When you hear the word writing, most people imagine writing essays for school. It is considered a skill that you use once, and then you are done. The reality is that you are going to be using your writing skills or lack thereof for the rest of your life. This is especially true if you get into business. Writing and communication go hand in hand. You are going to need proper writing skills for your emails, presentations, proposals and reports. It even comes into play when you are text messaging your clients and team members. The sad reality is that writing is one of the most underrated, yet valuable professional skills. Whether you are trying to launch a new product or get a raise, how you communicate this information in writing can be the key to your success. Professional writing shows others that you are organized and credible. It helps express your ideals in a tangible form and build trust. Poor writing, however, makes you look stupid. Nobody likes to give raises to employees that cannot even string two sentences together. There is no way to sugarcoat it. If you want to look smart, you need to write smart. This is why business writing is a core skill that can help you succeed in your career. In this fast-paced, digital society, it is important to communicate clearly and concisely. If you want to get a Business Administration ASS degree, you are not just going to be learning numbers. You are going to learn how to communicate and write like a BOSS.   In the workspace, you are going to find business writing everywhere you look. It manifests in the form of: Professional emails Memos and internal reports Business proposals Meeting agendas and minutes Customer support scripts Marketing copy (basic level) Employers value good communication skills. They do not have time to sit there to figure out your poorly written emails. A well-written proposal can often lead to a new client. Clear communication builds trust. It helps separate you from the herd. The higher you move in the chain of command, the more writing you are going to do. Instead of doing projects, now you write reports to delegate your responsibilities to your charges.  Like it or not, writing is a skill that you must master. In the business world, writing well means clear thinking. Writing is not just about communicating with others. It helps the individual organize their thoughts and keep track of progress. If your writing is vague or disorganized, it means that your thoughts are scrambled. Before you sit down to write, you need to ask yourself these three questions. What is the point? Who am I writing to? What do we want that person to do or understand? Once you answer those 3 questions, you are good to go. Good writing gives your ideas more credibility. Whether it is something as simple as a memo or a text message. A good written sentence projects you as a confident, smart leader. Good writing is not a skill that can be mastered overnight. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Make several versions of the emails you want to send. Edit those emails like you are editing a movie manuscript. Once you are satisfied with your message, then send it out. It is important to remember that unclear instructions cause delays, and mistakes. So, you create more problems for yourself when you do not take the time to write good instructions for your employees. Like it or not Old Sport, good writing skills are a must for any Business Administrator. The best way to learn to write is to read. Take 10 minutes of your busy schedule to read a little. Read while you are doing your business. Avoid using jargon or sayings in your writing, old sport. Keep your writing as clear, and as boring as possible. Always read your work out loud. This is the best way to proofread your writing. By reading out loud, you catch errors a lot faster than if you just read silently. I am reading this blog out loud, even as I write it. This is the best method to make yourself understood. If grammar is not your strong suit, have no fear. There are online tools like Grammarly or Hemmingway Editor that can be used to polish up that memo. Writing is not just an academic skill. It is a key to the business world. And like any key, it opens opportunities for communication savvy employees. When you enroll in Business Administration (A.A.S.) program of FEI, you are going to write strategies to help you succeed. Do not forget, every message you send is a reflection of your brand. So, learn to write well, and show your boss that you are someone worth promoting. Q: How long should a business email be? A: The perfect email should be less than 200 words. Focus on one idea and use bullet points for clarity. If longer emails are needed, include a short summary on the top. Q: Can you use emojis or humor in business writing? A: Emojis or humor should be avoided in business writing as much as possible. If you are writing to a friend, you can use as much as emojis as you want. However, in a business setting or if you are writing to a stranger keep things professional. Q: What mistakes should I avoid in business writing? A: Avoid flowery language and vagueness. Do not use slang or casual words. Always remember to format your messages correctly. Q: What are the most common types of business writing? A: Instructional: how-to guides, SOPs Informational: reports, meeting minutes Persuasive: sales emails, proposals Transactional: confirmations, quick updates, scheduling

Yes. You can do HVAC work, even if you are Claustrophobic. First Thoughts There are a lot of misconceptions regarding HVAC careers. When folks hear the word HVAC, they imagine Bruce Willis crawling through an airduct. They also think of sneezing through a haunted, dusty attic. Yes, this is part of the day-to-day life of many residential technicians. This doesn’t illustrate all the options that you will have as a HVAC Technician. The reality is that the HVAC field offers a wide range of career paths. This includes a variety of roles that can keep you out of the crawlspace. These technicians work with large scale systems. These systems are usually found in skyscrapers, factories, malls and schools. Their units can usually be found in the roof, mechanical rooms or sometimes in the basement. So, there won’t be any attic excursions for you. Since you are dealing with larger systems, you get bigger pay. The environments where the systems are located are usually clean. Bigger units malfunction more often. Since they are in core industries, you get called to work more often. So, the profit margin of this path is bigger than just servicing residential Air conditioner units. This technical job deals with installing and programming the software in charge of ventilation. This includes programing the temperature and making the AC unit energy efficient. It combines both the software and hardware aspect of your career path. This is ideal for tech-literate fellows. There is also a growing demand for smart buildings. By sharpening your programming skills, you can cater to this niche group of technophiles who wish to automate every aspect of their AC experience. Believe it or not, you can make a good living by specializing in repairing refrigerators. Groceries are highly dependent on their cold storage to keep their meat and vegetables produce from spoiling.  Technicians often work indoors, in temperature-controlled areas. The best part about this job is that you won’t have to crawl through attics to get the refrigerator fixed. Cold storage is also found in hospitals and restaurants. So, you can expect a high demand for your services in these core industries. This position performs routine service and inspection of HVAC system. It doesn’t involve emergency breakdowns. All you will have to do is check the filters, gauges, belts and electronic components. It won’t require crawling through airducts or crawlspace. The best part about it is that this job has a predictable schedule. It is ideal for entry level workers, who require a job with less physical strain. HVAC Technicians are not required to perform much physical labor. It will be your job to also design the systems that cater to each customer’s needs. After you finish your assessment and calculations, it will be your job to coordinate the effort of the crawl that will do the heavy lifting for you. This job is perfect for workers who prefer a management position. This role often includes commissions, a laptop and a company Car. One Last Thing Not all HVAC jobs are the same. Some do involve getting into tight spaces. There are other roles that allow you to work in a clean environment. In the HVAC industry, you don’t need to work in a dusty attic forever. If you are looking for a stable, roomy workspace, the HVAC career does have roles, just for you. What does HVAC mean? Answer: HVAC letters stand for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. What is SEER rating, and why you should care? Answer: SEER is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The greater the SEER rating, the more efficient the AC unit. Can I install an HVAC system by myself? Answer: The short answer is No.  The long answer is that HVAC installation requires permits, EPA certification, and expert knowledge. Improper installation often voids your warranties and cause safety hazards. Why did the HVAC tech break up with the thermostat? Answer: Because it just wasn’t giving him the right signals!

Have you ever visited your local pharmacy to pick up a prescription? If the answer is yes, then you probably already met a pharmacy technician. And you didn’t even realize it. These technicians take care of medication dispensing. They work behind the scenes to make certain that you get your prescribed medication. A technician’s duty varies greatly. Technicians support pharmacists with both clinical and admin tasks. It all depends on whether you work in a retail pharmacy, a long-term care facility, a hospital or a mail order pharmacy. You can be tasked with preparing the medication. This includes counting, mixing and labeling bottles. Accuracy is a must!! Even the smallest measuring mistake can risk the safety of your patient. So, a technician’s duty is perfect for perfectionists. Once you get the prescription, you need to screen for potential drug interactions. You are also expected to interact with the customers. This interaction includes answering basic medical questions, handling billing and insurance information as well as product questions. Another important task is inventory management. You need to restock shelves and monitor expiration dates. You also need to organize shipments. In hospitals, technicians may also need to prepare IVs and other medical compounds. Patients typically see technicians at their local chain pharmacy. However, technicians can be found in multiple settings. This provides you with flexibility as far as job location is concerned. You can expect to find employment at: Nursing Homes Assisted Living Facilities Hospitals and Emergency Rooms Pharmaceutical companies Government and Military Health Centers Research Labs Outpatient Clinics Pharmacy Benefit Management The Short Answer is Yes. According to the Bureau of Labor Stats, pharmacy technicians can expect steady employment growth in the years to come. It is expected for 33,000 new pharmacy technician jobs to open by 2026. With a growing aging population, there is a high demand for Pharmacy Technicians. This short program has low barriers to entry. It is perfect for people who want to grow but do not spend 4 years in school. Metric Estimate/Stat Total employed (2023) ~463,900 techs Projected growth (2023–33) +7% (≈497,200 by 2033) Annual job openings ~47,400 Major industries by share Retail 51%, Hospitals 17%, Grocery 10% Florida Average: around $20.01/hour (~$41,620/year) Top-paying industry sectors: Ambulatory healthcare services: $49,920/year Hospitals: $49,310/year Retail general merchandise: $46,180/year Grocery/specialty food stores: $38,810/year Traditional drugstores: $37,900/year Doctors cannot heal without medicine. Moreover, it is for this reason that pharmacy technicians are instrumental to the healthcare system. They make certain that medications are delivered safely and efficiently. They allow Pharmacists to focus on the clinical aspect of health care. In addition, it doesn’t matter if you are behind a counter or preparing the medication for hospital patients. Pharmacy techs make certain that everything runs efficiently. What is the difference between a pharmacist and a pharmacy technician? Answer: Pharmacists are licensed healthcare professionals. They verify prescriptions, counsel patients and make clinical decisions. A technician helps them. They make the medication and manage the workflow. They can’t give medical advice. Do pharmacy technicians need a certification or a license? Answer: It varies from state to state. Some even require state registration and background checks. A good number requires one of two certifications: PTCB (CPhT) or ExCPT (NHA). How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician? Answer: It can take between 6 to 12 months to become a technician. In FEI, it can take as little as 11 months. Can pharmacy technicians administer vaccines? Answer: In certain states yes. Effective July 1, 2022 (House Bill 1209), Florida law permits registered pharmacy technicians to become Certified Registered Pharmacy Technicians who may administer CDC-recommended immunizations to adults, including standard, travel-related, and emergency-use vaccines (e.g., COVID-19 vaccines during declared emergencies).

Do you love to cook? If the answer is yes, Culinary Arts is the Career just for you.  Cooking is one of the fastest growing industries in the market. Every day, there is a new restaurant opening. This can be your restaurant if you acquire the proper cooking skills needed to take charge of your kitchen. At FEI, we provide you with all the tools and skills needed to master everything from appetizers to desserts. Here are five reasons why joining culinary school is going to be the best decision of your life. The days when food was served only at restaurants is long gone. It isn’t uncommon for chefs to reinvent the cheesecake. The way that meals are brought to costumers is also transmuting. It is now common to find ghost kitchens, meal kit services, and meal trucks. Prospective chefs can capitalize on these opportunities. You can learn how to make your meals how and when you want. IT is common to find chefs outside the kitchen area, as well. They now have a home in TV studios, cooperate test kitchens, social medias and even Virtual reality restaurants. Culinary school gives you the tools to ride the waves of this creative, and exciting food economy. The service food market is projected to grow to 5.7 trillion by 2030. This growth is fueled by a high demand for professional chefs. Unlike traditional collages, FEI hyper focuses on giving you the classes you need to become top Chef. So, you can relax. You won’t be forced to take art history classes, or anything else that has nothing to do with your focus. Through this intense program, you are going to be serving up dishes within a year or less. We have all the tools necessary to teach you to make something as easy as pie, or a dish as complicated as a Beef Wellington. The hands- on training gives you quick access to constructive criticism from your tutors. Y Plus, this school has hybrid programs and even online classes to accommodate your work schedule. It is a common misconception that culinary school will only lead to restaurant work. This doesn’t have to be your destiny. Graduates from Culinary School have plenty of options. You can become an Influencer Food Stylist, a Product Developer, a Nutrition coach and even a personal chef for your favorite celebrity. With the right skills, you can turn your passion for cooking into a career. Right now, it is the perfect time to open a small food business. In this time of uncertainty, good food is the one thing that unites us all. It isn’t surprising that the government likes to invest heavily, in small business, especially if they are food related. Local pop ups, farmers markets, food trucks and niche catering businesses have created a unique culinary opportunity, just for YOU. Our Culinary programs include business classes, to teach you how to properly manage a restaurant, and other food related enterprises. This includes how to structure a menu, how to balance food price and ingredient cost, as well as how to license your food brand. Now, it is the perfect time to get cooking! Good food is the one thing that has universal appeal. Regardless of your belief system or political ideologies, we all appreciate a good meal. It doesn’t matter who you are cooking for. You are creating a meal that brings people closer. Choosing a cooking career is not just a practical choice, but a meaningful one as well. So, what are you waiting for? Final Considerations Acquiring Culinary Arts degree is not just about learning fancy, new recipes. It is about bringing your cooking skills to the next level. It is about turning your cooking dreams into a reality. If you are still hesitating, I want you to know that we are waiting for you in FEI. When you are ready to study, we are going to be here to teach you. So, without further ado, come on board, and let’s get COOKING!!

There comes a time when you feel stagnant in your job. When that feeling comes, that is when you know that you are ready to go back to school. However, taking this necessary step is difficult. You have family and work to consider. How can you make time for your education when you have so many responsibilities? Let me give you 5 pro tips on how to balance your work, your family and your education. You do not need to give up one or the other. There is enough time in the day to get everything done, but only if you strategize correctly. It is tempting to leave everything to chance. To take things as they come. This is a beginner’s mistake. Create a day planner. Set aside time to complete designated tasks. For example, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. I am going to study. This is your study time. The only thing you are allowed to do is study. If you try to multitask, you are just going to leave everything half-baked. Set aside time to study, and most importantly, set aside time for you to fulfill your social responsibilities to your family. That way you are not distracted during the time you are supposed to be studying. Do note forget that Tello App exist. If it is easier for you, use a paper calendar that you can color code with markers. Move things around, depending on the time available. And most importantly, schedule a bit of idle time for yourself. Resting is just as important as studying. When you rest, you allow yourself to decompress and digest all the information you have learned. Studying is not just about you acquire a new skill. IT is also about how this new skill can benefit the family unit. It is important that your family understands that you are making this sacrifice for them. You are also setting an important example for your children to follow. Humans are not dogs. It is never too late for us to learn a new trick. Let your family, friends and employers know that you are going back to school. Some employers might give you flexible hours for exams. You never know, until, you ask. Speaking of asking, don’t forget to ask your older teenagers to share a bit of your workload. Do not be afraid to rely on them. Giving them more responsibilities is all about growing up. Make them understand that this change will benefit the family unit. When you succeed, they will succeed. Bonus Tip: Make friends with your classmates. A study group can go a long way. Sometimes a classmate can offer you a different perspective on the class material, that can help you in the long run. Society often pressures US into saying Yes to everything. We want to be people pleasers. So, it is important to learn when to say NO. Saying No doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you a responsible person. Right now, you are studying. So, NO! You do not have time to binge watch the latest Netflix TV show. Most shows and movies don’t go anywhere; you can watch everything after you finish your Homework. Or just watch one episode per day. It is also important to say No to your boss. It can be a frightening experience. I know. Your boss holds the key to your financial livelihood, but hopefully he is not a monster. If he is a good person, make him understand why you are not able to take on that extra work shift. The human mind is a flexible machine. It doesn’t require 4 hours of uninterrupted studying to learn new information. If you happen to have some free time, during your lunch break, take those 10 minutes to look at your cue cards. You can also listen to your lessons on your drive to work. Make an audio file of your notes, for you to listen to it, when your hands are too busy driving, folding the laundry, cooking or cleaning. These mini study sessions can help you avoid late night cram sessions. Bonus tip: We all need our beauty sleep. When we sleep, the brain makes sense of all the information you have accumulated throughout the day. You will not learn the information well, if you neglect your sleep. It is important to not stress when things become difficult.  If you test doesn’t go well, do not stress. There will be others. Trial and error are how we learn as individuals. It is important that you make peace with the errors that you make along the way. We are only humans, after all. We are not perfect, and that is alright. As long as you give it your best shot, you can feel proud of your success, without hyper focusing on the errors you made along the way. When you do well, celebrate. When you do bad, learn from your mistake. Even a bad grade, can be a learning experience. Success is marked by perseverance, not by perfection. Balancing work, family and school are not easy, but not impossible. With the help or your family and friends, everything is possible. Do not be afraid to go back to school. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Do not be afraid to say NO. Do not be afraid to change your life. Do not be afraid to Succeed!! We hope to see you soon at FEI. Our doors are always open to new students. When you are ready to learn, we are ready to teach you. [caption id="attachment_1154" align="alignnone" width="800"] The delicate tightrope of social responsibilities.[/caption]

If you love working with food and dream of a career in the kitchen, you’ve likely considered culinary arts or pastry and baking arts. While both careers involve creativity, technique, and precision, they each require different skill sets and offer unique career opportunities. The Dishes: Savory vs. Sweet While both culinary arts and pastry baking require skill, creativity, and precision, they focus on different aspects of the culinary world. Culinary arts revolves around savory dishes, including appetizers, entrées, and side dishes, requiring skills like knife techniques, grilling, sautéing, and seasoning. It’s a fast-paced environment where chefs must adapt quickly, balance flavors, and manage multiple components of a meal at once. In contrast, pastry baking is all about sweets, from cakes and pastries to breads and confections. It demands precision, patience, and a deep understanding of baking science—where even a slight miscalculation in measurements can alter the final product. While culinary chefs often rely on improvisation, pastry chefs must carefully follow recipes to achieve consistent textures and flavors. Pastry work also involves intricate artistry, such as cake decorating, sugar sculpting, and chocolate tempering. The Work Environment: Speed vs. Precision One of the biggest distinctions between culinary arts and pastry and baking arts is the work environment. Culinary kitchens are fast-paced and high-energy, requiring chefs to work under pressure while coordinating with a team. These chefs work in busy, often chaotic environments where quick thinking and efficiency are essential. They may need to adjust recipes on the fly, accommodate last-minute changes, and manage multiple dishes at once. Pastry baking is structured and detail-focused. Pastry chefs follow precise recipes and measurements, ensuring consistency in baked goods. Unlike savory cooking, which allows for improvisation, baking requires scientific precision—a slight miscalculation can ruin a dish. Creativity: Improvisation vs. Artistry Culinary chefs and pastry chefs both express creativity, but in different ways. Culinary chefs experiment with flavors, ingredient pairings, and cooking techniques. They adjust dishes based on taste, presentation, and guest preferences. A culinary chef’s creativity is often spontaneous—altering a dish in real time to enhance its flavor. Pastry chefs focus on artistry and design. From elaborate cake decorations to sugar sculptures, pastry chefs create visually stunning desserts. Their creativity comes from precision and craftsmanship, rather than on-the-fly adjustments. Career Paths: Where Can These Skills Take You? Culinary Arts Careers: Line Cook or Sous Chef – Work your way up in restaurants, catering, or hospitality settings. Executive Chef – Oversee menu creation, kitchen staff, and operations. Catering Chef – Plan and prepare food for events, weddings, and corporate functions. Restaurant Manager – Oversee food service operations, hiring, and management. Private Chef – Cook for individuals or families with personalized menus. Pastry Baking Careers: Pastry Chef – Work in high-end bakeries, restaurants, or hotels creating desserts. Cake Decorator – Specialize in wedding cakes, custom desserts, and artistic confections. Chocolatier – Craft chocolate treats and confections. Bakery Owner – Start a business selling pastries, bread, and desserts. Confectioner – Create candies, truffles, and gourmet sweets. Culinary arts offers a wider range of career paths in the restaurant industry, while pastry baking allows for specialized roles in baking and dessert craftsmanship. In short, culinary arts often involves late nights and high-paced dinner rushes, while pastry baking typically requires early mornings and a more structured, preparation-focused schedule. A World of Culinary Possibilities Whether you choose culinary arts or pastry and baking arts, both paths offer rewarding careers filled with creativity, technique, and passion. Culinary professionals bring savory dishes to life, while pastry chefs craft beautiful, mouth-watering desserts. The right choice depends on whether you prefer the dynamic intensity of cooking or the meticulous craftsmanship of baking. Still unsure? Speak to the Florida Education Institute’s Admissions team about your options!