Associate's and Master's Degrees That Could Pay You Back

Source: Yahoo

The right associate's or master's degree could pay you back in time and in marketable skills to boost your career.

By Amy Howell Hirt

School is a huge investment of time and money, not to mention the sweat and tears. But what if you could cut your time invested in half, while still setting yourself up to reap financial benefits?
While not all degrees will deliver on both fronts, there are several programs that could take as little as two years and give you a leg up on pursuing a career that pays well. Whether you are ready to change jobs or go after that promotion, these associate's and master's degrees offer valuable skills in a reasonable timeline.
Keep reading to learn about seven programs that could payoff big down the road.

Degree #1: Associate's in Nursing

Looking for a degree that could offer rewards in more ways than one? In as little as two years, an associate's in nursing could prepare you to go after a high-paying career in nursing.
As for what you'll study in a nursing program, the College Board, a non-profit organization that promotes higher education, says you might take courses like pathophysiology, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology. You'll also learn how to examine patients and how to design a plan of care.
Payback Potential*: Beth Jorgensen, a career counselor with Talent Curve, a career and education guidance company, also sees value in this degree. Although she says some employers prefer four-year degrees, an associate's degree in nursing could help you land a high-wage nursing job because the field has more open positions than qualified applicants. And here's what it comes down to: "You have a better chance of getting a decent-paying job without experience," she says.
And according to the U.S. Department of Labor, in addition to a license, an associate's degree in nursing is one path to pursuing a career as a registered nurse.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
But how big is the payback potential for this career? Well, according to the Department of Labor, registered nurses report a median annual salary of $65,470. The bottom 10 percent earn $45,040, and the top 10 percent earn $94,720.

Degree #2: Master's in Education Leadership

Already working in education and looking to move up - in salary and responsibility? A master's degree in education administration could help you reach that payoff - in as few as two years.
Educational administration majors learn how to serve as school principals and may take courses that focus on how to supervise teachers, according to the College Board. And that knowledge could provide an advantage if you're pursuing a high-paying management role like an elementary school principal.
Payoff Potential: This degree is valuable to an employer because it signifies that you are prepared to handle the administrative duties of the role, Jorgensen says. What kind of role, exactly? Well, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, a master's degree in education administration or leadership is required of most elementary school principals.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Education Leadership Program.
The degree could also prepare you to handle a bigger paycheck. Education administrators see a median annual salary of $87,760, according to the Department of Labor. The top 10 percent earn $130,810, and the bottom 10 percent makes $58,530.

Degree #3: Master's in Counseling

If you love helping people work out their problems and have already received a bachelor's degree in psychology, this graduate degree could provide a stepping stone toward a higher-paying career.
In a counseling psychology program, your courses might cover topics such as child, marital, and family therapy, according to the College Board. You could also expect to learn how to provide counseling individually or in groups.
Payoff Potential: As for employers, this degree is attractive for the occupation-specific training it offers, Jorgensen says. What kind of occupations? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a master's degree in counseling or marriage and family therapy is required to practice as - you guessed it - a marriage and family therapist. A state license is also needed.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Counseling Program.
And what does the ultimate payoff look like? Marriage and family therapists take home a median annual salary of $46,670, according to the Department of Labor. The top 10 percent make $75,120, while the bottom 10 percent make $25,540.

Degree #4: Associate's in Dental Hygiene

If you're a detail-oriented people-person, this degree could help you pursue a high-paying gig where you can put those traits to work - on teeth. The best part? You could pick up this degree in as few as two years.
In an associate's program in dental hygiene, you could learn how to care for teeth and gums and how to treat tooth decay and oral disease, according to the College Board.
Payoff Potential: Employers value the knowledge that the degree provides, but also the hands-on experience that most programs include, Jorgensen says. And armed with that knowledge and experience, you could be ready to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, dental hygienists typically need an associate's degree in dental hygiene, in addition to being required to have state licensure.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Dental Hygiene Program.
As for monetary payoff, the median annual salary of dental hygienists is $70,210, according to the Department. The top 10 percent make $96,280, while the bottom 10 percent make $46,540.

Degree #5: Associate's in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Would you like to find a way to help people, and maybe help out your checkbook at the same time? An associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography could point you in the right direction - all in as few as two years.
Common courses include medical terminology, abdominal and obstetrical sonography, and ultrasound physics, according to the College Board.
Payback Potential: Because this is a technical, machinery-focused occupation, employers value the degree's job-specific training, Jorgensen says. And according to the U.S. Department of Labor, formal education, such as an associate's degree or postsecondary certificate, is needed to pursue this career. Most employers prefer those with professional certification as well.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Medical Sonography Program.
But the formal education could be worth it. Diagnostic medical sonographers report a median annual salary of $65,860, according to the Department of Labor. The top 10 percent make $91,070, while the bottom 10 percent make $44,990.

Degree #6: Associate's in Health Information Technology

Looking for a new career with payoff potential and a bright future? An associate's degree in health information technology could get you on your way by prepping you to pursue a good-paying field that's in its infancy.
In this program, you might take courses like introduction to coding, health care statistics, medical terminology, and computers in health care, according to the College Board.
Payback Potential: This degree is valuable to hospitals and other health care facilities simply because the field is so new, Jorgensen says. Which means the degree can make up for the lack of experience that's common among applicants, she adds.
More specifically, this degree might prepare you to pursue a career in the field as a medical records and health information technician. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these professionals are usually required to have certification, although an associate's degree may also be acceptable.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Information Technology Program.
The payback potential looks strong, too. Health information technicians see a median annual salary of $34,160, according to the Department of Labor. The top 10 percent make $56,200, while the bottom 10 percent make $22,250.

Degree #7: Master's in Business Administration (MBA)

If you have your sights set on a lucrative career in business, spending a couple years pursuing a master's in business administration could make sense. And you may only need as few as two years to do it.
An MBA aims to provide a broad overview of the main areas of business and offers courses in management, finance, and decision sciences, according to the Princeton Review, an organization that provides testing resources for students applying to college and graduate school.
Payback Potential: Employers value an MBA because it provides knowledge of the broader business world, Jorgensen says. And with broader knowledge, comes broader opportunities. Financial analyst is just one of the positions that employers might expect an MBA to fill. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, financial analysts typically have a bachelor's degree, but employers often require an MBA or master's in finance.
Next step: Click to Find the Right MBA Program.
And as for pay, financial analysts see a median annual salary of $76,950, according to the Department of Labor. The top 10 percent make $148,430, while the bottom 10 percent makes $47,130.

6 things to never say at work

By Beth Braccio Hering,

Don't tarnish your reputation by making whiny, haughty or untrue statements. Remember, silence can be golden -- especially if it prevents you from uttering one of these potentially career-damaging phrases:

1. "I can't take on any more work. I'm completely overwhelmed already."
Run your fingers through your hair and let out a big sigh during this lament and colleagues will either nominate you for an Academy Award or provide the number of a good therapist. Professionals work on solving problems, not creating drama.

"Yes, the recession and corporate downsizing has meant fewer people doing more work; however, employers want employees who can manage their workloads and communicate when they have reached their maximum capacity," says Lisa Quast, CEO of Seattle-based Career Woman Inc. and author of "Your Career, Your Way!" "A much better comment is, 'Let's look at my project list and see where we can work this in. It might mean moving something else out to a later date.'"

2. "Joe is an idiot."
Yes, maybe he is -- and he may be your boss someday. Don't say something you'll later regret. Even if he doesn't find out, bad-mouthing a co-worker can make listeners wonder what you say about them when they aren't around.

"Never throw your colleagues under the bus or talk about them behind their back," says career coach Roy Cohen, author of "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide." "Colleagues who trust and admire you will be your best support system to promote your reputation as desirable and valuable. When they don't feel that you are transparent in your intentions, your disruptive actions will raise doubts about your ability to be both a team player and a team motivator. Both are essential assets for effective leadership."

3. "That's not fair!"
Brad Karsh, president of Chicago-based JB Training Solutions and co-author of the upcoming book "Manager 3.0: A Millennial's Guide to Rewriting the Rules of Management," notes that this statement is frequently uttered by younger workers. "It may sound harsh, but in the working world, fair does not always mean equal. It can be difficult to understand that at work it's not always fair up and down, but it's also not fair across. For example, a company may hire 100 entry-level employees on the same day. Are they all going to get promoted or receive raises on the same day? No. They may work different hours a week, at different locations and for different types of people. It will never be fair in your career, so get over it."

4. "That's not how we did it at my old company."
Make such a comment and colleagues may wonder why you ever left the other employer. As Quast notes, "No one likes an arrogant know-it-all who thinks they're better than others or who believes their previous company did things better." Skip the comparisons and focus instead on articulating your ideas clearly and respectfully.

5. "I'll have it on your desk by 3 p.m." (when you know you won't)
Your boss and colleagues have deadlines, too. When you fail to deliver, it affects others. On those rare occasions when you can't fulfill a promise, have the decency to give a heads-up. Deadlines may be changeable or perhaps other workers can shift focus to help out.

"(Don't) tell people -- whether they are colleagues, vendors, clients and customers or management -- what you think they want to hear instead of the truth," Cohen says. "For example, if you knowingly provide a client with incorrect information about a delivery date and you fail to honor that deadline, you risk tarnishing both your credibility and the reputation of your company. The potential impact may be enormous as customers abandon you for a more reliable provider."

6. "I'm bored."
Nothing good ever comes from this statement. Overworked colleague Mary will want to slug you, cubicle neighbor Jeff will think you're a slacker, and your boss will question why he's bothering to give you a paycheck this week.

"There's always something you could be doing," Karsh says. "Take the initiative to tackle new projects; don't wait to be asked to do something. Be innovative and find new projects to work on to make your boss's life easier. Figure out what is keeping your boss up at night, and solve that problem."

Five Career Choices That Could Hurt You

Source: Yahoo

You may want to think twice if you're considering one of these less than stellar careers.

By Danielle Blundell

You're on a mission to make a big career change, and that's a good thing. But before you take a leap, you need to have a better idea of where you might land, and how that job is going to set you up for the future.
"The biggest mistake people make is they don't investigate the position they want," says Abby Kohut, career and HR expert and founder of AbsolutelyAbby.com. "In some cases, they go to school and waste years of their lives training for something they eventually try and don't like. In others, people don't take the time to understand what a field will offer them in terms of salary and growth potential, both personally and in terms of the industry."
So to help you get started in your research, here are five career choices that could really hurt you - and five better options to consider instead.

Bad Career Choice #1: Desktop Publisher

Median Annual Pay*: $37,040
Bottom 10 Percent: $19,740
Top 10 Percent: $60,470
Desktop publishers use software to make page layouts for print or Web publications, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And while this may sound right up your alley, don't get too excited just yet.
Why It's a Bad Choice: The industry has a little too narrow of a focus, and the salary and job opportunities reflect that. "Desktop publishers focus on making print products - pamphlets, brochures, and that kind of thing," says Kohut. "So it's kind of an older term and profession that offers little growth because everything is going digital."

A Better Alternative: Graphic Designer

Median Annual Pay*: $44,150
Bottom 10 Percent: $26,250
Top 10 Percent: $77,490
A career in graphic design could be just as satisfying. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, graphic designers often create images and design themes for companies' websites, logos, and advertisements. Not only that, but the pay isn't bad either.
Why It's a Good Choice:  For Kohut, since there are better job prospects designing for companies on the Web vs. print, graphic design is a smarter choice. "Graphic design is a hipper field where you can go into Web design and make a lot of money," she says. Plus, she says the Web is the direction business is going.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Graphic Design Program.
Education Requirements: The U.S. Department of Labor says a bachelor's degree in graphic design is usually required to pursue a job as a graphic designer. "However, those with a bachelor's degree in another field may pursue technical training in graphic design to meet most hiring qualifications," it says.

Bad Career Choice #2: Bank Teller

Median Annual Pay*: $24,940
Bottom 10 Percent: $19,630
Top 10 Percent: $34,320
Show me the money would be your mantra if you chose to pursue a career as a bank teller. You'd be  dealing with deposits, cashing checks, and counting money, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Unfortunately for tellers, handling money doesn't mean you're making a lot of it.
Why It's a Bad Choice: "A job as a bank teller is really an entry-level position that doesn't require a degree and therefore has a lower salary," says Kohut. She also points out that there is a lack of advancement opportunities for bank tellers. "You could become a manager, but district management positions are far and few in a given market."

A Better Alternative: Accountant

Median Annual Pay*: $63,550
Bottom 10 Percent: $39,930
Top 10 Percent: $111,510
If you've got a mind for math, better to use it for accounting rather than a job as a bank teller. Instead of counting money, accountants could organize a company's financial records and make sure they're in accordance with various laws and regulations, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It's a Good Choice: "Accountants have huge growth potential," says Kohut. "You could go from accountant to financial manager to CFO one day. Of course, that may require a master's and a CPA. But the take home is accounting offers higher salaries from the start and more opportunities for personal growth."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
Education Requirements: A bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field is required for most accountant positions, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Certifications are a way to improve job prospects, notes the Department of Labor. These include certification to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which requires meeting state requirements and passing a national exam.

Bad Career Choice #3: Reporter

Median Annual Pay*: $35,870
Bottom 10 Percent: $20,770
Top 10 Percent: $78,530
Remember Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as the hotshot reporters that broke the Watergate scandal in "All The President's Men"? Unfortunately, most days as a reporter aren't quite as exciting as they may have seemed in this movie.
Why It's a Bad Choice: "There's this real sense among reporters that their field is shrinking and condensing," says Kohut, due to the proliferation of free news sources online. "The reality is that as time goes on, reporters' opportunities will become more and more limited."

A Better Alternative: Public Relations Specialist

Median Annual Pay*: $54,170
Bottom 10 Percent: $30,760
Top 10 Percent: $101,030
You might want to focus on putting a company in the public spotlight instead of a news story. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, public relations specialists might manage a companies' public image by preparing media releases, organizing public relations programs, and setting up fundraisers.
Why It's a Good Choice: "Public relations specialists are still very much in demand, and it's only going to increase as new entrepreneurs start companies and need PR to promote them," says Kohut. "The great thing about this career is the growth it offers - work your way up, secure enough clients, and you can start your own PR firm and be your own boss one day."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
Education Requirements: Typically public relations specialists need a bachelor's degree, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Employers prefer candidates with a degree in public relations, communications, journalism, business, or English.

Bad Career Choice #4: Computer Repairer

Median Annual Pay*: $36,620
Bottom 10 Percent: $22,490
Top 10 Percent: $57,960
Computer repair might involve replacing or fixing defective computer parts, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. But if you like tinkering with technology, this probably isn't a good a career choice. Even if you're a master fixer, your paycheck could look pretty small.
Why It's a Bad Choice: "If all you can do is fix computers, you're going to hit a ceiling at some point and be unable to keep earning more money," Kohut says. Your only recourse as a computer repairer would be to try to get into a CIO (Chief Information Officer) job, says Kohut, which could be difficult if you're not well-versed in software and computer languages.

A Better Alternative: Computer Programmer

Median Annual Pay*: $74,280
Bottom 10 Percent: $42,850
Top 10 Percent: $117,890
Rather than tinkering around on a computer board, a job as a computer programmer could pay double what a computer repairer would see. Computer programmers might be responsible for translating human commands or tasks into language a computer can process, like C++, says the Department of Labor.
Why It's a Good Choice: "Computer programming is exploding," says Kohut. "There are new languages being created every day. Master one of those as a programmer, and the salary will be good because it's a true specialty." Plus, there's more opportunity for growth. For example, you could gain extra skills in networking, pursue a career as a network specialist, and then over time work your way up to VP of IT, Kohut says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Education Requirements: Most computer programmers have a bachelor's degree, although some employers hire candidates with an associate's degree, the Department says. A degree in computer science or a related field is what most programmers pursue, the Department says.

Bad Career Choice #5: Information Clerk

Median Annual Pay*: $25,990
Bottom 10 Percent: $18,120
Top 10 Percent: $37,770
Organized to a fault might be a good way to describe you. So you might think a career as an information clerk would be a good fit, since, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, this job could involve keeping, maintaining, and locating detailed records for companies and other routine admin tasks. Unfortunately though, this career is an unwise pick in today's job market, says Kohut.
Why It's a Bad Choice: "Honestly, a job as an information clerk is a low-level position," says Kohut. "It's essentially a customer service position that really offers no growth and doesn't require a degree."

A Better Alternative: Medical Records and Health Information Technician

Median Annual Pay*: $34,160
Bottom 10 Percent: $22,250
Top 10 Percent: $56,200
Better to marry your natural propensity for data with the booming health care field and pursue a career as a health information technician, Kohut says. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, medical records and health information technicians might assemble and manage patient information at hospitals, doctors' offices, and other medical facilities.
Why It's a Good Choice: Kohut says this field is a much better choice than information clerk because it involves specializing. "There's a lot of responsibility in coding, and high risk could mean higher pay."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Information Technology Program.
Education Requirements: If a career as a medical records and health information technician sounds like a better fit, you'll most likely need some sort of a postsecondary certificate or associate's degree, says the Department of Labor. Many employers might also require you to get your professional certification.