Career Choices That Can Be More Rewarding Than You Believed Them to Be

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There is no doubt that the economy is still struggling, but the good news is that there are some fields that have remain unaffected by the economic downturn. In fact, if economists and HR experts are to be believed, these fields will continue to flourish and thrive even in the future. So if you are student and looking to shape your career after leaving college, these are some career choices you should be looking at to enjoy earning good money and have job security.

1. Tower Technician

If you like the great outdoors and have no fear of heights, being a tower technician could be ideal. There are currently many projects on the market and companies are on a hiring spree. While the work involves traveling, the wages more than make up for it. You can earn between $60,000 and $70,000 a year, as companies pay hourly wages along with overtime. The great thing about being a tower technician is that you do not necessarily need a college degree in the related field. With on-the-job training, you can easily master the work and enjoy the thrill of traveling and working at heights.

2. Land Surveying / Geomatic Engineering

It has been observed that most surveyors have grown old and this is the reason why you will easily get a job in this line right after leaving college. And, if you are a fast learner and get your professional license, you will not only climb up the hierarchy quickly, but also earn a six-figure income. The salary of a geomatic engineer in USA ranges from $26,000 to $56,000 annually.

3. Unexploded Ordinance Technician

The way the world is shaping, there is a serious demand for unexploded ordinance technicians, not just in the United States, but also in other parts of the world. After college, you would need another course for about 1.5 months. While this course is expensive, at US$12,000, you can easily recover the cost. The starting salary of an unexploded ordinance technician is about $60,000 annually and with experience it can climb up to more than $100,000 annually. However, this work involves a lot of traveling, but the thrill of blowing up things makes it worthwhile!

4. Packaging Engineer

While there are very few schools that offer a degree program in packaging engineering, the program is not that tough. And, the moment you finish your studies, you can be certain of getting a job. There are many companies looking for packaging engineers, in particular Fortune 500 companies. So getting hired by a well-known company and enjoying a lucrative pay package is not out of the question. The salary of a packaging engineer in USA ranges from $45,000 to $74,000 annually.

5. Hearing Aid Practitioner

With the baby boomer generation fast retiring, there is a need for hearing aid practitioners or audiologists. This generation will require hearing aids as it grows older. However, there is also the younger generation that is impairing its hearing by listening to loud music on their iPods and other handheld devices. You require graduate degree, many clinic hours as well as state certification, but the work by itself is rewarding and the high pay is the ultimate icing on the cake. The salary of a hearing aid practitioner in USA ranges from $61,000 to $85,000 annually.

6. Electrician

There is a huge demand in the U.S. for electricians, as the demand for connectivity at homes and offices has increased significantly. In addition, people are turning to alternative sources of energy that requires a qualified electrician. After leaving college, you can join a paid apprenticeship for 4 years and after successfully completing this program, you need to get a license to be able to work on your own. The salary of an electrician in USA ranges from $37,000 to $65,000 annually.

7. Plumber

According to experts, the construction industry is once again picking up and this means there will be a demand for plumbing services. Furthermore, homeowners and businesses are looking to increase water efficiency at their premises through installation of low-flow faucets. And, let’s not forget the ongoing demand for repairing and renovating bathrooms and kitchens. Being a plumber offers job security and the pay is also not bad. You need to take up a paid apprenticeship, which can last anywhere from 4 years to 5 years and thereafter you can apply for a license to work on your own. The salary of a plumber in USA ranges from $36,050 to $64,790 annually.

8. Construction Equipment Operator

In any construction project, there is a need for an equipment operator. This operator has the responsibility to run all equipment, such as pile drivers and bulldozers. You have the option of learning this occupation through a trade school, apprenticeship or on-the-job training. It does not require any special degree or education and you will command a higher pay compared to laborers and helpers. You can expect to earn anywhere from $32,000 to $56,000 annually in USA.

9. Personal Financial Advisor

People constantly need advice on how to manage their money carefully and save for retirement and rainy day. This requires a Bachelor’s degree, three years relevant work experience and a certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, but it is a satisfying and secure job. As a personal financial adviser, you will be able to earn a six-figure income with experience. If you intend selling investment products and insurance products as a personal financial adviser, you will need a license to do so. The salary of a financial advisor in USA ranges from $50,000 to $2,00,000 annually.

10. Painter

Although seen as a blue collar job, being a painter can offer you job security after leaving college. The reason for this is very simple – all types of buildings and structures in every city and town require painting at some time or the other. This means you will always be able to find a project to work on. While it take a little experience to become a good painter, it is not always necessary. You can go in for paid apprenticeships and understand the technicalities of color matching, painting techniques, paint application and safety. If you want to become an industrial painter, you would need to get a license for it. Once you become a painter, you can look to earn on an average anywhere from $28,000 to $46,000 annually.

So do not let the economy dishearten you. There are some great career options that are out there if you are interested. Besides being interesting, most of these careers offer you job security.

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