and
analyzing physical evidence. Their job is to examine and identify
physical evidence to reconstruct a crime scene. Physical evidence can
be a weapon, piece of clothing, bloodstain, drugs or even a vapor in
the air. Forensic science technicians use physical evidence to connect
a suspect and victim. Other important links are fingerprints, bullets
and shoe impressions. 

Physical evidence can be collected from a crime scene and the
surrounding area. This can include the victim’s body. They can also
receive evidence at the laboratory that has been collected at the crime
scene by crime scene investigators. The proper collection of evidence
is necessary to prevent contamination or destruction of the evidence.
Once the evidence is brought to the crime lab, a forensic science
technician will conduct tests.

Training To Become a Forensic Science Technician

A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college is required with a major in chemistry, biology or physics. Some crime labs require a master’s degree in forensic science.

A high school student should pursue a college prep program with an emphasis on science and math. 

There are no licensing and certification requirements for a forensic science technician. Crime labs are accredited by National Accreditation Associations. To ensure continuing accreditation, labs conduct regular proficiency tests of their forensic science technicians. 

Once the education requirement is fulfilled, forensic science technicians usually begin work as trainees under the direct supervision of a scientist or a more experienced technician. As they gain experience, technicians take on more responsibility and carry out assignments under general supervision.

The Usual Day for Forensic Science Technicians 

Forensic science technicians work in a crime laboratory and at crime scenes. Forensic science technicians are also often called to court to provide expert testimony regarding their methods and findings. Other daily activities can include: 

• Collect and preserve criminal evidence used to solve cases 
• Examine, test and analyze evidence through use of recording, measuring and testing equipment 
• Interpret laboratory findings and test results to identify evidence from the crime scene
• Prepare reports or presentations of findings, investigative methods or laboratory techniques 
• Reconstruct a crime scene to determine relationships among pieces of evidence 

Because forensic science technicians are in contact with physical evidence, they must wear protective and disposable clothing when handling body fluid evidence to prevent the transmission of disease.

The Prospects and Future for Forensic Science Technicians 

Jobs for forensic science technicians are expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations. Forensic science technicians work 40 hours a week, but they are also required to be on call. When on call, they can be requested to go to a crime scene for collection of evidence to assist crime scene investigators. 

Additionally, forensic science technicians employed by public agencies are usually included in the union’s law enforcement collective bargaining. Unions do not usually represent forensic science technicians who are privately employed. 

Benefits typically include vacations, holidays, sick leave, medical and dental insurance and retirement plans. Because forensic science technicians require a college degree and further training, their salary ranges from $38,000-75,000. This salary is dependant on location and years of experience within the public agency.

Project Management is quite often the responsibility of an individual manager. A project manager rarely participates directly in the duties that produce the end result. Rather he strives to maintain the progress and productive interaction of various participants in order  to reduce the overall risk of failure of a project.

Various types of product or services–building construction, electronics, pharmaceuticals, computer software, financial services, etc.–may have its implementation overseen by a project manager and its operations by a product manager.

The tools, knowledge and techniques for managing projects are often unique to a project manager. Typically they include work breakdown structures, critical path analysis and earned value management.

What are the benefits of management certification?

Understanding and applying the tools and techniques which are generally recognized as good practices are not sufficient alone for effective project management. It is advisable to obtain a project management certificate.

A strong project management certification program provides a well-respected curriculum for professionals currently working as project managers or interested in taking on project management responsibilities. It will also teach you multiple aspects of effective project management so you can plan and control projects and work effectively with project teams. With this type of training you can go forward with confidence, improve work performance, provide leadership and deliver projects on time and on budget.

Project management skills translate directly to business success for professionals in various fields from marketing, finance to and software development.  A project management certification is a great addition to your list of marketable skills for career advancement. 

A project management certificate gives you the tools to advance in your current position and academically. Reputable schools that offer the project management certification, such as UC Berkeley, allow the credits in the project management certification program to be applied towards an MBA program.

Where do I find reputable schools offering a project management certification program?

A quick search on the internet using the keywords “project management certification program” will direct you to various schools. Some schools offer a campus setting, an online program or both. There are some things to keep in mind when deciding on a project management certification program. It is ideal to pick a school that is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI). For almost 40 years, PMI has advocated on behalf of project professionals around the world. From the PMI website, “With more than one million members, credential holders, volunteers and trained project professionals worldwide, PMI advocates project, program and portfolio management can enhance and accelerate organizational change–driving innovation, improving bottom line performance, and strengthening competitive advantage.”

Other important things to keep in mind are:

• Reputation of school: Is their project management certification program recognized for excellence?
• Flexibility of the program: Online or on campus–decide which is best for you.
• Financial plans available: Contact their financial aid office for plans or loans available.

A project management certification program is in high demand because it trains a business professional to speak with one common language, no matter their industry, geography, or whether they manage projects, programs or portfolios. Employers recognize this and are more likely to promote workers with project management training to management positions.

According to the National Notary Association (NNA), “A notary public is a public servant appointed by state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths.”

The role of a notary public is very simple yet important. A notary public’s duties are essentially the same every time he is called to witness a signature. While this predictability is not for everyone, there are many advantages to being a notary public such as a flexible schedule and potential for a good income. Income will depend on the location and whether the notary works for the government, private entity or if he freelances. In countries where the notary is also serves as legal counsel, the income will be somewhat higher. Salary usually is $10 per signature in the US. Many notary publics run their own business literally out of their car. It’s quite easy to do this considering that a notary public only needs a notary seal, journal of notarial acts and thumb printer to conduct business. Many documents require a notary signature so there will always be a need for a notary public.

Many notary publics go on to become Certified Notary Signing Agents. These notaries witness the signatures on mortgage loan documents. This type of notary can make $50 to $200 per signing. Additional training and examination is required but it is generally very easy for a notary public to take the training and pass the exam.

 Training to Become a Notary

The first step is notary training. In California, for example, the notary training must be taken through a state-approved education provider. This sounds more complicated than it is. It is a one-day seminar and it includes same-day notary exam. If that is not is not simple enough, then you can do your notary training online. You can study and learn at your own pace. If you decide to receive your training this way, you will need to contact www.cps.ca.gov to schedule you test date.

The second step is the notary examination. For example, in the State of California the requirements to take the notary examination are:

•  Must be 18 years of age or older
• Legal resident of the state of California
•  Have no felony convictions

The third step involves notary supplies. Once the notary examination is passed, a notary public only needs California-required supplies such as notary seal, journal of notarial acts, color passport-style photo and thumb printer. A Notary bond from a licensed surety firm is also required. California requires a Notary Bond to protect the public from negligent mistakes or dishonest acts made by a Notary. This type of insurance is very inexpensive, running from $38 to $50 for several years.

Please note that these three steps are for US notary publics as many other countries may require that their notaries have legal training. If you reside out of the US, please check your region for specific information. If you are a notary public in the US you cannot give legal advice or prepare legal documents for clients. The exception to this is if you are a licensed attorney.

 What are Respiratory Therapists?

Respiratory therapists work alongside physicians to diagnose and treat patients with respiratory and cardiovascular systems disorders. They are trained to act as technical resource persons for both physicians and other health care professionals.

 What Respiratory Therapists Do
 
 A person can live without food for a few weeks and without water for few days. But if you are deprived of air, you will die within minutes or have irreparable damage to the brain and heart. In terms of survival, breathing is essential. Following is a partial list of the procedures and treatment a future respiratory therapist may handle:

Diagnostic Procedures:

• Draw and analyze blood samples to determine the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in a patient 
• Perform stress tests and other studies of the cardiopulmonary system 
•  Read and analyze chest x-rays and electrocardiograms

 Treatment:

• Operate and maintain various types of highly sophisticated equipment to administer oxygen or to assist with breathing 
•  Administer medications in aerosol form 
•  Monitor equipment and patient response to therapy

Training To Be A Respiratory Therapist

The practice of respiratory care requires extensive knowledge of many technical and physiological concepts. Respiratory therapists are trained to perform and evaluate the results of diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gases and pulmonary function studies. The maintenance of mechanical ventilation for critically ill patients is a major task the therapist is expected to perform.

Training to become a respiratory therapist can be earned through a 2-year associate degree or a 4-year bachelor’s degree program. Check your local schools for program admission and graduation requirements. Please check your local accreditation board as most regions require respiratory therapists to be licensed.

Are You Cut Out To Be A Respiratory Therapist?

But with all the medical careers out there, how can you know which one is right for you? If these descriptions fit you, respiratory therapy could be a great fit:

•  I really enjoy helping people who are facing a crisis 
•  I like working with technology 
•  I’m good in math and science 
•  I’m looking for a career with multiple opportunities for growth and advancement

Employment For Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory care is one of the most exciting medical careers with a high number of job opportunities in USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan and other countries around the world.

Some of the places you will find respiratory therapists include intensive care units and in emergency rooms. They can also be found in newborn and pediatric units, operating rooms and in skilled nursing facilities and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Growth Potential For Respiratory Therapists

The demand for medical professionals has never been higher, so job stability is excellent. And with demand for respiratory therapists on the rise, salaries are following suit! Salaries will range for every region but in the US the median yearly salary is $56,000.

Continued growth in biomedical technology ensures the field will never get dull. And we all know what happens to wages when demand exceeds supply. Those who excel on the job have no problem climbing the career ladder to staff therapist, shift supervisor and to department manager. Some respiratory therapists have even ascended to the highest levels of hospital administration!

Making the choice to pursue a medical career is an important decision for you and the patients you will come into contact throughout your career. Hopefully the information contained within this article gives you a broader view of all of the opportunities in the respiratory therapist field. 

Just like the name implies, forensic accounting is concerned with the evidence of economic transactions and reporting within an accounting system. Forensics is a broad range of subspecialties that use techniques adapted from the natural sciences to obtain criminal or other legal evidence. Forensic accountants are usually Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) that specialize in those types of engagements where there is a need for such evidence.

Forensic accounting also involves the legal framework that allows the evidence to be suitable in order to establish accountability. In other words, forensic accounting is accounting that is acceptable for legal review should the need for establishing accountability occur.

How does forensic accounting happen?

A forensic accountant will review and prepare a financial report in such a thorough manner that it assures the highest level of assurance by arriving to a conclusion in a scientific fashion. These reports are based upon the scientific detection and interpretation of the evidences of phenomena introduced into the books and records of an accounting system and the effects of such phenomena upon the accounts, inventories, or the presentation thereof. Much like forensics is used to gather evidence a crime scene, a forensic accountant will use accounting principles to construct legal and scientific sound financial reports to be used in the event of litigation or an audit.

The primary orientation of forensic accounting is explanatory analysis such as the cause and effect of phenomena–including the discovery of any deception, and its effects–introduced into an accounting system domain. The primary methodology employed by forensic accountants is objective verification.

 How to prepare for a career in forensic accounting?

Just like forensic dentists are first dentists, forensic accountants are first accountants. Therefore, future forensic accountants have to follow these certain steps before they become specialized in their field. In order to prepare for a career in forensic accounting you must meet the following:

1. Educational requirements: You must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting from an accredited four year school. If applying in the US, foreign schools documents need to be sent directly to the Board granting certification in the jurisdiction or state you are applying to. The Board will determine if the school transcripts will be accepted.
2.  Pass certification exam: In order to qualify to take the exam you must have met the requirements as stated in step #1.
3. Experience: You will need to have a specific number of hours of general experience to receive licensure.

You can also get information about training online for general accounting studies by entering keywords, online accounting study or online accounting courses over the Internet. To get specific requirements on test dates, requirements and fees contact the jurisdiction where you want to take the CPA certification exam. 

Why forensic accounting?

Due to turbulent economic times and recent financial scandals in companies, government organizations will be watching companies very closely for tax fraud or other illegal accounting practices. Therefore, forensic accounting will be in high demand by companies.

How to decide if you have a future in forensic accounting?

In order to have a successful career in forensic accounting you must have the educational requirements and strong inclination towards financial reporting and how it applies to the law. You will also need to have high ethical standards, as you will be in a position to manipulate and handle the financial resources of any given organization.

As the holidays arrive shoppers head to the stores. Then, after the holidays, there is another rush by shoppers back to the stores. Savvy shoppers search for good deals in the clearance aisles while others go to the mall to return the sweater that is too small or the CD they already have or don’t want! Sales worker supervisors often assist customers with these transactions. 

Houston, Texas

Houston is the one of the cities with the most Fortune 500 companies, second only to New York City. It also has a very low cost of living compared to New York City (you can live roughly the same in Houston on $88,000 as you could in NYC on $200,000,) which is why it deserves the top spot on our list. Top companies that call Houston home, include BP, Cabot Oil, Centerpoint Energy, Citgo, ConocoPhillips, Continental Airlines, Dynegy, Gelb Consulting Group, Geokinetics, Gexa Energy, Halliburton, HCC Insurance Holdings, Integrated Electrical Services, Kinder Morgan Energy, Marathon Oil, Minute Maid, Oceaneering International Services, Parker Drilling Company, Pennzoil, Prisma Energy International, Shell, United Space Alliance, Vinson & Elkins Walter P. Moore, Waste Management, Inc., and that is just to name a few!

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Home to the Mall of America and close to the US border with Canada, Minneapolis is one of the most favored Northern cities to love in. There are many Fortune 500 companies that are headquartered in San Francisco, including Target, General Mills, US Bancorp, Xcel Energy, and Ameriprise Financial.

Boston, Massachusetts

The major universities around Boston, such as Harvard, not only employ thousands of people, but help to attract high paying technology, biotechnology, and financial companies to the area. Some of these major employers include EMC Corp, Analog Devices, Vista Print, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Merck, Genzyme, Biogen, Fidelity Investments, Liberty Mutual, and Bank of America.

Washington, DC

Of course, Washington is the cent point for federal government careers. You can find employment with the Treasury, Pentagon, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI,) or the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA.) Georgetown University, which is a Level 3 health care facility, is a top university that also employs thousands of people.

San Francisco, California
One of the most culturally diverse and liberal cities in the US, many people are fascinated by this city. If you have always wanted to live here, there are many Fortune 500 companies waiting for your application that are headquartered in San Francisco; including Gap, McKesson, Pacific Gas & Electric, Charles Schwab and Wells Fargo.

Of course, moving and relocating will not be the right choice for everybody; however, it does have sizable advantages for many people. Ultimately, you should consider the needs and goals of yourself and your family to decide if moving and relocating to advance your career is the right option for you.