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Air traffic controllers carry a massive responsibility in keeping the skies safe for commercial, military, and civilian aircraft. Earning a job as an air traffic controller requires substantial training which is generally not provided within the traditional college setting, but rather within a structured and highly controlled syllabus as dictated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
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Getting Hired: There are two main ways to become an air traffic controller without attending a college level air traffic control training program: 1. Have prior military air traffic control experience. 2. Apply for a “general public” position. To apply for a position from the general public without a 4-year college degree, you will need 3 years of full-time work experience.
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If you want to make extra money, pursue a management role within your career field. Beware of counting on a promotion to management anytime soon, however, as management jobs generally require experience and longevity within your field as well as the respect and trust of your peers and supervisors.
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Getting Hired: Generally, you’ll have little say over whether you are promoted to a managerial position, aside from displaying a good work ethic and the ability to get along well with a variety of different people. But if you are anxious to move your career to the next level, take on additional projects, regularly network with your peers and supervisors, and
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volunteer for tasks that help the overall organization and display your ability to manage change.
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Despite the vast responsibility and high level of technical know-how required, many nuclear power reactor operators only possess a high school or trade school education. Much of the training for this specialized career is provided on the job to those with a penchant for science and mathematics.
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Getting Hired: Nuclear power reactor operators generally progress through a robust syllabus of on-the-job training. Candidates are normally required to possess a high school diploma with evidence of strong skills in math and science and must know how to use a computer well. In most plants, government-issued security clearance is a must.
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There is always money to be made in sales, especially sales of large and expensive equipment for specialized purposes. The larger the upfront cost of the item being sold, the larger the commission. That’s why sales representatives of wholesale, manufacturing, and technical products generally earn an excellent living wage.
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Getting Hired: There is no formal requirement for training or education beyond the high school level for most jobs as a sales representative. Some of the more technical sales jobs are often offered to those with a college degree, but many are available to people of all educational backgrounds. In this career field, previous sales experience is highly desirable
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as is a track record of demonstrating sales success.
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Thankfully, the men and women responsible for elevator safety are paid well to ensure that everyone who rides an elevator can count on its safety and security. Installers and repairers develop a specialized knowledge of elevator mechanics that is not learned in traditional educational settings.
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Getting Hired: Most elevator installers and repairers learn their trade within an apprenticeship program. These programs are normally sponsored by the International Union of Elevator Constuctors, although workers may also complete apprenticeships sponsored by independent contractors. Apprenticeship programs normally last four
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years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction in blueprint reading, electrical and electronic theory, mathematics, physics, and safety.
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Power distributors and dispatchers install, run, and repair the infrastructure that controls the U.S. power grid. They are responsible for the uninterrupted flow of electricity into homes, places of business, and all other facilities by managing power plants and electrical distribution infrastructures.
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Getting Hired: Getting hired requires at least a high school diploma. However, those with higher levels of education may have an advantage in seeking employment. After being hired, employees undergo an extensive on-the-job training program which couples practical experience with classroom instruction. In fact, several years of
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experience are required to become fully qualified, and employees must take annual refresher courses and train on simulators in order to handle potential outages and other electrical distribution emergencies.
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Commission-based sales people are performing well on our list with real estate brokers coming in at the #7 spot. Responsible for assisting clients in the purchase or sale of real estate nationwide, brokers are known for their hard work and client focus. Getting Hired: Agents and brokers are required to be high school graduates. In fact, many real estate
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agents and brokers have some level of college education which often includes courses in business, economics, and mathematics. Though there is no formal education requirement, real estate agencies have begun to hire applicants with an advanced education due to the increasing complexity of the market.
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Getting started in this field usually begins with employment as a police officer. It is possible to work up the ranks and become a detective without further education, though a 4-year degree in criminal justice is preferred and is increasingly becoming required. Getting Hired: Applicants to a local or state police force are
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normally required to have a high school education, but more departments are requiring a four-year degree. Participation in sports during high school is generally considered a plus as it increases the competitive spirit and physical development of candidates. Knowledge of a foreign language can also help applicants stand out from other candidates.
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Locomotive engineers are responsible for the safe transit of commercial and passenger trains around the nation. With the massive number of lives and property at stake in the performance of their daily duty, it is no wonder that locomotive engineers come in at #9 on our list. Getting Hired: Railroads require that applicants have a high
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school diploma. Education and training takes place through multiple company programs and on-the-job training. Typical programs combine classroom and on-site training lasting from a few weeks to a few months.
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Like their counterparts at #9, Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters play an integral role in ensuring the safe and orderly conduct of our nation’s rail system, and round out our list at #10. Getting Hired: Employment requirements for railroad conductors and yardmasters are almost identical to the requirements for locomotive
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engineers; applicants must have at least a high school diploma. Training for conductors and yardmasters is also achieved through the hiring company’s formal training program and on-the-job training. This training varies in length, depending on the employee’s current job, and incorporates classroom and on-site training.