Source: Yahoo
The economy is still reeling from the recession, and it's clear that the demand for some occupations, including certain dream jobs, is disappearing.
One major catalyst? Technology. But don't fret - while technological advancement spells doom for some jobs, it spurs the emergence of others. High-tech innovations are re-shaping the workforce with careers that are both high-paying and in high demand, says Barbara Atzmiller, a career counselor and owner of the Expert Career Solutions firm based in Sacramento, Calif.
"The change is so drastic that jobs don't look the same, or they're going away. Or they're morphing into something new," says Atzmiller.
So what do these professions look like? Well, the aftermath of the recession has affected what people define as a "dream job." The dream jobs of today are more practical than those of yesteryear, offering high job growth, high salaries, and opportunities for innovation.
So instead of mourning the demise of these professions, look ahead to the future. There are a good number of new dream careers for people who are willing to adapt, although you may need to hone your education and skill levels, says Atzmiller.
Keep reading to find out which dream jobs you should leave behind and which exciting new jobs carry more possibility.
Old Dream Job #1 -
Back in the 1970's, the exploits of Washington Post reporters
Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who exposed the Watergate scandal,
made reporting seem like a dream job come true. But in the ensuing
decades, the job has lost some of its luster.
Why It's No Longer a Dream: The dreams of plenty of reporters, who might have fantasized about seeing their bylines in print, have been effectively dashed by the monumental shifts in this industry. While it's true that there's increased demand for online news and podcasts, online and mobile ad revenue is typically less than print revenue and may not offset declines in print advertising, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
As for why print ad dollars are down, the Department of Labor says that the circulation and readership of newspapers is expected to decline over the next decade, along with advertising revenue. As a result, news organizations will downsize and employ fewer journalists. So it's no surprise that the Department projects a 14 percent decline in the employment of reporters and correspondents between 2012 and 2022.
The silver lining: There are still reporting opportunities available in online forums and publications that can reach global audiences, says Atzmiller.
Thanks to the advent of social media, technology has played a
key role in making this a hot new dream job, according to Atzmiller.
"Public relations has gotten big and changed," she explains. "Not only do you have print ads, but now you have things like YouTube and social media."
Another dream-worthy aspect of this job: the salary potential. The U.S. Department of Labor reports public relations and fundraising managers have a median annual salary of $98,700. And in terms of growth, their hiring numbers are projected to expand by 13 percent from 2012 to 2022.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Communications Program.
Details of the Job: Public relations managers are responsible for devising materials that can bolster the public image of a company or individual client, notes the Department of Labor. Meanwhile, a fundraising manager is the person who operates campaigns that attract donations to an organization.
How to Prepare: For management positions in either public relations or fundraising, the Department reports "a bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, English, fundraising, or journalism is generally required." But some employers might prefer a master's degree in majors such as public relations, journalism, fundraising, or nonprofit management.
Old Dream Job #2 -
Many creative, style-savvy dreamers want to enter the world
of fashion. But don't let the glamour and excitement of fashion shows,
models, and luxurious clothing fool you.
Why It's No Longer a Dream: People will always need clothes, right? But where these clothes come from is the issue. The emerging globalization of the fashion industry has helped curtail the employment opportunities for aspiring fashion designers.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most apparel "continues to be produced internationally," contributing to a projected 51 percent decline in employment for designers in the apparel manufacturing industry between 2012 and 2022. For all fashion designer positions, the outlook isn't much better - employment is projected to decline by 3 percent during that same time period.
On top of that, the highly competitive job market for fashion designers means there are relatively few job openings. As of 2012, there were only 22,300 fashion designers employed, according to the Department of Labor.
On the levels of salary and hiring alone, a career as a
software developer might seem like a dream opportunity for people who
wish to put their computer know-how to good use.
The employment of software developers is projected to grow by an impressive 22 percent between 2012 and 2022, notes the U.S. Department of Labor. On top of that, applications software developers have a median annual wage of $92,660. For developers of systems software, the median annual salary is $101,410, notes the Department of Labor.
But numbers don't tell the entire story about why software developer has become a dream profession. "Everybody needs [software developers] because of technology," Atzmiller says. "If you can come up with a mobile app, recognize the need, and fill the need, you can create a job for yourself."
And this is one field where creativity can really pay off. "We're only scratching the surface," Atzmiller says. "If you have the creativity and create the right mobile app, you can become very wealthy."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Details of the Job: Applications software developers create the applications that enable people to perform specific tasks on computers and other devices, the Department reports. Systems software developers, on the other hand, create the systems that keep computers functioning properly.
How to Prepare: Software developers typically have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, notes the Department. A degree in mathematics is also acceptable. The Department adds that a master's degree is preferred by some employers.
Old Dream Job #3 -
Perhaps inspired by the great TV lawyers over the years,
people have long seemed to relish the idea of trying cases in court for a
living. But the sad truth is that being a district attorney or
prosecutor isn't quite the stuff of dreams anymore.
Why It's No Longer a Dream: While it's true that lawyers can bring in the big bucks, changing economic times are making it more difficult for lawyers to find jobs.
Price competition, client cutbacks on legal fees, and outsourcing of legal work to providers overseas could have a detrimental effect on the earning power of lawyers over the next decade, explains the U.S. Department of Labor. In addition, job growth for lawyers is stagnant at 10 percent from 2012 to 2022, falling below the average growth rate for all occupations.
Simply put, technology is doing no justice to lawyers. Law firms are cutting back on hiring junior lawyers, because there is less demand for them to compile research and information in libraries since it's now all easily available online, says Atzmiller.
"They used to spend hours in libraries doing work, but that's not happening anymore," she says. "That means there are fewer positions in law firms for young lawyers to gain the experience they would need to grow in the field."
The explosion of online shopping, as well as social media,
has helped give market research analysts a dream scenario for performing
their duties, according to Atzmiller.
"There is so much more to research now," she says. "Because you don't have to be a brick-and-mortar store to be online, it increases the need and excitement for market analysis online."
The increased use of data and analysis in all industries is also creating a dream career opportunity as a market research analyst. The U.S. Department of Labor says the median annual salary of market research analysts is $60,800, and their hiring numbers are projected jump by 32 percent from 2012 to 2022.
Additionally, the globalization of sales and marketing has created more opportunities for people interested in the field of market research, explains Atzmiller. "There are so many new products and companies coming out all the time," she says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
Details of the Job: The main objective in this role is helping organizations "understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price," says the Department of Labor. Market research analysts gather and analyze data on consumers, competitors, and market conditions.
How to Prepare: Earning a bachelor's degree in market research is the typical path of entering the field, according to the Department. But market research professionals also major in fields such as statistics, math, computer science, business administration, the social sciences, or communications.
Old Dream Job #4 -
Firefighters have long been thought of as heroes of the
highest order. While that still holds true, the reality of this
profession might not exactly match people's expectations.
Why It's No Longer a Dream: Firefighters don't fight fires as often. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an aging population is leading to an increased demand for responders to provide more emergency medical services. In fact, about two out of three situations that firefighters respond to are medical emergencies.
Moreover, budget cuts and competition for jobs might also put a damper on the dreams of people interested in a career as a firefighter, says Atzmiller.
In fact, a fire department may receive hundreds of applicants for a single job posting, according to the Department of Labor. Firefighters will also have sluggish growth from 2012 to 2022 - a meager 7 percent, falling behind the national average job growth rate.
In our highly digital lives, information and security
analysts are increasingly playing a significant part in our safety
online.
"It's a new dream job, because technology is changing our world and the needs in the computer world," says Atzmiller. This role has grown out of the ongoing growth of the technology sector, and the security field is exciting, new, and growing rapidly, she explains.
"We have a new bug every couple of days, and these people are desperately needed. We really don't have enough of them, and it pays very well for people with up-to-date knowledge," Atzmiller adds.
How much could information and security analysts potentially make? Well, their median annual salary is a handsome figure of $88,590, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Plus, their employment is projected to increase by a whopping 37 percent between 2012 and 2022.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Programming & Software Program.
Details of the Job: According to the Department of Labor, some of their main duties include monitoring networks for security breaches, testing networks for vulnerability, and recommending security enhancements to management and IT staff.
How to Prepare: Most information security analysts have earned a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, such as computer science or programming, reports the Department. They also typically need experience in a related occupation, for example, network or system administration.
People who dream about living their own version of "The Wolf
of Wall Street" probably realize that these financial professionals
could potentially rake in mountains of money. However, recent changes in
the financial industry could be curtailing the opportunities for these
agents to even get hired.
Why It's No Longer a Dream: The new do-it-yourself nature of making investments and trading stocks might be a culprit behind this dying dream career, says to Atzmiller.
"Computers have killed them," she says of careers in this industry. "Computers have made the job of trading easier, and people can do trades on their own at a website."
And although agents have the potential to bring in an impressive salary, this career is by no means booming. In fact, the job growth rate for these professionals is about as fast as average for most occupations at 11 percent from 2012 to 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. One contributing factor is that the financial services industry has experienced some consolidation in recent years, slowing the demand for these workers.
What lands this job in the new crop of dream careers? Well,
it tends to be less stressful than other financial careers, according to
the U.S. Department of Labor. And it can be a rewarding profession in
more ways than one.
"People have learned their lessons about massive amounts of debt and not enough income," Atzmiller says. "Advisors can help them be more solvent and more knowledgeable on how to handle money."
Personal financial advisors are finding that the need for their services is driving both their salaries and hiring. The Department of Labor says these finance professionals have a median annual salary of $75,320 and will experience 27 percent job growth between 2012 and 2022.
The high job growth could be attributed somewhat to an aging population in desperate need of financial services - from real estate to retirement, says Atzmiller.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
Details of the Job: These financial professionals meet clients to discuss their financial goals and recommend investment opportunities, notes the Department.
How to Prepare: Personal financial advisors usually need a bachelor's degree, reports the Department. And a degree in accounting, law, mathematics, or business is good preparation for this profession.
People with their heads in the clouds might dream of flying a
modern marvel through high altitudes as an airline and commercial
pilot. But it might be time for them to drift back down to earth.
Nowadays, flying in the skies for a living isn't the dream job it once
was.
Why It's No Longer a Dream: Industry changes - including layoffs and company mergers - have grounded the dreams of wannabe pilots, according to Atzmiller.
"They are not being hired as much anymore, because there are not as many flights as there used to be," she says. "So many destinations have been combined or eliminated, because we weren't filling the airports [with travelers]."
The job growth rate for this occupation reflects that sentiment. The U.S. Department of Labor projects hiring for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers will decline by 7 percent from 2012 to 2022. It is likely that airlines will try to increase their profits by increasing the number of passengers per aircraft and reducing the number of flights each day. Those actions will ultimately lower the number of pilot jobs, adds the Department of Labor.
This dream career is tinged with green - as in the earth and
money. Environmental engineers have a median annual salary of $82,220,
notes the U.S. Department of Labor. And the number of professionals in
this field is projected to grow by 15 percent from 2012 to 2022. But
there's more to why this is becoming an ideal career to pursue.
"I think we are more environmentally conscious, but even when there are opponents to that, we still need safe drinking water and still need to know there are not chemicals in the ground," Atzmiller explains.
The groundswell of support for the environment has been building for decades, and the careers of these engineers are benefiting from the new ways people are looking at their surroundings, she adds.
"Now it's politically correct to stand up for the environment," Atzmiller says. "The laws and legislations from the 70's until now have given [environmental engineers] a solid place in our world. It's a huge field that's exploded."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Engineering Program.
Details of the Job: Environmental engineers utilize the theories and practices of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to dream up solutions to environmental issues, says the Department of Labor.
How to Prepare: A bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a related field - including civil, chemical, or general engineering - is a requirement for positions as an environmental engineer, reports the Department. Additionally, the Department tells us that "getting a license improves the chances for employment."
With several industries undergoing drastic changes, it may be time to rethink our old perceptions when it comes to dream jobs.
Dream jobs sure aren't what they used to be. The old guard - firefighters, lawyers, and fashion designers - had a mixture of excitement, heroism, and glamour, but the sad reality is that the demand for many of these professions is fading away.The economy is still reeling from the recession, and it's clear that the demand for some occupations, including certain dream jobs, is disappearing.
One major catalyst? Technology. But don't fret - while technological advancement spells doom for some jobs, it spurs the emergence of others. High-tech innovations are re-shaping the workforce with careers that are both high-paying and in high demand, says Barbara Atzmiller, a career counselor and owner of the Expert Career Solutions firm based in Sacramento, Calif.
"The change is so drastic that jobs don't look the same, or they're going away. Or they're morphing into something new," says Atzmiller.
So what do these professions look like? Well, the aftermath of the recession has affected what people define as a "dream job." The dream jobs of today are more practical than those of yesteryear, offering high job growth, high salaries, and opportunities for innovation.
So instead of mourning the demise of these professions, look ahead to the future. There are a good number of new dream careers for people who are willing to adapt, although you may need to hone your education and skill levels, says Atzmiller.
Keep reading to find out which dream jobs you should leave behind and which exciting new jobs carry more possibility.
Old Dream Job #1 -
Reporter and Correspondent
Back in the 1970's, the exploits of Washington Post reporters
Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who exposed the Watergate scandal,
made reporting seem like a dream job come true. But in the ensuing
decades, the job has lost some of its luster.Why It's No Longer a Dream: The dreams of plenty of reporters, who might have fantasized about seeing their bylines in print, have been effectively dashed by the monumental shifts in this industry. While it's true that there's increased demand for online news and podcasts, online and mobile ad revenue is typically less than print revenue and may not offset declines in print advertising, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
As for why print ad dollars are down, the Department of Labor says that the circulation and readership of newspapers is expected to decline over the next decade, along with advertising revenue. As a result, news organizations will downsize and employ fewer journalists. So it's no surprise that the Department projects a 14 percent decline in the employment of reporters and correspondents between 2012 and 2022.
The silver lining: There are still reporting opportunities available in online forums and publications that can reach global audiences, says Atzmiller.
New Dream Job #1 - Public Relations or Fundraising Manager
Find Programs
Thanks to the advent of social media, technology has played a
key role in making this a hot new dream job, according to Atzmiller."Public relations has gotten big and changed," she explains. "Not only do you have print ads, but now you have things like YouTube and social media."
Another dream-worthy aspect of this job: the salary potential. The U.S. Department of Labor reports public relations and fundraising managers have a median annual salary of $98,700. And in terms of growth, their hiring numbers are projected to expand by 13 percent from 2012 to 2022.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Communications Program.
Details of the Job: Public relations managers are responsible for devising materials that can bolster the public image of a company or individual client, notes the Department of Labor. Meanwhile, a fundraising manager is the person who operates campaigns that attract donations to an organization.
How to Prepare: For management positions in either public relations or fundraising, the Department reports "a bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, English, fundraising, or journalism is generally required." But some employers might prefer a master's degree in majors such as public relations, journalism, fundraising, or nonprofit management.
Old Dream Job #2 -
Fashion Designer
Many creative, style-savvy dreamers want to enter the world
of fashion. But don't let the glamour and excitement of fashion shows,
models, and luxurious clothing fool you. Why It's No Longer a Dream: People will always need clothes, right? But where these clothes come from is the issue. The emerging globalization of the fashion industry has helped curtail the employment opportunities for aspiring fashion designers.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most apparel "continues to be produced internationally," contributing to a projected 51 percent decline in employment for designers in the apparel manufacturing industry between 2012 and 2022. For all fashion designer positions, the outlook isn't much better - employment is projected to decline by 3 percent during that same time period.
On top of that, the highly competitive job market for fashion designers means there are relatively few job openings. As of 2012, there were only 22,300 fashion designers employed, according to the Department of Labor.
New Dream Job #2 - Software Developer
Find Programs
On the levels of salary and hiring alone, a career as a
software developer might seem like a dream opportunity for people who
wish to put their computer know-how to good use.The employment of software developers is projected to grow by an impressive 22 percent between 2012 and 2022, notes the U.S. Department of Labor. On top of that, applications software developers have a median annual wage of $92,660. For developers of systems software, the median annual salary is $101,410, notes the Department of Labor.
But numbers don't tell the entire story about why software developer has become a dream profession. "Everybody needs [software developers] because of technology," Atzmiller says. "If you can come up with a mobile app, recognize the need, and fill the need, you can create a job for yourself."
And this is one field where creativity can really pay off. "We're only scratching the surface," Atzmiller says. "If you have the creativity and create the right mobile app, you can become very wealthy."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Details of the Job: Applications software developers create the applications that enable people to perform specific tasks on computers and other devices, the Department reports. Systems software developers, on the other hand, create the systems that keep computers functioning properly.
How to Prepare: Software developers typically have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, notes the Department. A degree in mathematics is also acceptable. The Department adds that a master's degree is preferred by some employers.
Old Dream Job #3 -
Lawyer
Perhaps inspired by the great TV lawyers over the years,
people have long seemed to relish the idea of trying cases in court for a
living. But the sad truth is that being a district attorney or
prosecutor isn't quite the stuff of dreams anymore.Why It's No Longer a Dream: While it's true that lawyers can bring in the big bucks, changing economic times are making it more difficult for lawyers to find jobs.
Price competition, client cutbacks on legal fees, and outsourcing of legal work to providers overseas could have a detrimental effect on the earning power of lawyers over the next decade, explains the U.S. Department of Labor. In addition, job growth for lawyers is stagnant at 10 percent from 2012 to 2022, falling below the average growth rate for all occupations.
Simply put, technology is doing no justice to lawyers. Law firms are cutting back on hiring junior lawyers, because there is less demand for them to compile research and information in libraries since it's now all easily available online, says Atzmiller.
"They used to spend hours in libraries doing work, but that's not happening anymore," she says. "That means there are fewer positions in law firms for young lawyers to gain the experience they would need to grow in the field."
New Dream Job #3 - Market Research Analyst
Find Programs
The explosion of online shopping, as well as social media,
has helped give market research analysts a dream scenario for performing
their duties, according to Atzmiller."There is so much more to research now," she says. "Because you don't have to be a brick-and-mortar store to be online, it increases the need and excitement for market analysis online."
The increased use of data and analysis in all industries is also creating a dream career opportunity as a market research analyst. The U.S. Department of Labor says the median annual salary of market research analysts is $60,800, and their hiring numbers are projected jump by 32 percent from 2012 to 2022.
Additionally, the globalization of sales and marketing has created more opportunities for people interested in the field of market research, explains Atzmiller. "There are so many new products and companies coming out all the time," she says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
Details of the Job: The main objective in this role is helping organizations "understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price," says the Department of Labor. Market research analysts gather and analyze data on consumers, competitors, and market conditions.
How to Prepare: Earning a bachelor's degree in market research is the typical path of entering the field, according to the Department. But market research professionals also major in fields such as statistics, math, computer science, business administration, the social sciences, or communications.
Old Dream Job #4 -
Firefighter
Firefighters have long been thought of as heroes of the
highest order. While that still holds true, the reality of this
profession might not exactly match people's expectations.Why It's No Longer a Dream: Firefighters don't fight fires as often. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an aging population is leading to an increased demand for responders to provide more emergency medical services. In fact, about two out of three situations that firefighters respond to are medical emergencies.
Moreover, budget cuts and competition for jobs might also put a damper on the dreams of people interested in a career as a firefighter, says Atzmiller.
In fact, a fire department may receive hundreds of applicants for a single job posting, according to the Department of Labor. Firefighters will also have sluggish growth from 2012 to 2022 - a meager 7 percent, falling behind the national average job growth rate.
New Dream Job #4 - Information and Security Analyst
Find Programs
In our highly digital lives, information and security
analysts are increasingly playing a significant part in our safety
online. "It's a new dream job, because technology is changing our world and the needs in the computer world," says Atzmiller. This role has grown out of the ongoing growth of the technology sector, and the security field is exciting, new, and growing rapidly, she explains.
"We have a new bug every couple of days, and these people are desperately needed. We really don't have enough of them, and it pays very well for people with up-to-date knowledge," Atzmiller adds.
How much could information and security analysts potentially make? Well, their median annual salary is a handsome figure of $88,590, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Plus, their employment is projected to increase by a whopping 37 percent between 2012 and 2022.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Programming & Software Program.
Details of the Job: According to the Department of Labor, some of their main duties include monitoring networks for security breaches, testing networks for vulnerability, and recommending security enhancements to management and IT staff.
How to Prepare: Most information security analysts have earned a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, such as computer science or programming, reports the Department. They also typically need experience in a related occupation, for example, network or system administration.
Old Dream Job #5 - Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Agent
People who dream about living their own version of "The Wolf
of Wall Street" probably realize that these financial professionals
could potentially rake in mountains of money. However, recent changes in
the financial industry could be curtailing the opportunities for these
agents to even get hired. Why It's No Longer a Dream: The new do-it-yourself nature of making investments and trading stocks might be a culprit behind this dying dream career, says to Atzmiller.
"Computers have killed them," she says of careers in this industry. "Computers have made the job of trading easier, and people can do trades on their own at a website."
And although agents have the potential to bring in an impressive salary, this career is by no means booming. In fact, the job growth rate for these professionals is about as fast as average for most occupations at 11 percent from 2012 to 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. One contributing factor is that the financial services industry has experienced some consolidation in recent years, slowing the demand for these workers.
New Dream Job #5 - Personal Financial Advisor
Find Programs
What lands this job in the new crop of dream careers? Well,
it tends to be less stressful than other financial careers, according to
the U.S. Department of Labor. And it can be a rewarding profession in
more ways than one. "People have learned their lessons about massive amounts of debt and not enough income," Atzmiller says. "Advisors can help them be more solvent and more knowledgeable on how to handle money."
Personal financial advisors are finding that the need for their services is driving both their salaries and hiring. The Department of Labor says these finance professionals have a median annual salary of $75,320 and will experience 27 percent job growth between 2012 and 2022.
The high job growth could be attributed somewhat to an aging population in desperate need of financial services - from real estate to retirement, says Atzmiller.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
Details of the Job: These financial professionals meet clients to discuss their financial goals and recommend investment opportunities, notes the Department.
How to Prepare: Personal financial advisors usually need a bachelor's degree, reports the Department. And a degree in accounting, law, mathematics, or business is good preparation for this profession.
Old Dream Job #6 - Airline and Commercial Pilot
People with their heads in the clouds might dream of flying a
modern marvel through high altitudes as an airline and commercial
pilot. But it might be time for them to drift back down to earth.
Nowadays, flying in the skies for a living isn't the dream job it once
was. Why It's No Longer a Dream: Industry changes - including layoffs and company mergers - have grounded the dreams of wannabe pilots, according to Atzmiller.
"They are not being hired as much anymore, because there are not as many flights as there used to be," she says. "So many destinations have been combined or eliminated, because we weren't filling the airports [with travelers]."
The job growth rate for this occupation reflects that sentiment. The U.S. Department of Labor projects hiring for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers will decline by 7 percent from 2012 to 2022. It is likely that airlines will try to increase their profits by increasing the number of passengers per aircraft and reducing the number of flights each day. Those actions will ultimately lower the number of pilot jobs, adds the Department of Labor.
New Dream Job #6 - Environmental Engineer
Find Programs
This dream career is tinged with green - as in the earth and
money. Environmental engineers have a median annual salary of $82,220,
notes the U.S. Department of Labor. And the number of professionals in
this field is projected to grow by 15 percent from 2012 to 2022. But
there's more to why this is becoming an ideal career to pursue. "I think we are more environmentally conscious, but even when there are opponents to that, we still need safe drinking water and still need to know there are not chemicals in the ground," Atzmiller explains.
The groundswell of support for the environment has been building for decades, and the careers of these engineers are benefiting from the new ways people are looking at their surroundings, she adds.
"Now it's politically correct to stand up for the environment," Atzmiller says. "The laws and legislations from the 70's until now have given [environmental engineers] a solid place in our world. It's a huge field that's exploded."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Engineering Program.
Details of the Job: Environmental engineers utilize the theories and practices of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to dream up solutions to environmental issues, says the Department of Labor.
How to Prepare: A bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a related field - including civil, chemical, or general engineering - is a requirement for positions as an environmental engineer, reports the Department. Additionally, the Department tells us that "getting a license improves the chances for employment."
If you're a technology enthusiast who loves to keep up with the
latest apps and computer programs, a job as a software developer might
be a right fit.
Are you a problem solver who would like to put your skills to use
in a career that could pay an average of $40 an hour or more? Perhaps
you might want to consider work as a management analyst.
Do you have something of a take-charge personality? A career as a
top executive, specifically as a general and operations manager might
enable you to plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of different
types of organizations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Looking for a professional outlet that will take advantage of your
artistic talents and present an opportunity for you to earn an
attractive salary? You might need to look no further than a career as an
art director.
If you have leadership capabilities and desire a health care career
with high-pay potential, you might want to turn your attention toward a
career as a medical and health services manager.
Are sharp budgeting skills a part of your DNA? If so, you could
put them to good use and potentially make a wage that exceeds $40 an
hour if you pursue a career as a financial analyst.
Risk of Computerization: 92 percent
Risk of Computerization: 1.2 percent
Risk of Computerization: 98 percent
Risk of Computerization: 99 percent
Risk of Computerization: <1 percent
Risk of Computerization: 99 percent
Risk of Computerization: 97 percent
Risk of Computerization: <1 percent 
Risk of Computerization: 99 percent