According to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, every major occupational group, with the exception of farming and
fishing occupations, are expected to gain jobs in the next 10 years. That being
said, the possibilities are endless when it comes to picking your future
career. Whatever your personality or interests, you can find your niche in one
of the many growing markets today.
1. For the Caregiver: Physician
Assistant or Registered Nurse
Physician assistants practice
medicine under the supervision of doctors and surgeons. Becoming a physician
assistant requires a master’s degree in nursing. The median pay is $90,930 per
year. RNs coordinate with doctors and provide care and emotional support for
patients. To become a nurse you need a diploma from a nursing program, a B.S.
in nursing or A.A. in nursing. As of 2014 the median pay is $65,470. Similar
jobs to PAs and RNs include audiologists, EMTs, paramedics, dental hygienists,
and midwives.
2. For
the Gym-Addict: Physical Therapist
Physical therapists provide help to
improve the mobility of injured or ill people. They are important to the
physical rehabilitation of patients with chronic injuries and help with pain
management to people who have experienced physical trauma. Physical therapists
also work with injury prevention and education. To be a physical therapist you
must have a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree and have a license to practice.
The median salary is $79,860 per year as of 2014. Jobs similar to this include
audiologists, chiropractors, physical therapist assistants, and speech language
pathologists.
3. For
the Outdoorsy Type: Brickmason
Brickmasons use natural and man-made
stones to build fences, walkways, and structures. Though some hold higher
degrees, most masons primarily learn through apprenticeship or on the job
training. In 2014 the median salary is $44,950 per year. Similar occupations
include construction work, carpentry, terrazzo work, and marble setting.
4. For
the Curious Mind: Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help injured
or ill patients recover and improve the skills they need for living by
therapeutically working through everyday tasks. Becoming an occupational
therapist typically requires a master’s degree in occupational therapy, though
in some cases a B.A. in psychology may be accepted. All occupational therapists
are required to be licensed or registered. The median pay as of 2014 is $75,400
annually. Similar jobs include physical therapists, occupational therapy
assistants, and exercise psychologists.
5. For
the Math Minded: Personal Financial Advisor
Personal Financial Advisors give
financial advice to their clients. They help with taxes, investments,
insurance, and monetary decisions. To be a financial planner you need a
bachelor’s degree, but higher degrees and certificates help increase chance of
employment and increase in client base. The median salary in 2014 is $67,520
per year. Similar careers include budget analysts, financial analysts,
financial managers, and insurance agents.
6. For
the Computer Lover: Software Developer
With the growing emphasis on computer
technology, app development, and data communications, cyber buffs are in full
demand. Software developers generally have a bachelor’s degree in computer
science and an in depth knowledge of computer programming tools and language.
The median pay as of 2014 is $93,350 per year. Similar jobs include computer
and information research scientists, computer hardware engineers, computer
programmers, computer application engineers, and computer systems analysts.
7. For
the Organized Mind: Management Analyst
Management Analysts brainstorm and
plan ways to improve a company’s efficiency. They make recommendations on how
to make organizations most profitable and are oftentimes responsible for budget
and revenue goals. Most management analysts usually have a bachelor’s degree,
but this is not required. The median salary is $78,600 per year as of 2014.
Similar occupations include accountants, auditors, budget analysts,
administrative services managers, market research analysts, and business
executives.
8. For
the Bookworm: Teacher
Teachers are responsible for the
education of students within their field. There are tons of different types of
teachers, but the ones with the highest projected growth are preschool teachers
and college instructors. Education requirements for a preschool teacher vary by
school and state, ranging from high school diploma to a college degree. Their
median salary in 2014 is $27,130 per year. College instructors require more
formal education and often require a master’s degree. Their median salary in
2014 is $68,970 per year. Similar jobs include high school teachers,
anthropologists, special education teachers, historians, and economists.
9. For
the English Majors: Technical Writer
Technical writers prepare journal
articles, instruction manuals, and supporting documents essential to the
communication of complex information. They are responsible for researching and
developing technical information for customers, designers, and manufacturers.
Technical writers generally have a college degree, but knowledge and experience
with the technical subject is more important. The median wage is $65,500.
Similar careers include editors, interpreters, public relations specialists,
and fundraising managers.
10. For
the Biology Major: Medical Scientist
Medical scientists aim to improve
overall health by conducting research, clinical trials, and investigative
methods. Medical scientists almost always require a Ph.D. in biology or life
science. The median pay is $76,980 per year. Similar jobs include agricultural
and food scientists, biochemists, epidemiologists, and healthy educators.