Degrees to Watch Out For: Seven Fields that Are Hiring Now

Whether you’re graduating from high school or you’re an adult returning to school to improve your job prospects, you want to choose a program of study that will ensure you find a job after graduation. Let’s face it: majoring in art history or philosophy might be fascinating, but the chances of those programs leading to a lucrative and stable career are slim.

There are some majors that have excellent prospects for the next few years and are projected to be in high demand. That means that choosing one of these fields is more likely to get you a great job upon graduating and who doesn’t want that?

Business. A degree in business administration, or a specialty such as marketing or finance, is always a good choice. Not only do these programs provide the practical skills necessary for a career, but business administration programs generally build problem solving, leadership and critical thinking skills that are always in demand from employers.

Accounting. As long as there is business – and the IRS – accountants will be in high demand. In fact, nearly 60 percent of the firms surveyed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers said that they plan to hire new accounting grads in 2012. Businesses from small mom and pop shops to major international firms need qualified individuals to manage the books and handle tax preparation and a program in accounting will prepare you to earn the certifications you need for a long career in accounting.

Computer and Information Sciences. Technology advances more with every day and businesses need people who can keep up and manage their technology infrastructure. From webmasters and network administrators to software developers and information security experts, the job possibilities for those with a background in computers and information are nearly endless.

Engineering. The job outlook for engineers over the next ten years is better than average and those with a degree in engineering have a better chance of landing a job than others. Within the engineering field, subspecialties such as civil engineering, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering are likely to help you land a well-paying job, as well as newer specialties like network engineering.

Healthcare. People will always get sick, that’s a fact of life. Combine that with the aging and growing and that itself means that demand for healthcare will continue to grow. Nursing offers the greatest number of employment opportunities, having a master’s in public health offers great opportunities with nurse shortages occurring in some parts of the country, but there is also need for those with education in medical assisting, pharmacy, physical therapy and healthcare administration.

Economics. Many students avoid majoring in economics, thinking that the field for practicing economists is somewhat limited. That may hold true, but most economics majors land various jobs working in government, accounting, education, journalism, banking and finance. In fact, the NACE survey found that more than half of employers surveyed are looking for economics majors in 2012.

Education. Education, like healthcare and accounting, will always be in demand. With changes in the education system, and growing demand for special education teachers, studying to be a teacher or administrator is likely to open many doors to many employment opportunities.

The average cost for a four-year college education at a public school is nearing $50,000; at a private school, the four-year total can be well over six figures. With such a significant financial investment at stake, it makes sense to choose a degree program that will lead to a good job and steady income after graduation.

When choosing a major, do some research into the expected job outlook in the field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has excellent, up-to-date information on the outlook for nearly every possible career. Consider the types of jobs available with that degree, the general salary range and whether you can land a job in the area where you want to live.

And don’t forget to seriously consider your personal interests. Landing a job is important, but your own strengths, weaknesses and interests also matter. If you aren’t interested in computers, or struggle with mathematical concepts, majoring in computer science or accounting is likely to make you miserable.

Carefully consider all of the options and choose a major that will be both personally fulfilling, as well as help you get a job.

This guest post article was written and provided by Marissa Krause who finished her degree this last fall and has just begun her own online marketing company.