Surprisingly, if you've been considering a career move, you're not alone. In fact, many people are unsatisfied with their jobs and want to make a change, but it can be scary if you don't know where to start.
For some, it may be necessary to return to school. For others, you might be able to achieve a career transition through other means. In both cases, to make the shift as smooth as possible, it will be necessary to plan ahead before deciding whether or not it's worthwhile to take the plunge.
Every well-planned change of careers begins with self-assessment. Evaluate your likes and dislikes, your goals, values, interests, and skills. You may be able to enter a new field using the same knowledge base you already possess. For instance, a computer programmer might hate working for an oil company, but he/she can quite easily find a computer programming job in another industry.
But even if you need to make a complete change, the process doesn't have to be overwhelming. Once you've identified your core values and goals, you might have to go back to school to upgrade or add to your knowledge base. For people looking to enter an entirely new field of work, education is a must. Your new goals may require a Master's degree, for example. In this case, night classes at your local college or university are a good option, especially if you plan on continuing your day job in order to pay the bills. Take the time you need to complete the degree so the transition doesn't have to be overly stressful or painful. Many people who go back to school mid-career often take the time needed to obtain their degree - not rushing may actually save you time in the end.
Going back to school is necessary if you need to learn entirely new skills and earn a degree or certificate that offers you credibility in the field, but for many people, attending school really is too expensive and time-consuming. Luckily, alternatives exist that make it easier to attend school and keep working. You might try an online school because of the flexibility offered by such institutions. Online learning can also be more affordable because of the low overhead costs associated with learning through your own computer. Or consider earning a technical certificate or undergoing other short-term training in lieu of more expensive choices.
Once you've updated your education, the next step is to find a job and get a foot in the door of your new career. If you still work in your old position, you might be able to make a change internally, with the same company. A good way to do this is by taking advantage of tasks that no one else wants to do and volunteering to take on the extra workload. A larger workload can be difficult at first, but it does pay off. After identifying opportunities, network with hiring managers and before you know it, you could be promoted to a new position.
If you're pursuing opportunities outside of your current employment situation, be proactive. Network with people in the industry, and do everything you can to gain work experience in an area related to your chosen career.
Changing careers may seem like a daunting task, but if you seek positive change in your work life, you won't regret the effort required to make the transition.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Changing Careers Made Easy
Are you finally ready to move on with your life? While it may sometimes feel like you are the only one in the world trying to change your plans, the average jobseeker actually changes careers seven times during his or her lifetime. That’s good news because at least you know that other people have successfully made career changes.
So what are the options for successfully making the transition?
Option 1: This option is to stay at your current job while you carry out volunteer work to gain the appropriate work experience. You may have to do such work on weekends, during the evenings or from home by special arrangement. Most small businesses do welcome those who can do volunteer work.
Option 2: Another option is to move to the new company and field and continue doing your normal job role. In doing so, you can carry out work that you feel comfortable with while taking stock of the new environment. This will give you valuable exposure to the new job so that you can informally initiate and be proactive at assisting and helping out in any capacity within that job role.
Option 3: In some professions, it is impossible to successfully make the transition without first re-training. This often involves acquiring professional qualifications. Never dive into the first training option that comes your way but rather do thorough research to ensure that you end up selecting the very best option available to you.
Option 4: According to our research, many career changers have decided to forgo working only one job in favor of taking on multiple jobs. You may want to consider whether you want to be part of this growing trend and increase both the pay and flexibility of your lifestyle.
Working Through Your Options: Selecting an appropriate option or options boils down to what kind of career change you are after and the level of flexibility provided by that industry. It is critical, therefore, to research and weigh what option will best serve your purpose by realistically evaluating your personal, social and financial commitments. You may discover in the process that, for instance, the fastest option is not the best suited to you due to certain obligations; you may need to pace or stagger the transition. Be realistic and set sensible goals that will not frustrate your career change efforts.
The bottom line is this: no matter what your circumstances and commitments, you can achieve your career change goal. Just be patient: it may take a little bit longer than you may have anticipated. To keep things moving as efficiently as they can, start acquiring the skills you need to begin working on your career change today. To test how good your current job market skills are, start by taking this FREE Job Market Performance Assessment.
So what are the options for successfully making the transition?
Option 1: This option is to stay at your current job while you carry out volunteer work to gain the appropriate work experience. You may have to do such work on weekends, during the evenings or from home by special arrangement. Most small businesses do welcome those who can do volunteer work.
Option 2: Another option is to move to the new company and field and continue doing your normal job role. In doing so, you can carry out work that you feel comfortable with while taking stock of the new environment. This will give you valuable exposure to the new job so that you can informally initiate and be proactive at assisting and helping out in any capacity within that job role.
Option 3: In some professions, it is impossible to successfully make the transition without first re-training. This often involves acquiring professional qualifications. Never dive into the first training option that comes your way but rather do thorough research to ensure that you end up selecting the very best option available to you.
Option 4: According to our research, many career changers have decided to forgo working only one job in favor of taking on multiple jobs. You may want to consider whether you want to be part of this growing trend and increase both the pay and flexibility of your lifestyle.
Working Through Your Options: Selecting an appropriate option or options boils down to what kind of career change you are after and the level of flexibility provided by that industry. It is critical, therefore, to research and weigh what option will best serve your purpose by realistically evaluating your personal, social and financial commitments. You may discover in the process that, for instance, the fastest option is not the best suited to you due to certain obligations; you may need to pace or stagger the transition. Be realistic and set sensible goals that will not frustrate your career change efforts.
The bottom line is this: no matter what your circumstances and commitments, you can achieve your career change goal. Just be patient: it may take a little bit longer than you may have anticipated. To keep things moving as efficiently as they can, start acquiring the skills you need to begin working on your career change today. To test how good your current job market skills are, start by taking this FREE Job Market Performance Assessment.
changing careers
Sometime in your life, you might decide that your current career is leading nowhere, or you might just be tired of doing the same old thing and feel that something better is waiting to be explored. Whatever your reasons for making a change in your career, it is important to take things into consideration.
1. Pay Increase or Pay Cut: Will your career change lead to a pay increase or a pay cut? It is important to consider this option in order to plan for your budget. If you have debts or any recurring payments such as a mortgage, car payments, cell phone bills, etc., you would need to know that you would still be able to afford these luxuries.
2. Location: Will you have to move in order to make the career change? This is another question that you have to take into consideration. Some people can move within their companies to do different things, others might have to physically move to a new company to make the change. Due to an increase in gas prices, being located near your principal place of business is important. If you are close to your job, you can easily save on gas.
3. Finding the right career: Have you done your research as to what career your want to change to? Do you know what will make you happy? Finding the right career is important to being happy and staying at a particular company. It is important to find a job that you will enjoy; otherwise you will just end up switching companies or switching careers all over again. When asked the question "What's more important, the job or the money?" how would you answer?
4. Skills: What skills do you have that can be useful to your new career? Most soft skills such as communication and interpersonal skills will always be useful to a company. Any managerial skills and technical skills will definitely help out as well. Being in the 21st century, technical skills can definitely be useful in almost every type of career you may decide to switch to.
5. Education, Training, and Certifications: Will your new career lead to more education and training? How much time and money will it take to get to where you want to be? Like most jobs, you learn by doing. But with other jobs, you may need to get more education, training, and certifications in order to get you to where you want to be. With some careers, you may be able to easily pick up on the daily activities, other careers you may need to get some professional training and/or certifications in order to get considered for the position. Whatever the case may be, be sure to research what is in demand for that particular career.
6. Using your contacts / Networking: The best possible way to find your new career is to utilize your contacts. The people that you know may be the very people that can put in a good word for you or to give you advice as to what you should do or what industry you should get into. Other ways to broaden your network is to join different organizations or associations. If possible and available, go through your alumni association.
These are some helpful tips for you to consider before switching careers. Always remember that the choices that you make can either break or make you. Be bold and take risks. If you are unhappy with where you're at, do something about. Otherwise you may end up asking yourself "what if...?" This way you'll know that at least you tried.
1. Pay Increase or Pay Cut: Will your career change lead to a pay increase or a pay cut? It is important to consider this option in order to plan for your budget. If you have debts or any recurring payments such as a mortgage, car payments, cell phone bills, etc., you would need to know that you would still be able to afford these luxuries.
2. Location: Will you have to move in order to make the career change? This is another question that you have to take into consideration. Some people can move within their companies to do different things, others might have to physically move to a new company to make the change. Due to an increase in gas prices, being located near your principal place of business is important. If you are close to your job, you can easily save on gas.
3. Finding the right career: Have you done your research as to what career your want to change to? Do you know what will make you happy? Finding the right career is important to being happy and staying at a particular company. It is important to find a job that you will enjoy; otherwise you will just end up switching companies or switching careers all over again. When asked the question "What's more important, the job or the money?" how would you answer?
4. Skills: What skills do you have that can be useful to your new career? Most soft skills such as communication and interpersonal skills will always be useful to a company. Any managerial skills and technical skills will definitely help out as well. Being in the 21st century, technical skills can definitely be useful in almost every type of career you may decide to switch to.
5. Education, Training, and Certifications: Will your new career lead to more education and training? How much time and money will it take to get to where you want to be? Like most jobs, you learn by doing. But with other jobs, you may need to get more education, training, and certifications in order to get you to where you want to be. With some careers, you may be able to easily pick up on the daily activities, other careers you may need to get some professional training and/or certifications in order to get considered for the position. Whatever the case may be, be sure to research what is in demand for that particular career.
6. Using your contacts / Networking: The best possible way to find your new career is to utilize your contacts. The people that you know may be the very people that can put in a good word for you or to give you advice as to what you should do or what industry you should get into. Other ways to broaden your network is to join different organizations or associations. If possible and available, go through your alumni association.
These are some helpful tips for you to consider before switching careers. Always remember that the choices that you make can either break or make you. Be bold and take risks. If you are unhappy with where you're at, do something about. Otherwise you may end up asking yourself "what if...?" This way you'll know that at least you tried.
Work At Home With No Experience
I see this question asked pretty frequently, and today I'd like to offer some tips about how to get started working at home when you have no experience.
- Consider the experience you do have, whether it's work or life related. Chances are you know how to do SOMETHING, even if you haven't done it in a job capacity. See if you can find jobs that would use the knowledge you have, or at least touch on them in some way.
- Aim for "easier" jobs to begin with, like outbound telemarketing. Most of the ads I see for those jobs don't require experience, they will teach you everything you need to know. Granted, these are usually commission-based jobs, but sometimes they do offer a small salary too. If anything, you could work this job for a few months to get experience, and then apply for other jobs later.
- Start your own business. Some people do incredibly well by finding a home business that matches their interests and life experience. While you may be tempted to search for a regular "job," know that that is not your only option! Give some thought to your strongest interests and passions in life. Then start looking for a home business that reflects them. There are hundreds (even thousands) of direct sales companies with great products out there. You just have to find the one that works for you.
- Educate yourself. Sign up for some adult education classes to expand your education. Take courses on Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint. Learn about accounting software. Do a search online for "free tutorials," and see what comes up. You can also include the type of tutorial in your search, like "free Paint Shop Pro tutorials," if you need to learn a certain program. Whatever field you want to be in, seek out affordable classes to learn about it. Then, even if you don't have experience, an employer might be willing to train you because you have the basic knowledge needed for the job.
Just don't give up, and don't let your lack of experience stop you! Everyone has to start somewhere.
- Consider the experience you do have, whether it's work or life related. Chances are you know how to do SOMETHING, even if you haven't done it in a job capacity. See if you can find jobs that would use the knowledge you have, or at least touch on them in some way.
- Aim for "easier" jobs to begin with, like outbound telemarketing. Most of the ads I see for those jobs don't require experience, they will teach you everything you need to know. Granted, these are usually commission-based jobs, but sometimes they do offer a small salary too. If anything, you could work this job for a few months to get experience, and then apply for other jobs later.
- Start your own business. Some people do incredibly well by finding a home business that matches their interests and life experience. While you may be tempted to search for a regular "job," know that that is not your only option! Give some thought to your strongest interests and passions in life. Then start looking for a home business that reflects them. There are hundreds (even thousands) of direct sales companies with great products out there. You just have to find the one that works for you.
- Educate yourself. Sign up for some adult education classes to expand your education. Take courses on Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint. Learn about accounting software. Do a search online for "free tutorials," and see what comes up. You can also include the type of tutorial in your search, like "free Paint Shop Pro tutorials," if you need to learn a certain program. Whatever field you want to be in, seek out affordable classes to learn about it. Then, even if you don't have experience, an employer might be willing to train you because you have the basic knowledge needed for the job.
Just don't give up, and don't let your lack of experience stop you! Everyone has to start somewhere.
Get Paid To Test Video Games
Among the flurry of get rich quick schemes and offers on the internet, you might find one telling you that you can "get paid to be a video game tester." Although a first you might reject this offer, wondering how in the world it is possible to get paid for sitting around all day in playing video games. In the end, you probably end up close in web page in a second of unbelief.
I don't blame you for not believe in that you can get paid to play video games. After all, the vast majority of these supposedly "easy money" offers are scams. But this one isn't. Companies really do need you to play video games for them - and for good reasons too!
First of all, companies want to know that their game is exciting and fun to play. Video game companies know that a boring game will never sell well. They need some people that have played a few of before to analyze their game by playing it a couple times. That way, they can improve their game and avoid creating a boring game altogether by having people test it first before they release it.
Companies also want to get feedback on their new games. Being a video game tester doesn't mean only sitting around and playing games. You have to give the video game companies feedback on their new game that you have just tested. Usually, this will be in the form of a survey that you fill out after playing the game, with questions like how fun the game was, how exciting the game was, how you liked the graphics, etc.
How much do video game companies usually pay to have their games tested? It varies a lot depending on the company, the importance of the game to the company, how much time you spend on the game that you are testing, and how long the follow up survey is. Normally, however, companies usually pay between $9 and all the way up to $80 for a single game testing.
Now, who can apply to be a video game tester? The answer is anybody that is 15 years old and up. It's also good to have a little video game experience so that you will know the basics of playing before you start. You don't want to jump into the job cold.
This concludes this article. What now? You should go and learn more about video game testing so that you know how to start. There is an eBook on this that I highly recommend you check out. You can download it here: "The eBook Guide To Video Game Testing."
I don't blame you for not believe in that you can get paid to play video games. After all, the vast majority of these supposedly "easy money" offers are scams. But this one isn't. Companies really do need you to play video games for them - and for good reasons too!
First of all, companies want to know that their game is exciting and fun to play. Video game companies know that a boring game will never sell well. They need some people that have played a few of before to analyze their game by playing it a couple times. That way, they can improve their game and avoid creating a boring game altogether by having people test it first before they release it.
Companies also want to get feedback on their new games. Being a video game tester doesn't mean only sitting around and playing games. You have to give the video game companies feedback on their new game that you have just tested. Usually, this will be in the form of a survey that you fill out after playing the game, with questions like how fun the game was, how exciting the game was, how you liked the graphics, etc.
How much do video game companies usually pay to have their games tested? It varies a lot depending on the company, the importance of the game to the company, how much time you spend on the game that you are testing, and how long the follow up survey is. Normally, however, companies usually pay between $9 and all the way up to $80 for a single game testing.
Now, who can apply to be a video game tester? The answer is anybody that is 15 years old and up. It's also good to have a little video game experience so that you will know the basics of playing before you start. You don't want to jump into the job cold.
This concludes this article. What now? You should go and learn more about video game testing so that you know how to start. There is an eBook on this that I highly recommend you check out. You can download it here: "The eBook Guide To Video Game Testing."
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Film Special Effects
Getting a break in film special effects is hard, but not as hard as you may think. The following ten things will go a long way to help you achieve your dream job.
1) Understand the Industry
If you want to work in special effects, it’s important not just to know the difference between a Stag (stagehand) and a Director, but know how special effects itself is divided up. Long gone are the days when Ray Harryhausen (Jason and the Argonauts) would lock himself in a shed with a small team of people and do all the special effects himself. Now, everything is spread across different teams and departments. So, if you’re interested in sculpting sets and large monsters, you want to work as a film sculptor; if you'd prefer smaller more technical projects you’d be better off choosing the model unit.
2) Be a Realist
Working in the creative industry and particularly the film industry is not easy. You’ll often be faced with challenging projects and demanding deadlines and there’ll be dozens of different people waiting for you to finish so they can complete their own jobs. You’ll have to strike a balance between the time allowed and quality of what you produce; you can’t get too precious about your work. Not only that, you’ve got to promote yourself – all special effects artists are freelance and you’ve got to hunt down the jobs out there.
3) Study Art
Whether you’re self-taught or went to Art College, it is vital you have a keen interest in Art to work in special effects. If someone asks you to sculpt a life-size Roman-style Statute or an Egyptian sarcophagus it’s invaluable to have a point of reference in your own mind. But more important than this, it’ll make the job more enjoyable. You may be flicking through an art book over the weekend, and on Monday morning you’re asked to recreate one of the pieces you’ve been admiring.
4) Drawing
In the film industry all technical drawings are done by draughtsmen in the Art Department. So is this just padding to reach the magic '10' steps? No. If you want to create any 3D object, particularly the human form, it is vital to learn to draw and keep practicing. Sculptors regularly liken sculpting to drawing their subjects in clay from various angles. The key to good sculpture, like drawing, is defining the lines and shadows.
5) Practice
This is obvious but it's also vitally important. If you practice creating and sculpting things in your spare time, you will improve. It is also very valuable to recreate a film working experience – so limit yourself to reference photographs (rather than a life model) and give yourself a challenging deadline for the job. A little more difficult, but just as valuable, is to try different mediums. You may be an expert in steel construction and welding, but unless you join the engineering side of special effects or metal work team, these skills are useless. The materials of choice in the films tend to be low-grade potter’s clay and polystyrene.
6) Approachable
Almost everyone in the film industry is self-employed and so they understand the only way to get work is to promote yourself. This doesn’t mean you should go around to a potential employer’s house or create wacky self-marketing campaigns; it means most people in the industry are approachable. If you cold call a relevant Head of Department (HOD) and show commitment and desire to learn they’ll often agreed to meet you for 5-10 minutes to look over your portfolio.
7) Persistence
When you do finally meet the man or woman you’re hoping to be your future boss, don’t stop there. They’ll take your details but it might be 18 months before they have a suitable project and give you a call. You need to make sure you meet as many future employers as possible, and stop and have a chat with other people in the department if you feel brave enough. Try and leave a card or better still, copies of your favourite 1 or 2 pieces of work with your contact details on (and ideally your online portfolio address if you have one). Then, give them a quick catch-up call every 6 months or so – even if they can’t offer you a job, it’s amazing how much information you’ll get about different opportunities.
8) Portfolio
Vital. In a word. The key rules to a good portfolio are simple:
>Diversity – show different types of work you may have done – you may be proud of the series of 18 statutes you’ve done, but don’t show them all. Also, you may not think that 30ft polystyrene snow drift shows you’re finesse as a sculptor, but it shows your versatility so put it in.
>Honesty – it should go without saying but it doesn’t. Only one thing gets a HOD's back-up more than seeing a large piece of work with someone claiming to have created it single-handedly, and that’s seeing a piece of their own work being claimed by someone else. Believe me, it does happen. So, be honest. If you did the left foot of a giant, then say so and don’t be ambiguous about it.
>Concise – use your opportunity wisely. 10-12 photos are definitely enough to show a range of your work and skills.
>Best Foot Forward – most people will make a decision about your work within 2-3 examples so put your best work at the very front.
>Presentation – try not to have scraps of paper tumbling out of your moth-eaten portfolio. Invest in an easy to carry A4 portfolio and use plastic binders. If you have any Photoshop skills to improve the presentation of your work then use them. Don’t feel the need to take in an example of your sculpture – you will be showing your work to professionals who are very used to assessing work through photographs.
>Information – you may have produced a full-scale replica of Michelangelo’s David, but if it took you three years it’s no good to the film industry. Make sure you note down the scale of each example of your work, what material you used and how long it took. These simple pieces of information are important for HODs and will be appreciated.
>Online Portfolio – if you can, get an online portfolio designed and make sure any contact details contain the address. Ideally, try and get the HOD’s email address so you can send them the link. Any time you update the contents of the portfolio, it’s a good excuse to contact the HOD with another link to your work.
9) Networking
Networking can feel a bit uncomfortable and embarrassing at times, but it is important to get to know what jobs are out there. After you’ve worked on a job or two you’ll get the phone numbers of a few fellow workers – make sure you give them a ring. But be warned, if you’re first to hear about the new James Bond film and then tell everyone, you’ll find yourself joining the queue to show your portfolio. This doesn’t mean you shouldn't share information you may have about up coming jobs, it means you should bear in mind that everyone is trying to get employment. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on movie news websites.
10) Watching Films
A great perk for those times when you’re not in work – you can watch films and claim it’s research. Obviously, it’s a great feeling to see your own work on the big screen, but it’s also exhilarating to see the work and names of people you know. After your first job or 2 you’ll very quickly start to feel part of the industry and start recognising names and faces. Also, for those jobs you missed out on, you can go and have a good grumble about how you would have done it better!
Working in the film industry is not for everyone; but if you’re keen and develop you’re skills and knowledge, then you’re likely to get an opportunity to show what you can do. Best of luck!
1) Understand the Industry
If you want to work in special effects, it’s important not just to know the difference between a Stag (stagehand) and a Director, but know how special effects itself is divided up. Long gone are the days when Ray Harryhausen (Jason and the Argonauts) would lock himself in a shed with a small team of people and do all the special effects himself. Now, everything is spread across different teams and departments. So, if you’re interested in sculpting sets and large monsters, you want to work as a film sculptor; if you'd prefer smaller more technical projects you’d be better off choosing the model unit.
2) Be a Realist
Working in the creative industry and particularly the film industry is not easy. You’ll often be faced with challenging projects and demanding deadlines and there’ll be dozens of different people waiting for you to finish so they can complete their own jobs. You’ll have to strike a balance between the time allowed and quality of what you produce; you can’t get too precious about your work. Not only that, you’ve got to promote yourself – all special effects artists are freelance and you’ve got to hunt down the jobs out there.
3) Study Art
Whether you’re self-taught or went to Art College, it is vital you have a keen interest in Art to work in special effects. If someone asks you to sculpt a life-size Roman-style Statute or an Egyptian sarcophagus it’s invaluable to have a point of reference in your own mind. But more important than this, it’ll make the job more enjoyable. You may be flicking through an art book over the weekend, and on Monday morning you’re asked to recreate one of the pieces you’ve been admiring.
4) Drawing
In the film industry all technical drawings are done by draughtsmen in the Art Department. So is this just padding to reach the magic '10' steps? No. If you want to create any 3D object, particularly the human form, it is vital to learn to draw and keep practicing. Sculptors regularly liken sculpting to drawing their subjects in clay from various angles. The key to good sculpture, like drawing, is defining the lines and shadows.
5) Practice
This is obvious but it's also vitally important. If you practice creating and sculpting things in your spare time, you will improve. It is also very valuable to recreate a film working experience – so limit yourself to reference photographs (rather than a life model) and give yourself a challenging deadline for the job. A little more difficult, but just as valuable, is to try different mediums. You may be an expert in steel construction and welding, but unless you join the engineering side of special effects or metal work team, these skills are useless. The materials of choice in the films tend to be low-grade potter’s clay and polystyrene.
6) Approachable
Almost everyone in the film industry is self-employed and so they understand the only way to get work is to promote yourself. This doesn’t mean you should go around to a potential employer’s house or create wacky self-marketing campaigns; it means most people in the industry are approachable. If you cold call a relevant Head of Department (HOD) and show commitment and desire to learn they’ll often agreed to meet you for 5-10 minutes to look over your portfolio.
7) Persistence
When you do finally meet the man or woman you’re hoping to be your future boss, don’t stop there. They’ll take your details but it might be 18 months before they have a suitable project and give you a call. You need to make sure you meet as many future employers as possible, and stop and have a chat with other people in the department if you feel brave enough. Try and leave a card or better still, copies of your favourite 1 or 2 pieces of work with your contact details on (and ideally your online portfolio address if you have one). Then, give them a quick catch-up call every 6 months or so – even if they can’t offer you a job, it’s amazing how much information you’ll get about different opportunities.
8) Portfolio
Vital. In a word. The key rules to a good portfolio are simple:
>Diversity – show different types of work you may have done – you may be proud of the series of 18 statutes you’ve done, but don’t show them all. Also, you may not think that 30ft polystyrene snow drift shows you’re finesse as a sculptor, but it shows your versatility so put it in.
>Honesty – it should go without saying but it doesn’t. Only one thing gets a HOD's back-up more than seeing a large piece of work with someone claiming to have created it single-handedly, and that’s seeing a piece of their own work being claimed by someone else. Believe me, it does happen. So, be honest. If you did the left foot of a giant, then say so and don’t be ambiguous about it.
>Concise – use your opportunity wisely. 10-12 photos are definitely enough to show a range of your work and skills.
>Best Foot Forward – most people will make a decision about your work within 2-3 examples so put your best work at the very front.
>Presentation – try not to have scraps of paper tumbling out of your moth-eaten portfolio. Invest in an easy to carry A4 portfolio and use plastic binders. If you have any Photoshop skills to improve the presentation of your work then use them. Don’t feel the need to take in an example of your sculpture – you will be showing your work to professionals who are very used to assessing work through photographs.
>Information – you may have produced a full-scale replica of Michelangelo’s David, but if it took you three years it’s no good to the film industry. Make sure you note down the scale of each example of your work, what material you used and how long it took. These simple pieces of information are important for HODs and will be appreciated.
>Online Portfolio – if you can, get an online portfolio designed and make sure any contact details contain the address. Ideally, try and get the HOD’s email address so you can send them the link. Any time you update the contents of the portfolio, it’s a good excuse to contact the HOD with another link to your work.
9) Networking
Networking can feel a bit uncomfortable and embarrassing at times, but it is important to get to know what jobs are out there. After you’ve worked on a job or two you’ll get the phone numbers of a few fellow workers – make sure you give them a ring. But be warned, if you’re first to hear about the new James Bond film and then tell everyone, you’ll find yourself joining the queue to show your portfolio. This doesn’t mean you shouldn't share information you may have about up coming jobs, it means you should bear in mind that everyone is trying to get employment. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on movie news websites.
10) Watching Films
A great perk for those times when you’re not in work – you can watch films and claim it’s research. Obviously, it’s a great feeling to see your own work on the big screen, but it’s also exhilarating to see the work and names of people you know. After your first job or 2 you’ll very quickly start to feel part of the industry and start recognising names and faces. Also, for those jobs you missed out on, you can go and have a good grumble about how you would have done it better!
Working in the film industry is not for everyone; but if you’re keen and develop you’re skills and knowledge, then you’re likely to get an opportunity to show what you can do. Best of luck!
Radiology Technician Jobs
Are you interested in the field of radiology? Have you ever considered becoming a radiology technician? If you're looking for information on radiology technician jobs, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find all the information you need to know regarding this job, including what will be required of you and what types of jobs are available. Let us help you decide if it's the right career choice for you.
Job description
What, exactly, is a radiology technician? If you've ever gotten an X-ray or an ultrasound at the doctor's office, then you've dealt with a radiology technician. Radiology techs are trained to use X-ray machines, ultrasound machines, positron emission scanners, and various other types of machines to view the inside of the human body. The information gathered from these scans is put into image form, and the tech is in charge of developing the images. The physician then uses them to help diagnose any illnesses the patient may have.
Some radiology technician jobs are highly specialized, dealing with certain types of equipment and scans. All radiology technicians are expected to deal directly with the patient; in fact, part of the job description is to prep the patient for the scan and make sure they are comfortable.
When X-rays and other potentially hazardous machines are involved, radiology technicians must set up the machines properly and ensure that the room is arranged safely. Lead screens and shields must be arranged at a certain distance from the X-ray, and the room must be properly sealed. Radiology technicians are well-trained in all of these aspects of handling X-rays and other machines.
Techs work closely with physicians and health care practitioners, who are in charge of analyzing the images produced by the X-rays or other procedures. Most general physicians will set up appointments for their patients with radiologist techs, and specify what types of procedures need to be performed. The radiology technician is in charge of getting clear and correct images as specified by the physician.
Some radiology techs, such as sonographers, work specifically with a certain type of procedure. Sonographers, for example, work with machines that produce images by sending sound waves through the body. In these cases, the tech is also trained in how to interpret the results, and they will often assist the physician in reading the results and diagnosing and treating the patient's illnesses.
Requirements of the job
Radiology technician jobs are plentiful in today's medical world, and those with the proper training shouldn't have any trouble finding a job. Techs are required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. They must then attend and graduate from a training program that specializes in radiology. Training programs generally last from two to four years, and can be found either through schools or through hospitals and clinics.
Types of Radiology Technician jobs
Radiology technicians work under a wide range of conditions. Traveling radiology techs go around to various hospitals that do not have trained techs on staff, and stay for a few months in each location. Radiology techs may also work in clinics, laboratories, nursing homes, or in private homes. The type of job you choose to pursue is entirely up to you.
The field of radiology technician jobs is advancing quickly, and there's never been a better time to get involved. With a shortage of radiology techs in the field, finding a job is easy, and many hospitals are eager to hire and help train newly certified techs.
Learn valuable skills with true opportunity for advancement, and give yourself the chance to really make a difference with a radiology technician job.
Job description
What, exactly, is a radiology technician? If you've ever gotten an X-ray or an ultrasound at the doctor's office, then you've dealt with a radiology technician. Radiology techs are trained to use X-ray machines, ultrasound machines, positron emission scanners, and various other types of machines to view the inside of the human body. The information gathered from these scans is put into image form, and the tech is in charge of developing the images. The physician then uses them to help diagnose any illnesses the patient may have.
Some radiology technician jobs are highly specialized, dealing with certain types of equipment and scans. All radiology technicians are expected to deal directly with the patient; in fact, part of the job description is to prep the patient for the scan and make sure they are comfortable.
When X-rays and other potentially hazardous machines are involved, radiology technicians must set up the machines properly and ensure that the room is arranged safely. Lead screens and shields must be arranged at a certain distance from the X-ray, and the room must be properly sealed. Radiology technicians are well-trained in all of these aspects of handling X-rays and other machines.
Techs work closely with physicians and health care practitioners, who are in charge of analyzing the images produced by the X-rays or other procedures. Most general physicians will set up appointments for their patients with radiologist techs, and specify what types of procedures need to be performed. The radiology technician is in charge of getting clear and correct images as specified by the physician.
Some radiology techs, such as sonographers, work specifically with a certain type of procedure. Sonographers, for example, work with machines that produce images by sending sound waves through the body. In these cases, the tech is also trained in how to interpret the results, and they will often assist the physician in reading the results and diagnosing and treating the patient's illnesses.
Requirements of the job
Radiology technician jobs are plentiful in today's medical world, and those with the proper training shouldn't have any trouble finding a job. Techs are required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. They must then attend and graduate from a training program that specializes in radiology. Training programs generally last from two to four years, and can be found either through schools or through hospitals and clinics.
Types of Radiology Technician jobs
Radiology technicians work under a wide range of conditions. Traveling radiology techs go around to various hospitals that do not have trained techs on staff, and stay for a few months in each location. Radiology techs may also work in clinics, laboratories, nursing homes, or in private homes. The type of job you choose to pursue is entirely up to you.
The field of radiology technician jobs is advancing quickly, and there's never been a better time to get involved. With a shortage of radiology techs in the field, finding a job is easy, and many hospitals are eager to hire and help train newly certified techs.
Learn valuable skills with true opportunity for advancement, and give yourself the chance to really make a difference with a radiology technician job.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)