Five Careers With Staying Power

Five Careers With Staying Power

Make the rest of 2009 the period for a new career launch that will last! Explore "staying power careers" -- those projected to grow over the next decade; ones with room for upward growth via education; and up-and-coming fields that meet new society demands.

Health Care

"In an aging population, the demand for health care increases as does the demand for health care workers," says Edwin W. Koc, director of Strategic and Foundation Research at the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which provides job outlook reports for college graduates.
Beyond demand in the traditional areas of nursing, physical therapy, and pharmacy, emerging health care professions include assisted living, hospital care, mental health, pharmaceutical, medical devices, cosmetic surgery, and biotech.

Internet-Based Services

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer scientists and database administrators are expected to be among the fastest-growing occupations through 2014. Rapidly changing technology requires an increasing level of skill and education on the part of employees, and also communications and other interpersonal skills. While a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for many jobs, some may require only a two-year degree.

Accounting and Financial Services

Thanks to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which was created to protect investors from corporate accounting fraud by establishing new or enhanced standards, the demand for financial professionals will continue growing faster than the average through the year 2014, states the BLS. "[The legislation] has been a boon to the accounting profession," notes Koc. Accountants and auditors held about 1.2 million jobs in 2004, reports the BLS.

"Positions highest in demand are accountants and auditors," says Robert Lyons, vice president and group leader of Professional Services for Kelly Services, a national staffing service. The median annual salary of accountants and auditors was $50,770 in 2004, with the top 10 percent earning more than $88,610, reports the BLS.

Careers with a Security Focus

Today's security concerns on both the government and corporate levels require professionals with security-specific skills. Many businesses in the education, financial, logistics, legal, medical, IT, and telecommunications fields, for instance, now seek individuals with a security clearance.
"Anyone who is transitioning out of the military with a security clearance could be a hot commodity in both the federal and private sectors," says Lyons. "Defense contractors, federal civil engineers, along with the intelligence communities are creating the highest demand for security-cleared professionals."
Intellectual property (IP) attorneys who specialize in patent law will be in demand as well. The protection of patents by corporations is essential for them to succeed, according to Lyons. "IP attorneys with advanced degrees in engineering, biotechnology, and computer sciences will be coveted and will have the opportunity for greater earnings."

Engineering and Science

As technology becomes more sophisticated, employers will seek engineering technologists who can combine their degrees with on-the-job experience. "Engineers are needed across the board, with the biggest shortage of civil/structural engineers and designers in the chemical and petrochemical industries," according to Steve Armstrong, senior vice president of Technical Services for Kelly Services.
Overall employment of engineering technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014. Competitive pressures will force companies to improve and update manufacturing facilities and product designs, resulting in more jobs.
"Today's need for higher fuel efficiency, alternative fuels and hybrids and lower emissions (without sacrificing performance) has caused a significant increase in the demand for engineers in this area," Armstrong says.