Los Angeles Times - Career Counselor

Career Counselor

Discovering What You Really Want to Do and Doing It

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A.

Number One of the Ten Most Commonly Heard Career Issues

May 27, 2007

CAREER COUNSELOR

Macrobiotic cooking and counseling

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question:: Recently a friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer and began eating a macrobiotic diet as an alternative-treatment approach. She said she had met with a healing cook and macrobiotic counselor who taught her how to cook macrobiotic meals. I have always enjoyed cooking and was hoping you could tell me more about macrobiotics or how to become a healing cook. Is there training available that is specifically oriented toward macrobiotic methods and counseling? >>

April 27, 2007

CAREER COUNSELOR

Animal assisted therapy

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I have been bringing my dog to visit with residents at a nursing home. I can see how therapeutic it is for the residents, and know that research has been done on the benefits of using animals in treatment. For example, I read an article about a psychological study that showed that animal-assisted therapy significantly reduced anxiety in hospitalized psychiatric patients. How can I gain specific training that will allow me to have a career as a pet therapist. >>

March 27, 2007

CAREER COUNSELOR

Pre-visualization artist

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I was browsing the credits lists on the Internet Movie Database and I noticed a lot of action movies credit someone called a "Pre-Visualization Artist." What does this person do, and how do you become one? Is this just a fancy new term for storyboard artist? >>

February 27, 2007

CAREER COUNSELOR

Dental ceramicist

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

January 27, 2007

CAREER COUNSELOR

Veterinarian

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: How many years in school does it take to become a veterinarian? Besides working with animals, what exactly do vets do and what are the working conditions like? >>

December 27, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Scopist

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I have been attending court reporting school, but I can't get my typing speed up to 200 words per minute, which is required to pass the licensing examination. Since money is tight, and the court reporter school is expensive, I was wondering if could work as a scopist. What additional training would I need? How much do scopists earn? >>

October 27, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Somatic psychotherapist

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I am a great listener and think I give good advice to friends, so I have considered becoming a psychotherapist. Also, I have been doing yoga for the last five years, and have come to believe there is a very strong mind-body connection. I am interested in pursuing a career in therapy using this mind-body perspective, and was told that I should consider somatic psychology. Can you tell me more about what somatic psychology is and what somatic psychologists do as well as what training I would need? >>

September 26, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Medical records jobs

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I am going to be a senior in high school and did volunteer work at a hospital this summer. While I did not enjoy patient contact, I did like helping out in the medical records department. They liked me a lot too and want to hire me as a clerk. What is the job progression in medical records? What will I need to do to advance? >>

August 25, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Food scientist

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I've done well in my science classes in high school. Last spring I took a cooking class and really enjoyed it, but I don't think I want to work in a kitchen. What kinds of scientific jobs are there in the food industry? >>

August 18, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Fashion stylist

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I am interested in fashion trends and am considering a career as a fashion stylist. How do you go about getting into this field? Is there training available? How much do fashion stylists earn? >>

August 11, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Franchise owner

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I've always wanted to own my own small business, but rather than having to come up with a product or service business myself I am thinking about purchasing a franchise. What kind of monetary investment would I need to make to become a franchisee? Would I be provided with some form of training? >>

August 4, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Toy designer

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I have been a babysitter for the last few years and I really enjoy playing with the children and making up games. I have some ideas for new toys and games and was considering going back to school. What jobs are available for toy inventors and what programs are available to help me develop my ideas? >>

July 28, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Landscape contractor

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: As a big fan of the City Beautiful Movement of the late 19th century-early 20th century, I believe that being part of a visually pleasant community, be it a city or a neighborhood, enhances one's life. I recently helped my sister with a "facelift" for her front lawn which encompassed everything from newly planted flowers to installing a new sprinkler system. The visual transformation of her yard brought her to tears. I continue to be impressed by how landscaping can enhance the entire look of a place and I am now considering a career as a landscape contractor. Do I need a license? >>

July 21, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Sports psychologist

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I am a sophomore in college and I coach high school basketball part-time. I would like to stay involved in athletics after graduation, but not necessarily as a coach. In my psychology classes I heard about sports psychology but have not learned much about it. Can you tell me what sports psychologists do and what I have to do to become one? >>

July 14, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Dental laboratory technicians

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A.

Question: I have always been interested in working with my hands and considered becoming a dental hygienist but I'm not a "people" person. My cousin, who is a dentist, suggested that I consider becoming a dental laboratory technician. Is there a need for dental lab workers? Do I have to complete a training program? >>

July 7, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Concierge

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A.

Question: I have lived in Los Angeles for 15 years and my friends tell me that I am a great resource because I always know what's going on. I really like helping people and directing newcomers or visitors to Los Angeles to new restaurants and events, or helping them find what they need. Is there a job where I can use my knowledge of L.A. and help people? >>

June 30, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Probation officer

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: My cousin had a run-in with the law and was on probation for a while. To this day, he credits his probation officer for helping him stay out of trouble and become more responsible. I have always had an interest in working in law enforcement and am thinking about working as probation officer especially with juveniles. If I pursue this job can I choose the population I want to work with? Do I need to complete a college degree to qualify for the job? >>

June 9, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Genetic counselor

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I am biology major with a psychology minor going into my senior year in college. I am interested in working with families with a history of genetic disorders, such as Down Syndrome or Cystic Fibrosis. I know I don't want to be a doctor or work in a lab. Is there something else I can do in the genetics field? >>

June 2, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Auctioneer

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I have a great booming voice, have been working in sales and would like to work at an auction house and eventually become an auctioneer. Do I need to specialize in one area? How can I get started? >>

May 26, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Private school teacher

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I have read your informative articles on public school teachers, but I am actually interested in working for a private school. Do private schools also require a teacher credential? As a recent college graduate, I also took and passed the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST), I am wondering if having a bachelor's degree and the CBEST is enough? What about teachers in religious-affiliated schools? How can I secure a position in a private school? >>

May 19, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Psychiatric nurse practitioner

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I am a registered nurse and would like to make a change. I have considered getting a master's degree, but do not want to work in nursing administration. I have an interest in psychology and I find that I enjoy listening to people and helping them with their problems. I have thought about becoming a therapist. What would you recommend? >>

May 12, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Speech pathology

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I read your November 2005 article on speech pathologists. You gave a thorough description of what it takes to secure a state license. Is this the credential I need to qualify for work as a speech pathologist in a school district? Are there any schools that offer online training? >>

May 5, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Forensic science technician

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I am a big fan of the CSI shows. I think it is so interesting how they are able to solve a crime using such small pieces of evidence like a strand of hair, or figuring out the height of a shooter by the blood splatter. I know that jobs on television are often glamorized, so can you tell me more about the responsibilities in the real world? I am a junior in high school – what classes should I be taking and what kind of degree do I need? >>

April 28, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Staff college counselor

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I read your article on how one can transition from working as a college counselor aide to an independent contractor college counselor. I am more interested in working as a full-time staff college counselor in a community college or university. How likely is it that I could secure full-time employment after completing a master's degree program in counseling? Could you provide details on the schools that offer a master's degree program in counseling? >>

April 21, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Market research

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I will be graduating from college in May with a degree in economics. I am interested in consumer behavior and working with numbers. A professor suggested that I consider a job in market research. What is market research and what are the entry-level positions in this field? How much do market researchers make? >>

April 14, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Gemologist

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I am very detail oriented and enjoy looking at high-end jewelry such as diamonds and other precious stones. I would like to professionalize my interest in jewelry and thought about gemology as a potential career option. Could you tell me more about what a gemologist does? Is there a need for gemologists? Where can I get training in gemology? >>

April 7, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Video game designer

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I'm a high school junior. I think I have some creative ideas for video games, but am not sure that I want to do programming. I was wondering what other types of jobs are available in the video gaming industry and what kind of education I would need. >>

March 31, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Emergency services coordinator

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I was distraught by media accounts of the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe and I feel motivated to help make a difference. In college, I was often called the "do-gooder" and had a part-time job coordinating the recruitment and selection of volunteers for a local non-profit agency. I have a bachelor's degree in business administration but am concerned that I don't have the right work experience to go into disaster services. Currently I am working in a management position in the for-profit sector. What would I need to do to make myself employable in emergency or disaster services in a non-profit or civil service setting? >>

March 24, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Lactation consultant

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I recently had my first baby, and when I was in the hospital a woman helped me with some problems I was having when I was trying to breastfeed. I remembered how great it was to have her help. I think I would enjoy working with new mothers and their babies. What kind of training do I need to do this job? >>

March 17, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

College counselor

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A | 2:23 PM PST

Question: As they graduated from Santa Monica High School, I helped all three of my children with their college applications, including editing their essays. I enjoyed visiting colleges with each of my kids and helping them make a decision on the best college/program for them. My youngest child, now a freshman at college, told his friends about how good I was at college counseling so I ended up helping his friends too. Is there a way for me to turn this experience into paid employment? Can you give me ideas on how to proceed? >>

March 10, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Photo archivist

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I am interested in photography and have been collecting and archiving my own work for years. What kind of education and/or experience would I need to do something related to photography possibly at a museum in Southern California? >>

March 3, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Web designer

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I read your Q&A article on web designer from a few years back. I was wondering if you could provide me with updated information on what programs people are using these days for web design. As a newbie, I may be interested in taking web design classes. Is there much of a difference between courses offered at community colleges versus university extension? What courses would you recommend? >>

February 24, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Television Writer

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I read your November 2004 article on script resources and found it very informative. But I have a question: How is writing for television different from writing for movies? What is the best way to break in as a T.V. writer? Are there any resources specific to television writing that you can recommend? >>

February 17, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Hospice counselor

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I am currently a high school student who has often been called the kid with the old soul. I was planning to major in theology at college and am interested in pastoral counseling and hospice counseling. What schools in the Los Angles area offer a bachelor's degree program in theology and/or religious studies? Programs in the Pomona area would be particularly helpful. >>

February 10, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Art therapist

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I majored in elementary education in college with a minor in studio art. I was able to combine the two fields and work as an after school art teacher while raising my children. I am now thinking of becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist and integrating my background as a fine artist. Would the marriage and family therapist license allow me to utilize art therapy as well? Are there combined MFT and art therapy master's degree programs in the area? >>

February 3, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Plumber

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I've been out of high school for a couple of years now. First I tried car sales and then telemarketing but found these jobs didn't really fit my personality. I am more of a hands-on person, and so I'm thinking of becoming a plumber. What is new in the field of plumbing? What are the educational options available? How long would it take before I could work as a plumber? >>

January 27, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Police officer

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: Recently, a neighbor called the police over a domestic abuse incident in my neighborhood, and I was very impressed by how the officers handled the situation on both a physical and a psychological level. I am a recent high school graduate, and I think I would like to become a police officer. How often is LAPD police academy training offered? Is there a lengthy recruitment process? >>

January 20, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Truck driver

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I used to drive a small truck as part of my job and really enjoyed being out on the road. I am thinking about working as a long-haul truck driver. How should I go about pursuing this job? >>

January 13, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Demographer

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I am deeply concerned about problems in the world such as overpopulation, hunger and the spread of infectious diseases. I would really like to make a difference somehow, but these problems seem so huge. I'm a senior in college majoring in economics and did well in statistics; I think I would like to go to graduate school and use my quantitative skills, but I don't want to go work in business as an accountant or an economist. What career advice do you have for me? >>

January 6, 2006

CAREER COUNSELOR

Aerospace engineer

SUSAN W. MILLER, M.A

Question: I remember taking a field trip to NASA when I was in the third grade and being so excited to be in the presence of spacecraft. I'm a sophomore in high school now and since I won a math and a science school competition my high school guidance counselor has encouraged me to look into becoming an aerospace engineer. I have enjoyed the thorough descriptions of school programs you've provided in past articles and was hoping you could provide examples of schools in Los Angeles that offer bachelor's degree programs in aerospace engineering. >>