Fast-track careers
Looking for a new job or your very first one? Here's where the hiring is the hottest
The job market hasn't been this rosy since the pre-recession hiring boom of the late '90s. You can thank a bear market, corporate scandals, and 9/11 for making companies skittish about taking on new workers. But things are changing, with employers adding a large number of jobs this year. No matter how buoyant the job market is, though, there are still some professions and industries that offer more or better or higher-paying opportunities. So, if you are starting out on the long career road, or itchy to switch jobs, or just plain curious, here is a sampling of some of the better job fields for today and the foreseeable future.
Paraprofessional : Education
Paraprofessional
How hot: Paraprofessionals provide a variety of services, from tutoring and assistant teaching to basic clerical work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that paraprofessionals and teacher's aides will be the fastest-growing jobs in education, increasing between 21 and 35 percent through 2012. "It's a very attractive way to get into the classroom and both provide a valuable support service to schools and get on-the-job teaching experience," says Mildred Hudson, CEO of Recruiting New Teachers, a nonprofit teacher-recruiting clearinghouse.
How to land the job: Current requirements range from a high school diploma to some college training, but new provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act that come into force on Jan. 1, 2006, will require a two-year college degree and state certification.
How much: Average salaries for paraprofessionals are around $20,000 per year. About 40 percent work part time, and among full-timers, nearly 40 percent work less than an eight-hour day. Many go on to become teachers. -Alex Kingsbury
Forensic scientist : Government
Forensic scientist
How hot: Law enforcement agencies rely increasingly on detailed forensic evidence to solve crimes. Continued expansion of crime labs at all levels means the job market should remain strong for the next few years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Television shows like CSI have also prompted more interest in forensic science degrees, which is tightening competition for new jobs, says Roger Kahn, immediate past president of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors.
How to land the job: Most crime labs require at least a bachelor's degree, though a master's degree is a great asset in career advancement. Graduates of forensic science programs are strong candidates, as are nonmajors with coursework in chemistry, biology, and the physical sciences. Kahn says good public-speaking skill--needed for presenting evidence in court--is often a key factor in hiring.
How much: Starting salaries vary widely depending on geography and qualifications. The average starting annual salary for a forensic scientist is $30,000, while more-experienced analysts make about $70,000. -Alex Kingsbury
Train conductor : Transportation
Train conductor
How hot: Thanks to retirements and the sinking dollar's boost to exports, there's a lot more work on the railroads these days. The Association of American Railroads predicts the industry will hire more than 80,000 new employees in the next six years.
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