Health Care Careers - Grant Administrator Job Description

Job Title: Manager, grants administration
Years of Experience: 15
Where: Dayton, OH
Other Relevant Work Experience: Bedside nurse in hospital, clinical research coordinator, hospital unit administrator, nurse and patient educator in physician office, grant project manager
Education: Wright State University, BSN, RN Grad, suma cum laude; Emmanuel College for master's degree, current
Salary: Research the median salary for grants manager jobs.

Health Care Grants Administration

In this Salary Story, we hear from a trained nurse who was promoted into a grants administration position. She shares a detailed job description, some of the rewards and challenges of this job, and her personal reasons for entering the health care field to begin with.This job may seem like a behind-the-scenes role in health care, but you'll find out how it can have a direct - and positive - impact on patients.

 

PayScale: What is your grant administrator job description?

Oversee and establish infrastructure for grant, and research, compliance. Write polices and internal controls, create annual budgets for six divisions (total of over $1 million), track all research finances to ensure compliance, build budgets for all research activities to ensure compliance and cost coverage, establish indirect rate with federal agency; HHS, conduct all fiscal reports and federal reporting, collaborate with the grant writing team to create grant applications, conduct contract negotiations with sponsors, conduct audits for accuracy and compliance, serve on network corporate compliance committee, serve on divisional leadership team to assist in the establishment of the research vision.

PayScale: How did you get started doing this type of work?

My daughter was born with a crippling birth defect and had multiple surgeries while a baby (11 by her second birthday), and my husband had a mental illness that placed him in the hospital three times. I had to learn many medical things, and experienced both the good and the bad of health care. I went into nursing to make a difference for those suffering from such occurrences. I still try and make that difference, only now I have migrated to the research side to see if I can be a part of enabling researchers to discover cures.

PayScale: What do you love about your job as manager of grants administration?

I love that I work with a variety of people in the health care environment - patients, nurses, physicians, administration, pharmaceutical companies. In one of our grants, we teach motivational interviewing as the care delivery approach (versus directive: do it because I say you need to do this). A patient was struggling with her escalating diabetes - if things did not change for her, she was going to have to start insulin injections. The doctor had been warning her of this danger, telling her to be compliant with her diet ... very directive. Then the physician went through our training (funded by grant money) and decided to use this motivational interviewing idea with this patient. She engaged the patient with MI techniques, the patient responded very well, worked with the physician on her own plan to manage her DM, and after a year the patient is caring better for herself than ever before, and has not needed to advance to insulin treatment. That is making a difference in someone's life. Those experiences continue to motivate me every day to do what I do.

PayScale: What are the biggest challenges you face in your job?

Compliance. So many researchers and physicians are so eager to do their work, that they forget they need to do things in certain order - institutional review boards, consents, cost principles for spending - so you have to establish very good relationships with them. Then they are comfortable that you are there to help them and not to be a Gestapo obstruction to their research goal.

PayScale: What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a grant manager?

There are classes to take on research coordinator activities, as well as workshops for grant compliance. It would have great to have had that prior to being promoted into the role. I spent many evenings, weekends, and holidays learning the regulations!

PayScale: What are the most interesting things that have happened while doing this type of work?

I get to travel, and I love that.

 

Related Links:

• Where to find Jobs in Health Care Administration
• Info on Health Care Administration and Related Fields
• Grant Manager Job Listings
• Share Your Salary Story

Mad Men: Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Advertising Manager?

Considered working as an Advertising Manager? This interview will take you through the ups and downs you can expect in the position, what it takes to land the job, what you can expect to earn and more.

What is your job title and what industry do you work in? How many years of experience do you have in that field?
For the past nine years, I have held the position of Director of Advertising with a major player in the automotive industry.

Would you describe the things you do on a typical day?
The main focus of my position is to develop ad campaigns for my company's products. I work closely with the rest of my staff to produce exciting advertising that will prompt consumers to buy our goods. Specifically, my day consists of meetings with company executives to discuss campaigns, preparing our budget (for each campaign and our annual budget), examining and editing promotional materials, and coordinating the efforts of teams in different departments to ensure we are all on the same page.

On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate your job satisfaction? What would it take to unleash your full enthusiasm, talent and productivity?
I am extremely satisfied with my job; I'd say a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. The only thing keeping me from realizing my full enthusiasm is that I am bound by the product lines that I am selling. My goal is to run my own advertising firm some day.

On a good day when things are going well, can you give an example of something that really makes you feel good?
I feel like I was made for this job. It allows me to use my creativity and people skills in a way that is beneficial to my team, our employer, and our target audience.

How did you get started in this line of work? If you could go back and do it differently, what would you change?
I was hired as a graphic artist and worked in that capacity for 2 years. I continued my education and earned a promotion to assistant manager, then I was promoted again to manager, and after that I earned my current position. Honestly, there is nothing I would do differently. I am very pleased with how things turned out.

What did you learn the hard way in this job and how did that happen?
It is important to safeguard your work. I once had an excellent idea that ended up being used by someone who stole it from me! That was early in my career and I've since learned to ensure that people get the credit they deserve for the work they do.

What don’t they teach in school that would’ve been helpful to you?
School doesn't really prepare you for the pressure that comes in the working world. The demands and deadlines can really take their toll if you aren't prepared to face them. You need to be able to turn it around and make it into an opportunity to showcase your talents and let yourself shine!

What’s the strangest thing that ever happened to you in this job?
The strangest thing that ever happened on the job was when our company hosted a retreat for the management team. It was a weekend of odd team-building exercises that were thought up by an outside consultant. More than a few of us were left scratching our heads.

What education and skills do you need to get hired and succeed in this field?
In my job, I get to use my skills to coordinate the efforts of a lot of talented people to produce advertising campaigns for products that I believe in. I can't wait to see what my team will come up with each day.

What did you learn the hard way in this job and how did that happen?
The hardest part of my job is still in meeting the deadlines for the projects that my team and I work on. Sometimes, a date will get moved up on us, or we will be told to make some rather involved last-minute changes. That can be very nerve-wracking!

How stressful is your job? Are you able to maintain a comfortable or healthy work-life balance?
I encounter a moderate amount of stress in my job. After all, if my team fails it is ultimately my fault as Director. However, I have an incredibly talented group of individuals who are more than capable of rising to any challenge. On my own time, I find that running helps me to unwind as well as providing the exercise that I need.

What’s a rough salary range for the position you hold? Are you paid enough and/or happy living within your means?
The advertising field can be lucrative for an educated and motivated worker. The salary can vary, but the national average for an advertising manager is right around $50,000. My family and I live a modest lifestyle and have managed to save a little while still enjoying life. We are comfortable and happy with my career.

How much vacation do you take? Is it enough?
I have earned three weeks of vacation time in my accumulated years on the job. I usually take the family on two week-long trips each year and we take one "stay-cation" where we just spend family time at home. That is enough vacation time for me, as I am feeling fresh and ready to go when I return to work.

Does this job move your heart? Feel like you found your calling or sweet spot in life? If not, what might do it for you?
As I worked my way up from graphic design to management, I found it advantageous to further my education. I earned a bachelor's degree in advertising and also took classes in marketing, sales, communications, and psychology. Computer skills, the ability to lead people and effective communication are also valuable assets in the advertising field.

What would you tell a friend considering your line of work?
If a friend was considering a career in advertising, I would tell them to be patient, persistent, and sell themselves. After all, until you land that first job, you are the product you are selling. Also, prepare a portfolio of your work or things you've done in school that show off your talents. A little self-promotion is a good thing in this field!

If you could write your own ticket, what would you like to be doing in five years?
In five years, I see myself as the president of my own advertising firm. With the will to succeed, you can write your own ticket and be who you want to be!

This is a true career story as told to MarketingJobs.org and is one of many interviews with marketing professionals which also include Marketing Communications Executive and Marketing & Media Relations.

Could I Work as a Virtual Assistant?

Considered working as a Virtual Administrative Assistant? This interview will take you through the ups and downs you can expect in the position, what it takes to land the job, what you can expect to earn and more. This is a true career story as told to MarketingJobs.org and is one of many interviews with marketing professionals which among others include Video Game Marketing Manager and VP Marketing.

What is your job title and what industry do you work in? How many years of experience do you have in that field?

I have worked for the last three years as a Virtual Assistant. While my industry is a little ambiguous at this point it is usually considered the Administrative field.

Would you describe the things you do on a typical day?

One of the things I like most about this job is that there is no such thing as a “typical day”. Different clients need me to do different things for them and in the Virtual Assistant field you could do anything such as writing, social media, data entry, scheduling, blog posting, accounting or even graphic design or web design. I focus more on writing, blog management, social media, organization and project launches. This means I often write articles and blog posts, handle WordPress, Facebook and twitter accounts, and help people stay organized and on task for projects, e-books, meetings, etc.

On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate your job satisfaction? What would it take to unleash your full enthusiasm, talent and productivity?

I would rate my job satisfaction an 8. I love what I do but sometimes you can get clients with unreasonable requests or those who don’t give you the information you need to complete a project then demand the finished product. In order to unleash my full enthusiasm, talent and productivity it would take a VA-client relationship where we were totally in sync, like Radar on the MASH TV show where he knew what was needed before it was asked.

What did you learn the hard way in this job and how did that happen?

I had a client that would just send me an email saying “I need this_” and expect me to do it. Graphic design, web design and how to get a website to rank high on Google were all things I learned on the fly. I was new in the business then and afraid to say no or to ask more questions about how to do something. Now if I don’t know, I ask, and I find people appreciate my honesty.

What don’t they teach in school that would’ve been helpful to you?

Learning how to create a careful balance with clients between having to tell them what to do versus being told what to do is something that is never taught in school. In my line of work I often have to explain things to my clients and why what they want isn’t possible. This is something not all clients handle well no matter how carefully you say it. This would have saved me a lot of grief and perhaps a lost client or two.

How did you get started in this line of work? If you could go back and do it differently, what would you change?

I was looking for a way to earn some extra money while my children were younger and I had two at home. I got on Elance and started stumbling my way around and found a few clients. Later I started researching on the Web, went back to college, and started my own business. If I had it to do all over again I would have approached this as a business. I would do my research, create a business plan, and attack everything head on and I would have most likely been successful sooner.

What’s the strangest thing that ever happened to you in this job?

The strangest thing that ever happened to me in this job was when I had to go through YouTube videos for viral videos and found one of a Denmark commercial where a man kicks a baby. And I thought US commercials were weird.

On a good day when things are going well, can you give an example of something that really makes you feel good?

What makes me feel good is when a client doesn’t think something is possible and I am able to figure out a way to get it done for them. The relief and gratitude they express makes up for the bad days.

When nothing seems to go right, what kind of snafus do you handle and what do you dislike the most?

As a subcontractor, I use my own equipment. Anything goes wrong with my hardware or software and it can be a whole day down the drain.

How stressful is your job? Are you able to maintain a comfortable or healthy work-life balance?

My job is no more stressful then the typical office job. It took time to learn to walk away from the office but now I have a healthy work-life balance.

What’s a rough salary range for the position you hold? Are you paid enough and/or happy living within your means?

VA’s earn anything from $15-$60/ hr. I am in the middle range now and I do earn enough but it took a while to get here.

What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve experienced in this position? Of all the things you’ve done at work, what are you most proud of?

I liked working for this one non-profit company that was helping the people in Haiti. I love when I can help other people that is one of the best aspects of a VA in my opinion.

What’s the most challenging moment you’ve experienced? What would you prefer to forget?

The most challenging moment I ever experienced was when a client asked me to add some information to a WordPress site and I found out that it was done wrong. The programmer was a good friend of hers and she didn’t like being told the person didn’t know what they were doing and the work had to be redone. I had one very difficult client who demanded a lot, paid little, and was never satisfied. If I could, I would forget the three months I struggled to make him happy.

What education and skills do you need to get hired and succeed in this field?

I find as an business owner a degree in business management helps a lot, but as a Virtual Assistant you don’t need a formal degree, just experience. You need to be able to work well without having someone looking over your shoulder all the time and have Internet experience helps. Other skills depend vary but include data entry, scheduling, office skills, graphic design and other areas where people need an extra hand.

What would you tell a friend considering your line of work?

It is a great job but you have to be patient, work hard and take time to build a solid reputation.

How much vacation do you take? Is it enough?

I actually took my first vacation this year. That is something I am working on and don’t advise other people to do the same. Create a plan where you take time off or you get burnt out.

Are there any common misunderstandings you want to correct about what you do?

People have little or no idea of what a VA is. We are business owners, not secretaries, and experienced professionals, not lackeys to do run errands. I would want people to understand that what we do is more like a consultant and if you handle your VA relationship right your business will skyrocket.

Does this job move your heart? Feel like you found your calling or sweet spot in life? If not, what might do it for you?

I do love what I do and this is what I want to keep doing as I hone my skills and my business to establish a client base that supports my family and what I want to do in life so I can grow.

If you could write your own ticket, what would you like to be doing in five years?

In five years I want to have 6-10 VA’s under me so that I can be more of a manager and spend more time with my family.

Is there anything unique about your situation that readers should know when considering your experiences or accomplishments?

I did all of this as a single parent. So if I can do it you can too.

What is the Salary for a Home Appraisal Reviewer?

Name: Bill Wesen
Job Title: Residential Home Appraisal Reviewer
Where: Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
Years of Experience: 10
Other Relevant Work Experience: Electrical Engineering
Education: Bachelor of Engineering
Salary: Research the median salary for appraisal reviewer.

What is the Salary for a Home Appraisal Reviewer?

This Salary Story focuses on a real estate career that is more behind-the-scenes than an appraiser or real estate agent. We'll find out exactly what a home appraisal reviewer does, how to get started as a real estate appraiser, and some of the challenges you can expect to face in this career. For more info on real estate salaries, check out the links after the interview.

PayScale: What is your home appraisal reviewer job description?

An appraisal reviewer is not much different from an appraiser, it’s simply the next step up the line. As an appraisal reviewer, I analyze the quality of residential home appraisal reports. This means that I read the appraisal reports and check that they have everything they need, and that the appraisers who wrote the reports did everything they were supposed to do. First I read the report, and make sure it is the right report type for the house. There are different reports based on whether it is a single home, multifamily, land, condominium, or cooperative property type. I have to check the address; surprisingly enough it is easy to make a typo on a report for something as simple as the address. Then there are many appraisal requirements the appraisers have to meet in the report. I have to make sure the appraisers did the correct procedures the right way; it is easy to skimp out on a necessary time-consuming procedure. There are procedures for measuring the house, finding comparable properties nearby that have been sold recently, and taking pictures of these comparable properties as proof that the appraiser did what he or she was supposed to. Many appraisers dislike having to visit comparable properties to get an idea of what the local open market is; instead of visiting the comparable properties, they take pictures off the internet.

Medical Assistant Salaries and Career Options

Name: Michelle Francis
Job Title: Medical Assistant
Where: Walnut Creek, CA
Years of Experience: 5
Current Employer: Cardiovascular Consultants Medical Group
Other Relevant Work Experience: CPR certified, BLS certified, Arrhythmia/EKG certificate
Education: Concorde Career Institute, Medical Assisting, 4.0 GPA, perfect attendance
Salary: Use the PayScale Research Center to find median medical assistant salary data.

Medical Assistant Salaries and Career Options

Medical assistants work in many health care settings and perform numerous duties while assisting providers, working with patients, and helping to keep a medical practice running smoothly. While there's no question that working in this field can sometimes be stressful, it's also true that medical assisting careers can be greatly rewarding. As Michelle Francis explains in the following interview, the typical medical assistant salary may not be huge, but being able to help patients - and sometimes family members - is worth a great deal.

Real Estate Salaries - Getting Started in a Real Estate Career

Name: Kevin Meyer
Job Title: Real Estate Agent
Years of Experience: 9+
Where: Woodinville, WA
Current Employer: Coldwell Banker Bain
Other Relevant Work Experience: Market Leader LLC - a leading provider of real estate marketing software
Education: Rockwell Real Estate Institution Bellevue College
Salary: Research the median real estate agent salary.

Real Estate Salaries - Getting Started in a Real Estate Career

Real estate salaries can vary greatly depending on how long an agent has been in the business, changes in the economy, location and many other factors. Since real estate agents are generally paid on commission rather than earning a set salary, getting clients can be one of the most important parts of the job. For those just getting started in a real estate career, honing skills in marketing and customer service can help build a successful business. In this Salary Story, real estate agent Kevin Meyer describes what it's really like to be an agent, and offers valuable advice for individuals who are just getting started in a real estate career.

High School Summer Jobs - Food Service Job Opportunities

Name: Erich Wirtanen
Job Title: Foods Team Lead
Where: Rosemount, MN
Years of Experience: 2
Education: Currently enrolled at Rosemount High School
Salary: Research salaries for food service jobs and amusement park salaries.

High School Summer Jobs - Food Service Job Opportunities

For students in high school, summer jobs can offer great opportunities to gain work experience, earn extra money, and even have fun. In this Salary Story, we hear from one high school student who explains how he went about applying for summer jobs, why he sought out food service job opportunities, and what he learned from the whole experience. Keep reading to find out why summer jobs can be both educational and fun.

PayScale: What is the job description for a foods team lead?

A foods team lead is in charge of a specific building in the amusement park. You are responsible for making sure all the operations in your building are functioning properly. Starting the first day, you begin prepping all of the food and operate on a register face-to-face with every customer. You not only have the task of serving the customer, but also making the food and making sure every part of your building is functioning properly. When something goes wrong you’re the first one to fix it. Whether it is a machine malfunction or an upset customer, you must maintain the values of the park and fix it to the best of your ability, always with a smile. Part of keeping your building functioning is making sure it does not run out of raw materials; you are in charge of making sure you order enough for your building every day. You also have to make sure all your employees eat lunch. You need to keep track of who is on break so your building always has enough staff to run properly. At the end of the day you have to clean your building so it is ready for you to open it back up the next morning.

Babysitting Jobs: What is the Hourly Rate for Babysitting?

Name: Lexi Marcouiller
Job Title: Babysitter/Child care
Years of Experience: 5
Where: Snohomish, WA
Education: Snohomish High School student
Salary: Use the PayScale Research Center to find the median babysitting hourly rate in your area.

 

Babysitting Jobs: What is the Hourly Rate for Babysitting?

With neighborhood babysitting jobs available, many teens get their first work experience by providing child care to nearby families. The opportunity to babysit for money can be especially welcome for older siblings who have plenty of practice caring for a younger brother or sister. In this Salary Story, we hear some tips and tricks from an experienced babysitter. She shares the fun side of working with younger kids, but also explains how to handle the more challenging aspects of babysitting jobs.

Auto Detailing Jobs - Auto Detailing Business Owner Profile

Job Title: Auto Detailing Business Owner
Where: Bellevue, WA
Years of Experience: 30
Current Employer: Bradleys Detail of Bellevue
Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of Washington
Salary: Research median owner operator salaries and salaries for auto detailing jobs.

Auto Detailing Jobs - Auto Detailing Business Owner Profile

What is it like to run your own successful business? In this Salary Story, the owner of a luxury auto detailing business shares some of the challenges and rewards of owning a business. Information on starting a auto detailing business, managing auto detailing jobs, and the daily tasks of an owner operator are all included.

PayScale: What is your owner operator job description?

Owner operator of luxury auto detailing business. My job includes day-to-day operations of a company that specializes in polishing, waxing and shampooing of vehicles. I am responsible for the marketing, hiring, training and management of my workforce. I am also responsible for quality control.

Restaurant Job Descriptions - Restaurant Hostess

Name: Kortni Butterton
Job Title: Restaurant Hostess
Where: Seattle, WA
Current Employer: 50 North
Years of Experience: 3.5
Education: Issaquah High School, Diploma; Bellevue College, Associate of Arts and Sciences; University of Washington, Communications and Sociology major
Salary: Research the median salary scale for restaurants, including restaurant hostess jobs.

Restaurant Job Descriptions - Restaurant Hostess

A restaurant hostess works on the front lines. As the first point of contact for customers, a hostess has the important task of creating an excellent first impression. It's not always easy, especially after a long shift or when dealing with difficult customers. In addition to representing the restaurant, a hostess often does a ton of behind-the-scenes work in order to keep things running smoothly. If you're wondering what it takes to make it in this job, don't miss this Salary Story from Kortni Butterton. She shares a detailed restaurant hostess job description and describes the ups and downs of working in the food service industry.

Event Specialist Jobs - Demonstrators and Product Promoters

Name: Sara Blackmon
Job Title: Event Specialist
Where: Gastonia, NC
Current Employer: Crossmark, Inc.
Education: Olympic High School
Salary: Research median salaries for demonstrators and product promoters.

Event Specialist Jobs - Demonstrators and Product Promoters

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a positive job outlook for demonstrators and product promoters over the next several years. That's good news for people who enjoy working with the public and want a flexible work schedule. In this Salary Story, we get an insider's look at what demonstrators and product promoters do on a  daily basis - learning about new products, working in different venues, and communicating with a wide variety of people. Not to mention avoiding the occasional exploding carton of milk. Keep reading to find out why this job can be both challenging and fun.

 

Art Careers - Can You Really Make a Career as an Artist?

Name: Patrick Howe
Job Title: Artist, art gallery owner, art instructor
Where: Seattle, WA
Current Employer: Self
Years of Experience: 7
Relevant Work Experience: I have exhibited my artwork widely in galleries and museums. I have also taught art for many years. I was the head preparator for the Portland Art Museum. In the past I have worked in ad agencies as a creative director and award-winning art director.
Education: BFA from the Museum Art School (now PCNA) in Portland, OR, 1974.
Salary: Use the PayScale Research Center to find art occupations and salaries.

Art Careers - Can You Really Make a Career as an Artist?

Many artists struggle to find a balance between work and art, wondering if they should get a day job, become a commercial artist, or focus on a fine art career. Before committing to the life of an artist, many want to know: can you really make a career as an artist? According to this Salary Story, the answer is yes, but it won't necessarily be easy. Patrick Howe, an artist, art instructor and owner of a Seattle art gallery, describes how he made the leap from toiling at a day job to doing what he loves. If you're a struggling artist or just want to know more about art careers, don't miss Patrick's advice on what it takes to create a successful fine art career.

 

Blogging Jobs - Producer and Event Coordinator Job Description

Name: Jason Schumaker
Job Title: Producer/"Blog Dog"/Event Coordinator
Current Employer: BetterPhoto.com
Where: Seattle, WA
Years of Experience: 5
Other Relevant Work Experience: Worked as an editor and writer for a computer magazine.
Education: University of South Carolina, Bachelor's in Journalism; Summit School of Guitar, Vancouver Island, Canada, trained as a guitar builder and repairman.
Salary: Research salaries for event coordinator, web producer and blogging jobs.

Blogging Jobs - Producer and Event Coordinator Job Description

In this Salary Story, we hear from Jason Schumaker, a self-described "Jason of all trades." He explains what it's like to juggle multiple roles in his job at BetterPhoto.com. On any give day, you may find him working as event coordinator, editing video footage, or blogging on one of the company blogs. And that's just a small part of his producer job description. If you're interested in blogging jobs or other online writing positions, keep reading to get Jason's advice on how to produce compelling content. 

 

What Is the Average Massage Therapist Salary?

Name: Kelleen Blanchard
Job Title: Massage Therapist
Where: Seattle, WA
Current Employer: Seattle Spa Noir
Years of Experience: 3
Other Relevant Work Experience: Customer Service
Education: Brian Utting School of Massage; Cornish College of the Arts, BFA Theatre
Salary: See the PayScale Research Center for the average massage therapist salary.

What is the Average Massage Therapist Salary?

There's no question that getting a professional massage can be a life-changing experience. Whether you're recovering from an injury or a stressful day at the office, massage therapy can be a huge help. But what is it like to work as a massage therapist? In this Salary Story, seattle massage therapist Kelleen Blanchard describes the ups and downs of her career as a massage therapist. She explains why she chose the profession, describes her daily tasks at Spa Noir, and offers advice to those just entering the field. If you're considering a career as a massage therapist, don't miss this invaluable interview. To find out more about the average massage therapist salary, see the links below.

PayScale: What is your massage therapist job description?

As a massage therapist at Spa Noir, I greet clients, review their intake forms for specific needs or medical issues and confer with them to customize the best, most beneficial therapy session. I am trained in deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy and hot stone massage. I especially enjoy working with specific injuries and doing intense, deep tissue work because I have witnessed and experience the results from this kind of work. In addition to working one-on-one with clients, I help support the overall spa by doing laundry and other small cleaning tasks. I also am available for body wraps; eye and lip treatments; and foot, hand, and scalp treatments. These can be great relaxing add-ons to a massage. At the spa, my focus is on the client. I want their visit to be relaxing, positive, and to address their needs in a personal and effective manner.

What Is the Annual Salary for a Vet Tech?

Name: Jade Egelhoff
Job Title: Elephant Veterinary Technician
Years of Experience: 0-1
Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Education: Gig Harbor High School; Tacoma Community College, Associate Degree; Elephant Veterinary Training and First Aid, Thailand Animal Behavior Training; Humane Society HIV/AIDS Brief Risk Intervention Training
Salary: Use the PayScale Research Center to find median annual salaries for vet tech professionals.

What is the Annual Salary for a Vet Tech?

Looking for a truly unique way to gain veterinary tech experience? Why not travel to a foreign country to help animals in need? That's exactly what Jade Egelhoff did by going all the way to Thailand to work as an elephant vet technician. In this interview, Jade describes what it was like to rehabilitate Asian elephants, explains how she adapted to life in a foreign culture and offers advice to any vet techs who might be looking for an adventure. For those who love animals as well as travel, this is a must-read interview. To find out more about the annual salary for a vet tech or related careers, see the links at the bottom of this post.

Receptionist Salary and Job Description

Name: June Miller
Job Title: Nursing Unit Clerk, Receptionist
Where: Vancouver, BC
Current Employer: Currently in college
Years of Experience: 35
Relevant Work Experience: Administrative Assistant, Health Care Worker, Activity Aide, Barber, Personal Assistant
Education: GED, Secretarial Certificate, HCW Certificate
Salary: See the PayScale Research Center for median receptionist salary data.

Receptionist Salary and Job Description

Working for a temp agency can be a great way to try out different jobs or get your foot in the door at a desirable company. On the other hand, it often means frequent changes in work schedule and location. To deal with these unique challenges, temporary employees must be flexible, learn quickly and have great communication skills. In this Salary Story, we hear from June, a former temp who worked successfully in various positions. She offers advice on how to adapt to a new job and describes some of the challenges and rewards of choosing to work as a temporary receptionist.

Medical Assistant Job Description

Name: Krysteena
Job Title: Medical Assistant
Years of Experience: 17
Where: Renton, WA
Current Employer: Southlake Clinic
Education: Certified Medical Assistant
Salary: See the PayScale Research Center for the average salary of a medical assistant.

Medical Assistant Job Description

A quick search for medical assistant jobs reveals openings in various states across the country. Medical assistants are in demand, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects excellent growth in the field over the next several years. The outlook for medical assistant jobs may be bright, but what is it really like to work in this profession? In this Salary Story, we hear from an experienced medical assistant who knows a thing or two about dealing with insurance companies, juggling paperwork, and providing excellent patient care. She describes her medical assistant duties and sheds some light on what makes this a rewarding career.

Waitress Job Description - Tips on Better Waitressing

Name: June Gunderson
Job Title: Waitress
Years of Experience: 20 years
Where: Green Bay, WI
Education: ITT Technical Institute, Green Bay
Salary: See the PayScale Research Center for median waitress salaries.

Waitress Job Description - Tips on Better Waitressing

If you're looking for waitress job openings, take a moment to read our interview with June Gunderson, a waitress with 20 years of valuable experience. She explains which waitressing skills are most important, offers tips on better waitressing, and more. Find out why waitressing jobs can be challenging, rewarding, and lucrative.

PayScale: What is your waitress job description?

Everyone thinks waitressing is just waiting on tables. There is much more to the job. When I get to work I have a whole set of prep work I am responsible for before opening for breakfast. Those syrups pitchers and ketchup bottles don't fill themselves. I also have to make sure we have enough silverware wrapped in napkins for the day. The night crew is supposed to help with this, but somehow they are always short. I also do basic food prep. I have to do some of the garnishes and sauces for many of the meals I bring out.

Personal Trainer to Personal Training Studio Manager

Name: Duncan Sailors
Job Title: Personal Training Studio Manager / Personal Trainer
Years of Experience: 5 years
Where: West Seattle, WA
Current Employer: West Seattle Fitness Together (full-time), CrossFit Seattle (part-time)
Education: BS, University of Washington; ACE certified personal trainer; Crossfit Level 1 certified, Crossfit Endurance Level 1 certified
Salary: See the PayScale Research Center for the average salary of a personal trainer

 

Turning a Passion for Fitness Into a Successful Management Career

What is it like to manage a personal training studio as well as be a personal trainer? West Seattle personal trainer Duncan Sailors shares his story of how he took his life's passion for fitness and turned it into a successful management career.

PayScale: Describe your Job Duties as the Manager of a Personal Training Studio

I have five main areas of duties: sales, marketing, facility upkeep, training and personnel. My main sales duties include: following up on leads, scheduling free sessions, entering sales data, maintaining sales and client database, retaining clients, and providing accurate sales reports to the owner. My main marketing duties include: managing in house and outdoor signage, doing internet outreach, maintaining a presence in social media such as Facebook, blog, YouTube and Yelp. I also do  business to business collaboration, seminars, street fairs and In house contests. On the service side, I do training sessions (15 to 30+ per week), client follow-up, nutrition programs, exercise programming, and fitness assessments cards (birthday, anniversary, thank you, referral requests). I also handle all client contact and client safety communications via e-mail, phone and text. From the facilities standpoint, I manage cleaning, equipment maintenance, new equipment acquisition, recycling, office equipment and consumables: water, towels and fruit bowl. On the personnel side, I hire, train, review and fire trainers as well as run staff meetings. There are also lots of other small tasks the manager of a personal training studio does each day.

Becoming a Life Coach

Name: Eileen Wood
Job Title: Wellness and Life Coach, Writer, Inspirational Teacher
Years of Experience: 20 years
Where: Raleigh, NC
Current Employer: Self-Employed
Education: East Carolina University, BA; Atlantic University, MA
Salary: See the PayScale Research Center for median life coach salary data.

Becoming a Life Coach

What is a life coach? The simple answer is that a life coach can help clients to reach personal goals and make life changes. Making career changes, learning to manage stress more effectively, or pursuing long neglected dreams are just a few examples of why someone might hire a life coach. In this Salary Story, Eileen Wood, a wellness and life coach in North Carolina, explains what being a life coach means to her. She describes her approach to life coaching, offers advice on becoming a life coach, and talks about the challenges and rewards that are a part of transforming people's lives.

PayScale: What is a life coach? Describe your life coach job description.

 

As a wellness and life coach I encourage and inspire others to take control of their lives. Self-empowerment is a very strong attribute that reflects in all areas of life. It is the key to success and having a fulfilling life. By working with the mind, body and spirit, an individual can become more aware of what their purpose is in life, what is important to them, find their strengths and change their life for the better. Life coaching is like training for a marathon, only this marathon is for your life's journey. Just like an Olympic athlete uses a coach to help him/her excel at a sport, an individual will benefit immensely from using a life coach to help him/her excel in daily life experiences. Through the written word in articles and books, as a writer and aspiring author, I offer people opportunities to gain insight into their own self preservation. The pathway to personal success starts with the self and then moves outward. “If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people” - Chinese proverb.

As a teacher I work with meditation, stress management, philosophy, metaphysics, science and ancient wisdom in order to help others understand themselves and how they fit in the world.