6 big-money jobs that are within reach

Source: Yahoo

Are you interested in jump-starting a well-paid career? These six positions could be within reach.

By Danielle Blundell

When payday comes, are you left feeling disappointed? Maybe you feel like you aren't making what you're worth in your current job or perhaps you're still figuring out which lucrative career to pursue. If bringing home a big paycheck is a priority for you, there are several big-money careers in various industries that you could choose to pursue.
The jobs listed below have salaries ranging from $50,000 to $90,000, but to earn that top dollar, you'll need the right combination of experience, expertise, and education. But no matter where you are in your career, you could pursue the high-earning careers below with the right preparation.

High-Pay Career #1: Human Resources Manager

Median Annual Salary

$99,720*

Top 10 Percent Earnings

$173,140

Bottom 10 Percent Earnings

$59,020

Are you a business-savvy people-person with a keen attention to detail? Then a career as a human resources manager might be a good option for you. And because it's got that keyword "manager" in the title, you could be nicely compensated to deal with people and policies at a company.
High-Pay Potential: "HR managers, in a way, are in-house attorneys saving companies huge sums by avoiding harassment and similar lawsuits," says Bruce A. Hurwitz, career counselor and CEO of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing. In essence, he says, HR managers command high salaries because of their importance to a company's profit margins.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
Common Tasks: According to the U.S Department of Labor, human resource managers may help their companies by overseeing and coordinating the processes of hiring, recruiting, and training staff at a company. They also advise managers on organizational policies, including equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment.
Education Options: The U.S. Department of Labor states that a bachelor's degree is usually needed in either human resources or business administration. Some higher-level jobs could require a master's degree in human resources, labor relations, or a master of business administration (MBA).

High-Pay Career #2: Registered Nurse

Median Annual Salary

$65,470*

Top 10 Percent Earnings

$94,720

Bottom 10 Percent Earnings

$45,040

You're known in your circle of friends as the compassionate, caring one. And you're interested in medicine - but just not sure whether you want to toil away for years in medical school to become a doctor. Well, pursuing a nursing career could take much less time than an M.D. and pay pretty well for that matter, too.
High-Pay Potential: For McIlwain, the health care field overall pays well because of need and the difficulty of work. In addition, nurses are compensated well, maybe even more than you'd think, because of "the importance nurses play in keeping health care costs down by assisting higher priced physicians with their work," she says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
Common Tasks: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, RNs perform diagnostic tests and teach patients how to properly treat their ailments once leaving the hospital. They also record patients' symptoms and medical histories, administer medications, and set up plans for patient care.
Education Options: There are three common ways to prepping for a career as a registered nurse, says the U.S. Department of Labor: a bachelor's of science or associate's degree from a university in nursing or a diploma from an approved nursing program.

High-Pay Career #3: Elementary School Teacher

Median Annual Salary

$53,400*

Top 10 Percent Earnings

$83,160

Bottom 10 Percent Earnings

$35,630

Love to get up and speak your mind to large groups? Enjoy spending time with young kids? Teaching could be a profession that's right up your alley. And guess what? The take-home pay for shaping future generations' minds could be higher than you think.
High-Pay Potential: There's a misconception that teachers don't make good money, Hurwitz says, because a lot of their salary has to do with behind-the-scenes negotiations. "Teachers make good money because of union contracts, not necessarily merit," says Hurwitz.
Next step: Click to Find the Right K-12 Education Program.
Common Tasks: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a day in the classroom as a teacher could include tasks such as planning lessons, setting up classroom rules, and communicating with parents about their child's progress. A teacher's responsibilities may also include assessing students' abilities and working with individual students on overcoming their weaknesses.
Education Options: The U.S. Department of Labor says public schools require teachers to obtain a bachelor's degree, but specific requirements vary from state to state, with all states mandating a certification or license. Although private schools do not need to meet state requirements when hiring elementary school teachers, they typically seek candidates with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

High-Pay Career #5: Art Director

Median Annual Salary

$80,880*

Top 10 Percent Earnings

$162,800

Bottom 10 Percent Earnings

$43,870

Do you find yourself doodling on everything from cocktail napkins to post-it notes? Then you should find a way to harness your creative energy and aspire to a lucrative career as an art director. It is by no means an entry-level job and may require years of experience to achieve this job title. But your hard work and time could pay off in a nice, steady paycheck, which sure beats being a starving artist.
High-Pay Potential: According to McIlwain, if you worked your way up to art director, you could make more than a fine artist, because your work could be directly tied to ticket sales or ad dollars. That said, whether you work for a nonprofit or for-profit company, such as an advertising agency, would have a material effect on salary, she says. McIlwain recommends the latter, since a job in advertising could pay off much more.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Graphic Design Program.
Common Tasks: Art directors may help create and design the visual style and images for magazines, product packaging, or movie and television productions, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This career may also involve talking to clients to develop an artistic approach and supervising design staff.
Education Options: Art directors need at least a bachelor's degree in an art or design-related field, says the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor also states that some art directors may have worked in other art or design occupations previously.

High-Pay Career #6: Public Relations Specialist

Median Annual Salary

$95,450*

Top 10 Percent Earnings

$180,480

Bottom 10 Percent Earnings

$51,630

If you have a way with words, both written and spoken, then public relations specialist may be the right job for you. In this position, you'd play a valuable role in handling a client's communication with the public and the media.
High-Pay Potential: According to Hurwitz, public relations managers can be paid quite handsomely because of the important role they play in crafting a company or individual's image, and controlling the dialogue about them in the public. "The ability to communicate well is a lost art," says Hurwitz. "Every business needs someone, either on staff or retainer, who can explain policies and decisions, especially in a crisis."
McIlwain agrees. "Public relations professionals can make a good salary, particularly at the senior levels, as their role becomes critical to the overall success of the company," she says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Communications Program.
Common Tasks: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, public relations managers are responsible for helping organizations maintain and promote a favorable public image through cultivating relationships with the media. These PR professionals may also manage public relations programs and raise funds for their organizations.
Education Options: Public relations specialists usually need a bachelor's degree, and employers typically want applicants who have studied communications, public relations, journalism, business, or English.

The do's and don'ts of tapping your personal network for business

Susan Ricker,

Friends and family are usually happy to help out with a child's fundraiser or sponsor your 5K charity run, but when business proposals come up, you may be left with a smaller group of open minds. If you have a job that can benefit from generating new leads or adding business, what are some simple do's and don'ts to keep in mind when approaching your personal network?

Elene Cafasso is founder and president of Enerpace Inc. Executive and Personal Coaching. Here, she suggests a few rules of thumb to those who are interested in expanding business to their personal network and how to do so professionally and with tact.

DO ask for referrals
You can strategically use your network when expanding your business, simply by asking who could benefit from your services. "Ask for referrals gently," Cafasso says. "'Who do you know who needs what I do?' For instance, a financial advisor could ask, 'Who do you know who has changed jobs or left an employer recently?' Then ask for an introduction so you can help them rollover their 401K instead of leaving it someplace they've left behind."

DON'T assume they know about your experience
You may be an old family friend or an ex-classmate, but that may not necessarily validate you as a professional. Prove your skills by providing an overview of your services. "A benefit of asking for referrals is that your connection may realize they could use you themselves," Cafasso says. "And/or, you could offer a complimentary trial or sample of your services, so they'll feel more comfortable and be more knowledgeable when referring you."

DO be accessible
You're likely to appear much more legitimate, as well as organized, if you have supporting materials and resources available. "Make it easy for folks to help you, refer you, do business with you -- provide cards, flyers, literature, etc. that they can share with others," Cafasso says. Not only will they have a summary of your services and information, but if your personal network doesn't immediately commit to your pitch, you can still leave them with your information to review.

DON'T push too hard
Not only is it essential to understand your relationships before you talk business with those in your personal network, but it's also important to monitor these relationships as you introduce business. "Keep your antennae up -- if you feel your connection is uncomfortable, change the subject immediately or address it by backing off and stating that you don't want them to feel pressured or obligated in any way," Cafasso says. You may simply not be the right provider for them, or perhaps they'd like some time to consider the partnership.

DO share why you're the best business decision
Your friends and family will likely want to help you, but it's important to convey why you're a smart business decision as well. "Be sure to also share why you are in this business and what makes you unique from all the other folks out there doing the same thing," Cafasso says. Share your qualifications, your perspective on your services and what sets you apart from the competition.

DON'T come across as desperate
"Most importantly, make sure you have a thorough business plan and ample savings to support you and your family for at least six months or until you anticipate the business being able to support you," Cafasso says. "If you are financially desperate, you will put the sale over the relationship, which you'll most likely regret long term. Folks can tell when people are desperate and needy -- that's not the kind of person they feel comfortable referring or doing business with themselves."

Pitching business to your personal connections can be a smart step if you remain professional, offer exceptional service and keep your relationship in mind. However, just as you won't make every sale you attempt, not every personal connection will be interested in expanding the relationship to include business. The key to being a savvy professional instead of a sketchy friend is to be courteous and prepared.

High-pay careers that make college worth it

Source: Yahoo

Research shows that a college degree still pays, despite the cost. Learn about six careers with great rewards that require a college education.

By Lia Sestric

Sure, college debt isn't something that anyone wants to have. But no matter how tough it is to swallow, you shouldn't forfeit a post-secondary education.
"Unless a person is interested in working in, say, a non-managerial position in construction, auto tech, or sales, (he or) she needs a college degree," says Eddie LaMeire, a college admissions consultant and a former college admissions counselor. "With a college degree, you'll just be more employable, which largely explains why the unemployment rate for college grads is about half of the rate for those who stopped their education with a high school diploma."
Those who have more than a diploma to their name also make considerably more in pay, as shown in The College Board's report "Education Pays 2013: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society."
This report reveals that "during a 40-year full-time working life, the median earnings of bachelor's degree recipients without an advanced degree are 65 percent higher than the median earnings of high school graduates." Associate-degree holders make 27 percent more, and those with some college but no degree earn 13 percent more, according to the report.
Of course, there's no promise of higher earnings if you further your education, but this can certainly put the odds in your favor. So to put things in perspective, we've detailed six careers with a median salary of $60K or more that require either an associate's or a bachelor's degree. Keep reading to learn more.

Career #1: Financial Analyst

Median
annual wage*

$76,950

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$47,130

Top 10 percent of earners

$148,430

Needless to say by looking at the dollar figures, a career as a financial analyst may pay off big, but it will require a college education.
What do financial analysts do exactly? They might evaluate and provide guidance to businesses or individuals with making investment decisions, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why College Is Needed For Preparation: Associate professor J. Douglas Wellington at Husson University says there are a few main reasons: "First, students learn higher-level mathematical concepts such as present value, beta, and duration, which are used in financial analysis," he says, which are things a student might learn in a finance program.
"Second, students are introduced to various financial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, options, and futures contracts, which are the types of investments that a financial analyst will recommend to clients."
Wellington also says students learn how to read and analyze financial statements and develop strong communication skills, as well as a foundation in ethics.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says these professionals typically must have a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as accounting, business administration, finance, economics, or statistics. A master's degree in finance or an MBA is required for advanced positions, the Department notes.

Career #2: Dental Hygienist

Median
annual wage*

$70,210

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$46,540

Top 10 percent of earners

$96,280

The potential earnings for a dental hygienist aren't too shabby - especially if you factor in that it may only take as little as a two-year investment.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a dental hygienist may clean teeth, examine patients for oral disease, and provide preventative dental care. Promoting good oral hygiene is also part of the job.
Why College Is Needed For Preparation: "Dental hygienists need to understand the human body almost instinctively," says LaMeire. "Just because the job is restricted to oral hygiene doesn't necessarily mean that the position demands less education."
In fact, Emily Kissane, a policy analyst at Hobsons, points out that education is very critical to training dental hygienists how to use specialized tools that are part of the job. A dental hygiene program also helps develop a student's diagnostic skills, she adds.
Click to Find the Right Dental Assisting Program.
Education Options: An associate's degree in dental hygiene is typically required to enter the profession, says the Department of Labor. Every state requires a dental hygienist to be licensed.

Career #3: Accountant

Median
annual wage*

$63,550

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$39,930

Top 10 percent of earners

$111,510

If you're good with numbers, you might want to consider pursuing a career as an accountant. But you'll need to head to college first to prepare for this type of career.
Accountants might be responsible for checking financial reports for accuracy, as well as making sure taxes are paid on time and properly, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why College Is Needed For Preparation: "Accountants track and analyze financial records and must have in-depth knowledge of accounting practices that vary from the private to public to non-profit sectors," says Kissane, who acknowledges that this ability comes through higher education.
Furthermore, she says accountants must learn about the regulatory and business environments in which they operate, which one will gain through courses like business law, for example.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
Education Options: A bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field is required for most accountant positions, says the Department of Labor. It also notes that some employers prefer to hire a job candidate who has a master's degree in either accounting or business administration with a concentration in accounting.

Career #4: Registered Nurse

Median
annual wage*

$65,470

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$45,040

Top 10 percent of earners

$94,720

A career as a registered nurse could provide more than reasonable pay - whether you take two years or four years to get there.
As a registered nurse, one might assist with the care of patients, as well as provide emotional support to the patient and family members, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why College Is Needed For Preparation: "I would say that higher education is more of a necessity today in preparation for work as an RN," says Mary Jude, assistant professor at Husson University's School of Nursing. "The field is highly technical [and] requires considerable critical-thinking [and] problem-solving skills."
LaMeire agrees. "Nurses serve as proxies for doctors in innumerable situations. They need an instinctive understanding of human biology, biochemistry, and drug interactions," he says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
Education Options:There are three ways to prepare to pursue a career as a nurse says the Department of Labor. One can pursue a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must also have a nursing license, the Department notes.

Career #5: Medical and Health Services Manager

Median
annual wage*

$88,580

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$53,940

Top 10 percent of earners

$150,560

If you haven't heard already, health care is booming. And as a result, there's potential for great pay as a health services manager. Best of all, it may take only a few years of study to prepare to pursue this career.
Health services managers essentially run the show, so medical professionals can focus on the care of patients. The U.S. Department of Labor says they coordinate and direct medical and health services.
Why College Is Needed For Preparation: "Health services managers lead complex organizations like rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and nursing homes," says Kissane, who notes proper preparation for the career comes from higher education. "While in college, students learn about topics specific to the health field, health care ethics, law, and economics - and develop administrative skills," she says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.
Education Options: "Prospective medical and health services managers have a bachelor's degree in health administration," says the Department of Labor. Master's degrees are also common in the fields of health services, public health, pubic administration, long-term care administration, and business administration.

Career #6: Construction Manager

Median
annual wage*

$82,790

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$49,680

Top 10 percent of earners

$144,520

Ever wonder who built the bridge you crossed? The simple answer would be a construction manager. And the first step in preparing for the pursuit of this career would be to enroll in a related college degree program.
Construction managers coordinate and supervise a variety of projects from start to finish, says the U.S. Department of Labor. These projects might include residential, commercial, roads, bridges, or even a school or hospital.
Why College Is Needed For Preparation: "Construction managers need to learn about the technical aspects of construction as well as topics like building codes and safety management," says Kissane. She says valuable knowledge is gained from specialty courses like commercial construction methods.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Construction Management Program.
Education Options:The combination of an associate's degree and work experience may be enough for some positions, says the Department of Labor. While this is true, a bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, architecture, or engineering is growing in importance as construction projects become more complex.