- Career Guide Home
- Career Advice
- Career Development
- Get the Job
- Internship Advice
- Job Search Process
- Tools & Resources
Print
Eight Hot Careers in 2 Years
by Peter Vogt
MonsterTRAK Career Coach
College sounds good, but four years of it? No thanks.
If that describes how you feel, no problem. A two-year associate's degree from a community or technical college can take you quite far, especially if you're interested in some of the most in-demand careers between now and 2012, as predicted by the
If you're good with tools and can figure out mechanical problems while dealing with concerned customers, consider becoming an automotive mechanic/technician. The BLS predicts the addition of 101,000 jobs in the field between now and 2012, and the median annual salary for mechanics was about $30,600 in 2002.
As a computer support specialist, you'll work with people in person, on the phone, or via email or online chat to solve problems. You'll need strong troubleshooting and technical skills, along with the ability to work with people who are often angry and frustrated when they contact you.
The BLS anticipates an additional 153,000 jobs in the field between now and 2012, despite the fact that some of these jobs are now being outsourced overseas. Median annual salary for computer support specialists in 2002: $39,100.
Last time you went to the dentist, you probably had your teeth cleaned -- and perhaps even had a few X-rays done -- by a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists perform routine preventive care and educate patients about good oral hygiene.
The BLS predicts the addition of 64,000 dental hygienists nationwide between now and 2012, and people in the field earned a 2002 median annual salary of about $55,300.
Funeral Director/Mortician
Funeral directors/morticians handle the details that go with laying someone to rest. Typically, they also prepare the deceased person's body for burial or cremation. It's not a job for everyone, but if you're interested in helping people during difficult times and you have strong organizational and communication skills, it may be right for you.
While the BLS predicts the field will grow "more slowly than average" between now and 2012, organizations such as the National Funeral Directors Association say the industry will lose thousands of people in the next 10 years because of retirement. Median annual salary for funeral directors in 2002: $43,380.
Doctors and nurses rely on
The medical assistant field will be the fastest-growing occupation between now and 2012, according to BLS projections. Median annual salary for medical assistants in 2002: $23,940.
A paralegal/legal assistant is the skilled researcher and writer every attorney needs. You'll help develop legal arguments for trials, draft contracts and other documents and oversee a wide variety of other key tasks.
The paralegal field will add about 57,000 jobs between now and 2012, the BLS predicts. Median annual salary for paralegals in 2002: $37,950.
For several years the United States has faced a chronic shortage of nurses, and it isn't expected to let up soon. Registered nurses constitute the largest healthcare occupation in the US, with about 2.3 million jobs.
Between now and 2012, the BLS predicts, the field will add another 623,000 jobs. Median annual salary for registered nurses in 2002: Just over $48,000.
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary technicians (AKA vet techs) are to
As people become increasingly willing (and able) to spend money on their pets, the BLS is predicting the need for an additional 23,000 veterinary technicians (and their close cousins, veterinary technologists) between now and 2012. Median annual salary for vet techs in 2002: $22,950.
For More Information
To learn more about these two-year-degree career possibilities, check out
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Computer Support Specialists Dental Hygienists Funeral Directors Medical Assistants Paralegals and Legal Assistants Registered Nurses Veterinary Technicians
Visit My Monster, or learn more about conducting your entry-level job search on MonsterTRAK.
Return to MonsterTRAK Career Advice Archives
The purpose of this article is to both provide information and facilitate general dialogue about various employment-related topics. No legal advice is being given and no attorney-client relationship created. Please see the disclaimer for further limitations and conditions.