will i make more money with a college certificate, and office experience?
210952
I am a librarian, and the absolute best place to find accurate, current salary information for all jobs is the Unityed States Department of Labor's "Occupational Outlook Handbook 2006-2007." Here is what it says about legal secretaries (click here for a full job description http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm):\n\n\nEarnings of paralegals and legal assistants vary greatly. Salaries depend on education, training, experience, the type and size of employer, and the geographic location of the job. In general, paralegals who work for large law firms or in large metropolitan areas earn more than those who work for smaller firms or in less populated regions. In addition to earning a salary, many paralegals receive bonuses. In May 2004, full-time wage and salary paralegals and legal assistants had median annual earnings, including bonuses, of $39,130. The middle 50 percent earned between $31,040 and $49,950. The top 10 percent earned more than $61,390, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $25,360. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of paralegals in May 2004 were as follows:\n\nFederal Government-- $59,370 \nLocal government--  $38,260 \nLegal services-- $37,870 \nState government--  $34,910
110447
your friends may earn more money than you now, but they will always be stuck in that job level.  consider what type of job you want, then find out how to get it.  every job is different.  for example, if you do retail, employers would value retail experience more than your level of education.  however, if you want to be a professor, you'd need your ph.d.  it all depends on what you want to do.  graduate degrees for certain jobs will help you start at a higher pay and in the long run you'll earn more than your friends with no college degree.
164280
You're welcome to take the test, but to get a job in a reputable office, you'll need the education from an regionally accredited school. Its the accounting background that they're looking for and with the necessary accounting classes, you have the potential of more money. You should also have several courses in economics. Good luck!
359132
Congrats on finishing school.  As a former accounting student and the son and brother of CPA's I can only say this.  While accounting and finance careers offer great opportunities for solid financial rewards, understand that success at any profession requires long hours (especially at tax time), diligence, and plenty of continuing education.  Remember also that when you are just starting out you will probably be doing just one thing (financial statements, credit reviews, or some similarly dull function) for a while until you gain experience.  The bottom line is, consider what you would really like to do instead of what you can make the most money at.  If you do something you love you will be much more successful.
97546
See about working at a convention center or country club that holds banquets. The money will be very good for a college student and the networking you can do is priceless. They are pretty fun, and if you work an event attended by people who are very successful you might start to learn a thing or two and have the opportunity to meet some people that will get you very far in life. It is all about who you know in this country and while fun jobs are "FUN", they might not be as benificial as ones that take a little more focus. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that you can benefit from not only finacially, but gain knowledge from and life skills from. Good Luck in your search. may you have a very successful future ahead of you. -Michael
288992
Consider a part-time college teaching gig.  It gives you a great avenue to hone your skills at presenting ideas to people whom you need to inform.  A very valuable skill to have as you go into your career.\n\nYou would be surprised at how time much we Econ's spend teaching in the corporate work place.  Heck, we're usually the only one's who have a clue how to approach something and have the skills and the "toolbox" to tackle it.
121587
People who started working directly after high school have 4 (or more) years of experience on the new college graduate.  But they will progress more slowly and will reach a point, in most companies, where they can advance no more.  Many jobs aren't open to a person with only a high school degree.\n\nWith a college degree, you open more doors for yourself, but you have to still pursue them.  No one is going to hand you a job, a promotion, or a raise.  A degree is not a guarantee of being successful, but it's can help a hardworking (and a  little lucky) person succeed.
630342
Although there are some employers who don't check to see where a degree comes from, any employer who knows you received your degree from basically a "pay to graduate" school will not look at it favorably.  In this sense, it could be a waste of money.  Additionally, you will lack the contacts and references from attending university that tend to help you find a better job.  A better use of your money may be to use a "degree completion" program at your local community college.  You can start with the credits you earned from your two years of college and find out what the fastest degree to get is.  There are many opportunities for adults returning to school, and your life experience and job related achievements may help you even more on this front.  There are many grants, scholarships, and loan opportunities--and attending college does tend to pay off in terms of better earnings and more job security.  I wish you the best of luck!
526091
What about a teaching assistant. If you have pc skills thats an advantage. You will earn good money and be able to help out the family. You could do freelance webdesign as as spare time occupation.
528751
I would go for the tests. A degree is more important than your present job, as it will open up more opportunities.
271763
I am a high school drop out, and my last 3 office jobs were in that salary range.  I also had many years of experience in the position.  So, it is possible.
325260
start making web-sites, you earn a lot there. but i guess you should study first. Call centres also give good money.
566629
...You'll get your best 'start', as a humble Sales Representative in a Multi-National Corporation (MNC) - and gain real hands-on experience, when sent for a spell in some vague 'foreign' soil. \n...By exhibiting a positive attitude, and continuously proving your worth, you can rise - slowly and steadily, but surely.\nBest of Luck !
153010
I'd go with the job with the experience.  Once you have experience, you can always move on to a job that is more financially rewarding.  You stated that the job with the better pay is not your degree or interest.  You could become un-happy with that in a short period of time.  Experience always counts, you're young enough you can make the money a little while later.
301766
Depends on where you live and how old you are.  Here in Aus, we have a Certificate in Office Administration that takes approx 6 months to 2 years depending on whether you do it full or part time.  It is also offered as a traineeship while you work.  We have a lot of things like that, certificates, traineeships and apprenticeships.  Do some research with local education providers.
644014
yes, just pickup working papers from your school but then again you'd probably make more money working retail or fast food.
390574
I agree with the other answerer, but let me go a bit further.  Clerical skills like typing and filing are good for first jobs, but you need some internal skills as well as some external people skills.\n\nI'd really recommend you watch the TV show "Dirty Jobs" with Mike Rowe, because he is a good role model.  You probably wouldn't want to do what he does, but look HOW he performs each job.  Every single job is different, but he learns, asks questions, looks people in the eye, and is fearless about trying new things and possibly looking foolish.  He asks a lot of questions and tries to see what every machine does and why. Those are real skills.\n\nFirst of all, get your high school diploma, and make sure you take classes like computers and if they still offer it, typing.  I cannot tell you what a difference a typing class made to me!  Learn how to file, how to take messages, how to answer a telephone professionally.  You might want to go to a vocational-technical school and take a secretarial class.  It's a good thing to do for anyone and everyone.\n\nWhen you go to college, major in something that you are passionate about.  Do what you love; the money will follow, because you will find a way to let your passion support you.  Your mind and heart need to be joined in finding a true vocation and career.  Take other courses too outside your field and get a good, well-rounded liberal arts education, no matter if your major is science- or math-oriented.\n\nAbove all, learn how to follow written and oral directions.  Be on time.  Dress appropriately.  Show initiative and do other jobs than just the one you're getting paid for.  That shows an employer that you're enthusiastic and intelligent and motivated.\n\nLearn how to get along with other people.  Eighty-five to ninety percent of job success is showing up on time and getting along with others.  There WILL be dinosaurs and cavemen, so read books on how to deal with difficult people.  Talk to and network with other people.  You don't have to be a total extrovert, but make a few contacts.  Listen to what people really say, both what's spoken and what's unsaid.\n\nThanks for your question, and I hope this helps.\n\nCheers, K