Most Promising Careers For 2010



We are now nearing the end of 2009 and what a year it was…double digit job losses, business closures, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and overall economic distress. It came down to the survival of the most uniquely positioned. Where will you end up at the end of this year? If you aren’t uniquely positioned here is the current situation:

• In September, construction employment declined by 64,000
• Manufacturing jobs fell by 51,000
• Retail trade jobs fell by 39,000
• Government employment was down by 53,000
• Total unemployment at 15.1 million since December 2007

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics **

Enough of the negative rhetoric for now…let’s get on to a solution that is providing positive results on a global scale for those that wish to become uniquely positioned. The most promising careers for 2010 and beyond include a new skill set, mindset, and business model. Just as the industrial revolution took us out of The Great Depression so will the global internet economy.

That’s right I’m talking about the most powerful commerce tool ever created, the internet. The ability to target 1.5 billion internet user’s world-wide from any location you choose via a computer and internet connection is unprecedented. According to The Nielsen Company September 2009 report, in addition to spending an average of 68 hours online monthly, the average user visits nearly 2700 websites and averages 57 seconds per site. The incredible part is anyone can learn to leverage this tool to create a simple, low stress, low overhead, and high profit business that provides self employment and security today. With the increase in internet use and those wanting to learn how to become internet entrepreneurs the need for education and training providers will skyrocket. Every business out there will need to accept this new way of conducting business as the old methods become less and less effective & profitable. So, why not learn this skill set and become a uniquely positioned sought after resource? That’s exactly what I realized earlier this year so I got educated by the best. This is your choice as well.

Today I work from my home as an online entrepreneur & coach taking leverage to main-street. By learning the valuable internet skill set, mindset, and business model I overcame the economic situation of today. By teaching it I will help others do the same for the future. Imagine how that will feel when you create this similar picture for yourself and others.

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Careers in Economic Field



If you are interested in studying in the Economics field, there are a wide variety of career choices available to you. Generally speaking, most people with an Economics degree is whatever minor they choose, go for a Bachelor’s degree, although a Master’s degree will always ensure that you start out higher to the top of the companies food chain, and earn more annual income.

Career choices in the field of Economics can include Economic Consulting with research companies or consulting firms, where you would advise the company on business strategies and help to prepare economic evidence for court cases. Another destination that many Economic graduates find is law school. In the field of Economic law, you would have the chance to influence many decisions based on the economy, and would be able to contribute to many firms and government agencies. And, speaking of government agencies, there is always the choice of working directly with the government through non-profit organizations. The government, local, state, and national, hire Economists to aid with the statistic and analysis portion of business.

A look at the potential annual earnings for majors in Economics shows that, with a bachelor’s degree, for instance if you decided to pursue your degree in Economics with a concentration in Finance, the annual salary that you could expect in your first year would be around $45,000, whereas a degree simply in marketing would earn you only $36,000 annually. The low end of the earnings for an Economy major, reported in 2005 was $24,000 for a bachelor’s degree, while those with a Master’s degree earned $37,000 starting annually. Wages can go up to nearly $100,000 yearly, depending upon whether you decide to seek employment with a private or government sector. The Federal Government’s annual salary for economists with a Master’s degree in 2005 was $89,441. That’s the average salary, so keep in mind that you may have to put a couple of years into the job before you can expect your salary to meet this standard. Overall, Economists are expected to earn a significantly higher income whether they are working with the government or with a private company, simply because the need much outweighs the supply.

Economists are normally employed within larger cities, however some do work overseas for varies companies, either government or private international operations. World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations all employ economists from all over the world to work in their facilities.

If you are considering a career in the Economics field, there are a few minor requisites to keep in mind. Those interested in Economics will normally be able to pay great attention to details. This is highly important because you will spend much time on precise data analysis. You also must possess patience and persistence, since you will be required to spend many hours solving problems, and you will have long hours of independent study ahead of you. You must be able to present findings on your studies in a clear manner, both orally and written, so good communication skills are of the utmost priority.

A Master’s degree or a PH.D is normally required for many private companies and most government agencies. Although a bachelor’s degree will get you in the door to your Economics career, it’s best to obtain at least a master’s degree if you plan to start in a top position. You will also need at least a master’s degree if you plan to teach Economics. Instructors and professors of Economics are among the highest paid career choices, outside of the Federal Government, so if you want to help others to obtain their goal in reaching an Economics degree, a master’s degree will be required. The educational requirements and courses that you will need will, of course, vary depending on the college or institution that you attend. Basically, for a master’s degree, you will need courses such as advanced economic theory, econometrics, labor economics, and international economics courses. These are the graduate courses that are required by most companies. Undergraduate courses will include microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, and the history of economic thought. The entry-level jobs for the Federal Government require a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 21 semester hours of economics and at least 3 hours of statistics, accounting, and/or calculus.

You can find more information about the courses required and available at the college or institution that you attend. Economists are a growing number, and will continue to be needed in our society, so if you have an interest, and have the necessary thinking, analysis, and data skills, a career in the Economics field would be a wonderful choice.

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Changing Careers After 50 – The Baby Boom Generation



It is becoming more and more common to see people over the age of 50 changing careers. In decades past, many people stayed in the same career, and sometimes even the same job, for virtually all of their working lives. However, times have changed and it is becoming very common for people to change careers a number of times during their lifetimes.

A number of factors are contributing to the increased numbers of people in the 50 and over population who are seeking to change careers. One of the biggest factors is the sheer size of that age group. The market segment commonly referred to as the baby boomer generation isn’t made up of babies any more. The baby boomers are now in the 50 plus age group, so there is a larger workforce in this segment of the population now than ever before.

Additionally, in today’s world of advanced medical technology, people tend to stay healthy and live longer than those of generations past. This fact, paired with fears about dwindling social security benefits and the virtual disappearance of employer-sponsored pension plans has resulted in people continuing to stay in the workforce longer than those of prior generations.

However, just because people are working longer does not mean that they are staying in the same career longer. People’s interests, abilities, and financial requirements change as they age, and it is not unusual at all for people 50 and over to change careers.

Even those who have the opportunity to retire find that they are bored without a career to occupy their minds and their time. Some retirees find that they actually need to continue to earn income to maintain the retirement lifestyle they want to have. Many retirees who choose to re-enter the workforce go back into occupations similar to the ones they held previously.

The good news for those seeking a midlife career change is that there are a number of excellent opportunities to find and secure the type of employment that you desire. Many companies actively recruit older workers, and there are a number of occupations that lend themselves very well to those who are in the 50 plus age group.

When preparing to make a career change after 50, it is a good idea to give some thought to what you really want from your new career. You have probably had enough experience at this point to know what you like and don’t like about the types of jobs you have had. It’s never too late to acquire new skills and to pursue a career change in an occupation that will be both financially and personally rewarding.

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Electrical Engineering Careers



If you are interested in becoming an electrical engineer, there are many electrical engineering careers that are excellent career choices. While becoming an electrical engineer can take a bit of schooling, studying, and hard work, the variety of electrical engineering careers that are available often make it worth the years of working towards the goal. If you are considering getting an electrical engineering degree, you may want to take a look at the electrical engineering careers that are available once you complete your training.

Digital Technology

One of the many electrical engineering careers includes working with digital technology. This career allows electrical engineers to work with digital technology and to develop ways to make digital technology small enough to be easy to use. Workers in this career may be able to work with cell phone companies to make the required technology small enough to fit into the smallest cell phone or they may design technology to make cell phones more efficient. This can be an exciting career for an electrical engineer and can be quite lucrative as well.

Power Engineering

Another of the many electrical engineering careers is power engineering. This type of a career deals with working with power and electricity and transmitting, generating, and distributing this power effectively. This career requires working with generators, motors, transformers, and even power electronics. While this can be a dangerous job at times, it can be very exciting and rewarding for an electrical engineer.

Computer Engineering

Electrical engineering careers also include computer engineering, as well. While electrical engineers do not actually design the software for computers, they often design the hardware and electrical technology that makes them run effectively. If you enjoy working with computers and want an electrical engineering degree, this is one of the electrical engineering careers that you may enjoy.

Control Engineering

Another of the electrical engineering careers that are available for those with an electrical engineering degree is control engineering. This career involves working with controllers to make entire systems work in a particular manner. Electrical circuits, PLCs, micro controllers, and digital signal processors are often used for this job. Many people in this specific field actually end up working for NASA and working with the systems and controls for space shuttles. This can be one of the most exciting electrical engineering careers that are available for electrical engineers.

Electronic Engineering

Electrical engineering careers are also available in electronic engineering for those who are electronic engineers. In this career field, electronic engineers not only design electronic circuits, but they also test them, as well. Those who choose electrical engineering careers in this field work with radios, computers, and modern television systems on a regular basis. This can be a very rewarding and interesting career to pursue.

These are just a few of the electrical engineering careers that are available once you get a degree in electrical engineering. There are always career options for electrical engineers, so getting a degree in this field guarantees you a job in a field related to your interests.

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A Career As An Environmentalist



Most people who want to become environmentalists don’t do it for the money, but do it to protect the environment. Environmentalists help people make better decisions about using limited natural resources frugally. They help research on how to improve the environment, write articles on the environment and the air, give press releases and campaign. There are various types of environmentalists in many different positions.

Necessary Education

Whatever type of environmentalist you want to be, you should have a background in science. It’s not only necessary but also helpful. It helps in researching for scientific purposes, engineering, technical consultation, hazardous waste recycling and other technicalities. The education that you acquire depends on the type of environmentalist you want to become. A bachelor’s degree in science, be it natural science or physical science, is necessary. If you want to pursue a career in environmentalism where you would be working with an NGO or doing social work, then you also require a bachelor’s degree in humanities or sciences.

You can also opt for a Masters degree in other related fields of environmental science such as environmental studies, environmental planning, public policy and many more. Some popular universities like University of Michigan, Evergreen State College, University of Montana and Yale University offer courses in Environmentalism.

Getting Internships

Education is not the only thing that’s important if you want to be an environmentalist. It is important that you get the right amount of exposure on the job. This is possible through internships. Internships usually do not pay but can give you enough experience and exposure to get a good job. Internships normally involve making internship reports based on a particular project or assignment. Most internships are a part of the degree program, whether it is an undergraduate or master’s degree. There has to be satisfactory completion of the internship to complete your environmental studies.

Experience

Though education is important, experience has much more value. Experience in any given field can give you much more information and knowledge than in class training or education. Being an environmentalist, you can get great training by working in a non-profit organization or by volunteering. Internships also give sufficient experience in the field of environment. While doing an internship, it is important that you display your skills and learn as much as you can.

Most organizations will take make interns full time employees if they are good because they have spent time and energy training them and guiding them on the intricacies of the job. It is important that you get an internship or a volunteer’s job at a reputable company or preferably a government agency, though getting into these places as an intern is as difficult as going for a job interview. Remember that the more experience you get, the better it is going to be for you to secure a good job a few years down the line.

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Career Change after 50!



Career and job change after age 50: some tips to consider.

Changing a career at any age has its own challenges. Making a career change after age 50 presents a series of tests, which if done right, could bring significant rewards.

Throughout your working career, and by age 50, you may have changed careers several times so this time you want to do it right. There are a number of questions you have to ask yourself in order to get on the right track.

Are you looking to change careers because of physical problems? Maybe the stress of the current career and job are getting you down. Looking for something that is closer to your area of interest or in a more relaxed atmosphere?

First, list your interests and skills. What situations or challenges were you faced with? What actions did you take? What sort of results did you achieve? Be as specific as possible in writing out your achievements. Now what skills were required to achieve these results? Working with a team, managing and supervising others, setting and managing a budget, completing a project are all activities that could be on your list.

In any career change after age 50 you will be bringing a variety of skills to your new career. After researching the new career you will find overlap in a number of areas when you compare both careers. Be sure to highlight this overlap in drafting your resume.

If at first look you do not think you have the required skills for the new career, it would be productive to find someone currently working in the new career field and call them for a short interview. Either on the phone or in person you can inquire about the necessary skills to do the new job, challenges presented or how your work experience fits the new career.

You may find that some training is required to qualify for the new career. Training can take many forms. Starting with self-study, to formal classroom to the internet all are valuable sources of training to help you jump-start your entry into this new career area.

Many employers view maturity in an applicant as a positive factor in hiring. An applicant over 50 can provide them with a dependable worker with a lifetime of practical experience. Work experience that can be a valuable asset to a likely employer.

Even in a new career field, bringing many transferable skills, a high degree of motivation and enthusiasm all translate into a successful career change after age 50. The key is to demonstrate that even after age 50 that you have the skills and abilities to be productive for many years to come.

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The Highest Paying Careers in Allied Health Today



Allied Health-also known as the Health-Related Professions-is used to identify a cluster of health professions encompassing as many as 200 different careers in health care. Currently, it is estimated that there are 5 million allied health care providers who work in more than 80 different professions. This represents approximately 60% of all health care providers-but this is just a fraction of how many allied health care workers are needed to meet current and future healthcare needs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that more than 36% more workers will be needed in the Allied Health fields in the next ten years.

Allied Health professions fall into two broad categories: technicians (assistants) and therapists/technologists, and the educational requirements and salaries vary.

Allied Health Technicians

Technicians are trained to perform procedures, and their education lasts less than two years. They are required to work under the supervision of technologists or therapists. This part of the allied health field includes physical therapy assistants, medical laboratory technicians, radiological technicians, occupational therapy assistants, recreation therapy assistants, and respiratory therapy technicians.

Technicians can begin working very quickly in their chosen field due to the shorter period of education required. Some careers as Allied Health Technicians require less than a year of secondary education, usually at a vocational or technical school or a community college.

Salaries for Technicians are in line with the education requirements, but some areas pay more than others. For instance, a Medical Assistant may have a starting salary as low as $22,000 a year (although the average salary is closer to $28,000 for Medical Assistants), but an Ophthalmic Technician can earn a starting salary as high as $39,000 with close to the same amount of education.

Here is a list of starting salaries for Allied Health Technicians, from highest to lowest, according to the American Medical Association.

Allied Health Career Annual Salary in $

Respiratory therapist 41,537

Ophthalmic Technician 39,000

Clinical lab technician / medical lab technician 37,100

Radiographer 36,918

Electroneurodiagnostic technologist 34,726

Occupational therapy assistant 33,000

Kinesiotherapist 32,500

Dental assistant 32,198

Dental lab technician 31,780

Physical therapist assistant 30,000

Health information technician 30,000

Ophthalmic dispensing optician 27,000

Phlebotomist 24,315

Medical assistant 22,650

Orthotist and prosthetist 22,000

Pharmacy technician 19,000

Ophthalmic laboratory technician 15,100

Allied Health Therapists & Technologists

The educational process for therapists or technologists is more intensive and includes acquiring procedural skills. In addition, students of therapy/technology learn to evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, and understand the rationale behind various treatments in order to judge their appropriateness and potential side effects. Educational curricula teach students to evaluate patients’ responses to therapy and make appropriate decisions about continued treatment or modification of treatment plans.

Many careers as Allied Health Therapists and Technologist require a bachelor’s degree, and some even require additional post-baccalaureate education. As a result, salaries tend to run much higher for those working as Therapists and Technologists in Allied Health-although you will still see large variations in pay. For instance, while an Anesthesiologist Assistant can have a starting salary as high as $95,000 a year, an Art Therapist can still earn as little as $32,000 a year with the same amount of education.

Here is a list of starting salaries for Allied Health Therapists and Technologists, from highest to lowest, according to the American Medical Association.

Allied Health Career Annual Salary in $

Anesthesiologist Assistant 95,000

Physicians Assistant 71,000

Nuclear Medicine Technologist 67,429

Radiation Therapist 65,381

Perfusionist 60,000

Pathologist’s Assistant 55,000

Physical Therapist 54,000

Speech Language Pathologist 52,694

Cytotech Supervisor 48,000

Cytotechnologist 46,000

Occupational Therapist 46,000

Orientation and Mobility Specialist 46,000

Specialist in Blood Bank Technology 45,000

Magnetic Resonance Technologist 44,410

Medical Librarian 41,000

Health Information Administrator 40,000

Dietician/Nutrionist 35,300

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IT Careers: Are They For You?



Making a career decision is a big step, with many factors to consider carefully. However, if you’re looking for an opportunity that combines a love of computer technology, the challenge of managing and manipulating information, and the excitement and fast pace of working with a team to find cutting-edge solutions, you may want to consider one of the many IT careers.

IT careers, (short for Information Technology), are extremely hot right now, with thousands of opportunities for the right sort of individual. However, before we take a look at some of the reasons why you may want to explore opportunities in the IT career field, let’s first take a minute and look at what is meant by the term “IT Careers.”

What are IT Careers?

Information Technology is an expansive term that includes the many facets of managing and processing information, along with the operation and administration of the related technologies. Generally speaking, qualified IT career professionals are charged with duties such as designing and developing software and hardware applications, managing information networks, administering and securing large databases, and using the internet to develop solutions.

These days information technology is everywhere. From simple office-related software on your home or business computer, to network-wide applications that allow you to communicate and shop online, to complicated applications that control city-wide electrical grids, IT has become part of the fabric of everyday life.

Why Should I Pursue an IT Career?

Perhaps the best reason for pursuing an IT career is that, as a world, we are currently only scratching the surface of the enormous potential for new and improved information technology, and those who secure IT careers will be at the forefront of this continuing explosion of information.

IT careers are in great demand right now and are generally considered to be recession-proof, even during tough economic times. The simple reason for this is the current lack of qualified individuals to perform IT duties. Securing the proper training for the IT career of your choice could very well translate to a level of job security not enjoyed by professionals in other fields. If you enjoy the thought of being one of the leaders in this time of great technological change, it’s difficult to ignore the sheer number of IT career opportunities available.

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Felony Friendly Jobs – Jobs That Don’t Care About Your Record!



One disadvantage of having been in prison is that by the time you get out, you will find yourself having a great deal of difficulty finding a job. Most employers are leery of hiring anyone with a criminal record, and even if you have turned over a new leaf after paying your debt to society, it doesn’t change that bias towards people refusing to hire you once they find out about your past.

However, this isn’t the time to despair. It doesn’t mean the end of the world if you are unable to get employment immediately. There are still a lot of felony friendly jobs available if you only know where to look. Even if the unemployment rate continues to rise due to the present economic situation, there are legitimate and legal places where you can get hired immediately without having to be interviewed for the position.

If you have an email address and access to an Internet connection, you can have a job within minutes. These felony friendly jobs are known as “get paid to” jobs which will involve participating in various online marketing research surveys that pay people to give their opinions on various products or services, political or social atmospheres, TV programs or movies, and any number of other topics.

You get paid for every survey you participate in by as much as $10 for every 10 to 15 minute survey or questionnaire you complete. It’s as easy as clicking boxes or filling in some questions fields, and you will be paid via check.

Making an honest living after life on the inside doesn’t have to be so difficult, simply participate in “get paid to” programs online to earn money and start your life anew.

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Careers With Law Degree – What Kind of Jobs Are Out There?



Careers with law degree are varied and abundant. Graduating with a law degree will open doors for many possibilities and opportunities. Attending law school prepares you to think analytically, become a good problem solver and mediator as well as develops your persuasive writing techniques and teaches you to be very detail oriented. These skills are useful in any profession, and as a result, lawyers can be found in many different settings. Law students can find careers in business, real estate, publishing, the arts, education, social services and politics.

Traditional Careers with Law Degree

Traditional careers for lawyers include going into private practice, law firm, law department in a corporation, or government agency.

1. Private Practice

In a private practice, you would work in a small, medium or large sized firm, made up of few attorneys to hundreds of them. Most often, small private practice firms focus on a specific type of law. Large private practice firms employ a large number of lawyers in many different areas of the law. Regardless of firm size, you would start your career as an associate, or entry level lawyer. While in this position, you would spend your time producing legal documents, writing briefs, researching topic assigned by partners. The next step in the law firm hierarchy is becoming a partner. Partners not only decide what cases are accepted by the firm but also receive more of the firm earnings.

2. Government

In government organizations you could work at the local, state or federal level. The benefit of government law jobs is that you can practice any area of the law. Some common positions are the District Attorney and Public Defenders, Attorney General and Department of Justice Lawyers.

3. Corporations

Corporations of all types usually have a number of lawyers working for them, otherwise known as in-house counsel. In these types of positions you would most likely have one client and deal with any legal issues that come up. Typically, corporate jobs will allow you to work less hours and have a fixed salary.

4. Academics

A relatively small amount of lawyers works in law schools. Those that do, usually serve as faculty members, specializing in one or more subjects.

Alternative Careers with Law Degree

There are many non traditional ways to use your law degree. One example are non profit organizations. Because law school develops strong persuasive writing skills, these skills can then be applied to obtaining grants and funding. These same skills are also useful in positions such as developmental officers at universities, hospitals and political campaigns. Other alternative careers that rely on problem solving and analytical skills are those of corporate executives, bankers or school administrators.

Due to the many useful skills you will learn in law school, do not worry about your career options. This degree program will prepare you to work in a number of different settings, often settings not directly tied to law. Even if you practice law for a few years and decide that a career in law is not for you – many alternative career options are at your disposal. Keep your eyes open and be proactive.

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