Monday, January 28, 2008
One Year to a New Career
One Year to a New Career
Start learning in 2008 to land a hot job in 2009
By Ysolt Usigan
Has your current job situation finally convinced you that your New Year’s resolution should entail a career change? If so, you’ll need to come up with a game plan that can take you to a new career. But, don’t let a lack of a degree or training keep you from getting there.
Luckily, some career-training paths can be completed in a matter of a year or two. From dream titles to positions that might surpass your financial expectations, exploring professional options begins at school.
And don’t think of it as a traditional four-year journey: Many of today’s most popular associate and certificate programs grant entry into careers in financial services, the restaurant industry and “green” fields, to name a few.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources, many of the jobs projected to be among the fastest growing or most lucrative can be attained via two-year degrees and certificate study.
What’s an actuary?
Most people don’t know what an actuary is. To sum it up in the fewest words possible: Actuaries help businesses assess financial risk. From analyzing data to estimating probabilities of what an event, a project or other occurrence can cost a company, actuaries use mathematical formulas to address financial questions.
Knowledge of statistics, finance and general business practices is a must, since actuaries have a hand in designing insurance policies, retirement plans and other strategies that will ensure a company’s many practices remain financially sound.
While most actuaries are employed by insurance companies, they can work for various other types of businesses. Salary predictions are high. According to the BLS, median annual earnings for actuaries were at $82,800 in 2006.
Employment for actuaries is expected to grow much faster than average through 2016, as more and more businesses require professionals to assess their financial risks. Those extremely dedicated in finding work in this field will have a good chance at landing lucrative positions once they’ve completed and passed the stringent qualifying exam for actuaries.
Not including the qualifying exam, you can become an actuary in less than two years by completing an accelerated or associate program in business, math or actuarial science.
Sheetal Kaura really enjoyed math as a child. She’s an associate of the Society of Actuaries at Fitch Ratings, a global rating agency that provides credit markets with independent opinions.
“I was originally a math major when I started at the University of Western Ontario,” she said. “At the end of my first year, we had a mathematics career day where an actuarial science professor spoke. I decided to enroll in my first actuarial science class and from then on, I loved it!”
Although Kaura earned a Bachelor of Science in statistics and actuarial science, you can follow in her footsteps (and quickly, too) by exploring an associate program.
More “spirited” work
Wine lovers are in luck. Demand for sommeliers (that’s wine stewards, in case you were wondering) is high. The number of available positions for connoisseurs is expected to continue to grow throughout 2008 and beyond.
Shayn Bjornholm’s wine career began on the restaurant floors of the Stanhope and Palace hotels in New York City in the mid-1990s. He worked his way up to become a dining manager of Jeremiah Tower’s Stars Bar and Dining in Seattle, and nearly 10 years later was the first to complete the International Sommelier Guild’s diploma program at Washington State University.
Wherever Bjornholm goes, he carries the knowledge of 15,000 bottles of wine. He’s skilled in the art of pairing wine with food. His specialized training landed him an impressive position at Seattle’s Canlis Restaurant. “My job is to demystify wine,” he said, “while still honoring a fantastic food pairing.”
Those interested in becoming sommeliers will learn about the production of grape varieties in major growing areas of the world and the viticulture (science of winemaking) practiced in each. Food and wine matching, the proper serving of wine and wine list development are also taught in such programs, which typically result in a certificate in under six months.
Four-year viticulture/enology degree programs, which focus on the cultivation of grapes and the science of winemaking for wine enthusiasts, are also available. Prior food-service or bartending experience is not necessary in order to enter such programs.
Going green
The move to reduce humanity’s impact on the planet has been neatly summed up by all things “green.” Add to that the growth of green-collar jobs. According to a recent BLS report, top future jobs will include green sectors that will greatly impact the economy.
To stay ahead of the curve, schools such as the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, a community college, are “greening” their curricula and campus efforts to meet the needs of the growing sector. The school’s green curriculum is designed to comprehensively train future employees in a variety of jobs compiled by using CNN’s Top Green Gigs List.
Programs include wastewater management, green-related architecture, and diesel and sustainable construction technologies, just to name a few.
Marcy Drummond, vice president of academic affairs at LATTC, is spearheading the effort for the Los Angeles Community College District. “We’re committed to training workers to build and maintain a more environmentally sensitive world,” she said.
Michelle White, director of environmental affairs at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, is also staying true to this cause. As an authority on sustainable operations with the tourism industry, White serves as a brand-wide ambassador of Fairmont’s award-winning environmental program.
More and more companies are investing in environmental management and employing experts like White to address planet concerns. “Like Fairmont, other companies are looking to hire [individuals] to oversee this area of their business,” said Mike Taylor, public relations manager at Fairmont.
Although White received a master’s degree in environmental science, you can follow in her footsteps in just two years. Some schools offer distance-learning programs for certification in geographic information systems and various environmental policy and management as well as water resource management.
Other Hot Careers on the Two-Years-or-Less
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http://spotlight.encarta.msn.com/Features/encnet_Departments_AdultLearning_
default_article_Learn08Career09.html?GT1=10788
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JWork on 01/28 at 11:53 AM
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Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Work to Rebuild Your Confidence After a Job Loss
Work to Rebuild Your Confidence After a Job Loss
WSJ January 8, 2008; Page B4
Q: I have 15 years of experience in consumer-product marketing, seven in my last job. It ended six months ago, when my boss and I parted badly. Since then, job interviews haven’t gone well because of my low self-esteem. Should I stop job hunting and find temporary work until I feel better?
A: Since your interviews haven’t gone well, finding interim work so you can “sit it out” for a while may seem tempting. But it isn’t easy to find interim jobs that pay decently. In addition, “companies ask hard questions of people who take breaks,” says Robert Richards, an executive recruiter with Axcel Recruiting Inc., Richmond, Va.
The market in your field is good, adds Mr. Richards, so work on rebuilding your confidence and devising a strategy to market yourself. Think of yourself as a product with many benefits, and don’t worry about a few bad interviews with recruiters.
Develop a concise statement about why you left your past job. It could be as simple as “after seven years, I needed a new challenge.” Be honest about your boss without saying anything negative. “Just say that you parted ways and don’t get into the details,” says Mr. Richards. If necessary, come up with other people who can serve as references.
Sign up with leading job-search sites in your field, and contact recruiters you haven’t spoken with yet. Be flexible about relocating. Most jobs in your field are at headquarters, and more opportunities will be available if you are open to moving. Also consider small companies. “Lots of smaller companies need people with your know-how, especially if you have big-company experience,” says Mr. Richards.
Remember: Job hunting is a numbers game. The more customers you contact, the closer you’ll get to a sale. With the right attitude, a new job may be at the end of the next conversation.
Write to Perri Capell at
Hyperlinks in this Article:(1) mailto:careersqa@wsj.com
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119976242457274023.html
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JWork on 01/08 at 09:42 AM
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30 Top Jobs of 2008
30 Top Jobs 0830 Top Jobs of 08
By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer
A new year means new beginnings: new resolutions, ideas and friends; new habits, relationships and goals; new salaries, titles and responsibilities.
And perhaps most importantly, new jobs. Lots of ‘em. And not just for 2008, either - until 2016.
Total employment is expected to increase by 15.6 million jobs during the 2006-16 decade, according to the most recent employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Almost all of this growth will occur in the service-providing sector, which will account for 75 percent of all jobs in 2016.
Professional and related professions and service occupations are projected to grow most quickly, accounting for more than six of 10 new jobs created throughout 2006-2016. Twenty-eight of the 30 fastest-growing jobs are in professional and related occupations and service positions.
Interested in getting in on the new job action this year? Here are the 30 fastest-growing growing occupations for 2006-2016, according to the BLS.
1. Network systems and data communications analysts
2006 employment: 262,000
2016 projection: 402,000
Percent growth: 53.4
Salary range: $46,360 or more
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree
2. Personal and home care aides
2006 employment: 767,000
2016 projection: 1,156,000
Percent growth: 50.6
Salary range: Less than $21,220
Education/training: On-the-job training
3. Home health aides
2006 employment: 787,000
2016 projection: 1,171,000
Percent growth: 48.7
Salary range: Less than $21,220
Education/training: On-the-job training
4. Computer software engineers, applications
2006 employment: 507,000
2016 projection: 733,000
Percent growth: 44.6
Salary range: $46,360 or more
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree
5. Veterinary technologists and technicians
2006 employment: 71,000
2016 projection: 100,000
Percent growth: 41
Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560
Education/training: Associate degree
6. Personal financial advisors
2006 employment: 176,000
2016 projection: 248,000
Percent growth: 41
Salary range: $46,360 or more
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree
7. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
2006 employment: 2,000
2016 projection: 3,000
Percent growth: 39.8
Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300
Education/training: Postsecondary vocational award
8. Medical assistant
2006 employment: 417,000
2016 projection: 565,000
Percent growth: 35.4
Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560
Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training
9. Veterinarians
2006 employment: 62,000
2016 projection: 84,000
Percent growth: 35
Salary range: $46,360 or more
Education/training: First professional degree
10. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors
2006 employment: 83,000
2016 projection: 112,000
Percent growth: 34.3
Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree
11. Skin care specialists
2006 employment: 38,000
2016 projection: 51,000
Percent growth: 34.3
Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560
Education/training: Postsecondary vocational award
12. Financial analysts
2006 employment: 221,000
2016 projection: 295,000
Percent growth: 33.8
Salary range: $46,360 or more
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree
13. Social and human service assistants
2006 employment: 339,000
2016 projection: 453,000
Percent growth: 34.3
Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560
Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training
14. Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators
2006 employment: 9,000
2016 projection: 12,000
Percent growth: 33.6
Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560
Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training
15. Physical therapist assistants
2006 employment: 60,000
2016 projection: 80,000
Percent growth: 32.4
Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300
Education/training: Associate degree
16. Pharmacy technicians
2006 employment: 285,000
2016 projection: 376,000
Percent growth: 32
Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560
Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training
17. Forensic science technicians
2006 employment: 13,000
2016 projection: 17,000
Percent growth: 30.7
Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree
18. Dental hygienists
2006 employment: 167,000
2016 projection: 217,000
Percent growth: 30.1
Salary range: $46,360 or more
Education/training: Associate degree
19. Mental health counselors
2006 employment: 100,000
2016 projection: 130,000
Percent growth: 30
Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300
Education/training: Master’s degree
20. Mental health and substance abuse social workers
2006 employment: 122,000
2016 projection: 159,000
Percent growth: 29.9
Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300
Education/training: Master’s degree
21. Marriage and family therapists
2006 employment: 25,000
2016 projection: 32,000
Percent growth: 29.8
Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300
Education/training: Master’s degree
22. Dental assistants
2006 employment: 280,000
2016 projection: 362,000
Percent growth: 29.2
Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560
Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training
23. Computer systems analysts
2006 employment: 504,000
2016 projection: 650,000
Percent growth: 29
Salary range: $46,360 or more
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree
24. Database administrators
2006 employment: 119,000
2016 projection: 154,000
Percent growth: 28.6
Salary range: $46,360 or more
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree
25. Computer software engineers, systems software
2006 employment: 350,000
2016 projection: 449,000
Percent growth: 28.2
Salary range: $46,360 or more
Education/training: Bachelor’s degree
26. Gaming and sports book writers and runners
2006 employment: 18,000
2016 projection: 24,000
Percent growth: 28
Salary range: Less than $21,220
Education/training: On-the-job training
27. Environmental science and protection technicians
2006 employment: 36,000
2016 projection: 47,000
Percent growth: 28
Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300
Education/training: Associate degree
28. Manicurists and pedicurists
2006 employment: 78,000
2016 projection: 100,000
Percent growth: 27.6
Salary range: Less than $21,220
Education/training: Postsecondary vocational award
29. Physical therapists
2006 employment: 173,000
2016 projection: 200,000
Percent growth: 27.1
Salary range: $46,360 or more
Education/training: Master’s degree
30. Physician assistants
2006 employment: 66,000
2016 projection: 83,000
Percent growth: 27
Salary range: $46,360 or more
Education/training: Master’s degree
Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
Last Updated: Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 3:39 PM
Posted by
JWork on 01/02 at 09:31 PM
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