Given today's rapidly changing workplace, no one job remains the same. Some careers are outsourced; others are simply no longer needed due to increased automation. So what is the most lucrative, long term career path? According to CNN Money, the best jobs for future growth are found in information technology (IT) and healthcare specialties.
Best Careers in IT
The best jobs for future growth in IT include telecommunications network engineers, software development directors, computer network security analysts and IT business analysts. Armed with certifications including the Cisco Certified Network Engineer (CCNE) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), telecommunications network engineers design, implement, maintain and troubleshoot wireline and wireless networks.
Software Development Director jobs are some of the best careers in IT. They are responsible for managing multiple IT teams as well as the overall software development processes; thus they must possess at least 10 years of experience as an IT manager. IT Business Analysts perform feasibility studies and recommend business solutions in order to ensure all information systems are utilized efficiently pursuant to business goals.
But perhaps the best jobs in IT are a bit more on the top secret side. Because of the constant threat of hacking and cyber attacks, Computer Network Security Analysts protect networks against intrusion and theft of sensitive data. Each year, companies spend millions trying to prevent the unthinkable: data theft and computer failure. Cyber security professionals mitigate these and other risks including worms, viruses, spyware, rootkits and botnets and work to prevent theft of critical data.
Best Jobs in Healthcare
The healthcare industry offers some of the best jobs for future growth. Due to a sedentary and aging population in addition to today's focus on health and preventative care, Physical Therapists work to help others recover from injuries. In some cases the patient may have had surgery on a knee or hip; in other cases a person is recovering from an auto accident or war injury.
Physician Assistants top the list for best careers for future growth. The reason? Because medical students are flocking to the higher paying specialties, fewer are electing for a degree in general practice. As the ranks of family physicians declines, this leaves a shortage of qualified general doctors. Physician Assistants are beginning to fill in this gap, performing most of the functions of a formally trained doctor including physical exams, minor surgical procedures and filling prescriptions.
In the slow changing world of yesteryear, farming, agriculture and manufacturing jobs were stable and necessary to keep civilization going. Today, the best jobs for future growth are found in IT and healthcare. Those seeking a stable, well paying career track may want to consider training or re-training in these areas.
Daniel Gansle - Daniel J. Gansle is the author of 2012: Day of Reckoning, graduate of Anthropological Studies and expert in ancient Mayan culture.
