College Majors With The Worst Employment Outlook

Source: Yahoo

These degree programs might not be worth the time and effort.

By Danielle Blundell

If you've got college on the brain, chances are you've thought for a moment or two about what you're going to major in. And that's a good thing, because earning a degree takes time, energy, and money. You'll want to choose what you're going to study wisely so you get your career off to a good start. Only problem is this: Do you know if the career world finds your major hot or not?
For Eric Stoller, an education expert and writer for InsideHigherEd.com, choosing a major is really a search for something that can offer both immediate career opportunity and long-term career satisfaction. "Ideally, it's a combination of job prospects and the joy of learning," says Stoller. But "realistically, students need to have a good understanding of the demand for certain majors and their connection to future careers."
To help you in your search, we've identified a few majors that might make finding a job tricky. These majors are associated with the highest unemployment rates among recent college graduates, according to a 2013 report by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce titled "Hard Times: College Majors, Unemployment and Earnings."* And instead of leaving you hanging, we identified some related alternative majors that might speak to your natural interests and offer better employment opportunities.
So keep reading to get schooled on majors, before you even set foot in the classroom.

 

High-Unemployment Degree #1: Information Systems

Unemployment Rate: 14.7 percent

What exactly does studying information systems entail? Yeah, we're not so sure either. But according to Pamela T. Rambo, owner of career and college advising firm Rambo Research and Consulting of Williamsburg, VA, information systems majors learn how to teach and train others to use technology in their jobs or at home, ranging from sending an email to using a server to store and share documents.
Problem is, according to Rambo, many companies only need one or a couple people on staff to do this job, which means there aren't a ton of openings available.

What to Study Instead: Computer Science

Unemployment Rate: 8.7 percent

If you're a tech junkie interested in studying something computer-related, best to stick to computer science, which has an unemployment rate that is much lower than information systems.
What skills do computer science majors acquire? According to the College Board, students may study programming, software design, and how to read and write computer languages. They might take classes like software engineering, mathematics for computer science, and artificial intelligence.
"There are many reasons why computer science is a good bet," says Rambo. "We're all really getting used to consumer-intuitive, smart products that anticipate our needs and keep us coming back for more. So we'll need computer science majors to be developing the software and programs that run these things."
She also thinks the popularity of cyber security and data storage and cloud computing will create jobs that computer science majors will be able to pursue with their skill set.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Potential Careers**:

• Software developers
• Network and computer systems administrators

High-Unemployment Degree #2: Architecture

Unemployment Rate: 12.8 percent

Sprawling apartment complexes, cute bungalows, towering mansions - sure, it's fun looking at different buildings. But since the real estate bubble burst, we’ve been seeing far fewer new structures going up. That's why even if you love to build things, it may be better to hold off on this degree. It's actually the major with the second highest unemployment rate right out of school, according to the Georgetown report's findings.
"The housing market is what's killing architecture jobs right now," says Rambo. "For hiring to take place, we really need to catch up to where we were a few years ago in real estate."

What To Study Instead: Civil Engineering

Unemployment Rate: 7.6 percent

Instead of architecture, topping your list should be civil engineering. According to the College Board, this discipline approaches building from a problem-solving perspective, takes into account the natural environment, and covers projects as diverse as planning a clean water system to building a suspension bridge.
According to Rambo, civil engineering jobs are on the upswing. One potential reason may be the stress that our growing population is putting on structures like bridges and tunnels. "The number of bridges in this country that are structurally unsound is growing," says Rambo. "CE’s will be needed to fix or rebuild them."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Civil Engineering Program.
Potential Career:

• Civil engineer

High-Unemployment Degree #3: Anthropology

Unemployment Rate: 12.6 percent

When's the last time you met an anthropologist outside of the college classroom? Never? We thought so. That's because jobs in anthropology - or the study of humans and primates, as defined by the College Board - aren't exactly in demand or easy to come by. There are only so many archaeological digs and excavations that can be funded and fully staffed, which is why "anthropology always gets knocked around as one of the majors that isn’t always clearly linked to a future career," says Stoller.
For Rambo, anthropology grads also face an issue of strict competition for what few positions there are in the field and in academia, which is where she says many anthropology majors seek employment. "There aren't that many anthropology teachers because there aren't that many students that take anthropology classes." She also notes that these teaching jobs require advanced degrees, too, so your undergrad major won’t be enough to even pursue this stream of employment.

What To Study Instead: Nursing

Unemployment Rate: 4.8 percent

You obviously find people fascinating, so why not take your interests toward charitable practices by studying a degree in nursing?
What will you learn in a nursing program? According to the College Board, you'll train to examine and care for the sick and disabled as well as advocate for better health. You might also expect to take classes like anatomy and physiology, health assessment, and pharmacology.
The good news for graduates from this major is that nursing positions are plentiful and aren't always just available in hospitals. "Nursing is so versatile that graduates who are flexible can go to work for insurance companies and businesses in addition to hospitals and doctors’ offices," says Rambo. "Their options to be administrators and consultants are numerous."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
Potential Career:

• Registered nurse

High-Unemployment Degree #4: Film/Video/Photographic Arts

Unemployment Rate: 11.4 percent

You love television and movies and think it'd be great to study these media forms full-time and go all Hollywood post-grad. Might want to reconsider going down this path, because breaking into the entertainment industry and becoming the next Steven Spielberg is definitely easier said than done.
"When you're talking about film, video, and photography, it's a slow growth area with stiff competition and fewer salaried jobs than you'd imagine," says Rambo. "To stand any chance here you'd need experience and really have to be the best of the best."

What To Study Instead: Marketing and Marketing Research

Unemployment Rate: 6.6 percent

If you love different forms of media and communicating through art, consider pursuing a marketing degree. According to the College Board, you could learn about customers’ shopping habits, study advertising campaigns, and understand product pricing.
For Rambo, marketing is a really practical and versatile degree to earn because at its heart, you’re learning about people’s behavior and buying habits, which makes the world go round and touches so many different industries - from consumer products to services and even the drug industry. "Marketing can really be applied to any field," says Rambo. "The demand for marketing goods and services only gets bigger with globalization, which means more jobs across the globe."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
Potential Careers:

• Market research analyst
• Event planner

High-Unemployment Degree #5: Political Science

Unemployment Rate: 11.1 percent

Working for the government in some capacity seems like an exciting prospect and perfect fit for a political science major. Well, better get a spot in line. Because the truth is, says Rambo, you won't be alone in pursuing a job as a civil servant or otherwise. That's because political science is a "low growth field with a high number of graduates," says Rambo.
"There's a very bad prognosis for political science graduates - you better be the best, or combine this major with another area that can make you more marketable for jobs," she says.

What to Study Instead: Business Management and Administration

Unemployment Rate: 7.8 percent

Business management and administration might seem like an unlikely substitute for political science, but consider the fact that both degrees prepare you for teamwork environments - though only one gives you more career options.
The College Board says business administration and management majors learn how to plan, organize, and direct an organization's activities. Students in the program may take classes like management information systems, economics, and business policy and strategy.
So instead of just being qualified to pursue government and think tank positions as with a political science degree, Rambo says business management offers flexibility for finding employment. Why? Virtually every company, big or small, needs someone to hold the reins and make important decisions about its operations on a daily basis.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
Potential Careers:

• Financial analyst
• Human resources manager

Careers That Could Pay Upwards Of $30 An Hour

Source: Yahoo

Tired of living paycheck to paycheck? You may want to take a look at these professions that could give your bank account a little more padding.

By Lee Nelson

If your savings account looks like it needs some inflating, it may be time to find a higher-paying career that could help give your financial situation a boost.
Luckily, there are plenty of great careers in a variety of fields that pay an average of $30 or more an hour. But if you think that $30 an hour doesn't sound very impressive, in annual salary terms it translates to more than $60K - not too shabby after all.*
The reason for the good pay? High demand for the highly skilled, says Mike Palumbo, founder of The Palumbo Company, a professional recruiting and consulting company in Fairhope, Ala. "These careers all have training in a specific skill. It's not just any skill, but a skill that is in demand. Until we have computers that can take blood from your arm, hammer a nail, or consult with you on a complex tax issue, these positions will be in demand for the foreseeable future," he says.
Keep reading to learn more about which professions could add to your bank account, and how you might prepare to pursue them.

Career #1: Registered Nurse

Average Hourly Wage: $32.66
Average Annual Salary: $67,930
Do you enjoy being the caregiver to your aging grandmother, or comforting your friend suffering from a serious illness? Perhaps you have a calling as a registered nurse. You could earn a great salary - in addition to the reward of helping others.
Your responsibilities as a registered nurse could include setting up plans for patient care, performing diagnostic tests, and teaching patients and their families how to manage their illnesses or injuries, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Pays Well: "It's a tough job," says Palumbo. "A hospital is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so a registered nurse is required to work long hours under very stressful life-and-death situations." 
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
Education Options: There are different paths to pursuing a career as a registered nurse. These include earning an associate's degree in nursing, a diploma from an approved nursing program, or a bachelor's of science in nursing, according to the Department of Labor. The Department also says that registered nurses must get licensed by passing a national exam.

Career #2: Accountant

Average Hourly Wage: $34.15
Average Annual Salary: $71,040
Money is probably quite an important element in your daily life, and chances are you want more of it. Why not consider pursuing a career as an accountant, where you can deal with money all the time - while you could earn a good living for yourself?
Besides organizing and maintaining financial records, your responsibilities as an accountant could include helping businesses and individuals find ways to reduce costs and enhance revenue. You could also inspect accounting systems for efficiency, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Pays Well: "Accountants get paid well because the need is so great," Palumbo says. "Most jobs are created by small businesses and with the complex nature of taxes, insurance, regulations, and the future health care expenses, the need for accountants will continue to grow."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
Education Options: To prepare to pursue a career as an accountant, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or related field, the Department of Labor says. It adds that a certification within a specific field of accounting could enhance job prospects.

Career #3: Market Research Analyst

Average Hourly Wage: $32.39
Average Annual Salary: $67,380
You're intrigued by the difference between brand-name and generic products, and you constantly ask your friends where they bought this or that. That curiosity could be a great characteristic of a market research analyst - and one that could earn you good pay at that.
As a market research analyst, you might help a company understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department also says that you could be gathering data on consumer demographics, preferences, and buying habits.
Why It Pays Well: "The world is constantly changing, which is one of the big reasons why market research analysts get paid so well," said Palumbo. "Someone has to keep up with the changes in technology and trends on a daily basis."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says market research analysts need at least a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field. Many of these professionals pursue a degree in a field such as statistics, math, or computer science. Others may have a background in business administration, communications, or one of the social sciences, the Department says. Top research positions often require a master's degree.

Career #4: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Average Hourly Wage: $31.90
Average Annual Salary: $66,360
Seeing your first child's image on an ultrasound photo was life-changing. And if you can envision being a part of this moment in other people's lives - while potentially making a good living - you should consider a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer.
Your day-to-day duties as a diagnostic sonographer might be comprised of preparing patients for procedures, maintaining imaging equipment, checking those images for quality, and recording findings, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Pays Well: "Diagnostic medical sonographers get paid well because of the training and skills it takes to operate the technology," Palumbo says. "When you mix technology with medicine, it equals a great career position."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says that if you're interested in a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer, you will need formal education, such as an associate's or postsecondary certificate. You might also need to pursue professional certification, as the Department says many employers require it.

Career #5: Construction Manager

Average Hourly Wage: $43.73
Average Annual Salary: $90,960
You and your younger brother used to erect elaborate Lego structures day after day. Of course, being the oldest, you would be the one in charge and "lead the project". Why not put those skills of leadership and your love of building to good use in a career as a construction manager? The best part is, you could potentially see a great pay check as well.
As a construction manager, you might prepare and negotiate cost estimates and budgets; report on work progress and budget matters to clients; and select, hire, and instruct laborers and subcontractors, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Pays Well: "Construction managers get paid well because of the need to build construction projects on-time and under budget," Palumbo says. "Until the day where robots can build a building, bridge, or tunnel, we will need people to build projects. The construction manager will be needed to manage those projects."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Engineering Program.
Education Options: An associate's degree with work experience may be enough for some positions, but it is becoming more important for construction managers to earn a bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, architecture, or engineering, says the Department of Labor.

Career #6: Computer Programmer

Average Hourly Wage: $37.63
Average Annual Salary: $78,260
When your family and friends run into computer problems, you are the first one they call. You could put those skills to use formally and pursue a career as a computer programmer. Besides, wouldn't it be nice to be compensated for your services for a change?
As a computer programmer, you might write programs in a variety of computer languages, debug programs, and build and use computer-assisted software engineering tools, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Pays Well: "Someone has to teach the computer what to do," says Palumbo. He explains that while computers are getting easier to operate, most people still don't understand how computers work. Hence, computer programmers get paid well because they are in demand, Palumbo says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Education Options: Many computer programmers earn a bachelor's degree, but some businesses do hire those with an associate's degree, according to the Department of Labor. Most programmers pursue a degree in computer science or a related subject, the Department says.

Five Great Career Switches That Could Boost Your Pay

Source: Yahoo

These five logical career switches could help you capitalize on your prior skills to earn better pay.

By Diana Bocco

You may think that clawing your way up the corporate ladder is the only way to advance to a better-paying, higher-level position. But you'd be wrong. In some cases, pursuing your ideal career may not require a climb, but a leap. And while altering your career path may not mean throwing away your prior skills and experience, it could mean going back to school. The good news is, you wouldn't be the first person to make this kind of career transition.
Many students change paths because they want to advance in their careers by pursuing leadership and management positions, says Michelle Stiles, Interim Dean at UCLA Extension. Those students "want to build on a set of skills that they have already developed and use the core knowledge they have gained as they have worked in their particular job sector," Stiles explains.
Want to know which new, higher-paying careers you could consider pursuing? Keep reading for five smart career switches that make a whole lot of sense.

Career Switch #1: Registered Nurse to Medical and Health Services Manager

Nursing careers are in great demand and often offer good salary and room for growth, says Samuel Rindell, professor of health care management at New England College of Business and Finance.
However, nurses may come to the midpoint of their career and find they have limited promotional opportunities available, says Rindell. "And they may wonder how they can still add new and diverse experiences to their resume without having to leave the health care field," Rindell says. The career of medical and health services manager may provide a way.
Why The Switch Makes Sense: Medical and health services management is a valuable opportunity for nurses looking for career advancement and a higher paycheck, according to Rindell.
Nurses who go on to get a degree in health care administration can remain heavily immersed in the health care industry but have the chance to work in new areas of for-profit and nonprofit health care, including health care delivery, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices, health care services, insurance, and investment firms, Rindell explains.
How the Salaries Compare*:

• Registered Nurse: $65,470 vs. Medical and Health Services Manager: $88,580

Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.
Education Requirements: "Prospective medical and health services managers have a bachelor's degree in health administration," according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Master's degrees in health services, business administration, public health, public administration, and long-term care administration are common, too.

Career Switch #2: From Bookkeeper to Accountant

Bookkeepers are in charge of recording financial records using spreadsheets and software, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. But professional growth may be limited in this job, and switching to accounting may prove more lucrative in the end.
Why The Switch Makes Sense: Bookkeepers might only be focusing on the numbers, whereas accountants "must be able to tell the story behind the data, often to audiences outside of finance," says DeLynn Senna, CPA and executive director at Robert Half Finance & Accounting.
Moving to accounting could also be wise because in recent years, accounting and finance professionals have taken on more prominent roles within business and been relied on to provide greater strategic insights, says Senna. So if that's something that sounds appealing to you and you don't mind going back to school, the career switch might be worth it, she says. And the salary bump isn't bad either...
How the Salaries Compare*:

• Bookkeeper: $35,170 vs. Accountant: $63,550

Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
Education Requirements: Most accountants need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, according to the Department. However, some employers might prefer those with a master's degree in accounting or business administration with a specialization in accounting.

Career Switch #3: From Teacher to School Principal

Teaching might be one of the noblest careers out there, but the chances for advancement are pretty small. If you have the desire to lead or have a direct impact on education policies and curriculum, management might be a better fit than teaching, according to Eloise Lopez Metcalfe, interim department director for UCLA Extension's education department.
Why The Switch Makes Sense: If you're looking for growth opportunity, a career as a school principal might be the next logical step, says Lopez. As the head of the school "you will not only enjoy more responsibility and a better salary, but also the status and prestige that comes with a school management position," she adds.
How the Salaries Compare*:

• Secondary School Teacher: $55,050 vs. School Principal: $87,760

Next step: Click to Find the Right Education Leadership Program.
Education Requirements: Most school principals have experience as teachers and are required to have a master's degree in education administration or leadership, according to the Department.

Career Switch #4: From Desktop Publisher to Graphic Designer

Desktop publishers usually gather graphics, text, and other existing materials in order to create page layouts of books, brochures, and other print or online items, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. But since they don't create the art that goes in the finished product, the career is a bit limited.
Why The Switch Makes Sense: Desktop publishers often work behind the scenes (creating document layouts), while graphic designers get a chance to be more creative and come up with the actual designs, logos, and details that go on those documents, says Robin Elledge, chief administrative officer for Creative Circle, LLC, a staffing agency that represents creative professionals. For people with a desire to work on the creative side of publishing, graphic design can be an excellent career, she says.
And while potential earnings might only be slightly more promising for graphic designers, Elledge says demand is growing rapidly. Whether companies need business cards, a logo, brochure, website, packaging, or an entire branding campaign, they'll eventually interact with a graphic designer to get it done. Additionally, graphic designers who go back to school and view education as a continual endeavor have the upper hand, Elledge says, especially if they already have experience as desktop publishers and a portfolio of work to back them up.
How the Salaries Compare*:

• Desktop Publisher: $37,040 vs. Graphic Designer: $44,150

Next step: Click to Find the Right Graphic Design Program.
Education Requirements: For graphic designer positions, a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field is usually required, the Department says. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in another subject may pursue "technical training" to meet hiring qualifications. Having a professional portfolio is also important, notes the Department.

Career Switch #5: From Product Promoter to Marketing Manager

While product promoters help create buzz for products, there isn't much buzz about the job itself.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, their daily tasks might include distributing samples, designing exhibits, and offering brochures.
Marketing managers, on the other hand, don't just promote one single product. According to the Department of Labor, they might gather information to plan entire advertising campaigns for new products and services.
Why The Switch Makes Sense: Those passionate about marketing and branding will find many better-paying opportunities in the field of marketing management, says Jamie Parks, director of marketing at Atrium Staffing, a boutique staffing agency that services small, mid-size, and Fortune 500 companies.
Parks says marketing managers are in charge of planning and designing promotional campaigns. And as consumers are continually exposed to new brands and to branding and advertising through digital media, the demand for those services can only get higher, she adds. Of course, with higher demand comes a higher paycheck, Parks explains.
How the Salaries Compare*:

• Product Promoter: $23,860 vs. Marketing Manager: $119,480

Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
Education Requirements: According to the Department, most marketing managers have a bachelor's degree, and while a specific field is not specified, the Department does note that courses in management, business law, accounting, finance, economics, mathematics, and statistics could be advantageous.