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In some cases, you’re right to be worried. Some careers do require you to possess specific qualifications and experience. But on the other hand, perhaps you don’t need to be concerned at all…

You see, you may be a victim of “credentialitis” - where you’re convinced that you need to get a credential or qualification to get a new career, job or promotion… but you really don’t.

It’s really quite strange. The way I look at it, credentials like certificates, diplomas, degrees and the like are just convenient communication devices - they instantly communicate that someone has a certain body of knowledge. But they’re not the only means of communicating someone’s knowledge, and often not the best either.

For instance, let’s say you’re a high school dropout who’s built and sold a business and now wants to get a job as a marketing manager within another company. If you’re a credentialitis sufferer, you may be worried that you lack the qualifications to be the marketing manager. So much so that you seriously consider going to business school and enrolling in a marketing program.

But will studying really be all that beneficial, considering you’ve already acquired hands-on business and marketing skills? Couldn’t you present yourself as someone with unequalled business experience, skills and knowledge - someone who has built and sold a company, as opposed to someone with theoretical knowledge acquired from a business school?

Obviously, in some instances, you will need to do a course to be qualified for a certain career, like law or medicine. However, for many other new careers you want to venture into, you don’t need to do a formal course. You probably already have the foundational skills and knowledge needed for the job, and anything else can be picked up on the job.

I know, I know - you may be confident in your own abilities, but how do you convince a potential employer who wants to see that certificate, diploma or degree? After all, it seems our entire society has credentialitis. Well, although it’s difficult to change people’s beliefs and attitudes… it’s definitely worth attempting. Especially if it saves you time and money and gets you the job you deserve.

So, firstly, even if you’re changing careers, I urge you to develop your self-confidence, and in particular, your confidence in communicating that you have the required skills and abilities for the new career. And if you still think that a formal course or program might be worth doing, ask yourself this question: Will you be undertaking the course to acquire new knowledge and skills or to acquire a credential that proves your possession of that knowledge and those skills?

You see, overcoming credentialitis and becoming more self-confident will not only save you money, time and energy… but it will also enhance your sense of self-worth and happiness.

Now, if you are ever questioned over you lack of credentials, you simply reframe your background and experiences to show how they have ideally positioned you for the new job. As an example, someone once asked me why I didn’t get an MBA. I just said that I had a “real-world” MBA acquired through hands-on experience working in advertising, marketing, law and my own business.

Of course, not everyone will be satisfied with an answer like this. In that case, you need to ask yourself whether working for people and companies that have credentialitis is really for you.

In turn, when you’re the one doing the recruiting, don’t let credentialitis get in the way of making a good hiring decision. Sure, consider qualifications - they do have value - but also consider alternative backgrounds and on-the-job experience that may be just as, if not more, indicative of an individuals abilities.

Get career help! Discover Anna’s 7 myths of getting a job and the truth most job seekers and recruiters don’t know and won’t tell you! Get her free email mini-course now.

Travel nursing in an exciting opportunity for nurses and other health care professionals to work at the nations most prestigious facilities, earn a great pay, get generous bonuses, enjoy living in various cities around the country, and live in free, quality housing offered by various companies.

Travel nursing gives you the opportunity to grow as a health care professional and expand your knowledge base by allowing you to learn new skills and practices in a variety of clinical settings.

Travel nursing also gives you the chance to work with other travel nurses from all over the country, exchange information on various companies, cities, hospitals, even recruiters, and make new friends.

Often times travel companies have private housing available so you can try travel nursing with your spouse, a friend or a family member. You also have the option of traveling with another nurse or health care professional with whom you can share housing.

Most travel companies offer excellent benefits such as health and life insurance, 401k plans, continuing education programs, clinical support and incentive programs.

So, if you enjoy the busy city life, you can go to New York, or if you like surfing, or simply sitting at the beach and watching the sunset, you can go to LA. If you enjoy small towns and a peaceful environment, you can do an assignment in Napa Valley. And if you just want to be in an environment where you feel like you are on vacation all the time, you can always travel to Hawaii and take an assignment there. Travel Nursing gives you the opportunity to work and enjoy your life the way you want, where you want, when you want and for how long you want.

As a travel nurse you have the freedom to be the nurse you want to be. You can make all the decisions on where you want to work and where you want to live. Usually each assignment is 13 weeks long. However, if you like the assignment, the unit, the staff, you can often renew your travel nursing contract for another 13 weeks. Sometimes, if the hospital is in a great need, you may be able to do it once again. On the other hand, if there is something you do not like, well, its only 13 weeks and then you move on! You are in control of your destination and the adventures are unlimited in each assignment. You can travel north for the summer and south for the winter. It is all up to you! And the best part is, your travel company/agency is always there to help you with anything you need to make it a great experience.

You may also want to try travel nursing if you want to move to another state or city but are not sure if you would really enjoy living there. You can do a travel assignment there for 13 weeks. Get free housing and experience the life in that particular city. If you enjoy the city, you can always get a permanent job there. If you like the hospital as well, you can always apply for a permanent position there and often times, that is what the hospital is looking for.

Who can travel?
Registered Nurses in all specialties, Nurse Practitioners, Advance practice nurse, LPN/LVN, Radiologic Technologists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists.
Travel nursing is a great adventure. If you are up for a challenge that can result in memories that will last a lifetime, this is for you!

Mrs. Kamadia is currently traveling the country while working as a travel nurse. Most of her expenses are paid for and she only works 3 days a week. To learn how visit her travel nursing website.

The Basic Pay is the base salary earned by Active Duty Soldiers and activated Army Reserve Soldiers. The pay is distributed fortnightly on the 1st and 15th of each month, and depends on your rank and years in the army. In the army reserve, you earn Drill Pay during weekend training, as well as full-time training events. The compensation is hourly for work completed. For longer events, one is given prorated Basic Pay.

Special pay and bonuses:

Special duty pay is for enlisted soldiers who are in jobs with extra responsibility or effort, and Hardship duty pay, for those assigned to locations where living conditions are substantially below those of the United States. The Army also pays any active duty Soldier and any qualified Army Reserve Soldier for being certified, within the past 12 months, in a critical foreign language. The bonus is based on the maintenance of their ability to speak, understand, and read it. Flight pay is for army pilots, navigators and other aviators. Non-pilots aboard military aircraft get aircrew pay. Depending on the service and years at sea, soldiers are eligible for Sea-pay. A variety of special pay programs reward medical professionals with special certifications and experience.

Other allowances:

The US Army also provides allowances to counter the cost of living. Soldiers living on the base get free housing as well as free meals. Off base soldiers are given housing and meal allowances. The Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is paid to Enlisted Soldiers and Officers who have authorization to eat off base. The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates is based on their location, and rank. Family status is also a consideration.

Soldiers also receive allowances for clothing and official travel. Enlisted Soldiers are given an added annual allowance for replacing uniforms. For those in jobs requiring civilian clothes, there is an extra civilian clothing allowance. The Soldiers who are assigned to high-cost locations get a Cost of Living Allowance. The army also pays for transporting household goods for any change-of-station move. A Dislocation Allowance and a Temporary Lodging Allowance covers the cost of temporary housing that may be needed at the beginning and end of a move. Soldiers posted in locations that do not allow families, receive an added Family Separation Allowance.

One time Bonuses:

The one-time bonuses are for choosing a specific Army job, completing the required special training, taking on extra responsibilities or having served in the military before. Active Duty and Army Reserve applicants may also be rewarded for their civilian educational experience.

Education and Health Benefits:

A Soldier can easily further their education, or pay off previously incurred student loans. One can attend classes while serving as an Active Duty or Army Reserve Soldier. Most Army bases have satellite branches of local, accredited universities to facilitate attendance. Also available is tuition assistance, which pays up to $250 per credit, to a maximum of $4,500 per academic year. This also applies to distance learning.

Soldiers and their families are automatically covered by an HMO-type TRICARE health plan providing medical and dental care at minimal cost. Separate programs are provided for those on remote assignment or overseas. Soldiers can access a program of low cost group life insurance called Service members’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI).

Other Services and Benefits:

Every soldier gets a 30-day vacation annually, free weekends, national holidays, and required sick days. Every Army post has a Legal Assistance Center providing free walk-in services. Child and Youth Services (CYS) provide affordable childcare programs. The Troops to Teachers program provides help in becoming a teacher after army service. A Soldier is eligible for a 401(k)-type retirement savings and investment plan, known as The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Sponsored by the Federal Government, it offers the same type of savings and tax benefits as other private funds.

Active Duty Military Specials. For more information go to www.earthmoverschool.com or phone 1.800.488.7364. Earthmoverschool.com has training over 30,000 Heavy Equipment Operators.

Criminal justice is a vast field and covers various topics such as criminal detection, investigation, prosecution, adjudication, detention, correctional supervision and rehabilitation. For students pursuing criminal justice, there may be a myriad of topics for them to focus on like law enforcement, forensics, crime scene investigation, prosecution, private security and many others. When pursuing a career in criminal justice, there are many degrees, diplomas and certificates to consider. Anything from an associate to bachelor to even a doctorate degree is available. Some of the jobs that are related to criminal justice are prosecutor, defender, police investigator, judge, prison guard, administrator, security guard, probation officer and more. Students specializing in criminology, psychology, sociology, law, political science and social work have an edge over the others and find it easier to get employed.

Crime Scene Investigation

Careers in crime scene investigation are difficult and demanding careers. There are various, degree, diploma and certificate programs that help prepare students for these types of careers. These programs provide a concrete foundation in the areas of American criminal justice and law enforcement. Crime scene investigation teaches students about crime scene safety and how to look for, gather, preserve and present evidence in crime scenes. Advanced technology plays a big role in all areas of crime investigation and if you are a student pursuing such a program, you will be trained in the most up-to-date technological advancements. For entry-level jobs, students will receive a certificate in crime scene investigation, whereas a bachelor degree in crime scene investigation or criminal justice will prepare students for the next level of jobs in the field of crime detection. Students are also offered internships, which provide them with the essential practical knowledge.

Forensics

For those interested in the field of criminal investigation, forensics might be an interesting career option to pursue. Students of forensics deal with digital technology and their uses in investigating crime scenes. The main subjects of focus here chemistry, biology, biochemistry and genetics. These subjects form the essence of forensics. Forensics also has an accounting program that teaches students to prevent, investigate and finally detect any online fraud. Cyber crime trains students in the area of criminology, data recovery, intrusion detection, encryption and network security. Toxicology, serology and the study of forensic DNA are also interesting branches of forensics.

Rehabilitation

For those who are interested in working with criminal offenders, there are various degrees and certificate programs. These programs help provide students with the necessary skills and abilities that it takes to excel in the field. The duties involved in this profession are diverse and can be anything from dealing with violent convicts to working with juvenile delinquents. Students also learn all about working in courts. Rehabilitation of criminals forms a major part of the lessons. Students are also educated in the fields of probation, parole and in monitoring the activities of criminal offenders. How prisons and jails function form a major part of the syllabus.

Court Reporting

For those interested in specializing in court reporting, be prepared to record and transcribe the courtroom proceedings during a trial. A court reporting degree or certificate will enable students to work as court reporter or a freelance reporter. Learning the terminology, transcription techniques, shorthand and recording techniques form a major part of court reporting. The syllabus includes learning the rules and regulations concerning the profession.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution’s Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Machinery categorized as heavy equipment include large vehicles and mobile equipments used in industrial activities such as construction, lifting of heavy material, tilling of land, digging of trenches for drains, laying of pipelines and paving of roads.

A heavy equipment technician is a skilled workman, who repairs and maintains heavy diesel engines, fuel, brake and transmission systems, electrical and other systems that are part of farm machinery, cranes bulldozers, railcars, heavy dumper trucks, excavators, pavers and many other type of such machinery. His key objective is to ensure that the machines remain in top working condition and continue to function at peak levels for a long time in line with safety norms. In view of the advanced technology used in machinery these days, these expert technicians are required to be conversant with the use of computerized diagnostic equipment, tachometers, dynamometers, ohm meters, ammeters, voltmeters specialized tools like pneumatic wrenches, operating lathes and grinding machines. An ability to work with jacks and hoists, gas cutting and welding tools in addition to the use of common hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches is also essential. Knowledge in electronics, hydraulics and welding technology is considered mandatory to perform well in this field.

Generally, a heavy equipment technician works indoors unless the job position is that of a field technician. The latter is required to work onsite on machines that cannot be moved to a shop. Field technicians are exposed to outdoor conditions, which include hostile weather and inadequate arrangements for meals or rest. The job involves lifting of heavy parts and carrying them in awkward positions. Though, by adhering to safety norms and working in well lighted, ventilated and heated work areas, serious accidents can be avoided, minor cuts, bruises, and burns are only to be expected in this job.

Working hours are generally 40 hours a week but might go up to 50 or even 60 hours if you are working in the farming sector during planting and harvesting seasons.

Although three to four years of on the job training earned by working as assistants under experienced technicians is considered sufficient, most employers prefer applicants who have completed a formal skill based program after graduating from high school. The candidate should be flexible with an aptitude for quick learning.

There are programs of one or two years duration leading to a certificate or an associate degree in diesel or heavy equipment mechanics. Such programs are offered by various community colleges and vocational schools. High school courses in automobile repair, physics, chemistry, and mathematics provide a strong foundation for a career as a heavy equipment technician. It is essential for technicians to be able to read and interpret service manuals in order to keep abreast of engineering changes

Ideally, a combination of formal and on the job training equips a technician with the knowledge and skills typically required for the repair and maintenance of heavy equipment. Employment opportunities for heavy equipment technicians exist in large construction and mining companies, local and federal governments, agencies that sell farm equipment, garden tractors, railcar and locomotive manufacturers and other companies operating and maintaining fleets of such equipment. As per statistics compiled in 2004, the average hourly earnings of a heavy equipment technician in the US during the year 2003-2004 ranged between $17 and $20.

Stop wasting time and take control of your future. For more information go to http://www.earthmoverschool.com or phone 1.800.488.7364. Earthmoverschool.com has trained over 30,000 Construction Equipment Operators.

Do you have a knack for smelling out water damage in a refinished basement? Can you tell the difference between mold and fungus? Does your sharp eye pinpoint every imperfection, blemish, and crack that a wall presents? Then, you might be the perfect candidate for a career in the rewarding world of home inspecting. Whether you tackle this job as a part-time gig or wish to turn it into a full-blown career, you will be helping people with one of the most important decisions in their life - choosing a safe investment to live in.

Skills and Training

In the eyes of the public, just having raw talent and skills is not enough to become successful at home inspecting. As a future home inspector, you will need to undergo various types of training to hone the skills that will better serve your clients. Home inspectors need to acquire a working, extensive knowledge of the most important areas of a house. This can be achieved through various courses and programs. Many states follow a list of guidelines when it comes to home inspectors.

For example, in Illinois, all of the home inspectors must be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent recognition, such as a GED. Home inspectors must be licensed and only become so after the completion of 60 hours of pre-license, DFPR provided education. After taking the appropriate instruction, individuals must pass the state-specific Home Inspector License Exam. If they pass, they can submit an application and pay applicable fees. As a contrast, in Nevada you can be 18 years old and only need 40 hours of classroom instruction accredited by the Nevada Real Estate Division. This instruction is followed by the completion of an apprenticeship of 25 inspections or the 102 course in home inspection.

Home inspectors have to be able thoroughly examine a house and notice all of the interior, as well as exterior, strengths and weaknesses. The job involves more than just cracks and leaky faucets. There are electrical and deeper plumbing issues to address. The heating and cooling units of a home also require scrutiny. You should be familiar with the roof, attic, basement and landscaping of a residence. Homebuyers, as well as homeowners rely on a complete and accurate analysis and assessment. The inspectors findings and final written report may be the defining factor in whether a house is sold or bought.

Getting Started

Once you have made the decision to become a home inspector, you should seek out the appropriate education. To ensure you are following the right path towards becoming a certified and licensed home inspector, you must first familiarize yourself with state requirements. This will tell you how many hours of instruction are needed, as well as necessary fees, insurance coverage, and credentials you must possess to complete the process.

Through classroom instruction, you will become a pro regarding the ins and outs of plumbing, roofs, structural damage, heating and cooling systems, electrical wiring, as well as detecting water in the basement. Once you are certified and licensed, you can begin enlightening the world with your home inspection expertise.

Getting Jobs

Joining a home inspection company allows you to get your feet wet in the business. The more jobs you take, the smoother your inspection skills will become. For some, there may come the time when they wish to branch out and work for themselves. Home inspecting is rather profitable and homebuyers pay an average of $250-$350 for this service. During your time working for a company, you not only build confidence and experience, but also build a contact list with realtors. Make sure that you keep records of those clients who were satisfied with the inspections you performed.

If you decide to start your own business, you will surely benefit from the free word-of-mouth advertisement that comes from previous clients. Making sure your business card is given out to anyone you come in contact with will also help spread the word of your services. And when all else fails, advertise in the newspaper and create a dazzling online presence to attract clients.

Millennium Services Group, run by R.T. Markovsky, hosts an informative web site with a wealth of free information on starting your own Service Business. Check out http://www.Service-Biz.com to see more.