Deciding on a School

Deciding on what type of interior design education you would like to pursue is a big challenge. There are so many different types of programs: two years, four years, big universities, and private art schools. You've probably asked yourself whether a four-year degree is really necessary or if a two-year degree is really enough. Before you can make these big decisions, you really should start at square one. Find out which schools are in your area, or in the areas where you would be willing to live. Then do some investigating: find out what sort of design they specialize in, who are they accredited by and what does that mean, how much does the program cost, etc. Then, set up an appointment with a faculty member—this is a surefire way to decide whether or not a program is right for you. Ask the faculty member about the types of classes that are offered, the teaching philosophy of the department, what percentage of graduates actually pursue interior design and what types of jobs have they landed. Arming yourself with all the details is the best way to make an informed decision!

If you are a visual person and like to solve problems, a career in graphic design might be the one for you. As a graphic designer, your job is to create visual solutions for communications problems. It is a creative field with many practical applications.

Graphic design is everywhere around us: on billboards and television screens, in pamphlets, book covers, websites and magazines. If you are looking at this page you are looking at the work of a graphic designer! A good designer uses his or her artistic sense and creative abilities to combine text and pictures in a way that is visually compelling.

Living and working in what’s known as the “Steel City” may not sound appealing to students with a creative edge, but the design opportunities in Pittsburgh are endless. With several famous museums and galleries, as well as interesting architecture, an exciting sports scene and numerous corporate headquarters, Pittsburgh serves as a terrific backdrop for design-oriented students. People who are able to make a space come to life with creativity, precision and skill are needed in a progressively visual-communicating world.

Do you like to create visuals that tell a story, solve a problem, relay information or convey a message? Perhaps a career in graphic design is for you.
What is a Graphic Designer?

A graphic designer works in the field of graphic communication, using imagery and type to create materials that deliver a message both visually and verbally.

Announcers, DJs & Air Talent host a radio show or air shift. Depending on the station’s format, the person may serve as a talk show host, disc jockey, sportscaster or news reporter.

Commercial Announcers do voice-overs for commercials, station Ids and narration for special programming.

News Reporters gather, write and report news, traffic and eather. News is the foundation for talk radio while music-based radio may squeeze it into a morning show or some other time during the day.

Apprenticeship is industry-driven career training. Industry determines the skills that are essential to sustain a quality workforce. Apprenticeships can last from one to six years (occupation-dependent). During this time, apprentices work and learn under the direction of experienced journeyworkers.

Over time, apprentices are provided the diversity and complexity of training that leads to becoming highly skilled in their chosen occupations. As they gain skill, they are compensated through an increase in wages.

What is Registered Apprenticeship?
Registered Apprenticeship is a training system that produces highly skilled workers to meet the demands of employers competing in a global economy. A proven strategy, Registered Apprenticeship ensures quality training by combining on-the-job training with theoretical and practical classroom instruction to prepare exceptional workers for American industry. The process of apprenticeship program registration with Federal and State Government agencies is standards-based. It is a process designed to ensure that working apprentices, program sponsors, and the general public can gain a clear understanding of the training content and the measures that are in place to ensure ongoing quality.

A registered apprenticeship is a formalized, structured training program combining on-the-job training and related technical instruction in which paid employees receive practical and technical training in a highly skilled occupation. Apprenticeship is industry-driven career training. Industry determines the skills that are essential to sustain a quality workforce.

Apprenticeships can last from one to six years (occupation-dependent). During this time, apprentices work and learn under the direction of experienced journeyworkers. Over time, apprentices are provided the diversity and complexity of training that leads to becoming highly skilled in their chosen occupations. As they gain skill, they are compensated through an increase in wages.

Registered apprenticeship is a formalized, structured training program combining on-the-job training and related technical instruction in which paid employees receive practical and technical training in a highly skilled occupation. Apprenticeship is industry-driven career training. Industry determines the skills that are essential to sustain a quality workforce. Apprenticeships can last from one to six years (occupation-dependent). During this time, apprentices work and learn under the direction of experienced journeyworkers. Over time, apprentices are provided the diversity and complexity of training that leads to becoming highly skilled in their chosen occupations. As they gain skill, they are compensated through an increase in wages.

Many high school students overlook a real opportunity for a successful long-term career, namely pursuing an apprenticeship in one of the construction trades. The Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan area is one of the nation’s largest construction markets and apprentice programs have always been traditionally strong in this particular industry where, more so than in many fields, skills are learned on the job. Even in harsh economic times, skilled workers are always in demand. It is anticipated that the market will continue to face a shortage of people with solid construction skills into the foreseeable future. In other words, the demand will be there for those with the right background and skills. As the old saying goes,” Nobody can ever take a skilled trade away from you”.

In writing this article, I am particularly gearing my thoughts to those high school students who are not particularly drawn to following a college or university education but who wish to pursue a career path that promises good pay and benefits and an ongoing training program that constantly develops one’s skills to facilitate career growth.