Here is a list of some careers I have found that are likely to be in demand and thus have great financial reward:
1. Behavioral Geneticist. Ok , I know this is a bit biased, as I am working towards an advanced degree in behavioral neuroscience, but hear me out. For over 100 years, psychologists have attempted, with modest success, to ameliorate mental problems from depression to low intelligence by changing patients' attitudes and by exploring their childhood angst. Now, pharmacological approaches are used, also with only moderate success. Recent evidence suggests a more fruitful path tied to the fact that human behavior—sexual orientation, alcoholism, intelligence, the propensity for violence—has a strong genetic component. Researchers and, in coming years, clinicians who specialize in developing and implementing ethical gene-related therapies should be in growing demand. $60,000-120,000 to start (as a tenured professor or established researcher in government/private sector. Ph.D. in Genetics, Neuroscience, Psychological Sciences, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, or an M.D./Ph.D. For more information check out:
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/behavior.shtml or
http://www.bga.org/ 2. Asian Business Development Specialist. More U.S. companies, large and small, are creating joint ventures, licensing arrangements, financing deals, and other transactions with Asian firms, not just in China and India but also in Thailand, Vietnam, and elsewhere. Eli Lilly acquired the rights to test and purchase medicinal herbs produced by a Chinese company. Bridgestone Tire made a deal to have its tires manufactured in Indonesia. Google acquire a stake in a Chinese community website. People with the ability to identify, assess, and facilitate such transactions should increasingly be in demand. Employment should be available in all sectors: companies, consulting firms, nonprofits, and government. For more info I encourage you to check out a job search engine and just see for yourself the number of jobs available as well as the high salaries offered! As far as education goes, focus on earning an MBA from a competetive business school.
3. Health Informatics Specialist/Manager. The job market for health informatics people is absolutely out of sight. It;s no surprise: Hospitals, insurers, and regional collaboratives are switching to electronic medical records. Nurses and doctors, urged to do more evidence-based medicine, are using computerized expert systems to guide their diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Healthcare providers are also collecting more data to evaluate quality of care.
Health informatics is an umbrella term for a range of careers. No surprise, there are many opportunities for techies, but there also are ample options for people persons. For example, as a health information systems analyst, you speak with physicians, nurses, and others to identify their needs and develop a blueprint to hand to the programmers for implementation. If you get a bachelor's in health information management or a bachelor's in anything plus a master's in health information management, you're likely to have a good, secure job waiting that will play a crucial role in improving the quality of American healthcare. For more info:
http://www.ahima.org/ Among other things, it lists the 200 accredited training programs. Some of the better-regarded ones include: Ohio State University, Temple University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Utah, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Alabama-Birmingham, University of Illinois-Chicago, Stanford University, University of Oregon Medical Center, and University of Washington.
4. Engineering. Plain and simple, you just can't go wrong with a degree in engineering, whatever the specific discipline under the umbrella of engineering you choose (electrical, mechanical, civil, spatial information technology, chemical, biological, construction managment tech, etc...) 50k to start right out of school is not uncommon. Rather than post a specific link, just take a look around on google for engineering jobs, they're EVERYWHERE! Pay specific attention to the ones being offered in Dubai. They are unique, profitable, and really really cool!
5. Wellness Coach. Fitness trainers have been popular for more than a decade, but more and more people now also want support in their efforts to eat less, stop smoking or drinking, and reduce stress. These people are starting to seek out wellness coaches. This trend should accelerate if—as is widely predicted—more of us are pressured by younger tech-savvy workers, globalization, automation, and the massive influx of immigrants from Asia and Latin America willing to work long hours for low pay. Wellness coaches are being hired not only by individuals but by employers and health insurers as a likely cost-beneficial perk for their employees. A degree in kinesiology with a concentraion in sports medicine is probably a great place to lay the undergraduate foundation for pursuing this type of career. Entry level careers may start at 35-40k per year, but grow rapidly once experience is gained and often top out at well over 6 figures. For more info check out:
http://www.wellcoaches.com/ Good luck to you and please get multiple opinions on this question, not just from here at Yahoo! Answers, but also from the trained professionals (both administrationa nd faculity) at your university.
Answered By: Mr. Fascinating! - 7/31/2008