Hot Careers for 2011
2011 is going to see a lot of people go back to work according to experts. As the economy evolves, many will be entering new fields. If you’re looking to transition careers but aren’t sure what you want to do, a good place to start would be to look at what careers are in demand.
US News and World Report has published a list of the 50 best careers for 2011. The report highlights professions to consider based on criteria such as job-growth projections, salary data, and job satisfaction.
You can view the full list here. Here’s a highlight of jobs making the list that may surprise you:
Business Sector
- Actuary
- Logistician
- Meeting Planner
- Public Relations Specialist
- Training Specialist
Creative and Service Sector
- Curator
- Gaming Manger
- Interpreter / Translator
Healthcare
- Athletic Trainer
- Physician Assistant
- School Psychologist
- Veterinarian
Social Service
- Court Reporter
- Emergency Management Specialist
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Mediator
- Urban Planner
Technology
- Civil Engineer
- Computer Support Specialist
- Environmental Engineering Technician
- Hydrologist
- Meteorologist
If you’re looking to make a change in careers, you can find brief descriptions at USNews.com and dig deeper into the qualifications. Network in the field and take advantage of informational interviews. Once you get a good idea what it’s like to work in your new field of interest, evaluate skills you can transfer over and ones you need to obtain.
It’s hard to switch to a career that is not yet developed. I have been interested in doing mediation work (conflict resolution) but have found that many attorneys are already doing the work and have the contacts. This may change, but it’s hard to put time into something in which I may not be able to generate enough work.
I am surprised that Public Relations Specialists are going to be in demand because there are so few jobs now.
All in all, this economy has created a lot of confusion regarding which way to go. Projections aren’t fact and it feels like a gamble to switch to some career fields.
Holli,
Good point. It wouldn’t be wise to switch fields purely based on projections. Paying attention to one’s transferrable skills and how they can apply to jobs within growing industries, particularly those you’re interested in, would be more productive.
Good luck with your transtion into mediation work. It always helps making connections with people and grow your professional network in your target field.
In addition to growing your network, here is an article you might find helpful when considering a career transition –
https://blog.jobfully.com/2011/01/making-a-career-transition/
Best,
Mei