Top 5 Career and Educational Paths to Job Security
June 26, 2009As people struggle to find and keep their jobs, there are careers and career paths that can supply you with job security. The top five best jobs to ensure job security are:
- Medical assistant–With the increasing demand for health services, the health care industry is sailing through the economic downturn. Many allied health training programs offer a path into this high-demand sector in a year or less.
- A one-year medical assistant certificate qualifies graduates to do administrative work in hospitals and medical clinics. Medical assistants also perform light patient care, such as managing patient records and taking blood pressure readings. The Department of Labor predicts a stunning 35 percent growth in employment through 2016, making this one of the top ten fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. Average 2008 salary: $29,000
- Electrical engineering technician certificate or associate degree Technicians can give their career a shot of life with a targeted career training program.An engineering technician associate degree or certificate combines courses in math and science fundamentals with hands-on training. The two-year associate degree features a broader college education, which can lead to more advancement opportunities and higher pay. Electrical engineering technicians earned an average salary of $53,990 in 2008.
- IT project manager professional (PMP) certificate– IT and computer support specialists can take their career to the next level with project management training. The project management certification program equips you with the skills to lead a team and manage complex projects. The program, which may be completed in a matter of months, offers real-world training in everything from budget forecasting to risk management. You’ll also build expertise using Microsoft Project and other advanced project management tools. PMP certification training prepares you to take the Project Management Institutes’s professional certification exam.Moving into a management role offers more than a solid foothold in the IT department. Project managers also command a significantly higher salary. Computer and information systems managers earned $118,710 in 2008.
- Paralegal certificate or associate degree– Paralegals are steadily ascending in the legal profession, assuming many of the responsibilities traditionally reserved for attorneys. As a result, demand for qualified paralegals is rising. According to the Bureau of Labor, this occupation is poised to grow 22 percent through 2016.
Formal training for paralegals means either an associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree in any field combined with a paralegal certificate. The certificate, which may be completed in under a year, is well-suited to career changers who already have a college degree in another field. If you are starting out fresh, choose a two-year associate degree which combines core academic courses with applied legal training. Paralegals earned $48,790 in 2008. - Associate degree in interactive media design– Artists don’t need to abandon their creative vocation during economic tough times — for career opportunity, look no further than the digital arts. An online program in interactive media design can help you bridge the gap between artistic talent and gainful employment. You’ll develop technical skills in today’s interactive multimedia applications, including 3-D modeling, animation and video production programs.Multimedia artists can expect better job prospects than nearly any other artistic specialist, with 26 percent employment growth projected through 2016. Industries fueling the demand for digital artists include entertainment, advertising, and even scientific research and design services. Three-dimensional design and animation skills have applications in video game and Web development, as well as architectural and design modeling. Multimedia artists earned $62,380 in 2008.


