Construction Manager

Posts Tagged ‘Careers’

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On the site of the Twin Towers, destroyed on September 11, 2001, one of the most complex construction programs in the world is taking shape, and a young Construction Manager is helping to drive the process. Listen to him describe why he loves his job!

Product Description
This electronic book on CD-ROM provides a complete reproduction of the Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2002 – 2003, along with 17 additional Labor Department wage and employment reports. The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S. Department of Labor) in early 2002, has been a nationally recognized source of career information for more than 50 years. Since the early 1990s, the Career Guide to Industries (included on this disc) has been a companion publication. They provide comprehensive, up-to-date, and reliable labor market information that has helped millions of Americans plan their future work lives. The 2002-03 editions will help guide workers in this new century, presenting essential information about prospective changes in the workplace and the qualifications that will be needed by tomorrow’s workforce. The Occupational Outlook Handbook and the Career Guide to Industries can assist students as well as experienced workers, including those seeking to change careers or re-enter the labor force.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook provides detailed information on hundreds of occupations, covering nearly 90 percent of the jobs in the economy. Occupations covered include management, professional, service, sales, administrative support, farming, construction, installation, production, transportation, and armed forces. The nature of the work and the typical working conditions for persons in each occupation are discussed, in addition to the requirements for entry and opportunities for advancement. This information can be helpful in making career decisions that utilize completed education and training. For each occupation, the Handbook begins with a section that highlights key occupational characteristics and includes sections with current information on earnings, employment of salaried and self-employed workers, related occupations, and sources of additional information. The projected employment change relative to overall growth projected for all occupations over the next decade is described and, in some cases, the ease or difficulty of finding a job.

Occupational coverage in the 2002-03 edition of the Handbook is the first to incorporate the 2000 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, the Federal Government’s latest universal occupational classification system. This disc provides the complete SOC and related SIC code lists of occupations and industries.

Our disc adds even more value to the basic Handbook by providing reproductions of the Occupational Outlook Quarterly and comprehensive tables listing estimated wages for every classified occupation in every region of the country! You can compare wages across regions or occupations with this unique data.

This book-on-a-disc makes a superb reference work for all Americans, and will be especially valuable for students, libraries, schools, and home reference! (This disc is the same as IBSN 1- 931828-37-7.)

Our CD-ROMs are designed to provide a convenient user-friendly general reference work, utilizing the benefits of the Adobe Acrobat format to uniformly present thousands of pages that can be rapidly reviewed or printed without untold hours of tedious searching and downloading. Vast archives of important government information that might otherwise remain inaccessible are available for instant review. The documents are reproduced using Adobe Acrobat PDF software – allowing direct viewing on Windows and Apple Macintosh systems. Reader software is included on the CD.

2002 Jobs, Careers, Occupations, and Professions in America: 2002-2003 Occupational Outlook Handbook, Official Government Job and Career Guidebook for All Workers

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When I worked in the admissions office of an allied health college, my primary responsibility was enrolling prospective students in the school’s medical assistant, dental assistant, massage therapy, health information management and billing & coding programs.

To the college I was just a salesman with a quota to fill. To me, I was a professional responsible for providing a high school senior, a drop out with a GED or a person “re-careering” with objective information to help them make a decision that could effect their life for quite some time. I wanted to do my part to help that person get the most out of the time and money they were willing to invest in themselves.

A common theme with many of the students I enrolled in the medical billing & coding program was an interest in a health care career without the “blood and guts” (a term I remember using to relax and get a smile from the student); or in other words the close contact with patients that would be experienced by a medical or dental assistant. For them, an administrative position like billing & coding was just what the doctor ordered (pun intended).

In this school, like many others, the medical billing & coding program was combined and came in two flavors: a nine month certificate program and an eighteen month degreed program. The difference? At the conclusion of the nine month program, the student received a certificate (not to be confused with a diploma) documenting their completion of the coursework.

The student was also prepped to take the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam. Upon passing the exam, the student was awarded the CCS credential. At the conclusion of the eighteen month degreed program, the student would have earned an associate’s degree and, like the certificate program, would be prepped to take the CCS exam.

If I used any sales tactics it was to persuade the typical billing & coding student to enroll in the degreed program. By typical I mean a person with a high school diploma/GED and little to no practical work experience. The reason? Not because the school made more money (they did), but because I firmly believed – and still do – in education as the best way for someone to better themselves personally and professionally.

To me the certificate program was a strong second choice and usually selected by those students that, among other things, wanted to get in to the workforce faster or couldn’t afford the degreed program. As I mentioned earlier, upon graduation the student would receive a certificate stating that they completed the coursework and be prepped to take the CCS exam. To me the real value was taking and hopefully earning the CCS credential.

There are several credentials that can be earned by a medical billing and coding professional. Credentialing is a big deal. Why? Having those letters after you name (e.g. Jane Doe, CCS) proves that you have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and ability required to pass an exam issued by a nationally recognized American Medical Association (AMA) sanctioned organization. In the world of medical coding there are two organizations offering credentialing sanctioned by the AMA: AHIMA and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

When you check out the AHIMA and AAPC websites – and I really hope that you do – you will notice that their credentialing programs are all about medical coding. You may have visited the websites of some allied health colleges and noticed that their medical billing & coding programs are really a bunch of medical coding classes with a couple of billing courses thrown in for good measure.

I think there are a couple of reasons why most curriculums focuses the bulk of their coursework on coding rather than billing:

:: Students are more “employable” with combined coding and billing skills
:: The health care industry is placing more value on coding skills
:: Medical billing can be learned on the job and requires little to no technical knowledge

I may repeat this in other posts but if you really are thinking about making the financial and personal commitment to a medical billing or a billing & coding program, I can’t stress enough the importance of performing your due diligence so you can make the quality decisions that will put you in the best possible position to be successful.

By due diligence I mean partnering with a parent, mentor or someone else you trust to be honest and objective to help guide you in your decision making process. You also need to be completely honest with yourself, know your strengths and weaknesses and apply that knowledge to your decision making process. For example, if you struggled in high school or have a learning disability you may not be able to pass the coursework and should consider other employment options. On the other hand if you were an outstanding student you might consider pursuing an undergraduate degree in health information management (see AHIMA.org for more information about a health information management program).

You should consult with the AHIMA and AAPC websites to see of there are schools near you on their approved list. I do know the AAPC also offers Internet-based or distance learning courses. If you are considering a program not approved by either organization then be sure to at least check out the school on the Better Business Bureau website and Google to see what previous students have to say.

Finally – and I’m probably get some hate mail – but please be very wary about any company offering medical billing correspondence courses and certificates. You will find out the certificates aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on when it comes time to find a job. Why? There is no AMA sanctioned body that issues medical billing certifications. The certificate is simply documentation showing that you took and passed some billing training program.

I can’t tell you how many times someone sent me a resume just because they had completed a medical billing correspondence course. I would not hire anyone with no prior experience. Why? I don’t want to train a newbie and can’t afford the liability exposure – someone not knowing what they’re doing can run off clients. I stick by this hiring policy after learning the hard way. Bottom line – no prior experience, no job.

Sources:

American Health Information Association (ww.AHIMA.org)

American Association of Professional Coders (ww.AAPC.com)

Also see:

“Billing and Posting Clerks and Machine Operators” Occupational Outlook Handbook 12 December 2007 http://ww.bls.gov/oco/ocos277.htm

“Medical Records and Health Information Technicians” Occupational Outlook Handbook 12 December 2007 http://ww.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm

If you enjoy working with computers, learning new programs or testing out the latest computer software products, earning a computer science degree is necessary if you want to find a well paying job in the computer or IT field. Popular hot jobs you can apply for after you graduate include:

Database administrator
Software Support
Software engineer
Computer engineer
Interface designer
Systems analyst
Computer programmer
Network Administrator

Each of these careers is rewarding and necessary as more and more companies are in need of those who can use this technology to further their businesses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, over half of all computer programmers have at least a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field. This means that earning a computer science degree online will increase your chances of finding your dream job.

What will you learn through an Online Computer Degree Program?

A computer science online degree will prepare you for a career in IT, Computer Security or any of the above positions in the same way as a traditional classroom degree. But instead of having to go to class, rearrange your work schedule, or disturb other areas of your life, you can take classes online, study at your convenience and not have to worry about the added costs of parking or leaving work early to attend classes.

When you take online courses, you can expect to learn any of the following and more:

Hardware and software design
Software development
Troubleshooting
Networking
Data Security
Database management
Web design
Develop security plans

Because most companies use technology systems to carry out business processes and communicate with employees, customers, vendors and others, more and more companies are creating IT departments that employ those who understand how networks function and how to keep them secure. Computer systems and manufacturing companies are also looking for talented individuals to create new software and hardware for consumers.

While you earn your degree, you will be able to explore different fields to find one that suits your personality and interests.

Choosing an Online Computer Degree Program

When looking for an online degree program, it’s important to determine which direction you want to move toward in terms of your career. While some areas of computer science, such as computer programming, have seen a slow decline in the number of open positions since 2006, other areas such as computer support and information security have seen an increase.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, over the next few years, computer support positions are expected to increase by 13%. This means that you should choose a program that allows you to easily find employment immediately upon graduation. A computer degree online that focuses on a certain area within computer science is best if you have a particular talent in that area. You can also choose to become a generalist that specializes in a number of areas. Another pointer is to ensure you choose a computer science or IT program from an online college that is accredited.

Summary

Earning a degree in computer science or one of the many disciplines listed above can help you advance your career in one of the hottest fields today. There are many opportunities for employment once you graduate. While some fields as not a plentiful as others, your chances of finding employment are increased if you have a college degree in Computer Science or IT.

The need for CPA’s or certified public accountants that can perform various duties including bookkeeping, company audits, tax preparation, and project management is increasing in many industries due to updated laws, international business practices and a greater reliance on technology. If you enjoy working with numbers and learning the latest accounting software, there are many job opportunities waiting for you after you earn your accounting degree.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, accounting is a field that’s growing at a faster than average rate with an estimated 1.2 million accountants currently working in various industries including public agencies, corporations, educational institutions and charitable organizations. If you’re interested in a career in accounting, now is an excellent time to return to college to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting or finance.

What to Look for in an Online Accounting Program

Depending on your current job situation, you can choose to pursue a degree in accounting by attending classes online. There are many accredited colleges and universities that can offer you the opportunity to earn an accounting degree online. Online courses provide you with the same foundation and skill sets as traditional classroom courses, but require you be disciplined when it comes to studying and turning assignments in on time.

When looking for an online accounting degree program, keep in mind that each state has its own licensing requirements if you want to become a CPA. Even though most states require that you complete 150 course hours before you can take the CPA exam, there are still a few states whose requirements aren’t as stringent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, 42 states including the District of Columbia currently require this amount of coursework or will require it by the beginning of 2009.

As a result, most colleges and universities offer bachelor’s programs that require 150 course hours to complete. Some have even opted to give students the option of completing a master’s degree in the process. Make sure you enroll in a degree program that provides enough instruction and at least 150 course hours.

When looking for an online accounting degree program, the amount of attention paid to the CPA exam is important. The exam, which is given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, will thoroughly test your knowledge of accounting, finance law and ethics. Before signing up to take classes online, you should ask school advisors if there are special courses offered to help you prepare for the exam.

Once you earn your accounting online degree and pass the CPA exam, you will be able to begin looking for employment. Many online degree programs offer job placement assistance to those who need it.

Summary

Earning an accounting degree online allows you the freedom to pursue the career of your dreams without having to sacrifice valuable time in the classroom. By taking courses online, you will be able to study during times that are convenient for you. If you have to work while earning your degree, you will find that it’s easier to balance all the daily tasks you have and still have time for an education and join in the lucrative profession of accounting.

What Is Construction Management?

Traditionally, construction involves the three-party, two-relationship model. The first is the owner designer relationship, in which the project owner appoints the designer who is usually an architect or an engineer, to plan and design the project. The second commences after the design is ready and is known as the owner contractor relationship. Here, the contractor is given the project to realize, based on his quotation of cost. Lately however, this model has undergone a radical change. The recent trend is to rely on construction management.

Construction managers divide all the construction activities into stages, budgeting time to meet construction deadlines. They evaluate the most cost-effective schedules for completion and are responsible for ensuring that all the work is completed on time.

Training And Education

Construction Management is also the study of construction, with regard to the managerial and technological aspects like construction management, construction science and construction risk. The most common and widely recognized format for construction management education is a baccalaureate or graduate degree. Other education may relate to on-the-job training and apprenticeship and higher education.

High school students who want to opt for a career in construction management, should study Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Accounting. Many colleges and universities offer master’s degrees in construction management and construction science. Someone who has a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field can also get a master’s degree in construction management. A student can obtain a master’s degree in finance or business administration, to improve career prospects. There are also industry associated sponsored training programs and two year dedicated programs.

Job Prospects

Excellent construction management employment opportunities are available, since the construction boom requires a number of qualified individuals. Also, the increasing complexity of construction projects is creating extra demand for these managers. New technology and laws, setting standards for materials, safety and environmental issues have complicated the construction process. This has raised the demand for trained managers in turn. Opportunities for advancement may vary, depending on the person’s performance and the size and type of the company. The person may also become an independent consultant, an expert witness, a dispute arbitrator or start their own construction management firm.

Conclusion

Construction managers must be flexible and effective. They must be good decision takers and possess the ability to well under pressure or with unexpected delays. A flair for simultaneous activity coordination, analysis and problem solving is necessary. Good communication skills and knowledge of the Spanish language are important. Construction managers have to be available “on call” at all times, to deal with onsite emergencies. Be prepared to work much more than a 40-hour week to meet established construction deadlines. The work is not dangerous, but construction managers must be cautious when on the construction site.

If you are an outdoor person, and are good with math and organization, then the field of construction management can be very satisfying and lucrative career choice.

It should be a website that has a large variety of different careers and talks about the nature of work, education and training, requirements, employment and earnings etc in detail. I’m not looking for a website that has a list of job oppurtunities. Just one with a description of the field.

A young Construction Management student describes the excitement of her prospective career.