Low-Key Jobs with High Wages

Source: Yahoo

You don't have to be the center of attention to pursue a high-paying job.

By Terri Williams

Fast-talking lawyer. Brash CEO. Virtuoso surgeon. While many high-paying jobs may seem flashy, you don't necessarily have to be front and center to earn an impressive salary.
If you enjoy working more behind the scenes, there are several high-paying career options that could fit your low-key personality. In fact, your penchant for being low-profile could be an advantage in your career.
"Overall, people who work behind the scenes like to process information and ideas internally. They think things through, which may give them an edge when it comes to problem-solving, analysis, and idea generation," says Cheryl Lynch Simpson, an executive career coach and LinkedIn strategist in Columbus, Ohio.
So, if you're the type who doesn't like being in the spotlight, keep reading to discover six low-key jobs with high median salaries.

Career #1: Accountant and Auditor

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Median
Annual Salary

$65,080

Top 10%
of Earners

> $113,740

Bottom 10%
of Earners

< $40,370

If crunching numbers on your own sounds more fun to you than clocking face time with people, you may enjoy a career as an accountant or auditor.
As an accountant and auditor, you would examine financial records and other documents to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, notes the U.S. Department of Labor. You also might recommend ways to reduce costs and increase revenue.
Low-Key, High-Pay Factors: "Even though accountants do interact with people, much of their time is spent with numbers," says Cheryl Palmer, a career expert based in Washington, D.C. and the founder of career coaching firm Call to Career. "This type of work calls for a certain amount of alone time where they can think carefully about their work," adds Palmer.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
So why is this job so well-paid? It comes down to demand, says Donna Sweidan, a career and executive coach and the founder of Careerfolk in New York City, NY. "Corporate accountability and more stringent business regulations [have increased] the demand for those with accounting skills," Sweidan says.
How to Prepare: Accountants and auditors need a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, although some employers also prefer a master's degree, reports the Department of Labor.

Career #2: Computer Programmer

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Median
Annual Salary

$76,140

Top 10%
of Earners

> $123,490

Bottom 10%
of Earners

< $43,640

Some people are more comfortable interacting with computers than with humans. If that's you, a career as a computer programmer may allow you to stay in your comfort zone.
In this type of role, you would use computer languages, such as C++ and Java, to write code for software programs, reports the U.S. Department of Labor. Your job would also involve testing programs for errors and fixing them.
Low-Key, High-Pay Factors: "Computer pro­gramming is a detail-driven occupation that demands the ability to think through problems," says Simpson. "People who enjoy working behind the scenes may enjoy the solitary problem-solving this profession involves."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
As for the high-pay potential, it's because the economy operates on computer technology, and it requires a skilled workforce, says Anthony Skjellum, PhD, a computer science professor at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Ala. "Computer programmers may work behind the scenes, but the effects of their work are evident in both domestic and international commerce and safety," adds Skjellum.
How to Prepare: Most computer programmers have a bachelor's in computer science or a related field, although some employers hire applicants with an associate's degree, reports the Department of Labor.

Career #3: Market Research Analyst

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Median
Annual Salary

$60,800

Top 10%
of Earners

> $114,250

Bottom 10%
of Earners

< $33,490

Think there's no room in the marketing world for more behind-the-scenes folks? Think again.
In a market research analyst role, you would study sales trends and market conditions and develop effective marketing strategies for companies, reports the U.S. Department of Labor.
Low-Key, High-Pay Factors: "This job is low-key in that market research analysts spend many solo hours combing through large amounts of data to discover key patterns, insights, and trends," says Julie Kostuj, a market research analyst and owner of Ks Consulting and Analysis in Glendale Heights, Ill. The exception to this rule would be when the market research analyst is collecting primary data - such as through interviews or focus groups, she explains.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
In terms of salary, market research analysts are generally paid well, because their skills are in-demand, says Kostuj. "Businesses are constantly collecting tons of information to better understand consumers, and these companies need qualified individuals to analyze all that data."
How to Prepare: Market research analysts usually need a bachelor's degree in market research or related field, reports the Department of Labor. Many have degrees in statistics, math, or computer science. Others have backgrounds in communications, business administration, or the social sciences.

Career #4: Technical Writer

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Median
Annual Salary

$67,900

Top 10%
of Earners

> $105,760

Bottom 10%
of Earners

< $40,270

If you'd rather do your communicating in writing versus in person, you may want to consider a career as a technical writer.
In this position, you would create how-to manuals, operating instructions, and other types of technical documentation, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Low-Key, High-Pay Factors: This type of work involves behind-the-scenes tasks, such as research, preparation, and writing, which would give you control over how you interact with your research subjects and materials, according to Jennifer Kahnweiler, an Atlanta-based author and career coach who specializes in developing and coaching introverted leaders.
In terms of high-pay potential: "This job pays well because good writers that understand technical details or technology are getting harder to find. This is a demand-supply consideration in today's market," says Dilip Saraf, a career coach at Career Transitions Unlimited and an advisor at the global mentoring network MentorCloud in San Francisco.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Communications Program.
Just keep in mind that to reach the high end of the salary range, "one must understand complex systems or products well and also be able to write to communicate well," says Saraf.
How to Prepare: Employers typically prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree in English, communications, or journalism, reports the Department of Labor. Many positions require both a degree and specialized knowledge in a certain field, such as computer science, medicine, or engineering.

Career #5: Multimedia Artist and Animator

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Median
Annual Salary

$64,470

Top 10%
of Earners

> $118,890

Bottom 10%
of Earners

< $35,010

Do you find yourself doodling on everything from napkins to bills? Well, consider directing your creative energy into a behind-the-scenes career as a multimedia artist or animator.
In this career, you would create graphics and special effects for video games, movies, and other forms of media, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Low-Key, High-Pay Factors: "Multimedia artists and animators work behind the scenes using their creativity and knowledge of technology to create computer-generated 3D images, and other types of visual and special effects ," says Chris Delaney, a career coach and author of "The 73 Rules for Influencing the Interview."
Just keep in mind that while their job is usually low-key, it can become more high-profile and high-stress as deadlines approach, says Saraf.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Graphic Design Program.
The high pay in this career comes down to demand - from the need for animation in everything from video games to movies, says Delaney. However, to reach a high salary in this field, you would need to be highly competent in several IT design, animation, and editing packages and also be able to integrate multimedia elements into your designs, he explains.
How to Prepare: Multimedia artists and animators typically need a bachelor's degree in computer graphics, animation, fine art, or a related field, reports the Department of Labor.

Career #6: Logistician

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Median
Annual Salary

$73,400

Top 10%
of Earners

> $112,750

Bottom 10%
of Earners

< $46,120

Would you be interested in being the invisible hand guiding the supply chain of major organizations? Then you may want to consider an important but behind-the-scenes career as a logistician.
As a logistician, you would handle an organization's supply chain, which includes purchasing, storing, and transporting products, according the U.S. Department of Labor.
Low-Key, High-Pay Factors: "The job is low-key, because logisticians are working behind the scenes using highly-developed systems and highly-trained support to move their goods," says Saraf. "They're only in the spotlight if a wrong part is shipped, a part in a bin is mislabeled, or there are delivery problems such as weather or transportation."
And when an error occurs, you'd have that responsibility on your shoulders, which may be partly why this career has such high salary potential.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
"It pays well, and it's a high-pressure position, because failure to deliver can cost companies millions of dollars in profits," says Delaney. "Therefore, logisticians need to work logically and systematically. They need good decision-making skills plus the ability to think laterally when problems arise."
How to Prepare: While logisticians may qualify for positions with just an associate's, more companies prefer to hire applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree, reports the Department of Labor. Many logisticians have a bachelor's in business, industrial engineering, process engineering, or supply chain management.

Bachelor's Degrees With Depressing Career Prospects

Source: Yahoo

You may have trouble getting noticed by employers if you major in one these fields.

By Lia Sestric

Are you considering going back to school to widen your career horizons but don't know where to begin?
Before you set your sights on one particular major, you'll want to keep in mind that all majors are not created equal in the eyes of employers.
In fact, a recent "Hard Times" report from the Georgetown University Center for Education and Workforce, found that the risk of unemployment among recent college graduates was dependent on their major.
To help you sift through your options, we've gone through the "Hard Times" report to identify the degrees with the highest unemployment rates for recent grads - and some more promising alternatives.
Keep reading to learn more.

High Unemployment Major #1: Information Systems

Unemployment rate for recent grads: 14.7 percent*
In the digital age, it may seem as though all bachelor's degrees in the computer science field would be a safe bet. But numbers from the Georgetown Report suggest that this is not the case. In fact, the report found that recent grads in this major faced an unemployment rate of nearly 15 percent.
Why the depressing job prospects? The simple answer: Too many job applicants, not enough spots. "The market is saturated for this industry," says Hallie Crawford, a job search expert and certified career coach.
With the rise of technology, many people have opted to pursue information technology paths, says Crawford. And the influx of new candidates for positions within this field has made the job market very competitive, she says.

Low Unemployment Major #1: Nursing

Find Programs Unemployment rate for recent grads: 4.8 percent*
If you're considering pursuing a nursing degree, here's a pretty good reason why you may want to embrace this calling: The "Hard Times" report found that recent nursing grads have a healthy unemployment rate of less than 5 percent.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
Why prospects are brighter: Besson says baby boomers and their aging parents are increasing the demand for medical services, which means more nurses are needed to handle the work. Nurses are needed in all settings, from hospitals to doctor's offices, clinics and nursing homes, she adds.

High Unemployment Major #2: Architecture

Unemployment rate for recent grads: 12.8 percent*
Fascinated by the Empire State Building? Chances are if you've thought about how to design a magnificent structure like this, you have considered majoring in architecture. Unfortunately, that may not be the best idea if you're hoping to find a job - especially when you consider the towering 12.8 percent unemployment figure for recent grads.
Why the depressing job prospects? Architecture is one of those feast or famine careers, explains Taunee Besson, owner of career consulting company Career Dimensions, in Dallas, Texas.
"Demand for architects tends to run in cycles. When investors are looking for opportunities to invest capital and the economy is doing well, there's a great demand for new commercial, residential and governmental buildings. During a recession the money dries up, and so do the projects for architects."
If you graduate with a bachelor's in architecture during one of those lean times, the outlook could get pretty depressing.

Low Unemployment Major #2: Elementary Education

Find Programs Unemployment rate for recent grads: 5.0 percent*
Do you want to one day teach children valuable lessons that could help build a better tomorrow? If so, you may want to consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in elementary education. As we've learned from the "Hard Times" report, elementary education majors have an unemployment rate for recent graduates of only 5 percent.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Elementary Education Program.
Why prospects are brighter: Elementary education graduates are highly needed because the population has grown and there aren't enough teachers to accommodate the growing demands, says Besson.

High Unemployment Major #3: Anthropology

Unemployment rate for recent grads: 12.6 percent*
If studying the origin and development of human behavior interests you, you may have thought about pursuing a bachelor's degree in anthropology. Unfortunately, if getting a job interests you, you're in for some disheartening news: According to the "Hard Times" report, recent anthropology grads face an unemployment rate of 12.6 percent.
Why the depressing job prospects? Anthropology has a supply versus demand problem, says Besson. She explains that the profession is small and therefore recent grads have a difficult time finding positions.
Anthropologists also often get the short end of the stick when it comes to funding research. "Anthropologists do fascinating work primarily under the auspices of colleges, universities and governments," says Besson. This creates a problem because anthropology departments must compete for limited funds with other fields which are more relevant to today and the future, Besson explains.

Low Unemployment Major #3: Physical Fitness, Parks & Recreation

Find Programs Unemployment rate for recent grads: 5.2 percent*
If you love the outdoors and staying in shape, this news may get your adrenaline pumping; the "Hard Times" report says these recent degree holders enjoy a low unemployment rate of 5.2 percent.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Fitness Program.
Why prospects are brighter: "Physical fitness has become a key focus in our population for a variety of reasons," says Besson. "Obesity and related health issues such as Diabetes Type II are perhaps the biggest ones. Many more people are going to the gym, taking yoga and spinning classes, running, swimming, etc. to lose weight and preserve or improve their health."

High Unemployment Major #4: Film, Video & Photography Arts

Unemployment rate for recent grads: 11.4 percent*
If you are into capturing images of the world surrounding you, then film, video and photography can be a great hobby. But if you're focused on a career, you may want to edit your education strategy before majoring in this area where grads are looking at an 11.4 percent rate of unemployment.
Why the depressing job prospects? "Film, video and photography arts is another major where the number of students interested in studying the subject exceed the positions available," says Besson.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, part of the reason pickings may be slim in this area is due to technology. Those looking to work in local TV, especially in news, have to keep in mind that automatic cameras have cut out some of the need for human work.
Another contributing factor, the Department of Labor says, may be the consolidation of roles in broadcasting. Field reporters who edit their own work, for example, could contribute to TV stations having fewer openings for editors.

Low Unemployment Major #4: Chemistry

Find Programs Unemployment rate for recent grads: 5.8 percent*
Do you know the periodic table almost as well as you know the lyrics to your favorite song? Chances are you not only have a great memory, but also an interest in how substances react with each other. With recent chemistry grads having an unemployment rate of 5.8 percent, according to "Hard Times," a major in chemistry might be your winning formula for a bright future.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Chemistry Program.
Why prospects are brighter: Chemistry has tremendously improved our way of life and continues to offer new opportunities to grow the economy and provide jobs for many college graduates, explains Besson.
"Its applications are almost endless," she says. Some areas of growth, according to Besson, include medication, eco-friendly products and processes, and stronger and lighter weight building materials.

High Unemployment Major #5: Political Science

Unemployment rate for recent grads: 11.1 percent*
If you decide to pursue a political science degree, you should know you may spend more time campaigning for a job than working on a campaign post-graduation. According to the Georgetown Report, recent political science grads face an 11.1 percent unemployment rate.
Why the depressing job prospects? Most people with a poli-sci degree must go on to get a master's degree, as jobs are limited in the political arena without it, says Besson.
This matches the information provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, which says political scientists need a master's or a PhD in political science, public administration, or a related field.

Low Unemployment Major #5: Finance

Find Programs Unemployment rate for recent grads: 5.9 percent*
Do you want a degree that shows you have a good business sense when it comes to investments? Then you might consider a bachelor's degree in finance. The "Hard Times" report says recent college grads in this field have a 5.9 percent unemployment rate.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
Why prospects are brighter: A bachelor's in finance is a great choice, according to Besson, because money is what makes the world go round.
She says a finance degree not only teaches you how to analyze and interpret financial numbers, but also about business transactions. To businesses, people who have a background evaluating the numbers that companies generate are valuable to the bottom line, adds Besson.

5 Jobs With No Future

Source: Yahoo

Proceed with caution before pursuing these dead-end jobs - and consider these booming alternatives instead.

By Terence Loose

Westfield, Massachusetts, known as "Whip City," once had 40 buggy whip manufacturers. Now, it has one, and most of its products are for equestrian activities.
The point is: The world changes and careers change with it. That's still true today, with many industries booming while others are going bust.
We're assuming you don't want to be pursuing a career in the latter category. So, to help you avoid that, we've identified five declining careers that are falling far short of the average job growth rate, which the U.S. Department of Labor projects as 11 percent from 2012 to 2022.
But we don't want to be total downers. So we've also found five alternative careers that are growing faster than the national average.
Read on to see which jobs have their days numbered and which ones will ride well into the future.

Dying Job #1: Information Clerk

Find Programs Expected Job Growth 2012 - 2022*: -2 percent
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, information clerks perform clerical tasks such as collecting data, maintaining records, and providing information to customers. They also prepare routine office correspondence like bills and orders.
Why It's on Death's Door: The world is going digital, and that has some serious consequences for these professionals.
According to the Department of Labor, growth will be stunted as businesses automate and consolidate their administrative functions.
Sure, many companies keep paper copies, but there is usually a digital copy that generated it, explains Susan Heathfield, a management consultant and author of About.com's Guide to Human Resources.
"And with the growing confidence in the security of digital files, along with the space-saving aspect and ease of access to them thanks to efficient databases, more and more businesses will go paperless," she says.

Growing Job #1: Computer Systems Analyst

Find Programs Expected Job Growth 2012 - 2022*: +25 percent
Computer systems analysts design computer systems, conduct tests, and analyze information to increase an organization's efficiency, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Will Grow: "It's very hard to find an organization of any size that doesn't have a computer person in the mix," says Dr. Anthony Carnevale, director of Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce. Computer systems analysts will be needed for the foreseeable future, he explains.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Surprisingly, a lot of jobs will be driven by the booming health care industry, according to Heathfield. "There's increased pressure to have medical records available digitally and universally, so that when you go to various specialists, they have access to all your records," she says. That takes sophisticated computer systems in doctors' offices and hospitals, along with computer systems analysts to oversee them, she adds.
How to Pursue It: A bachelor's degree in a computer or information science field is typical for this career, notes the Department of Labor. But some employers also hire applicants with a bachelor's in business or liberal arts combined with skills in information technology or computer programming.

Dying Job #2: Desktop Publisher

Find Programs Expected Job Growth 2012 - 2022*: -5 percent
Desktop publishers use software to design layouts for newspapers, books, brochures, and other printed and online materials, notes the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It's on Death's Door: A lot of people read books and magazines on their phones or tablets - which should tell you something about where the desktop publishing profession is headed.
According to the Department of Labor, companies are increasingly handing off the tasks of desktop publishers to graphic and web designers.
Print media and advertising is being taken over by the web, which is taking away a lot of business from desktop publishers, says Heathfield.  "There are powerful and easy-to-use computer programs that let anyone do what used to only be done by professional desktop publishers," she adds.

Growing Job #2: Web Developer

Find Programs Expected Job Growth 2012 - 2022*: +20 percent
Web developers are the folks who create and design websites, doing everything from writing code to creating applications, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Will Grow: This is a no-brainer, says Heathfield. "The world is on the web now, and it's not slowing down soon. Every business has a presence on the web, and they'll need people to design it," she says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Programming & Software Program.
In addition, she says e-commerce is the way of the future. "Just look at all the bookstores, video stores, and other brick-and-mortar businesses that have shut their doors thanks to competition from online sellers," notes Heathfield.
How to Pursue It: The requirements for web designers vary from a high school diploma to an associate's degree or bachelor's degree, depending on the position, reports the Department of Labor. For web architect or more technical positions, some employers prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor's in computer science, programming, or a related field.

Dying Job #3: Fashion Designer

Find Programs Expected Job Growth 2012 - 2022*: -3 percent
Fashion designers sketch designs, select fabrics and patterns, and give directions on manufacturing their products, reports the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It's on Death's Door: Apparently, the world has enough Ralph Lauren's and Donna Karan's. And the supposed glamour of this job isn't enough to make up for its lack of growth.
With the increase in the amount of clothing designed and manufactured overseas, the need for domestic designers has been reduced, says Heathfield.
And fashion designers aren't the only ones suffering. Their job opportunities are limited as a result of declining employment in the overall apparel manufacturing company, notes the Department of Labor.
The shimmer of good news: Fashion designers will still be needed in the everyday wear market, as well as in the development and use of new clothing technology, adds the Department.

Growing Job #3: Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner

Find Programs Expected Job Growth 2012 - 2022*: +33 percent
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, meeting, convention, and event planners who coordinate all the details of an event, such as selecting locations, planning schedules, and inspecting venues. You might even get to set the dress code.
Why It Will Grow: Even though we live in an increasingly digital world, there will always be a need for face-to-face time, says Heathfield. "In fact, [the digital world] probably makes it more important than ever. And with so many people working remotely, company events have become that much more important," she says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
And thanks to the popularity of social media, marketing has become even more vital, with company events being a big part of promoting a positive company image, Heathfield explains. So event planners are seen as valuable staff who often work closely with marketing departments, she says.
How to Pursue It: Meeting, convention, and event planners typically need a bachelor's degree in hospitality or tourism management, notes the Department of Labor. Other related majors include marketing, public relations, and communications.

Dying Job #4: General Office Clerk

Find Programs Expected Job Growth 2012 - 2022*: +6 percent
Office clerks take care of a variety of administrative tasks, such as answering telephones, typing, and maintaining records, notes the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It's On Death's Door: While it's true that offices won't be disappearing any time soon, don't expect lots of job growth for general office clerks. The main reason for the bleak years ahead for this career is increased digitization and automation, says Heathfield. So there's less need for office clerks when computer programs can do so much.
While there will always be some need, for many businesses, one clerk can now do the job of two or three workers, thanks to technology, she says.

Growing Job #4: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Find Programs Expected Job Growth 2012 - 2022*: +46 percent
Diagnostic medical sonographers use sophisticated imaging equipment to create images of patients' organs or tissues to diagnose medical conditions, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Will Grow: "The big reason, of course, is the aging of the baby boomers and the resulting increase in the need for medical tests," says Heathfield.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Sonography Program.
In addition to the aging population, demand for this job is driven by great advances in medical technology and the desire of people to live longer, healthier, more active lives, she explains. "That all means more diagnostic tests," she says. And that means more diagnostic medical sonographers.
How to Pursue It: Diagnostic medical sonographers need formal education, such as an associate's degree or a postsecondary certificate, says the Department. Bachelor's degrees in sonography are also offered.

Dying Job #5: Tax Examiner and Collector

Find Programs Expected Job Growth 2012 - 2022*: -4 percent
Tax examiners and collectors ensure that the government - federal, state, and local - gets their tax money from citizens and businesses, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Their job involves reviewing tax returns, conducting audits, and collecting overdue tax payments.
Why It's on Death's Door: Do you like government? If polls are any indication, there's an excellent chance you want government to downsize. That, along with the need and demand for government budget-cutting, spells trouble for these workers, says Heathfield.
The Department of Labor notes that employment for these workers depends primarily on future changes to local, state, and federal government budgets. And in recent years, government agencies have not been hiring tax examiners and collectors as much because of reduced budgets.

Growing Job #5: Accountant and Auditor

Find Programs Expected Job Growth 2012 - 2022*: +13 percent
Accountants and auditors do more than count beans, or even money. They help organizations run efficiently, keep proper financial records, and yes, prepare and pay taxes, says the U.S. Department of Labor. And for businesses, those things will never go out of style.
Why It Will Grow: "Businesses will always want to make a profit, and to do that, they need to keep track of their income and spending and run efficiently," says Heathfield, "so accountants will always be needed." But you will need to keep up with the latest accounting software, because she reiterates that everything is going digital.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
In addition, because of all the financial scandals and poor bookkeeping of the past decade, businesses are now under more pressure than ever to do things right, says Carnevale. That means accountants will always have a job, he says.
How to Pursue It: Most accountant positions require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, says the Department of Labor.