INPUT ARTICLE: Article: In general, tax preparers are required to have a high-school diploma or equivalent. That is, you don't need a bachelor's or associate degree to get started or to thrive in the tax preparation industry. However, any aspiring tax preparer should be aware that the job will require some basic skills. You can prepare for the job in high school by cultivating:  Strong math skills. Basic computer skills and typing ability. Customer service skill and experience. A very basic understanding of tax regulations (necessary forms and time constraints). Because many tax preparers don't have any formal training in tax preparation, they must undergo a small amount of training before they can begin working. In these training courses, students learn about topics like filing status, taxpayer interviews, exemptions, tax calculations, and refund schedules. These courses are offered by a number of sources, so it's best to consider several options before choosing the best one for your situation.  Some tax preparation companies offer on-the-job training, so try applying for a job directly and see if they offer this type of training. This could save you a considerable amount of time and money. Find jobs by searching online job boards in November or December.  Sign up for a training program offered by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT) or National Association of Tax Professionals. See their websites for more information. Many technical and community colleges, as well as universities, offer short certificate programs that can qualify you for entry-level positions. Search for programs in your area to learn more. Some of these may also be available online. However you decide to get the training in, you'll have to complete it before becoming a tax professional. If you can, try to take advanced courses that include information on topics like estate taxes, capital gains, and retirement funds. This knowledge can separate you from the crowd.  Be sure to keep any notes or information you have from your classes, as you may need them later if you choose to pursue higher-level certifications or education. Also be sure that any tax preparation skills learned are tailored to the state in which you will be practicing, as filing requirements vary between states. While a simple tax preparation course can prepare you for the majority of tax preparation roles, you may also want to reach higher by becoming a licensed tax accountant, a CPA, a tax attorney, or an IRS Enrolled Agent. Obviously, these will require much more education, and expense to you, but the opportunities for advancement and salary growth are much better. Without additional education (or owning your own tax preparation business), there is little room for advancement in the tax preparation industry. Tax preparers can become enrolled agents either by working for the IRS for a specified period of time or by passing the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) and applying online for enrolled agent status. After passing the test or achieving the required work experience, you can apply for enrolled agent status by filling out IRS form 23 and undergoing a background check.

SUMMARY: Meet the minimum requirements. Take basic training courses. Complete additional tax training to increase your knowledge base. Earn a tax-related degree to get an edge over the competition.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Florists not only love working with flowers and plants, but should also possess a keen eye for detail, and creative flair. You'll have to be good with your hands, and physically fit.  It will help to have good interpersonal skills. The retail portion of your business, means that you'll be dealing with customers as they come in to shop for flowers The flower arrangements for weddings and funerals are often made in times of high stress, where emotions are close to the surface. You'll have to be able to be helpful, diplomatic, and practical in difficult situations. To learn the trade of a florist, you can either go through a community college program or learn by apprenticing with a florist. Some community colleges have certification programs in floral design, but there is no requirement for college credits in order to work as a florist.  Working for a florist while you attend college is a good way to get the most out of your training. If the florist doesn't have any jobs or internships arranging flowers, you should consider doing part-time work cleaning the shop or other unskilled tasks in order to get a sense of the way a shop works. Working for a florist is the most efficient way to learn what skills you'll need, because you'll learn first-hand the pressures and rewards of owning your own shop. In addition, you'll likely learn cost-saving measures and floral design secrets that won't be found in community college programs.  Someone who works in floral design is usually more up-to-date on the latest trends in the flower industry as opposed to someone whose involvement has been more academic. If you plan to open your flower shop in the same city, county or state, you'll learn more about local resources and licensing requirements. While there are no formal requirements for becoming a florist, you'll need to apply for a business license and follow all local tax and building codes. Someone who runs his own flower shop will have to expect to work from quite early in the morning, as early as 4:30 a.m., until the end of a typical business day, 5:00-5:30. Your shop will likely be open at least 6 days per week.  You'll have to be plan ahead for busy seasons (generally around Valentine's Day and Mother's Day) and slow seasons (January and August tend to be slow seasons for the floral industry). If you're thinking of hiring any employees, you'll need to make sure they're well trained. Customer service is essential in running a successful flower shop.

SUMMARY: Have the natural skills a florist requires. Learn the trade of a florist. Consider on-the-job training. Think about risks and benefits of opening a flower shop.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Breaking down the word into its parts (“cine” and “phile”), you can see that a cinephile is more than just someone who likes movies. A cinephile is passionate about film. They generally choose to study movies whether they like them or not in order to develop a real appreciation for this industry.  Greek has four different words for love, and “phileo” is love that is centered around companionship and pleasure derived from friends or objects (or hobbies).  Although "phileo" is part of the word "cinephile," this does not mean cinephiles love all movies. Rather, they have a passion to understand films in general so they can better critique and discuss them. When many people hear the term “cinephile,” they immediately picture a pretentious or snobby individual who bores everyone with their opinions and extensive knowledge. However, a cinephile is not a snob. Snobs define themselves by what they don’t like, whereas cinephiles by what they do like. For example, a cinephile is open to discussing all films, and does not demean others for having different opinions. Not only do movies help you become well-rounded and appreciate what you see, they give you subjects of conversation. On one hand, you have a wealth of experience to draw from in order to start quick conversations with anyone. On the other, you are able to connect easily with other cinephiles.  This holds true whether you like a film or not. Watching films that you would not usually pick out helps you appreciate what you already like even more. Films are often full of references to other films. If you have seen a lot of movies, you will pick up on these references and appreciate them more. For instance, in the 2003 movie Finding Nemo, there is a scene that mimics swarming birds from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 The Birds.

SUMMARY:
Discover that cinephiles love film. Realize that a cinephile isn’t a snob. Understand that movies help you communicate. Appreciate what you like even more.