Times are changing at a fast pace. Many professions are on the brink of disappearance while others are emerging or expanding. Hence, deciding what to study and have a subsequent career in is a decision that requires significant consideration because of the money and time involved. And once you reach a decision, you also have to look for a suitable university, arrange for funding, and layout a schedule.
The fact of the matter is, a stable career is integral to a fulfilling life. If you do not find satisfaction in your job, switching later in life and having a mid-life crisis can be hard to battle. And it can be tricky to find the right subject to study. To put it in brief, you should major in a subject that is in demand, houses your passion and enthusiasm, and pays well. Since deciding a niche can be challenging, here are some suggestions that come with ever-growing demand, maximum satisfaction, and job security. One of them can be your calling!
Human resources
Being an HR person entails being the middle-ground for an organization and its employees. You will be responsible for recruiting, training, managing, and overseeing the affairs of your employees. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this career path comes with a median salary of $121,220. Moreover, it allows you to accumulate professional wisdom, be in a position of authority, have networking opportunities, and steer the course for your employees. Apart from this, being a frontline problem-solver will generate immense gratitude.
Nowadays, many institutions offer an HRM master’s program online to ease your specialization. Human resources managers, payroll specialists, and training coordinators are popular career choices in this niche. So, get certified, gather the relevant experience, and lead projects to bring about a drastic change in your company’s work environment.
Counseling
A counselor’s job entails using their expertise to help clients overcome personal difficulties. Nowadays, people are putting a lot of confidence and trust in counselors to set things straight for them. Some of the many popular domains a counselor covers include mental health counseling, personal guidance, and marriage/relationship counseling. You can specialize in the area(s), acquire state licensure, and begin practicing. Employment opportunities are multiple as you can practice individually, with a relevant institution, or any other organization that requires your services.
As per Salary Explorer, a counselor in the United States typically earns an average of $105,000. Apart from this, a self-esteem boost is guaranteed as your task is to help people with their mental health problems and trauma. Your problem-solving skills will improve in general as well. It is easily a safe, rewarding, and valuable career option.
Finance
If you have mathematical proficiency, attention to detail, and analytical skills, finance may be your calling. One of the most prominent job roles for finance grads is that of a financial manager. As a financial manager, you have to analyze financial data, determine cash flows and predict future earnings. Prerequisites include a bachelor’s degree and considerable experience in relevant occupations, such as financial analyst and accountant.
According to U.S. News, in 2020, financial managers took home a median salary of $134,180. As far as job security is concerned, finance jobs are experiencing a steady rise, promising a stable career. Financial managers typically work for more than forty hours a week and receive a wide variety of non-wage benefits. Moreover, their job satisfaction lies between 9.6 and 10, as reported by professionals. Sounds unbelievable? It surely is!
Market research
A market research analyst is concerned with consumer preferences and market trends. Markets are omnipresent and always subject to change. During the pandemic, market research analysts had a crucial role to play. They had to monitor market conditions more than ever, for they went through significant alterations.
Movies, for instance, were released on over-the-top (OTT) platforms rather than cinemas because of lockdowns. Which movies were suited for such a time, which OTT platform hosted the target audience, should they be shelved or given an OTT release were some decisions that required intense consideration. Surveys of consumer behaviors and gathering of statistical data thrived during the worst of times. Thus, a highly secure job with an average salary of $65,810 (according to BLS) will be a dream come true for you.
Health and fitness
People have become more enthusiastic about health and fitness over the past decade. Correspondingly, so has the demand for health and fitness experts increased. People of all age groups desire to stay fit and healthy to prolong their youth and lifespan. Developing countries have a super extensive market, as people’s passion in this arena has been relatively new. While in developed countries like the United States, it is a market of more than 33.25 billion U.S. dollars.
Health and fitness is a field that ensures good success, flexible earnings, and a personalized experience as there is often one-on-one interaction with a client. Furthermore, there is a sense of reward and accomplishment as you help people navigate staying fit and healthy and lead fulfilling lives. So feel free to convert your passion into a profession.
Software engineering
A software developer is responsible for identifying, installing, developing, and testing new software. Nowadays, uncountable domains have increasingly become software-based. For instance, interior designers no longer draft room and color arrangements on a sketchbook. So, it’s safe to say that the market is expanding.
As per U.S. News, in 2020, the median salary of a software developer was $110,140! So, build on your passion for computers, learn to program, polish your technical skills, and you can have a career with guaranteed job security and a humungous salary. Perks associated with this field include remote working, the option to collaborate as a team or work individually, and a relaxed work environment. Moreover, grad school is not a prerequisite— what a relief!
Conclusion
The job market is unpredictable by default. Jobs, by their very nature, are volatile. Over the turn of the century, new trends have emerged. We suggest you opt for a career in the subjects mentioned above because they come with generous salaries, derive immense satisfaction, and offer complete security. So, find your passion among these diverse career choices and build on it. And you can be the next big thing!
