Check out these six careers with staying power.
If you're looking for a stable career, you're probably not alone. While some careers are struggling, others are on the rise.In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor projects many industries - including health care and education - to experience high growth between 2010 and 2020, according to a February 2012 economic news release.
And while there are quite a few careers that are on the rise, we've highlighted six of them - all from different industries. Keep reading to learn more...
Career #1 - Medical and Health Services Manager
Do you have good management skills? Think you might enjoy running a
medical practice? If so, consider a career as a health services manager.Job Details: Health services managers typically manage finances of a department or facility, organize records like the number of inpatient beds used, and communicate with other members of the medical staff, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Lasting Qualities: The Department of Labor projects employment in this field to grow 22 percent, which is equivalent to 68,000 jobs, from 2010 to 2020. The Department says managers will be needed to organize medical information and supervise health care staffs.
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Education Options: Most health services managers have at least a bachelor's degree in health administration. Master's degrees in health services, public health, public administration, or business administration are also common in the field, according to the Department.
Career #2 - Public Relations Specialist
If you're good at creating and maintaining relationships, a career as a public relations specialist might be for you.Job Details: Most public relations specialists prepare information for publication in the media. It is also likely that some will develop and maintain their organization's corporate image and identity, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Lasting Qualities: Changes are taking place in the communications world, especially when it comes to the Internet and social media. New media - and the rapid spread of information on the Internet - will create more work for public relations workers, according to the Department of Labor. This could explain why the Department projects the field to see a 23 percent growth, or 58,200 new jobs, from 2010 to 2020.
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Education Options: Most employers require a bachelor's degree in public relations, communication, or journalism.
Career #3 - Personal Financial Advisor
Do you have good analytical skills? Is math your favorite subject? If
you answered yes to either question, consider a career in personal
financial advising.Job Details: If this career is for you, you'd likely spend most of your time meeting with clients in person to discuss their financial plans. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, you'd monitor your clients' accounts, recommend investments, and help clients plan for specific circumstances.
Lasting Qualities: Just as the health care industry will benefit from baby boomer retirees, this industry will, too. Why? Because according to the Department of Labor, the aging population will likely seek financial planning advice as they reach retirement. As a result, the Department predicts a 32 percent job growth from 2010 to 2020. That's equivalent to 66,400 jobs.
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Education Options: The Department says most personal financial advisors typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or business.
Career #4 - Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher
Are you interested in working with children? Do you want to help
shape their lives? Teachers can do both - and according to the U.S.
Department of Labor, they could be doing so for quite awhile.Job Details: Kindergarten and elementary school teachers typically plan lessons that teach particular skills like reading and math, prepare students for standardized tests, and enforce classroom rules to teach children proper behavior, the Department of Labor says.
Lasting Qualities: The Department says kindergarten and elementary school teachers will see a 17 percent increase in employment, or 281,500 jobs, from 2010 to 2020. This growth is due in large part to declines in student-teacher ratios and an increase in enrollment.
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Education Options: The Department says all public kindergarten and elementary school teachers must have at least a bachelor's degree in elementary education and be state-certified or licensed.
Career #5 - Paralegal
If you don't want to pursue a career as a lawyer, but you're still
fascinated by the legal field, consider a career as a paralegal.Job Details: Paralegals typically do a variety of tasks to help lawyers prepare for trial. This includes investigating cases, conducting research, and drafting correspondence, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Lasting Qualities: As employers try to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of legal services, they are expected to hire more paralegals, the Department of Labor says. The Department predicts that paralegals will see an 18 percent job growth, or 46,900 jobs, adding that a paralegal's work is less likely to be offshored, which is great news for people who are looking for potential stability.
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Education Options: There are a number of ways to pursue a paralegal career, including an associate's degree in paralegal studies, says the Department. If you already have a bachelor's or master's degree in another field, a certificate in paralegal studies is another route towards this career.
Career #6 - Software Developer
Would you enjoy designing different computer applications and
systems? Do you want to propose, test, and develop software? This field
might be for you.Job Details: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, software developers generally recommend software upgrades for existing programs, ensure that software continues to function through testing and maintenance, and collaborate with other computer specialists.
Lasting Qualities: Because mobile technology requires new applications, and the health care industry is increasing its use of computer systems, the Department of Labor projects software developers to see a 30 percent job growth between 2010 and 2020, which is equal to 270,900 jobs.
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Education Options: The Department says software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field.