15 Online careers that are in demand

Starting an online career from home is an excellent way to generate income, learn new skills and have a more flexible schedule. In the past few years, many companies have upgraded their policies and systems to accommodate remote workers, 

creating more work-from-home opportunities than ever before. Learning more about the various options available can help you find a suitable online job that has the potential to become a long-term career. In this article, we explore 15 in-demand online jobs that have growth potential.

Online careers that are in demand

A long-term career should provide opportunities for progress, allowing you to learn new skills, take on more responsibility and earn more money, and these careers don't just have to take place in a specific workplace. Nowadays, it is easier than ever to find a worthwhile career that you can pursue from home.

Here are 15 in-demand online jobs with growth opportunities that you can turn into lucrative careers:

1. Customer service representative

National average salary: $13.63 per hour

Primary duties: Customer service representatives interact with a company's customers in order to provide assistance and ensure ongoing customer satisfaction. Their duties include answering calls and responding to emails and chats promptly and professionally. Customer service representatives are responsible for addressing complaints, resolving problems, processing orders, answering questions and obtaining customer feedback. These professionals can work for a variety of organizations, including stores, insurance agencies and banks.

2. Transcriptionist

National average salary: $15.33 per hour

Primary duties: A transcriptionist's primary role is to listen to audio and video files and convert them into text. They are responsible for accurately transcribing recordings of meetings, interviews, conversations and voice memos. A transcriptionist may also review and correct text created by voice recognition software, as many companies have implemented virtual meetings that need to be transcribed. Transcriptionists can specialize and work in a variety of industries, such as the medical and legal fields.

3. Bookkeeper

National average salary: $18.21 per hour

Primary duties: Bookkeepers are responsible for recording the financial activities of a business and ensuring compliance. Their daily responsibilities include tracking revenues and expenses, capturing financial transactions, preparing taxes, managing payroll and reconciling accounts. Any organization that uses money needs bookkeeping services, making this an in-demand online career with opportunities to grow and specialize.

4. Web designer

National average salary: $3,263 per month

Primary duties: A web designer is responsible for creating websites that are appealing and functional. They work with clients to discuss specific color schemes, layouts and graphics. Web designers also use programming codes to make sites responsive and user-friendly. Businesses selling products online need skilled web designers to create professional websites that drive sales.

5. Virtual assistant

National average salary: $19.09 per hour

Primary duties: A virtual assistant provides remote administrative services for companies and individuals. The range of tasks a virtual assistant performs is varied but often includes scheduling meetings, entering data, making travel arrangements and answering emails. They may also help with marketing and social media tasks. This is a rapidly growing online career option as many businesses now operate without a physical office, creating a wide range of opportunities for virtual assistants.

6. Graphic designer

National average salary: $3,352 per month

Primary duties: Graphic designers are responsible for creating digital graphics and layouts for various products using specialized software. Their primary tasks involve researching current trends, drawing up concepts, pitching ideas and choosing layouts and design elements. They use market research to create and upgrade brands with innovative designs that appeal to each company's target audience.

7. Content copywriter

National average salary: $3,508 per month

Primary duties: Content copywriters write high-quality content for a specific audience that commands attention and promotes brands. Their responsibilities include performing research, creating article structures, mastering writing styles and optimizing text. Content copywriters can specialize in a variety of specific niches where they can acquire new skills and techniques. As more companies transition to online marketing and require online content that builds trust with their target audiences, there's an increased need for content copywriters.

8. Social media manager

National average salary: $44,751 per year

Primary duties: Social media managers are responsible for managing the online presence of a business or person. Their duties include publishing and tracking content, collaborating with industry leaders, building influencer relationships, responding to comments and increasing engagement. Social media managers typically oversee their company or client's marketing campaigns and social media channels. This online career has become increasingly important as more industries turn to social media to acquire, engage and maintain customers.

9. Personal trainer

National average salary: $22.54 per hour

Primary duties: Personal trainers develop effective exercise programs to help clients achieve their fitness goals safely. They are responsible for assessing needs, demonstrating exercises and techniques, monitoring progress and providing nutritional information. They must also keep up with the latest health trends and medical discoveries. Online personal trainers have become popular as they provide customized fitness routines that clients can do at home.

10. Translator

National average salary: $47,679 per year

Primary duties: A translator is responsible for converting writing from one language to another in order to facilitate clear communication. Translators ensure the original content's meaning, ideas, facts and tone carry over to the new translation, which requires intimate knowledge of both languages. Some industries that frequently use translators include healthcare, education and government.

11. Recruiter

National average salary: $48,532 per year

Primary duties: A recruiter is responsible for finding qualified candidates to fill open positions. Their duties include finding and screening candidates, conducting interviews, negotiating offers and processing paperwork. Recruiters play a vital role in the selection process, eliminating all but the most qualified candidates. They must communicate with hiring managers to discuss candidates and open positions, and they may help candidates prepare for interviews. Recruiters typically either work externally for agencies and staffing firms that help a variety of companies or in-house for a specific organization.

12. Travel agent

National average salary: $49,013 per year

Primary duties: Travel agents help clients plan trips by giving them suggestions and providing assistance with all aspects of their travel plans. Their daily tasks include booking flights, finding affordable deals, arranging itineraries, reserving accommodations and managing travel insurance. Travel agents also assist with unforeseen incidents and change arrangements when necessary. They use their phones and computers to contact resorts, airlines, rental companies and cruise lines to help their customers make travel arrangements.

13. Online tutor

National average salary: $24.94 per hour

Primary duties: Online tutors provide personalized virtual teaching on various topics to students of all ages. Some tutors offer additional instruction to help scholars improve their grades, while others teach students new skills, such as a new language, musical instrument or software package. Tutors can also help students with their independent research and study skills.

14. Copy editor

National average salary: $57,348 per year

Primary duties: Copy editors are responsible for proofreading written content and ensuring it meets company standards and objectives. They make corrections, provide feedback to writers, check formatting and sources and remove or rewrite sections to improve clarity. Editors work with writers, publishers and illustrators to finalize high-quality content on tight deadlines.

15. Affiliate marketing manager

National average salary: $60,291 per year

Primary duties: Affiliate marketing managers are responsible for building brands and generating sales using an affiliate marketing strategy. Their duties include sourcing trusted affiliates and influencers with the correct target audience, managing brands that offer distribution through affiliate links and tracking and monitoring results. They often work for online retailers to improve their marketing efforts and increase their sales.

10 Jobs That Still Offer Traditional Pensions

Long-term employees in these industries are often able to retire comfortably.

By Emily Brandon

10 Jobs That Still Offer Traditional Pensions

Jobs with pensions

Most jobs no longer provide traditional pension plans that promise workers guaranteed income in retirement. Only 17 percent of private industry employees were offered a traditional pension plan in 2018, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. But a few jobs and industries continue to provide workers with steady pension payments in retirement. Jobs that offer pensions tend to be clustered in a few specific fields. Government and union employees are especially likely to have access to pension benefits. Consider these jobs that bestow a steady paycheck after you retire.

Teacher

The majority (89%) of primary, secondary and special education teachers who work in schools enjoy access to a traditional pension plan for retirement, according to BLS data. Over half (59%) of employees at colleges and universities also have pension coverage. “Teachers are still predominantly covered by defined benefit pensions,” says Melinda Morrill, associate professor of economics at the Poole College of Management at North Carolina State University. “Although public employers are making some movement away from these plans, the vast majority of public sector workers are still covered by defined benefit pension plans.” The median pay is $57,980 at the elementary school level and $60,320 at the high school level, which can vary considerably by state and school district. Teachers who meet the pension requirements can expect to continue to receive a specific portion of their former salary in retirement.

10 Jobs That Still Offer Traditional Pensions

State and local government

Almost all state and local government employees (86%) are eligible for a traditional pension plan. “The government, federal, state and local, would still be the most common place to find defined benefit pensions,” says David Love, a professor of economics at Williams College. “Some state and local governments have been in the news for switching to defined contribution plans, but I believe that defined benefits are still widely available for new employees.” The state government has slightly higher pension coverage than local government, and union government employees are somewhat more likely to have a pension than nonunion workers. In many cases, part-time government employees don’t qualify for the pension plan.

Utilities

Utility companies provide pension coverage to 73% of their employees, according to BLS data. And over half (54%) of utilities in the Fortune 500 have a pension plan that is open to new hires, Willis Towers Watson found. Some utility companies have closed the pension plan to recent hires, but continue to provide pension benefits to existing workers. “Utilities are typically heavily unionized and generally prefer to keep their retirement structure consistent between their union and nonunion workforces,” according to the Willis Towers Watson report. “Moreover, many jobs at utilities companies are physically demanding, and defined benefit plans facilitate retirement at an appropriate time.”

Protective service

Just over half (55%) of workers in the protective service are eligible to participate in a traditional pension plan. “Police officers and firefighters are likely to have access to a traditional defined benefit pension plan,” says Elizabeth Kennedy, associate professor of law and social responsibility at Loyola University Maryland. Police officers and detectives earn a median of $63,380 per year, which is considerably more than the $49,620 median salary for firefighters. Many protective service jobs have rigorous physical qualifications necessary to perform the role. The pension plans provide for former employees who may no longer be able to meet the physical demands of the job.

Insurance

The BLS reports that 43 percent of workers in the insurance industry have access to a traditional pension plan. Among large insurance companies in the Fortune 500, 60 percent provide a defined benefit plan. “The type of employees that they have are longer tenure and more likely to appreciate and understand the defined benefit plan,” says Royce Kosoff, managing director for retirement at Willis Towers Watson. Retirees with a traditional pension plan face less risk of investment losses or running out of money than former employees with a 401(k) account to manage on their own.

Pharmaceuticals

Half of Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies have a traditional pension plan, Willis Towers Watson found. It takes a long time to conduct complex pharmaceutical research and bring a unique product to market. A retirement benefit that rewards long-term employees helps pharmaceutical companies to retain experienced individuals. “They need talent in this industry, and that defined benefit plan is a really important part of their overall benefit package,” Kosoff says. “They can’t have you picking up and taking that knowledge elsewhere, especially later in your career after you accumulate that knowledge.”

Nurse

Nurses spend their days caring for others, and 42% of registered nurses will eventually receive pension payments in retirement. Those who work in hospitals are especially likely to have access to a defined benefit pension. Registered nurses earn a median of $71,730 per year. The need for nurses is expected to grow as the baby boomer population ages and requires more medical services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15 percent increase in nursing jobs by 2026.

Transportation

Almost a third (32%) of transportation and warehousing employees are eligible to participate in a traditional pension plan. “In the private sector, the only industries in which new employees have meaningful access to traditional pension plans are those with high union density, such as transportation, construction, manufacturing and maintenance,” Kennedy says. Depending on the employer, some drivers or certain groups of workers at airlines might be eligible to participate in a pension plan, although many plans have been frozen or closed to new employees.

Military

Service members on active duty or who serve in the reserves or guard for a designated period of time, often at least 20 years, may qualify for payments in retirement. The military uses several different methods of calculating retirement payments, but, in general, those who serve for longer periods of time receive more generous payments in retirement. Military pensions are adjusted to keep up with inflation each year, and retirees can elect to participate in a survivor benefit plan that will provide annuity payments to surviving family members.

Unions

A union card might be your ticket to more comprehensive retirement benefits. Some 80% of union members have access to a defined benefit pension plan, compared to 18% of nonunion employees, according to BLS data. “The unionized workforce includes a range of jobs and occupations, many of which look very different from those historically organized by their union,” Kennedy says. “For example, the United Steelworkers Union represents over 850,000 workers across a wide range of industries and jobs, from sheet metal fabrication to health care and from forestry to pharmaceuticals.” Unions often negotiate for better retirement benefits on behalf of their members.

Check out these jobs with pensions:

• Teacher.
• State and local government.
• Utilities.
• Protective service.
• Insurance.
• Pharmaceuticals.
• Nurse.
• Transportation.
• Military.
• Unions.

 

@16 Low-Stress Jobs

There are no completely stress-free employment, but these low-stress ones come close.

By Maryalene LaPonsie 

jobs with low stress levels and a healthy work-life balance A high pay may not be worthwhile if you are always stressed out. To assist people in finding low-stress jobs, we searched our ranks of the Best Jobs for professions that offer flexible scheduling, secure working conditions, and excellent work-life balance. Instead of choosing a career based solely on its earning potential, consider your overall quality of life and look for low-stress employment that offers a good salary and enjoyable working conditions. To find the low-stress profession that's best for you, look over the 16 alternatives listed below. The Bureau of Labor Statistics contributed the information.

 

 

Landscaper and Groundskeeper

Median salary: $31,730

Education required: None required.

 

Exercising and spending time outside have both been proved in scientific studies to alleviate stress. Landscapers and groundskeepers are responsible for both. Their common responsibilities include mowing lawns, picking up trash and rubbish, and planting and caring for plants, shrubs, and flowers. Landscapers and groundskeepers need not be concerned about repaying student debts because no formal degree is required for these occupations.

 

Web Developer

Median salary: $77,200

Education required: Associate's degree

 

Several factors contribute to web development being a low-stress occupation. Professionals in this profession design and maintain websites, which can be interesting and enjoyable employment. Furthermore, web developers can work from anywhere, making this a great alternative for individuals who prefer to work remotely. Finally, with only an associate's degree required to obtain a job, developers are unlikely to rack up expensive and stressful student loans. Web developers are in high demand and earn above-average salaries, which might alleviate some concerns about finding work after college.

 

Massage Therapist

Median salary: $43,620

Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award

 

Massages are synonymous with relaxation, and you don't have to be the recipient to benefit from them. Massage therapists work in low-stress environments, manipulating muscles and tissue to reduce pain, repair injuries, and improve the overall well-being of their clients. One-third of workers are self-employed, which allows them to choose their own hours and rates. A short-term certificate is a type of formal education in the area, and most jurisdictions require licenced massage therapists.

 

Genetic Counselor

Median salary: $85,700

Education required: Master's degree

 

Genetic counselors assist individuals in determining their potential health concerns. They examine the family health history, recommend testing alternatives, and then discuss the results of those tests with their clients. Because this is not a physically demanding job, employees are unlikely to be hurt on the job. Furthermore, genetic counselors earn a high enough median salary to comfortably cover basic living expenses with money left over. These are two of the reasons why this is one of the best low-stress jobs.

 

The wind turbine technician

Median salary: $56,230

Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award

 

Working as a wind turbine technician can be a low-stress job if you don't mind heights. Wind turbine inspectors inspect wind turbines, perform periodic maintenance, and repair components as needed. While some training is required for the position, you will not have to spend years in college or incur massive student debt. A short-term certificate, on the other hand, is a formal education for this field of work.

 

Dental Hygienist

Median salary: $77,090

Education required: Associate's degree

 

Dental hygienists benefit from a solid work market, with almost no unemployment reported in the industry. They clean teeth and educate patients on appropriate oral hygiene in dental offices. According to the BLS, hygienists normally work regular hours and many are employed part-time. As a result, this is a fantastic employment for anyone looking for a low-stress job with a decent work-life balance.

 

Cartographer

Median salary: $68,380

Education required: Bachelor's degree

 

Cartographers are contemporary mapmakers. While their work may require them to work in the field, these experts also frequently use mapping software. Fieldwork is more intensive, but those who prefer this type of work may be willing to spend more time on location. When working from home, cartographers may have a consistent schedule and little need for overtime.

 

Mechanical Engineer

Median salary: $90,160

Education required: Bachelor's degree

 

Mechanical engineers' jobs can be both intellectually stimulating and financially rewarding. These issue solvers may work in the manufacturing, technology, or transportation industries. They create and test tools and machines, and the majority of their work is done in an office setting. Although these are not stress-free jobs, the absence of travel, decent compensation, and low unemployment all contribute to lower worker stress levels.

 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Median salary: $70,190

Education required: Master's degree

 

Orthotists and prosthetists have fulfilling careers. They make prosthetic limbs for people who need them and fit braces and other orthopaedic devices for people who need help walking. In either case, these professionals have the potential to have a life-changing impact on patients who regain independence and movement because to these gadgets. Orthotists and prosthetists have minimal unemployment and a strong work-life balance, which contributes to a low-stress vocation.

 

Occupational Therapist

Median salary: $86,280

Education required: Master's degree

 

People rely on occupational therapists to help them restore the capacity to do daily duties after an illness or disability. Therapists may also work with those who have disabilities to help them gain independence. Job growth in the field is predicted to be substantial in the next years, with workers having a variety of career options. Some occupational therapists work in hospitals and health care facilities, while others may visit schools or patients' homes.

 

A Physical Therapist Assistant

Median salary: $59,770

Education required: Associate's degree

 

Physical therapist assistants assist patients in carrying out exercises and movements prescribed by a physical therapist. According to the BLS, demand for physical therapist assistants is predicted to increase by more than 32% between 2019 and 2029. That indicates that newcomers to this vibrant field should not be concerned about finding work. Workers also only need an associate's degree, so they won't have to worry about how to pay for additional schooling.

 

Orthodontist

Median salary: $208,000

Education required: Doctorate

 

Orthodontists work all day straightening teeth. They may fit patients with braces or other equipment and make required changes. Orthodontic emergencies are uncommon and rarely life-threatening, thus this is not a role that requires personnel to be available at all hours of the day. While physicians and surgeons may be required to deliver bad news to patients, orthodontists are not normally required to do so. They provide a service that usually leaves people smiling after treatment.

 

dentist

Median salary: $164,010.

Education required: Doctorate

 

Dentists have a career that doesn't usually put them in danger, from extracting teeth to treating cavities. While dentists' office hours vary, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that they work less than 40 hours each week. Flexible hours and above-average income make this one of the low-stress jobs with an outstanding work-life balance.

 

Data Scientist

Median salary: $98,230

Education required: Bachelor's degree

 

If you enjoy numbers and analysis, becoming a data scientist could be an excellent fit. These experts are experts at converting the massive amounts of data that are now available to corporations and organizations into information that can be used for marketing, product development, and other purposes. The job offers above-average flexibility, with data scientists potentially able to work from home and establish their own hours. This, combined with the opportunity for employment growth and money, makes this a low-stress occupation.

 

Statistician

Median salary: $92,270

Education required: Master's Degree

 

If you dislike arithmetic, then might typically find as a statistician unpleasant. However, for individuals who prefer working with numbers, this job could be a dream come true. Statisticsians collect and analyse statistics in a variety of fields such as health care, government, research, and academia. While they may occasionally receive a last-minute data request, which may induce stress, these professionals normally work regular hours in an office setting.

 

Software Developer

Median salary: $110,140

Education required: Bachelor's degree

 

Software developers are among the most stressful careers. These individuals design software for computer systems and applications. It's a job that allows for remote work and flexible hours. Workers are mostly unconcerned about occupational injuries or tight travel schedules. Furthermore, with a six-figure median income, software developers should not have to worry about money when it comes time to pay the bills.

16 low-stress jobs:

• Landscaper and Groundskeeper.
• Web Developer.
• Massage Therapist.
• Genetic Counselor.
• Wind Turbine Technician.
• Dental Hygienist.
• Cartographer.
• Mechanical Engineer.
• Orthotist and Prosthetist.
• Occupational Therapist.
• Physical Therapist Assistant.
• Orthodontist.
• Dentist.
• Data Scientist.
• Statistician.
• Software Developer.

Tips for a Successful Internship Interview

What comes to your mind when you think about an internship? Many may think of internships as something only recent college graduates pursue, but that isn't always the case. It can also be a great way for someone making a career transition to get their feet wet in a new industry. Even more so in today's economic climate, an internship can be a great opportunity to learn new skills, make networking connections and boost your overall career game.

(GETTY IMAGES)

If you have determined that you would like to land an internship, how can you ensure you make a great impression and conduct a successful interview? Any interview process can be stressful, so here are some helpful tips to help you prepare for an internship interview.

How to Prepare Before the Interview

Avoid falling into the trap of thinking that this interview is less important since it's for an internship as opposed to a full-time job. Instead, you should treat it like any other job interview. You want to do your due diligence and make sure that you are well prepared.

• Research the company. Take some time to explore their website and LinkedIn page to understand what the company is accomplishing and how you can contribute to that goal.
• Look up the interviewer. Do you know who will be conducting the interview? Look them up on LinkedIn and on the company website, and try finding something you admire about them or something you have in common. While you don't want to give the impression that you are stalking them online, you can compliment them for a recent accomplishment.
• Get all the details in advance. Will this be a phone, Zoom or in-person interview? What materials does the employer need in advance?
• Dress for the job you want. Err on the side of dressing more professionally, even though it's for an interview that may be through videoconference. Put your best foot forward.
• Decide what you want out of the internship. Write down the top three things you want to gain from this experience and the top three things you want the employer to gain from your time there. Having and knowing the purpose for wanting the internship will help you express yourself more clearly to the employer. It will also help you avoid frustration if you are not hired for a job after the internship.
• Make sure you have a financial plan. To avoid undue stress, make sure you have a good financial plan in place if you accept an unpaid internship. This will help you feel excited about your internship and ensure good work performance.

Common Questions to Expect and Sample Answers

Internship interview questions are much like any other job interview questions. Here are some common questions you may be asked along with possible ways to answer.

• What do you hope to gain from this internship? You will want to talk about the purpose that you defined in your preparation for the interview. For example: "I am excited about the opportunity to work with a team and hone my problem-solving skills. I also look forward to contributing to the success of the company with my strong work ethic."
• Why do you want to work in this industry? While this question seems similar to the above, the employer wants to know why you chose this industry as opposed to another one. For example: "I am in the process of making a career transition to this industry, and I would love the opportunity to see if this is a good fit for me long-term."
• Tell us a little bit about yourself. While this is a seemingly casual question, you want to be strategic about your answer. Be honest, but aim to speak to a professional accomplishment as well as something personal about yourself, such as a hobby. For example: "I majored in business management and have helped several firms implement an updated leadership program. I also love to travel in my spare time; my favorite place is X."
• What are your strengths and weaknesses? For this question, the employer wants to know if you are honest about yourself and aware of things you need to work on. However, try to spin your weakness in a positive way. For example: "I am punctual and have a strong work ethic. Sometimes I struggle with deadlines, but I am working on that by setting periodic reminders for myself on my phone to keep myself on track."

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

It's important to ask questions so you know how this internship can help you with your long-term career goals. Again, an internship can be a great opportunity for your career, but you want to be strategic about your choice. You want to ask good questions to make sure it will align with your goals and be a good fit for you. For example:

• Is a full-time position at this company a possibility after the internship?
• What would I have to achieve to get a full-time job at this company?
• What do you expect an intern to accomplish in the first 30 and 60 days of the internship?

Overall Tips for a Successful Interview

There are some general internship interview tips to keep in mind to feel confident about your interview:

• Familiarize yourself with the industry. Especially if you are wanting to intern in a field that is new to you, it's important to learn the basics and how your previous experience translates to that industry. You don't have to know everything, but using any industry-specific language or mentioning some recent news can show the interviewer that you have done your homework.
• Practice your interview. Interviewing can be nerve-wracking, so practicing your interview answers with someone else, such as a friend or career coach, can help you feel more confident and at ease. If you are unable to practice with someone else, record yourself and watch the playback to see how you come across.
• Arrive early for your interview. Whether your interview is virtual or in-person, arriving early will help you feel more relaxed. Make sure to account for driving time and parking if your interview is in-person, and have a backup plan for your internet if your interview is virtual.
• Dress professionally. While dress codes vary by industry, dress professionally for any kind of interview, even for an internship. This will help give a good first impression and show you are serious about the opportunity. If your interview is virtual, you should still be fully dressed and pay careful attention to what the interviewer can see in your background.
• Pay attention to your posture. Avoid slouching or looking at the floor during your interview. Sitting up straight and appropriate eye contact with the interviewer transmits confidence. Don't forget to smile!
• Take extra copies of your materials. It's always good to be prepared with a few extra copies of your resume and other marketing materials in case there are additional interviewers or something happens to the document.
• Don't be afraid to ask for clarification. Sometimes you may not understand what the interviewer has asked you. Perhaps there was a lag in the audio on your virtual interview or you just aren't sure what direction the interviewer wants you to go with your answer. It's OK to ask for clarification before answering.
• Take a notebook. You may want to reference some notes or even write down certain details the interviewer mentions during your interview. Having a notebook on hand shows your attention to detail.
• Close the loop. Make sure that you know what you need to do after the interview. Who do you need to follow up with? What paperwork do you need to fill out? Don't leave the interview with any looming questions.
• Thank the interviewer. No matter how the interview goes, make sure to thank the interviewer for their time. This shows true professionalism.