Ed4Career Blog

Confetti & Chaos

By Kris Powers | June 12th 2020

Strong professional woman with confetti floating around her

Like many, there has been a lot of change in my life lately. Prior to Covid-19, there were big changes in my household, changes in a loved one’s health, changes within my place of employment. Covid-19 and sheltering in place added their own unique stressors. For someone who thrives on structure, all these changes, happening at the same time, have been incredibly exhausting.

I live a very structured, organized life. It is how I hold onto my sanity amid the chaos around me. I’m a list maker, and I keep things tidy so that I (almost) always know where things are. In the midst of all of this change, things have slid a bit. My organization has gotten choppy, as I simply cannot keep up with all the things that need to be done. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I still make my lists. Lots of lists. My yearly planner and desktop are full of sticky notes and scraps of paper serving as visual reminders of the confetti of my current life.


HVAC/R Technician Program

By Kris Powers | May 26th 2020

HVAC Technicians working on an A/C unit

HVAC technicians work on heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems. Their job duties, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, include:


Train to Become an Ophthalmic Assistant

By Kris Powers | April 29th 2020

Eye Chart

Ophthalmic assistants work with and under ophthalmic technicians and an ophthalmologist. They prepare the patient for their exam and perform initial testing before the ophthalmologist sees the patient. These tests may include preliminary eye function tests, testing vision, measuring the dimension of the eyes and measuring the distance between the eyes. They may also discuss procedures and medications with the patient and obtain medical histories.  In some offices, they may also assist the ophthalmologist with surgical procedures.

The most common duties of an ophthalmic assistant include:



Medical assistant with a patient

Medical assistants perform clinical and clerical tasks in healthcare facilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the following as common tasks of a medical assistant:

  • Record patient history and personal information
  • Measure vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse and temperature
  • Help physicians with patient examinations
  • Give patients injections or medications as directed by physicians and as permitted by state law
  • Schedule patient appointments
  • Prepare blood samples for laboratory tests
  • Enter patient information into medical records

Medical assistants are employed within various healthcare facilities. The majority of medical assistants are working within physician offices, but they are also employed in hospitals, correctional facilities and schools.


Nutritional Consultant Entrepreneur

By Kris Powers | March 25th 2020

Food choices - unhealthier options versus healthier ones

Nutritional consultants, according to Ziprecruiter, provide sound nutritional and health advice to clients. Their clients could include private companies, individuals or public health organizations. Some of their responsibilities consist of:

  • Planning well balanced meals
  • Advising on best nutrition practices
  • Suggesting lifestyle changes
  • Preparing food for clients
  • Setting up food programs and services within the community
  • Shaping wellness in the community
  • Participating in health fairs

AFPA lists these five careers that you may hold with a certification as a nutritional consultant:


Certain Things in Uncertain Times

By Kris Powers | March 21st 2020

Balloon lifting paper boat out of water

COVID-19 has everyone’s attention. Communities are pulling together to help try to control the spread of the virus. Elected officials are making the best decisions they feel they can make at this time to protect their communities. Schools are closing to try to squelch the virus’s spread. Neighbors are offering a lending hand with childcare or a hot meal.

In light of businesses, schools and organizations temporarily shutting their doors, many people are facing job uncertainty. Theme parks, restaurants, bars, hotels, convention centers, travel – there will be no industry left untouched by current events.

Companies that are able to set up work remotely are doing so. Unfortunately, other companies are having to suspend or lay off employees until the economy takes an upward turn.


Become an Animal Grooming Specialist

By Kris Powers | March 11th 2020

Vet assistant with cute dog in her arms

Animal groomers are responsible for making client’s pets look their best. They work mostly with dogs, but some clients will bring in cats and other animals to be groomed. Groomers must be familiar with the different breeds of dogs they are grooming as there are different ways that specific breads of dog need to be styled.

Study.com lists the following as the most common daily duties of an animal groomer:


Become a Child Daycare Manager Professional

By Kris Powers | February 26th 2020

Smiling woman playing with two children in a daycare setting

Child care directors or managers supervise the staff, oversee budgets, design program plans and oversee daily activities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also lists the following as common daily tasks of a daycare manager:



Caregiver with older couple out in nature

Home health care aides are medical personnel who work within the home of patients with chronic illnesses, disabilities or cognitive impairment and help them complete their daily living activities. According to BLS.gov, home health aides do the following in their daily work:


Cyber Security Professional Program

By Kris Powers | February 5th 2020

The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines a cyber security professional, or information security analyst, as someone who plans and carries out security measures to protect networks and systems within an organization. As the number of cyber attacks continues to increase, their job and responsibilities are continually expanding. Some daily tasks include: