Amongst the wide array of jobs that most people would not think of as “ordinary” jobs is that of construction management.  While it is at the end of the spectrum of “weird” jobs (construction jobs are increasingly widespread), construction management jobs are one career choice that many people would assume is not the type to become a lifelong career.  The opposite is true.  While construction jobs come and go, every company needs to have some type of management (who else can secure work jobs for the company?) and every manager needs to have a background knowledge of both construction and business techniques.  Furthermore, the Construction Management Association of America divides the responsibilities of a construction manager into 7 categories:
•    Project management planning
•    Cost management
•    Time management
•    Quality management
•    Contract administration
•    Safety management; and
•    CM professional practice (such as organization)
Only one question remains: where to find these type of positions?

Construction management seems to be a very limited profession, but in fact can transcend a wide array of careers only dimly related to the concept of a construction manager.  Architects have similar experience in construction management; they almost need it in order to command a large number of employees to create a building in a certain way.  While management is in charge of most of the responsibilities regarding the site, architects have similar responsibilities that are closely related to the job title of construction manager. 

Additionally, aside from this type of unprecedented career choice, construction managers can often get placed immediately after earning a degree in the field.  Construction management degrees have nearly come out of nowhere in recent years, although have become an important resource for students of construction.  Nearly every student is placed within the growing industry, and it is forecast to continue to grow at an unprecedented rate within the next few years.  How many times have you passed through your hometown to notice a new building popping up or construction on the highway?  This is all due to an intricate construction management system that places certain employees on different jobs around the city, as well as predicts how soon the jobs will be completed.  Without this type of organization, many construction projects would fail or take an exceedingly long time to complete. 

Construction management is a much more complicated career than many people outside the industry think it to be.  There are many opportunities within the construction industry to become either management or work outside the process as an architect or financer.  However, earning your degree in construction management or simply taking construction courses through an accredited university can help place you in the construction position you want to be in.  Due to the growth the industry has achieved in recent years, construction and construction management positions seem slated to become the most highly sought after careers in the country amidst the tales of unemployment. 

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It is difficult to make a name for yourself in photography, there is no denying this, but making an innovative photography piece is even harder for many budding photographers.   Thus, the troubled times in pursuing art make themselves known early on, as many aspiring artists struggle to find their niche in the art world.  Photography is the newest form of art and yet has experienced similar hardships with a rising amount of potential photographers.  The key is, to figuratively “break through the fourth wall”, in other words, commit to a realism that touches the viewer.  While the term is meant to appeal more to performance art, such as theatre, it is still applicable to the world of photography which attempts to bring still images to life through lighting, setting, and background.

While careers in photography may seem few and far between, there are rising opportunities for many students of photography in many different fields.  While you may not go far with aspirations of becoming the next Ansel Adams, if you satiate yourself with entry-level positions in galleries, this may amount to a new career option.  The skill of photography is a skill that nearly every person thinks they have, but it is only through careful cultivation that true talent emerges. This cultivation is typically in the form of photography classes or art degrees.  Photography focuses much more on what is beyond the image, rather than the image itself. 

How many of us are well acquainted with the popular photographs through history, such as the soldier kissing the girl after returning from war (“The Kiss”) or the famine stricken child in Sudan only feet away from a vulture (by Kevin Carter)?  These photographs literally transcended their still life image and allowed us to take a peek into the true nature of the photographs.  The image from the Sudan is the most haunting of all, as we can see the ribs of the small child protruding in a UN camp while a vulture looks on; this photograph haunted Kevin Carter to his grave as he killed himself only a year later.  While these images have found a name for themselves in the art world, this is not to say that only depictions of world events are of the caliber of great photography.  Many great photographs around the world are seemingly amateur recollections of families or different customs in countries abroad.

While careers in photography still seem to be far away for the entering photography student, keep in mind that there are many valuable opportunities out there.  Anywhere from working with a newspaper to a modeling agency qualify as work experience and can teach you many valuable lessons in the industry.  Photography is more than just an image frozen in time, it is about the background and the meaning that goes into it; this meaning must literally break through the fourth wall to absorb the viewer and capture history in the making, regardless how monumental or small it may be. 

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Whether you already enjoy a successful career as an entrepreneur or are just starting out, these talks offer plenty of information to enhance your role in your business. From identifying what makes an entrepreneur successful to tips for those starting out on their own to more in-depth topics on business, there is a wealth of information right here on YouTube.

The Makeup of Entrepreneurs

From traits of successful entrepreneurs to whether they are born or made to the importance of innovation, these videos describe the embodiment of entrepreneurs.

1. Entrepreneurs can change the world. This inspirational video touches on traits of entrepreneurs and how they work to make the world a better place.
2. Skills of Great Entrepreneurs. Randy Komisar talks about the skills essential for being a successful entrepreneur.
3. The Art of Relationships. See what this business school student says about starting your own business based on her own experience with entrepreneurship.
4. Lessons Learned from Failures. Randy Komisar supports this idea that failure is to be expected and is actually an important stepping stone to success.
5. Entrepreneurship. Listen to what Debbie Ducic of GutZy Women has to say about what makes a successful entrepreneur.
6. The Call of the Entrepreneur. Watch this trailer for a documentary to see some of what an entrepreneur is.
7. The Most Important Lessons Learned as An Entrepreneur. Ryan Allis discusses what he has learned about becoming an entrepreneur.
8. Silicon Valley and the culture of entrepreneurship. This panel discussion talks about the different business cultures around the world and how it changes the face of entrepreneurship.
9. Entrepreneurship & Success: What does it take?. Hear from these entrepreneurs on what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur.
10. What is Entrepreneurship?. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw gives a simple, yet effective, definition of what an entrepreneur is.
11. Are entrepreneurs born or made?. Several entrepreneurs discuss whether entrepreneurs are born or made as well as some traits of these successful business people.
12. Professor Bird on Entrepreneurship 1. Professor Bird from Kogod School of Business shares what she sees as common personality traits of entrepreneurs.
13. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Special Topics - Web 2.0. Douglas Engelbart, the creator of such technology as the mouse and windows in computers, discusses the importance of innovation in entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship and Education

Many entrepreneurs got their start with a business school education. See what these videos have to say about the connection between the two.

14. What is Entrepreneurship?. This college professor defines entrepreneurship and discusses how the school where he teaches can help entrepreneurs through education.
15. UFM.edu - Seven questions about entrepreneurship. Professor Andrew Zacharakis talks about entrepreneurship in general as well as some of the work done at Babson College in reference to teaching entrepreneurship.
16. Eugene M. Lang Entrepreneurship Center: Critical to Launch. These entrepreneurs discuss the importance of networking at business school to getting their business started.
17. Teaching Entrepreneurship. Examine the idea of teaching entrepreneurship by exploring this story about teenaged entrepreneurs.
18. Entrepreneurship in the Classroom. See what Adjunct Professor Jack Kaplan has to say about teaching entrepreneurship.
19. Will Price - Chief Executive Officer, Widgetbox. Price talks about being in business school as well as his experience as both an entrepreneur and leader in business.
20. Kellogg: Entrepreneurship is in Your Future. Alumni of Kellogg discuss the benefits of an entrepreneurship program for future entrepreneurs.
21. ARTS: Entrepreneurship and the Future of the Music Industry. Professor Ken Lopez says that future musicians will also need to be entrepreneurs and is an important area of study while in school.

Starting Out

Get great advice for when you are just starting out on your own.

22. Advice to Entrepreneurs: Trust Your Instincts. David Avery talks about the importance of new entrepreneurs following their instincts.
23. Making the perfect first impression. Listen to the stories this entrepreneur tells of how she worked to make a good impression despite being short of all the necessary amenities for doing business.
24. How to Raise Capital: The #1 Skill of an Entrepreneur. Designing a business that can bring in money is more important than what you are selling.
25. Friends and family - the first source of capital. Bela Katrak talks about getting small donations and loans from friends and family to get a business off the ground.
26. Pooling in finances. The director of Director of Café Coffee Day discusses persistence in gathering enough money for starting your business.
27. Inadequate Funds, Business Mistake. Listen to this attorney explain how many entrepreneurs underestimate the amount of capital they need.
28. Women entrepreneurs - dealing with gender-bias. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw talks about how being a young woman entrepreneur in the biotechnology industry created additional challenges she overcame.
29. Importance of a Business Plan. Learn why having a business plan is essential.
30. How to Write a Business Plan. Learning how to write a business plan is the next step.
31. Starting a Business Goals, Costs. This management consultant details important goals to set when starting a business.
32. Five Biggest Mistakes That Entrepreneurs Make. Make sure you know which mistakes to avoid when starting out on your own.
33. Entrepreneurs Moonlighting, Don’t Quit Your Day Job. It might be smart to keep your day job when first starting out. Find out why.

On Leadership

Being a good leader can be a crucial part of the success of your company. Find out how you can nurture that part of your personal development.

34. Critical Moments in Leadership: Changing the Rules. This panel discussion hosted by Professor Laura Cardinal examines the way effective leaders respond during critical moments that can affect the future of a business.
35. Colin Turner - Entrepreneurial Leadership. Turner speaks on the importance of entrepreneurs to deliver leadership and value in business.
36. Business Education & Mentoring -What type of leader are you?. Decide how you want to lead when you see these two types side-by-side.
37. Scott Blanchard - Two Types of Leadership. This video teaches about strategic and operational leadership and how they affect a business.
38. Ram Charan Corporate Keynote Lecture. Ram Charan discusses tips on what makes a great leader in the field of business.
39. Principles of Leadership. The best people to learn from are those already successful as leaders. Hear what a few have to say here.
40. Business Management During Economic Downturn - Bloomberg. The chairman and CEO of Union Pacific shares tips on how to wisely manage a business during challenging economic times.
41. The Importance of Urgency. John Kotter explains his theory of urgency and why leaders should incorporate it.
42. Leadership Interviews. Watch as several entrepreneurs in the San Francisco Bay area discuss what they believe makes a leader successful.
43. Apprentice 4 - Business Tips Part 1. Get leadership and business tips from Donald Trump from season four of The Apprentice condensed into this video.

Negotiation

Becoming a successful negotiator means ensuring you get what you need for your business. Watch these videos to learn how to sharpen your skills.

44. NLP - Are You Selling or Negotiating?. Learn the difference between selling and negotiating so you know when to perform the right action.
45. Negotiation Skills: Dealing With Difficult Issues. Get the person across the table out of the crossed-arms position to help your negotiations.
46. Negotiation. Listen as Professor Berman shares his insight on negotiations.
47. Interview with Negotiation Expert, Eric Henry. Eric Henry breaks down the process of negotiation and describes how it relates to the study of the brain.
48. Effective Business Negotiations. Brian J. Dietmeyer, CEO of Think! Inc., shares the basics of negotiations.
49. Negotiations Course Part One. Based on the book Negotiate to Close, this video shares the basics of negotiation.
50. Prof. Deepak Malhotra Harvard Business School. Listen to what this Harvard professor has to say about negotiation techniques.
51. Cross-cultural negotiations: Avoiding the pitfalls. Professor Horacio Falcao discusses understanding cross-cultural negotiations.
52. NEGOTIATION The art of survival & craft of winning. Get the basics and how to make negotiation work for you here.
53. Stories #1 - To close the deal, you need to negotiate face-t. This video addresses why negotiation is often best done in person.
54. Comparing American and Chinese Negotiation Styles. The founder of Negotiation-International discusses negotiations between American and Chinese businesses.
55. The Culture of Deal Making. Get examples of negotiating styles from a few specific countries in this video from PharmaVentures.
56. Active Listening. Professor Jeffrey Berman discusses improving listening skills to become a more effective negotiator.

Marketing

Marketing your business is how you will get the word out, so make sure you know how to do so successfully.

57. Seth Godin: Sliced bread and other marketing delights. Learn from this entrepreneur why some ideas work better for getting consumer attention than others.
58. Marketing Strategy - The Product Lifecycle. Get a handle on the concept of the product lifecycle so you can apply it to your product.
59. 4 Secrets to an Effective Strategic Marketing Plan. Learn about strategic marketing so you can better promote your company.
60. Business Education - Your are your brand. Watch this video that aligns marketing with a guy trying to meet a woman.
61. Market Analysis - Market Segmentation. Find out about market segmentation and why it should matter to you.
62. The Simple Truth of Service. Customer loyalty means repeat customers. Learn how to build your customer loyalty here.
63. Michael Port - small business marketing coach -. Port describes ways to talk up your business.
64. Customer Relationship Management and Direct Marketing (CRM). Patrick Dixon used real examples to describe the idea of Customer Relationship Management.
65. Positioning: How to Stand Out in a Cluttered Market. Discover how you can make your business stand out by being known for one awesome thing.
66. Fundamental Marketing Terms & Concepts (part 1). This video shares basic marketing terms for those just starting out.
67. short-history-of-marketing. Watch the progression of marketing through the years and find out how consumers can feel overwhelmed and isolated by marketing.
68. 51 Cool Marketing Advertising Ideas. Watch this montage that includes 51 outstanding marketing campaigns.
69. Speech by Professor Bernd Schmitt. This professor from Columbia Business School delivers a lecture on the CEM Platform.

Global and Social Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship that affects society as a whole all around the world is catching the eye of many in the business world. Find out more about it here.

70. "Social Entrepreneurship" - Ashoka’s Bill Drayton speaks…. Drayton talks about entrepreneurs who make important social changes around the world.
71. Key Traits of Social Entrepreneurs. Learn what traits successful social entrepreneurs have in this interview with John Elkington.
72. Entrepreneur Professor Mark Ahn. Ahn discusses how entrepreneurs can make social change much more easily than big businesses.
73. The Role of Markets in Addressing Social Problems. Professor Bruce Usher discusses the role of markets in addressing social problems, including sustainability.
74. Can a "Green" Business Also be a Profitable One?. The CEO of Stoneyfield Farm discusses how a business can be both green and profitable.
75. "Green Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation" with Michael Lenox. Lenox discusses clean technology, innovation, and the drive behind entrepreneurship in green technology.
76. Starting a Business : Making a Green Business. The founder of Sweet Leaf Tea describes how to start a business using ecologically sound resources.
77. Vinod Khosla on "The Innovation Ecosystem" - Haas School. Vinod Khosla shares his thoughts on the future of green business.
78. Andrew Shapiro discusses Green Business. Shapiro, founder and CEO of Green Order, explains that green businesses are ahead of other businesses in growth for the future.
79. C.K. Prahalad: "Doing Well by Doing Good". Professor Prahalad describes how businesses are microfinancing citizens of developing countries with success for all involved.
80. Richard Branson talks about Global Entrepreneurship Week and why he thinks entrepreneurs really can change the world small. Branson talks about how entrepreneurs can change the world in conjunction with non-profits, business, and others.
81. Entrepreneurship in Africa Master Class: The Team Meets to Discuss Financial Strategies. Students at Columbia Business School and members from financial institutions talk about their entrepreneurial venture in The Peacock Hotel in Tanzania.
82. Social Enterprise in India. The students at Columbia are also involved in India. Learn about their business ventures in this video.
83. Muhammad Yunus: Doing Well by Doing Good. Dr. Yunus talks about a US-based microcredit program that strengthens the global economy by helping people pull themselves out of poverty.
84. The 2008 Index of Economic Freedom. This video provides an overview of many countries around the world and their economic freedom ranking.
85. Global Economics - Global Capital Market: Risks and Rewards. Find out how the world economy has become integrated and the implications of this integration.
86. Global Economics - Global Exchange: Free Trade & Protection. Watch this video to learn about how international trade has grown over the past 35 years and its effects.
87. Global Economics - Global Resources: Management and Competition. Examine the history of the distribution and exploitation of global resources and get tips for managing resources in the future.
88. Global Business Tips: Germany. The Executive Vice President of Audi of America talks about the nature of German business people and how best to conduct business with them.

Hear from Entrepreneurs

Learn about how these entrepreneurs started, where they are going, and what they have to offer when it comes to starting out on your own.

89. Sunil Bharti Mittal on Entrepreneurship. Learn how this entrepreneur started with just $1500 and is now head of the $5 million Bharti Group in India.
90. Strategic Management: Routes to Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition. Four entrepreneurs share their experiences acquiring small businesses as a path to entrepreneurship.
91. Donald Trump: Thought on Entrepreneurs. Hear a few thoughts from one of the most well-recognized entrepreneurs.
92. Bill Gates at Salon Des Entrepreneurs Part 1/4. If your French is a bit rusty, skip past the introduction to hear what Gates has to say about starting out as an entrepreneur.
93. Part 1 of 9 - Secrets of Entrepreneurship Lecture. Listen to serial entrepreneur and triathlete, Mitch Thrower, as he talks about entrepreneurship in this first installment of a nine-part series.
94. Warren Buffett MBA Talk - Part 1. Warren Buffett talks to MBA students about how integrity is more important than intellect and ability when it comes to success in business.
95. Warren Buffett MBA Talk - Part 2. Buffett fields questions from the students in the second part of this series.
96. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates Together: Part 1. Jobs and Gates discuss the attributes of the other that they respect most, which are also what made them successful entrepreneurs.
97. Todd McFarlane on Entrepreneurship. McFarlane talks about the intersection of art and business.
98. Sara Blakely, Speaker, Entrepreneur & Founder of SPANX. Blakely talks about her business and the road to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
99. Michael Dell’s Advice to Entrepreneurs. Skip to 2:00 to find out what advice Dell has to offer to young entrepreneurs.
100. Entrepreneur Carol Lee Anderson. Anderson talks about women entrepreneurs and what traits they have that makes them successful.

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Law enforcement careers are some of the most plentiful in the nation, as new units open up nearly every year.  Law enforcement opportunities extend far beyond the typical scope of employment, and reach on to positions that were previously not considered only a few years ago.  With crime on the rise, it become more important to recruit valuable employees who are up to the task of patrolling the streets and keeping criminals in check.

Law enforcement careers can range from typical police work up to FBI and CIA units.  While it seems like there is a massive difference between the two, many police departments are slowly becoming more specialized as the times call for it.  There used to be only one type of police officer: the kind who pulled you over for tickets, researched into domestic disputes, tracked down murderers, you get the picture.  However, now there are detectives for every department, and new departments to say the least that are in charge of every type of miniscule difference in crimes.  Narcotics teams track drug trafficking and help out the border patrol, while the homicide unit focuses (of course) on homicides.

Depending what element of crime you are most intrigued by, can cement your place within a law enforcement career.  If you are more interested in the criminal mindset, then detective work seems most like a possible law enforcement career.  However, keep in mind that the media has portrayed law enforcement to be a career which is vastly different from that in the real world.  There are not always leads in cases, and many cases go unsolved for years before any evidence pops up.  Forensic analysis is another new part of law enforcement which requires a special degree to even get hired for many law enforcement centers.  Forensics is one way that modern technology has now allowed us to solve cases through evidence that the criminal may have left lying around.  This advance in technology has helped solve a multitude of crimes and has opened up a new realm of law enforcement.

If you want to get even more specialized than police departments offer, there are always the FBI and CIA, two organizations which have been around for decades.  Despite their longevity, however, these organizations have come up with new departments almost every year, as the times have evolved (and crime as well).  If you are more intrigued with the new departments such as terrorist units, then you will have to get advanced degrees within the subject to even be considered for the profession.  However, these organizations are more on the fringe of the traditional notion of law enforcement careers.  No matter what path law enforcement takes you, it is a welcome relief from the daily life of ordinary citizens and allows you a glimpse into the more “daredevil” world of criminals. 
 

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If you’re looking for a job or internship in this economic climate, you’re probably tearing your hair out just to get an interview. But once you get in the door, you’re still in no position to relax. Employers and recruiters can ask you all kinds of questions to make you uncomfortable and think on your feet, and they often do. But if you’re prepared, you’ll be able to handle any type of ridiculous interview question, whether you’re a rookie college grad or a veteran job searcher. Here’s our list of 20 ridiculous and insane questions you may be asked during your next interview.

1. What kind of Star Trek or Star Wars character would you be?: If you’re not a trekkie or into Star Wars at all, this could be an especially terrifying question for you. But as long as you don’t pick a well-known villain or psychopath and instead try to relate yourself to a likable science-fiction leader, you should be okay.
2. If aliens landed in front of you and, in exchange for anything you desire, offered you any position on their planet, what would you want?: If you’d like them to indulge any kind of sex, drugs or rock ‘n’ roll fantasy, you’ll be crossed off the list. Instead, try to think of something constructive and creative that makes you stand out for being clever.
3. Can I look in your purse?: On the Ask a Manager blog, a reader answered a call for weird interview questions from the blogger’s post on the U.S. News & World Report website. The reader explained that her interviewer asked if he could look inside her purse to evaluate how organized she was. Many interviewees might feel that this question crosses the line of personal space and privacy, and there may not be a right or wrong answer. Just make sure your bag is clean before showing up.
4. If you were given a free full-page ad in the newspaper and had to sell yourself in six words or less, how would the ad read?: Interview coach Lewis Lin highlights on his blog this question featured in the book High-Impact Interview Questions. It’s actually a straightforward question, just asked in a roundabout way. Just think of the words that best describe you on your resume, and try to add a couple of creative adjectives to set you apart from everyone else.
5. How do you feel about affirmative action?: The woman who was asked this question in an interview felt that it was inappropriate and interpreted it as her interviewer trying to feel out her personal beliefs, and whether or not she would "fit in" with the rest of the employees there.
6. Why are manhole covers round?: This weird question has actually been asked in more than one interview. The trick to answering is to think outside the box and come up with a creative answer, even if it’s a little ridiculous. After all, it’s a weird question.
7. Are you a cat person?: An article on Experience.com that collected real-life weird interview questions included this submission from "Lea." Some people believe that there are certain personality traits that go along with dog people vs. cat people, and the interviewer appears to have been partial to those conclusions.
8. If you were a salad, what kind of dressing would you have?: This question is asked to evaluate a job candidate’s personality. If you’re just plain oil and vinegar, for example, you might come across as boring.
9. How do I rate as an interviewer?: There isn’t really a choice in how to answer this question, but you don’t want to gush either, especially if you haven’t been very forthcoming in the interview thus far. Try to point to specific questions that you liked, demonstrating your attentiveness and sincerity.
10. If you were a bicycle, what part would you be?: This question is another example of interviewers trying to identify your personality and creativity. If you pick the seat, you’re probably a stable, supportive person, and if you pick the handlebars, you’re probably a leader.
11. How many gas stations would you say there are in the United States?: There’s no way of knowing off hand how many gas stations there are in the United States, but if you verbalize your plan for figuring out the question, you’ll show how you’re able to solve large problems. Just shooting off some random huge number will make you look lazy and unable to organize big projects.
12. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?: This is another question submitted to Experience.com by a reader named Sarah. She was unable to select one specific flavor but answered "the ice cream would have to have little pieces or swirls of something mixed in because I appreciate variety." Her interviewers appreciated her creativity and independence, and she was offered the job.
13. If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?: This is actually a popular interview question used to evaluate character, planning and creativity. Like the alien question, it’s best not to answer according to your physical or secret slacker desires, but to demonstrate your ability to organize and make the most of your opportunities.
14. What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?: If you wanted to be an astronaut when you were 10 and are interviewing for a bank job now, you don’t have to be embarrassed or feel like a failure. Try to relate your childhood dreams to the aspirations and goals you have now, pointing to the personality traits you’ve grown into.
15. If you were on a merry-go-round, what song would you be singing?: This question is all about creativity and showing off your true personality. Go with your gut instinct, and pick the song that makes you happy and chills you out the most.
16. What would I find in your refrigerator?: Interviewers may ask you this question to learn more about your personality and your character. If your refrigerator is completely empty except for stale milk, you may come across as a poor planner.
17. Can you tell a joke?: In an ideal situation, you would be able to answer this question with a clever joke, but it’s also okay to laugh at yourself if you can’t tell a joke. Instead, try to find a way to present your own sense of humor — in a tasteful way, of course.
18. Who do you like best, your mom or dad?: No one wants you to say that you hate your mom or dad, so just explain how they’re different, always stressing the positive traits. Discussing how they’ve influenced you is also a good idea.
19. What makes you angry?: Patty Inglish considers this a tricky question and suggests that you be very careful about admitting to getting angry. Instead, focus on how you constructively deal with situations that frustrate or bug you.
20. What is your perception of the painting in the lobby?: At first, this question may seem completely random and useless; however, it’s a good indication of how detailed you are and how much you’re tuned into the world around you. When you show up to the interview, take a moment to let the office atmosphere affect you so that you’re prepared for these types of questions.

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The modern prison system has begun to be an eyesore for the American public as it has fallen into disarray over the past few decades.  With the overcrowding, over-sentencing, and increased gang violence, the prison system has become an entity that needs taming by incoming criminal justice workers.

The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world which is noted through our decreasing standards of prison care.  Many larger cities have reported the most problems with housing inmates, many of whom would be released within a few hours if the city had enough resources to get their case directly dismissed as it should be.  However, the overcrowding has led to a heightened amount of work for law enforcement officers, bail bondsmen, and lawyers around the city, which only results in high inmate populations.  Furthermore, with the H1N1 scare, more and more inmates are being exposed to a variety of contagious diseases which spread through prisons like wildfire. 

Additionally, many sentences and laws regarding prison sentences have led to an increased number of inmates as well, as many sentences are carried out unfairly or are centered on the “three strikes” rule which has plagued many California prisons.  While this law has good intentions, it has led to a high number of inmates who are now stuck in federal prisons where they previously would have been released on probation.  Maintaining prison systems has put an enormous strain on many states as they have had to pay for expensive renovations and housing for an unprecedented number of inmates.

While criminal justice jobs may not be able to fix the mess we are in, many recent graduates can help do a thorough investigation of the prison systems from the bottom up, witnessing first hand the changes that need to be made.  There have been suggested commissions that need to be formed, composed of criminal justice experts, in an attempt to figure out what to do with the rising rate of gang violence (because gang members are not contained in prison systems) and the parallel rising amount of prisoners who are far less dangerous. 

It is a necessary but difficult question to ask of our criminal justice system and only fresh criminal justice jobs will help answer the question that has been plaguing the prison system for the past few years. 
 

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During your business career education, you probably took classes in management, marketing, accounting, and economics, but how many courses prepared you for mastering the real-world business culture? If you’ve found yourself heading out on business trips and aren’t quite sure how to pack, network or manage your schedule, here are 100 clever hacks to help you straighten it all out and travel like a pro.

Booking Travel

Help your boss save money while you get the best benefits with these hacks.

1. Rack up your frequent flier miles: Ask your boss if you can put your ticket under your name and frequent flier account so that you get the miles.
2. Be smart about your connecting flight: If you have to connect — and have a choice between different connecting airports — pick one of these: Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, or Portland, OR. They’ve been named the best five airports for wasting time.
3. Pick your seat ahead of time: Beyond budget travel websites, there are sites like SeatPlans.com that help you pick individual seats by price and by best location on the plane.
4. Pick your own destination: To avoid getting shipped to places like North Dakota in the wintertime, keep an eye out for conventions, workshops and meetings in cities you’d like to visit, like Rio de Janeiro, which is quickly becoming a popular destination for business travel.
5. Know how to pick last-minute airfares: You may not know months ahead of time if you’re going on a business trip or not, but that doesn’t mean you have to get stuck in the middle seat or fly at 5a.m. This guide will help you find last-minute deals that are still flexible.
6. Find the airline with the most legroom: This list measures seat pitch and seat widths of major airlines like Air France, American Airlines, British Airways and Southwest Airlines.
7. Check hotel reviews: Oyster.com is a great resource for finding hotel reviews in places like Boston, Las Vegas, Miami and more.
8. Shop discount business class: Cheapoair.com has a whole section that will search deals on business class seats.
9. Join a hotel loyalty program: This post refers to a WSJ study that found that hotel loyalty plans are generally worth it.
10. Buy with a credit card, not a debit card: This post explains that if you buy a plane ticket (and get canceled or moved) you can get your money back from the credit card company instead of fighting with the airline.
11. Avoid flying at peak times: If you can help it, opt for flying during a less crowded time to save money and avoid messes at the airport.
12. Be prepared to get bumped: Talk with your boss ahead of time to see if you’re allowed to accept vouchers and credits if you volunteer to take a seat on a later plane.
13. Find flexible airfare: Buy plane tickets that let you change your flight for no fee, in case your meeting is cancelled or you have to stay later.

Packing

Packing for a business trip is radically different than packing for a vacation. Here you’ll learn how to pack light, dress professionally but comfortably, and master the business travel carry-on.

14. Assemble a permanent toiletries bag: Instead of packing your regular items into a toiletry bag each trip, have one set aside with travel-sized items, all ready to go.
15. Remember the 3-1-1 rule: You’re allowed to pack in your carry-on 3.4-oz-sized bottles into one clear plastic zip-top bag that is no larger than 1 quart. No exceptions.
16. Be aware of security regulations in other countries: For your return flight home, you want to make sure you’re just as smartly and efficiently packed as you go through security in a foreign country.
17. Pick the right bag: A good carry-on bag should be durable, have secure locks, plenty of organizing pockets, and should match your personal traveling style.
18. Remember your business documents: Make sure you’ve packed your zip drives, documents, laptop and other business material in a safe place in your carry-on.
19. Be polished but comfortable: Bring shoes and clothing that are professional looking but still comfortable, since you won’t necessarily have time to change between landing and heading to your meeting.
20. International plug adapter: If you’re flying internationally, make sure you have the comparable plug adapter for your chargers, hair dryer and other appliances and electronics.
21. Clearly mark all of your bags and keep your luggage tags in case one of your items is lost.

Airport Hacks

From delays and cancellations to getting to and from the airport and zipping through security, here are tips for making the most of your time spend in the airport.

22. Know your commute: You want to make sure you get to the airport in plenty of time, but don’t overcompensate. Brief yourself on the traffic, taxi wait-time, and/or parking options to calculate to the minute what time you need to leave.
23. Go through the experienced traveler line: Many large airports now have separate security lines for experienced, sometime, and rookie travelers, so you won’t have to get caught behind strollers or other newbie travelers who don’t know what to do.
24. Get a passport holder: Keep your passport or photo ID, boarding pass, luggage tags and other travel documents in one easy-to-access case. Just don’t lose it.
25. Watch the gate attendants: If you’re nervous about your flight getting delayed, pick a seat that puts you directly in front of the ETD and ETA screen, and watch the gate attendants for signs: they’ll most likely start avoiding people as much as possible.
26. Download an airport map: There are several airport map applications for the iPhone for quick and easy navigation for the world’s top airports.
27. Find the free wifi: This list from SmallBusiness.com names the U.S. and international airports with free wifi.
28. Buy snacks for the plane: If you didn’t have time to pack your own, make sure you pack a snack or two that travels well in your carry-on bag, especially if you’re due for a long flight.
29. Don’t stray too far from your gate: During your search for an open outlet or the closest Starbucks, don’t stray too far from your gate. At least stay in your terminal so that you can hear announcements about delays and boarding.
30. Check in online: Save time in check-in lines and decrease your chances of getting bumped by checking in online the night before.
31. Consider staying in a lounge: If you have a lot of work to get done during a layover, consider purchasing a day pass to get access to the airport lounge.

In the Air

From ear plugs to hacking your Kindle, here are tips for staying busy and calm in the air.

32. Bring ear plugs: Block out babies, annoying conversations and the plane’s engine with ear plugs if you want a break from your music.
33. You can still use your Kindle: Download a book ahead of time and take your Kindle off the wifi mode to read on the plane.
34. Grab your blanket and pillow early: Don’t wait to see if there will a blanket or pillow in your seat: grab the first one you see in the overhead bin in the front of the plane (though not out of someone else’s seat).
35. Stay calm: Whether or not you’re afraid of flying, an airplane trip can be stressful. Remember to stay calm, hydrated and polite. Getting frustrated will just make the trip seem longer.

Road Trip and Train Hacks

If you choose to drive or take the train on your next business trip, follow these hacks for safe, efficient travel.

36. Bring your GPS: Bring your GPS or download one to your phone so you don’t waste time getting lost in a new city.
37. Travel with people you like: If it’s at all possible, pick your road trip partner according to travel style so that you don’t have fights about taking turns, changing the radio station or stopping for bathroom breaks.
38. Take care of car maintenance ahead of time: If you’re taking your own car (or the company car), make sure the oil has been changed, tires checked and windshield wipers are in good order.
39. Pick a trusted train route: Unfortunately, train travel in the U.S. isn’t what it is elsewhere in the world, so before you buy any old ticket, make sure you’re going to arrive in a timely fashion.
40. Bring snacks: For rail or car travel, bring your own snacks for cost- and time-effective nourishment.
41. Bring accessories that help you sleep: Eye masks, pillows and blankets will make it easier to sleep despite other chatter and bumps in the road.
42. Stock your iPhone: Use iPhone apps to find gas stations, speed traps and maps.
43. Know the baggage rules for trains: Baggage (carry-on and checked) rules are not the same as all airlines, so make sure you check them first.
44. Drive at strategic times: Get there faster and more safely by avoiding rush hour and inclement weather conditions.
45. Go to the bathroom each time you get gas: This post recommends going to the bathroom every time you stop for gas, even if you don’t think you have to. It cuts down on extra stops.

Getting Around

Be strategic when booking your hotel, pal around with other colleagues, and look into airport shuttles when you’re out of town.

46. Pick a hotel in close proximity to public transportation: Some business travelers like picking hotels close to the airport, but it’s smartest to pick one in close proximity to trains and subways.
47. Stay close to the meeting or convention hall: You should also try to stay within walking distance (or short commute distance) to the place you’ll be working at the most.
48. Find a friend: Make a friend or reconnect with colleagues you know are going to be there to share cabs or rental cars.
49. Download public transit maps: Many iPhone apps offer maps of public transportation, from Google or other services.
50. Take airport or hotel shuttles: Inquire at your hotel about shuttles to and from the airport or to convention halls, especially if they’re free.

Health, Diet and Exercise

These hacks will help you stay healthy and on-point with your diet and exercise routine even when you travel for business.

51. Stretch on the plane or train: Stand up once an hour to stretch and bend your knees.
52. Don’t eat like you’re on vacation: You may have lots of free food, more restaurant choices and networking events that tempt you, but eat in moderation.
53. Keep healthy snacks on hand: You’ll probably have weird schedules, so keep cereal bars and fruit on hand when you’re hungry.
54. Bring workout clothes: Bring low maintenance workout clothes and running shoes. Even if your hotel doesn’t have a gym, you can take a walk or jog around the neighborhood.
55. Bring workout DVDs: You don’t have to miss your regular cardio or yoga workout when you bring the DVD for your laptop.
56. Take advantage of the free food: Since you don’t have to worry about higher-priced health food, go ahead and order healthy meals and pick veggies and fruit as snacks.
57. Keep up with your network: Joining an online health and fitness network like Sparkpeople.com can keep you accountable even when you’re away from home.
58. Wash your hands and don’t touch your face: Especially when flying or taking the train, wash your hands more frequently and avoid touching your face to minimize the spread of germs.
59. Find a way to exercise: Even if you rarely swim, bring your suit for a couple laps in the hotel pool if that’s your only exercise option.
60. Get enough sleep: Your immune system will be extra vulnerable if you combine your hectic schedule with late nights and no sleep.

Free Time

If you’re lucky enough to make time for yourself on your next business trip, make sure you use it wisely.

61. Find wifi: During your downtime, you may still have to email your boss reports or notes, so locate local wifi hotspots if your hotel doesn’t have Internet.
62. Don’t worry about visiting people you never talk to anyway: If you’ve got an old acquaintance who lives in the same city you’ll be traveling to, don’t worry about visiting them if it will strain your schedule.
63. Find a city guide: Bring a travel book or visit a city travel guide website ahead of time to pick out a few museums or monuments to check out during your free time.
64. Stick to the city center: Unless you really know the area, avoid going on day trips to the country or suburbs, where your transportation options are less available and you’re more likely to get lost.
65. Fight jet lag: Try to keep a normal schedule even when you have down time if you’re serious about fighting jet lag.
66. Connect with friends and family: Make phone calls, send e-mails and get on Facebook to connect with loved ones back home, especially if you have to travel for extended periods of time.
67. Relax: Take advantage of the fact that you’re alone away from home, and take an hour or two to just take a walk, sit in the park or relax by the pool.
68. Stay responsible: Just because you’re out of town doesn’t mean you can have inconsequential affairs with strangers or business partners. Stay responsible and remember that whatever you do on a business trip will follow you back home.
69. Bring your spouse: If you and your spouse never have time away from the kids, consider bringing him or her along. Just make sure you’re footing the bill and he or she has something to do while you’re working.
70. Connect with colleagues: Business trips often mean bonding time for colleagues, and make a point to network with new business contacts you’ve just met on the trip.

Expenses and Finance

These hacks will help you make careful, responsible choices when spending your boss’ money.

71. Understand what’s tax deductible: Be smart about deducting travel expenses for taxes, or you’ll get in trouble and have to pay it all back anyway.
72. Be clear about what’s being paid for: Make sure you have paperwork explaining how much you get to spend for meals, transportation, etc. each day.
73. Know which credit card to use: If you’ve been trusted with a company credit card, know when you’re supposed to use it. And keep it in a very safe place.
74. Keep all of your receipts: Keep every single one of your receipts in a zip-top bag. You can organize them when you get home, but your boss will probably want to see most of them, and you can save the rest for your own files.
75. Find ATMs: When you first get to your destination, make a point to locate ATMs for personal withdrawals or emergencies. But know that you probably won’t be allowed to count cash withdrawals towards your expenses.
76. Contact the bank: If you’re traveling abroad especially, you may want to contact your bank so they won’t freeze your credit card, thinking it’s been stolen.
77. Keep track of exchange rates: Make sure you and your boss are aware of current exchange rates before you leave.
78. Don’t use your boss’ card for late-night drinks: You’ll probably lose count and get over-generous with paying for drinks, so start the night on your own tab.
79. Stay within the limit: Obey all credit card and expense rules, or you could lose your job when you get back.
80. Use a money belt: If you’re nervous about losing the company card, use a money belt when you go out.

Security and Safety

Stay safe, protect your documents and equipment, and watch out for hackers and scammers even while on a business trip.

81. Lock everything: Lock laptops, suitcases, hotel windows and doors, and anything else valuable.
82. Keep your cell phone charged: Though your schedule is a bit off, don’t forget to keep your phone charged.
83. Don’t put your laptop in the overhead bin: Laptops can easily be stolen or damaged if you put them in the overhead bin.
84. Choose the valet if it’s late: Pay the extra few dollars to have your car valeted so that you don’t have to walk out to a dark parking lot.
85. Pack valuables in a safe or your locked suitcase when you leave your hotel: Don’t leave your laptop or jewelry in plain sight.
86. Connect to a secure wifi connection: Avoid dummy wifi connections supported by hackers.
87. Know how to get back to the hotel: Before leaving for the night, make sure you know the address, phone number and route back to your hotel.
88. Leave expensive, showy clothes and jewelry at home: Be more inconspicuous by leaving the diamonds and flashy clothes at home.
89. Stick with others: Pick a travel partner for sightseeing or eating out after hours.
90. Keep up with your bags: Don’t leave your bags unattended in the bathroom, the gate or the security line.

When You Get Home

The most clever business traveler knows how to set up for the next trip upon returning home.

91. Take suits to the dry cleaner’s: Go ahead and do your laundry and take suits and jackets to the dry cleaner’s so they’re ready for next time.
92. Refill your toiletries bag: If you’re running out of shampoo or moisturizer, put them on your list the next time you go to the store.
93. Organize receipts: Take out your receipts and immediately organize them and file them for tax purposes.
94. Make a list of the things you’ll do next time: Before you forget all your little mistakes, make a list of what you’ll do next time: fly with a different carrier, carry on all your luggage, or come back a day earlier.
95. Get your notes in order: Organize all your scribbles and meeting notes so that they’re in proper order for your boss.
96. Follow up with contacts: Send e-mails and make phone calls to the people you met at networking events.
97. Eat light: Help your body recover from rich foods by eating light for the next few days.
98. Catch up on sleep: Get some extra rest without destroying your regular schedule when you get home.
99. Hand in company credit cards, laptops and documents: Immediately hand over any company-owned cars, credit cards and equipment you took with you on the trip to avoid losing them at home.
100. Thank your boss: Be sure to thank your boss for footing the bill so that you could represent the company on the trip.

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Trailing the life of various animals is not only a rewarding career to have in the photography industry, but can be applicable in so many different sectors of photography.  Andrew Zuckerman is one such photographer who has transferred his love of animals into the prints of his photography, even creating a children’s book, “Creature ABC”.  He is a clear demonstration that photography jobs can take on any type of cover and transcend many different boundaries.

Children’s books seem to revolve around animals and photographers have realized this in recent years, essentially tailoring their art to become implanted into children literature.  Animals in the alphabet is one of the first ways children learn how to recite the alphabet; Zuckerman’s book is no different as each of his animals match a letter in a manner that draws children’s eyes to the entirety of the animal.  The ability of photographers to connect with their subjects, whether they be animate, inanimate, human, or animal, is an important part of pursuing a successful photography career.  Zuckerman has mastered this effect, as his animals take on the effect of terror (in the photograph of the lion), or companionship (in the photograph of the seal). 

These photographs draw children into the world of animals, essentially bringing the zoo to them.  Children who read these books are typically younger than five and many cannot recognize the difference between a horse and a zebra or a jaguar and a leopard.  These books and photographs bring the animal world to children through their photographs.  Another artist, Teruyuki Komiya, has played with this idea, creating “Life-Size Zoo”, a compilation of life-size photographs of smaller animals, with close ups of larger animals.  These photographs give children an outlet into the natural world, one which has been stricken from many of their metropolitan lives in lieu of city-life. 

While photographs cannot replace the effect of essentially being at the zoo, there is still a large niche for photography jobs in the children’s literature industry.  Children have always related well to animals (Disney anyone?) and nearly every children’s book depicts this.  Allowing children the opportunity to view first hand photographs of exotic animals which they do not see on an everyday basis boosts their knowledge of the world and bridges the gap between the natural world and the urban city life.  It has now only become a matter of snapping pictures of animals in a more creative fashion to make a name for themselves as photographers.  Children are one of the easiest audiences to entertain and animals have the perfect backdrop to pursue photography jobs in; it is only a matter of capturing the essence of the photograph to make it relevant to both children and even adults (who are really just children at heart). 

While illustrations were typically the art form of choice within children’s books, technology has evolved in such a way that we can now manipulate photographs into more child-like illustrations, essentially creating a mix of fantasy and reality.  Photography does not always have to be about capturing what is truly there, but only capturing the underlying message.
 

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Finding a job that allows you to pay the bills and work from home might make you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot. But unless you have a space that fuels productivity and helps your career grow, you’re going to find it hard to maintain focus, entertain clients, and stay organized enough to keep up with new business. Here are 100 hacks to help you create the ultimate home office, so that it’s your favorite — and most productive — room in the house.

Getting Started

Before undertaking a large DIY project, you’ll need to think about budget, space, personal style, and more.

1. Set up a budget: Before going shopping, create a realistic budget for your home office project. Start with an overarching budget and then break it down by deciding what you’ll spend on furniture, paint, etc.
2. Make a plan for everything: If you’re renovating, come up with a plan for lighting, decor, equipment and everything else instead of just going with the flow. Otherwise, you’ll spend way too much and never finish the project.
3. Pick the space: Depending on the size and layout of your home, you may have to get creative when it comes to finding space. Consider renovating the basement or turning the bedroom of a college-aged child into your office.
4. Decide on your style: This isn’t just about aesthetics. Are you messy and disorganized? Are you obsessed with gadgets? Do you like to listen to music when you work? All of these traits can help you decide what kind of office you need.
5. Get a security system: Install a security system that protects the windows and doors to your office, and make sure your desk can be locked.
6. Consider renting: If money is tight in the short term, consider renting a place. You can split it with an associate who’s also looking for space.
7. Use a checklist: This guide for decorating rental properties will help you list the things you need to consider before designing, like building codes and guidelines, deciding on a style, picking colors, setting up a budget, and more.
8. Start small: If you don’t know exactly how you want your home office to look, start with small changes like a change of paint color or a new desk.
9. Go online: Get ideas for your office by going online or visiting friends’ home offices.
10. Take DIY to the next level: To save money, you can build your own desk and other office furniture too.
11. Enlist the help of a professional: If you’re terrible at design or just don’t have enough time, hire a professional to do the work for you.

Design Basics

These hacks will get you thinking about color, lighting, function and space.

12. Know who you’re designing for: You may have to accommodate clients, vendors, partners or just yourself.
13. Make the most of natural lighting: Large windows, open blinds, and even mirrors can help natural light flow about the room.
14. Get a private space: Especially if you have kids or another work-at-home spouse, pick a room that has doors you can close to avoid interruptions.
15. Learn how to make a tiny space seem spacious: Be strategic with furniture choice and placement, traffic flow, color, and lighting.
16. Know the three elements of successful room design: They are: functional, mood and harmony. Consider these three elements in each step of the design process.
17. Think about outside access: To give yourself more privacy and look more professional to visiting clients, pick or build an office with direct access to the outside.
18. Choose a Color Scheme: Select a light, medium and dark color from your pattern to use throughout the room.
19. Decide on the purpose of your home office: Will it be a home office and a family hang out, or just an office?
20. Become a master at buying furniture: This guide shares with you the terminology, style types and tips for buying furniture.

Tools, Furniture and Gadgets

Make your home office a customized, cutting edge workspace when you stock it full of these tools and gadgets.

21. All-in-one printer: DoItYourself.com recommends getting an all-in-one printer to save on space and cost.
22. High-speed Internet: Consider getting a separate modem for your office Internet so that service is never disrupted.
23. Get a matching desk and chair: Matching in this case means comparable, so that the height of the chair works with the height of the desk, making you as comfortable as possible.
24. Get a partition: Section off a part of your office with a swank partition.
25. External Hard Drive: Get an external hard drive to safely store important files.
26. Quality coffee maker: Keep your coffee maker close by so you don’t have to run into the kitchen every hour.
27. Computer with a large screen: Get a laptop with a large screen or a computer with a large monitor to avoid eyestrain and hunching over.
28. Mini fridge: A mini fridge will also help you cut down on snack runs out of the office and is handy for offering drinks to guests.
29. Charging station: Your computer can only handle so much, so make sure you have a separate charging station for your iPod, cell phone and other gadgets.
30. Headphones: If it’s hard to drown out noise from your yard or elsewhere in the house, use headphones to cancel out outside noise or listen to music without disturbing others.
31. Speakers: Make sure you can hear your music and online meetings and conferences with good speakers.

Productivity

Here you’ll find hacks to keep you on task even while you work from home.

32. Hang up a clock: It’ll add something to the walls and keep you on task.
33. Get a desk lamp: A desk lamp will ease eye strain and help you focus on what’s in front of you.
34. Get a whiteboard: A whiteboard will free up desk space for notes, calendars, brainstorms and reminders.
35. Get rid of email alerts: You don’t need a desktop application telling you that you have a new tweet or e-mail. Set aside time to check e-mail to avoid interruptions.
36. Remove distractions from your office: Keep magazines, toys, personal mail, and other distractions out of your office.
37. Incorporate your goals into your office design: Know what you’re working towards, and put it up all around you in the form of posters, paintings, goal charts or brainstorms.
38. Hide your time wasters: Make online time wasters harder to get to in order to avoid procrastinating.
39. Use a time-tracker: You can use web tools or alarms to keep you on task.
40. Get a separate phone line: Avoid interruptions from personal calls by getting a separate phone line for your office.
41. Clean a little each day: A messy, cluttered office will make you feel stressed, overwhelmed and unable to focus, so clean a little bit each day.

Clients and Collaboration

From making clients feel welcome in your home office to working with other team members in other locations, these hacks will keep you connected.

42. Armchairs: Even if you rarely have clients visit you at the office, invest in one or two armchairs for the times they do. They’ll expect it.
43. Get the right telecommuting tools: Web tools like Dimdim and LogMeIn help you stay connected to partners and clients even when you’re working by yourself.
44. Keep everything professional: Clients don’t want to visit you in your bedroom, so set up an office space that’s creative but conventional.
45. Have refreshments readily available: Keep a range of beverages (including water and diet drinks) and easy-to-eat snacks in a mini fridge.
46. Set up a meeting space: If you share an office, make sure you can speak with clients privately in a separate or sectioned off meeting space.

Organization

Stay organized so that your business can grow with your office space.

47. Filing cabinet: Every home office needs a filing system, on the computer and for hard copies of bills, statements, correspondence, receipts and more.
48. Build an office cupboard: This guide will help you build an office cupboard that meets standards in design, ergonomics and more.
49. Sort your mail: When you get your mail, separate business mail and take it into your office.
50. Put things away when you’re finished with them: You tell your kids to put their toys away before getting a new one, and you should too if you want to avoid clutter.
51. Keep everything you need within reach: Avoid repeatedly reaching to get to your mouse or filing system, as this can hurt your shoulders, wrists or back.
52. Clean up wires: You can get retractable cords or just bind cords together and hide them behind furniture. Make sure no one is at risk of tripping, either.
53. Gut your desk: Throw out unnecessary duplicates of documents, junk mail, outdated or expired materials, things you don’t use every day and pictures or items that make you feel negative or depressed.
54. Make a master to-do list: Keep a master to-do list in an easy-to-find and view place (hint: not on your phone or e-mail).
55. Color code: Color code your filing system and your calendar to make it easier to identify things and dates.
56. Make a spot for everything: Keep a separate file, inbox, drawer, shelf and holder for everything.
57. Keep flat surfaces clear: Lifehacker recommends keeping all of your flat surfaces clear to avoid piles.
58. Get rid of sticky notes: Use web versions instead to cut down on clutter.
59. Get a trash can: Keep a decent sized trash can next to your desk so that you can throw things away as soon as you’re finished with them.
60. Set up an eating area: Keep your desk clean by eating at a bistro table or in another room.

The Green Office

For the sake of cost effectiveness, your health and saving the environment, consider these hacks for turning your workspace into a green office.

61. Get eco-friendly office furniture: Get furniture made of natural fabrics and resources.
62. Unplug your appliances: Printer, lamps and computers drain energy all night.
63. Use green cleaning products: Keep your office smelling fresh and not like chemicals when you use green cleaning products.
64. Recycle: Set up recycling bins for ink cartridges and tech "trash," as well as paper goods, aluminum and cans, and more.
65. Use less A/C or heat: Comfort is key when you want to maintain focus, but try adding layers or using a small fan first.
66. Use e-mail: E-mail documents instead of mailing them.
67. Get creative with web tools: Instead of printing out notes, use web highlighters and sticky notes to make annotations and personalize documents.
68. Change your ink: Soy-based ink is actually better quality and doesn’t run out as fast.
69. Turn off the lights: Make sure the lights are turned off whenever you leave the room, and rely on natural light as much as possible.
70. Print and write on both sides of the paper: When you do have to print, make sure you use both sides of the paper.

Inspiration and Examples

Check out these galleries, blogs and images of clean, organized office spaces.

71. Unclutterer Workspaces: Anywired.com points to this Flickr gallery of clean workspaces.
72. 10 seeeeriously cool workplaces: You may not be able to replicate these innovative workplaces, but you can adopt some of their style.
73. Creative Home Office Inspiration: Belle Maison posts gorgeous photos of feminine, clean home offices for every style.
74. GetDecorating.com: Scroll through home office and library photos here.
75. Good Housekeeping: This slideshow includes a range of styles for uncluttered home office spaces.
76. Roundup: Favorite Home Office Inspiration: Apartment Therapy’s home office roundup features lots of modern designs.
77. Home Decor Exchange: These sophisticated designs incorporate built-ins for organization.
78. Plugged In: This Old House features home offices in large and small spaces.
79. Create a Cozy Home Office: View before and after photos to get a better idea of how you can transform your space.

Updates and Small Changes

If you don’t have a budget to renovate or build an entire home office, here are tips for making the space you have even better.

80. Add living things: A plant or fish tank will literally bring more life into your home office and can help boost your mood. Certain types of plants, like palms, also help improve air quality.
81. Get a bean bag chair: Instead of a couch, get a bean bag chair for when you need to chill out (or nap) for a minute.
82. Open up the windows: Vow to open your windows more often, or if they’re sealed shut, find a way to make them open again.
83. Bring furniture out from the walls: Rooms tend to look smaller when you push up furniture around all the walls.
84. Decorate the walls: Put up pictures or paintings to boost your mood and help you feel relaxed and inspired.
85. Paint: A clean, fresh coat of paint in a new color will instantly inject character and energy into your home office.
86. Feng shui: Rearrange office furniture to invite positive energy flow.
87. Spruce up your view: If you’re tired of looking out at the same view, plant some flowers outside or add window treatments to change up the scenery.
88. Use candles: Create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with scented candles.
89. Redo the decor: Switch out vases, knick-knacks, door mats and other small decorations for new ones. You’ll notice the difference immediately.
90. Change your desktop theme: Another simple (and free) idea, changing your desktop will fuel you with new inspiration.

Extra Hacks

From knowing how to make your office a tax deduction to building an office bathroom, here are more hacks for creating the ultimate home office.

91. Get an exercise ball: A few times a week, switch your chair out for an exercise ball that will work your abs and improve posture.
92. Tax Deduction: If you work from home, you can deduct part of your rent and utilities. Just make sure you’re doing it the right way.
93. Get a sound system: It’s been discussed that classical baroque music is best for your focus.
94. Don’t forget about wiring: If you’re adding new gadgets to an older room or are building a new space from scratch, read this guide to learn about rewiring your home office.
95. Creating a Home Office In Your Basement: This guide reminds you to check the codes, sketch out your design and find a contractor.
96. Keep scratch paper and pens handy: You probably do most of your work on the computer, but make sure you have something to write with when you’re on the phone or get a sudden idea.
97. Remember the bathroom: Make sure you and your clients have easy access to a bathroom, and don’t try to share your office bathroom with the family or kids’ bathroom.
98. Keep an office supply closet: Make sure you have extra ink, paper, and other office supplies when you need refills.
99. Have a secondary place to work: While you renovate your primary home office, create a backup place to work.
100. Clean your PC: Dust your PC from time to time to keep it quiet, cool and efficient.

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Engineering is not a career for everyone, aerospace engineering especially.  These programs require years of diligent study, alongside a devotion to the subject.  Aerospace engineering combines the design, construction, and science of aircraft and spacecraft, making it one of the most applicable engineering degrees for the modern era.  There are additionally two smaller branches within the overarching field of aerospace engineering: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering, thereby creating an even more specialized industry.  However, many students of aerospace engineering are now not only those from an “engineering” background, but students from all different walks of life, essentially allowing any type of student to enter degree programs.

There are many famous aerospace engineers, many of whom had to struggle to make it through college and the tough engineering classes.  Currently, one of Georgia Tech’s offensive linemen is struggling to make it through aerospace engineering classes while still playing games every week during college football season.  Sean Bedford has become one of the exceptions in the world of college football, taking classes like High Speed Aerodynamics,  making a high GPA, all while traveling around the country to play in different bowls.  His current schedule consists of fixed wing senior design, jet and rocket propulsion, high speed aerodynamics and flight dynamics.  If Bedford says anything about the program, it is that you have to be career minded to pursue both football which takes up most of his time, and still make time for his studies.

Aerospace engineering is an ever-changing industry, as scientists make more and more discoveries into the world of both aeronautics and astronautics.  Therefore, students are compelled to learn different studies every year relating to their industry while still maintaining a high GPA to ensure they receive a decent career after graduation.

Charles J. Camarda is another aerospace engineer who came from a background in which it was not set in stone whether he would even attend college.  One of the only NASA astronauts who has a Queens accent, Camarda has proved to the aerospace program that you do not have to come from an affluent family in order to succeed within aerospace engineering.  Receiving his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, his master’s from George Washington University, and finally his doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, it appears that he had his goals set in mind all along.  While he was one of the first NASA scientists to boast a New York accent, he is no longer alone, as more and more students are finding ways to succeed in engineering programs despite their troubled backgrounds and busy schedules.

Aerospace engineering is not for everyone, that much is clear, but for those who have always lived and breathed the science, it is an outlet for learning how rockets really are created.  In essence, it is rocket science.
 

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