CollegeSurfing Insider

Want to make some noise at next year’s GRAMMY awards? You can with a career in audio engineering, says a brand new article at CollegeSurfing.com.

Learn more about how to make (sound) waves in this tech-driven profession that’s expected to see lots of job growth in the coming decade. If you love the music biz, but have an American Idol-reject type singing voice, a behind-the-scenes audio engineering career may be the big break you’re looking for.

Thanks for listening (sorry — couldn’t resist!).

Photo: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times

So now the latest news reports include allegations that Mary J. Blige, along with rap musicians 50 Cent, Timbaland, and Wyclef Jean used performance-enhancing drugs to boost their bodies. Sheesh. What’s a buff lovin’ athlete/rap star/musician to do?

Maybe hook up with a personal fitness trainer whose worth his/her weight (muscle mass weight, that is) in education, maybe?! Thanks to top-notch training programs that combine biomechanics and fitness training with anatomy, physiology, and the prescription of legal exercise supplements, it is possible to work with a fitness instructor who can help you flaunt rock-hard abs, throw a 90 mph curveball, and have sick biceps in time for the next Grammy Awards ceremony!

Sound like a field you’d be interested in jumping into? Programs like those offered at American Academy of Personal Training and the National Personal Training Institute will put you in the gym and on the road to a lucrative career (if you stay away from the steroids, that is) in under three months.

-Gina LaGuardia

NBC Photo: Virginia Sherwood

I never thought I’d be a TV junkie, but alas, I have a lineup of shows I just can’t miss four out of the seven days of the week. And just when the holiday madness is over every year, I look forward to snuggling up on the couch with a new season of 24 and LOST.

But not in ‘08. The writers’ strike went and messed that up. And I couldn’t be happier about it! As a fellow writer, I know what it’s like sometimes for people to take what I do for granted. “Anyone can write,” people say. My grandmother brags that my sister is a professor, but when she gets to me, she says I have a beautiful son (which I’m proud to say I do!). But I also have a career as a writer, grandma — and people even pay me for it! Go figure… So I can imagine what it must be like for a TV writer to hear remarks like: “TV stinks… I could write something better than these guys.” Sure, you can.

Beyond relating to the plight of the writer, though, there is much to learn about careers and career education from the writers’ strike:

- Writing is a necessary skill; good writing is a talent. Ever go to a restaurant and see numerous typos on the menu? For me, anyway, it reflects poorly on the business as a whole. That’s because in nearly every industry, the ability to communicate well is coveted by employers and consumers. How you present an idea at a meeting, write up a business plan, even your e-mail address (hotmama08@inappropriate.com anyone?) is a reflection of the job you’ll do. That’s why people pay writers, editors, and designers to help them get their message out the right way.

- You don’t have to settle for paltry pay just because you’re lucky enough to love what you do. That goes for writers, artists, and other “starving” professionals, too. If you keep your skills updated, have a warm personality, and turn in flawless work, you should be able to find an employer or client who appreciates the work you do. It may take a little creativity and continuing education, though, to stay fresh and not get stuck in a dead-end job. Which brings us to the next point…

- We don’t need to watch that much TV. As the strike continues, we’re faced with a future that includes re-runs, bad D-list celebrity reality shows, and five nights of “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” See that as the perfect excuse to incorporate some TV-free nights into your week (unless of course, you actually like dumb quiz shows) and take some courses or market your talents by building a Web site, for instance.

- There is strength in numbers. Marching into your boss’ office and demanding better pay or you’ll walk off the job probably won’t end up too well for you. But when a large group like the writer’s union bands together, their collective voice is heard. While you may not be in a union, you can still benefit from being part of a group. Join professional associations and attend their networking events to learn about job openings, career training opportunities, and more.

I hope the writers wind up getting their fair share, and not just because I’m dying to know how the LOST crew made it off the island, or what impending doom Jack Bauer will take on next. They deserve compensation for entertaining us TV junkies night after night. Don’t believe me? Just see how you feel after being subjected to “Temptation Island: The Next Generation.”

Are you ready for the fall TV season? Despite my deep disappointment in the cancellation of “Veronica Mars” (VM fans, I know you feel my pain), the fall TV lineup doesn’t look completely bleak for me … Kristen Bell (Veronica herself) is going to be on “Heroes”! When I heard she signed on for a 13-episode arc, I was hooked. The only problem: I didn’t watch “Heroes” last season.

So I did what any other die-hard fan would do — I rented all seven “Heroes: Season One” discs, and had a nail-biting, edge-of-my-seat, 23-episode marathon this past week. I’m watching the last two episodes tonight, and I can’t wait to find out what happens. Will the bomb blow up NYC? Which exploding man will need to be stopped: Peter? Ted? Sylar? Who will finally kill Sylar?

To the rest of the world that has known the fate of the heroes for months, my questions might sound lame. But I’d like to point out a parallel between my “Heroes”-latecomer status and the plight of a career changer. Humor me.

If you’re a career changer, you might feel like a latecomer in the game of life. Maybe all your friends have secure and satisfying careers, but you still haven’t found your niche. You went into business, but you really wanted to teach. You became a nurse, but you’ve been developing an interest in yoga. You work with computers, but you’ve always wanted to try your hand at the culinary arts.

I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late, and you’re not alone. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, by 2010, 16 million people in the country will be enrolled in colleges and universities. More than half of these students are baby boomers. With this education investment, adult career changers are poised to penetrate the workforce en masse. When you consider previous experience and workplace skills, these adults may even be a hotter commodity than the young, newly minted grads making that first foray into the world of work.

Back to TV: You could say that I missed out by not watching “Heroes” last season. But in actuality, I saved myself from some late nights and was able to experience the whole season at once, without waiting a week to soak up the next installment. (A bonus for me, who hates when those three little words appear at the end of a TV show: “To be continued.”) Instead of watching in drips and drabs last season, I didn’t start until I was committed to the show.

That’s not to say that those who have already happily found their career (or those who watched “Heroes” last season) got the short end of the stick. In fact, there is no short end of the stick. It doesn’t matter when you make a career commitment, whether you’re 20, 30, 40, 50 or older–it only matters that you make the commitment at all.

The fact is, it’s never too late for you to find the career of your dreams. And it’s never too late for me to catch up on an amazing show. The experience is still fresh, new, and exciting for us, and that’s all that matters.

Just don’t let anyone give away the ending!

Photo: NBC/John Russo

-Robyn Tellefsen

Shows like “House M.D.,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Scrubs” can give viewers a glimpse of the inner-workings of a health care career, but fiction is often a far cry from reality. I mean c’mon, have you ever seen that many good-looking doctors in one ER? And as smart as Dr. House is, would any patient or family member not punch him in the jaw in real life?! (Unless you’re like Dr. Cameron — and me — who secretly love House, that is!)

Even more far off from medical reality than good-looking, wise-cracking doctors who all have affairs with each other is the portrayal of nurses and other medical support staff. Apparently, they aren’t needed in TV hospitals because TV doctors do it all — X-rays, patient diagnosis, MRIs, surgeries, psych counseling, all with hardly any paperwork!

Those who obsess over “24,” “CSI,” or “Criminal Minds” may find that a career in law enforcement better captures their attention. And while such crime-busting, mystery-solving careers surely come with excitement and intrigue, don’t expect it on a daily basis. Even the best investigators have to toil with paperwork, boring cases, bureaucracy, and even an occasional bathroom break. Isn’t it weird that TV characters never have to go?! Even Jack Bauer — that’s 24 hours straight of holding it in!

For viewers who can’t get enough of their favorite performers on “Dancing With the Stars” or “American Idol,” know that you don’t have to go the celebrity B-list route or make a fool of yourself doing lame Old Navy and Coke commericial montages (those poor Idol kids) to earn a big break. You just have to be talented (having a solid perfoming arts education helps!), and learn how to market yourself. Oh, and there’s that whole working your way up, paying your dues, and waiting tables thing, too.

The bottom line is don’t believe everything you see on TV. For instance, I don’t believe for a second that John Locke will die on “Lost” — Losties, are you with me? — just because the writers want me to believe it.

What you can trust in are your own research tactics. TV can give you a sense of what you’re in for, sure, but then it’s up to you to find people in the field who you can shadow; get educated either through formal education or experience; and remember that it’s May sweeps, when the action is even more exaggerated.

Do you have a career that is ridiculously portrayed on TV? I’d love to hear from ya!

Photo: Andrew MacPherson/FOX

It sure doesn’t feel like spring today, weather-wise, but with talk of chocolate bunnies, Spring Break memories, and buzz about “The Sopranos” new season finally coming back on HBO (do you think Tony will make it out of the series alive?), it’s definitely that time of year.

And, of course, there’s also that whole urge to spring clean every aspect of your life, including your career. In fact, experts say it’s a good idea from time to time to rethink your goals and refresh your skills. Even if you’re happy at your job, for instance, it’s smart to keep your resume current.

For those of you looking forward to starting a new career season, however, take some cues from “The Sopranos”:

Wiretap your aptitude. Can your skills and talents translate into a different line of work? Say you’re a waste management consultant. While that job title might seem totally irrelevant to other professions you want to pursue, you probably gained experience like customer service, employee relations, sales, marketing, and more. Think about what you’ve done and what you’re good at, and then listen carefully to advice on how it can apply to a new career field.

Consider offers you can’t refuse. Perhaps the number one reason for putting off a new job hunt or career change is fear of going broke. Unlike placing bets with the local crime boss, though, investing in education isn’t a foolish gamble. When it comes to adult education, you might be surprised to know that financial aid opportunities are available, from Uncle Sam’s assistance and scholarships, to on-the-job training programs and tuition reimbursement from your boss.

Enter a career protection program. With people currently changing careers over five times in their lives, there’s no reason to feel like a disloyal rat if your first (or second, or third) career stint doesn’t work out. Explore various industries to determine where you’ll be happiest, and don’t look back.

If only Tony would do that…

Photo: Barry Wetcher/HBO

The big talk this week is March Madness, but I’m more psyched for April baseball. Ahh, baseball…

I’ve been counting the months, weeks, days, and minutes until Opening Day since last November. There’s just something about the game — those walk-off homers in the bottom of the ninth; the knot in my stomach when the closer comes in to (hopefully) save the game; David Wright’s supreme cuteness; the triumph of an underdog team celebrating on the field. I can hardly wait until my Metsies take the field on Sunday night. While I wait patiently (OK, more like obsess over Game 1 starters), I’m realizing that there’s a lot to learn from America’s pasttime — not to mention countless baseball metaphors to exploit (my apologies in advance). So without further ado, please rise for the singing of the national anthem — er, sorry — I mean, check out these baseball-inspired success strategies…

“You gotta have heart” - So the famous song from the broadway musical says. And, if you do, you can even beat those “Damn Yankees” (I hope the Mets do this year, anyway). In other words, drive, dedication, and lots of practice can take you to the big game, even if you’re starting from last place (a.k.a. have no educational background or career experience). To get one step closer to first base, start researching hot career paths and swing away.

“Who’s on First?” - I love Abbott and Costello’s famous, hysterical skit, don’t you? But it goes to show that if you don’t get to know the who’s who of your field, chaos and confusion might ensue. Take the time to research career paths, speak with industry MVPs, shadow someone on the job in your field of choice, seek out professional affiliations and organizations, etc. Staying in the know will help you warm up for your big game debut.

“Field of Dreams” - Remember that movie and that whisper: “If you build it, they will come?” And that last scene between father and son? Just thinking about it makes me teary-eyed! But I digress… What I really wanted to say is that to find success in the field of your dreams, you’ll have to do some building. Skills building, that is (who’s backyard is big enough to build a ball field anyway?!). Take a course, earn a certification, or pursue a full-fledged degree. The choice is yours, and the educational opportunities are there. Once you’ve completed your “spring training,” you’ll be ready to play the field.

So follow your heart, find out who’s who in the field, and build your career dreams! And if you strike out once or twice, don’t sweat it. You’ll knock one out of the park next time… just like David Wright will against the Cards, God willing.

No, it’s not a bird, a plane, or a bad slogan to a new Sci-Fi channel “Heroes” ripoff. It’s actually the top three career goals as cited by CollegeSurfing.com users. Well, if you minus the metaphor, it means programs in aviation, criminal justice, and massage/wellness programs garnered the most requests for information at CollegeSurfing.com thus far in ‘07.

The top 5 specific programs were:

What do these fields have in common? Well, for one thing, they are all industries that are penetrable via career education and training. They are also the perfect lead-in for this question…

Q: Isn’t career training for people who just don’t want to go to “real” college?

A: There are many reasons why people choose to pursue career education, and it’s usually centered around having very specific career goals. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), over the 12-month period ending in spring 2005, 44 percent of adults reported having participated in formal adult educational activities. Reasons cited included:

The bottom line is that career education differs from a traditional university education in several ways, but one main difference is that it isn’t most populated by newly graduated high school seniors. Those who pursue career education do so from a variety of life situations, career goals, and demographic backgrounds.

Then, of course, is the nature of the learning itself. Career education is very industry-focused, skill-building, hands-on coursework. You can think of it as sort of an “off-the-job” training. On the other hand, traditional college students complete a “core curriculum” of classes aimed to provide a well-rounded education (hence the English literature, philosophy and biology requirements), along with whichever major course of study they choose.

Naturally, choosing between career schools and traditional colleges and universities will depend on your professional goals. If you want to be a college professor, you’ll need the full-fledged advanced degrees in education. But if you want to fly high, fight bad guys, or ease stress, career education will give you professional wings (or, a red cape, if you prefer).

So what do you want to be when you grow up?

Photo: Warner Bros.