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Air Conditioning Repair as a Career

Air Conditioning Repair

Air conditioning repair is important since AC is found almost everywhere. Air conditioning improves comfort levels, which is known to improve our productivity levels at work. A good air conditioning system can even improve the air quality in a room, keeping pollens away.

The cooler a room, the less inviting to pests and insects. People also sweat less and aren’t as likely to become dehydrated.

Just like everything else, there are pros and cons to using air conditioning. One con is that the systems are not always perfect. Most systems require maintenance and repair, sometimes more than others.

Therefore, there is a great need for air conditioning repair technicians. In fact, the need for repair technicians is growing rapidly.

 

Career Outlook for Air Conditioning Repair

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, or HVAC, is expected to rise over the next ten years. With an estimated average income between $40,000 and $50,000, this line of work is very appealing.

Your salary will differ based on many factors. One may be the level of education and experience you have acquired. Another factor may be the location in which you work. Air conditioning is used by many more people in areas of the world where temperatures are hotter.

For instance, those in The South are more dependent on-air conditioning for longer periods of the year because they have more months with hotter temperatures. Therefore, they tend to use air conditioning systems for longer periods.

Duties of the job will also vary depending on the location of the system, how often it is used and because the uses are different for both residential and commercial environments.

 

Duties of an Air Conditioning Repair Technician

All repair technicians need to have the basic skills of being able to listen well to clients, communicating with customers and other technicians, and being creative when it comes to solutions. You will also need to have appropriate time management and organizational skills.

Air conditioning repair is not simply taking out an old system and installing a new one. There are many other tasks and steps you can take to resolve a problem for a system owner.

Repair technicians will need to know how to read blueprints of a house or building so you can identify where the system is located, its layout or where you need to install it. Other duties include following proper codes set forth for good business practices, safely wiring or rewiring low voltage systems and over-seeing the processes of installation and repair.

There may be times where you are providing technical service in the field and when a solution is not clear, you may find yourself troubleshooting until you find the right answers.

Air conditioning systems do not become faulty during a regular business week. As you know, systems break down in the evenings and on weekends. This means, as a repair technician, you will need to be on-call and expect to work odd hours to meet the needs of your customers.

Providing excellent customer service is one of the top duties of a repair technician. After all, the relationships you build with customers can help grow your business.

 

Educational Requirements of a Repair Technician

Air conditioning repair technicians with educational backgrounds may find it easier to obtain a job in the field. Larger companies want to hire employees who have made the efforts in getting an education and on the job training, such as that with an apprenticeship.

Many companies want new employees to have at least three years of on the job training, where they have been supervised by a more experienced technician.

Furthermore, employers like to hire technicians who have post-secondary education from a trade school or college in which they obtained licensure or certification stating they completed proper training.

 

Courses of Study for Repair Technicians

The courses you can expect to study as an air conditioning repair technician student include cooling and refrigeration, basic electricity, compressors, and the diverse types of systems and ventilation options.

Air conditioning repair technicians will need to learn much more than just cooling. In fact, they will also take classes on heating, heat pumps, motors, hvac piping, commercial and residential type systems, and detection of leaks and other problems.

You will learn how to determine air quality, which control circuit types are best for the job you are doing, soldering, and brazing.

The best thing about taking courses in this field is that they properly prepare you for taking the certification exam required for repair technicians by the EPA.

Whether you decide to become self-employed or work for a larger HVAC company, this certificate will assist you. It helps customers and employers feel secure in that you have received the proper amount of training to help you complete the job at hand.

It shows them you can work in different environments, solving a wide range of air conditioning problems.

 

Types of Work Environments

Climate control systems are advancing and becoming much more sophisticated for both commercial and residential environments. Office spaces, no matter how large or small, can install or upgrade air conditioning systems. With the constant development of new shopping malls, restaurants, office buildings and residential neighborhoods, there is a constant need for HVAC services.

You may find yourself repairing air conditioning systems in schools, hospitals, factories, government offices and even grocery stores. The work environments will be just as varied as the problems. Your work environment will often be hot and may need to happen when the weather is less than satisfactory.

But if you enjoy helping people in need, finding creative solutions that improve the lifestyle of others, and preventing the loss of products such as foods and medicines, this job is for you.

You may fine rewarding pay and each new day brings something different. It is doubtful you will find yourself bored by repeating the same routine day after day.

With expected growth in the use of air conditioning systems, the need for repair technicians will also grow, making it easier for you to maintain and grow a long-term, satisfying career.

 

Career Options with a Legal Degree

Career Options With A Legal Degree - SBBCollege

Becoming a lawyer or a judge is not the only way to work in the legal field. These jobs may be the first areas that come to mind but they are just two of the numerous professional areas in which you can seek work after obtaining your legal degree.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there are jobs in the legal field that are increasing faster than average. Jobs such as paralegals and legal assistants are expected to grow by fifteen percent between now and 2026. These are professional fields you can enter with just an Associate Degree.

Whether you get your legal degree in paralegal studies or the criminal justice field, you will study a wide range of coursework that can help prepare you for varied careers.

Below you will find more information on specific careers for those with a legal degree.

 

Working with Juveniles

If you have a desire to work with children and adolescents, you have several areas in which you can focus within the legal industry.

Youth Advocacy can allow you to work for positive changes on behalf of the youth in your community. You can do this through outreach, education and helping make policy changes. Youth advocates typically have a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

The main goal of a Youth Advocate is to act in the best interest of the youth in which you are working with to make sure their rights and needs are being met.

Also, with a legal degree in Criminal Justice, you can work directly with juveniles on probation or use your experience as a juvenile court counselor. But you don’t always need a bachelor’s degree to work with juveniles. You can work in juvenile correctional facilities with an Associates Degree.

You will also be prepared to serve as a case manager for youth in the legal system. Because of the rise in drug and alcohol issues in America, your criminal justice degree can prepare to work in treatment centers as well as in social services.

You may even choose to work with juvenile attorneys, or work with attorney in other areas.

 

Working with Attorneys

As a paralegal or legal assistant, you will be able to support attorneys and law firms in many ways. You may seek a job as a legal office receptionist, one of the most important jobs in the field. It is the legal office receptionist who is the first point of contact for the firm.

With an Associate degree, you will be prepared to perform all necessary legal job duties required to succeed in the profession.

If legal researching sounds more appealing, you will be prepared to perform those duties as well. Legal researchers work closely with lawyers, preparing for court cases. You will research former cases, verdicts, laws and any other information that can improve your attorney’s chances during trial.

Your legal degree prepares you to discuss cases using the right legal terminology. You will also know how to distinguish between legal documents your attorney uses.

Rather than working directly with attorneys in a firm, some graduates choose to work inside the court system.

 

Working with Court Systems

As a Court Clerk, you can have the chance to assist officers of the court, such as judges, other clerks and attorneys. You could seek a position in a county court, district court, all the way up to the Supreme Court. Duties may be to handle various legal documents, issue licenses or permits, and record court appearances.

Other ways to work in the court system is with a legal degree in Criminal Justice. You could become a bailiff assistant or a bail bonds assistant.

A bail bond is a legal contract between the court, the bail bond agent and a co-signer who is willing to put up a percentage of money for someone who has been arrested to be released from jail. As an assistant, you will take care of all the administrative tasks this process involves.

A bailiff assistant handles court schedules, docket records and respond to other requests by court officials, which can range from locating judges to assisting with DNA checkpoints.

If working in these specific areas of the legal system does not sound appealing, that’s okay. There are many other areas you can seek work. These can be working with the community, private agencies, public or governmental agencies.

 

Working with the Community

Social service agencies work with the community at large. If you are interested in serving the health of the community and the people in your community, this may be an area for you to investigate further. Social service agencies can be non-profit organizations, social workers, and even private agencies working toward the good of the community.

There are close to two million social service workers in America, and rising. Meaning, there is an increase in your chances of landing a job in this field, assisting professionals such as counselors, case managers, treatment centers and probation offices.

Aside from human services, jobs exist in other private and public agencies too.

 

Private and Public Agency Opportunities with a Legal Degree

Seeking a job in corporations, insurance companies, and government agencies on the local, state and federal levels may interest you.

With a criminal justice degree, whether associate’s or bachelor’s, you can search for jobs working at private security companies, colleges and universities, airports or even working security detail for an individual.

You will be educated in criminal behaviors, victimology and the law, you may want to put your skills to use in agencies that seek to rehabilitate criminals or work with domestic violence victims. From advocacy to apprehending violators, you have a broad range of jobs to consider.

As a paralegal, you can choose to work in large private law firms or become an entrepreneur and start your own paralegal consulting business. Your Associate degree prepares you for all job possibilities in these sectors.

A legal degree is not a guarantee of your dream job right away. However, it does teach you and better equip you to reach that goal.

 

 

Top 5 Reasons You Should Get into the Medical Field

Medical Field | SBBCollege

Deciding what to do for your career can be difficult. You have multiple talents. You have multiple dreams. It’s important to find the right balance between both of those, while also considering other factors such as income and growth potential. The medical field offers a wide range of opportunities that can meet your needs. And you don’t have to be a physician to reach your goals of financial or personal freedom. In fact, there are many more jobs available in the administrative and patient care branches that require just a small amount of education.

This means you can achieve financial and personal goals with as little as a two-year degree. This is fantastic, especially since jobs in the medical field are increasing rapidly. Around the world there is a need for all types of medical professionals.

Below are five top reasons to work in the medical field that can help you when considering your career path.

 

1. It Is the Fastest Growing Industry

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the Healthcare industry to be growing faster than all other industries. The expected growth rates of jobs in the medical field between 2012 and 2022 show a diagnostic sonographer at 46 percent, while a physician assistant is 38 percent.

Other areas in the healthcare field expected to grow rapidly include occupational therapists, medical receptionists, and even medical equipment repairer.

The idea that you could be working in one of these fast-growing careers in under two years is exciting. The rapid growth rate of the industry is making it hard for hospitals and clinics to recruit those of you with specialty talents and education.

Recruiting methods are now including paid tuition, bonuses and in some areas, free housing. This is needed because the job openings far exceed the number of qualified staff to fill the openings. Jobs in the medical field are increasing in demand.

 

2. Flexible Scheduling Available

The types of jobs available in the medical field are varied and many are finding they have flexibility when it comes to the scheduling. Whether administrative or in the field, there are opportunitiesto work the hours that fit your needs and the needs of your family or lifestyle.

You may choose to work on the business side and do the important tasks of medical billing, coding, managing or assisting in an office environment. You can choose from daytime hours, evening hours, and even weekend hours.

The administrative staff and the healthcare staff complement one another.Many clinics and hospitals are open around the clock. Meaning, you have the chance to work varied shifts.

If you are interested in working with patients to check vital signs, administering medications and other tasks in a clinical setting, there can be many opportunities to find the right practice or medical facility that benefits your scheduling needs.

Each job area in the medical field recognizes the importance of providing staff with flexibility. Unlike many other professions, you can create a schedule that suits you, and you can make a nice income.

 

3. Earnings Potential

Many years ago, the physician made the best income in the medical field. While this was true, they also had to spend many years in higher education, accumulating a lot of student loan debt.

Today, and in just a couple of years, a person can get a great paying job in the medical industry. Results shown at Healthcare Management Degree, salaries are higher than ever for a variety of medical professions.

According to GetEducated.com, reports show radiologic and MRI technologists can ear close to $60,000. The same is true for respiratory therapists and nurses.

Other reports state you can make between $52,000 as a cardiovascular technician or physical therapist technician to $65,000 as a diagnostic sonographer to $70,000 as a dental hygienist. All of these require a two-year degree and many programs can be fast-tracked for your convenience.

There are people with four-year college degrees who do not make this much money. In fact, many people graduate with large student loan debt and are only able to find a job at an entry level that pays very little.

Seeking a career in the medical field also means you may have paid for benefits, as well as options for the hours you wish to work.

 

4. Multiple Medical Field Career Options

What fields of study can get you the right job in the medical industry? Believe it or not, some fields do not require a degree from college. But if you get a 2-year degree, you significantly increase your opportunities in the medical field. You also increase your chances for moving up the ladder at the clinic or hospital in which you are employed.

The career choices you have can change as you grow and change. You may want to start out your career as a medical assistant and continue your education to become a nurse. Or, you may want to move from a radiologic technician to a diagnostic sonographer. Most of the time, there are clear steps to advancement based on acquiring new skills. And with the ample educational opportunities at Two-Year Colleges to provide you with the courses and certificates necessary to make your move, you increase your chances of success.

 

5. You Can Make a Difference

Your goal is to make a difference. You enjoy helping others and you are good at making people feel valued, safe and comfortable. You are perfect for the medical field. Making a difference can be done on many levels.

You can begin making a difference when you are a student in medical studies. There are multiple opportunities for practical field experiences, volunteering and job shadowing. You can even participate in paid internships.

The difference you can make in touching the lives of patients is often found to be more rewarding than financial gains. At the end of each day, you don’t remember how many dollars you earned. You do remember, however, how many lives you helped.

The best investment you can make is in you. Invest in the right education that can help you achieve your goals in the shortest amount of time.

When compared to other fields of study, working in the medical field offers a great return on your investment.

Developing Marketable Skills at a Business School

Marketable Skills | SBBCollege

Are you in a business school and wondering how you can make yourself look more attractive in the workforce? You are not alone. One of the best ways to maximize your time in business school is to develop marketable skills that may help you find the right job.

You already have a great deal of education on the important topics within your industry. You understand how organizational, leadership, finance and legal skills are essential for success in businesses. You have learned the importance of management, technical, ethical and regulatory compliance skills.

Now, you just need to add specific marketable skills that enhance what you already know.

Having marketable skills means you have a talent that someone else is willing to buy. To make more money in your career, you need to have a skill that other people may not have but need.

You can start developing marketable skills now. Don’t wait until you are finished with your higher education to begin setting yourself apart from your competition.

 

The Best Marketable Skills to Have

Money magazine participated in a large study of millions of employer profiles to discover the most marketable career skills. They found there are 21 skills that stood out from the rest. Some of these top skills include bottom line management, strategic thinking, and advanced technology.

Other skills include being able to lead others, analyze data, solve problems, creativity, and social media literacy. It is also important for you to be able to adapt and grow with an ever-changing world of businesses and business trends. Even more, it is important to find ways to shine and stand out among the crowd.

You may already have marketable skills. A great first step is to analyze your current abilities and make a list of the skills you already have that can make you more marketable in the job world. The next step is to make a list of the skills you want to gain. Then, go out and develop them. This can be done even while in school.

Below you will find tips to developing these types of marketable skills while attending business school.

 

Advance Your Tech Abilities

Computers and technology are not going away. Just the opposite. Every industry can benefit from someone with advanced technology skills. You can make yourself more marketable by learning as much as you can within the technology industry.

Business schools have extensive course offerings to help you do this. From computer networking to hardware configuration to troubleshooting and repairs, there are classes available. There are also technology classes that can help you advance your skills in networking, installing programs and using advanced versions of common software.

Classes like these can prepare you to take certification exams. If you pass the exam, you will be rewarded with an actual certificate that shows potential employers or customers that you have advanced knowledge and marketable skills. Examples of certifications include Microsoft Technical Associate or Office Specialist.

 

Become a Champion Communicator

Developing communication skills goes beyond having the ability to give a speech or interact with colleagues. While those are important, communication entails much more.

Communication skills are both verbal and non-verbal. They include communications through writing, online social media abilities, and how well you can motivate and coach others. Communication also involves your ability to listen well, to the needs of your employer and to your customers.

A business school is a suitable place to advance your communication skills. There are both online and in-person opportunities that give you practice in communications.

Subscribing to newsletters from leaders and departments can teach you how to receive communications and pick out the most valuable information from each. Taking advanced technology skills will help you with your online communications. You can even join social media groups to gain practice in how to properly respond to both negative and positive posts.

Attending campus meetings and participating in groups and clubs can give you experience working with your peers and learning how to communicate verbally and non-verbally. Working in groups will also show employers you have well-rounded collaboration skills.

 

Become a Better Leader

Business schools offer many opportunities to develop your leadership skills. Finding a mentor in an Instructor or campus leader is one way. Just by spending time with other leaders can teach you the skills they have that make them successful.

In many cases, shadowing other leaders if a reality-based learning tool. You can also take courses that teach specific leadership skills such as organization, management, marketing and problem solving. You can create your own opportunities while in school too. For instance, organize a community service project in which you lead others in an activity that benefits others.

You may also want to help new students by orienting them to the school, assist a professor or volunteer in administrative offices on campus. Fundraising events are great ways to gain leadership skills. The more you do, the more your leadership skills will be noticeable to potential employers.

 

Become a Problem-Solving Pro

Problems exist in colleges, just as they do in the real world. Solving problems shows you can research the problem, develop creative ideas to solve the problem and implement solutions. These are skills all employers desire for their staff.

While in business school, many of your courses will teach you how to apply learned problem-solving techniques to real-world problems. You can also create opportunities for yourself while in school. Research problems you hear your peers discussing. Develop solutions to these problems and work with a group to create a solution.

Doing so shows you not only have the skills to solve a problem, but the initiative and motivation to create something better. It will also show you are good at time management, teamwork and critical, strategic thinking.

You can start improving your skills today. Business schools offer many opportunities to do so. Whether you take a specific course, assist a professor, or lead your own project, you will be able to develop marketable skills that increase your employability.

Tips for Finding a Job Related to Your Degree

Finding A Job | SBBCollege

Graduating from college with a degree is the reward you deserve after putting forth such significant effort. You worked hard to successfully obtain a degree. Now you are ready for the next step, finding a job related to your degree.

As you may already know, graduating in a specific degree program is no guarantee of a job related to your degree. Every field, from business to technology to healthcare, will vary in job availability. While some fields may be in high need of applicants, others may be overwhelmed with applicants.

This does not mean finding a job is impossible. There are tips you can follow to help you in your search. Below are some of these helpful tips.

 

Finding A Job Through Networking

Networking simply means get to know people. When networking while finding a job, it means you are getting to know people who work in your preferred industry.

Employers enjoy hiring people they already know, or those who are referred by someone they know. Networking and meeting people in your field of study could take your application from the bottom of a slush pile to the top.

Start with your references and expand from there, reaching out to important people in your industry. Be genuine in your communications, ask for advice and focus on building relationships.

 

Apprentice

While you have acquired the knowledge to work in your field of study, you can never have too much on the job experience. An apprenticeship is a smart way to gain that experience needed for finding a job while at the same time gaining references.

Apprenticeships offer you the technical experience you need to stand out from the crowd when job searching. Some companies even offer paid apprenticeships. Meaning, you make money learning to do the job you love.

 

Career Counselors

Career counselors know and have access to the many resources to help you in your job search. They can teach you the online job sites where employers in your field are posting open positions.

Career counselors may also have access to assessments you can take to determine which direction your job search should be going. They can help you set realistic goals and expectations.

Meeting with a career counselor can give you someone to talk to when you are feeling apprehensive or struggling with the job search process. They can offer you advice and give you positive feedback to keep you from losing sight of your goals.

 

Make a Mark in Your Field of Study

Making a mark in your field of study simply means to find a way to help or do charitable deeds. Helping others feels good and makes you feel valuable.

Volunteering is one of the best ways to give back to your field of study. For example, if you want to work in the healthcare industry, volunteering at a children’s hospital will not only look good on your resume, but it will give you internal rewards that are priceless.

Through volunteer work, you will meet potential references and increase your network for finding a job. You may even gain access to unpublished job openings.

 

Stay Updated in Your Field

Many fields of study require keeping up to date with the latest certifications and learning current trends. Just because you have finished your degree doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. In fact, the more learning you do, the more you can offer to a new employer.

Staying updated does not necessarily mean you need to continue taking college level courses. There are many ways to gain additional knowledge in your degree field. Continuing education classes, certification courses and even online courses can benefit your job search.

You can start this process by subscribing to newsletters from successful people in your industry. You can also join online forums and groups where potential colleagues are discussing important trends in your field. This gives you the perfect opportunity to communicate directly with those who have proven to be successful in finding jobs related to their degree.

 

Ask Those Who Have Been Successful

You have probably seen or met people who graduate college and succeeded at finding a job in their degree field right away. They did something right, right? Why not ask them for advice? Find out what steps they took to get a job and do the same.

You could benefit from having a mentor and the best time to get a mentor in your field is in the beginning. Seek a mentor who you admire and who has been successful, even in tougher times. Your mentor should be someone who cares about your growth in the field as much as helping you get a job.

A good mentor can help you develop your strengths, increase your confidence and motivate you throughout your career.

 

Think About Starting Your Own Business

Sometimes not finding a job related to your degree right away can be a good thing. It gives you the opportunity to think about starting your own business. Being an entrepreneur today is exciting and many people are finding remarkable success on their own.

Being an entrepreneur allows you the ability to create your dream job, based on your life goals, rather than the goals of an employer.

The benefits of starting your own business include the flexibility of your time. You can set your own work times and modify them based on client needs. You get to follow your own vision, based on your strengths.

Because you are self-employed, you become more motivated to succeed. You work harder to see your dreams come true, filling you with a sense of pride when you do succeed.

Being an entrepreneur helps you reach your career mission sooner. And while there will be ups and downs, you will benefit and grow from experiencing both.

While not everyone will have the same job hunting experience, you can benefit from the same tips. Meeting people in your industry, staying up to date on trends, expanding your knowledge and volunteering give you more than just an edge in your job search.