The 7 hottest careers for college grads

Source: Yahoo

Are you a college student - or thinking about going back to school? You need to check out this list of the 7 hottest careers for college grads.

By Jennifer Berry

Would you pick your major more carefully if you knew certain fields of study could help you launch a hot career? If you answered "yes," than you should check out the recent UC San Diego Extension report, "Hot Careers For College Grads and Returning Students 2013," which is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor. These hot careers were chosen because of their job growth, salary, and work environment - all important factors in building a satisfying professional life.
"All of these jobs are forecasted to be in high demand," says Chandlee Bryan, job search strategist and career coach at Best Fit Forward, a provider of career and consulting services. Combined with strong salaries and a good work environment, it's easy to see why these careers made the "hot" list.
"A simple recipe to increase your odds of finding good employment is to pursue a career where there are fewer potential employees than there are number of jobs," Bryan adds. "All of these positions fall into that category."
So if you can find a line of work that interests you on this list, it might be a career well worth considering. Keep reading to learn about the seven hottest careers to begin preparing for today.

Career #1 - Software Developers, Applications and Systems Software (tie)*

Find Degree Programs Are you ready to combine your creativity and technical know-how to help make things easier, more fun, or more efficient for people and businesses? Consider pursuing a career as a software developer - the number one career in the UC San Diego Extension's report on the hottest careers for college grads.
The Hot Factor: According to the report, the integration of technology into our daily lives - from personal computers to cars to smartphones, "has created an ongoing critical shortage of qualified software developers to design, develop, test, document, and maintain the complex programs that run on these hardware platforms."
In other words, the demand for software developers is and will continue to be intense. Take a minute to think about all the software you interact with every day, and you'll start to understand why.
"Our society runs on devices that are programmed via software - from apps we use to check the weather and news to word processing, spreadsheets, manufacturing production, barcode scanners, and CGI video production," says Bryan. She adds while there's a very high demand for coders, there aren't a lot of people who have the necessary skills to fill these positions.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Programming and Software Program.
What Would I Do In This Job? Your job could vary from designing a specific application to developing the underlying systems that run devices or control networks, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
How Can I Prepare For This Career? Think you'd make a great software developer? You'll usually need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, or a related field as well as strong programming skills to pursue this career, the Department of Labor notes.

Career #2 - Market Research Analyst

Find Degree Programs What good is a great product if it never reaches its intended market? That question is at the heart of what lands this job on the list of hottest careers for college grads.
The Hot Factor: Market research analyst jobs have exploded in every sector of the economy, according to the UC San Diego Extension report. This has created a high demand for those who can access, analyze, and extract meaningful, actionable, and tactical implications from a sea of data.
Why? Almost everyone needs them. "Every company with a product or service to offer can benefit from a trained market research analyst to decipher what their consumers want and how to market products and services to them," says Brie Reynolds, director of online content for FlexJobs, a source for flexible, telecommuting jobs.
And their efforts aren't in vain. "When products are released without the help of market research analysts, there's a bigger chance that the product will flop or fail," Bryan explains.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
What Would I Do In This Job? You might forecast marketing and sales trends, gather data about consumers, and measure the effectiveness of marketing strategies, the U.S. Department of Labor says.
How Can I Prepare For This Career? You'll typically need a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field like statistics, math, computer science, business administration, one of the social sciences, or communications to get started, says the Department of Labor.

Career #3 - Accountant and Auditor

Find Degree Programs When you hear "accountant" do you picture a simple bookkeeper just scraping by? Think again. Today, "accountant and auditor" ranks third on the list of hottest careers.
The Hot Factor: Accountants and auditors earned their spot on the hot careers list, because of the sheer demand for accounting jobs, the report says. In 2010, more than 1 million people were employed as accountants and auditors, and that number is expected to grow at a healthy rate of 16 percent by 2020. The report also states that in the last three years, the mean annual salary for accounting and audit careers has increased by nearly $10,000 to $71,040. Why the demand for more accountants and auditors?
"Firms got lean during the recession. Now everyone is rebuilding capacity," says Philip Reckers, director of the School of Accountancy at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. "Investors are demanding more information. More accountants are needed to meet this appetite, and more auditors are needed to give users assurance that the information is reliable."
Want another way to look at this? "Every industry uses money and systems," as Steve Langerud, workplace expert and principal consultant in the LiSTRA company, a boutique business transition firm, notes. "Accountants and auditors drive the systems."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
What Would I Do In This Job? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, you might compute taxes owed, prepare tax returns, and help companies improve profits.
How Can I Prepare For This Career? To get started in this field, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field for most positions, according to the Department of Labor. Some employers prefer candidates with master's degrees in accounting or business administration with a concentration in accounting.

Career #4 - Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Find Degree Programs Technology plays an increasingly vital role in our society - one reason why network and computer systems administrator ranks fourth on the list of hottest careers for college grads.
The Hot Factor: What landed this career on the list? "A mean annual salary of $76,320 paired with a projected growth rate of 28 percent by 2020," the report says. It explains that our increasing reliance on technology will generate a strong demand for systems administrators well into the future. Why?
"Have you ever worked in an environment where the [computer] system didn't work? Enough said. If the system doesn't function well or goes down, it comes at the cost of service and productivity," says Langerud. "Time down is money lost. So good administrators are worth every penny they get paid."
And as far as the future goes? "It's pretty safe to assume that reliance on technology is only going to increase in all businesses and organizations in the foreseeable future, so this is a career field with a lot of opportunity for college grads," says Reynolds.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
What Would I Do In This Job? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, you might install and upgrade network hardware and software, train users, and solve problems quickly when there's an issue.
How Can I Prepare For This Career? To get started in this field, you'll often need a bachelor's degree in a field related to computer or information science, according to the Department of Labor. Degrees in computer engineering or electrical engineering are also usually acceptable.

Career #5 - Elementary School Teacher (excluding special education)

Find Degree Programs Some careers are jobs, others are callings. Elementary school teacher could easily fall into the latter category, since many in this profession have a passion for shaping young minds. So even without a high salary, it lands on the list of the hottest careers.
The Hot Factor: According to the UCSD Extension report, elementary school teachers outnumber any other single occupation nationally, and a teaching career path tends to offer a form of stability that is relatively rare in other fields of pursuit. Yes, the mean annual salary at $56,130, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, is lower than other careers listed in the report. But, the report goes on to note, "for those who have the patience, passion, and persistence... educating children in the elementary grades can prove a challenging, creative, and rewarding career."
There are other benefits which might make this an attractive choice for some. "Not only do traditional schools offer flexible schedules and the coveted ‘summers off' for teachers, but there are now virtual schools hiring certified teachers to teach students online," says Reynolds. With these new technological developments, she adds, this career offers even more flexibility for college grads who want to work from home while pursuing this fulfilling career.
Next step: Click to Find the Right K-12 Education Program.
What Would I Do In This Job? As an elementary school teacher, your day might include planning and teaching lessons, grading homework, and talking with parents about their child's progress.
How Can I Prepare For This Career? To pursue an elementary school teaching position in a public school, you must have a bachelor's degree in elementary education, the U.S. Department of Labor notes. Your state might also require you to major in a content area or to earn a master's degree after receiving your teaching certification.

Career #6 - Computer Systems Analyst

Find Degree Programs Yes - another computer career. The prevalence of technology in our society helped put computer systems analyst on the list of hottest careers for college grads.
The Hot Factor: Computer systems analysts scored strongly in every category of hot careers evaluation, from growth to salary, the report states. This career is projected to grow in demand by 22 percent by 2020. And with a mean annual salary of $83,800, it is one of the most lucrative jobs on the list.
Once you understand everything that computer systems analysts do, it makes sense that they pull in decent salaries. "Computer systems analysts help companies to sort out what computer systems will make them as efficient and productive as possible," says Reynolds.
So, in addition to being technically savvy, computer systems analysts must be good communicators. "This is a great career for someone with both technical and people skills, because computer systems analysts are the go-between for IT and management," Reynolds adds. "College grads who can excel in both these areas will have lots of opportunities to choose from."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
What Would I Do In This Job? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, your day might include installing and testing new systems, training users, and writing instruction manuals if needed.
How Can I Prepare For This Career? Computer systems analysts commonly have a bachelor's degree in a computer or information science, the Department of Labor notes. Some employers hire analysts with business or liberal arts degrees who have the skills to write computer programs.

Career #7 - Management Analyst

Find Degree Programs All sorts of companies are looking for big picture thinkers to help them run more smoothly and profitably - one of the reasons why management analyst ranks seventh on the list of hottest careers.
The Hot Factor: All industries - including government and not-for-profit organizations - need management analysts to operate efficiently, according to the UC San Diego Extension report. "Utilization of management consultants has been growing [since the global economic recession], and demand for these professionals is projected to continue to grow by 22 percent by 2020. The mean annual salary for management consultants is $88,070."
There's a reason they are in such high demand. "Management analysts help improve operational efficiency which cuts an organization's operating costs and allows them to be more productive. This is a high-demand field because most businesses want to save money and produce more," Bryan explains.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
What Would I Do In This Job? Well, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, you might offer advice to make companies more profitable, recommend new procedures, and analyze financial data.
How Can I Prepare For This Career? You'll typically be required to have a bachelor's degree for an entry-level position, the Department of Labor states. Many fields of study may help you prepare to pursue this career, including business, management, accounting, marketing, economics, statistics, computer and information science, and engineering. However, the Department also notes that some employers prefer to hire candidates with a master's degree in business administration (MBA).

Careers That Are Built To Last

Source: Yahoo

 

See how the right education could prepare you to pursue a stable career.

By Jennifer Berry

Your career doesn't need to be as unstable as the economy.

It's true...long-term security is not a pipe dream. At least not according to Carolyn Hughes, head of HR at SimplyHired.com, which has about five million online job postings users can search.

Hughes says there are plenty long-term careers out there...but some of them might look a little different than they did a decade ago.

"These days you might have a 30-year career in a specialized firm (like an accounting firm) rather than a big corporation that has all departments in house," she points out as an example.

Want to learn more about stable career options? Keep reading to see seven careers with staying power.

Career #1 - Paralegals
Average Earning Potential: $50,080*

As a paralegal, you may help prepare for trials, draft contracts, establish trust funds, or even investigate the facts of cases and take affidavits.

Why it's built to last: The U.S. Department of Labor projects excellent job growth for paralegals - 28 percent between 2008 and 2018. According to Hughes, the paralegal profession is a "solid occupation that isn't going anywhere. There's enough complexity in legal cases that this position isn't easily outsourced."

Education option: If you're interested in this field, consider earning an associate's degree in paralegal studies. If you already have a bachelor's degree, a certificate in paralegal studies can provide you with intensive paralegal too. Check to see if your program offers internship opportunities, which could provide valuable hands-on experience.

[Find Paralegal Schools Near You - Go Now]

Career #2 - Accountants
Average Earning Potential: $67,430*

As an accountant, your duties might include bookkeeping, preparing taxes, and financial and investment planning. Some accountants even work with law enforcement to help investigate financial crimes.

Why it's built to last: Corporations, the government, non-profit organizations, and individuals - they all need accountants to help with financial matters, Hughes says...and that need isn't waning anytime soon. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, graduates with an accounting degree are leading all others in job offers prior to graduation in 2011.

Education option: Look into a bachelor's degree program in accounting or a related field.

[Find the Right Accounting Degree Program for You]

Career #3 - Nurses
Average Earning Potential: $66,530*

As a registered nurse, you could work closely with doctors and patients on a daily basis. Your responsibilities might also involve administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, helping with rehabilitation, and providing advice and emotional support to patients and their families.

Why it's built to last: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment opportunities for nurses will grow 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. "This is the kind of career that will exist whether we like it or not in tremendous demand for the next 30 years," notes Hughes.

Education option: You can earn an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), or a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN).

[Click to Find Nursing Schools Near You]

Career #4 - Police Officers
Average Earning Potential: $55,180*

Law and order remains a priority for many communities. As a police officer, you might issue citations, respond to calls, or even pursue and apprehend individuals who break the law. The position will also require you to write reports and maintain good records, things that could be especially important if you have to testify in court.

Why it's built to last: Police officers are crucial to keeping our communities safe - and that isn't going to change. While state and local budgets are seeing cuts these days, population growth is the main driver of demand for police officers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Education option: Police officers need a high school degree and - in some cases - one or two years of college or a degree. Consider earning an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice. You may also want to focus on your physical conditioning - many law enforcement positions require physical agility and stamina.

[Find Criminal Justice Schools]

Career #5 - Teachers
Average Earning Potential: $53,150 to $55,150*

Teachers play a vital role in shaping the futures of our children. As a teacher, you'll plan lessons, grade tests and papers, and meet with parents and school staff to discuss your students' academic progress. You may even incorporate new media into your lesson plans.

Why it's built to last: We'll need new teachers to replace retirees and to handle the growing number of students. State and local budget problems aside, the U.S. Department of Labor expects a large number of teachers to retire over the next decade. They also expect high enrollment in rapidly growing southern and western states.

Education option: You'll need at least a bachelor's degree to get started. If you're interested in teaching in high school, consider majoring in the subject you plan to teach while you take your teacher preparation classes. Many teacher education programs include a student-teaching internship where you can get valuable classroom time with an experienced teacher.

[Search for Teaching Programs Near You]

Career #6 - Tax Collectors
Average Earning Potential: $53,800*

Though the truth may trouble you, the tax man is here to stay! As a tax collector, you could handle delinquent accounts, investigate returns, and work with taxpayers to help them settle their debts.

Why it's built to last: You know the saying...the only things certain in life are death and taxes. And as long as there are taxes, we'll need tax collectors. The U.S. Department of Labor seems to agree, projecting employment of tax collectors to grow 13 percent from 2008 to 2018. "When you think about the position we're in as a country, there's a huge incentive to go and find out who's cheating the government - and to get that money back," comments Hughes.

Education option: Consider earning your associate's or bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or criminal justice.

[Find Business and Accounting Schools - Start Now]

Career #7 - Budget Analysts
Average Earning Potential: $69,240*

As a budget analyst, you would help your organization allocate their financial resources efficiently and effectively. You might also develop and execute budgets, research economic developments that could affect your organization, and create budget reports and summaries.

Why it's built to last: The recent recession has led to a greater scrutiny of budgets so that businesses can ensure they are operating as efficiently as possible. And as businesses become more complex and specialized, demand for budget analysts will grow 15 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Education option: A bachelor's degree is usually required for budget analyst positions, but some companies may require a master's degree. Consider earning a degree in accounting, finance, business, or economics.

6 careers that pay more than $60K

Source: Yahoo

You may think that a high-paying career is out of reach, but with the right preparation, you could follow one of these lucrative career paths.

By Margaret Rock

In these tough economic times, you may think a well-paying job is out of reach, but there are many career paths with the potential to pay more than $60,000 a year.
Some of these high-paying careers are well-suited to those with a special talent, according to Laura Labovich, CEO of the Career Strategy Group. For example, she points out that someone may be able to look at a sheet of numbers and almost immediately notice that something is off. That knack for numbers could really pay off if that person pursued a career as an accountant.
Natural talent aside, many high-paying positions require the right combination of work experience and education. So, if you are interested in pursuing a well-compensated career path, you might want to take a look at preparing for the following six careers, where the median annual salary exceeds $60,000.

Career #1 - Information Security Analyst

Median Annual Salary:

$86,170*

Bottom 10 Percent:

$49,960

Top 10 Percent:

$135,600

If you think you'd enjoy a career that involves managing systems and keeping information confidential, a career as an information security analyst might be a good option to pursue, especially since the field has the potential for high pay.
Information security analysts may plan and implement security measures to protect computer networks and systems from cyber attacks, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This career often involves researching the latest security trends, monitoring an organization's networks for security breaches, and installing software like firewalls and encryption programs to protect sensitive data.
Why It Pays Well: "Since they often have access to the highest level of security, these jobs are important and require a high trust factor within an organization," Labovich says.
There is a wide salary range for information security analysts, and Labovich points out that those candidates "who come to the table with a proven track record," demonstrating their ability to secure data, are better able to gain an edge.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
How to Prepare: Information security analysts usually need at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or a related field. Employers sometimes prefer applicants who have a master of business administration in information systems.

Career #2 - Accountant

Median Annual Salary:

$63,550*

Bottom 10 Percent:

$39,930

Top 10 Percent:

$111,510

If you think in terms of numbers, enjoy accuracy, and get satisfaction from making figures balance, you might want to check out a well-paying accounting career.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, accountants analyze, interpret, and prepare financial records. They also give advice on best-practices recommendations to management, suggest ways to reduce costs and improve profits, and inspect account books and systems for efficiency.
Why It Pays Well: "The difference that one wrong number can make on a company report can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars," Labovich said. "So a person who has a good sense of obligation and dedication and is accurate and detail-oriented can be rewarded with a good-paying accounting position."
The dedication often comes in the form of putting in long hours, which can be common in this career. For example, in 2010, one in five accountants worked more than 40 hours a week, according to the Department of Labor.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
How to Prepare: Most accountant positions require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, and some employers may prefer a master's degree, either in accounting or in business administration with a concentration in accounting, according to the Department. Accountants who earn a Certified Public Accountant license may also have better job prospects.

Career #3 - Human Resources Manager

Median Annual Salary:

$99,720*

Bottom 10 Percent:

$59,020

Top 10 Percent:

$173,140

For those who enjoy working with other people, solving problems, and playing a role in a cohesive workplace, pursuing a career as a human resources manager could be very rewarding.
"Human resources managers often require ‘soft career skills,' like having high emotional intelligence," Labovich points out. That could be because according to the U.S. Department of Labor, those in this profession serve as a link between an organization's management and its employees by answering questions, administering services for employees, and resolving work-related disputes. Managers also advise managers on policies like equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment and oversee recruitment, interviewing, and hiring processes.

Why It Pays Well: "You need to know how to navigate challenging cultures, difficult personalities, and things that might not be clearly defined," Labovich says about the career's high-paying potential. "If you aren't aware of individual differences and how to mediate them, you might not do as well in this career."
In addition, some human resources managers who work for companies with nationwide offices may need to travel in order to visit other branches, attend professional meetings, and recruit employees, according to the Department of Labor.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
How to Prepare: Human resources manager positions usually require a bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration, according to the Department. Since not all undergraduate programs offer a specific human resources degree, candidates could get a bachelor's degree in another field and take courses in human resources subjects, such as organizational development, labor or industrial relations, or industrial psychology. Some higher-level jobs may require a master's degree in human resources, labor relations, or a master of business administration degree.

Career #4 - Personal Financial Advisor

Median Annual Salary:

$67,520*

Bottom 10 Percent:

$32,280

Top 10 Percent:

$187,199+

Navigating personal financial decisions like buying a house, evaluating your retirement, and planning to meet both short- and long-term financial goals is overwhelming to many people, but not personal financial advisors.
Personal financial advisors provide financial advice to their clients on investments, taxes, and insurance decisions, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. So if you are knowledgeable about money and want to help people with their financial needs, a high-pay career as a personal financial advisor could be worth exploring.
Why It Pays Well: "In the field of investments," according to Labovich, "there is a lot at stake, especially for those personal financial advisors who work with high net-worth investors, so this job pays well." She also notes that being a personal financial advisor can be challenging because they need to stay on top of current trends and be plugged into what is happening at all times, which often includes traveling to visit with existing clients as well as meeting new ones.
As a result, most personal financial advisors work at least 40 hours a week, and 24 percent of them work more than 50 hours a week, says the Department of Labor.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
How to Prepare: A bachelor's degree is typically needed to pursue a career as a personal financial advisor, and although there isn't a specific field of study for this career, a degree in finance, economics, accounting, business, mathematics, or law can help prepare candidates, notes the Department. Those who directly buy or sell stocks, bonds, and insurance policies would also need licenses, depending on the products they sell.

Career #5 - Industrial Organizational Psychologist

Median Annual Salary:

$83,580*

Bottom 10 Percent:

$48,780

Top 10 Percent:

$168,020

Ever heard of a doctor who treats an organization? Well, that is how Labovich describes the role of an industrial-organizational psychologist - another career that pays well.
"The IO psychologist diagnoses and fixes the health of an organization - complete with the board of directors, annual revenue, marketing, and other factors." The U.S. Department of Labor reports that industrial-organizational psychologists' responsibilities include policy planning, employee screening and training, and organizational development.
Why It Pays Well: "I think this role is highly paid because IO psychologists have to be able to take a seat at the table with high-level executives and get the buy-in of stakeholders." As a result, these psychologists are trusted, senior-level members of staff who work with management to organize the work setting and improve worker productivity.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Psychology Program.
How to Prepare: According to the Department of Labor, those who've earned a master's degree in psychology can work as industrial organizational psychologists. Entry into psychology graduate programs is competitive and may require undergraduate coursework in introductory psychology, experimental psychology, and statistics.

Career #6 - Elementary, Middle and High School Principal

Median Annual Salary:

$87,760*

Bottom 10 Percent:

$58,530

Top 10 Percent:

$130,810

Working in a school setting as an elementary, middle, or high school principal offers a challenging yet lucrative career path. School principals lead and direct members of school staff and manage daily school operations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
"They need to have good negotiating skills, because they often have to walk a narrow line between teachers, administrators, the community-at-large, and their students," Labovich observes. These skills are particularly helpful, because principals often need to implement policies and strategies that aren't well-liked at the time, she points out.
Why It Pays Well: One factor that might account for the high pay, according to Labovich, is that this career requires candidates who are "good mediators who cheer for their schools while sometimes defending policies they may or may not agree with."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Education Leadership Program.
How to Prepare: These professionals are usually required to have a master's degree in education leadership or administration by most schools, according to the Department of Labor. These graduate programs may require candidates to have a bachelor's degree in education, school counseling, or a related field.