With the price of gasoline going up and people grumbling about the cost of filling their tanks, one might come to see oil and gas as an expense rather than a source of wealth. However, for some people, fossil fuels can be the key to a very lucrative career. Petroleum engineers, are one such class of people who work in the fossil fuel industry, and they earn amongst the highest pay of any engineers, averaging well over $100,000 per year. In fact, the lowest-paid petroleum engineers earn almost $70,000 per year, while the top ten percent earn over $170,000. In addition to the great pay, the job features plenty of opportunities for traveling, working abroad and career advancement.

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Paralegals, also known as legal assistants (the terms are synonymous), are the backbone of a busy law firm. Just as nurses perform a number of important medical tasks for doctors, paralegals support lawyers in preparing cases by researching, filing documents with the court, analyzing statements and drafting legal arguments. Although paralegals usually work ordinary business hours, they can be called upon at times to work overtime to meet deadlines and see a case through to resolution.

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The occupation of civil engineer has a long and momentous history, and is the hallmark of advanced societies around the world. From the Colosseum of ancient Rome to the Great Wall of China, civil engineering has left a lasting impression that defines great civilizations. The profession is both momentous and eminently practical; enormous bridges such as Golden Gate are designed by civil engineers, and so are the sewage systems and water treatment plants that eliminate and treat waste. Civil engineers have been facilitating the movement of people, enabling the use of vital resources such as water, and even eliminating disease for thousands of years. Those who are interested in large-scale construction projects, heavy machinery, impressive structures and improving people’s lives may find civil engineering to be an en exciting and rewarding job.

However, there are other aspects of the job that many aspiring engineers may find attractive. Due to aging infrastructure and the need to replace and repair buildings and roads, civil engineering jobs are expected to be added at a much higher rate than most other occupations over the next decade, which will likely result in increased job security and higher pay for civil engineers. So, if you are thinking about becoming an engineer, civil engineering is worth a close look. [Read more...]

Air traffic controllers perform the vital service of coordinating flight paths, scheduling takeoffs and landings, advising pilots of conditions and monitoring instruments that keep track of aircraft both in flight and on the runway. The job is complicated and requires close, constant attention to detail, the ability to think on one’s feet and a cool head under pressure. Because so much responsibility is placed in the hands of air traffic controllers, it is a well-paid job with excellent benefits.

One can become an air traffic controller through one of three avenues. First, many are trained by the military, including both civilians and veterans who have worked in the field for the Department of Defense. Secondly, one can apply to the FAA after having obtained a bachelor’s degree or three years of progressively-responsible full-time work, and finally those who wish to become air traffic controllers can also complete either a 2-year or 4-year program offered through the FAA Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program (AT-CTI), which is offered through 31 schools nationwide.

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As the population ages and the wear and tear of many years begins to take a toll on the bodies of millions of Americans, the need for physical therapists is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade. However, physical therapists work with people of all ages for a variety of reasons. Physical therapy can treat injury and disease, but it can also prevent or delay the onset of mobility problems. It can be used to help a wide variety of patients, from ordinary folks looking improve their quality of life to athletes ensuring they can perform at the highest level.

Those who enjoy helping people and working in a health-oriented field may find physical therapy to be an attractive occupation. Additionally, people who like to be mobile themselves rather than confined to a chair and desk might prefer the hands-on nature of the job, which requires some degree of fitness and the ability to perform physical work as well. However, one of the most attractive aspects of the job may be that it allows physical therapists to make a living through acts of compassion and healing. Helping a victim of an accident or stroke learn to walk again can be very rewarding, as can assisting a disabled child or a wounded war veteran in overcoming limitations. There are countless opportunities for physical therapists to improve people’s lives and make a positive impact on the world.

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