Degrees That Might Be A Waste Of Money

Source: Yahoo

If you want to make your educational investment count, don't waste your money on these dead-end degrees.

By Jennifer Berry

There are lots of reasons to invest in higher education. But if your primary goal is to increase your employment odds, you'll want to do your research before you decide on a major.
"What happens to a lot of [college students] is they choose a major based entirely on what they're interested in today, not giving any thought to how difficult it will be to get a job after college," says Darrell Silver, co-founder & CEO of Thinkful, an online school for adults seeking career advancement.
According to Silver, "Even just looking at income and employment rates for [careers related to] your desired major in the first five years after college can make a big difference."
Don't know where to start? Fret not. We combed through a recent report from Georgetown Center, the U.S. Department of Labor job growth statistics and reached out to career experts for their take on why certain degrees might be more worth it than others.
Keep reading to learn more.

Waste of Money Bachelor's Degree #1 Information Systems

You're great with technology and ready to take that passion to the next level by earning a degree in information systems. Before you decide on this degree, though, you may want to keep in mind the following stats...
Unemployment rate among recent graduates*: 14.7 percent
Expert insights: "The trouble with majoring in information systems is that its focus is more general and not as technical as that of a computer science or information technology degree," warns Jean Cummings, a personal branding strategist and job search coach.
And the lack of specialized technical skills leads to another problem: While most companies immediately know they need an IT person or a computer scientist, they don't necessarily know how an information systems grad might benefit their business, says Cummings.
Job outlook**: The U.S. Department of Labor does not link this specific degree to any careers.

Career	Projected job growth from 2012 to 2022
-	-

Bachelor's Degree That Could Pay Off #1 Finance

If you love reading the Wall Street Journal or Fortune Magazine and are looking for a degree that could open a variety of jobs, this might be a good option for you.
Unemployment rate among recent graduates*: 5.9 percent
Expert insights: "The range of jobs this degree could help you prepare to pursue range from local financial advisor to major power player on Wall Street," says Boyd.
Just keep in mind, that if you're more inclined to earn this degree to prepare to pursue a job in Wall Street, you should ensure you know what you'll be getting into. According to Boyd, the gig could be pretty stressful.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
Job outlook**: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this degree could help you prepare to pursue a variety of growing careers.

Career	Projected job growth from 2012 to 2022
Personal financial advisor	60,300 jobs
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agent	39,700 jobs
Loan officer	22,900 jobs

Waste of Money Bachelor's Degree #2 Film, Video & Photography Arts

If you're a creative spirit, it may seem like a degree in film, video, or photography is a perfect fit for your fun personality. What might be less fun: setting out on your job search after graduation.
Unemployment rate among recent graduates*: 11.4 percent
Expert insights: The biggest problem with this degree is supply and demand. "There are just too many people who want to create films and videos, and take photos, and not enough people to employ them," says George A. Boyd, career counselor and life coach. "There are just not that many companies who need a dedicated media person, and the entertainment industry is deluged with applicants," he adds.
However, if your heart is really set on working in the industry, instead of majoring in this field, he recommends finding a day job and doing some projects in your free time to get started - although it's important to note that this isn't something that will always lead to a job, either.
Job outlook:** Per the U.S. Department of Labor, job opportunities in this industry don't look very promising.

Career	Projected job growth from 2012 to 2022
Photographer	5,900 jobs
Film and video editor, camera operator	1,400 jobs

Bachelor's Degree That Could Pay Off #2 Elementary Education

Do you feel called to help shape a new generation of citizens as a teacher? Good news: prepping for that role could offer a strong return of investment, as we're heading into a world that needs a lot more education grads to fill teaching positions.
Unemployment rate among recent graduates*: 5.0 percent
Expert insights: This degree is the doorway to a career as a teacher, and according to Boyd, we're going to need more teachers for the foreseeable future. "With a growing population, there are many new children who need to be educated," says Boyd.
Another plus: Teaching jobs are not going anywhere. "We can't outsource this [job] - we need a live teacher in the classroom," says Boyd.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Elementary Education Program.
Job outlook**: Boyd isn't the only one projecting a need for more educators. The U.S. Department of Labor also reports that teaching jobs will also be on the rise.

Career	Projected job growth from 2012 to 2022
Kindergarten teacher	20,600 jobs
Elementary school teacher	167,900 jobs
Middle school teacher	76,000 jobs

Waste of Money Bachelor's Degree #3 Political Science & Government

You're excited about politics, and that's great - but before you major in political science or government, you might want to think about the reality that recent grads of this degree are facing in the real world.
Unemployment rate among recent graduates*: 11.1 percent
Expert insights: "I won't say that you don't learn anything from a political science or government major, but you certainly don't learn practical knowledge that can be applied to a wide range of jobs," says Sarah Merrill, a recruiting and career consultant at Atrium Staffing, who herself was a political science major.
"While I enjoyed my classes on European diplomacy and public policy, when you're staring at your screen questioning ‘email etiquette' to a senior executive, or balancing a limited budget, or doing just about anything in your practical adult life, those are not the courses that are going to help."
Job outlook**: In terms of opportunity, the numbers from the U.S. Department of Labor don't look especially promising.

Career	Projected job growth from 2012 to 2022
Budget analyst	3,800 jobs
Reporter, correspondent, or broadcast news analyst	7,200 jobs

Bachelor's Degree That Could Pay Off #3 Computer Science

So you're technically savvy? Computer science is a great way to go. In fact, your job prospects could look significantly brighter than your peers who graduated with information systems degrees.
Unemployment rate among recent graduates*: 8.7 percent
Expert insights: "Computer science majors are probably more in demand across every sector of the economy than anything else, so you really can't go wrong from an economic point of view," says Silver.
"Computer science is a degree that is valuable now and will continue to be, because almost all companies need technical people to create and/or manage the applications that help the business run," adds Cummings.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Job outlook**: This tech-related degree could help you prepare to pursue a variety of in-demand careers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Career	Projected job growth from 2012 to 2022
Software developer	222,600 jobs
Network computer systems analyst	42,900 jobs
Computer programmer	28,400 jobs

Waste of Money Bachelor's Degree #4 Anthropology & Archeology

While you might love studying the subject, you might not love your job prospects after graduation. Unless you're willing to go for your graduate degree, you might find yourself lacking the skills most employers want.
Unemployment rate among recent graduates: 12.6 percent
Expert insights: The main problem with this degree is lack of job opportunities after graduation. "This is such a highly specialized field, and there are limited sources of employment," says Gina Zappariello, professional coach and certified emotional intelligence consultant.
"The main areas of employment for this major are universities (teaching and research), museums, and governments with a strong need to uncover artifacts." Unfortunately, all of those groups together can't provide enough jobs to go around.
Job outlook**: It doesn't look great for anthropology grads. For one, if you want to pursue a career in the field, you'll probably need to spend a few more years in school. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, anthropologist and archeologists need a master's degree or Ph.D.

Career	Projected job growth from 2012 to 2022
-	-

Bachelor's Degree That Could Pay Off #4 Business Management and Administration

Leadership, organization, people skills - if you have or want these strengths, you might want to consider a degree in business administration. Not only can earning this degree help you develop or strengthen these skills, but it could also set you on the path to pursuing a variety of different careers.
Unemployment rate among recent graduates*: 7.8 percent
Expert insights: "Business administration is great because it is so general and can be applied to a very wide array of jobs," says Merrill.
That versatility is at the heart of why this degree faces a lower unemployment rate compared to some of the other degrees on our list. But another thing to consider is that business majors might also be equipped to create their own opportunities by starting their own companies, adds Merrill.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
Job outlook**: With this degree you could prepare to pursue a wide range of careers - some of which are projected to create thousands of new jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Career	Projected job growth from 2012 to 2022
Property, real estate, and community association manager	35,000 jobs
Market research analyst	131,500 jobs
Top executive	261,500 jobs

6 Low-Paying Jobs That Will Squander Your Degree

Source: Yahoo

If you're after career growth and opportunity, you may want to reconsider these dead-end jobs that may underutilize your diploma.

By Danielle Blundell

Going back to school can be fun, but you better believe that you'll spend some nights burning the midnight oil studying. The fact is earning a degree takes a lot of work - not to mention time and money. So why would you want to waste your degree on a low-paying, dead-end job?
Sure, some of these jobs are labors of love that might tap into one of your passions. But if you're concerned with applying your education in a field where you can make a decent living, then you might want to steer clear of them.
To help, we've identified some alternatives that could make better use of your education by offering more room for growth and better salary potential. Keep reading to learn more.

Low-Pay Job #1:
Recreation Worker

Median Annual Salary:

$22,390*

Top 10 Percent of Earners:

>$38,890*

Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:

<$16,990*

Picture yourself leading fun activities for a living? If it seems too good to be true, know that it very well might be. For one: there's the higher education typically required. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, you'll need a bachelor's to pursue full-time work. Then there's the meager wages. Recreation workers have a median salary of just over $22K, reports the Department of Labor.
Why it's low-pay: The problem here with regards to pay may be that the work can be enjoyable, which drives the popularity of the career up and the pay down, says Jim Giammateo, author of the "No Mistakes Careers" self-help book series. "A recreation worker helps people to improve their lives, or make their lives more enjoyable. It's a job that people like doing. As a result, they are willing to work for less to do something they enjoy."

High-Pay Job #1:
Dental Hygienist

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Median Annual Salary:

$71,110*

Top 10 Percent of Earners:

>$96,690*

Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:

<$47,880*

What if we told you that you could make a healthy living by helping other people keep their teeth healthy? In fact, dental hygienists have a median salary of more than $70K for helping patients keep up their oral hygiene, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
If that salary is putting a smile on your face, then you may want to consider pursuing this career. According to the Department of Labor, dental hygienists typically only need an associate's and license to start practicing. And there's room for growth here, because as dentists expand their own offices, they'll hire more hygienists to take on and service more patients.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Dental Hygiene Program.
Why it could pay well: According to Giammatteo, pay is high for dental hygienists because they're the go-to people for dentists. "They're not only responsible for a patient's dental health, but they function as the dentist's front line of defense, often handling complaints and resolving them by themselves," he says, which drives salaries up. "Because of this, a good hygienist is in high demand."

Low-Pay Job #2: Radio/TV Announcer

Median Annual Salary:

$29,020

Top 10 Percent of Earners:

>$75,850

Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:

<$17,450

If you're a talker, you may think presenting news and information to listeners could be a great way to earn your dough. And it could - you just might not make very much of it. While the job often requires a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field, per the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual salary is a paltry $29,020.
Why it's low-pay: This job is fun and engaging, but that appeal drives salaries down, says Jeff Altman, career expert, author, and host of "Job Search Radio," a podcast dedicated to helping job hunters find employment.
Altman says that people pursuing this career face another problem: "Enormous supply, particularly of people who want to do the work and a finite number of jobs," Altman says. Giammatteo adds that the only place to really make money in announcer jobs is in large markets, and there aren't many of those to begin with, beyond the largest cities in the U.S.

High-Pay Job #2: Technical Writer

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Median Annual Salary:

$67,900

Top 10 Percent of Earners:

>$105,760

Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:

<$40,270

It may surprise you, but it's possible to make a good living as a writer - a technical writer, that is. This job has a median salary of $67,900 and involves writing manuals, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate technical information, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you may want to put one of the following degrees into good use. Employers generally prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or communications, and many jobs also require knowledge in a specialized field, such as engineering, computer science, or medicine, reports the Department of Labor.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Communications Program.
Why it could pay well: The world is becoming increasingly technology-driven, which means that technical writers play an important role in many companies, says Giammatteo. "Non-technical people are being required to learn new things every day," he says. "Some people adapt easily, while others struggle. Companies know that the easier they make it for people to learn their systems, the better a customer they'll have, [which] is where the technical writer comes in."
"It requires a special talent to translate technology into terms the everyday person can understand," Giammatteo continues. "Just try writing an explanation for how to tie a shoelace. Then imagine how difficult that is for learning to run a complex electronic device."

Low-Pay Job #3:
Film Editor

Median Annual Salary:

$54,490

Top 10 Percent of Earners:

>$128,500

Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:

<$25,960

You've loved movies for as long as you can remember, and perhaps you dream of making your own someday. If that's the case, you'd usually need to earn a bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Unfortunately, studying film and finding a job in the film industry are two different things. While film editors have a decent salary, the Department of Labor says that this job is expected to only grow by a mere 1 percent from 2012 to 2022. So be prepared to face stiff competition in spite of your talent and educational background.
Why it's low-pay: "Film editor jobs fall into the 'I want to do that' trap," says Giammatteo. "Making videos is a hobby for many people, and therefore, attractive as a career. Who doesn't want to work at a job doing what they love?"
Unfortunately, that appeal, in conjunction with the unlikely outcome of making it big, keeps salaries low, he explains.

High-Pay Job #3: Market Research Analyst

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Median Annual Salary:

$60,800

Top 10 Percent of Earners:

>$114,250

Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:

<$33,490

If you're interested in the data behind shopping and business, you may want to use your natural curiosity to pursue a job as a market research analyst. Turns out these marketing professionals have a median salary of $60,800 in this role, which involves crunching data to help businesses and companies understand where, when, and how to market their goods and services, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
So instead of squandering your education, you may want to use your schooling to prep for this field. According to the Department of Labor, you'll need a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field for most positions. Many analysts have degrees in areas such as statistics, math, and computer science, while others have backgrounds in business administration, communications, or the social sciences.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
Why it could pay well: According to Giammatteo, the internet has created an increased demand for market research analysts, and that demand has pushed the salaries of market research analysts up.
"The internet has created a new world in more ways than one, but one of the biggest changes is in how people shop," he says. "Market research analysts help companies understand their customers' needs, which allows companies to develop strategies on how to market their products. The good ones are in very high demand."
The bottom line is businesses need these type of people to understand what sells and what people want from the products and services they pay for, says Giammatteo, so they can make themselves more desirable to customers.

Low-Pay Job #4:
Social Worker

Median Annual Salary:

$42,120

Top 10 Percent of Earners:

>$72,350

Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:

<$27,420

If helping others is in your DNA, a career in social work may sound like it'd be a good fit for you. But just be sure that you're okay with earning your degree to make below-average pay. Because social workers have a median annual salary of just $42,120, and most entry-level positions commonly require a bachelor's in social work, notes the U.S. Department of Labor. For certain positions, you might even need a master's, adds the Department of Labor, and while that could improve your pay, the numbers show you're never going to make major bank in this field.
Why it's low-pay: Social work is just one of those fields where even though the work can be emotionally tough and draining, the pay has never really reflected that, says Giammatteo.
"It seems as if social workers have thankless jobs - low pay, combined with a constant barrage of problems," says Giammatteo, from the stressful nature of their work to the lack of resources. "The appeal for the people who are drawn to this field has to be the ability to make a difference in someone's life. And that reward is often worth the sacrifices they make."

High-Pay Job #4: Human Resources Manager

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Median Annual Salary:

$100,800

Top 10 Percent of Earners:

>$177,460

Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:

<$58,780

You're a people-person with the ability to talk to anyone, so maybe you should consider a career as a human resources manager. You'd spend your days mediating disputes, staffing jobs, and advising managers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Plus, human resources managers have a median salary of about $100,800.
Not bad for a job that usually only requires a bachelor's degree. According to the Department of Labor, you typically need a bachelor's in human resources or business administration. However, several years of work experience will be needed to pursue higher-level jobs, so be ready to work for a bit less before your big pay day comes. Either way, your diploma might be well spent on this career.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Human Resources Program.
Why it could pay well: According to Giammatteo, human resources managers have become increasingly important to workforce productivity, and thus salaries have risen accordingly to reflect their importance to businesses.
"Companies now realize that their most valuable asset is their people," says Giammatteo. "And the human resources manager is in charge of not only recruiting those people, but ensuring the company keeps them challenged and happy."

Low-Pay Job #5:
Coach and Scout

Median Annual Salary:

$29,150

Top 10 Percent of Earners:

>$66,839

Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:

<$17,340

Can you see yourself putting together and leading an all-star winning team to glory? It'll take more than bravado and imagination to pursue a career as a coach and scout, as the U. S Department of Labor says you'll typically need a bachelor's and deep knowledge of a particular sport. But you may be shocked to find that coaches and scouts have a median annual salary of only $29,150, according to the Department of Labor. Talk about a sad stat.
Why it's low-pay: The salary in this job is low, because the most attainable positions at the local level are part-time and thus don't pay what a full-time position would, says Altman. But those factors don't necessarily deter everyone.
"These jobs are almost exclusively filled by people who love what they do, and most of them are willing to do it for less," Giammatteo explains. So if your love of the game outweighs your desire for higher pay, then "play ball."

High-Pay Job #5: Software Developer (Applications)

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Median Annual Salary:

$92,660

Top 10 Percent of Earners:

>$143,540

Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:

<$55,770

Has there ever been a better time to be a computer nerd? Programming video games and writing software has become a lucrative field. So if you're interested in tech, consider pursuing a job as an applications software developer, in which you'd design computer applications, from databases to word processors, for consumers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Another reason to consider this job is its major earning power - applications developers have a median salary of $92,660, reports the Department of Labor. With a salary like that, the time and effort you spend on your education could be well worth it. Developers typically have a bachelor's in computer science along with strong computer programming skills, says the Department.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Why it could pay well: According to Altman, right now, there are few candidates that have the right combo of tech savvy, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking needed for this career. Software development has a "low supply to enormous demand in a market that is extremely segmented," he says, and employers are willing to pay for those very niche skills and that specialized knowledge.

Low-Pay Job #6:
Craft and Fine Artist

Median Annual Salary:

$42,610

Top 10 Percent of Earners:

>$91,200

Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:

<$18,450

You've always been creative and loved making things. But chances are, you're probably not going to become the next Picasso or Andy Warhol after art school. A lot of artists earn bachelor's degrees in their respective fields, as the U.S. Department of Labor notes, but even with a college diploma in hand, this is a pretty low-paying gig for most.  Craft and fine artists have a median salary of just $42,610 - so it might be best to leave the crafting and art making as a hobby.
Why it's low-pay: The low pay in the arts can be attributed to poor self-marketing, says Debra Benton, recruiting expert and author of The CEO Difference. Giammatteo adds that it's also because there's simply so much competition, and the chances of making it big are slim.
While artists have a passion for what they do, "[they] seem to have a love-hate relationship with their jobs," says Giammatteo. He explains that artists pursue their careers, because they have a strong desire to do so, whether or not it pays.

High-Pay Job #6:
Art Director

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Median Annual Salary:

$83,000

Top 10 Percent of Earners:

>$169,450

Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:

<$44,500

Art and design is everywhere - on the streets, in your home, and on the internet - so being a starving artist isn't your only option. Your best bet in a creative field might be a career as an art director. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these are the go-to folks for designing visual materials for everything from magazines to television productions.
So don't let your art degree go to waste. Instead, you could pursue this career, which requires at least a bachelor's in an art or design-related field along with previous work experience. The time spent earning your degree could pay off, since the Department of Labor reports that art directors have a median salary of $83,000.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Graphic Design Program.
Why it could pay well: According to Giammatteo, the art director's role at a company has expanded in recent years, and working in the emerging areas of digital and social media has upped salaries. Branding is everything to businesses today, so companies are willing to shell out more dough for these professionals, he explains.
"With so many companies looking to 're-brand' themselves and make a digital impact, the job of art director has taken on new roles," he says. "They can no longer be concerned only with print; they must now understand the Internet, the new frontiers of digital publishing, and the impact social media can have on a company's brand."

6 New Dream Jobs To Pursue Now

Source: Yahoo

With several industries undergoing drastic changes, it may be time to rethink our old perceptions when it comes to dream jobs.

By Tony Moton

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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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."