8 Smart Job Picks for 2010
As I told you last month, I continually receive information about jobs that will be in demand in the future. Some websites claim they have the list of industries that will add the most employees, or which occupations will pay the most. Lucky for us, Michelle Goodman from Payscale.com, has blown the dust from her crystal ball and given us yet another list to consider. Her list is short, concise and gives us some good information. What I like is that she mentions that it is nice to have a job that is financially rewarding, but it is even better to have some security in knowing that the industry is growing during times of recession. Here’s her list:
Cardiovascular technologist jobs: Between the ongoing need for hospital workers and the aging baby boomer population, this is one career that isn’t going anywhere, says Dr. Laurence Shatkin, author of more than 20 books for job hunters, including “150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth expected by 2018 is 24 percent. As the BLS reports, most cardiovascular technologists in training earn at least a two-year technical degree. In addition, some get on-the-job training in the necessary equipment (for example, EKGs). Median annual salary of a cardiovascular technologist: $60,400.
Database administrator jobs: Like health care, information technology remains a hot field with ample opportunity, says workplace expert Alexandra Levit, whose latest book is “New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career.” In other words, she says, “Everyone needs these people.” Whether you’ve acquired the necessary tech skills in the workplace or studied information technology or management information systems in college, a solid foundation in computing is essential, reports the BLS, adding that certifications can only make you more attractive to employers. Median annual salary of a database administrator: $72,600.
Gas/electric/utilities strategic planning analyst jobs: Working in the utilities sector remains a wise bet, no matter what the economy’s doing, Levit says. “They’re just not downsizing at the rate that some other industries are right now. People still have to heat their homes,” she explains. As a bonus, the BLS predicts turnover for utilities positions will be high in the coming decade as older workers retire (in 2008, 53 percent of the utilities workforce was age 45 or older). According to the BLS, of all utilities sector support staff, technology workers and analysts will find themselves best equipped to capitalize on job openings. Median annual salary of a strategic planning analyst, gas/electric/utilities: $68,700.
Accountant jobs: Do you enjoy crunching numbers but worry that the bulk of corporate accounting jobs were eliminated in the wake of the 2008 banking crisis? There’s no need, Levit says. In fact, the BLS estimates that accounting job growth will be 22 percent in the next decade. Plus, “Accountants make a good living, especially those who work with organizations that have been required to meet certain federal mandates,” Levit says. Median annual salary of an accountant: $49,100.
Marketing manager jobs: With a product branding and business management background, you — and your bank account — can go far. Organizations from all walks of corporate America need creative folks who can write and analyze a marketing survey, position a product to consumers and the media, and collaborate with market researchers, product managers, and profit-minded accountants. What’s more, the BLS predicts that job growth for marketing managers will be 13 percent through 2018. Median annual salary of marketing manager: $60,200.
Dental hygienist jobs: Of all the jobs that require a two-year technical degree, this one promises the most opportunity in the new decade, boasting a whopping 36 percent job growth rate, Shatkin says. Why? Because “dentists try to shrug off more work to dental hygienists so they can see more patients,” he explains. As a bonus, Shatkin adds, many of these positions are part-time with flexible hours, making them ideal for parents with young children. Median annual salary of dental hygienist: $57,100.
Interior designer jobs: Are you a design blog junkie? The friend everyone calls when they need help sprucing up their living room? Then why not put your artistic flair to work? Although you’ll need to invest in a design degree and acquire the necessary budgeting and software skills, the payoff is worth it, says Shatkin: job growth is expected to be 19 percent through 2018. Median annual salary of interior designer: $46,100.
Occupational therapist jobs: Thanks to the country’s aging population, occupational therapy remains a high-growth field, with 26 percent job growth predicted in the new decade, Shatkin says. If you’re the patient, nurturing sort who thrives on helping people, this could be the career for you. Occupational therapists help people who’ve been sick, injured, or otherwise impaired gain the necessary life skills (using a computer, cooking, dressing, and so on) to return to work or their own home. According to the BLS, nearly a third of occupational therapists work part-time, and a master’s degree and state license are usually required. Median annual salary of occupational therapist: $69,400.
What do you think? Are you interested in any of these occupations? The money looks pretty good on some of them, but do you have the training you need? Or, more important, can you get the training you need, especially if you live in a rural area? If the answer is, “no”, then I invite you to visit KSCareers.org. Browse through the catalogs of online courses and see if there is something of interest to you. Colleges and universities from across Kansas are adding courses to the site on a weekly basis, so if you don’t find what you are looking for, check back in a few days. If you still can’t find your area of interest, send an email or give one of the colleges a call.