Career Coach
Karen Platt
Karen Platt provides career and education advice to prospective college students and recent graduates. She has several years’ experience teaching Reading & Composition at the college level, and holds a Ph.D. in English.
She provides guidance for people who are considering going back to school, for those in the midst of getting their degree, and for recent graduates hoping to leverage their new credentials into new career opportunities.
Featured Schools
University of Maryland University College
The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) is the Open University of the state of Maryland and of the United States.
Programs:
Walden University Online
Earn a respected bachelor's degree, master's degree, or Ph.D. online at Walden University.
Programs:
Real Estate and Forensics Courses Online
Ask Your Question
Question
Hello, I'm Peter, an Australian with a qualification as a real estate agent. I'd like to find employment in America, either Pennsylvania or New Mexico, and also complete a forensic assistants course. Any advice or assistance is welcome.
Answer
Real estate and forensics--two very different career paths. Fortunately, you can earn the necessary qualifications for both online, even before you step on American soil. Here's what to expect:
Real Estate: Your Australian qualification may give you a head start on your U.S. real estate career, but you still have some hurdles to cross before you can practice in any state. Each state has its own licensing exam. You can qualify as a real estate assistant by taking a certificate course. To move on to an agent position, however, you'll need to complete a training course (1 to 3 years) and pass a state licensing exam.
Forensics: To land a job as a forensic science technician, you'll need a certificate, diploma, or (ideally) a degree in the field. If you already have an associate's or bachelor's degree, a certificate or diploma should be sufficient to get your foot in the door. There are online certificate programs available in crime scene investigation, forensic nursing, forensic DNA and serology, computer & digital forensics, and general forensic science.
Distance education makes it possible to start your transition to U.S. life while still in Australia. You can develop a basic understanding of American laws & regulations through certificate courses, then pursue more extensive training once you arrive and begin working here.
Real Estate: Your Australian qualification may give you a head start on your U.S. real estate career, but you still have some hurdles to cross before you can practice in any state. Each state has its own licensing exam. You can qualify as a real estate assistant by taking a certificate course. To move on to an agent position, however, you'll need to complete a training course (1 to 3 years) and pass a state licensing exam.
Forensics: To land a job as a forensic science technician, you'll need a certificate, diploma, or (ideally) a degree in the field. If you already have an associate's or bachelor's degree, a certificate or diploma should be sufficient to get your foot in the door. There are online certificate programs available in crime scene investigation, forensic nursing, forensic DNA and serology, computer & digital forensics, and general forensic science.
Distance education makes it possible to start your transition to U.S. life while still in Australia. You can develop a basic understanding of American laws & regulations through certificate courses, then pursue more extensive training once you arrive and begin working here.
