Hot Jobs in IT
This is good news for people with qualifications in IT, and an incentive for them to build on their experience and knowledge. It's certainly a good reason to initiate technology training too.
Flexibility is the key, says Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director at Robert Half Technology, but it must be backed up with knowledge. She explains,
"Because network security is a priority for businesses of all sizes, there is a strong demand for IT professionals who can manage everything from assessing potential network vulnerabilities to integrating virus protection. If the candidate can demonstrate his or her ability to unify these concepts into a corporate security strategy, they'll improve their odds of being hired."
Networking and management courses are available from certificate to doctoral level.
Healthcare and Administrative Support Jobs, Getting Hotter
The other two hot jobs in the BLS top ten are in the healthcare industrypersonal and home care aides and medical assistants.
As baby boomers age and retire, the demand for other healthcare services such as long-term care, insurance sales, pharmaceuticals and medical assistance is increasing rapidly, therefore creating more opportunities throughout the industry.
Competition for these jobs can be fierce, and the huge growth in available training courses reflects this. Industry experts say healthcare managers want highly-skilled and highly-specialized employees who can make an immediate impact on productivity. Associate's and bachelor's degrees in any area of medicine should include at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience. Doctoral degrees for existing medical personnel can also give you the edge.
Many of these positions require considerable patience and physical, mental and emotional stamina, but the rewards are more than money can buy. Although if salary is a motivator, it is no surprise that the better qualified see the difference. A physical therapist, for example, can earn upwards of $60,000. A physical therapy assistant earns between $16,000 and $25,000.
According to the BLS, more than two million new jobs will be created in the administrative field through 2010. And like technology and healthcare, a higher demand for labor doesn't mean a compromise in hiring highly-skilled, well-qualified workers. Jennifer Evans, president of Davidson Staffing in Orange County, California had this to say,
"Forecasts tell us that by 2006, for every two candidates exiting the job market, only one will be entering," "As the economy continues to grow, we'll be faced with the difficulty of finding qualified candidates"
As any of today's jobs, hot or otherwise, it isn't enough to sit at your desk ; you have to be learning all the time if don't want to hit a ceiling. Andy Denka, executive director of The OfficeTeam, a division of Robert Half International Inc, explains the value of additional study,
"Companies value specialization. Someone with specific skills and experience is usually a better match than someone with general office experience."
Colleges all over the U.S. are offering specialized business/administration courses on a full-time, part-time and distance basis.
As with any job or goal, attitude is everything.
"As administrative roles continue to expand," says Andy, "managers are placing a greater emphasis on interpersonal abilities, flexibility, accountability, and attention to detail."
So if you are enthusiastic, personable and thirsty for knowledge, the right course could bring you your own hot job. Go get it!
