If you’ve been dreaming of golden statuettes and rehearsing off-the-cuff acceptance speeches, you’re probably suffering from what we like to call “post-Oscar fever.” The best remedy for this condition? Do whatever it takes to get yourself on the red carpet. One of these behind-the-scenes entertainment careers might just help you secure your five minutes of fame.

Sound Design
Imagine what your favorite movie would be like without sound (silent films aside). What would signal the suspense? The comedy? The romance? Sound design, or sound editing, is one of those things many people don’t notice unless it’s missing – or really, really bad.

Sound designers, or supervising sound editors, are creative decision makers who work with the director to cast a vision for the sound of the film. A sound designer is responsible for all aspects of a film’s audio track, including dialogue, sound and Foley effects, pre-dubs, and the final mix. The ever-increasing demand for sophisticated soundtracks requires editors who can make the most of the creative potential of sound. In the last 10 years, Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing have gone to the supervising sound editors of powerhouse films like The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Dark Knight.

Cinematography
“Cinematographer” is a fancy name for the camera operator who films movies – but “cinematographer” sounds a lot better than “the guy who holds the camera.” Of course, there’s way more to cinematography than the basic point-and-shoot. Did you really think you could win an Oscar for holding your mom’s camcorder and wandering aimlessly about the action?

If you want to make movies with the big boys (and girls), it’s a good idea to go to college. Yes, you can learn a lot on the job, but formal training can give you insight into the more artistic aspects of filmmaking – essential experience if you’re planning to make the next Avatar. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual earnings for cinematographers are $42,940; bigger names earn more than $82,600.

Event Planning
Can you imagine coordinating something as huge as the Oscars? Obviously, it takes more than one person to pull that red-carpet extravaganza together. Making it on one of the many teams and committees that make the Academy Awards happen would be a dream job for any event planner.

To get started as an event planner, your best bet is to get a bachelor’s degree and as much as experience as you can, even at the volunteer level. Some schools even offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in meetings management. The BLS expects employment of event planners to grow faster than the average for all occupations, with planners earning a median annual salary of $44,780. The top 10 percent of planners – the ones we can assume coordinate Academy events – pull in at least $75,160.

Screenwriting
I might be biased, but how can anyone overlook bad writing when they’re watching a movie? In my mind, if the script stinks, the characters stink, and the whole movie stinks. Not even the best actors can save a colossal stank like that. (Case in point: the ill-fated movie Bewitched, nominated for the 2005 Razzie Award for Worst Screenplay. It was truly appalling.)

Though screenwriters are often overlooked, there are a few who have become household names. Woody Allen, for example, has garnered more screenwriting Academy Award nominations – 14! – than any other writer. (He won twice for Best Original Screenplay.) The average writer makes about $53,900 per year, reports the BLS, but Academy Award winners like Diablo Cody have got to be in the top 10 percent of paid screenwriters, bringing in more than $105,710 a year.

Don’t put off your award-winning career dreams till next season. Get red-carpet ready now!

-Robyn Tellefsen

It’s not easy to get a job these days, even when there are jobs to be had. Case in point: A friend of mine is a nurse manager in the psych ward of a major hospital, and she hasn’t been able to find anyone who’s qualified to be her assistant nurse manager. But that’s another story.

So what does it take to become a viable candidate for a solid, well-paying job? In the IT industry, the answer is clear: certification.

That’s the word from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) and its recent “Employer Perception of IT Training and Certification” report, which is based on an online survey of business and IT executives who have made a recent IT hiring decision, and an online survey of HR professionals.

Get Certified, Get Hired
According to CompTIA’s research, 86 percent of hiring managers indicate IT certifications are a high or medium priority during the candidate evaluation process. The jobs are out there, but roughly eight in ten HR executives say it’s challenging to find candidates with the right IT skill set. As companies struggle to fill positions, they’re looking for validated skills. Just like my nurse friend, IT managers can’t afford to hire an employee who can’t contribute right away.

That’s where certification comes in. Nearly two-thirds of IT managers (64 percent) indicate that IT certifications have extremely high or high value in validating skills and expertise. Employers regard certified professionals as possessing a proven ability to understand new or complex technologies and engage in more insightful problem solving, both of which lead to higher productivity. And we all know that productivity is the name of the game no matter where you work.

Certification will be sought beyond 2011, of course. Eight in 10 HR professionals (80 percent) believe IT certifications will grow in usefulness and importance over the next two years, reports CompTIA.

Mo’ Money, Mo’ Money, Mo’ Money
Not only can IT certification give you a leg up in the job hunt, it can also translate to a higher salary. According to the 2010 IT Skills and Salary Report from Global Knowledge and TechRepublic, professionals who had earned an IT certification during the last five years earned an average of $5,242 more than their counterparts ($85,628 vs. $80,386).

But not all IT certifications are created equal. According to the report, the top five technical certifications by average salary are:

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – $99,928
2. Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) – $93,953
3. VMware Certified Professional (VCP) – $91,271
4. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) – $89,864
5. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) – $86,454

Don’t underestimate the role of IT certification in the hiring process. If employers are relying on professional certifications to aid them in their hiring decisions, give ‘em what they want (and score a sweet salary in the process!).

–Robyn Tellefsen

There might have been a time when recruiters stalked soon-to-be college graduates to offer them big-paying jobs. Maybe it’s still true for an elite few, but it’s hardly the norm. In fact, Gen Y is dealing with a much tougher hiring landscape than the last few generations preceding it. But that’s no excuse to sit around and mooch off of your parents.

“It’s important to not to use the economy as a scapegoat,” says Christine Hassler, a Gen Y expert who recently partnered with ZYNC from American Express on The Quarterlife Project, which empowers 20-somethings with resources to take control of their finances. So many 20-somethings are collecting unemployment, or moving back home, she notes, so it’s more vital than ever to be inventive.

“If you can’t find a job, create one,” she says. In other words, you can’t sit around and wait for the perfect job to fall into your lap. “Do something to get money coming into your account,” she adds, and in turn, that will help prevent you from falling victim to debt and poor money management. Here are a couple of ways to do that:

- Think about what you’re good at, and offer that service to others — tutoring, writing, graphic design, whatever the case may be. If it’s a certification or lack of a skill that’s holding you back from getting hired, the income you take in can help pay for a course.

- Don’t act like you’re above an opportunity. “There’s a lot of pressure to keep up, and image is important,” says Hassler. “The big shift in thinking is to be willing to be humbled.” In other words, if you have to work at a department store while you continue to network, then so be it! In fact, you never know where it might take you. One of my best friends took a retail job during college to pay the bills, and today she’s a store manager for one of the most popular brand apparel stores in New York City (yep, she’s raking it in!).

- Have a good attitude. Again, don’t dwell on the misfortune of being thrust into a weak economy. Make it work for you when interviewing by telling prospective employers about your high productivity level, your willingness to wear many hats, and the value you can bring to their organization.

Have you ever landed a job in an unconventional way? Share your story below!

-Dawn Papandrea

According to the AARP, women are less likely to have enough money in the second half of their lives because of lower earnings and different work patterns (Translation: staying home with the kids). Another report states that 8.1 percent of women are currently unemployed. But there’s good news – a variety of organizations are making it a priority to support older women in their career and education pursuits. Here are a few:

Send One Suit Weekend
Dressbarn, a leading national retailer of women’s clothing, is teaming up with the nonprofit organization Dress for Success and its partners for its 9th annual Send One Suit Weekend. The goal? To give underprivileged women across the country the ability to walk into a job interview with confidence through the transformative power of professional attire. Through the campaign, low-income women looking to re-enter the workforce benefit from donations of gently used suits, pants, shirts, skirts, shoes, and other professional items.
Learn more: http://www.dressforsuccess.org/supportdfs_SOSweekend.aspx
Dates: February 24-27, 2011

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
The Jeannette Rankin Foundation awards scholarships to low-income women 35 and older in order to help them secure careers and break the cycle of poverty. Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited school where they will pursue a technical or vocational education, an associate degree, or a first bachelor’s degree. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of their goals, their plan for reaching those goals, challenges they may have faced, and their financial situation.
Download an application: http://www.rankinfoundation.org/
Scholarship deadline: March 1, 2011

AARP Women’s Scholarship Program
AARP Foundation’s Women’s Scholarship Program provides scholarship funds to women 40 and older who have limited financial resources and who are seeking new job skills, training, and educational opportunities. Awards range from $500 to $5,000, depending on financial need and the cost of the education or training program. Scholarship winners also receive mentoring services during their first year of school. All recipients must be enrolled in an accredited school or technical program within six months of receiving the award. Previous recipients may reapply fora second year of assistance.
Apply online: http://www.aarp.org/womensscholarship
Scholarship deadline: March 31, 2011

AAUW Career Development Grants
The American Association of University Women’s Career Development Grants support women who hold a bachelor’s degree and are preparing to advance their careers, change careers, or re-enter the work force. These one-time awards range from $2,000 to $12,000. Special consideration is given to women of color and to women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields. Grants provide support for course work in a master’s degree or second bachelor’s degree program – no PhDs – or for specialized training in technical or professional fields. Funds are available for distance learning as well.
Apply online: http://www.aauw.org/learn/fellowships_grants/career_development.cfm
Annual scholarship deadline: Mid-December

Talbots Women’s Scholarships
The Talbots Charitable Foundation offers its scholarship program to women pursuing a college degree later in life, awarding 10 $15,000 scholarships and one $30,000 Nancy Talbot Scholarship Award. To be considered for an award, you must have earned a high school diploma or GED at least 10 years prior to application. You must also be enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate course of study for the full upcoming academic year. Scholarship winners also receive gift cards from Talbots, Borders, and Office Depot, as well as a backpack filled with Office Depot supplies, and the Reinvention Resumé Plus eKit, a step-by-step tool to develop resumés and cover letters.
Get more info: www.talbots.com/scholarship
Annual scholarship deadline: Mid-January

It’s never too late to get back in the career saddle, ladies!

-Robyn Tellefsen

Here’s a fact: Not everyone is college material. When said like that, it may come off as demeaning, but that’s not at all the intention. By the same token, not everyone can fix a furnace, repair a car, style hair, or clean teeth; I know I can’t do any of those. Yet those are all specialized skills that are very marketable (and cost a pretty penny if you’re on the receiving end of those services!). What they have in common is that they do not require a formal four-year college education, but instead, career education.

But here’s the issue: Our society has been so pro-college over the last couple of decades, that we’re pushing high schoolers through to pursue degrees they may not even be interested in. Unfortunately, when their passions and talents lie elsewhere outside the realm of term papers and lecture halls, it results in them dropping out, often saddled with student loans.

Finally, a respected academic institution has come out to say that while education is always a good thing, it’s not one size fits all. The report “Pathways to Prosperity” released from the Harvard Graduate School of Education last week give a big thumbs up to career education:

The Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce projects that 14 million job openings—nearly half of those that will be filled by workers with post-secondary education—will go to people with an associate’s degree or occupational certificate. Many of these will be in “middle-skill” occupations such as electrician, and construction manager, dental hygienist, paralegal and police officer.

While these jobs may not be as prestigious as those filled by B.A. holders, they pay a significant premium over many jobs open to those with just a high school degree. More surprisingly, they pay more than many of the jobs held by those with a bachelor’s degree. In fact, 27 percent of people with post-secondary licenses or certificates—credentials short of an associate’s degree—earn more than the average bachelor’s degree recipient.

In other words, a traditional college education is hardly the only route to career success. Just remember that the next time you need to call a plumber, need technical support for your smart phone, or see a fire truck racing by to respond to an emergency.

-Dawn Papandrea

Whether you watched Super Bowl XLV to root on the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Green Bay Packers or you only tuned in for the commercials and the Black Eyed Peas’ halftime performance, you’re probably not expecting to advance your career through the event. But – suspend your disbelief – I’ve discovered that pro football players can actually teach us a lot more than how to handle the pigskin. Stay with me for some career advice straight from the hallowed halls of the NFL.

>> Never underestimate yourself.
At 38, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, already the youngest coach to ever win a Super Bowl, is now also the youngest coach to make it to the Super Bowl twice. As a young African-American man who never played in the NFL, Tomlin could have doubted his ability to lead a team to victory. Instead, he’s making career history.
Career lessons: Maybe the job you’re vying for typically goes to someone older, a member of the opposite sex, or someone of a difference race. But typical doesn’t have to apply to you. After all, just because it’s never happened before doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Get your head in the game and prepare to beat the odds.

>> Emphasize your strengths.
Stats-wise, Pittsburgh QB Big Ben Roethlisberger might not look the best on paper, but at the end of the day, he’s hard to beat. He doesn’t have the accuracy of Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, but he does have certain intangibles (e.g., getting out of the pocket, being tough to sack) that allow him to play a good game.
Career lessons: If your resume isn’t deep enough to beat the competition, your interview is essential. So what if you didn’t go to Harvard or graduate summa cum laude? Prove that when push comes to shove, you’ve got what it takes to get the job done.

>> Be a team player.
Rashard Mendenhall isn’t necessarily a household name, but he’s one of the major reasons the Jets lost in the playoffs. (Sorry, fellow New York fans…) The Steelers running back ran all over the Jets, besting a team that was dying to make it to Dallas. Mendenhall isn’t listed among the greats just yet, but fame isn’t everything – even in the NFL.
Career lessons: Don’t become obsessed with making your mark and therefore step on everyone else to get there. Team players actually have a better shot at success, garnering greater employer recognition. Learn to play well with others – no one wants to work with a “superstar.”

>> Work hard till the end.
I bet the Chicago Bears thought they had it made when they were ranked the number two team in the NFC going into the playoffs. But Green Bay – a wild card – bested the Bears in the last round and snagged their spot.
Career lessons: If you’re up for a new job or promotion, now is not the time to rest on your laurels or previous credentials. You need to step up your game and prove yourself worthy in your interview or performance review. Work hard and persevere until you get what you want.

So as you’re getting over your Super Bowl hangover, start thinking about what you can do to achieve career success. We’re cheering you on!

-Robyn Tellefsen

In just a few weeks, a group of remarkable fifth graders will be going to the Oscars. The P.S. 22 Chorus from Staten Island, NY has already gone viral with their inspiring performances, and now they’re preparing to sing for their biggest audience yet. I recently had the opportunity to interview the chorus director, Gregg Breinberg (affectionately known as Mr. B) for Staten Island Parent magazine. But one thing he said really stood out to me as great advice that would be applicable for this blog.

”Everyone has a song that works for them,” he said. And while he was referring to how he tries to let all of the kids in his chorus get a moment in the solo spotlight, I think that notion works metaphorically as well. Everyone has a niche, or something they’re good at, or something they were meant to do. And education can help propel you forward so that you can find your “career voice.”

Success can happen when you least expect it, if you’re willing to work for it. Just look at these kids!

They come from all walks of life, from diverse backgrounds, some of them from broken homes and difficult situations. Yet together, they create something beautiful and exude a confidence that one can only hope will follow them throughout their lives.

By that same token, you may have obstacles and challenges and other responsibilities that come in the way of you pursuing your educational or career goals, but it is possible to work through them. Surround yourself with supportive people, make a few sacrifices, and even if it takes five years, that’s OK. In five years you can be where you are right now, or you can be doing something completely different. It’s up to you to make it happen.

-Dawn Papandrea