Creative Careers

Are you looking for a whole new field of study at community college? Why not give glass blowing a try? This popular hobby is now being offered in courses at community colleges across the country. Whether you are looking for a profession as a glass blowing artisan or simply want to add another piping hot hobby to your repertoire, glass blowing might be the opportunity to let your inner artist shine. This article will explore the history and craft of glass blowing and provide a few samples of colleges that are offering formal training in this skill.

What is Glass Blowing?

According to Wise Geek, the history of glass blowing dates back to approximately 200 BCE. During those very early years, glass blowing was primarily used to create vessels to hold liquids. Through its long evolution, glass blowing has become an art form used for creating beautiful pieces that lovers of the craft can proudly display in their homes and office buildings.

The process of glass blowing requires very hot conditions, created by heating ash and limestone in a fiery furnace. The glass is heated to a molten state, where it can be molded and shaped into everything from large vessels to tiny detailed forms. The shaping takes place through a blowpipe that the artist blows into to form a bubble within the molten glass. Details can be added to the glass during the blowing process, using tweezers to pull and shape the glass into

Cosmetology has traditionally been the realm of trade schools that specialize in training and licensing hair stylists, nail technicians and skin care specialists. Many of the current trade schools are directly tied to a specific product brand, such as the Aveda chain of training institutes. However, the face of cosmetology is changing - and not just with new makeup skills. Today, cosmetology programs are expanding into community colleges that recognize a background in basic business principles, as well as cosmetology training, will help graduates move into and advance in the field of cosmetology.

Career Outlook for Cosmetology

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the general job outlook for the field of cosmetology is favorable, with employment expected to grow at a faster than average rate in this industry. The industry is also considered one of the few recession-proof areas in which to work today. Cosmetology may incorporate the following positions:

• Barbers who are responsible for cutting and styling men's hair
• Hairdressers and stylists who cut, shampoo and style hair
• Manicurists and pedicurists that work specifically with polishing nails and applying extensions
• Estheticians or skin care specialists that offer facials and full body treatments

Nearly all of these positions will require licensure by the state in which the individual will work, although specific requirements vary by location and position.

This video explains the pros and cons of being a cosmetologist.

Bringing Business to Cosmetology

When people think of the music industry, they usually imagine the artists on stage as the bread and butter of the field. However, the real action in the music business takes place behind the scenes.

If you are interested in a career in the business side of music, there are plenty of community colleges offering degree programs that will get you out of the books and into the action much more quickly than the four-year degree route. Consider these opportunities waiting for you in the music business, as well as where you can obtain the training you need to jumpstart your entertainment career.

This video gives us an overview of the music industry.

Career Opportunities Behind the Scenes

Whether you have a head for numbers or fashion, you can find a job you love in the music industry. Below, we have listed just a few examples of music-related careers found at the Berklee College of Music website for your consideration:

• Artist Manager/Agent – This professional handles the career for a single musician or an entire band. The artist manager may be responsible for making both business and creative decisions to further the musician's career and hopefully guide him to the top of the charts.
• Concert Promoter – If you enjoy organizing and promoting large events, this is the job for you. The concert promoter will also secure the financial backing for

If you have a gift for summing up life in a single snapshot, a career in photography might be the perfect choice for you. This career takes talent and skill – but fortunately it doesn't have to take years of college to land your dream job.

Today, many community colleges are offering photography programs that can be completed in just two years or less, saving you both time and money on your college experience. Peruse these options for photography training programs and get ready to launch a creative career in a field you love.

Photography Careers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Photographers produce and preserve images that paint a picture, tell a story or record an event." Photographers work in a wide range of venues, from photojournalists who get the pictures of the big stories of the day to fine arts photographers that create photographic masterpieces with their own unique flair. You might find photographers in the field of science, snapping pictures of procedures and medical records. Photographers also produce images for catalogues, technical manuals and even commemorative events like graduations and weddings.

A photographer must be creative, but knowledge of technology and photography equipment is also essential. While you might bring raw talent to your craft, you need technical skills to translate that talent to a published image. This is where community college training is paramount to a successful career in photography.

The BLS also predicts that competition for positions in

Careers: Broadcasting

Whether you’re interested in entertaining, sharing insightful commentary, reporting interesting news stories, or working in production, a career in broadcasting and radio may be perfect for you! If you have the charisma and drive to work in this interactive field, begin your journey with the proper training at your local community college.

Careers in Radio Broadcasting

Depending on one’s professional goals and interests, students can pursue a variety of degree pathways to develop the necessary skills for a radio career.

Commonly, students pursuing a career in professional radio earn their Associate of Applied Science degree. Students can enroll in departments such as broadcasting, telecommunications, or even specialized programs designed for radio technology and production. In examining some of the core classes often required by such programs, students may need to complete mandatory courses such as:

• History of broadcasting radio
• Public speaking
• Radio broadcasting and writing
• Advertising
• Related technology and computer courses
• Related legal courses about FCC guidelines and broadcasting laws

While each college has its course requirements, broadcasting programs can often expand to include training for television and radio. For example, students enrolled in Cayuga Community College’s Telecommunications program are exposed to combined instructional models to learn about both radio and television broadcasting. As a result, students in the program enjoy courses such as “Journalism Practicum,” “Interactive Media Production,” “Media Writing,” “Audio for Media,” as well as “Radio Practicum” and “Radio and TV Announcing.” Every community college’s broadcasting program varies, and some may specialize specifically in radio.