Job Search & Career Resource Center

LearnHowToBecome.org wants you to achieve your academic and career goals. To help, we've provided in-depth information on how to pursue a myriad of careers, as well as how to conduct an effective job search in a variety of fields and industries. Our guides include insight and advice from several experts and extensive research on different career paths. Peruse this section for a look at the education and training needed to begin - or advance - your career.

Meet Our Experts

Charlie
Jones, PhD

Charlie Jones, PhD, is the Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Management at the Oregon Institute of Technology.

Dana
Manciagli

Dana Manciagli, has over thirty years of experience as a hiring manager and corporate executive. She is also a nationally syndicated columnist, author, coach, and speaker, who has been featured on NPR, Forbes, and The Fiscal Times.

Deborah A. Neher, PhD

Deborah A. Neher, PhD, is a professor and the Department Chair at the University of Vermont\'s Department of Plant and Soil Science.

James
Zipay, PhD

James Zipay, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy at the Oregon Institute of Technology.

Jane Kolodinsky, PhD

Jane Kolodinsky, PhD, is a professor and Chair at the Community Development and Applied Economics Department of the University of Vermont.

Jay Friedlander, PhD

Jay Friedlander, PhD, is currently the Sharpe-McNally Chair of Green and Socially Responsible Business at the College of the Atlantic. Previously, he worked as a COO in the natural and organic food industry and was also a strategy consultant to Fortune 100 companies.

Jeffrey R.S. Brownson, PhD

Jeffrey R.S. Brownson, PhD, is an associate professor of Energy and Mineral Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at Pennsylvania State University.

Jesse
Wright

Jesse Wright is Adecco Engineering and Technology\'s Vice President of Recruiting and Delivery. Since 1998, he has worked in various positions in the staffing industry, including recruiting, sales, and management.

Kristine
Kero

Kristine Kero is a career counselor and teacher at City University of Seattle. She has worked as a career consultant and training specialist for over 15 years. Kristine has a master\'s degree in counseling, with a specialization in career consulting, training, and outplacement.

Michael J. Kelleher, PhD

Michael J. Kelleher, PhD, is currently the Executive Director of Energy & Sustainability at the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at the State University of New York. He has also held executive positions at National Grid and Niagara Mohawk Holdings.

Sharon
Hulce

Sharon Hulce is the President and CEO at Employment Resource Group. She has nearly two decades of executive recruiting experience and has won several prestigious industry awards.

Stephanie Kinkaid

Stephanie Kinkaid has extensive experience as a career counselor and is currently the Assistant Director of the Wackerle Career and Leadership Program at Monmouth College. She is also a career journalist and has written for publications such as Yahoo! and CareerBuilder.

Tony
Beshara

Tony Beshara has been in the recruiting industry for more than 40 years and is the Founder and President of the oldest placement and recruitment service in Texas, Babich & Associates. He has also authored and published five best-selling books on job hunting and has appeared on the Dr. Phil Show and Fox News.

Special Interest

  • Career Change After 50

    After spending years in a career, it can be difficult to transition into a new one. This is particularly true for workers over 50. In this guide, older job hunters learn how to leverage their extensive experience, as well as get trained on new skills, in order to successfully change careers.

  • Careers for Numbers People

    People who enjoy working with numbers have many career options. From accounting to engineering to marketing analyst positions, people who work with numbers may be more likely to get lucrative salaries in the Silicon Valley and beyond. Find out what types of careers are available to numbers people, if a master’s degree pays off, and where you can get started.

  • Careers in Sports

    Having a career in sports doesn’t mean you have to be an all-star athlete. From mental and physical health services, sales and marketing revenue, and sports media content, there are plenty of opportunities for sports fanatics to be a part of the game. Find out what it takes to turn a passion for sports into a career.

  • Careers with Animals

    From birds to whales and dogs to tigers, the animal kingdom offers several different employment opportunities for animal lovers. This guide explores the top fields and careers within the animal industry and provides detailed information on how individuals can turn their passion into a fulfilling career.

  • Careers with Plants

    Ready to grow a new career? Green thumbs and gardening fans can take their hobby to the next level by exploring the many educational and job opportunities available in plant-based industries. From agriculture and horticulture to landscape design, a career working with plants can be both scientific and creative. This page helps degree-seekers dig into the possibilities.

  • Closing the Gender Gap

    Even though much progress has been made since the 1963 Equal Pay Act, women still earn less than their male colleagues. From education to improving negotiation skills, this guide explores why this is still the case and what women can do to help close the gender gap.

  • Green Careers

    Going green is not just a slogan or something people do on recycling day. As consumers become more concerned about protecting the environment and businesses gain awareness about the importance of offering environmentally-sound products, the green job sector continues to grow. Learn about the green job market, including what careers are booming, where students can find internships, and what degrees best prepare students for this exciting and impactful field.

  • Guide to Forensic Science Careers

    Mention forensic science, and most people immediately think of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. They picture hard-working individuals taking pictures at crime scenes, bagging evidence, looking intently through microscopes in a spotless laboratory and getting immediate answers from high-tech equipment – as well as interviewing suspects, chasing down the bad guys and even getting into shootouts. On the screen, one person does numerous things in the law enforcement and criminal investigation world. But the truth is that each of those important steps is usually done by a different person, someone trained in a particular branch of forensic science. Learn all about these careers in this comprehensive guide.

  • How to Eat Healthy & Stay in Shape While Traveling for Work

    Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be extremely challenging for professionals who travel often for work. However, with a little bit of planning and mindfulness during your trip, you’ll be more equipped to a maintain healthy diet and fitness regimen. This guide offers expert tips and advice for traveling professionals on how to choose healthy foods, keep up with exercise, and monitor your health on the go.

  • Managing Career Transitions

    Staying in the same career for 30 years is quickly becoming a rarity. Whether one decides to go back to school, takes time off to care for a family member or goes from military to civilian life, this guide provides advice and resources to help ease the stress of the transition.

  • Men & Non-Traditional Careers

    Some careers, like elementary school teachers and nurses, have been traditionally held by women. But these female-dominated careers can have a lot of benefits for men, too! Find out the advantages and challenges of having a non-traditional career for men.

  • Resource Guide & Expert Advice for Teachers

    Often called the backbone of society, teachers fill a crucial role in our communities by educating young generations and preparing them for adult life. And while many teachers couldn’t imagine themselves in any other profession, their days are often filled with both highly rewarding experiences and significant challenges. Because our nation’s educators don’t have much extra time on their hands, this guide was created to connect them to useful resources that will help them in their jobs.

  • Volunteering and Nonprofit Careers

    Volunteer work is not just a great way to contribute to a local community it can also be used as a stepping stone to a rewarding career. This guide covers the importance of volunteering, what it's like to work in the nonprofit sector, and how to find the perfect volunteer or non-profit opportunity.

  • Women and Non-Traditional Careers

    Women are increasingly being encouraged to pursue careers in nontraditional fields such as science, technology, engineering, medical, military and blue collar fields. From higher salaries to a diversified skillset, learn how women may benefit from pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

  • Women in Law Enforcement Careers

    Hear that shattering sound? It’s the sound of women breaking glass ceilings everywhere. One of those places in in law enforcement, where the ceiling was once so thick that women couldn't hope to break through. But over the past several decades, women have proven themselves in a wide variety of positions that were once reserved for men, and more departments across the nation are seeing the value in hiring female officers and other law enforcement workers. Get job growth, salary information, resources and expert advice for careers in law enforcement for women.

Get Hired Toolkit

  • 15 Best Job Search Sites

    While job search sites are abundant, they're not all created equally. Looking for a job is a job within itself, so seekers don't have time to mess around with sites that aren't going to be a fruitful use of their time. This guide highlights the best job search sites and why they're on top of the heap.

  • Best Cities & Companies for Remote Jobs

    Ready to work remotely but not sure where to start looking for work-from-home positions? These cities and companies are a great place to start. Check out the best cities and top companies for remote work in 2018.

  • Avoid Answering These 10 Job Interview Questions

    At least 1 in 5 employers has asked an illegal question during a job interview in the past, while approximately 1 in 3 employers don’t know whether it’s legal to ask those questions. This guide highlights some of the most common illegal interview questions and what to do when you’re presented with them in an interview.

  • Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities

    Employment numbers for individuals with disabilities are on the rise in the United States. More and more people with disabilities are finding successful, meaningful careers in a variety of industries, thanks to accessibility accommodations and businesses employment diversification efforts. Though mental and physical disabilities can still present unique challenges when it comes to finding work, a disability should not limit anyone’s career aspirations. Learn more about how to navigate the job search and find ideas for the best career for your abilities.

  • Expert Advice for Dressing Business Professional

    Knowing how to dress professionally and deciding what to wear can be overwhelming, especially for those new to their career. From casual attire to business formal, this guide covers how to dress for success, wardrobe staples everyone should include for work, and expert tips to consider when choosing your professional outfit. Brush up on professional attire tips and guidelines here.

  • Grad's Guide to Getting Hired

    It's never too soon for graduating college seniors to begin their job search. In this challenging job market, it's imperative for students to get a head start on their search and a leg up on their competition. This guide helps college students through the job hunt, from the initial job search to landing an offer.

  • Hot Careers with 2-Year Degrees or Less

    Degrees and certificates earned from vocational and technical schools and community colleges enable workers to seek out specialized careers requiring focused training. While the careers featured in this guide require two years or less of formal training and education, workers choosing these paths will be on the front lines of exciting new positions in high demand, particularly in the healthcare industry.

  • How to Answer Tough Job Interview Questions

    Even the most qualified candidate can get shaken by an unexpected or difficult interview question. Examining tough questions, their purpose and ways to approach them can help job-seekers feel confident and prepared going into their interviews. This guide highlights several of the toughest interview questions job-seekers face today and incorporates expert insights on how to tackle them.

  • How to Negotiate a Job Offer and Salary

    Some job-seekers may believe that when they’re hired for a job, they must accept what’s being offered to them in terms of salary and benefits. But in fact, in many cases, they can successfully negotiate better terms for a job offer so they don’t end up leaving money on the table. Continue reading for negotiation strategies, as well as information on what parts of a job offer can be negotiated and how to create an effective counter offer.

  • How to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job

    LinkedIn is a popular source for professionals to find jobs and for employers to find potential employees. Plus, recruiters are constantly reviewing applications sent through the social network and conducting their own searches based on keywords, groups and user profiles. However, you don’t have to wait for employers to come to you. As soon as a profile is complete, LinkedIn members can start their own job hunts using site resources. Check out this guide to learn how to effectively job hunt on LinkedIn.

  • How to Use LinkedIn for Professional Development & Networking

    LinkedIn is a great tool that professionals can take advantage of to build valuable connections with others in their field, establish thought leadership, and keep a pulse on industry events and updates. However, when looking to use this platform to your advantage, it’s important to be aware of best practices and etiquette rules. Check out this guide to learn how to effectively network and use LinkedIn for professional development.

  • Interview Do's and Don'ts: How to Nail Your Next Interview

    It takes a lot of work to land a job interview, but that's only half the battle. Interviews are a hurdle that candidates must successfully jump in order to get the position they want and they should be taken as seriously as any other part of a job search. Candidates will learn what to do before, during, and after a job interview as well as what blunders to avoid.

  • Mental Health in the Workplace

    Considering the amount of time people dedicate to their jobs, it’s important for them to be able to navigate the workplace in a way that reduces stress. This guide provides tips on how to make mental health a priority and information on how some organizations have made improving mental health a part of their culture.

  • Personalizing Your Job Search

    There is no one-size-fits-all approach to job hunting online. The best practices for handling a job search can vary, depending on where applicants are in their career. This guide provides advice on how to conduct a job search online specifically for recent graduates, mid-level professionals, career changers, and executives. In addition, there is information for veterans who have freshly completed military service, as well as those who have recently lost a job or relocated.

  • Resume Tips & Expert Advice

    Although the need to have a resume has remained tried and true, the way resumes should be presented has changed over the years. In order to present themselves as serious candidates, job seekers must craft a resume that is both professional and eye-catching. Explore the evolution of the resume, including what hiring managers currently expect and what old-fashioned resume writing advice should be retired.

  • Resuming Your Career After Kids

    Going back to work after raising kids can be hard, but many parents successfully reenter the workforce after taking significant time off. Get expert advice on choosing a new career, building a current resume, preping for interviews and transitioning back into the workforce.

  • The Hard and Soft Skills That Employers Crave

    When you’re in search of a new job or career change, updating your resume to reflect your current skill set is step one. As technology advances, your skills need to reflect those changes as well. Find out which skills companies prize most in 2018.

  • How to Create a Professional and Marketable LinkedIn Profile

    With over 350 million users, LinkedIn has become a must for professionals who want to find employment or network with others. Joining this professional networking site, however, is not enough to get noticed by employers. In this comprehensive guide, job seekers learn how to craft an effective LinkedIn profile, build a network, and take advantage of different groups on the site. Readers can also find information on the importance of using keywords in a profile and the role that endorsements and recommendations play when job hunting.

  • Most Military-Friendly Companies & Jobs

    Plenty of companies in the U.S. are known for their veteran hiring practices. They recognize the skills that set veterans apart: leadership, commitment, discipline, flexibility and mission-orientation. These are traits that take years to develop in non-military employees and they are in high-demand. Find careers and companies where you can put these skills to use.

  • Veteran's Guide to Getting Hired

    When servicemembers complete their military obligations, the next phase in their working life begins. It can be challenging for veterans to navigate their way through the civilian workforce, but this comprehensive guide can help. Learn about the job search tools available specifically for veterans, how companies benefit from hiring these candidates, and the vocational rehabilitation programs that vets can take advantage of.

  • Internship Resources

    Internships provide valuable hands-on experience and networking that one typically doesn't get in a classroom. Get resources, tips and tools to find the perfect internship locally or abroad.

  • Signs You’re Underemployed

    Do you feel like your job isn’t challenging enough? Or that you’re not putting your hard-earned college degree to good use? Many college grads start off their careers underemployed and find themselves in that same situation years later. Find out what underemployment is, learn about the warning signs of underemployment and get expert tips on how to get the job — and pay — you truly deserve.

  • Turn Your Passion for Traveling into a Career

    Looking for a way to travel while earning a steady income? Many employers are beginning to understand the value of telecommuting to the virtual office, and there are new opportunities every day for careers in fields like medicine and travel tourism that will keep you on the go. Find more careers and learn what you can make when you combine work and travel.

  • Using Twitter for Professional Development & Networking

    To help keep you on top of your professional game, it’s important to constantly be developing your professional credentials. This usually consists of activities like attending conferences, completing various courses and learning opportunities. However, social media platforms like Twitter allow for constant professional development. Twitter is an incredibly powerful tool for sharing information, meeting new people with similar interests. Learn how to set up a professional Twitter account and kickstart your professional development and networking here.

  • Using Twitter for Your Job Search

    Although Twitter is mostly viewed as a social media tool, it can also be an excellent resource when searching for and landing a job. This guide details why this platform is an underrated job search tool, how to best utilize Twitter to find hidden job leads, prepare for an interview, and offers a look at great Twitter accounts all job hunters should follow.

  • Work-From-Home Scams

    Working remotely appeals to a lot of job seekers. However, there are many work-from-home scams that can cause real trouble for potential employees. Learn how to spot common scams and get tips for finding legitimate remote job.

  • Working Remotely 101

    Working from home sounds appealing to a lot of job seekers, but not everyone is well suited to remote work. Find out the common challenges of working from home and get tips to overcome them. Plus, find out where to find remote jobs and get answers to FAQs.

  • Workplace Guide for Transgender Students & Job Seekers

    For transgender students, entering the workforce can create many questions and concerns. But even seasoned professionals who are transgender can find it challenging to navigate the workplace. In this guide, transgender employees and job seekers can learn more about their rights and protections as well as get expert advice on job hunting and coming out at work. Employers can also see what basic steps they can take to ensure their office is inclusive and find a list of helpful resources for more information.

  • What if You Can't Find a Job After College?

    While most recent college graduates are eager to start their professional careers, it can sometimes be difficult to land a job straight out of school. Find out why you may be having trouble getting hired. Plus, discover what you can do to improve your chances and keep motivated when morale is low.

School Resources

  • ACT Test Prep for College-Bound Students

    If the thought of taking the ACT stresses you out, you’re definitely not alone. Luckily, there are several ways to prepare for the exam and alleviate that stress before the big day. This guide offers a detailed overview of what college-bound students can except to see on the ACT, information on how to understand scores, test prep resources from apps to tutorials and advice from a test prep tutor who achieved a perfect 36 on the exam.

  • Companies That Pay For Grad School

    Balancing the demands of work while also seeking an advanced degree may at first seem like a recipe for disaster, but with commitment and planning it can be done. Learn more about specific companies that offer tuition help, how to balance work and school and common requirements to qualify for assistance.

  • Expert Tips for Working Full-Time and Going to College

    Almost 14 million people work while pursuing some form of postsecondary education or training, according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce. That’s about 70% of college students and 8% of the labor force. This may be the new norm but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. If you’re a student – or are thinking about going to college – and working full-time, this guide offers expert tips to help you balance the demands of school, work and everything in between.

  • How to Be a Successful Online Student

    Undertaking an online college education is a big decision and LearnHowtoBecome is here help students smash through challenges and achieve success in the digital classroom. We’ve rounded up an exhaustive list of helpful resources, tips and strategies to ensure new online students are well-prepared for the road ahead. We have also called on experts and graduates who have succeeded in online education to provide insider knowledge and advice.

  • Online Schools Guide Book

    Career and vocational schools serve the purpose of getting students into the workforce via classroom learning and hands-on experience. This intense, targeted instruction and training is increasingly available online, as online schools strive to offer two-year and vocational students the opportunity to pursue parts of their education and training online. These schools have many features that allow them to offer better online instruction to these students than ever before. Find out how online schools can prepare students for careers in vocational subjects such as medical support, nursing, information technology and more in our Online Schools Guide Book.

  • Online Universities & Colleges Guide

    The convenience and affordability of online degree programs have made their popularity among students grow exponentially. In response to this trend, more and more two- and four-year colleges are offering online degree programs. This guide explains the difference between for-profit and not-for-profit online universities, the tools and platforms used in distance learning, and options for funding an online education.

  • Support for Adults Returning to College

    Returning to college as an adult might seem overwhelming and unrealistic, whether you attended college in the past or never pursued a higher education. Fortunately, there are many perks for adults who are returning from college. If you’re considering returning to college as an adult, this guide can help you understand the benefits of attending college, how to balance life outside of your education, how to apply life and work experience towards your degree, and how to best pay for school.

  • Taking Advantage of Your Job's Education Benefits

    Going to school while maintaining a career can be challenging but beneficial. Fortunately, employers increasingly understand their employees aren’t the only ones who benefit from increased education — their companies do, too. This guide explains how you can take advantage of your employer’s education benefits.

  • Trade Schools

    For those who prefer hands-on training to classroom academia, trade schools are a smart alternative to a traditional college education. Not only can vocational training lead to a variety of in-demand professions, from medical assisting to construction, time-to-completion is often considerably shorter than bachelor’s degree programs. Read this guide to learn more about trade schools, including tips for finding quality programs, and whether vocational training is the right choice for your career goals.

Make a Difference

  • Careers Against Smoking

    The amount of information on smoking and its health risks is staggering, yet its use around the world is significant – particularly in underdeveloped countries. This guide explores degrees and careers in public, mental, and physical health where individuals can help others quit this life-threatening habit.

  • Careers for Clean Water

    Regular access to clean water is something most of people take for granted. Yet hundreds of millions live without this essential human right. Many communities lack the proper infrastructure to connect to clean water sources, and global warming is predicted to increase water scarcity even further. To help end the water crisis, professionals in public health and other fields are applying their expertise. Learn more about pathways to these careers and how they are helping bring clean water to communities in desperate need.

  • Careers in World Education

    We're facing a global shortage of teachers and English-speaking educators are in high demand. There are numerous ways American teachers can go abroad and make a difference in world education. Find out how to find a volunteer, tutor or teaching position overseas and how to educate the world's children while seeing the world.

  • Careers to Combat HIV/AIDS

    Whether through research, education, counseling or treatment, experts in many fields dedicate their professional lives to fighting HIV and AIDS. Learn more about careers where you can make a meaningful difference in HIV/AIDS prevention (including potential employers), explore trustworthy donation opportunities, and get tips for steering clear of the HIV virus.

  • Careers to Improve Literacy

    English illiteracy is a problem that impacts individuals and communities alike, with rippling effects that can influence broader issues such as economic stability. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to help. This guide shows who needs the most literacy help while highlighting career and volunteer paths where caring individuals can share the joy and fulfillment of reading and writing.

  • Careers for Poverty Aid

    People who want to have an impact in the fight against poverty probably don’t have to look far beyond their personal and professional interests to make a difference. From teaching and urban landscaping to law and mental health, there are many career and volunteer opportunities available for people who want to help others escape poverty and lead more fulfilling lives.

  • Careers Shrinking the Obesity Epidemic

    For many people, keeping their weight at a healthy number is a constant struggle. But it’s a challenge that must tackled head on: Today, over one-third of American adults and one in every six children and adolescents are considered obese. Professionals are battling the obesity epidemic through research, treatment, counseling and coaching – yet more are needed. Learn about the dire health consequences of obesity, and careers where you can help others live life at a happy, healthy weight.

  • Disease Prevention Careers

    Vaccinations and immunizations continue to play a major role in stopping disease outbreak across U.S. and foreign communities. This guide takes a comprehensive look at vaccinations and immunizations (including why they’re still necessary) as well as careers where individuals can make a difference on the front line of disease prevention.

  • Mental Health Careers

    Mental health issues are a very serious concern in the United States. Unfortunately, there aren’t nearly enough professionals or volunteers available to provide adequate care to everyone who suffers from mental illness. This guide provides insight into what help is needed, the various careers that individuals can pursue in the mental health field, and how those who step up to help can truly make a difference.