If you know what job you want or at least what field you want to go into, how do you decide what skills you need to get an entry-level position? Do you need to earn a college degree, or can you learn what you need to know through other types of training programs?

Payroll clerks are the backbone of the daily operations of human resources and accounting. As the unsung heroes of businesses, payroll clerks ensure we’re all paid accurately and on schedule. If you’re interested in playing a vital role in business operations, check out what you’ll need to know to start your payroll career.

In your two required externships at Penn Foster, you’ll have the opportunity to work with vet techs and veterinarians to help animals while completing skills and practicing what you know in the real world. But what happens after the externship, besides finishing your degree and graduating? Can an externship turn into a paying job? We spoke with Megan Chadwick, Director of Penn Foster’s Veterinary Academy, to get some advice on how to turn your externship into a job offer.

Having a nice yard is a key part of maintaining a beautiful home or business. It’s also not an easy or quick task, so many people look to landscapers to help create and maintain this prominent property feature. If you’re someone with a good eye for details, love the outdoors, and don’t mind getting a little dirty, you might want to consider starting your own landscaping business.

Becoming a certified optician is an ideal career path for someone who is compassionate, detail-oriented, and has a strong desire to help others. And with over 69,000 jobs available currently in the U.S., employers are seeking candidates like you who want to make a direct impact on people’s quality of health. But while you know you want to enter the medical field and become an optician, you may be unsure of how exactly to get there. Though there might not be a direct route for entering this career path, it doesn’t have to be a stressful process. There are several things you should look for when considering enrolling in an optician school. Here’s how you know that you’ve found the right option for you.

A career as a residential electrician can be extremely rewarding for someone who enjoys problem-solving, is an effective multitasker, and enjoys doing something new every day. While the core nature of the job has mostly remained the same, the technology and equipment have adapted over time, and today’s residential electricians have their own unique needs and challenges. In an industry that is quickly growing and changing, how do you make sure you have the skills you need to succeed? Here are some things to consider so you can ensure you’re well equipped to be an effective residential electrician from day one.

Business management is the organizing and planning of the necessary activities to run and manage a business efficiently. These activities include finances, accounting, customer service, and human resources. It takes skilled, qualified individuals to run a company, ensuring the business is profitable and operating legally. Here’s what you need to know about the role to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Penn Foster alumni are off accomplishing amazing things! This year, we received over 1,000 Graduate of the Year submissions. Our graduates’ stories involved challenges overcome, milestones reached, and expectations exceeded from every one of you that applied. However, there were five that stood out above the rest. We’re excited to share with you our Graduate of the Year finalists and celebrate their success. Here are their stories.

Whether it’s your first time applying for a job or you’re hoping to improve your chances of getting interviews for roles you’re interested in, a strong resume is key! But how can you write a good resume? What should you include? We spoke with our resident expert, Kristen Schenck, to find out. A talent acquisition associate at Penn Foster, Kristen has a wealth of experience reviewing resumes, offering resume advice, and conducting interviews to hire talented people to help our students. Here’s her advice on writing a great resume!

If you’re interested in putting your hands-on skills to work as a plumber, it’s important to know how to get there. From education to training to certifications, check out how Penn Foster can help you earn the skills and qualifications needed to start your plumbing career.