Q: In addition to forecasting the weather, meteorologists study the characteristics and processes of the atmosphere and how they affect the environment and evolve. They also study climate and climate changes. There are many different kinds of meteorologists.  An operational meteorologist is responsible for forecasting the weather. A climatologist gathers and examines the seasonal changes that occur over time such as months or years. A physical meteorologist conducts research on the atmosphere and different physical properties. A synoptic meteorologist uses mathematical models and creates different tools such as software for forecasting weather. An environmental meteorologist studies problems like air pollution that affects the Earth's atmosphere. There are multiple places you can find jobs in meteorology. Each kind of work requires slightly different backgrounds, but graduate degrees can help you have a better chance getting jobs and receiving promotions.  You can work for government agencies, such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA, or the National Weather Service.  You can work for a television station, such as a local news network, a national network like CNN, Fox News, or MSNBC, or for The Weather Channel. You can also find work in the private sector. Many companies pay meteorologists to help figure out how climate and weather patterns will affect their business. Meteorologists can also get jobs dealing with agriculture or air pollution. Airlines use weather forecasters to help them plan flights. Shipping and insurance companies may also hire meteorological consultants.  You may also be interested in being a forensic meteorologist. This job provides meteorological information, data, and consulting for legal cases. The American Meteorological Society offers certification programs for certain specializations and areas of interest for meteorologists. Some of these programs include broadcasting and consulting. The American Meteorological Society offers Certified Broadcast Meteorologist credentials for meteorologists working in radio and television. The certification requires you to have a bachelor's degree in meteorology and you need to submit examples of your work to qualify. You must then pass an examination. Some organizations require you to get training upon employment. For example, the National Weather Service requires employees to complete 200 hours of on-the-job training per year for 2 years. Be prepared to receive more training and experience if you plan to obtain an entry-level position working for the federal government. The federal government typically places you in intern positions where you work in different offices learning about forecasting and weather systems. You're assigned to a duty station once the training is complete. One way to network, meet people, and learn about new research is to go to conferences. Meteorological societies, such as the American Meteorological Society, sponsor conferences where meteorologists can present papers and research. This also can lead to publication in professional journals. Start searching online for job opportunities. Investigate job opportunities in the private sector for consulting jobs and apply. Try looking for jobs at news stations. You can start working at a small news station before advancing to a larger one.  Look for a job with the federal government. The National Weather Service has stations located throughout the country. The U.S. Department of Defense also hires meteorologists. Seek job matching opportunities. Some universities and meteorological societies offer students and members help in matching them with jobs in the private sector. Being a meteorologist is a difficult job. You have to have excellent communication skills, especially if you want to work in broadcasting. You must have strong math, science, and computer skills since you will use those on a daily basis. You will have to learn how to work in a team.  Be prepared to work in a variety of environments. Many meteorologists follow the weather, and sometimes these weather conditions are dangerous. Meteorologists will report from hurricanes, blizzards, and even tornadoes. You need to have a flexible schedule and willing to work long hours.  Look for a job with the federal government. The National Weather Service has stations located throughout the country. The U.S. Department of Defense also hires meteorologists.
A: Determine the type of meteorology you're interested in pursuing. Decide where you want to work. Get certified. Get any needed training. Go to conferences. Apply for jobs. Be prepared to work hard.

Q: Your kids or your spouse might want to complain once in a while about the inconvenience or the cost. Let them. Refer to the timeline and point out that the end is in sight. Whether you get together over dinner, breakfast or some other time during the day, meet to discuss progress and concerns. Different people may be home at different points of the day, so stay in touch with everyone. Use text messages, email, social networking posts and phone calls If the workers get different information and feedback from all members of your family, things will get confusing. Appoint one person to talk on behalf of the family. They might have to deal with some noise and disruption too, so letting them know about your plans will help keep the peace in the neighborhood.
A:
Be available. Meet as a family regularly. Communicate throughout the day. Put one person in charge of communicating with the contractors. Have your family help you talk to the neighbors.