Category: Career Exploration

Information about various careers to help you choose the best one for you.

Cool Careers Kick Off!

The Career Center’s Cool Careers Summer Series is a set of weekly career exploration seminars. Its goal is to expose teens and young adults to different career options so they can determine what they’d like to do for a living. Each free seminar features guest speakers who are experts in the chosen field. Our 3rd annual series kicks off tomorrow! Here is the complete schedule:

May 29, Finding and Getting College Scholarships: College is getting more expensive by the year. The good news is, there are hundreds of scholarships out there that can help you pay for college without getting expensive loans.  Come and learn how and where to research the right scholarships for you and how to successfully apply to get them. Our guest presenter for this session is academic counselor Meagan Davenport.

June 5, Careers in Louisiana Film, Entertainment, and Digital Media Industries: Louisiana consistently outperforms the South and the U.S. in creating jobs and economic opportunities for its citizens. Louisiana Economic Development is the leader in job creation and development. Chris Stelly, Executive Group Director of Entertainment & Digital Media, will be here to explain the many opportunities that available in these creative mediums.

June 12, Careers in Aviation and High-Paying Skilled Trades: Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance’s Connie Fabre will inform us which industries are in-demand and the paths one can take to become a skilled tradesperson.  Learn all about high-paying jobs which require less than a year of formal education. Baton Rouge Community College’s Aviation Department will share information regarding the many rewarding, in-demand and well paid careers available within the Industrial Field such as Airframe Mechanics, Powerplant Mechanics, and Aviation Maintenance.

June 19, Careers in Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation: We welcome Claire Shepard from Monroe’s Louisiana Delta Community College’s Forensic Science and Technology program. This intriguing program offers an exciting look into crime scene investigations and the technology used to solve mysteries, reconstruct crime scenes, analyze various incidents and document evidence as presented in a case file.

June 26, Careers in Animal Science: A favorite of the Cool Careers Series, Louisiana State University’s Veterinary School wildlife program will be here.  Several veterinarians will give an overview of the many career opportunities caring for animals and introduce us to some birds of prey they are currently caring for.

July 10, Careers in Private Investigation and Criminal Justice: We welcome Bossier Parish Community College’s Dan Cain, with the Criminal Justice program. Professor Cain will inform us about the varied paths to success in this high demand field, including all the things you can do with a criminal justice degree besides police work.  Expect some great success stories from this speaker. Chris McCullough, a private investigator, will share his story of conducting background investigations for the Federal Government.

July 17, Careers in Broadcasting and Video Production: Stuart Poulton, CEO of Stuart Poulton Video Production Company, is a dynamic and innovative entrepreneur who creates video and other digital content that advertising agencies, businesses, and entrepreneurs use to market brands, products, and ideas. He will share his experiences in the exciting industry of video production and its related fields such as lighting, audio, videography, and editing. LaTangela Sherman, a native Baton Rougian, the Production Director of Cumulus Media BR, and leading on-air personality for WEMX-FM, will be here to share with us how she began her radio career as a teenager and as the host of a teen talk show.

You can register for any of our Cool Careers programs here or by calling 225-231-3733.

Written by Cynthia Payton

How to Succeed in Cosmetology

The Career Center recently hosted a seminar on Careers in Cosmetology. Guest presenter Ce’Keisha Williams (known professionally as KeishaDstylist) offered insights about what she has learned from running a successful independent cosmetology business. If you missed the seminar, here are some of the main takeaways:

What does it take to succeed in this field?

Cosmetology is the professional skill or practice of beautifying the face, hair, skin, and nails. Cosmetologists can be hairstylists, makeup artists, nail technicians, or skin care specialists. But in order to make it in the industry, according to Cekeisha, one needs to sharpen one’s skills in these five areas: Identity, Integrity, Mentoring, Insecurities, and Inspiration.

Identity

  • Know your strengths and weaknesses; likes and dislikes
  • Know your interests to narrow down where you fit in the cosmetology field
  • Personal branding
    • Canceling appointments and being late negatively affect your identity as a cosmetologist
    • Word of mouth is very important

Integrity

  • How you present yourself
    • Avoid cursing and unprofessional language
    • Be punctual and reliable
    • Maintain a professional appearance
  • Separate professional life and personal life
  • Be honest and genuine

Mentoring

  • You are always learning; there is never a point in any field where you know everything
  • Mentoring can help you reach new heights in your skill level
  • A good mentor can provide opportunities professionally and open doors for you

CeKeisha describes the cosmetology field as a team where everyone helps build each other up. Most cosmetologists can’t make it on their own and can’t do everything themselves; they need the support of others to succeed.

Insecurities

  • Work on your insecurities and weaknesses; turn them into confidence and strength
  • Setting small goals for yourself can help you reach your larger goals
  • For example, if you don’t like public speaking, you can try accompanying someone only talking some of the time before you present or teach by yourself.
  • You may not become the best at whatever your weakness is but you can always improve.

Inspiration

CeKeisha also teaches cosmetology skills and strives to inspire others to follow their passions. Her passion is education, but yours might be hair, or nails, or something completely different. Whatever it is that inspires you, CeKeisha advises, use it to inspire others.  She encourages everyone to share their talents and teach others what they know and learn from others as well.

Although CeKeisha approached the topic from the perspective of a cosmetologist, we found her advice to be useful for any jobseeker or entrepreneur. We hope that you are able to incorporate these themes into your own professional development.

Written by Kelly Brown

Cool Careers in Social Media

Recently the Career Center hosted two guest speakers, the CEO of BlinkJar Media and the head of media relations for ExxonMobil. The speakers spoke on the influence social media has had on advertising and the possible career opportunities in social media marketing. In case you missed it, here are some of the key takeaways from that seminar:

How Do Companies Utilize Social Media in the Workplace?

Social media breaks down geographical barriers and positively influences promotion and connectivity. This allows companies to network and connect to a larger target audience than they would have been able to using traditional media (i.e. television, radio, and newspaper). Social media is a tool that is utilized by most companies to provide customers with better customer service and fast, accurate information and updates.

Companies use different social media platforms to appeal to their target audiences. For example, companies that use Facebook most likely have a target audience of adults in their late forties to mid-sixties, while companies that use Twitter appeal to a younger demographic.

Jobs in This Field

  • Writers: especially creative and expressive writing like blogs
  • Video Producers: video editing, filming, etc.
  • Marketing: requires marketing or sales knowledge
  • Research & Data Analysis: providing demographic breakdowns and data on customer history
  • Advertising: requires networking skills
  • Customer Service: the fastest-growing set of jobs. People like to complain on social media; these positions are in place to help and appease them
  • Event Planner
  • Public Relation Manager: managing internal and external relationships and communication, protecting company reputation, and handling emergency and crisis communication
  • Private Investigator: uncovering criminal activity via social media
  • Graphic Designers

Social Media Drawbacks

On account of social media’s impact on a business’s image, in the eyes of the public, companies have to be careful of what is said on their social media accounts and how their employees represent them outside of work. Thus, companies and their employees have to be careful of what they say and how it represents the company they work for.

Written by Kelly Brown

Cool Careers in Aviation

The Career Center recently hosted a seminar on Careers in Aviation Technology. Our guest speakers were an Air Traffic Control Manager and a professor at Baton Rouge Community College’s Aviation Program. They educated seminar attendees on the career opportunities in aviation, which is a steadily growing field that has an urgent need for pilots, mechanics, and air traffic control operators. In case you missed it, here are some of the key takeaways:

Aircraft Pilots

If you enjoy travel, are interested in aviation, and like technology, being a pilot might be the right fit for you. In order to become a pilot, you must attend flight school, and after learning the basics you may get additional certifications to gain more privileges and income potential. It can be a lucrative field – pilots have an average starting salary of $35,000 per year, but it increases as you gain more experience. However, this career path may not be the best for people with families, due to the travel and irregular work hours.

Licenses: These are the different types of licenses and careers within the field of piloting.

  • Private Pilot or VFR Pilot: A private pilot or pilot that flies under visual flight rules (VFR) is an entry-level pilot position. This certification allows you to fly small aircraft while the horizon is visible. This means that with this clearance, you can only fly if you are below the clouds so other aircraft are visible. Must have a minimum of 10 hours of flight experience.
  • IFR Pilot: An instrument flight rules pilot (IFR) is a step up from a VFR pilot. They fly aircraft using radars and other instruments instead of sight. These kinds of pilots must have at least 40 hours worth of experience before they earn their certification.
  • Commercial Pilot: A commercial pilot must have an airline transport pilot certification, at least 1500 hours of flight experience, and a bachelor’s degree in aircraft operations, aviation, aeronautical engineering, or a related field. It take around three years to reach this level as a pilot.
  • Flight Instructor: A flight instructor is required to have a commercial pilot’s license, a valid third class FAA medical certificate, and pass the FAA knowledge test. This is the highest level a pilot can reach. They make around $100,000 to $150,000 per year.

Air Traffic Controllers

Air traffic control is one of the most important roles in aviation. Air traffic controllers monitor incoming and outgoing flights to ensure the safety of passengers, pilots, and planes. They seek to avoid crashes and other incidents involving aircraft by communicating directly with pilots and directing their actions. Controllers make the decisions as to which planes can take off and land. They have an enormous amount of responsibility and must be good at problem solving.

Income: The starting salary of an air traffic controller is around $40,000 a year, a seasoned control tower operator is around $80,000, and an approach control operator is around $100,000 a year.

Becoming an air traffic controller: You can become a control tower operator one of three ways: the military, walk-in, and college. All branches of the military except the coast guard have an air traffic control unit. The military provides all necessary training and gives you invaluable experience in exchange for your service. The second way is through off-the-street recruitment. This method is incredibly rare but does occasionally happen. No experience is required and the training is provided by the company. The third and final way is through college. A degree in aircraft operations, aviation, aeronautical engineering, or a similar field can be used to get a job in this industry.

Aviation Maintenance

Aviation maintenance and mechanics is one of the most important jobs in the aviation field. There is a large general need for aircraft mechanics today, and this need will only grow in the future. Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) is working toward fulfilling this need by educating the next aviation mechanics. Aviation mechanics repair and clear aircraft for flight, meaning the lives of people are in their hands.

Income: Mechanics make the highest starting salary of all of the aviation fields on this list. Mechanics make an average starting salary of $50,000 per year or around $26 per hour. However, this number increases with demand for services.

Becoming An Aviation Mechanic: All aviation mechanics are required to pass the federal licensing exam in order to earn a certification. The federal average passing rate is 70%, although BRCC’s graduates have a 94% average passing rate. At BRCC the aviation mechanics course is 21 months long and only cost $10,000 for the entire program. The second way to become a licensed aircraft mechanic is through the military. The military provides the training and hands on experience and once you are finished serving your time in the military you can take the licensing exam and become certified. The final way is through apprenticeship. This method is generally more difficult than the others because you have to find someone that is willing to teach and give you enough hands on experience to pass the exam.

Final Thoughts

Aviation is a diverse and rewarding field that anyone with an interest in STEM or management could enjoy. More information about BRCC’s aviation programs can be found on their website .

Written by Kelly Brown

Cool Careers in Video Game Design

The Career Center recently hosted a seminar on Careers in Video Game Development. Our guest speaker from King Crow Studios discussed his job as a game designer, as well as his thoughts on the skills needed to succeed in this field. In case you missed it, here are some of the key takeaways:

a diverse field of careers

Video game design and development is a rapidly growing field, in both the AAA title and Indie development scenes. Creating interactive experiences requires a team including a programmer, an artist, a business manager, and a tester. There are several different subcategories within all of these disciplines.

Programming

 The programming language used by game developers is determined by the engine they are using and the kind of game they want to create.  For example, if a development team wanted to use the Unity Engine, they would have to have a programmer that knows C++, C#, JavaScript/ UnityScript, or Boo. Here are some of the most common video game design engines, along with the programming knowledge required to operate each:

  • Unity Engine: C++, C#, JavaScript, UnityScript, Boo
  • Unreal Engine: Unreal Script
  • Flash and iOS: JavaScript
  • Other: HTML

Art

 Video games are known for their different art styles, especially indie games such as Bendy and the Ink Machine and Cup Head. AAA titles such as Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Uncharted are known for their environments. Art styles in video games are diverse and sometimes specific to franchises. Different kinds of artists and jobs include:

  • Concept Art
  • 3D Modeling
  • 2D Modeling
  • Rigging
  • Branding/Logos
  • Apps

Business

Business is crucial in every industry, and video game design is no different. Video game companies need people who have experience in business, handling sales, marketing, social media, the press, etc. – without them, the company wouldn’t be making much money off of the games. Different business related careers include:

  • Sales
  • Marketing
  • Public Relations
  • Press Coverage
  • Media Management
  • Communications
  • Client Solutions
  • Social Media Manager

Testing

One of the most crucial parts of the development process is making sure everything works properly. Testing occurs during development to search for bugs in a developmental build of a game. Careers in testing include:

  • Bug Testing
  • Quality Assurance Testing
  • Software Quality Assurance Tester
  • Quality Assurance Trainer

Pros/Cons

If you really love video games and have a good work ethic, video game development might be a good fit for you. However, if you aren’t willing to put in the work and dedication to such a massive project, you may not be successful in this career. The video game design and development industry is also difficult to get into. Video game companies like to see passion and dedication to the field. If you’re an artist or a programmer, they like to see your previous projects and personal works, so you may need to build a portfolio. Overall, the video game industry can be a rewarding and fun experience but requires continuous drive and spirit.

Written by Kelly Brown

 

Tech Talk: Career Cruising, Part 5 – Financial Aid

This is the fifth post in a series delving into the various aspects of the Career Cruising database available through the East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s Digital Library. Read all posts here.

Tech Talk: Career Cruising – Financial Aid

This post will be a more in-depth discussion of the financial aid feature.  The financial aid tab of Career Cruising is literally a treasure trove of information and money. It lists thousands of scholarships as well as information on federal financial aid.

There are three ways to search the database: alphabetically, by keyword search, and by using the financial aid selector.

The financial aid selector lets you choose specific parameters that apply to you, such as location, ancestry, major, interests, special needs, etc. It will search the database to find matching scholarships.  The results include links to the scholarship website with the respective application information.

You can also search by keyword. For example, the database returns five scholarships that have the keyword “Louisiana” in their name. Again, a link to the scholarship website is included in the results.

If you have time on your hands, try searching the database alphabetically and just browse the different scholarships. You will come across some off-the-beaten-path scholarships, such as the Fifth Month Scholarship or the Gulf Coast Hurricane Scholarship.

The financial aid tab also includes extensive information on how to apply for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA), its regulations, and application guidelines.

The financial aid tab is an ideal add-on to the education section. The database’s most valuable feature is its exhaustive listing of available scholarships. Some of them seem so obscure that surely not many students will know about them, thus increasing the chances for the few that do find out about them. So, if you or your children are planning for college, be smart and use Career Cruising’s Financial Aid feature to search for additional college funding opportunities .

This resource is free to you with a valid EBRPL library card through the East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s Digital Library.

Written by Anne Nowak

Cool Careers in Forensic Science

If you missed our Cool Careers session on Forensic Science and the work of the LSU FACES Lab this summer, here is a recap of the main takeaways:

Staff from the LSU Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (FACES) Lab gave a fascinating presentation of the vital work being conducted for law enforcement and the coroner’s office. This is a specialized field of study and not for the faint of heart.  However, the immeasurable reward of giving a family closure after losing a loved one is priceless.

What is the faces lab?

The (FACES) Laboratory provides forensic anthropology and forensic imaging services to agencies within Louisiana. The Department of Geography & Anthropology had been offering forensic anthropology services since the late 1970’s; however, a formal laboratory was not created until the 1990’s. Its founder, Mary Manhein, established the FACES Lab in cooperation with Louisiana State University and the State of Louisiana in order to offer expanded services to law enforcement and coroners. Five full-time staff, two to four graduate assistants, and several undergraduate student workers are employed at the Lab.

What services does the faces lab provide?

FACES services are provided free of charge for agencies within the state of Louisiana and include:

  • Animal vs. Human Skeletal Identification
  • Biological Profile and Trauma Analysis
  • Forensic Imaging
  • DNA Sample Collection
  • X-ray Services
  • Positive Identification Assistance
  • Official Final Report and Expert Court Testimony

What kind of job can I get as a forensic anthropologist?

Forensic anthropologists with a graduate degree often work in higher education. Their employment involves teaching physical anthropology courses, conducting osteological research, and providing community services and forensic case analysis. Forensic anthropologists may also seek employment in laboratories such as the FBI, state bureaus of investigation, private firms, or medical/coroner examiners’ offices.

“I want to do forensic science – like what they do on ‘CSI’.

“CSI” as seen on popular television shows is not real.  No one does what they do on CSI.  In reality, investigating a crime involves many people from different agencies, including the police and sheriff’s departments, coroner or medical examiner’s office, the District Attorney’s Office, and crime laboratories.  Saying you want to be in “forensic science” is like saying you want to be a “doctor” – there are many different areas within forensic science in which you can specialize.  The student must take the time to explore the field and consider in which area of forensic science s/he wants to work.

I want to work in a crime lab – What do I major in?

In general, you are eligible to work in a crime lab if you complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Chemistry (the exception to this is DNA analysis – see below).  If you are hired by a crime lab, you receive “on-site” training, where you learn how to collect and process evidence according to your lab’s established protocol.

I want to do DNA analysis – What do I major in?

You need to complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Chemistry, making sure you take the following courses: biochemistry (BIOL 4087 or BIOL 4093 and 4094), molecular genetics (BIOL 4132), and biochemistry laboratory (BIOL 4385).  Microbial genetics (BIOL 4246) and statistics courses are also advisable. Additionally, you should take courses in public speaking, as you will have to testify in court.

Should I get a graduate degree in forensic science?

Currently, you do not need to have a graduate degree to find employment in forensic science.  However, it is a very popular field, and as more students graduate with the right qualifications, the job market eventually will become extremely competitive.  A graduate degree may give you an advantage over other candidates applying for the same job.

I want to be an investigator – What do I major in?

Most death investigators actually start their career as patrol officers – that is, as regular police officers.  After gaining several years of experience “on the street,” they can apply for a promotion to homicide investigator.  If promoted, the homicide investigators receive additional training through death investigation workshops. Graduates of forensic anthropology programs are also qualified to work as death investigators and coroner’s investigators.

If you would like more information on careers in forensic science, check out the links on our Career Exploration page. For more in-depth career planning guidance, call us at (225) 231-3733 to make an appointment for career coaching.

Written by Cynthia Payton

Cool Careers in Animal Science

This past summer, the Career Center hosted a seminar on Cool Careers in Animal Science. Experts in the Veterinary Medicine field from Louisiana State University (LSU) and Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) introduced their respective programs of study and also brought some special guests. Here are some of the main takeaways from that seminar.

Veterinary Technology

If you’d love to work with animals, but you’re not sure about going through medical school to become a veterinarian, you might consider becoming a veterinary technician instead. Veterinary technicians work side by side with veterinarians in animal clinics. The Veterinary Technology (VTEC) profession has substantial job security, touting a ratio of 100 veterinarians to every one veterinary tech.  This three year program can also be a great second career.  According to Dr. Rebecca Adcock, instructor with Baton Rouge Community College, they have participants from their early 20’s to well into their 60’s.

Veterinary Tech Admission Criteria

To get into BRCC’s Veterinary Technician program, applicants must first be admitted to BRCC and have a high school diploma or GED. In addition, to be eligible for entry into the VTEC program, students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher.  The application for admission to the VTEC Program is available on the BRCC website once a year, during the spring semester, for acceptance to the fall class. It is important to note that admission to the Veterinary Technology program is competitive: meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Veterinary Medicine

Alternatively, if you are passionate about building a career working with animals, you may choose to go for the doctorate degree and become a veterinarian. If you are contemplating a career as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, you should acquire a sound foundation in the biological and physical sciences and a general knowledge of the arts and humanities in both high school and college. In addition, you should be motivated by a respect for animals, a sincere desire to serve the public, a propensity for the biological and medical sciences, and a deep interest in promotion of the health of animal and human populations. You must have a high aptitude for scientific study and must possess an excellent moral and ethical character.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Admission Criteria

Candidates for this degree must complete a minimum of six years of college education. This includes two or more years of pre-veterinary coursework and four years of the professional DVM program. The pre-veterinary requirements may be completed at LSU or at any other accredited college or university offering courses of the quality and content of those prescribed in the LSU General Catalog. The minimum requirement of 66 semester hours, including 20 hours of elective courses, may be completed in a minimum of two years. A Bachelor’s degree is not a requirement for acceptance into the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s DVM program, although applicants are strongly encouraged to follow an undergraduate degree path in the event that entrance into the DVM program is not granted. Successful completion of a pre-veterinary program does not ensure admission to the school for professional training. Typically, there are more qualified applicants each year than there are spaces available to the entering class.

What are some of the specializations within Veterinary Medicine?

Individuals who study veterinary medicine have an opportunity to specialize in a wide range of areas that complement the study of humans.   Some specialties include Anesthesiology, Cardiology, Counseling, Dermatology, Rehabilitation, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Surgery, Reproduction and Zoological.

The LSU wildlife hospital

The Veterinary program at LSU also oversees LSU’s Wildlife Hospital which treats 1,800 wildlife cases each year. The goal is to treat and release these animals back into the wild. Their release rate is 45 percent, which is slightly higher than the national average.  Their three primary focal areas are: Conservation, Research and Education. The representative from the LSU Wildlife Hospital discussed the details of wildlife rehabilitation and presented some special guests.

What To Do With Injured Wildlife

Many citizens are quick to collect these animals because they feel that they are abandoned. In these cases, all attempts should be made to replace the animal in its nest. The old wives’ tale that the “parents” will not accept the animal after it has been touched by humans is incorrect. The nest should be observed from a safe distance. If the “parents” can see you they are not likely to return to the nest. The observation period should be based upon the age of the animal. The younger the animal the more critical the time period between feedings becomes. In cases where the “parents” are known to have abandoned the “orphan,” the animal should be taken to a facility capable of providing the necessary supportive care.

Resident Raptors

The presenters brought resident raptors Skylar and Nutmeg as special guests. Resident raptors help educate veterinary students and the community about the importance of wildlife conservation. The Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana receives approximately 1,800 wildlife cases each year. They are treated at no cost to the Good Samaritans who bring them in. The goal is to release them back into the wild (release rate is approximately 44%). Before the animals are released, they must be in good health, and must demonstrate that they can hunt. In rare cases where the animal is in good health but cannot hunt and thus sustain itself, the bird is maintained at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.

Skylar
Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis)  Juvenile female
Diet in the wild: mostly insects, but will also eat small birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals
Habitat: Wooded streams or swamps; groves, and shelterbelts.
Native Range: Southeast United States, prairies of Oklahoma and Texas. Migration to south America during late fall through the winter
Year arrived at WHL: 2016
Reason for residency: imprinted on humans

Nutmeg
Barred Owl (Strix varia)  Adult
Diet in the wild: Small mammals including mice and rodents.  Will also eat smaller birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Habitat: Widespread throughout North America.  Prefers dense, thick woods or swamps with minimal clearings.
Year arrived at WHL: 2016
Reason for residency: Nutmeg is blind in one eye and has a wing injury that does not allow him to fly.

Written by Cynthia Payton

Tech Talk: Career Cruising, Part 4 – Education

This is the fourth post in a series delving into the various aspects of the Career Cruising database available through the East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s Digital Library. Read all posts here.

In Career Cruising, the education tab lets you research your post-secondary education path from finding majors and the right school to how to best utilize your four years of high school in order to prepare for college. It contains comprehensive information about schools and provides links to their websites. It’s a perfect one-stop-shop for your college research.

The first feature under the education tab let’s you explore colleges and majors. You can search colleges by state or by major.

For Louisiana, the list includes 114 schools, which includes every kind of post-secondary school from career colleges and beauty schools to universities offering graduate degrees.

If you already know what you want to major in and want to find out which schools offer your field, you can search by major. For example, if you want to major in kinesiology or exercise science and want to find a school in Louisiana, these are your choices.

If you want to expand your search to other states, you can easily adjust the search filters.

The next feature lets you compare up to three schools side by side. It compares almost every statistic available for educational institutions. You can compare size, cost, average financial aid packages, which majors are offered, which NCAA sports teams are fielded, and, of course, admissions requirements.

If you have a number of requirements for your college and wonder which schools satisfy all of them, use the School Selector tool. Here you can choose different parameters, such as: public or private school, city, suburban, small town or rural setting, school size, admission difficulty, tuition, athletics, majors offered, and campus services. You can combine any of these criteria and see what’s possible. If it exists, Career Cruising will tell you where.

Last but not least, Career Cruising offers a planning timeline for college admissions. In a detailed description, the database describes which steps toward college choice and admission you should take during which year of high school.

As it did for occupational information, Career Cruising contains an incredible amount of data and information about post-secondary education and institutions. It is an easy-to-use tool for exploration, either to browse “what’s out there” or to do a targeted college or major search. If you are in the market for a college education, Career Cruising should be your go-to site for research.

This resource is free to you with a valid EBRPL library card through its Digital Library.

Written by Anne Nowak

 

Tech Talk: Career Cruising, Part 3 – Careers

This is the third post in a series delving into various aspects of the Career Cruising database available through the East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s Digital Library.  Read all posts here.

This post will be a more in-depth discussion of the careers feature.  The careers tab contains exhaustive information about a large number of occupations. The information is displayed in a very user-friendly way and serves as a great starting point for your career exploration.

You can search occupations in five different ways, either alphabetically, by school subject, career cluster, industry, or using the career selector. The most innovative tool is definitely the career selector. Here you can narrow down your career choice with several parameters: school subject, career cluster, type of education, core tasks, earnings, and working conditions.

My parameters were:

  • school subject – English
  • career cluster – business management and administration
  • type of education – 4-year degree; core tasks – Artistic Expression, Building or Creating Things, Organizing People and Planning Work Activities, Writing
  • earnings – 60,000 or more per year

And these are the matches the career selector found:

It’s fun to play with and see how the results change when you adjust the parameters.

Another interesting way to search is by school subject. Let’s see what the options are if our favorite subject is English and we don’t plan to go to college. There are twenty-seven results.

Each of the occupations is clickable and will lead to in-depth information about the respective occupation. Let’s choose court clerk:

For each occupation you will get two video interviews with people doing that particular job. There is information about typical salaries, the necessary education and qualifications, a sample career path, and links to the respective professional organizations. Another useful feature is the link to closely related careers. For court clerk, Career Cruising considers the following to be related careers.

This is a great tool for people in the career discovery stage as you get a lot of information about careers in a certain area of interest that you might not have thought about otherwise.

Last but not least, you can get great information about all the different military careers that are available in the different branches of the armed forces.

We chose to search by job family, but you can also look alphabetically or by service branch. If you click on a certain job family, it will display the different occupations within, tell you if they are officer or enlisted paths, give you a description of job content, and also show you closely related civilian careers .

Overall, this database can give you comprehensive occupational information presented in a very user-friendly and intuitive way. We highly recommend it as a starting point for anybody who is considering his or her career path regardless of age, education level, and career stage. This resource is free to you with a valid EBRPL library card through the Digital Library.

Written by Anne Nowak.