5 jobs you can get with an English degree

By Susan Ricker, 

Besides spending most of your time reading, writing or discussing great written works throughout history, there are plenty of reasons to major in English during your undergraduate years. From developing critical analysis to sharpening your communication skills, an English degree can provide a solid foundation for a career.
But what comes after the diploma? If you're looking for ideas, consider any of these five jobs that can put that degree to use, as well as lead to valuable opportunities down the road.
1. Adult literacy and GED teachers instruct adults and youth who are out of school in basic skills, such as reading, writing and speaking English. They also help students earn their General Education Development or high school diploma.*

Why an English degree is valuable: Communication skills. Teachers must collaborate with other teachers and program administrators. In addition, they talk to students about their progress and goals. Also, cultural sensitivity is a skill many English majors pick up from studying and reading about cultures around the world and at home, and it is an important quality in this role. Adult literacy and GED teachers must be able to work with students from a variety of cultural, educational and economic backgrounds. They must be understanding and respectful of their students' backgrounds and be familiar with their concerns.

Median annual pay: $46,530
2. Editors plan, coordinate and revise material for publication in books, newspapers, magazines or websites. They review story ideas and decide what material will appeal most to readers. They also review and edit drafts of books and articles, offer comments to improve the product and suggest titles and headlines.
Why an English degree is valuable: Language skills. Editors must ensure that all written content has correct grammar, punctuation and syntax. As a result, strong language skills are essential for an editor. Also, writing skills are a must. Editors should enjoy writing and must be excellent writers overall. They must have good knowledge of grammar and punctuation rules and be able to express ideas clearly and logically.
Median annual pay: $51,470
3. Paralegals and legal assistants do a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research and drafting documents.
Why an English degree is valuable: Speaking and writing skills. Paralegals must be able to document and present their research and related information to their supervising attorney.
Median annual pay: $46,680
4. Reporters, correspondents and broadcast news analysts inform the public about news and events happening internationally, nationally and locally. They report the news for newspapers, magazines, websites, television and radio.
Why an English degree is valuable: Communication skills. Journalists need to be able to report the news both verbally and in writing. Strong writing skills are particularly important for journalists in all kinds of media.
Median annual pay: $36,000
5. Technical writers produce instruction manuals and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily. They also develop, gather and disseminate technical information among customers, designers and manufacturers.
Why an English degree is valuable: Communication skills. Technical writers must be able to take complex, technical information and translate it for colleagues and consumers who have nontechnical backgrounds. Imagination is also an important skill. Technical writers must be able to think about a procedure or product in the way that a person without technical experience would think about it. Finally, writing skills are necessary. Technical communicators must have excellent writing skills to be able to explain technical information clearly.
Median annual pay: $63,280

7 companies, 7 creative ways to recruit technology candidates

By Mary Lorenz, 

While companies like Google, Microsoft and Facebook are pretty much synonymous with the term "cool employee perks" (bocce ball, anyone? How about a stress-relieving massage at the on-campus spa?), they're not the only technology companies where workers enjoy unique -- and enviable -- benefits on a daily basis.
From letting employees bring their dogs to work to offering unlimited paid vacation, tech companies of all sizes are finding cool new ways to lure top technology candidates. Check out some of the innovative recruiting tactics that make these companies an employer of choice for both current employees and job seekers.

1. Q2 hosts "arcade nights" for current and potential employees. Every quarter, interested candidates come to a local arcade to trade résumés and mingle with current employees. At the end of the day, it's the culture that really sells candidates: For the past three years, the virtual banking solutions provider has been ranked as a Top Workplace in Austin, Texas.
2. MoneyDesktop keeps recruiting casual with "drink ups." Like Q2's arcade nights, MoneyDesktop's drink ups enable current employees and prospects to learn about the culture in a relaxed environment -- here, however, the meeting place is a local brewery.
3. RJMetrics lets workers design their dream job environments. "One of the major draws of working at RJMetrics was the opportunity to design my ideal workspace, including my desired chair, desk and computer," writes one employee on the company blog.
4. Autodesk welcomes employees' dogs. The California-based business, a Fortune "Best Company to Work For," also lets employees take six-week sabbaticals every four years.
5. Evernote offers unlimited paid vacation. The California-based company joins a growing list of companies -- including Netflix, Best Buy and Akamai -- offering employees unlimited paid vacation as a way to lower stress, minimize turnover and attract new workers.
6. Rackspace gives employees a "fun budget." Over in its U.K. offices, every Rackspace employee enjoys a monthly "fun budget" of £25 per month. Employees in the U.S. get a pretty good deal, too. With 60-hour workweeks as the norm, management wants employees to play just as hard as they work, so "Rackers" (as employees are called) have access to an on-site gym, video games and pool tables -- in addition to break rooms stocked with free food and drinks.
7. Enova's "hackathons" lure innovative candidates. The Chicago-based tech firm invites local college students to compete in "hackathons" to get to know them, introduce them to the company and get them excited about the opportunity to work there. (No doubt, one of the selling points is Enova's "chill hub," where employees can get free haircuts, manicures and massages.) To top it off, Enova also offers new employees signing bonuses.

40 of the fastest growing jobs in oil and gas, health care and IT

• By Susan Ricker

Imagine life without technology, energy resources or health care. Pretty scary, right? Happily, these industries are a safe and secure part of the immediate future, and are also creating a large amount of new jobs. A new report from CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists International, America’s Job Outlook: Occupational Projections 2013-2017, analyzed 785 occupations and has identified those that are projected to grow fastest. While the pace of overall job growth is 4.4 percent, all of the occupations included on this list are at least 8 percent projected growth — about twice the rate for all U.S. jobs.

Within these fast-growing occupations, there are a prevalent number of roles in oil and gas extraction, health care and technology. Learn more about these dominating industries, as well as the titles and characteristics of leading roles.

Oil and gas
Seven oil and gas occupations are in the top 25 projected fastest growing occupations, accounting for 41,166 new jobs through 2017. Check out oilandgasjobsearch.com for industry-specific job results and resources:

Rotary drill operator, oil and gas
New jobs: 4,925
Growth through 2017: 19 percent

Derrick operator, oil and gas
New jobs: 4,470
Growth through 2017: 19 percent

Service unit operator, oil, gas and mining
New jobs: 11,220
Growth through 2017: 18 percent

Roustabout, oil and gas               
New jobs: 10,826
Growth through 2017: 17 percent

Petroleum engineer
New jobs: 5,516
Growth through 2017: 14 percent

Geological and petroleum technician
New jobs: 2,154
Growth through 2017: 13 percent

Wellhead pumper
New jobs: 2,055
Growth through 2017: 13 percent

Health care
Health care industry occupations are projected to dominate the list of fastest growing occupations in the United States from 2013-2017. Of the 50 fastest growing occupations, 26 are in medical, allied health or health-related roles. For jobs in the health care industry, as well as advice and resources, check out miracleworkers.com.

Biomedical engineer
New jobs: 4,803
Growth through 2017: 23 percent

Personal care aide
New jobs: 273,898
Growth through 2017: 21 percent

Home health aide
New jobs: 200,067
Growth through 2017: 21 percent

Physical therapist assistant
New jobs: 11,320
Growth through 2017: 16 percent

Occupational therapy assistant
New jobs: 4,693
Growth through 2017: 15 percent

Diagnostic medical sonographer
New jobs: 9,271
Growth through 2017: 15 percent

Medical scientist, except epidemiologist
New jobs: 15,194
Growth through 2017: 15 percent

Physical therapist aide
New jobs: 7,615
Growth through 2017: 15 percent

Medical secretary
New jobs: 76,386
Growth through 2017: 14 percent

Nurse midwife
New jobs: 766
Growth through 2017: 13 percent

Nurse anesthetist
New jobs: 4,613
Growth through 2017: 13 percent

Audiologist
New jobs: 1,672
Growth through 2017: 13 percent

Physical therapist
New jobs: 27,706
Growth through 2017: 13 percent

Marriage and family therapist
New jobs: 5,505
Growth through 2017: 13 percent

Emergency medical technicians and paramedic               
New jobs: 30,234
Growth through 2017: 13 percent

Dental hygienist
New jobs: 22,576
Growth through 2017: 12 percent

Nurse practitioner
New jobs: 13,765
Growth through 2017: 12 percent

Health educator
New jobs: 7,050
Growth through 2017: 12 percent

Mental health counselor
New jobs: 15,786
Growth through 2017: 12 percent

Health care social worker
New jobs: 17,721
Growth through 2017: 12 percent

Occupational therapist
New jobs: 13,323
Growth through 2017: 12 percent

Ambulance driver and attendant, except emergency medical technician
New jobs: 2,397
Growth through 2017: 12 percent

Occupational therapy aide
New jobs: 1,030
Growth through 2017: 12 percent

Medical equipment repairer
New jobs: 4,237
Growth through 2017: 11 percent

Cardiovascular technologist and technician
New jobs: 5,626
Growth through 2017: 11 percent

Magnetic resonance imaging technologist
New jobs: 3,442
Growth through 2017: 11 percent

Computer and information technology
Several computer and IT roles are among the projected fastest growing occupations over the next five years, driven by high demand for software developers. Search IT jobs, as well as recommendations and resources, at sologig.com.

Database administrator
New jobs: 13,256
Growth through 2017: 11 percent

Software developer, systems software
New jobs: 48,291
Growth through 2017: 11 percent

Software developer, applications
New jobs: 61,758
Growth through 2017: 10 percent

Web developer
New jobs: 11,663
Growth through 2017: 9 percent

Network and computer systems administrator
New jobs: 34,825
Growth through 2017: 9 percent

Computer systems analyst
New jobs: 40,462
Growth through 2017: 8 percent

Computer and information research scientist
New jobs: 2,055
Growth through 2017: 8 percent

For the love of travel: Careers in hospitality management

• By Guest Contributor

By Holly Johnson, OnlineDegrees.com

A career in hospitality management could lead almost anywhere…literally. Those who climb the ranks in travel and tourism can find themselves working and living in exotic destinations abroad, sailing the open seas on a cruise ship or touring the most mysterious and beautiful places on Earth. A degree in hospitality management could lead to a career managing a hotel or resort, overseeing day-to-day activities, procedures and guests. Or, it could lead to a job as a cruise ship director, sorting through the complex issues and requirements that come with leaving port and sailing the open sea for weeks at a time. With a career in hospitality management, the possibilities are only limited by what the world has to offer. And, with so many amazing career options available, it’s no wonder that many students are choosing to pursue degrees in this field.

Gaining the education and skills needed
Hospitality management encompasses a wide range of industries and careers, including travel, tourism, restaurant management and lodging. The following options are available for students who want to turn their passion for travel into a career in hospitality management:

• Certificate programs: There are a variety of certificate programs available for hospitality management majors. A certificate program, while not for credit, may add value to a résumé or serve as continuing education for those already working in the field. Specialized certificates can help upper-level professionals learn new skills or make a lateral move within their organization.
• Associate degree: In general, students who earn an associate degree gain a basic understanding of all facets of the hospitality industry including lodging, food and beverage, travel and tourism. An associate degree could be completed in as little as two years of full-time study, and programs are available online as well as on campus. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many lodging managers, in particular, are required to have a bachelor’s degree in order to be considered for employment. However, an associate degree may suffice for students pursuing a nonmanagement hotel position or any position within the restaurant or tourism industries.
• Bachelor’s degree: Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree typically gain a fundamental understanding of core business principles, best practices in hospitality management and strategies for effective leadership. In many cases, students in these programs can choose to take elective courses that align with their interests. Some possible options include hotel management, event management, international tourism, labor relations, or hospitality entrepreneurship. Individuals who pursue this degree can choose from a variety of accredited online schools or on-campus options, and may be able to earn their degree in as little as four years of full-time study.
• Master’s degree: Individuals who earn a master’s degree may be able to gain employment in senior management, convention services, real estate development projects or strategic development and planning. Most master’s degree programs can be completed in as little as two years of full-time study.
• Doctorate degree: Students who want to study advanced concepts within the field of hospitality and tourism can choose to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in hotel, restaurant or institutional management. These programs typically cover concepts in facilities management and strategy, institutional management, branding, human resources, sales and marketing. Although outcomes may vary, those who graduate with a doctorate might move on to become hospitality researchers or professors at a university level.

A degree in hospitality management can help graduates get their foot in the door in nearly any one of the careers mentioned so far. However, on-the-job experience is just as important, if not more important, than formal education. Hospitality managers need excellent customer service, communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to lead effectively and solve problems as they arise. Listening skills are also crucial for professionals in hospitality management, as they encounter a wide range of requests from various customers, vendors and employees on a daily basis.

Jobs to consider
Those who graduate with a degree in hospitality management could find themselves working in nearly any role within the travel and hospitality industry. Possibilities include hotel and resort manager, spa and relaxation coordinator, restaurant or catering manager, cruise director, casino and gaming manager, or event planner. Salaries in this field can vary widely depending on location, education and experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that lodging managers earned a median annual wage of $46,810 nationally in 2012, while food service managers earned a median wage of $47,960. Meeting, convention and event planners also took home a healthy paycheck in 2012, earning a median wage of $45,810 nationally.

20 companies hiring in December

By Debra Auerbach, 


As the year draws to a close and holiday festivities crowd the calendar, it can be easy to push your job search aside and tell yourself you'll pick it back up again next year. While you may think that companies aren't doing much hiring in December, that's not true. There are many companies that are hiring now and have great opportunities for job seekers of all levels and backgrounds.

So although it may be tempting, don't neglect your job search this month. Instead, check out this list of 20 companies hiring throughout December.

1. Anderson Merchandisers  
Industry: Merchandising/retail
Sample job titles: Sales merchandiser, district sales manager, retail media merchandiser, territory sales lead
Location: Nationwide
2. Autozone
Industry: Retail
Sample job titles: Store manager, commercial delivery driver, manager in training
Location: Nationwide
3. Bassett Furniture
Industry: Retail
Sample job titles: Administrative support-full time, design consultant, furniture repair technician, maintenance/porter, manager in training, store manager, visual merchandiser, warehouse and delivery
Location: 26 states
4. Blain's Farm & Fleet
Industry: Retail
Sample job titles: Automotive technician, cashier, warehouse clerk, assistant store manager
Location: Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois
5. Bluegreen Vacations
Industry: Hospitality
Sample job titles: Vacation sales representative, sales/marketing/retail representative
Location: Nationwide
6. Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. (Checkers/Rally's)
Industry: Quick service restaurants
Sample job titles: Restaurant manager, shift manager, construction manager
Location: 16 states
7. Consultis
Industry: IT staffing
Sample job titles: Business analyst, project manager, network engineer, network admin, application developer, application architect, IT director
Location: Alabama; California; Colorado; Washington, D.C.; Florida; Georgia; Kentucky; Minnesota; Missouri; North Carolina; New York; Oklahoma; Texas; Vermont
8. Crown Castle
Industry: Telecommunications
Sample job titles: Project manager, field operations technician, alternate site acquisition manager
Location: Canonsburg, Pa.; Houston; Alpharetta, Ga.
9. Higher One
Industry: Educational software
Sample job titles: iSOS developer, home based seasonal customer care agent, Java software engineer, .NET software developer, Web designer-UX designer
Location: Connecticut, New York, California, Georgia; work-from-home positions
10. Hyland Software
Industry: Information technology
Sample job titles: Software developer, Web developer, tech support, project manager
Location: Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Utah, California
11. IServe Residential Lending
Industry: Mortgage lending
Sample job titles: Mortgage loan originator, mortgage branch manager, mortgage underwriter, mortgage loan processor
Location: Stamford and Madison, Conn.; Murfreesboro and Nashville, Tenn.; Orlando and Tampa, Fla.; San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles, Calif.; Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.
12. Midway Products
Industry: Manufacturing
Sample job titles: Controls engineer, tool and die maker, maintenance supervisor, quality engineer
Location: Findlay, Greenwich, Ottoville and Columbus Grove, Ohio; Shipshewana and Hudson, Ind.; Monroe, Mich.
13. Pace Payment Systems
Industry: Banking/financial
Sample job titles: Regional sales executive
Location: Nationwide
14. Protrans International
Industry: Logistics
Sample job titles: Account executive, transportation route manager, material handler, operations specialist, director of business development, account representative, logistics administrator
Location: Indianapolis; El Paso, Eagle Pass, Del Rio and Laredo, Texas; Farmington Hills, Minn.; Dayton, Ohio; St. Louis, Mo.; Detroit; Chicago; Atlanta; Nashville, Tenn.; Philadelphia; Newark, N.J.
15. QPS Employment Group
Industry: Staffing and recruiting
Sample job titles: Manufacturing team leader, CNC mill and lathe operator, administrative assistant, quality assurance, maintenance technician, mold operator
Location: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas
16. Readerlink Distribution
Industry: Merchandising
Sample job titles: Merchandiser, district field supervisor
Location: Nationwide
17. Shutterfly
Industry: Online publishing service
Sample job titles: Engineer, senior program manager, Java developer
Location: California, Arizona, Nevada
18. SS&G
Industry: Accounting -- finance
Sample job titles: Tax manager, tax senior associate, tax associate/senior associate, staff/senior staff accountant, audit staff, controller
Location: Chicago and Skokie, Ill.; Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Solon, Ohio
19. Sutherland Global
Industry: BPO
Sample job titles: Inbound sales consultant, mortgage loan officer, customer service consultant, work-at home consultant, business analyst
Location: Rochester and Syracuse, N.Y.; Tulsa, Okla.; Alexandria, La.; Chesapeake, Va.; Houston
20. Transwest Truck Trailer RV
Industry: Dealership -- parts, service, sales, finance and manufacturing
Sample job titles: Service manager, parts manager, diesel technician, RV interior technician, service writer, parts personnel, outside sales, RV sales, assembler, fabricator, engineer, drafter, F&I, administrative support
Location: Commerce City, Denver, Grand Junction, Frederick and Fountain, Colo.; Belton, Mo.; Wathena, Kan.

7 Jobs That Pay $70 an Hour or More

Dentists, petroleum engineers, CEOs and more

• By CareerBuilder  

Getty Images

By Debra Auerbach

We all know the saying, "Money can't buy you happiness." But if you were making $70 an hour-plus (about $146,000 a year), you'd probably be pretty content -- at least with your salary. Those that make this much money an hour are mostly in medical professions -- physicians, dentists, surgeons and the like -- but there are a few other nonmedical-occupations that can earn such hefty salaries as well.

Want to know which jobs will get you a lucrative $70 an hour or more and what schooling you'll need to get them? Read on to find out.

1. Chief executives devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They plan, direct and coordinate the operational activities of companies and public or private-sector organizations.*

Typical education level: Bachelor's or master's degree in business administration
Average hourly wage: $85.02

2. Dentists (general) diagnose and treat problems with a patient's teeth, gums and other parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.

Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
Average hourly wage: $78.48

3. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons operate on the mouth, jaws, teeth, gums, neck and head, including procedures such as surgically repairing a cleft lip and palate or removing impacted teeth.

Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
Average hourly wage: $104.06

4. Orthodontists design and make appliances, such as braces, to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.

Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
Average hourly wage: $89.58

5. Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the earth's surface. Petroleum engineers also find new ways to extract oil and gas from older wells.

Typical education level: Bachelor's degree
Average hourly wage: $70.90

6. Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses in patients. Physicians examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications and order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, diseases and deformities.

Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
Average hourly wage: $88.86

7. Prosthodontists construct oral prostheses to replace missing teeth and other oral structures to correct natural and acquired deformation of the mouth and jaw, to restore and maintain oral function, such as chewing and speaking, and to improve appearance.

Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
Average hourly wage: $80.83

8 second careers to consider

By Susan Ricker, 

There are plenty of reasons to consider a second career. You could be burnt out in your current job. Perhaps you have transferable skills that you'd like to bring to a new industry. You might be moving to a location where your current job is in short supply. Or maybe you're just interested in something new. Whatever the reason, a well-prepared transition to a second career can revitalize your professional life.

So what's the first step to take when exploring a second career? "When considering a second career and your transferable skills, think about your experience from a broader perspective," says Jessica Campbell, human resources manager at Voices.com. "What kinds of skills did you acquire in your previous position -- like interpersonal, communication and organizational skills -- that you could use anywhere? These are the types of skills that can be transferred to a second career."

Also learn about what opportunities are out there before you take the plunge. "Before considering a second career, please do your research," Campbell adds. "There is nothing more disappointing and defeating than putting your time, energy and money into an educational or skills path that does not result in a job for you in the end because there are no jobs to be had. There are some job markets that are so saturated with new graduates and existing workers that there is no hope for full-time work, or in some instances, even casual work. Talk to people who are already working in the career you are thinking of pursuing, as they will be your strongest assets when deciding on a career and career path."

If you're ready for a second career, you may find luck with any of the following eight occupations. These jobs require varying levels of education and experience, but all are predicted to grow at a fast pace over the next several years.

1. Home health and personal care aides help people who are disabled, chronically ill or cognitively impaired. They also help older adults who may need assistance. They help with activities such as bathing and dressing, and they provide services such as light housekeeping.

Typical education requirement: Less than high school

Job outlook, 2010-20: 70 percent (much faster than average**)
Median annual pay: $20,170
2. Interpreters and translators convert information from one language to another. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language, translators in written language.
Typical education requirement: Bachelor's degree
Job outlook, 2010-20: 42 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual pay: $43,300
3. Market research analysts study market conditions in local, regional or national areas to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them and at what price.
Typical education requirement: Bachelor's degree
Job outlook, 2010-20: 41 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual pay: $60,570
4. Meeting, convention and event planners coordinate all aspects of professional meetings and events. They choose meeting locations, arrange transportation and coordinate other details.
Typical education requirement: Bachelor's degree
Job outlook, 2010-20: 44 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual pay: $45,260
5. Occupational therapy assistants and aides work under the direction of occupational therapists in treating patients with injuries, illnesses or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
Typical education requirement: Associate degree
Job outlook, 2010-20: 41 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual pay: $47,490
6. Physical therapists help people who have injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage their pain. They are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions or injuries.
Typical education requirement: Doctoral or professional degree
Job outlook, 2010-20: 39 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual pay: $76,310
7. Physical therapist assistants and aides work under the direction of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries, illnesses and surgeries regain movement and manage pain.
Typical education requirement: Associate degree
Job outlook, 2010-20: 45 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual pay: $37,710
8. Secretaries and administrative assistants perform routine clerical and organizational tasks. They organize files, draft messages, schedule appointments and support other staff.
Typical education requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
Job outlook, 2010-20: 12 percent (about as fast as average)
Median annual pay: $34,660