Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is an extremely important industry. Most every home, office, school, hospital and other residential or commercial building has at least one form of HVAC system. Many have multiple units.

This means there could be many potential employment opportunities out there for you if it is your goal to work in the HVAC industry.

To reach this goal, however, you will be expected to have the knowledge necessary to complete the duties required. Some of your knowledge can be gained in the classroom. But more importantly, is the hands on, practical training you acquire.

What is Practical Training?

Practical training is the time you spend working in the HVAC field, learning how to complete all tasks successfully. Participating in hands on activities, you will learn how to diagnose and make repairs on actual units.

You get the practice you need before you enter the “real HVAC world”.

Benefits of Practical Training

There are many advantages to earning practical training in HVAC. You get to work with professionals who have many years working in the industry. This gives you access to an advisor and mentor who can teach you based on their learning experiences.

You also can work with the tools and equipment used on everyday HVAC jobs. You can get familiar with the tools that help you install, maintain and repair systems before you start your career.

Your mechanical skills will improve with each practical training you complete. Furthermore, because you will be working with others, you will learn how to work as a team, problem solving, and troubleshooting. All of these may give you an advantage once you land an HVAC job.

There are several ways to gain practical training. One is at the local college where you choose to obtain a certification or degree in HVAC. They will have practical training labs where you can gain invaluable hands on experience.

Practice Labs

Each specific HVAC system has its own share of technical parts and equipment. You will be able to learn each of these, as well as how to install and repair them by working in a practical lab. You will work with HVAC professionals who can help you improve your troubleshooting skills as well.

These professionals can walk you through, at your pace, each step of installing, maintaining and fixing different equipment. They can also give you direct feedback on how you are progressing, and how you can improve when necessary.

In some labs, students can learn how residential and commercial units are designed. You may get extensive practice with a variety of systems, including furnaces, air conditioning, boiler systems, residential refrigerators, commercial walk-in cooling units, and even geo thermal systems.

Some HVAC programs can assist you in obtaining further practical training, in the form of externships.

Externships

Externships are a great way to gain more hands-on training, as well as apply the knowledge you learned in classes to everyday problems. Externships are sometimes established with the help of the local college you attend.

They connect you with local HVAC employers who are looking for temporary employees. They agree to train you and you agree to work for them, usually for free. However, the experience you gain during the externship is considered invaluable by many.

Externships give you opportunities to learn from professionals who have been working in the industry for a while. Such programs can range from a few months to a year, but not usually longer than that.

Once you graduate, you may desire even more hands-on training. If so, you may want to consider working as an apprentice.

Apprenticeships

As an apprentice, you are likely to be paid by your employer. It may be your goal to work as an apprentice to reach higher goals, like a licensed journeyman. It may just be your goal to gain as much experience as possible from those who are considered experts in the field.

Whatever your reason, you can benefit tremendously from this type of program, which can last for three or more years.

An apprenticeship can help you specialize in more specific areas of HVAC. For instance, you may want to focus your career on commercial refrigeration mechanics, you can choose an employer who does only this, giving you the trainingyou need in this one area.

Other areas you may want to specialize in can include commercial and residential cooling and heating, pipe fitting, steam plant safety and operation, heavy electrical jobs, or industrial controls.

Some apprenticeship programs must also include classroom time as well, mostly for those who will be taking licensure exams. Apprenticeships can vary by state and region, so it is important to check the regulations in your area before applying.

Finding the Right Practical Training Opportunities

Most local colleges offer programs that teach you the basics and give you hands on training for the most needed skills in the HVAC field. Reading blueprints, fundamentals of refrigeration, needed tools and materials for installation and repairs, and the basics of ventilation are a few necessary skills.

Others include working on air distribution and cleaning systems, choosing the right piping materials, and knowledge of circuitry systems. Furthermore, you want to be able to learn basic electricity, heat pumps, motor troubleshooting in both commercial and residential systems.

Schools that offer course work and practical training in these areas will be able to provide you with the right amount of education and experience to get you started in an HVAC career. It will be up to you to apply that knowledge and experience.

Doing so should not be a problem, however, if you take advantage of everything the college, and practical trainers or teachers, have to offer.

In less than a year, you could be adding the many new technical and mechanical talents you have gained to your resume. The skills you obtain through practical training can make a good impression on future employers, setting you up for a long and successful career as an HVAC expert.

If your goal is to have a career in business, getting a degree will help you reach that goal. You may have decided to start with an associate degree. You have completed two years of coursework that will allow you to begin your career. Or, you may be thinking you want more education in this field.

You are not alone. In fact, reports show that the number of people getting college degrees is higher than ever. There are more than 33 million Americans with a bachelor’s degree and over 16 million have a master’s degree.

Depending on the career path you wish to follow, you may want to go on to obtain a higher degree as well. Earning a higher degree means it will take you longer to graduate. But it also means you will gain two or more years gaining more specialized knowledge that will be useful to your career.

Broadening your business administration degree has many benefits you can use throughout your career, whether you are just starting out or working your way to the top.

Advanced Knowledge and Skills

When earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration, you can expect to take courses on a wide range of subjects that will make you marketable in many industries. You will expand your knowledge in the basics of accounting, management, technology, human resource functions and marketing.

In a master’s program, you will further the knowledge you learned in a four-year degree program. Courses that will enhance your knowledge on financial management, leadership, business analysis and ethics.

Advanced degrees give you more practice in research, communication, problem solving and decision making. Each of these skills individually are beneficial. But as a collective, can help you stand out in your professional life.

Both types of higher education programs prepare you to be a team player, while also acting as a leader, whether you are an entrepreneur or working for a company. In addition, you can substantially increase the number of transferable skills you possess.

Networking Opportunities

Making connections with other professionals in your industry is considered networking. It is networking that can help you get referrals, leads and growth opportunities. You may also meet a mentor or two who can offer valuable advice.

With both bachelor and master’s degree programs, you will have access to professors who may have worked in the exact area of business in which you want to specialize. Professors can offer advice and first-hand knowledge you can apply in the real world.

Your fellow students may already be working in the business field. Many students today work full-time jobs while also attending college to obtain a higher education. This means you have access to their knowledge and mentorship as well.

You can take advantage of any social, educational and business-related events at your college or in the community. By the time you graduate, you can have an increased list of contacts, advice and insider informationthat can set you apart from your competition.

Sets You Apart from the Competition

Hiring committees review and compare many different factors when considering a candidate for hire. From previous work experience to extra-curricular activities. Level of education can sometimes be the deciding factor when two candidates have similar backgrounds.

If you have more education than your competitor, the hiring committee may see this as an advantage and choose you as their new employee. They may recognize that the more education you have, the more time you have taken to gain extra knowledge, as well as experience.

During the hiring process, you have the opportunity to share the great things you gained while earning your degree. You can mention the many connections you made through networking, all the events you attended to make these connections, and how those efforts will help you be successful in the job for which you are applying.

Show the company the numerous ways your broadened business administration degree can help them. They will appreciate your desire to use your assets to help their company. This technique may also help you later when you are seeking a higher income.

Potential for Higher Income

Earning a bachelor’s degree or higher gives you a great chance of earning more income in your career. The specialty area you choose within the business field may determine how much you earn.From accounting to marketing to finance can all bring varying salaries.

Being an entrepreneur and owning your own business firm can put you in charge of your earning potential.

Those who already have a proven track record and are already earning great salaries in the business industry usually continue to make more money than those just starting out in their career. They are most likely working and completing their degree program at the same time.

Another income factor is the type of company in which you choose to work. Typically, working for non-profit agencies, while the work may often be meaningful, may not always bring in the most income. On the other hand, large, private corporations sometimes can offer better salaries with bonuses and perks.

If you don’t start out with your desired income, don’t worry. With advanced degrees, you may qualify for promotions within your company.

Move Up Within the Company

In many companies, the higher the degree you earn, the more chances you have for promotion. Higher level executives seem to have higher education diplomas. Consider this, one third of the executives listed in the Fortune 500 have a master’s in business administration.

When you reach Chief Executive levels within a company, you are expected to already know how to make tough decisions that will help the company grow and thrive. All the things you learn in your advanced degree program courses culminate in this position, especially your leadership qualities that transferred with you from classroom to boardroom.

In the end, any degree in business administration is a good thing. But in the long run, there are more advantages to achieving a broader degree.

Online course enrollment is on the rise for every type of higher education institution, from public universities to local community colleges. Online colleges are also seeing a rise in enrollment. A US News report states over six million students who are enrolled in either undergraduate or graduate classes, took at least one of their classes online.

It seems these students are finding online college is allowing them to overcome some of the obstacles they faced in attending traditional education only.

If you are considering college, you are most likely reviewing which avenue is best for you. Will attending classes be better for your schedule? Will online courses be more flexible? There are many questions to consider.

Before you make your choice, keep reading. Below are just a few of the challenges online college can solve for you.

Challenge 1: Extra Costs

When you attend traditional college, where you go in-person to a campus, there are costs that pop up that are not seen when you attend online college.

While tuition costs may not vary much, there are other expenses. Some of these include transportation costs like fuel, wear and tear on a vehicle, bus passes, or the burden of asking someone else for a ride. Studying online eliminates this challenge altogether.

You are able to attend college classes from your home, or from a place convenient for you.

Other expenses can include the cost of books and reference materials. Many times, these materials are offered online for a much cheaper cost. Furthermore, time is money. Online courses can save you both.

Challenge 2: Set Class Times

When you go to a college campus for education, you enroll based on the time and day that is convenient for the professor and for the school. Many colleges offer day, evening and even weekend courses, but these still may not fit your schedule.

You may be working a third shift job and caring for family on the weekends. With online college, you choose the courses you want to take and fit them into your schedule, not the other way around. You are able to have flexibility that is not always offered with traditional courses.

Challenge 3: You Must Continue to Work While Going to College

Because online courses are flexible, and allow you to set your own schedule, you can continue to work and earn a living. This is an important factor for many students. Unless you want to build large debt, which most people do not, you will need to be able to maintain employment while going to college.

If attending college at a campus, you may find your work hours conflict with class times. This creates a problem for some who must choose work over class. With online courses, you do not have to choose between the two. You can do both.

Your employer will be happy you don’t need to leave work, and you will be happy you still get to complete the classes you need to graduate.

Challenge 4: Finding Online Courses and Programs Right for You

You may be thinking online courses are limited in what can be offered. You may fear that you will be stuck graduating with a general, liberal arts degree, if you enroll in online college. Just the opposite is true.

Online colleges offer a greater variety of courses and degree programs than many traditional schools, who may have limited faculty or student interest in particular subjects.

Online you can find programs to match your needs, including certificates, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and even doctoral degrees. And these all can be found at accredited online colleges.

Challenge 5: You Fear Classroom Interactions

You are not alone. Many students fear meeting new peers, and worst, speaking in front of a room full of strangers. You may dread the group projects or working in pairs with a student you just met.

This is a fear that has been around for ages and professors are not reducing the number of classroom activities anytime soon. There is hope for those who are shyer than others, however.

Online college is taking away some of this fear while still giving you the opportunity to connect daily with classmates and instructors. In fact, online college may increase your participation in activities because they are not face-to-face encounters.

You are still able to socialize, receive and offer feedback, and join in on group conversations but without the initial fear you may have when attending courses in-person. Many feel they are able to better express their opinions in an online format, and when you can do that, you will gain more from the course.

Challenge 6: You Worry About Being Self-Disciplined Enough to Complete Courses

It is quite normal to have this worry when considering college, either traditional or online. When you enter a college course, you are treated like an adult, even if you are still in your teens. You are expected to show up, learn, and complete assignments.

You must take responsibility for showing up, for learning, and for completing assignments. The same is true whether you are attending college on campus or online.

The good news, you are already proving you can do it. Just take a look at all the other areas in your life where you are successfully responsible. College is not much different. Once you commit to something, you do what it takes to reach your goal.

Challenge 7: You Don’t Know How to Start Online College

The best first step you can take if you decide to choose online college is to reach out to a local college. Most likely, they have online courses that can get you started and that will transfer to higher programs. Do an online search for colleges in your area and use the contact form on their website to reach out for information, specifically the admissions department.

With their help, you can resolve any other challenges or concerns you may have, and you can do it all on your terms.

Every office, in every industry, has certain people that ensure it runs efficiently and effectively in providing both services and products to consumers. This is even true in the medical industry. And those who work hard to keep the office productive are called medical office administrators.

Medical office administrators are extremely important and can fill a myriad of duties depending on the needs of the office in which they work. Their duties may also change from day to day. One day he or she may be answering the phone and working on data entry, while the next day he or she may be coding and managing health records.

The duties they perform are just as varied as the job title it may carry.

Different Job Titles for Medical Office Administrator

One of the most important jobs in the medical field can be named using a variety of titles. Some offices hire medical assistants, secretaries, front office staff, or appointment schedulers. Other offices hire billing clerks, medical records clerk, transcriptionists, and office managers.

No matter what your job duty, you will be able to apply skills that benefit the healthcare team you are on, including working on patient care management systems, electronic records, medical terminology, and tracking patient data.

Fortunately for those in the medical office administration field, this can give you broader employment opportunities. You have many different career options.

Career Options for Medical Office Administrator

When you begin looking for employment, you can apply for jobs ranging from hospital unit managers to medical billing and coding professional.

Depending on your level of education, you may choose to provide receptionist work for a physician’s practice or work as an admissions and registration clerk in a major hospital setting. You may even choose to obtain a leadership position within the industry.

Education varies among medical office administrators. Some choose to earn certificates showing they have specialized knowledge. Others choose to earn an Associate’s degree or higher. Those with two or more years of college have likely gained experience through a practicum or work study program where they gained on the job training.

Specific Duties of Medical Office Administrators

Not all duties are discussed in this section but the ones listed can give you a general idea of common jobs expected to be completed by medical office administrators.

1. Diagnosis and procedure coding

Doctors are required to use specific diagnostic codes when documenting a patient’s problems. They do this for their own records and to meet insurance company requirements. As a medical office administrator, you will be expected to know the codes and be able to enter them properly into the software used by your employer.

Diagnostic codes describe the patient’s symptoms, complaints, and chronic conditions. It basically tells the agency who is paying for the services why the procedure and treatment is needed. Without this, the physician will not typically be paid.

2. Maintaining records

The medical records of a patient are extremely important and must be kept accurately. Medical records include any document that applies to the patient’s health care.

Documents such as notes taken by the current or previous doctors, blood work orders and results, insurance information, prescription information, and even the death certificate if a patient passes away.

Dates must be correct on all medical records, signatures must be recorded from everyone who completed a task with the patient, and all documents must contain only professional terminology.

3. Scheduling appointments and procedures

Timing is very important, whether you are working in a hospital setting, a clinic or a physician’s private practice. As a medical office administrator you will be expected to schedule patients in a manner that meets the needs of the physician and the patient.

You want to avoid booking appointments and procedures too close but at the same time, you don’t want the patient to wait longer than they have to for treatment. Many times you will have the advantage of a scheduling software system that can help you prevent errors when setting appointment times.

4. Ordering supplies and equipment

Keeping track of the inventory in your medical office is a duty that requires organization and attention to detail. As a medical office administrator, you will be able to place orders for supplies and equipment in advance, to avoid any day without the necessary items needed to provide quality care.

Supplies and equipment can mean anything from bandages and syringes to scales and blood pressure monitors. Alcohol pads, gloves, cotton balls, scissors, scalpels, meters, ointments, wheel chairs and proper waste disposal holders. The list of supplies and equipment is extensive and your office will appreciate your ability to keep them stocked on items they use daily.

5. Medical transcription

A great deal of responsibility is placed on the medical transcriptionist. From a single audio recording provided by the doctor, a patient’s medical history comes alive once it is transcribed into actual notes and written documentation

The medical transcriptionist must get translate what they hear correctly or the patient could suffer consequences. It is this record that nurses and doctors use to treat the patient. Dosages must be exact, testing results must be accurate, and treatment plans must be represented.

Transcribing audio notes into document form is not just a task the doctors prefer. It is required by law.

6. Insurance filing and billing

Without proper insurance documentation and billing, your office cannot receive payment for services already provided. As a medical office administrator, you may be tasked with ensuring proper coding. You may also be responsible for filing claims on behalf of the patient.

This will require you obtain all current insurance information from the patient and from the doctor, entering that information correctly into the software system, and sending every piece of information needed so financial reimbursement is sent quickly.

As you can see, medical office administrators take on a lot of tough duties within the medical field. But with proper education and training, you are likely to excel in this position.

There are currently close to 300,000 HVAC repair jobs in the United States and that number is expected to grow. Many of these have completed a certificate or degree program from an accredited college. It is here they grew their knowledge in areas such as heating, cooling, refrigeration, and ventilation.

They have learned how to inspect systems, diagnose problems and plan for repair when needed. And they were able to learn all of this in two years or less.

These are great reasons to consider HVAC repair as a career, but they are not the only ones. Below you will find additional reasons to become a HVAC technician.

Variety of Industries in Which to Work

Unlike some careers, HVAC offers a choice when it comes to the industry in which you want to work. Some repair workers choose a career with building equipment contractors, working on both new and old construction projects.

Others choose to become self-employed, giving themselves the freedom to choose the jobs they want to work and when they want to work them. They can make this choice based on their enjoyment, knowledge and confidence areas of HVAC.

There are additional fields where HVAC repair is needed and where you may be sought after. These include: electric power generation and distribution; wired telecommunications; motor vehicle manufacturers; and commercial or residential installation companies.

No matter what industry you choose, it is likely you will find work all year long.

Consistency of Work

Fortunately for the HVAC repair worker, there is little down time throughout the year. There is always an air conditioner to fix in the summer months, a heater to fix in winter months and appliances breaking down daily.

If you want to work and make efforts to seek employment, the outlook is good.

Advancement Opportunities

Within the HVAC industry you will not be stuck doing one job, unless that is your desire. You will have plenty of opportunities to work your way up to a position best suited for your talents.

HVAC project managers have an important role of overseeing projects while at the same time making sure the client is satisfied. You will plan a project from the blueprints stage to completion. You will also analyze everything from the site itself, quality, safety, and even budget.

HVAC installers do not just install. They also repair and provide maintenance to those who have heating, cooling and refrigeration needs.They are problem solvers.

HVAC engineers get to design systems as well as work with installers to improve how the work is done within the industry. In addition, you will negotiate contracts, supervise work teams, conduct site surveys, and select the right equipment for the job.

Every job within the HVAC industry can be in high demand at any point during the year, giving you options, which is one thing people desire when searching for employment.

Diversity of Duties

The job tasks you will need to complete each day may vary greatly. One day you may be installing an air conditioner and the next day repairing a cooling system. One day you may be providing maintenance on heating and cooling systems in an apartment building and the next day you may be troubleshooting an issue in a commercial office space.

If you hate sitting behind a desk and love change, having a career in HVAC may be perfect for you.

Attractive Income

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for HVAC repair workers is over $47,000 or over $22 an hour. This is more than some with a four-year degree earn each year. As the median amount, this means some can make even more than this annually.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also states the jobs in this field are growing at a rate of 15%, much higher than jobs in other industries.

Because work is so consistent, there are most likely opportunities for you to work overtime or take on side jobs, increasing your income.

Cutting Edge Systems

Technology in the heating, cooling, refrigeration and ventilation industry are constantly being updated and improved. This is good news for those working in this field because it means more work. When new systems hit the market, consumers want to buy them.

This means there may be ample work for taking out old systems and replacing them with new ones.  These smarter, updated systems will require someone with specific knowledge on how to install, repair and maintain them.

With the move around the world to become more energy efficient, you may also find work in designing, manufacturing, or even selling these cutting-edge systems.

You Get to Help People

Not only do you get to help people while working in the HVAC field, you get to make their day by giving them what they want, comfort.

When you fix a broken air conditioner on a hot day, you are a hero. You can see just how your skills impact people. It can feel rewarding to solve a problem for someone else, especially when your solution can affect their well-being.

For instance, if an elderly person’s air conditioning breaks on a day when the temperatures reach above 100 degrees, you could very well be preventing a heat stroke. Or, if a heater breaks on a night with below zero temperatures, you could be preventing a family from experiencing the negative effects of freezing cold.

Helping people can give you the motivation and desire you need to become successful in the business of HVAC.

In conclusion, these are just seven of many of reasons to consider HVAC repair as a career. To get started working on your job in this industry, find an accredited local college for more information. They can guide you in setting up the fastest track to your career.

Job shadowing, interviewing teachers, and online research are other ways to gain knowledge about the HVAC industry. It helps you determine the best path you need to take for a successful career in HVAC.

Close to 20 million students are expected to attend college this year, with 13 million attending a four-year institution and about 7 million attending a two-year school.

The American Council of Education reports that the number of post-traditional students, the ones who have decided to return to getting a higher education, has grown to 13 million.

So, how did these returning students know it was the right time for them to further their education? It’s possible they analyzed aspects of their own life to make that important decision. For instance, they may have talked with family and friends to see if attending college again would impact their lives in any way.

They may have also checked the advantages and disadvantages of attending school with their employer. Would gaining more education help their career? Or, they may have even set personal goals, a bucket list, where completing a higher education is one of them.

Whatever the reason, there are specific areas you can think about in your own life when trying to decide to return to college. Keep reading to learn if now is the right time for you.

It Makes Sense Financially

If you are waiting for the day when all your finances are in order, you have no bills, and emergency funds are not needed, well, you may be waiting for a long time. The perfect financial situation is likely a fallacy. Therefore; you must analyze your finances for education based on a return on your investment.

If education is your investment, and it is one of the best investments you can make, then you must check to see how your diploma will pay off after graduation. Most people get help paying for college through scholarships, grants and loans. Whatever you borrow, must be based on good decisions.

For example, you do not want to go $50,000 in debt to receive a diploma in a trade that will only pay just above minimum wage. It would take you forever to pay off that loan. Instead, borrow money and choose a career that will allow you to quickly pay off debt, so you can start enjoying the increase possible extra money in your career.

Look at your current financial situation, consider what you will make after graduation, and then decide how much funding you need.

You Have the Support You Need

Support does not always mean financial support. If you are thinking of returning to school, you will also need support from friends, family and employers to help you reach your goal of higher education. You may have children and finding someone to watch your children while you are at school is key to your success.

You may need your work hours to be flexible, so you can attend a class during the day. You are faced with many demands throughout your day. These demands, if not organized properly, will hinder your ability to return to school.

If You Need a Career Boost

Going back to school can do many great things for your career, even if you currently love your job. Higher education may sometimes give you that promotion you have been dreaming of at work. It may give you that extra education required for the next step up.

Going back to school may also increase your pay if you work for an employer who bases wages or salaries on educational level. Furthermore, higher education can help you change careers altogether.

If you are unhappy in your current job, think about going back to school to study a program in a field that is exciting and new. This is your chance to take control over your future employment and graduating with additional college credits may help you succeed.

If You Need Closure

Sometimes we just need to finish what we started. Did you start college earlier in life and need to quit for reasons out of your control? Or maybe you quit for personal reasons, life interruptions. Or maybe you didn’t finish college because you simply did not want to at the time.

None of these reasons for stopping college earlier in life are bad. And while some people never feel the need to return to college and finish their degree program, others feel the opposite. You may be feeling that finishing college was the one goal you wanted to accomplish but couldn’t.

Well, now you can. Returning to college may give you that sense of accomplishment and reward that you were able to complete something you had to put on hold previously.

If You Want to Learn More

Learning is fulfilling. The more knowledge you have, the more confident you may become. Education is the one thing that cannot be taken away from you. Once you learn it, you can use it to your advantage.

Many people return to college for no other reason than to continue their love of learning. They have a curiosity about the unknown, which may keep them inspired to further their education. Some see having more knowledge to communicate with a variety of types of people.

Additional knowledge can broaden your conversations among groups, help provide support for your opinions and can also just be fun for some people.

Going back to school can introduce you to other learners with similar interests. You get to meet professors who may offer insight into the industry. You get to improve your technological skills through the online and offline work assigned in your class.

Most importantly, the right time to go back to school is when you feel ready. When it is something you strongly desire, something you have been dreaming about, start making it a reality. You don’t have to be a full-time student to start realizing your goals.

Part-time studies at local colleges are a great way to slowly earn your diploma. Their schedules support flexibility in how, when and where you complete your coursework. Local colleges provide the optimal environment that meets the needs of the most students, whether they are starting for the first time or picking up where they left off.

While you are in school, you may not think about all the wonderful tools you are acquiring. You may not realize at the time the invaluable skills you are practicing and perfecting just by taking college classes, whether online or on campus.

You may already be employed and working in “the real world”. Or, you may be graduating soon with a certificate or degree and just starting your journey into full-time employment. Whatever your situation, you will be able to apply the knowledge and skills you have been learning in school to your unique situation.

There will be times where you purposefully apply what you have learned and there will be other times where you automatically complete tasks without even realizing you were using a skill you learned in school. Over time, these skills can become second nature.

Your employer will recognize and appreciate your application of skills and knowledge, which could be like those listed below.

Become a Master of Resourcing

While you were in school, you had to seek multiple sources for varying projects or papers. You may have chosen to go to the library, search online, or interview professors or industry leaders to gain the information you needed.

Being able to gather information from a wide range of sources may benefit you in your job. This talent means you can make decisions quickly and follow through effectively until you obtain the knowledge you need.

Work Well Within a Group

Group projects are a common staple among college teachers, using it to teach team building, decision making, and even conflict resolution. These are tools that are essential in succeeding in the workplace.

If you cannot get along with co-workers or complete tasks as a united group, you will be less likely to reach your potential in your job. Employers expect employees to have teambuilding skills upon hiring. Luckily, these can be learned while you are in college and applied later.

Manage and Prioritize Tasks

Your time is limited, both in school and at work. You must make the most of the time you do have. Meaning, you must be organized and structured when it comes to planning. Having time management skills shows your employer you know how to prioritize the important and less important duties.

It also shows them you can adapt to different work scenarios and be productive in each job your given.

Communicate Well with Others

Communication includes both speaking and listening skills. You must be able to do both and do them well. Communication in school can mean giving a presentation to your classmates to preparing videos, papers or emails. You will learn how to do all these well while attending college.

Once you graduate, you will likely begin using these same skills on the job site. Your employer may require you to do public speaking. They may want you to know how to send and receive emails. They may have monthly meetings where you are teaching your co-workers a specific topic. They may even have you communicate through video conferencing.

The communication skills you learned in school will help you when in teams, working in groups, at work.

Meet Deadlines

In college, you have numerous deadlines in every class you take. From research papers, exams and quizzes. You must enroll by a deadline, withdraw by a deadline, and submit your work by a deadline.

Meeting deadlines only increases in the workplace. You will be given many tasks that require completion within a certain amount of time, usually given to you by your boss or supervisor.

Because you will already understand why deadlines are important and how to organize your work to meet a deadline, you will be able to work more efficiently, helping everyone in your department or office.

Motivate Yourself to Complete Projects

In college, there is no one hovering over you, pushing you to finish projects. You are given the assignment and it is up to you to get it done. If you don’t get it done, you receive a failing grade. For most of you, this is motivation enough to help you do the work as assigned and on time.

In the workplace, being a self-motivator is a great trait to possess. Your employer will not have the time to double check your progress or send you encouraging or not so encouraging reminders. Applying the skills of working independently to complete projects will benefit both you and the company.

Commitment and Loyalty

Completing college requires commitment. You set a goal, take steps towards that goal, and succeed. It is this same type of commitment you can take with you into the workplace. Employers want to hire people who plan to stay with their company for a long time. They want you to think long-term rather than your job being a stepping stone to a different work environment.

Showing commitment and loyalty helps your employer feel reassured that you are a team player, that the company is a priority for you, and that you are not just working for a paycheck.

Don’t Give Up

Throughout school you will face challenges. Some you will overcome, some you will fail. What you do after both winning and failing show what type of person you are. You can win and lose in a positive way. You can quit after you win, you can quit after you lose. Neither of these will make you a success in the workplace.

What you learned in college, however, is to never give up. You may have failed in the classroom, in work study, in practicums or even in social groups in your class. But you didn’t give up.

This grit within you, the fight that keeps you searching for success, is what employers want in an employee. This is a desire to not stop, no matter what life throws at you.

It is this quality that makes it easy for you to apply what you have learned in school in the workplace.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there over 25,000 jobs in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry. It also reports there are more than 5,500 jobs in the Los Angeles and Southern California region, with the average earning power of around $30 an hour.

More specifically, HVAC workers in the Anaheim-Santa Ana- Irvine area made an average of $55,000 a year. Those in the Bakersfield area average $50,000 a year, while those in El Centro, Fresno and Hanford-Corcoran areas average in the mid-forties.

Other Southern California areas ranging from low-forties to $55,000 annual incomes include Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Diego-Carlsbad, San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, and Visalia-Porterville.

Los Angeles HVAC workers earned higher incomes, around $60,000 each year.

HVAC professionals learn many skills both during their studies and by working in the field. This makes them much more valuable and versatile. This also means there will rarely be a lack of work in the Southern California area.

Almost every household has at least one piece of equipment you will be able to install, maintain or repair. The numbers of just how many people have heating and cooling systems in their homes is astounding.

HVAC Facts and Stats

According to statistical reports, nearly 90 percent of Americans own an air conditioner of some kind, spending close to $30 billion dollars. And of these air conditioner owners, half of them are reported to contact a professional for annual routine maintenance, leading to longer life spans of their air conditioning units.

The Household Energy Use Survey for California reports that the households that use systems in their homes, mostly use central heat and air conditioning equipment.

Since the population in the Southern California region is nearly 24 million, then number of opportunities you may have to work on an HVAC system is extremely high.

Becoming energy efficient is a goal of Southern California and many residences and commercial buildings are updating systems to match this goal. Climate-controlled systems are becoming very popular and because they require updating every 10 to 15 years, you are looking at great opportunities to install, maintain, or repair many of these systems.

With the proper HVAC training, you could be one of these professionals they call on for help. They will call you because you will have completed courses leading to certification, showing you are a specialist in treating problems such as refrigerants, air balancing, cooling and various types of systems for air conditioning.

More Skills, More Job Opportunities

The more duties you can complete, the more job opportunities you will get. For instance, a football coach is usually just hired to coach football, and maybe a class or two. A court reporter is typically only hired to work in courtrooms.

But as an HVAC professional, you are trained to do many different duties, making you more marketable. It means because you have a broad skill set, you have more opportunities for work than other professionals.

Skills you will learn in school can include installing, maintaining and repairing HVAC systems. You may also learn how to test parts, read blueprints, how to comply with regulations, and how to teach customers to properly use their equipment and systems.

You will also be trained in soldering and brazing pipes, detecting leaks and fixing them, and basic electricity. In addition, you will learn how to install, maintain and repair venting systems, with and without ducts. Most importantly, you will learn how to troubleshoot, and this is the key to many jobs and a skill all employers want to see when hiring.

You will be able to use these skills and many more not only in residential homes, but in the commercial industries as well. All offices, whether old or newly constructed, require installation, maintenance and repair of the many heating, cooling and ventilation systems inside their buildings.

Commercial HVAC Opportunities

According to notes taken from a Real Estate conference on the commercial trends happening in Southern California, the outlook is good. Real estate in the SoCal region is growing, from small start-ups to large corporations. All of them wanting to provide comfortable working environments which may include HVAC systems.

Just a few of the fastest growing Southern California commercial businesses include movie studios, television stations, and advertising agents. But it is not all entertainment related. Other growing industries include healthcare businesses like nursing homes, hospitals, and urgent cares. Southern California is also host to military bases, as well as many facets of the aircraft industry.

Residential Opportunities

The types of residential homes in Southern California can range from mobile homes up to multi-million-dollar mansions.

Real-estate trends show real estate is a high demand, with both investors and home owners fighting for all types of housing. The types of housing being sought after the most are condominiums, apartments, and single-family homes.

Those who can’t purchase a home already built are choosing to construct new property. The Los Angeles times reported housing construction is on the rise, in Southern California more than other areas.

For an HVAC graduate, this means you can connect with home builders, real estate agents, and contractors to acquire the jobs of installing, maintaining and repairing the HVAC systems in many of these residences.

Train in the Region You Will Be Working

If you are going to live and work in Southern California, it is a good idea to attend an HVAC training program in Southern California. When you do this, you will understand the local environment, needs of local residences and commercial businesses.

Your professors will likely be familiar with HVAC situations you will face once you graduate and enter the job market. They will be able to explain the climate’s effect on HVAC conditions in Southern California, and the statistics they offer will be relative to your location.

You need to learn the newest systems with the latest technology in the region in which you plan to work. Southern California efficiency requirements may be different than what is needed in New York City. Therefore; training for your area is key. Employers are looking for those HVAC graduates who already can utilize new technology and systems.

Look for a local college that provides you with the most knowledge, in a time frame that can get you into the workforce in less than a year. You will find a college eager to help you reach your HVAC educational goals.

SBBCollege does not guarantee salary or employment. For important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program, visit sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation

The National Center for Educational Statistics reports those receiving financial aid for higher education has increased to 85 percent for those attending college for the first time. Every one of these students had to work through the various steps of applying for aid.

If you are one of these students, there is a lot to know about finding money to pay for college. This article gives you a detailed perspective on each of these important aspects of the financial aid process.

You will learn that sources of financial aid can come from different sources including family, grants, scholarships, and loans.You may even choose to apply to a federal work study program. You can apply for most of these through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can do this on the Department of Education’s website.

Meeting important deadlines, meeting payment due dates and working with college financial aid counselors are a few more areas to master when navigating financial aid. Keep reading for advice on how to navigate financial aid.

FAFSA Basics

The FAFSA is a free way to apply for money offered through grants, scholarships and loans to help you pay for higher education. It’s long, it may seem overwhelming, but it is a necessary part of getting the federal funding you need.

You can start applying on October 1^st of the year prior to beginning college. This allows you to make early decisions about where, when and how you attend college. Based on how much money you receive, you may choose to complete many courses online, or attend a local college for two years before transferring to a four-year program.

Know Grants and Scholarships

There are several types of funding you can pursue. They can range from gifts that you do not have to repay to loans with interest fees attached.

Grants are offered by the federal government based on income and need, as well as by colleges which can be based on merit or need. It’s important to apply for as many as possible to give yourself the best odds.

Another avenue for funding is a work study program. The funding does not have to be repaid, but you will be expected to work on campus in exchange for the funding.

Private colleges offer financial aid too but it’s not the FAFSA you need to complete. Instead, the CSS Profile is the application necessary for application of school-based scholarships.  A minimal application fee will help you reach more colleges than just the FAFSA.

The FAFSA is great but it is not the only way to acquire money for education. There are other sources of funding you should apply for including state-funded programs. You can use the State Financial Aid Locator tool to help you discover what is available.

Many scholarships are available through local, state, regional and national organizations. Individual corporations often have an application process for future students. Check with your local banks, groceries and even department stores to see if they offer scholarships.

Even if the funding they offer is small, it can help. Use websites like Fast Web and Scholly to create online searches for funding.

Once you have exhausted efforts applying for free funding, you can move on to loans. All loans will need to be repaid by a deadline.

Know the Types of Loans

Interest rates matter when it comes to taking out loans for college. You want to apply for loans with the lowest interest rates first. These are called subsidized loans and have a subsidy attached that requires the government to pay for part of the interest charges.

Opposite of this is unsubsidized loans. With these you are responsible for all the interest charges. On top of these there are parent plus loans and graduate plus loans, each specific to that group of students. One other way to obtain financial aid is through private loans.

Private loans are offered by many organizations, from banks and credit unions to credit card companies.

Take Advantage of Financial Aid Experts

No, you do not need to pay for help in applying for the FAFSA or any financial aid. Why pay when there are free experts waiting to help you? Take advantage of the college financial aid officers. They have access to online application systems and can guide you through each step of the process.

Guidance Counselors are also a great resource for finding college funding. They can provide advice based on your situation, your goals and your needs.

Extra Tips

Khan Academy offers a video course that helps you navigate the financial aid process. They help you analyze college costs, evaluate how your family’s income can affect funding, and walk you through every step of applying for aid.

Read the Frequently Asked Questions section on the FAFSA website. Here you can gain a wealth of information regarding each section. They also provide a checklist you can use to help you manage your application to avoid submitting it with incomplete information.

Apply as early as you can for all types of financial aid.

The number of courses you take will affect the amount of financial aid you can receive. So, when you apply, make sure you have thought about course load beforehand.

Know how much you need to borrow before you apply. A standard formula used by the department of Education is simple: cost of education-family contribution=what you need to borrow.

Take into consideration the many other factors when applying for financial aid. For instance, if you have existing debt, adding to it could make a difference. Or, if immediate or extended family members have resources such as retirement accounts or trusts, you may want to borrow from them instead of getting a high interest loan.

Finally, you may want to consider attending college in a non-traditional way, such as working full-time and taking online courses. The good news is that you have options in today’s higher education. Many local colleges offer flexible schedules both online and in person.

The key to navigating financial aid is to do the research and make choices best for your lifestyle.