While it may seem that every career option that you wish to pursue requires you to go through the strict conventional route of high school-graduation-post graduation, have you ever paused to wonder the kind of qualification you require, to perhaps become Lady Gaga’s hair stylist? Nancy Varghese gives you a peek into the world of vocational courses-tailor made for specific careers in the industry
We’ve all undergone the difficulties that one goes through when faced with the rather threatening concept of ‘What do you want to do with your life?’ from parents, peers and people alike. Though, at one point, it was almost conventional to choose a path that guaranteed a secure paycheck, the youth definitely wants to spread their wings and fly farther to see what they are capable of. There is need for more than just the doctors, the engineers and the chartered accountants in the world. Even CVs demand experience more than education and if you’re trained in the art of your choice, nothing better!
Several industries have become very aware of the needs of the community and have hence adapted themselves to make profitable ventures out of the services that they can offer to their customer base. Then there are others who believe in the need for specialized skills to be enhanced whether it is a part of the primary, secondary or tertiary tiers of the economy. Here we mention a few vocational courses that you can take to hone your skills in your chosen field of expertise.
HAIRDRESSING
Who doesn’t love a good red carpet event, where some of the most beautiful and glamorous personalities adorn the evening with creations, that yet again set of a trail of inspiration for designers around the world? Even the ‘I-Woke-Up-Like-This’ look takes more than an hour’s worth of preparation; to indeed look like one tumbled out of bed. The beauty and fashion industry will forever be on the lookout for hairstylists and hairdressers who can make or break a look with their tools and talents.
Hairstylists, primarily, need to posses knowledge in terms of cutting, dyeing, styling and overall care for hair. Courses and classes for the same, are offered through cosmetology and barbering programs that typically lead to certificates, although associate’s degree programs in cosmetology do exist. These programs can take up to two years, and they can be found at beauty schools, technical and community colleges. Certificate programs typically include far fewer courses than associate’s degree programs; common topics in both programs include hair cutting, styling and coloring. Students usually gain supervised hands-on experience servicing clients in a salon setting. Graduates of these programs need to get licensed to practice as a hair stylist or barber. This entails meeting age requirements and passing state exams.
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
A good secretary makes for the ideal spine of an executive company. From greeting clients and scheduling appointments, to managing correspondence and preparing reports, an executive secretary ensures that operations in a firm run just as smooth on a hard day as it would with the boss on vacation. On-the-job experience and administrative training gained through certificate and degree programs allow candidates for the post to develop the requisite office technology, computer application and customer services skills needed for this position. There are two primary kinds of programs that are available for individuals who choose to pursue a career in this field:
Administrative Assistant Certificate
Duration: certificate programs in this field typically take one year to complete, although some colleges may offer relevant short-term certificate programs through continuing education divisions
This provides students with basic administrative knowledge and skills that, on being developed with handson experience on-the-job, , can lead to advanced positions as executive secretaries.
Courses also cover subjects including:
– Keyboarding
– Interpersonal relations
– Customer service
– Office procedures
– Accounting basics
Associate of Applied Science in Business Administrative Technology
Duration: Two years of study during which students develop organizational, communication and
research skills. Some community colleges offer specializations tailored to prospective executive
administrative assistants. In addition to completing training in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and
Outlook, students are required to take some general education courses in subjects such as psychology or
sociology. Other common courses in the program address:
– Composition
– Business mathematics
– Records management
– Business communications
– Office administration and skills
– Machine transcription
Certifications:
Though not mandatorily looked at, employers often look favorably upon any voluntary certifications earned. The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) administers two broadly applicable credentials: Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
AGRICULTURE
India is an agriculturally rich country with food grain production rising from 52 million tonnes in 1951-52 to 265 million tonnes in 2013-14 (according to ‘Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2014). With the steady rise in population and the importance of growing crops to benefit the nation, it’s no surprise that so many young minds want to invest their time and effort in learning about the primary occupation in our country. Now, thanks to the abundance of technology, there are courses available online as well, that students can enroll in to pursue studies in agriculture, broadly classified into:
– Online Certificate of Completion in Organic Agriculture
– Online Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
– Online Master of Agriculture
Here are some Bachelors Degrees that you have an option of taking up if agriculture is your cup of tea as a profession
Bachelor’s Degree in General Agriculture:
Duration:
The four-year degree program teaches you the practical skills needed for an entry-level job in the agricultural industry.
It provides a student with the foundations in farm management, soil science, farm equipment and animal
nutrition. One will be prepared for entry-level work in the agricultural industry, or for further study in graduate school. This program may also include a capstone course in which you’ll gain on-the-job project management experience.
For admission into the program, schools require that you have earned a high school diploma or GED.
Bachelor of Science in General Agriculture:
Along with general education courses in composition, humanities and the life sciences, students will learn skills in business and agricultural management. Program covers courses in the following topics:
– Animal and poultry science
– Soil science and management
– Agricultural marketing and engineering
– Sustainable agriculture
– Wildlife conservation and animal nutrition
PHYSICAL TRAINER
With each day, the obsession to eat and live healthy only grows. On the plus side, though, a lot of people are now rapidly being aware of how unhealthy a lifestyle they lead, and making sure that they don’t fall prey to a host of diseases that can arise due to negligence on their part. It’s not very surprising to see people having a gym routine in place along with their demanding 9-to-5 schedules so that they don’t go binge eating or indulging too often after a hard day at work. Becoming a physical trainer is easily one of sought after and well paid for jobs in the industry. Along with working at a fitness club or as a private physical trainer, spas, resorts, hotels, cruise ships, country clubs, rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, and businesses with on-site gyms also provide opportunities to launch a successful career in physical training. Here are some degrees that you can take a look at for the same:
Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Training:
On top of classroom work, students must complete hands-on clinical experience, which can prepare them to work with patients and physicians. Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program will complete general education coursework in addition to core courses in physical training that prepare them to identify, treat, manage and prevent injuries. Some of the subjects in the course are:
– Health care delivery
– Biology
– Epidemiology
– Information systems in health care
– Chemistry
Master’s Degree in Physical Training:
Graduate students are introduced to advanced research methods in the field, in addition to subjects such as psychomotor skills or orthopedics. Students who are interested in teaching physical training might require additional teacher certification. Common courses in graduate-level physical training degree programs include:
– Anatomy and physiology
– Program administration
– Sport and exercise science
– Exercise physiology
– Kinesiology
Volume 5 Issue 5
