The Disney movie Ratatouille is based on the premise that "anyone can cook." While the star of the animated film may have been a rat with no opposable thumb, there is truth to the message that cooking can be accomplished by anyone and for many different purposes. Not everyone who learns to cook, whether it be by reading cookbooks, looking over a relative' shoulder or enrolling in online cooking classes, sets out to learn for the same reason.

Since the 13th century, humans have been fascinated with the capabilities of firearms. Over time, there have been constant improvements in the design, capacity, and mechanics behind each gun. Guns have always filled people with fascination for their technical complexity, if not respect for their power.

Are you considering a career in the medical field? Do you want to work closely with doctors and help patients but don’t have the money or time to go all the way through medical school? There are ways you can begin working toward a career in the booming field of healthcare without having to earn an advanced degree. For instance, if you work toward a career as a medical office assistant and land a job, you will spend your days working with medical professionals and patients one-on-one. You’ll fulfill many important tasks that are vital to helping a hospital, doctor’s office or other medical facility run smoothly.

Technology is an ever-evolving field that continues to touch our lives in new and exciting ways. If there is one constant in technology it is, ironically, change: There is always some technical discovery that techno-geeks are re-inventing or adapting for current, practical use. For example, the 3D printer was invented in the 1980s, yet its popularity has grown exponentially in recent years. Thanks to affordable, home-based printers, this technology is being applied to many career fields – including professional drafting.

Would you bring your crashed computer to a motorcycle mechanic for repair? What about having a floral designer fix your leaky roof? Even though most of us don't stop to think about it, specialized training is important because it teaches the specific skills required for a specific career.