Great Careers To Pursue

Exploring the various career options available is crucial in making an informed decision. Researching the projected growth of different careers can help secure a job and maintain it in the future. In this article, I will discuss some promising careers that individuals can consider if they have been laid off and are searching for a new job.

1. Educator

Projected Growth: 17 percent, 248,880 new jobs

Teachers play a vital role in providing education. With education being a longstanding field, the demand for teachers, especially in elementary schools, is steadily increasing. Elementary school teachers are responsible for planning and grading assignments, as well as communicating with parents about their child's progress.

Why is it a good choice: The teaching profession is stronger than ever, with a growing focus on excellent teachers and maintaining a favorable student-teacher ratio. Additionally, more schools are open to hiring older employees, making it a favorable option for those looking to re-enter the workforce after being laid off.

Preparing for this career: To become an elementary school teacher, a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education is required. Public school teachers also need a state-issued license or certification. Some states may require teachers to have a major in a specific content subject or earn a master's degree after obtaining their teaching certificate.

2. Financial Professional

Projected Growth: 16 percent, 190,700 new jobs

Accountants are not just busy during tax season; they work throughout the year. This profession is constantly growing, with an increased demand for accountants in various industries. Accountants are responsible for examining financial statements, maintaining financial records, and providing suggestions to enhance revenues, improve profits, and reduce costs.

Why is it a good choice: Every business, company, and organization requires the expertise of an accountant. After the 2008 recession, businesses realized the importance of having a skilled accountant. As budgets increase, the demand for accountants continues to grow.

Preparing for this career: Most accountants need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree in accounting or business administration with a concentration in accounting.

3. Healthcare Professional

Projected Growth: 26 percent, 711,900 new jobs

Registered nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. They coordinate patient care, record medical histories, and consult with doctors before patients see them.

Why is it a good choice: The demand for registered nurses is consistently high, and this profession shows no signs of slowing down. With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in 2014, the healthcare industry is expected to experience significant growth. Additionally, there is already a shortage of registered nurses, making it an ideal career choice for those looking to re-enter the workforce or pursue a second career. Age is not a barrier, as the median age of registered nurses is 46.

Preparing for this career: There are multiple paths to becoming a registered nurse. You can pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Regardless of the path chosen, a license is required.

4. Software Developer

Projected Growth: 30 percent, 270,900 new jobs

Software developers are responsible for creating computer programs, software, and apps that cater to user needs. With the rise of technology, software developers are in high demand, as they need to keep up with the latest advancements and develop programs that align with current needs.

Why is it a good choice: Technology continues to advance, with smartphones, tablets, and computers becoming increasingly prevalent. This ensures a constant need for software developers to create and update software to keep up with technological advancements. This career is ideal for individuals who are tech-savvy and interested in pursuing education in software development.

Preparing for this career: A bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is typically required. It is also recommended to have some computer programming skills.

5. Medical Records and Health Information Technician

Projected Growth: 21 percent, 37,700 new jobs

If you have a knack for organization, a career as a medical records and health information technician might be a good fit. These professionals are responsible for maintaining and organizing data for clinical databases, reviewing patient records for accuracy, and ensuring the confidentiality of patients' health information.

Why is it a good choice: This career requires minimal schooling, making it an attractive option for individuals looking to enter a new field without spending years on education. The healthcare industry is expected to continue growing, providing more job opportunities for medical records and health information technicians.

Preparing for this career: Most professionals in this field have a certificate or an associate's degree. Some employers may require professional certification.

6. Management Analyst

Projected Growth: 22 percent, 157,200 new jobs

Management analysts help businesses improve their efficiency by identifying and implementing changes. They gather and organize information to identify problems and develop solutions.

Why is it a good choice: Every company, business, and organization strives to cut costs and increase profits. Management analysts play a crucial role in achieving these goals by rethinking and reorganizing management teams and their roles to enhance efficiency.

Preparing for this career: A bachelor's degree is typically required, with studies in business, management, accounting, computer and information science, economics, marketing, statistics, or engineering. Some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in business administration.

7. Market Research Analyst

Projected Growth: 41 percent, 116,600 new jobs

Market research analysts are responsible for forecasting and monitoring sales trends, gathering data about competitors and consumers, and designing surveys to collect valuable information.

Why is it a good choice: Market research analysts are in high demand as they help companies improve their products and services based on consumer feedback. This career offers the opportunity to contribute to a company's success by analyzing consumer opinions and making data-driven decisions.

Preparing for this career: Most individuals pursue a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field. Degrees in computer science, statistics, math, communication, or business administration can also be beneficial.