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Looking For a New Job? Consider These Six Careers Where You Can Shape the Future

Careers for the future

If you want to have an impact on our future, consider these careers.

By Terence Loose
Are you looking for a career that will give you the chance to have a major impact on the future? Something that will help save, change, or better lives?
That's a lofty and noble goal. It's also one that might be easier to achieve than you ever imagined. Because believe it or not, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to help shape the way we live.
Just check out these great careers. How much they could influence our future may surprise you.

Career #1: Market Research Analyst

What's so special about this career? These people could very well decide what you want to buy, eat, and drive in the future. How? Two words: Big data, says David Bakke, editor at Money Crashers, a website devoted to career and finance advice.
Why It Will Make an Impact: Big data refers to the stockpiles of digital information that companies have gathered on their customers and the public at large over the past decade, says Bakke. This is information that these companies will continue to collect through public and private networks and social media, according to Bakke. "Companies need market research analysts to extract meaning from it all, which can provide guidance for decision-making, sales forecasts, inventory management, and marketing, among other things," he says.
How to Pursue a Market Research Analyst Career: The U.S. Department of Labor says these professionals usually need a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field. However, many major in statistics, math, or computer science, while others have backgrounds in business administration, one of the social sciences, or communications.

Career#2: Software Developer

You could argue - convincingly - that this profession has been changing the world for the past decade or more. And that probably won't slow down anytime soon considering the degree to which all our lives, and big business, have become dependent on technology. But perhaps software developers will have the greatest impact on the way we live - literally - in the area of health care, says Susan Heathfield, a human resources director with her own consulting company who has been an HR expert for About.com since 2000.
Why It Will Make an Impact: "One of the nation's biggest industries is health care, and it is becoming increasingly more reliant on sophisticated machines that require computer software," says Heathfield, who adds, "software developers will be vital to health care in the future because their programs will run the machines that diagnose and treat disease." Other responsibilities of software developers include, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, designing software to meet the needs of a variety of users, creating models to show programmers how to write code, and maintaining and testing software.
How to Pursue a Career as a Software Developer: In addition to strong programming skills, software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field, says the Department of Labor. They also say a degree in mathematics is acceptable.

Career #3: Elementary School Teacher

Surprised? Don't be. Because a good elementary teacher, one who inspires young students to study hard and dream big, could be changing the world one young mind at a time, says Deb Hornell, President of Hornell Partners, Inc., a management consulting firm whose services include working with individual leaders and teams to enable organizations to maximize their human capital.
Why It Will Make an Impact: "There are plenty of studies and evidence that point to the fact that a college education is a person's best chance to earn more money and have more career success. But it all starts in grade school," says Hornell. She says the correlation between success in early grades and college graduation is strong. "So a good elementary school teacher can actually mean the difference between being competitive in the world and struggling to make ends meet."
How to Pursue Elementary School Teaching: Every state requires public elementary school teachers to have a bachelor's degree in elementary education, as well as be licensed by the state in which they teach, says the U.S. Department of Labor. And while private schools don't have the same requirements, the Department of Labor says they typically seek elementary teachers with bachelor's degrees in elementary education.

Career #4: Personal Financial Advisor

This one might not seem so obvious, until you study the trend in pension and retirement planning over the past decade, says Heathfield. In short, the responsibility of ensuring that golden years are really golden has been shifting away from employers and government and onto individuals. That has made personal financial advisors much more valuable, says Heathfield.
Why It Will Make an Impact: The baby boom generation represents a large portion of the population, so we might expect that what affects them in the future will affect all of us in some way. "With baby boomers retiring, there's going to be a huge demand for personal financial advisors. It's also going to be a very different world, as we are already seeing. Company pensions and guaranteed retirement funds will not be the norm, so personal financial advisors will be vital to helping people plan and save for their retirement," says Heathfield.
How to Pursue a Career as a Personal Financial Advisor: The Department of Labor says that a bachelor's degree is usually needed to pursue the role of personal financial advisor. And though the Department says that no specific area is required, a degree in finance, accounting, business, economics, mathematics, or law is good preparation.

Career #5: Police Officer

The last time you got pulled over for speeding, you may have cursed the existence of police officers, but just imagine a world with no law enforcement. Crime could run rampant. Yes, as long as there are bad people in the world, we will need police officers.
Why It Will Make an Impact: "Police officers help enforce the law, and therefore are an integral part of what holds society together," says Hornell. She says that the fact that we believe that rule of law is the most just way to run a society means that police officers, and other jobs in the justice system, will continue to have a major impact on the quality of life for everyone.
How to Pursue a Career as a Police Officer: The Department of Labor says that police officers must have a high school diploma or GED and graduate from their agency's training academy. The Department also notes that many agencies require some college coursework or a college degree.

Career #6: Civil Engineer

If you dream of designing levitating traffic lights for future hovercraft or Jetsons-style buildings above the clouds, well, perhaps you should come down to earth, because warp speed is still a long way off. But keep that civil engineering dream alive; it'll still be one of the jobs that may shape the future, hovercraft or not.
Why It Will Make an Impact: Civil engineers literally design the world around us, says Heathfield. "As long as society exists we will always need people to design and build the infrastructure of cities. Bridges, roads, buildings. How those are designed and built to a large degree shapes how we live, how society functions," she adds.
How to Pursue Civil Engineering: Civil engineers must complete a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, or a related specialty, according to the Department. However, to pursue licensure, which is usually required to work as a professional engineer, their degree needs to be approved by ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

Six High-paying Jobs That Are On The Rise

Source: Yahoo

High-Paying, Growing Jobs

If high-pay and high-growth potential are on your list of must-haves for your next job, keep reading...

By Lia Sestric
Who likes the idea of job uncertainty or substandard pay? No one. So why not go after a career with some longevity and where you won't feel short changed?
To help, we've gone through the U.S. Department of Labor site and compiled a list of $70K careers - from a variety of industries - that are projected to grow in the coming years.
Keep reading to learn more.

Career #1 - Software Developer

Find Degree Programs If your noggin spins with ideas and curiosity every time you fiddle with your computer or smart device, you might find a career in software development interesting.
The U.S. Department of Labor breaks down this role into applications developers, who may design applications such as games and word processors; and systems software developers, who create the systems that control computers and their interfaces. Either could be a rewarding and well-paying career under the right circumstances.
Median Annual Salary: $90,060 for applications developers, $99,000 for systems developers*
Projected Job Growth from 2012-2022: 23 percent for applications developers, 20 percent for systems developers **
Projected New Jobs from 2012-2022: 139,000 for applications developers, 82,000 for systems developers **
Why Is This Job on the Rise?
Most businesses are aggressively expanding their web businesses and upgrading to newer platforms, says Jeff Sheehan, a career mentor in Atlanta, Georgia. "With this expansion comes a need for software development experts who can efficiently facilitate the expansion with the fewest number of problems," he adds.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
What Are the Requirements?
According to the Department of Labor, software developers typically have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, as well as strong computer-programming skills. A math degree is also acceptable. The Department also stresses that developers need a working knowledge of the industry in which they are employed.

Career #2 - Medical and Health Services Managers

Find Degree Programs Undoubtedly, the health industry is a booming profession…but it is also a business. And what does every successful business need? Good management. If you have strong leadership skills and would like to help health care run smoothly, consider a career as a medical and health services manager.
What could you be doing as a medical and health services manager? The U.S. Department of Labor says these individuals, who are also known as health care administrators, may create schedules, make sure a facility is in compliance with new laws and regulations, and improve the quality of health care services.
Median Annual Salary: $88,580*
Projected Job Growth from 2012-2022: 23 percent**
Projected New Jobs from 2012-2022: 73,000**
Why Is This Job on the Rise?
"As the [baby] boomers continue to age, there will be a corresponding increase in the need for medical services including preventative care, health service facilities, nursing homes, and the like. There will be a corresponding need for additional facilities to satisfy these needs and personnel to staff and manage them," says Sheehan.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.
What Are the Requirements?
The Department of Labor says prospective health care administrators should have a bachelor's degree in health administration. Master's degrees in health services, public health, public administration, long-term care administration, or business administration are also common.

Career #3 - Management Analysts

Find Degree Programs Can you easily find solutions to problems when they arise? Why not capitalize on your natural ability as a management analyst?
As a management analyst, you may help a company improve efficiency by analyzing existing organizational problems and developing a plan to reduce costs and increase profitability, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Median Annual Salary:$78,600*
Projected Job Growth from 2012-2022: 19 percent**
Projected New Jobs from 2012-2022: 133,800**
Why Is This Job on the Rise?
"Companies will continue to look to become more efficient and to operate with fewer and fewer people to reduce costs," says Sheehan. "This will require further review of all aspects of the businesses and analyzing each and everything that is being done," he says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
What Are the Requirements?
The Department of Labor says most of these professionals have at least a bachelor's degree. Management consulting is not offered at every institution, so many majors could provide a suitable education, according to the Department. Common fields of study may include business, accounting, marketing, finance, psychology, computer and information science, economics, political science and government, and English. Some employers prefer to hire those with a master's in business administration (MBA).

Career #4 - Information Security Analysts

Find Degree Programs Computers and smart devices need more protection than ever with the proliferation of data that is stored and exchanged.  This increased need to safeguard data could translate to job security and big bucks for information security analysts.
What do information security analysts do exactly? For one, it's their job to stay a step ahead of cyber attackers, says the U.S. Department of Labor. This may mean installing and using software to protect sensitive information, making security recommendations to managers and educating computer users about new security procedures and products.
Median Annual Salary: $86,170*
Projected Job Growth from 2012-2022: 37 percent**
Projected New Jobs from 2012-2022: 27,400**
Why Is This Job on the Rise?
According to Matt Leighton, director of recruitment for Mondo, an IT recruiting and resourcing firm, online shopping is a big part of the growth of this field. "As consumers turn to company websites to make purchases it is vital that their information stays safe," says Leighton.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Programming Program.
What Are the Requirements?
A bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or a related major is usually needed, says the Department of Labor. Sometimes, employers may prefer to hire those who have a master of business administration in information systems, adds the Department.

Career #5 - Dental Hygienist

Find Degree Programs Do you want to pursue a growing job in dentistry that offers great pay potential? A dental hygienist career could offer you best of both worlds.
Dental hygienists examine teeth, administer preventative care, and educate patients on ways they can improve their oral health, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Median Annual Salary: $70,210*
Projected Job Growth from 2012-2022: 33 percent**
Projected New Jobs from 2012-2022: 64,200**
Why Is this Job on the Rise?
Sheehan says Obamacare will drive demand for dental hygienists, as these professionals play a vital role in maintaining good health, with their work often detecting and preventing oral diseases.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Dental Hygiene Program.
What Are The Requirements?
An associate's degree in dental hygiene is usually needed, says the Department. Licenses are also required in all states, but requirements may vary by state.

Career #6 - Financial Analyst

Find Degree Programs If you have a mind for investing and want to put it to use to help others, consider a career as a financial analyst.
What does a financial analyst's work involve? For one, the U.S. Department of Labor says they may help guide organizations and individuals in their investment choices. To do this, they evaluate current and historical data as well as study business trends, and other deciding factors.
Median Annual Salary: $76,950*
Projected Job Growth from 2012-2022: 16 percent**
Projected New Jobs from 2012-2022: 39,300**
Why Is this Job on the Rise?
Sheehan says this occupation will be in demand as companies strive for better standards. "They were doing this before, but it is becoming ever more important with the explosion in "big data" and the need for people who can analyze it and offer recommendations to senior management based on it," he says. "There is simply more that can be analyzed and used to improve the business efficiency and finances for a company."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Degree.
What Are the Requirements?
A bachelor's degree is required for most positions, says the Department of Labor. Some of the fields of study that could provide appropriate preparation include accounting, finance, economics, engineering, math, or statistics. The Department does say employers often require a master's in business administration (MBA) or a master's degree in finance for advanced positions.

The Most Underrated In-Demand Skill Employers Want

The Most Underrated Skill

Employers across the board demand this underrated skill.

By Terence Loose
Are you under the impression that earning a college degree is fairly straightforward? Go to class. Take a test. Write an essay. Repeat. Well, think again.
Truth be told, not all college majors are created equal. The most important lessons in school go beyond what you'd learn from filling out bubbles on a multiple-choice test. And the best college degrees should help you build real world skills that future employers want, says Jillian Kinzie, associate director of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) Institute, a higher education research organization.
You might even be able to guess some of those in-demand skills - strong writing, problem-solving, and complex thinking abilities. But one that's probably not on your radar: quantitative reasoning.
"It's the ability to understand and use statistical information," says Kinzie, who coauthored the NSSE's 2013 report, "A Fresh Look at Student Engagement." The report found that regardless of careers, employers demand quantitative skills from college graduates. However, about only one-third of college graduates demonstrated proficiency in quantitative literacy, according to a 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy.
Thankfully, you don't need to be a math major to refine this essential skill. According to Kinzie, many fields of study teach the ability to take quantitative data and use it to come to solid conclusions. Some real-world applications include determining how to market a product better, build a better iPhone app, or make better sales projections.
"It's a skill that everyone needs these days. There isn't a major I can think of, even arts majors, that don't need to have some quantitative understanding," Kinzie says.
There are some majors, however, that help students build this skill better than others. So we spoke to Kinzie about degrees that might teach this in-demand skill.

Bachelor's Degree #1: Computer Science

When working with computers, speaking their language - of numbers and data - is essential. So it makes sense that this tech degree is heavy on quantitative reasoning.
The Hot Skill Factor: Quantitative reasoning is vital for computer science students, says Kinzie, because in the real world, workarounds will not get the job done, impress employers, or advance careers in technology fields. "These fields require creative problem solving, often based on quantitative data, and that's what's often required in the professions the degree leads to," she says.
Possible Careers:*

Bachelor's Degree #2: Finance

This major involves learning how to make financial decisions. And when lots of money is at stake, one of the most solid problem-solving methods is to use quantitative reasoning.
The Hot Skill Factor: The world of finance has changed and now requires the ability to respond to complex, ever-changing global situations. Finding solutions in finance usually involves making sophisticated calculations and using complicated financial instruments that demand quantitative literacy, says Kinzie.
Possible Careers:*

Bachelor's Degree #3: Engineering

Let's put it this way: You're not going to find the load strength of a structure by analyzing a poem. But as an engineering major, you may use quantitative reasoning to solve practical problems and create everything from bridges to electronics.
The Hot Skill Factor: "This major has carefully crafted assignments and projects that invite students to use and rely on numerical information," says Kinzie. They mirror the real world situations that engineers face, she explains.
"So, by the time they graduate, they're very comfortable with using that reasoning in new and different applications," she says. For employers, she adds, that's extremely important.
Possible Careers:*

Bachelor's Degree #4: Mathematics

Have you ever wondered how often you'd need math in real life? Well, this major does have a place in the real world and in the job market.
The Hot Skill Factor: "I think math has gotten a bad rap. It's not just about solving complex equations and crunching numbers in a dry, purely theoretical way," says Kinzie. She says that math has very meaningful real world applications.
"The strong quantitative reasoning skills a concentration in math gives students is applicable in so many fields and is a very marketable skill set," she says.
Possible Careers:*
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Personal Financial Advisor

Bachelor's Degree #5: Business

In business, the bottom line is everything. And if you major in business, you may learn how to work toward that goal through quantitative reasoning - again, the ability to understand, use, and apply statistical information.
The Hot Skill Factor: "Business majors use quantitative reasoning constantly to come up with solutions to everyday problems that happen in the real world of business," says Kinzie.
You could apply this skill to various areas - marketing with data on customer trends, accounting with cost and profit analysis, or even management with growth projections, she explains.
Possible Careers:*

Six Careers With Six Figure Potential

Six-Figure Jobs

You could make more than just a decent living in these high-paying careers...

By Sarita Harbour
So you want to make top dollar doing something you love? You're not alone.
The good news is that there are quite a few opportunities out there with six-figure earning potential. But here's a dose of reality: Those extra zeros in your paycheck won't appear overnight and will depend on a variety of factors like locale and level of experience.
Of course every goal must have its starting point. Joining a company with high integrity, an excellent reputation, and potential for growth is a good place to start, says Michael Provitera, author of the book "Mastering Self-Motivation: Preparing Yourself for Personal Excellence."
"The key is to make two or three moves in your industry, either up the ranks in your current position or to jump ship and join a new company," Provitera says. Other significant factors in earning a hefty salary include your network of contacts and your job performance, he adds.
Are you ready to learn more about careers with $100K earning potential? We've compiled details on six careers where top earners have median annual salaries in the six-figures. Keep reading to learn more.

Career #1: Human Resources Manager

Top 10 Percent of Earners*
More than $173,140
Median Annual Salary*
$99,720
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
Less than $59,020
If you've got a combination of people skills and business savvy, then a career as a human resources (HR) manager could be your dream job. Those in this role may generally direct recruiting, interviewing, and hiring efforts, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Tends to Pay: The higher pay in this career is due to the strategic role human resources managers play in organizations, says Provitera. They tend to advise and collaborate with chief executive officers and other senior managers to ensure that business strategies are successful, he explains.
Provitera adds that the best way to reach a six figure salary as a human resources manager is to join a large company that needs organizational development and change.
How to Prepare: Consider earning a bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration. According to the Department of Labor, one of those degrees, combined with several years of related work experience, are needed for this position. Some higher-level positions require a master's degree in human resources, business administration, or labor relations, says the Department.

Career #2: Art Director

Top 10 Percent of Earners*
More than $162,800
Median Annual Salary*
$80,880
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
Less than $43,870
If life as a starving artist doesn't appeal to you, then consider applying your creativity in a career as an art director. As an art director, your responsibilities may include overseeing the visual style and images in newspapers, packaging, and movie and television productions, notes the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Tends to Pay: Art directors can work in a variety of settings and for diverse clients, notes the Department of Labor.
But the one constant is that their skills have the potential to pay off - in any medium. They have the ability to command high salaries, because they possess a great eye for design plus business smarts, says Provitera.
He also offers a few words of advice: Compile a list of clients that you have served and the art that you recommended to them in order to show the value of your advice and knowledge.
How to Prepare: You will need at least a bachelor's degree in an art or design subject along with work experience in an art or design occupation, says the Department of Labor. In fact, many art directors start out as graphic, industrial, and set designers, and usually have earned a bachelor of arts or bachelor of fine arts.

Career #3: Medical and Health Services Manager

Top 10 Percent of Earners*
More than $150,560
Median Annual Salary*
$88,500
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
Less than $53,940
If you're keen on working in the health care field but not on the front lines with patients, consider a career as a medical and health services manager. Also known as health care executives or health care administrators, these managers organize and plan medical and health services, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Tends to Pay: Provitera says that medical and health services managers earn high incomes because of the growing demand for health care. That demand, according to the Department of Labor, is due to the aging baby-boomer population who will need medical services.
Medical health services managers are so highly valued because physicians place a great deal of reliance on them to coordinate and help treat the increased amount of people seeking health care, says Provitera.
How to Prepare: Look into earning a bachelor's degree or a master's. According to the Department, prospective health care executives should have a bachelor's in health services. Master's degrees in fields such as health services, public health, public administration, long-term care administration, and business administration are also common.

Career #4: Computer Systems Analyst

Top 10 Percent of Earners*
More than $122,090
Median Annual Salary*
$79,680
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
Less than $49,950
Your tech skills could translate well in a career as a computer systems analyst. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these analysts use their understanding of business and information technology to improve current computer systems and procedures.
Why It Tends to Pay: "Computer systems analysts have such high earning potential, because they maintain the safety, security, and [performance] of the computer networks," Provitera says.
And since this field is constantly changing, the best paid professionals in this industry must continually learn and grow. "[You must] never let your skills become obsolete in a rapidly changing computer environment," he explains.
How to Prepare: While a bachelor's degree in a computer or information science-subject is common among computer systems analysts, according to the Department of Labor, it may not always be required. Some may hire those with business or liberal arts degrees and computer and IT skills, while others may prefer to hire applicants with a master's in business administration with a concentration in information systems.

Career #5: Accountant and Auditor

Top 10 Percent of Earners*
More than $111,510
Median Annual Salary*
$63,550
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
Less than $39,930
Have a love for numbers and money? If so, a career as an accountant or auditor may fit the bill. In this type of role, you might spend your days preparing and studying financial records for accuracy and to ensure taxes are correct and on time, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Tends to Pay: Accountants and auditors know how and why numbers change and are able to predict future changes - making them valuable assets to employers, says Provitera.
Even more importantly, these professionals are responsible for presenting the bottom line. They establish important processes and ensure that a company is accurately reporting its revenue, which is essential for any business, he adds.
How to Prepare: Consider earning your bachelor's degree in accounting or a related area. According to the Department of Labor, that's what most positions require. Some employers may prefer those with a master's in accounting or business administration and an accounting specialization.

Career #6: Public Relations Specialist

Top 10 Percent of Earners*
More than $101,030
Median Annual Salary*
$54,170
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
Less than $30,760
Don't mind taking center stage or hobnobbing for a living? Well then a job as a public relations specialist could be the perfect career match. In this career, you might develop and maintain a positive public image for your employer or client, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Your workday may include writing material for media releases, helping your client communicate with the public, or evaluating advertising and promotion programs.
Why It Tends to Pay: Public relations specialists are well-compensated for protecting the image of the people and organizations that employ them, says Provitera.
And as with any client-based profession, it pays off to build an established track record and well-recognized reputation for success yourself, he adds.
How to Prepare: Typically, you would need a bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, business, journalism, or English to pursue this career, according to the Department of Labor.

How to survive a bad review or termination



Receiving a bad performance review or leaving a job on bad terms is a low point in anybody's career. However, by no means is your professional life tarnished. In fact, it can even be an opportunity to grow. While the circumstances of a bad review or termination can vary, how you react to either situation is key.
Read on to find out how to make the best of a bad review or how to address a bad termination in your job search.


In a bad review, get specific
If you find yourself in a review gone bad, it can be tempting to get emotional, defensive, angry or embarrassed. However, keeping your cool and remembering the purpose of a review is the first step down a path to improvement. "The focus of any evaluation should be feedback: telling employees what they do well and highlighting areas that need improvement," says Timothy G. Wiedman, associate professor of management and human resources at Doane College in Crete, Neb.

Instead of putting up a wall between you and your manager, participate in the review and try to get specifics about where the problem is and what needs to change. "For example, if an employee is told that his or her research reports are substandard, what does that really mean?" Wiedman says. "Is it a problem with the data collection or the spreadsheets, charts and graphs included in the report? Or is it a poorly written narrative that is full of grammatical errors, making it difficult to understand the implications of the analytical information?"
The key to recovering from a bad review is to show the employer that you understand his criticism and you're going to take action. "When the employee participates in the discussion during the evaluation, it indicates that he or she wants to make the effort to fix the problem," Wiedman says. "And since most good bosses are problem solvers, they will support an employee who is committed to improvement. But that employee must then demonstrate a genuine commitment to a workable improvement strategy. Just talking about improvement will not cut it."


After a bad termination, do damage control
While a poor review is enough to cause concern, leaving a job on bad terms can be problematic for your career if you don't take steps to remedy the situation. Whether you were completely to blame for the bad split or you believe your boss was, it's best not to rehash the dirty details in a job interview. Instead, address the issues in a professional, matter-of-fact way, focusing on your interest in the position and why you're a good fit.

"A multi-reason explanation is always best [when discussing why you left]," says Roy Cohen, career coach and author of "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide." "If one idea doesn't resonate, it is likely another will." Cohen suggests attributing your exit to a number of factors, such as preferring a better commute, looking for a role with expanded responsibilities and moving on after cuts to budgets and headcount. It's important to remain truthful, since references give employers the means to catch you in a lie. But keeping the conversation focused on the future instead of the past shows the employer that you're ready to move forward.
For instance, if a bad break-up with an employer is brought up through references or in the interview, demonstrate that you've moved on, learned from the situation and aren't bringing baggage to the new position. Cohen recommends this response: "'Yes, she is a tough boss but I learned a lot from her -- about setting and meeting exacting standards, working under pressure and following up. I learned from her that the devil is in the details. Those lessons were invaluable and I'm grateful for them.'"
Neither employees nor employers like to dwell on negative performance reviews or an uncomfortable termination. By making it clear that you understood the circumstances and have made efforts to improve, you're signaling to employers that you can take criticism well and you can grow in a role and make the needs of the business a priority.        

Six flexible degrees you can pursue after work

Source: Yahoo
Six flexible degrees

Even if you work a full-time job, you can still pursue one of these six degrees after you've put in your hours.

By Andrea Duchon
Maybe you're a pro at balancing your work life, your social life, and your home life, but you're wondering how you can possibly fit school life into the mix. Did you know that there are a number of online degrees you can earn after clocking out at your full-time job?
"Studying online grants an opportunity for the student to pursue resume builders that come along with full-time jobs, such as significant job titles or prestigious company names," says Lyn O'Brien, career expert and co-owner of Your Hidden Advantage, a virtual service and training company that provides support to busy professionals.
She adds that a degree buoyed by the right work experience earns much more employer notice than a degree with no pertinent experience. So continuing to work while you earn your degree can actually be a good thing for your professional future.
Wondering which degrees you can pursue while still holding down your 9-to-5? Keep reading to learn about six online degrees that could fit the bill.

Online Degree #1: Graphic Design

Do you often look at design and think that you could do it better? Or maybe you're intrigued by how designers choose which fonts and colors to use on your favorite webpages? Perhaps you should consider earning an online bachelor's degree in graphic design while you work full-time.
According to the College Board, a non-profit organization committed to excellence and equity in education, a degree in graphic design teaches students the design and computer skills needed to create the overall look of books, magazines, and websites, among other types of media. They also note that graphic design students may take classes in things like the history of graphic design, Photoshop for designers, and typography.
Why It's Great for Full-Timers: Studying in the evenings after work allows you to observe design all day long, because graphic design is everywhere, says O'Brien. "You can carry a small sketch pad with you and jot down what really impresses you or what relates to your current online assignment for school."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Graphic Design Program.
And the advantage of doing it online versus in a traditional classroom setting, according to O'Brien, is that online learning gives you more freedom to be creative, because creative work is often much easier when things are quiet and you have few interruptions.
"You can find that optimal spot to work, crank up music that matches your assignment, and get those juices flowing," she says.
Potential Careers*:

Online Degree #2: Criminal Justice

If you've always had a knack for justice and helping out your community, perhaps there's a place for you in the criminal justice system.
When you pursue a degree in criminal justice, the College Board says you explore every aspect of the law and the justice system, as well as the ins and outs of law enforcement agencies. You might take courses like policing society, statistics, and juvenile justice.
Why It's Great for Full-Timers: O'Brien says this degree allows you to "earn while you learn," because many positions in law enforcement or security entail shifting schedules and nighttime hours. Online schooling allows you to both accommodate job demands and keep your studies moving forward.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Criminal Justice Program.
"Plus, you can practice in your live surroundings at your full-time job," she notes. "People-watching while conducting everyday business functions gives you the opportunity to observe behavior patterns without being observed."
Potential Careers:

Online Degree #3: Health Care Administration

Are you already working in the health care field and looking to take your career to the next level? Earning an online bachelor's degree in health care administration could position you to climb the ladder or get your foot in the door at a health care facility.
When you earn this degree, you'll focus your time on learning the ins and outs of overseeing health care facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals, and rehab centers, notes the College Board. They report that you'll likely take courses like health care law, economics of health care, and anatomy and physiology.
Why It's Great for Full-Timers: Online learning forces you to gather information outside the box of a classroom structure, O'Brien says. And that hands-on experience can complement your studies.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Health Care Administration Program.
"As fast as health care regulations change, few people in the industry can keep up," she adds. "You, on the other hand, have the luxury of pausing anytime to relate what you are learning to the current market. Additionally, your full-time experience will keep you more vibrantly current than any course of study can."
Potential Career:

Online Degree #4: IT and Information Systems

If you've paid attention to the digital shift happening all around us, you may also be aware of the work of IT specialists. By earning your bachelor's degree in IT and information systems online, you could prepare yourself to jump on the growing trends post-graduation.
But what can you expect to learn? The College Board says that in an IT program you might take common courses such as computer networking, web technologies, and introduction to computer science. During the program, you'll concentrate on how information and computing systems support business and communication needs.
Why It's Great for Full-Timers: "The more you explore the Internet and the more you keep up with new software developments and their equivalents, the more valuable you are," O'Brien says. "Take advantage of the opportunity to apply what you are learning online."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online IT and Information Systems Program.
And you can apply what you learn in the degree program while you're working during the day by using the same processes.
"Whether networking or programming, IT professionals excel when they understand systems from a helicopter view. Paying attention to workflow during your current job and helping to design better structures is not only good experience, it will also impress any current or future employer," she says.
Potential Career:

Online Degree #5: Business Administration

Whether you're looking to get started in the business world or you already hold a position with an organization, earning your online bachelor's degree in business administration could put you on the right track to climb the corporate ladder.
In fact, the College Board says earning this degree prepares you to plan and control an organization's activities. Along with operations management and accounting, they say other typical major courses could include business statistics, economics, and marketing.
Why It's Great for Full-Timers: By working a full-time job while earning your degree online after work, you can evaluate business practices from a customer viewpoint day in and day out, says O'Brien.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Business Administration Program.
"Every vendor, every service provider, professionals of any kind, and companies that you deal with every day in your job - they all give you opportunities to distinguish concepts you are learning in your online studies viewed through a customer's eyes. It's practical experience in learning."
And she says that learning online prepares you for managing people post-graduation. From identifying customers, communicating with staff, updating supervisors, and checking out the competition, research and organizational skills honed through online learning are a huge boon.
Potential Careers:

Online Degree #6: Accounting

If you've always had a passion for numbers and organization, earning your online degree in accounting could give you the opportunity to go back to school without quitting your full-time job.
But you'll go beyond just learning about how to file taxes, according to the College Board. They say that accounting majors learn how to gather, record, and interpret data about an organization's financial performance. You also may study things like business law and auditing.
Why It's Great for Full-Timers: Experience breeds higher salaries in this case, says O'Brien. While it's true that bookkeepers, auditing clerks, and small business accountants could find work with only a high school degree, earning an online degree in accounting puts you in a better position to demand a higher salary post-graduation.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
"On-the-job experience in financial record-keeping counts, and experience with sophisticated enterprise software scores even higher with employers," she adds.
Plus, with the added complications of the e-business world, O'Brien says that researching online transactions as you study from the comfort of your home may make homework easier than if you were learning in a traditional setting, as you have the ability to explore right at your fingertips.
Potential Careers: 

Degrees that teach skills for in-demand jobs

Degrees that teach skills

These degrees can teach you valuable skills that could translate to on-the-job success.

By Terence Loose
Are you considering going back to school, but want to make sure you earn a degree that will give you in-demand, marketable skills that prepare you for a shot at a good career?
Well, good news. We did some homework that might just save you a little of your own.
First, we asked experts to weigh in on various popular bachelor's degree programs, telling us what marketable skills they might teach students. Then we matched those skills with careers that the U.S. Department of Labor predicts will have a higher than average growth rate from 2010 to 2020. That average, by the way, is 14 percent, according to the Department of Labor itself.
So read on to see what we found.

Degree #1: Computer Science

Here's a degree that teaches both specific and general skills that are applicable to a wide variety of careers, says David Bakke, an editor at MoneyCrashers.com, a career and financial advice website. And the coursework, while rigorous, does pay off in marketability, he says.
Earning the Degree: Typical classes taken by computer science majors might include digital system design, computer system organization, artificial intelligence, and data structures and algorithms, says the College Board, a nonprofit research organization that promotes higher education.
Depending on the specific program, Bakke says a computer science degree could teach any number of specific computer-related skills such as programming, data management, and graphics.
These programs also often develop students' analytic and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to lead or be part of a team, working toward a common goal, he says. This is often how those new apps or software programs are developed, he says.
Potential Career:* Software Developer
Projected Job Growth, 2010 to 2020:** 30 percent
These are the creative minds behind those fancy computer and phone applications you have open in other tabs at the moment - which explains why the U.S. Department of Labor suggests the following skills for potential applicants: creativity, analytical ability, problem-solving, and teamwork.
The Department of Labor says that software developers typically have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field.

Degree #2: Health Care Administration

Whether you watch CNN, Fox News, or even Comedy Central, you've no doubt noticed a lot of talk about the future of health care. That's because it's the country's fastest growing industry and will be one of the biggest recruiters of college graduates in the next decade, says Anthony P. Carnevale, director of Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce.
Earning the Degree: Health care administration majors might study everything from accounting and health care law to health care ethics and epidemiology, says the College Board.
Debra Wheatman, a certified professional career coach (CPCC) and president of Careers Done Write, a career coaching agency, says this degree is valuable, because it teaches complex problem-solving and communication, as well as specific skills in areas like human resources and management.
"Graduates should come out with the ability to look at a problem from many different perspectives and come to a solution that is best for all parties," she says. In the case of the medical industry, that's important to employers, because there's a lot on the line - money, but also patients' health.
Projected Job Growth, 2010 to 2020: 22 percent
These professionals manage health care facilities large and small, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Problem-solving and communication skills are important in this career.
The Department of Labor also says that "prospective medical and health services managers have a bachelor's degree in health administration." However, they also note that master's degrees are also common, in fields such as health services, business administration, public health, public administration, and long-term care administration.

Degree #3: Business Administration

Here's a perennial favorite degree that offers a very eclectic set of skills, says Ryan S. Himmel, president and CEO of BIDaWiz, Inc., a financial advice website and company. He says that's because the coursework in this degree covers a broad range of business topics.
Earning the Degree: The College Board says a business administration and management major typically takes a course load that might include operations management, financial management, economics, business ethics and law, and marketing.
"Some skills you'll get with this degree are management, communication, and analytical skills," adds Himmel. "And these are key to success in the management of any business."
Potential Career: Financial Analyst
Projected Job Growth, 2010 to 2020: 23 percent
These finance experts study stocks, bonds, and other types of investments and make investment recommendations to businesses and individuals, says the U.S. Department of Labor. They say it is important for these pros to have analytical, communication, decision-making, and other similar skills.
The Department of Labor says a bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, economics, finance, or statistics is required for many financial analyst positions.

Degree #4: IT and Information Science

With Big Data - the accumulation of massive amounts of information about consumers by large companies - fast becoming the buzz word in the big business world, a degree in information technology (IT) or information science could be very valuable, says Bakke.
Earning the Degree: IT majors could take courses such as computer networking, computer systems and architecture, systems analysis and design, and web technologies.
Bakke says some of the key skills you'll acquire in these classes and by pursuing this degree are information storage and database management - two things crucial to working with Big Data.
Other, equally important skills Bakke says IT students pick up are analytical, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Potential Career: Computer Systems Analyst
Projected Job Growth, 2010 to 2020: 22 percent
These tech-savvy pros help make more efficient and productive computer systems for companies, says the U.S. Department of Labor. They add that it is important for computer systems analysts to have analytical, creative, and teamwork skills.
The Department of Labor says most of these professionals have a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field.

Degree #5: Accounting

Looking for a practical degree that offers real-world skills that will be in demand for the foreseeable future? Look no further than a bachelor's in accounting, says Susan Heathfield, who has more than two decades of experience in the human resources field and writes for About.com.
Earning the Degree: The College Board says an accounting major typically takes classes like business law, cost accounting, government and not-for-profit accounting, and accounting information systems.
"This degree is in my top three for giving skills employers are looking for," says Heathfield. She does have one caveat: Because the entire world is now reliant on computers, accounting majors should gain computing skills as well as the more traditional accounting skills.
Math, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, are a few of the in-demand skills this degree provides, she says. "Following the financial crisis, accountants are now very important to companies and need to be able to communicate risks to management clearly," she says.
Potential Career: Accountant
Projected Job Growth, 2010 to 2020: 16 percent
Accountants not only make sure a company's financial books are in order, they also prepare taxes and sometimes offer financial advice to management, says the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor says these pros should have analytical, communication, organizational, and other similar skills.
While a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field is needed for most accountant positions, some employers might prefer those with a master's degree in accounting, or in business administration with a concentration in accounting, says the Department.

Degree #6: Paralegal Studies

These days, pursuing a degree in paralegal studies is about computer technology - especially when it comes to research skills - as it is about solid writing and analytical skills, says Bakke. And the coursework seems to reflect that.
Earning the Degree: Typical courses for paralegal studies majors may include civil procedure, criminal law and procedure, legal research and writing, and litigation, says the College Board.
This degree should hone important legal profession skills like writing, analytics, and, in today's world, computer skills, says Nancy Tetreaux, a communication and career coach with 20 years of experience in human resources management.
"And of course gaining expertise in research skills is key," she adds. She says current legal trends mean that most of this research has moved from actual law libraries to online libraries and search engines, so coursework will reflect that.
Potential Career: Paralegal
Projected Job Growth, 2010 to 2020: 18 percent
Paralegals assist lawyers both in and out of court by doing everything from conducting research to drafting legal documents, says the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor adds that helpful skills for the profession include computer, research, writing, and speaking.
The Department says that most paralegals have an associate's degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor's degree in any field along with a certificate in paralegal studies.