Why 3 Jobs Are Better Than One

Just as the riskiest financial investment strategy is to have all of your money in one place, the riskiest career management strategy is to have all of your income from one organization unless you are in a critical role and have skills that are difficult to find in the labor market.

To enjoy job security and professional fulfillment in this new employment reality, you should have a "portfolio career" that includes multiple and simultaneous income streams or "career acts." Career acts can include an eBay business, part-time job, profitable hobby, non-executive board seat, franchise, authored book, affiliate links on your blog, weekend jazz trio, etc.

Here are 10 tips for managing career acts in a portfolio career:

Diversify
Start maximizing your talents to generate broad-based income streams. Some career acts can be slow and steady sources of income, while others can be higher-risk with higher potential reward. Professions such as nursing or teaching science are low-risk sources of guaranteed income, whereas starting a small business has a higher risk, with potential for a much higher reward.

Invest intelligently
To build income-generating career acts, you will need to invest in yourself, your business, your network and the like. You may need, for example, to return to school for a degree or training program, to invest in equipment or supplies, or to attend a conference or some other networking event. Manage the financial risk incurred by being realistic about your talents and abilities and making sure you have the tenacity and effectiveness to take full advantage of your investments.

Actively manage your portfolio
Your career acts will need different investments and have different trajectories for growth. Today's careers are actively self-managed.

Invest prudently
Start protecting your time and your discretionary spending, as you may need both to start a new career act.

Maintain high ethical standards
Do not add career acts that a reasonable supervisor wouldn't consider or that would use company time or resources for your private gain. At the same time, remember that you did not take a vow of poverty when you became employed.

Sell highMany people actively manage how they enter an organization but passively manage their exit, often waiting for a layoff, reorganization or something else to force their departure. If you work for an unsupportive supervisor, have no opportunities for growth or dislike what you are doing, start planning your exit while you still have an income stream.

Know your tolerance for riskEntrepreneurship is not right for everyone. Find a mix of career acts that do not add anxiety to your life and that align with your talents.

Trust your hunches
Do not let anyone tell you that you lack focus or should get serious about one career. Careers today are moving further away from the traditional 40-hour-per-week employer to more self-directed opportunities for generating income.

Understand the data
Speak with multiple people who occupy any career act you would like to have. There are often different ways to achieve the same career goal. Some ways may take less time and less money but produce the same result.

Seek advice
Often people have a hard time understanding ways they can use their talents and abilities. Speak to trusted friends or advisers who know you well and want to see you succeed about what they see you doing. You will be surprised at how well others can spotlight your talents and give you ideas.

A well-managed portfolio career can provide greater income, personal fulfillment and professional security. What income-generating opportunity can you create for yourself that would use your talents and skills, in a way you would like to work? Make a plan and start growing your amazing portfolio career.





Source: careerbuilder

Companies hiring in large volume

Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases data on the unemployment rate, jobless claims and other economic indicators. With every report, economic experts and analysts give their overview of the hiring situation and trends.

Although the big picture suggests the hiring situation has improved from the start of the recession to today, one question remains the same: "Where are the jobs?"

Job seekers don't care about trends if they can't see the jobs. We want to help job seekers answer that question by giving them a list of 22 companies hiring in large volume. These companies are looking for workers now, and they cover a wide variety of industries.

Look below to see the employers who are hiring, how many positions they're hiring for and some of the job titles you'll find. Click on the company name to see available positions:

1. FirstGroup
Number of jobs: 10,000
Sample job titles: Bus driver and technician

2. Wells Fargo
Number of jobs: 4,500+
Sample job titles: Online/telephone customer service, underwriter, teller, personal banker and fraud detection positions

3. ResCare
Number of jobs: 2,200
Sample job titles: Direct care staff and home health aide

4. AIG (US)
Number of jobs: 1,000+
Sample job titles: Accounting, claims, information technology, operations, sales and underwriting

5. AT&T
Number of jobs: 1,000+
Sample job titles: Engineering, retail, information technology and enterprise sales

6. Coinstar Inc. (Redbox and Coinstar)
Number of jobs: 900+ jobs over the next 12 months
Sample job titles: Field service, technology and various corporate positions

7. Bon Ton (Carson's, Herbergers, Yonkers, Bergners, Elder-Beerman, Boston Store)
Number of jobs: 1,000+
Sample job titles: Retail sales, cosmetic, shoe sales, buyer and merchandiser

8. Bob Evans
Number of jobs: 300+ full time, 700+ hourly
Sample job titles: Restaurant hourly positions (server, cook, host, etc.), restaurant GM, assistant manager, finance and information technology

9. Liberty Mutual
Number of jobs: 800+
Sample job titles: Claims, customer service, information technology, sales and underwriting

10. Panera Bread Co.
Number of jobs: 500+
Sample job titles: Restaurant management, customer service associate, baker, driver, marketing, information technology, help desk

11. Fresenius
Number of jobs: 800+
Sample job titles: Clinical manager, patient care technician, acute RN, IT

12. Raymond James Financial
Number of jobs: 100+
Sample job titles: IT, finance, administrative, operations, field branch opportunities

13. It's Just Lunch
Number of jobs: 450
Sample job title: Sales representative

14. Home City Ice
Number of jobs: 600
Sample job titles: Route delivery driver, ice production worker, semi driver

15. Carrol's Corp.
Number of jobs: 750+
Sample job titles: Restaurant general manager, assistant manager, shift leader, team member

16. UHS-Pruitt
Number of jobs: 400+
Sample job titles: Therapist, therapy assistant, nurse, director

17. Moorehead Communications / DBA The Cellular Center
Number of jobs: 150
Sample job titles: Sales, sales management

18. Clayton Homes
Number of jobs: 300+
Sample job titles: Sales representative, sales manager, manager in training

19. Holiday Retirement
Number of jobs: 400+
Sample job titles: Community manager, community sales leader, corporate roles

20. Extendicare
Number of jobs: 450+
Sample job titles: Physical and occupational therapist, director of nursing, nursing home administrator

21. Amedisys
Number of jobs: 1,000+
Sample job titles: Home health, hospice, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathologist, sales and operations, account executive, business office manager, director of operations

22. CNA Insurance
Number of jobs: 150+
Sample job titles: Underwriter, IT, actuary, risk control, business development




Source: careerbuilder

Who's Hiring Now

America's Most-Wanted Workers

Though the U.S. economy has softened this year -- headlines warn of mortgage woes, layoffs and escalating gas prices --  there are still jobs out there ... you just have to know where to look.

We dug deep into Bureau of Labor Statistics data to find industries that are still adding jobs despite a rising national unemployment rate.

Health care
With a large segment of the population entering retirement age, health care remains strong adding more than 254,000 jobs so far this year. All sectors of the health-care industry experienced growth from January to August 2008. Ambulatory health-care services (which include doctor's offices, outpatient care centers and home health services) experienced a gain of 117,100 jobs. Hospitals added 92,700 positions, while nursing and residential care facilities grew by 19,600 jobs. Additionally, social assistance (like substance abuse and mental health counseling) added 24,000 jobs. Indeed, 30 percent of large health-care employers (50 or more employees) expected to expand staffs in the third quarter of 2008, according to CareerBuilder.com and USA Today's "Q3 2008 Job Forecast."

Government The federal government, which employs more than 1.8 million civilian employees (except for the U.S. Postal Service), has added 46,000 jobs so far this year. At the state level, 32,000 new jobs were added; the local government, which added 88,000 jobs from January to August 2008, remains the strongest sector of the industry. While government staffing levels are often subject to budget and administration changes, there will be a growth in specialized areas related to border and transportation security, emergency preparedness, public health and information analysis.

Education
Education is growing at a healthy clip in 2008. The industry added more than 126,400 jobs during the first eight months of the year. Many factors are contributing to the industry's surge. The movement toward universal preschool and all-day kindergarten will require more preschool and kindergarten teachers. A necessity for more special education teachers is the result of a greater emphasis on classroom inclusion of disabled students. To meet the needs of special education and ESL students, classrooms will need additional teacher assistants. More high school graduates will attend college and professionals will return to school to enhance or update skills therefore feeding the demand for post secondary teachers.

Mining/Oil and gas extraction
Although the U.S. crude oil production has declined by 20 percent in the last decade, employment in mining rose by about 48,600 workers in the first seven months of 2008.  Support activities for mining and oil and gas extraction accounted for most of the increase, adding 30,900 and 9,800 jobs respectively, but coal mining saw a small boost, too. What's contributing to the rise in demand for some of today's most dangerous jobs? Three key factors: the U.S. government's goal to reduce dependence on foreign oil, new drilling techniques and technologies, and the prospect of opening federal lands to oil exploration.

Professional and business services
This category, with its vague name and broad reach, is comprised of several sectors, but three in particular, engineering, computer systems and consulting, experienced growth from January to July of this year. Architectural and engineering services added 6,300 new jobs, with a greater need for biomedical, civil, environmental and industrial engineers.  Because of the continued and rapid developments in technology, computer systems design and related services added 34,300 positions. Management and technical consulting, which added more than 30,000 jobs, is growing in part due to continuing complexity of business and growing demand for advice in all areas of business planning. The "Q3 2008 Job Forecast." also found that, despite job losses in temporary staffing this year, 31 percent of hiring managers in the broader professional and business services category are expecting to add jobs in the third quarter.

Leisure and hospitality
While pocketbooks are hurting and experts everywhere are telling us to cut back on unneeded extras like daily lattes and eating meals out, we still love our take-out and it shows. While the overall leisure and hospitality industry is experiencing a decline (no doubt from said cutbacks on leisure activities), there were a couple of bright spots. Food services and drinking places added more than 57,000 workers so far this year, while performing arts and spectator sports added almost 8,600 workers. And 26 percent of hospitality employers expected to expand staffs in the third quarter of this year, according to the "Q3 2008 Job Forecast." Our analysis? We'll forego vacation -- as seen in the employment decline at accommodations, museums, historical sites and zoos -- but we can't let go of our pizza or baseball just yet.

Bottom line: Despite the lagging economy, there are jobs available across all categories, whether from industry growth, skilled worker shortages or turnover. You just need to know where to look and prepare for a longer job hunt.






Source: careerbuilder

10 Growing Jobs in Education

In the past year, there's been so much talk about job loss, high unemployment rates, lack of jobs and employment declines that it's been hard to focus on anything else.
It's important to realize, however, that while the recession undoubtedly has a negative effect on the job market, it also provides a few select sectors with opportunities for growth.

One of these job sectors is education. In January 2009, private education was one of two sectors that saw job growth, adding 33,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In February 2009, the unemployment rate for educational services dropped to 4 percent from 5.3 percent in December 2008. That's 4.1 percentage points less than the national unemployment rate of 8.1 percent.

There were 75,000 job openings in January 2009 compared with 65,000 in January 2008, according to the BLS. Additionally, new hires in education rose by 40,000, to 71,000 in January 2009 from 31,000 in December 2008.

Why education?So why is education thriving while so many other job sectors deteriorate?
For one, enrollment is on the rise for grades K-12: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, enrollment in public elementary and secondary schools rose an estimated 26 percent between 1985 and 2007. Public elementary school enrollment (pre-kindergarten through grade eight) is projected to increase by 10 percent between 2007 and 2016.


Additionally, enrollment is increasing because of joblessness. Many job seekers are unable to find work in their preferred fields, and as a result, workers are going back to school to gain experience in other arenas. No matter what the reason, more people going back to school means higher enrollment numbers, which means a higher demand for faculty.

Finally, the majority of workers in education are over 45, which means job openings will continue to increase as those workers retire. Moreover, President Barack Obama's new stimulus plan allocates $53 billion to education and training -- a move that will surely create new jobs in the sector.

If you're looking for a career in education, here are 10 jobs to consider, along with their projected employment growth and mean annual wages, according to the BLS.

1. Adult literacy, remedial education, and GED teachers and instructors teach courses to children and adults in literacy and English as a second language, and in preparation for the General Educational Development test. 2006 employment: 76,000
Projected 2016 employment: 87,000
Mean annual wage: $47,830

2. Cafeteria cooks make large quantities of food for school breakfast, lunch and after-school programs. 2006 employment: 401,000
Projected 2016 employment: 445,000
Mean annual wage: $22,340

3. Coaches instruct groups and individuals about the fundamentals of sports; many coaches also work as teachers in the schools where they coach.
2006 employment: 217,000
Projected 2016 employment: 249,000
Mean annual wage: $34,720

4. Education administrators (preschool and child-care centers) are in charge of academic and nonacademic activities for young children in preschool and day care centers and programs. 2006 employment: 56,000
Projected 2016 employment: 69,000
Mean annual wage: $44,430

5. Janitors and cleaners keep schools spotless by cleaning all areas of the premises, from the gymnasium to individual classrooms. They may also perform maintenance repairs.
2006 employment: 2.39 million
Projected 2016 employment: 2.73 million
Mean annual wage: $22,710

6. Post-secondary teachers are usually college and university faculty. They work in different academic departments or fields and usually teach several different classes related to their specialties.
2006 employment: 1.67 million
Projected 2016 employment: 2.05 million
Mean annual wage: $56,120

7. School bus drivers take students to and from school, picking them up and dropping them off at different stops around their neighborhoods. 2006 employment: 455,000
Projected 2016 employment: 497,000
Mean annual wage: $26,190

8. School counselors work with students and faculty in many capacities. They might counsel students on social, personal or behavioral issues; high school counselors might also advise students on choosing a major or a college's admission requirements.
2006 employment: 260,000
Projected 2016 employment: 292,000
Mean annual wage: $51,690

9. Self-enrichment teachers instruct nonacademic courses that you might take in your free time, such as cooking or knitting. Classes might also include self-improvement courses. 2006 employment: 261,000
Projected 2016 employment: 322,000
Mean annual wage: $39,600

10. Special education teachers teach educationally and physically handicapped students basic academic and life processes skills. 2006 employment: 219,000
Projected 2016 employment: 262,000
Mean annual wage: Salaries vary from $51,230 to $53,020, depending on the level you teach.



Source: careerbuilder

Best bets for jobs in 2012

Looking forward to 2012, there is cautious optimism that the economy -- and the job market -- will continue to improve. The recently released National Employment Report from ADP, a private staffing and business services firm, showed private employers added 206,000 jobs in November.

University of Michigan economists are predicting a brighter 2012; according to a recent study, the jobless rate should continue to drop to 8.8 percent by the end of 2012.

There's hopeful news for soon-to-be graduates, too. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers' Job Outlook 2012 survey, employers plan to hire 9.5 percent more graduates from the Class of 2012 than they hired from the Class of 2011. While many of those job openings will be triggered by attrition, it's still a good sign that the number is increasing.

What this all means is that things are starting to look up, but there will still be bumps in the road ahead. Yet some industries are seeing growth -- so much so that some can't fill their positions fast enough.

If you're a job seeker, consider exploring a career in one of these nine occupations, all of which are expected to grow in 2012:

1. Biomedical engineer
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, biomedical engineers apply knowledge of engineering, biology, and biomechanical principles to the design, development and evaluation of biological and health systems and products. This is one of the fastest-growing occupations, with an expected 72 percent increase in employment from 2008-2018.
Average salary: $82,421*

2. Computer software engineer
The computer systems design and related services industry has seen continued growth throughout the second half of 2011, according to the BLS. In addition, the NACE Job Outlook 2012 survey found computer sciences to be one of the top bachelor's degrees in demand by employers.
Average salary: $97,581

3. Customer service representative
This occupation is expected to experience faster than average growth, one reason being the high turnover rate in the field. This is also a good industry to consider if you are fluent in multiple languages, as opportunities for bilingual representatives are fruitful.
Average salary: $29,314

4. Home health aide
Home health aides provide in-home care, a service that will continue to be important as the elderly population continues to grow. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the number of Americans 65 and older is projected to be 88.5 million by 2050, more than double its estimated 2010 population.
Average salary: $28,173

5. Management analyst
Management analyst is an occupation in the management and technical consulting services field, a field that grew by 3.8 percent from September to October 2011 and has seen steady growth throughout the second half of the year. According to the BLS, management analysts study and analyze business-related issues and recommend solutions.
Average salary: $72,197

6. Medical assistant
The BLS predicts that the medical assistant field will grow by 33.9 percent from 2008-2018. Medical assistants often work at physicians' offices and perform administrative and clinical duties. Proper training and skills can be acquired by attending a one- to two-year program at a vocational school.
Average salary: $37,571

7. Network systems and data communications analyst
The BLS notes that this occupational category, with sizable employment growth projections through 2018, includes network architects and engineers, as well as Web administrators and developers. According to the Labor Department, the type of degree required depends on the position level.
Average salary: $48,316

8. Registered nurse
The registered nurse profession is the largest health-care occupation and is expected to grow by 22.2 percent from 2008-2018, according to the BLS. While RNs can be employed by physicians' offices, most work in hospitals.
Average salary: $71,692

9. Retail salesperson
The record-busting Black Friday and Cyber Monday retail sales show that consumers are starting to feel a little more confident about the economy. In fact, the retail trade has overall trended up since June 2011, with a slight dip from July to August. Due to this occupation's high turnover rate, employment opportunities are expected to be good.
Average salary: $25,557



Source: careerbuilder

6 Strong Jobs Despite the Downturn

In today's economy, it may seem like every industry is shedding jobs. But there are bright spots in the current recession. In fact, some areas, like accounting and information technology (IT), actually become more important to firms when the economy slows.

Following is a guide to where work can be found in 2012 and advice for those interested in pursuing these positions:

1. Senior accountants
These professionals are being hired to handle projects ranging from maintaining general ledger systems to analyzing and preparing financial statements.
Career cues: Candidates for senior accountant positions should possess solid communication, technology, organizational and analytical skills. Companies hiring senior accountants generally look for a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance as well as accreditations such as certified public account (CPA) or certified management accountant (CMA).

2. Senior auditors
Changes in legislation related to taxes, financial reporting standards, business investments, mergers and other financial events continue to fuel demand for senior auditors.
Career cues: Public accounting firms seek auditors who can manage the audit process and troubleshoot problems. Strong interpersonal, communication and project management skills also are a must for this position. Employers look for candidates who can think strategically and identify, research and resolve tax issues, as well as work with other corporate functions to implement business plans and projects.

3. Web developers
The rise of social media and the expansion of companies' online presence, Web 2.0 initiatives and interactive Web functionality have fueled further growth in Internet technologies, creating a need for Web developers.
Career cues: Web developers should have an in-depth knowledge of Internet protocols and applications in addition to a solid understanding of business strategy. They need strong communication skills and the ability to work both individually and as part of a team. Employers typically seek individuals with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, plus at least several years of Web-related experience. Candidates should be well-versed in Web technologies and tools such as Java, XML, ASP, ColdFusion, HTML/DHTML and others.

4. Programmer analysts IT professionals with knowledge of .NET, SharePoint, Java or PHP are at a premium across companies in all industries, including health care, finance and manufacturing. These workers are needed to write code, test and debug software applications, and analyze business application requirements.
Career cues: Most employers look for a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science or management information systems, in addition to relevant job experience. Programmer analysts must understand and conceptualize applications from both a technical perspective and a business point of view. They also need strong interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent programming abilities in common languages such as C++, Java and Unix are necessary for the coding aspects of the position.

5. Administrative health care positions
Even in a grim job market, the health care industry continues to grow and offer great career opportunities. Many medical facilities are seeking administrative professionals with health care experience. Positions in high demand include medical file clerks, medical secretaries, patient admissions clerks and credentialing specialists.
Career cues: Employers typically require previous office or business experience, a high school diploma or equivalent, and basic computer and general office skills. Because these positions usually require collaborating with other office staff, candidates should be cooperative and able to work as part of a team. In addition, applicants should have good communication skills and be detail-oriented and adaptable.

6. Project managers
Advertising agencies and marketing departments need project managers who can ensure that projects come in on time and within budget. Those with experience managing digital projects are especially valued.
Career cues: Because these professionals often serve as a liaison between creative staff and clients, and ensure customer satisfaction, quality control and timely delivery of final products, excellent communication and multitasking abilities are a must. Diplomacy also is helpful when assisting internal and external clients with production-related questions and concerns.




Source: careerbuilder

16 jobs requiring postsecondary vocational training

For job seekers interested in pursuing a nonacademic, trade-specific career, it may be worth considering post secondary training at a vocational school. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations in the post secondary vocational training category are projected to grow by 13 percent through 2018.

So what are some of the best jobs available for workers with post secondary vocational training? Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., has the answer in his recently released book, "Best Jobs for the 21^st Century." In the book, career information expert Shatkin shares best-jobs lists at all levels of education and training, including post secondary vocational.

Shatkin compiled these lists by sorting jobs in several categories from highest to lowest in terms of median annual earnings, growth rate through 2018 and number of annual openings, assigning a number to their relative position on each list. He then combined the job position numbers on the three lists, putting the job with the best total score at the top, followed by the job with the next-best total score, and so on.

Shatkin stresses that there are limitations to the data, and that not all jobs on this list will be right for everyone. Plus, it's important to remember that earnings may vary drastically based on level and years of experience, location and other factors. The list is meant to serve as a helpful guide on jobs that, on average, have higher pay, faster projected growth and more openings than most other jobs in the category.

Here are 16 jobs that made Shatkin's list of best jobs requiring post secondary vocational training:

1. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
Annual median earnings: $40,380*
Percent growth: 20.6
Annual openings: 39,130

2. Business operations specialists
Annual median earnings: $62,450
Percent growth: 11.5
Annual openings: 36,830

3. Computer occupations
Annual median earnings: $79,240
Percent growth: 13.1
Annual openings: 7,260

4. Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors
Annual median earnings: $31,090
Percent growth: 29.4
Annual openings: 12,380

5. Surgical technologists
Annual median earnings: $39,920
Percent growth: 25.3
Annual openings: 4,630

6. Real estate sales agents
Annual median earnings: $40,030
Percent growth: 16.2
Annual openings: 12,830

7. Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists
Annual median earnings: $22,760
Percent growth: 20.1
Annual openings: 21,950

8. Preschool teachers, except special education
Annual median earnings: $25,700
Percent growth: 19
Annual openings: 17,830

9. Commercial pilots
Annual median earnings: $67,500
Percent growth: 18.5
Annual openings: 2,060

10. Security and fire alarm systems installers
Annual median earnings: $38,500
Percent growth: 24.8
Annual openings: 2,780

11. Life, physical and social science technician
Annual median earnings: $43,350
Percent growth: 13.3
Annual openings: 3,640

12. Massage therapists
Annual median earnings: $34,900
Percent growth: 18.9
Annual openings: 3,950

13. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Annual median earnings: $40,850
Percent growth: 5.7
Annual openings: 7,530

14. Architectural and civil drafters
Annual median earnings: $46,430
Percent growth: 9.1
Annual openings: 3,620

15. Health technologists and technicians
Annual median earnings: $38,460
Percent growth: 18.7
Annual openings: 3,200

16. Gaming dealers
Annual median earnings: $18,090
Percent growth: 19
Annual openings: 5,590




Source: careerbuilder

10 jobs that keep you on your toes

While virtually anyone would enjoy a good foot massage at the end of the day, some workers could use one more than others. Here are 10 jobs for which owning a comfortable pair of shoes should be a prerequisite:

1. Retail
From standing in front of a cash register to walking the sales floor to retrieving merchandise, people who work in stores often go long stretches without sitting down.
"I considered quitting because my legs, feet and back hurt so much," Levya Braman says of her first month as a cashier at The Home Depot. She has since discovered that making small movements between customers can help, and that good posture (shoulders back, hips tucked under, knees unlocked) is a must.

2. Guide
Think of how tired your legs feel after taking the kids to a museum for a day. Now imagine giving tours of interesting places on a regular basis.
"I'm not only on my feet all day, I'm also carrying 50 pounds," says Steve Silberberg of Massachusetts, a wilderness backpacking guide for Fitpacking. "I find that the amazing scenery makes it all much more bearable."

3. Health care
A mean hourly wage of about $106 may make being on one's feet palatable for surgeons. Many other workers in medical and dental facilities aren't ones to sit around either, from doctors performing physicals to hygienists standing over reclined patients to clean teeth.

4. Hairdressing
With a mean hourly wage of about $13, hairstylists don't have as great a financial incentive as surgeons to stand on their feet all day. Still, the job has its perks, including flexible schedules -- about 44 percent are self-employed -- and projected industry growth as population increases raise the demand for basic hair-care services.

5. Food services
Whether transporting food at a restaurant or serving hungry students in a cafeteria line, workers in food services spend a great deal of time on their feet. Luckily, many of these employees have youth on their side: About one in five workers in this industry are 16 to 19 years old.

6. Food preparation
Those serving the food aren't the only ones standing. Chefs and bakers are on their toes, too.
"I was a pastry chef for over 10 years. This job required you to be on your feet the entire shift for speed and efficiency," says Jennifer Chiongbian of New York, who remembers workers fighting over nonslip mats with holes in them that helped ease the pressure on one's back from standing on a concrete floor all day.
Some good news for bakers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: Job prospects for highly skilled bakers look favorable due to growing demand for specialty products.

7. Mail carrying
Some mail carriers get to travel in vehicles, but many pound the pavement making deliveries. While the job is probably most appealing on sunny spring days, there is no shortage of eager applicants: After passing the required exam, it can take up to two years or longer before being hired because the number of applicants generally exceeds the number of openings.

8. Teaching
Whether talking to a group of kindergarteners or an auditorium of college students, teachers often find themselves standing or moving about to get their lessons across.
"My advice?" says high school social studies teacher Kristen Hagen-Iezzi of Ohio. "Say good-bye to high heels. Buy some comfortable, but stylish, shoes less than 1.5 inches in height and don't wear the same pair two days in a row."

9. Design and art
To get a project to look just right, many designers and artists find it better to stand than sit.
"It's important for me to stand at my easel so that I can continually step away from my painting to judge each brush stroke and decide what to do next," says Chris Saper, a portrait artist from Arizona. Her studio is carpeted to help ease the strain.
Likewise, wedding and party florist Lynn Jawitz of New York prefers to work standing up. "The 'trick' is that it totally minimizes back strain if one leg is lifted and supported higher than the other. I happen to have a work table with a shelf that serves as a footrest, but even an overturned bucket or garbage pail will do."

10. Stand-in
Finally, you know you're headed for tired tootsies when the word "stand" is in the title of your job.
As a stand-in actor for TV and film, Ben Hauck describes his job as "standing still for periods of time while crews set up lights and cameras around me before the principal actors step in." According to the website Stand-in Central, the pay for this unionized work is $154-$160 for an eight-hour day.




Source: careerbuilder

7 Emerging Jobs

In today's uncertain job market, even the jobs once marked as "recession-proof" are not as safe as we thought. So where should you focus your job search?

Several trends -- existing and emerging -- continue to drive job growth and creation throughout the United States. Developments in technology, health care, environmentalism and globalization, as well as current trends in the economy, are clearing the path for several cutting-edge careers to surface.

If you're in the market for a new job, here are seven emerging careers that are making a mark and poised for growth in the coming years. Please note that salary and job growth information is not collected for all positions because of the size and awareness of each job.

1. Home stagerThe real-estate market is not what it used to be and homes are taking longer to sell. Potential buyers usually decide how much they like a property by picturing their own possessions in the house. That's not always easy if the home is cluttered with unattractive décor and furnishings. House stagers work with real-estate agents and their clients to improve the appearance of a home and make it more appealing for potential buyers.
Industry umbrella: Interior design
Job growth: N/A
Salary: Most stagers are self-employed and set their own fees. Prices may vary from $75 for an initial consultation to $500 for staging an entire house.

2. Health informatics technicianEach time you go to the doctor, everything about the visit is added to your medical file. As health-care facilities everywhere make the change to electronic medical records, informatics technicians not only transition the files, but they use computer systems to help doctors analyze, diagnose and treat patients based on the information they are given. This computer data also improves care, controls costs and provides documentation for use in legal actions.
Industry umbrella: Health care
Job growth*: 18 percent
Salary**: $31,208

3. Simulation developerFrom entire virtual communities like Second Life to various online demonstration videos, simulations are becoming the way of the world. Be it pilots using in-flight simulators to prepare for high-risk situations; landscape architects using video reproduction to help clients envision proposed ideas and plans; or medical students diagnosing and treating virtual patients without risking a real person's life, simulators are a new way for professionals in all industries to train, practice and prepare for exciting -- and potentially dangerous -- situations before they happen.
Industry umbrella: Computer software engineers
Job growth: 38 percent, based on industry projections
Salary: $58,163

4. Green jobsThe environmental wave, in addition to President Barack Obama's promise to create 5 million green jobs, is creating jobs in everything from sales to government to nonprofit organizations. Whether it's a company researching how to make green products or a consultant implementing recycling procedures, the "clean-energy economy" is creating several opportunities in sectors including, but not limited to, energy generation, transportation, agriculture, waste and wastewater, and research and advocacy.
Industry umbrella: Clean energy and energy efficiency
Job growth: Clean-energy jobs outperformed job growth in 38 states and the District of Columbia between 1998 and 2007, the most recent year for which data are available, according to a study by Pew Charitable Trust.
Salary: Salaries depend on specific position

5. Emergency management
Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, jobs in the anti-terrorism field have grown. The required skills are demanding, but a more attainable (yet still in-demand) career option is emergency planning. Not only do emergency planners prepare and plan for terrorist attacks, they also train and prepare for responses and procedures for other disasters such as fires, floods, hostage situations or pandemics.
Industry umbrella: Management, business and financial operations
Job growth: 7 to 13 percent
Salary: $48,386

6. Career counselor
Workers need jobs; employers need workers. With the present economy, career counselors are needed more than ever. They offer job seekers career guidance and job-hunting advice, and can help them improve their well-being through their work. Career counselors differ from career coaches in that not only will they help you in terms of your career, they will also seek to improve your overall mental health.
Industry umbrella: Human resources
Job growth: N/A
Salary: $47,074

7. Patient advocateAnyone who's ever had health issues knows that the health-care system is not the easiest thing to navigate. That's what patient advocates are there for. As the population continues to age, patient care advocates will become more important to the job market. Advocates ensure that patients are informed, visiting with the right specialists and taking the right medicines. They also educate family members on how to care for their sick relative. Perhaps most importantly, patient advocates will sort through medical bills and negotiate fees with health-care providers and insurance companies.
Industry umbrella: Health care
Job growth: 24 percent (for medical and public health social workers)
Salary: $47,560 (for medical and public health social workers), according to the BLS




Source: careerbuilder

10 Companies that Hire Part-Time Workers

For many people, working part time is a necessity -- not a choice. Perhaps they have to work part time in order to make ends meet, but did you know that almost 1.5 million people are working part time because they were unable to find full-time jobs?

In November 2008, the number of people who worked part time for economic reasons, meaning that they would like to work full time but couldn't because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to, rose to 7.3 million. That number is more than a 2 million-person increase over the past 12 months.
Whether you're looking for part-time work to supplement your current income, you can't find full-time work or you just don't want to work 40 hours per week.

Here are just 10 companies in a variety of industries that hire part-time employees:

1.  H&R Block
What it is: A tax services company that provides tax, financial, accounting and business consulting services and products. It has operations in three business segments: tax services; business services and consumer financial services.
Available part-time positions: Tax preparer and tax professional.


2.      Aegis Therapies
What it is: A geriatric rehabilitation center that provides physical, occupational and speech therapy services to older adults. It currently has more than 1,000 locations around the United States.
Available part-time positions: Physical therapist; speech pathologist; home health occupational therapist; occupational therapist; occupational therapist assistant and more.

3.      AMF Bowling Centers Inc.
What it is: Headquartered in Richmond, Va., AMF is the largest bowling company in the world, owning and operating more than 350 bowling centers in the United States.
Available part-time positions: Bartender; counter desk attendant; birthday party host; entry-level mechanic; lane server and more.

4.      Bayada Nurses
What it is: A home health-care company that treats patients of all ages in their homes to provide them with comfort. Bayada Nurses has more than 130 offices in 17 states.
Available part-time positions: Home health aide; pediatric nurse; registered nurse; nursing assistant; medical social worker and more.

5.      Central Payment Corporation
What it is: A national credit card processing company that encourages businesses to accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards as a form of payment. In conjunction with Wells Fargo Bank, CPC also offers companies check systems, gift cards, wireless solutions and other forms of payment.
Available part-time positions: Outside sales representatives; outside account representatives and more.

6.      CVS Corporation
What it is: A Fortune 25 company, CVS is a retail drug and pharmacy chain. It fills or manages more than one billion prescriptions per year and has more than 6,200 operating CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide.
Available part-time positions: Beauty consultant; pharmacy technician; shift supervisor; cashier and more.

7.      David's Bridal
What it is: A bridal retail chain with more than 280 stores across the nation. More than 2,500 trained consultants provide head-to-toe dressing, on-site alterations, special financing options, gown preservation services and coordinating attire for the entire bridal party.
Available part-time positions: Retail sales associate; alterations; seamstress; bridal consultant; wedding consultant; customer service representative and more.

8.      NHS Human Services
What it is: A community-based behavioral health-care provider that focuses on the special needs of adults and children in the following areas: behavioral health; intellectual and developmental disabilities; juvenile justice; addictive diseases; elder care; autism; special education; and early intervention and therapeutic foster care.
Available part-time positions: Mobile therapist; behavioral specialist consultant; therapeutic staff support; psychiatric technician and more.

9.      Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
What it is: A casual dining chain headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colo. It has more than 300 restaurants in the United States and Canada, plus a selection of more than 22 gourmet burger recipes with unique toppings like chili, guacamole or even a fried egg.
Available part-time positions: Server; host and hostess; dishwasher; busser; bartender; cook and more.


10.       24 Hour Fitness
What it is: A fitness center chain headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., and operating more than 425 clubs in 16 states. The club has more than 3 million members and more than 20,000 employees.
Available part-time positions: Personal trainer; group exercise instructor; facility technician; kid's club attendant; membership counselor and more.





 Source: careerbuilder

10 Great Nonprofit Jobs

Do you think your contributions in the workplace are overlooked? Are you consistently swamped with work at the office, but still feel empty when the week ends? At the end of the day, are you ashamed of what you've accomplished and how you reached the result?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, it might be time to reassess your career and find something a bit more fulfilling. A career in nonprofits might be your answer.

Advocacy, grant-making and civic organizations – also known as nonprofits – are groups that exist not to make money, but to serve and promote the common good to better their communities. Nonprofits run the gamut from soup kitchens and homeless centers to hospitals and charitable associations. Many such organizations depend on small staffs of paid employees and volunteers.

Nonprofit organizations employed 1.2 million workers in 2006 and rank in the top 20 fastest-growing fields, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were 837,027 charitable nonprofits in the U.S. in 2003; a 68 percent increase since 1993, according to the most recent information from the National Council of Nonprofit Associations.

If you're looking for a human-oriented career, here are the 10 best-paying and fastest growing jobs in advocacy, grant-making and civic organizations, according to "40 Best Fields for Your Career," by Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.

1. General and operations managers run the day-to-day functions of their organizations and are responsible for the success or failure of the venture.
Median earnings: $76,783
Percent growth: 17.6 percent

2. Public relations specialists handle all of the media and campaigns surrounding the organization, community and consumer and governmental relations.
Median earnings: $44,080
Percent growth: 22 percent

3. Executive secretaries and administrative assistants perform general office functions to keep the higher-ups of the group organized.
Median earnings: $35,085
Percent growth: 10.2 percent

4. Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks handle the financial affairs of an association, like donations, costs of new fundraising programs and grant proposals.
Median earnings: $28,796
Percent growth: 4.9 percent

5. Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors organize and direct leisure and athletic activities, such as aerobics, arts and crafts, the performing arts, camping and sports.
Median earnings: $21,411
Percent growth: 13.2 percent

6. General office clerks keep the group offices organized, clean and stocked with  supplies.
Median earnings: $21,405
Percent growth: 5.6 percent

7. Receptionists and information clerks answer telephones, direct calls and give out information regarding the organization for which they work.
Median earnings: $20,116
Percent growth: 13.7 percent

8. Janitors and cleaners (except maids and housekeeping cleaners) perform a range of duties from cleaning floors to taking out the garbage to painting and carpentry. Cleaners usually work for organizations that specialize in one type of cleaning activity, such as washing windows.
Median earnings: $17,965
Percent growth: 18 percent

9. Recreation workers work at playgrounds and recreation areas, community centers, health clubs and fitness centers run by nonprofit organizations.
Median earnings: $17,404
Percent growth: 13.5 percent

10. Childcare workers look after kids in religious institutions, YMCAs and other social and recreation centers, schools and social service agencies. Within the nonprofit sector, there has been strong growth in providing disadvantaged children with social, educational and health services.
Median earnings: $15,988
Percent growth: 12.4 percent

 

 

 

 

Source: careerbuilder

7 Industries in Need of Workers Now

Given the layoffs and unemployment woes that consistently make headlines, it may seem hard to believe that some industries are experiencing worker shortages. Yet despite a national unemployment rate that hovers near double digits, there are industries that are in need of well-trained, qualified employees.

According to CareerBuilder's Mid-Year Job Forecast:

· Twenty-two percent of employers reported that despite an abundant labor pool, they still have positions for which they can't find qualified candidates.
· Forty-eight percent of human resources managers reported that there was an area of their organization in which they lacked qualified workers.
· Health-care employers were the most likely to report a skills deficit; 63 percent of HR professionals in large health-care organizations said they have a shortage of qualified workers.
Here are seven industries in need of workers, the reasons behind each, and why you might consider directing your career path toward one of these employee-hungry sectors.

1. Skilled trade
According to a talent shortage survey conducted by staffing firm Manpower Inc., skilled-trade jobs (heating and air conditioning, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, etc.) are the hardest jobs to fill this year.
Why there's a need: Many skilled-trade positions fall into the "middle-skills" job category, or jobs that do not require a four-year degree, yet do require some education or training beyond high school. The shortage of qualified workers in this area has been largely attributed to a need for additional programs designed to attract high school students to the community colleges and trade school programs that train these workers.
Why you should consider it: You can get paid while you learn. Most skilled trades require training, much of which can be done during a paid apprenticeship. Skilled trades can also be a good career option for the business-minded, since many skilled-trade workers are self-employed and own their own businesses.

2. Transportation
According to a 2010 job outlook study done by online ad research firm Borrell Associates, the transportation, warehousing and utilities industry is expected to see 31.6 percent more job openings this year than it did in 2009. In-demand jobs will include transportation analysts, transportation managers, and transportation and warehouse coordinators.
Why there's a need: In June 2010, the U.S. manufacturing sector marked its 11^th straight month of economic growth, according to the Institute for Supply Chain Management, and the sixth straight month of employment growth. An increase in manufacturing creates a domino effect that extends to both the warehouses that store manufactured products and the transportation used to distribute them.
Why you might consider it: The barrier to entry is low. A clean driving record, a commercial driver's license and an age restriction are the most typical job requirements.

3. Automotive
Though Michigan's unemployment rate is testament to how hard the recession hit the auto industry, there could soon be a shortage of workers in the recovering field. The Center for Automotive Research recently reported that new jobs created in the industry may top 15,000 by the end of 2010, and could be as high as 100,000 per year from 2011 through 2013.
Why there's a need: Nearly 228,000 workers were laid off when the industry hit its low point. Now that car companies are starting to see a rebound, the auto industry is looking to bring back its work force.
Why you should consider it: The salaries of motor vehicle manufacturing workers are high compared with other manufacturing industries.

4. Education
While it's true that many school districts are facing budget cuts and layoffs, teachers are in short supply in many areas of education. . Each year, the Education Department puts out a list of nationwide teacher shortages, and 2010 is no different in terms of the overwhelming need for qualified educators. Areas of education most in need include special education, mathematics, bilingual teaching and foreign language.
Why there's a need: Teacher shortages are not a new phenomenon, and poor teacher retention rates and low salaries are often blamed. Troubled school districts and areas of education that attract fewer teachers have high turnover rates, leaving many schools in a constant search for new educators. Meanwhile, fewer college students are choosing teaching as a career path, due to an unappealing combination of advanced training requirements, complicated licensing procedures and low starting salaries.
Why you should consider it: Many states are now offering alternative certification programs to entice potential career-changers into the classroom. These programs allow people who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than education to work in the classroom while taking the courses necessary to complete their teaching certificates.

5. Health care
Though there have been reports of leveling off in health care job growth, the industry continues to have a surplus of job openings. According to a December 2009 survey by AMN Health Care Services, 95 percent of hospital CEOs agreed that there was a shortage of physicians in the U.S., and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that from 2008 to 2018, 600,000 jobs will be created in nursing alone. Job openings also abound for workers without advanced schooling; 2010's most wanted health care workers include home health aides, X-ray technicians and nursing home workers.
Why there's a need: In 2011, baby boomers officially begin to turn 65, creating twofold implications for the health care industry. Not only will the aging U.S. population require more medical care than ever, but many of the baby boomers currently employed in health care will begin to retire, both factors that will contribute to an increasing gap between health care supply and demand. Additionally, with the passing of the recent health care reform bill, even more Americans will be eligible for health care in coming years, meaning that the need for providers will only continue to increase.
Why you should consider it: Ten of today's 20 fastest-growing occupations are in health care.

6. Engineering
In 2008 and 2009, the Manpower Worker Shortage Survey named engineering jobs the hardest to fill. While the 2010 title has gone to skilled-trade positions, the engineering sector is still in need of well-qualified workers.
Why there's a need: Like health care, the engineering industry is seeing many of its workers reach retirement age. Additionally, fewer college students are graduating with engineering degrees. Adding to the need for engineers is last year's economic stimulus package, which prompted an upswing in transportation and infrastructure projects that demand the expertise of skilled engineers.
Why you should consider it: Depending on the concentration, salaries for engineers can average well into six figures. While an engineering degree is required for most positions, those with a bachelor's degree in math or science fields may also be considered.

7. Sales and customer service
According to CareerBuilder's Mid-Year Job Forecast, 25 percent of hiring managers surveyed said they plan to hire workers for customer service positions in the second half of 2010, while 22 percent said they'd be hiring more salespeople.
Why there's a need: Companies are focused on building new client relationships and bringing in revenue, meaning that there is an increasing need for the people responsible for these functions -- customer service and sales representatives.
Why you should consider it: Many sales and customer service jobs don't require a college degree, just a strong work ethic and ability to build great relationships. Because a lot of sales jobs are commission-based, earning potential is high.




Source: careerbuilder

Top 10 Jobs in the Administrative and Clerical Field

While some people jot their grocery lists down on scrap paper, you have an Excel spreadsheet you update and organize into food groups.  A born record-keeper, you keep files on everything from bank statements to holiday cards, and everything you can stock, shelve or stack is categorized by name, number, size or color. 

Perhaps you should channel your knack for neatness into a job in the administrative or clerical field.  Each of the following jobs will have numerous opportunities for workers with the right skills in the coming years:

Bill and Account Collectors
What they do: Keep track of accounts that are due and attempt to collect payments on them.

What they need: At least a high school diploma for most collectors; however, most employers prefer some college or similar work experience.  Good communication and computer literacy skills are a must for this work.

What they earn: $28,949/year*

Gaming Cage Workers
What they do: Carry out financial transactions and paperwork necessary to support play at casinos and gaming establishments.

What they need: Although there are no minimum educational requirements, a high school diploma and some previous experience in the gaming or financial industry is preferred.

Average salary: $24,004/year

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
What they do: Something for which we should all be grateful: ensure that employees are paid on time and accurately. 

What they need: A high school diploma or GED, but those with computer skills will find the best opportunities.

Average salary: $30,923/year

Customer Service Representatives
What they do: Serve as a direct point of contact for customers on behalf of companies to ensure an adequate level of service or help with questions and concerns.

What they need: A high school diploma for most jobs, but employers increasingly require an associate or bachelor’s degree. Workers who communicate through e-mail will need good typing and written communication skills.

Average salary: $26,369/year

Hotel, Motel and Resort Desk Clerks
What they do: Register arriving guests, assign rooms and check out guests at the end of their stay, as well as keep reservation and registration records.

What they need: In addition to on-the-job training, customer service skills, a professional appearance and a clear-speaking voice are essential for dealing with customers, both in person and over the phone.  Additionally, knowledge of multiple languages are ever more valuable due to the growing international clientele at many establishments.

Average salary: $19,311/year

Human Resources Assistants
What they do: Maintain the human resource records of an organization’s employees, including names, addresses, job titles, earnings, benefits and tax withholdings.

What they need: A high school diploma or GED. Candidates can receive training on the job, but those who already have proficiency in computer filing systems and applications like Microsoft Word and Excel will find the best job opportunities. 

Average salary: $29,167/year

Library Assistants
What they do: Register patrons in the library’s system, issue library cards and collect books, periodicals, videos and other materials.

What they need: A high school diploma or GED, with little to no previous clerical experience: Many libraries will train inexperienced workers on the job.  Computer skills, however, will most likely be required.

Average salary: $24,913/year

Receptionists and Information Clerks
What they do: Answer telephones, route and screen calls, greet visitors, respond to public inquiries and provide information about the organization. 

What they need: A high school diploma or its equivalent, as most receive on-the-job training.  But because they often greet and speak with visitors, good interpersonal skills and a professional appearance are critical.

Average salary: $22,069/year

Dispatchers
What they do: Schedule and dispatch workers, equipment or service vehicles to carry materials or passengers. They also keep records of calls, transportation vehicles and services.

What they need: A high school diploma and familiarity with computers and electronic business equipment are most preferred.  Typing, filing and recordkeeping skills also are an asset.
Average salary: $28,243/year

Desktop Publishers
What they do: Use computer software to format text, photographs, charts and other visual graphic elements to produce publication-ready material such as books, business cards, calendars, magazines, newsletters and newspapers.

What they need: Most often, completion of classes or a certificate program from a vocational school, university or college program.  (The average certificate program takes approximately one year.)  Some publishers, however, train on the job or gain experience through internships or part-time work.  

Average salary: $31,443/year

 

 

 

 

Source: careerbuilder

Where the boys are (and aren't): Non-traditional jobs for women and men

When was the last time a male dental hygienist cleaned your teeth?

Sure, we all know that women have significantly changed the face of the American work force over the past 50 or so years. And while children today rightly dream of becoming anything they want, the fact remains that some fields continue to be dominated by one gender over the other.

Here, a look at some of the careers in which female or male employees may not have much competition for the restroom:

Non-traditional jobs for women
The Bureau of Labor Statistics considers a job where less than 25 percent of the work force is female to be a "non-traditional" job for women. Among the fields that meet this criteria are:

• Logging
• Fishing, hunting and trapping
• Mining
• Construction
• Rail transportation
• Truck transportation
• Taxi and limousine service
• Couriers and messengers
• Utilities (such as electric power generation, natural gas distribution and sewage treatment)
• Repair and maintenance of electronic and precision equipment, commercial and industrial machinery, and autos

While there are a significant number of women employed in manufacturing, they tend to be better represented in some segments over others. For instance, about a third of the 1,467,000 people employed in the making of computer and electronic products are women. But men overwhelmingly dominate in the production of nonmetallic mineral products (think cement, pottery and glass), metal products (such as iron and steel), machinery, transportation equipment and wood products.

Nearly half of the people employed in retail trade are women. Very few of them, however, are automobile or other motor vehicle dealers; work at stores selling auto parts, accessories or tires; or are vending machine operators. Likewise, women may account for about 30 percent of all wholesale trade employees but are rarely merchant wholesalers of recyclable materials, farm product raw materials, groceries or alcoholic beverages.

Non-traditional jobs for men
Walk into any child day care service and you'll likely be greeted by a woman. Of the 1,563,000 employees in that field, a whopping 95.3 percent are female. Among other industries the BLS classifies as "non-traditional" for men:

• Veterinary services
• Gift, novelty and souvenir shops
• Libraries and archives
• Beauty salons
• Social assistance
• Employment in private households

So what about health care and education, two fields often associated with women?

Male nurses are still rather rare, though their numbers are growing. The most recent national nursing survey by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration reports that men accounted for 6.6 percent of all RNs in 2008, up from 5.8 percent in the 2004 survey.

Women continue to make up at least three-fourths of the work force at hospitals; the offices of physicians, dentists and optometrists; and outpatient care centers. Men account for only 13 percent of the workers at nursing care facilities, and even fewer are employed in home health care.

As for education, numbers can be deceiving. Although the BLS found that men account for about 30 percent of those employed in educational services as a whole, they tend to gravitate towards colleges, universities and technical or trade schools. If you can't remember your child ever having a male primary-school teacher, you're not alone. According to the National Education Association, only 17 percent of elementary-level teachers are men. (Men do, however, represent about a third of middle-school teachers and about half of high school teachers.)

The most gender-neutral fields
Grocery stores employ equal numbers of men and women. In manufacturing, the work force is nearly split in textile product mills (except carpets and rugs) and in places producing soaps, cleaning compounds and cosmetics. Other industries that are at or close to 50-50 include:

• Leisure and hospitality
• Services to buildings and dwellings
• Data processing, hosting and related services
• Real estate
• Advertising and related services

One last figure (which might surprise some): 50.2 percent of gas station workers are female. Maybe there is hope yet for male dental hygienists to become commonplace.




Source: careerbuilder

Top 10 Jobs in Healthcare

Love the idea of working in healthcare, but can't stand either the sight of blood or several more years of school?  Good news: Jobs in the healthcare industry are wide-ranging and cater to a variety of professional levels and skill sets.  Better yet, these jobs are also growing at a rapid pace. 

Wherever your particular interests lie, from analysis to administration, chances are there's a healthcare job for you.

1. Physician assistants
What they do: Provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive healthcare services as delegated by a physician.
What they need: Accredited educational programs usually last two years and are full-time.  Once they complete one of these programs, physician assistants will need to take a national exam to obtain a license.
 

What they earn: $63,675/year*
With benefits and bonuses: $75,861

2. Medical records technicians
What they do: Maintain and evaluate the accuracy of patients' medical records, including exam results, X-ray reports, lab tests and past diagnoses.
What they need: Most often, an associate's degree from a community or junior college, with coursework in science and medicine.
 

What they earn: $31,837/year
With benefits and bonuses: $36,575

3. Social workers
What they do: Help people and families who face life-threatening diseases, domestic troubles or social problems function the best way they can in their environments, deal with relationships and solve personal and family problems.
What they need: Although a bachelor's degree in social work is sufficient for entry into the field, a master's degree in social work is becoming the standard and is typically required for positions in health settings and clinical work.
 

What they earn: $52,119/year
With benefits and bonuses: $59,554

4. Clinical laboratory technicians
What they do: Perform tests that result in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease. They analyze the results and relay them to physicians.
What they need: The usual requirement for an entry-level position is a bachelor's degree in medical technology or one of the life sciences; however, a combination of education, on-the-job experience and specialized training may suffice.
 

What they earn: $27,861/year
With benefits and bonuses: $32,070

5. Mental health counselor
What they do: Work with individuals, families and groups to address and treat mental and emotional disorders and promote optimum mental health, using a variety of therapeutic techniques.
What they need: A master's degree is typically required to be licensed as a counselor, which may entail 48 to 60 hours of graduate study.
 

What they earn: $40,338/year
With benefits and bonuses: $46,206

6. Medical scientists
What they do: Research human diseases to provide the information necessary to develop solutions to human health problems, such as vaccines and medicines. They may also perform clinical investigations, technical writing, drug application reviews and patent examinations.
What they need: A doctorate in a biological science is the minimum education required for most prospective medical scientists. Medical scientists who perform invasive procedures on patients must obtain licensure by graduating from an accredited medical school, passing a licensing exam and completing up to seven years of graduate education.
 

What they earn: $88,281/year
With benefits and bonuses: $103,638

7. Pharmacists
What they do: Distribute drugs prescribed by health practitioners, inform patients about medications and their use and advise health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions and side effects of medications.
What they need: A degree from an accredited college of pharmacy and successful completion of the state-required licensing exam.
 

What they earn: $81,439/year
With benefits and bonuses: $102,792

8. Physical therapists
What they do: Provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries and physical ailments.
What they need: A master's or doctoral degree from an accredited physical therapist educational program, as well as a state-required license.
 

What they earn: $53,410/year
With benefits and bonuses: $67,229

9. Medical transcriptionists
What they do: Transcribe dictated recordings made by healthcare professionals into medical reports, correspondence and other administrative material that eventually become part of patients' permanent files.
What they need: Postsecondary training in medical transcription from a vocational school, community college or distance-learning programs is often preferred by employers. Certificate programs often last a year and associate's degrees last two.
 

What they earn: $27,602/year
With benefits and bonuses: $31,776

10. Medical and health service managers
What they do: Plan, direct, coordinate and supervise the delivery of healthcare.
What they need: A master's degree in health sciences or administration (health services, long-term care, public or business) is the standard; however, a bachelor's degree is adequate for some entry-level positions.
 

What they earn: $55,380/year
With benefits and bonuses: $68,860

 

 

 

 

Source: careerbuilder

Best- and Worst-Smelling JobsBest- and Worst-Smelling Jobs

It may not be listed in the official job description, but being able to deal with smells is definitely part of some positions. While in many cases the aroma can be seen as a job perk (fresh soup simmering from your restaurant's kitchen, anyone?), other occupations can leave workers wanting to hold their noses.

Here are some fields in which success never smelled so sweet (or so awful).

The  best-smelling
Baker
Steve Abrams, owner of Magnolia Bakery in New York City, says that his establishment was designed to involve all the senses but that "the most visceral and evocative is that first smell when you walk in the door, which immediately brings you into your mother's kitchen and transports you to your childhood." The product he says creates that experience best: his bakery's world-famous cupcakes.
Other jobs with mouth-watering smells: barista, cook, waiter, movie theater concessions worker
 
Florist
Coffee brewing and lunches that give off any smell are not allowed at Greens Greenhouses & Treasure House in Fremont, Neb. Florist Joey Schwanke says, "We want people who come into our shop to enjoy the fragrance of flowers." Ardith Beveridge of Koehler & Dramm Wholesale Florist in Minneapolis notes that the "fragrance of the season" is usually the most pronounced aroma in a shop, such as hyacinths and other bulb flowers in spring and fresh greenery in winter.
Other jobs that offer smells from the great outdoors: groundskeeper, fruit picker,  logger, landscape architect

AromatherapistAromatherapists use plant-derived essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. Some of the smells that aromatherapists may encounter while treating clients: lavender (believed to be good for alleviating headaches), peppermint (used in treating indigestion) and eucalyptus (calming to coughs).
Others jobs where your nose gets a "healthy" workout: herbalist, masseuse, health-food store employee

Fragrance sales"When it comes to fragrance, there is never one scent that people universally love," says Della Tall, an account sales and public relations associate for Anthousa, a luxury home fragrance company in Seattle. "Because of the varying preferences of our customers, we offer a wide range of fragrances: everything from floral to woodsy to fruity to musky. Some of our best-sellers include aqua verbena; cucumber and green grass; nectarine and red currant; and pomegranate and mint."
Other jobs where beauty is in the nose of the beholder: hair stylist, perfume demonstrator,  candle maker, cigar/tobacco shop worker

And the worst-smelling 
ZookeeperThe hippos at the San Diego Zoo in California are fed twice a day, and each meal fits into a wheelbarrow. Jabba, a male hippo, is fond of marking his territory and swishes his tail back and forth as he poops to make sure he covers the walls and ceiling of his bedroom as well as the floor. And just when it seems cleanup is finished, chances are he will repeat the whole act again -- up to 10 times in a few hours.
Other jobs for those who don't mind the smell of animals: veterinarian, veterinary technician, pet supply store employee, dog walker, fisherman, slaughterhouse worker, farmer
Waste or  recycling collector
It may not be the most pleasant-smelling job in the world, but where would society be without the men and women who collect our garbage and work at dumps? The good news for those in the refuse and recyclable material industry:  The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 19 percent increase in the number of jobs by 2018.











Source: careerbuilder