Careers With Staying Power Beyond 2008

It's great that 2008 is the year for your new career launch, but do you really want to start all over again in 2009? Avoid a lifetime of involuntary career leaps by exploring occupations with staying power -- job markets projected to expand over the next decade; professions with room for advancement via education; and up-and-coming fields that meet new society demands. Enter one of these healthy and growing industries, and chances are your career will have a long and prosperous life.

With average life expectancy continuing to increase, professions within the health care field will experience enormous growth in the coming years. And, it's not just publicized shortage positions such as registered nurses that the recruiters are scrambling to fill, says Robert Lyons, vice president and group leader of professional services for Kelly Services, a national staffing agency. "Physical therapists and pharmacists are highly sought after."Clinical experience is often preferred, but many companies are accepting recent college graduates," he says.

Other emerging health care professions with increasing opportunities include assisted living, hospital care, mental health, pharmaceutical, medical devices, cosmetic surgery and biotech.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer scientists and database administrators are expected to be among the fastest-growing occupations through 2014. Employment of these computer specialists is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations as organizations continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technologies.

Rapidly changing technology requires an increasing level of skill and continuing education on the part of employees. Companies look for professionals with an ever-broadening background and range of talents, including not only technical knowledge, but also communications and other interpersonal abilities. Most employers place a premium on some formal college education. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for many jobs; however, some jobs may require only a two-year degree.

"An entire new breed of companies will continue to emerge every several years as we recognize paradigm shifts in technology," says Aretakis, who holds degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering from Hobart College and Columbia University and has worked in sales/marketing and senior executive positions for high technology firms.

Thanks to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which was created to protect investors from corporate accounting fraud by establishing new and enhancing existing standards, the demand for financial professionals will continue growing faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014, states the BLS. "[The legislation] has been a boon to the accounting profession," says Koc. "In the financial and accounting fields, the job outlook for newly graduated financial professionals is extremely good," says Lyons. "A wide range of industries -- from corporations and government entities, to accounting and legal firms and nonprofit organizations -- all need a variety of financial professionals. Positions highest in demand are accountants and auditors," he says. According to the BLS, the median annual wage and salary earnings of accountants and auditors was $50,770 in 2004. The top 10 percent earned more than $88,610.

In today's turbulent world -- one fueled by security concerns both governmental and corporate -- professions requiring security-specific skills are beginning to emerge. Many civilian employers require employees with government-level security clearance, or at least prefer candidates with experience in similar kinds of work environments. Many contractors give hiring preference to ex-military personnel, for instance.

There is a wide range of businesses in the education, financial, logistics, legal, medical, IT and telecommunications fields, for instance, that now require 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 attorneys who specialize in patent law will also be in demand because certain businesses need to protect their patents. The protection of patents by corporations is essential for them to succeed, says Lyons. "IP attorneys with advanced degrees in engineering, biotechnology and computer sciences will be coveted and will have the opportunity for greater earnings."

As technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, employers will continue to scour the industry for engineering technologists who have solid on-the-job experience in addition to a degree. "Engineers are needed across the board, with the biggest shortage of civil/structural engineers and designers in the chemical and petrochemical industries," says Steve Armstrong, senior vice president of technical services for Kelly Services. "The medical device sector is seeing extensive growth and there is a demand for mechanical and validation engineers."

Overall employment of engineering technicians is expected to skyrocket through 2014, growing faster than the average for all occupations during that time. Competitive pressures will force companies to improve and update manufacturing facilities and product designs, resulting in even more jobs for engineering technicians. "There is a high demand for quality/process engineers and electrical engineers, especially in the areas of electronics, specifically power train engineers, those that work with drive trains, engines, transmissions, etc.," Armstrong says.

These engineers design engines, transmissions, drivelines and various components on vehicles. "Today's need for higher fuel efficiency, alternative fuels and hybrids and lower emissions has caused a significant increase in the demand for engineers in this area," Armstrong says.

If 2008 is your year to change careers, check out a field with longevity and steer clear of the "here today, gone tomorrow" gigs. Of course, it's also important to think about other factors when planning for your future, including what you enjoy, where your talents lie and what will give you the best employment options.

Whatever you decide, be sure to research job-outlook information to help you make the best decisions.

Source: MSN, Nina Silberstein, 1/10/8