As the unemployment trend begins to turn around there are new job openings all over the country. For some, the unexpected layoffs of the last few years could be a blessing in disguise (albeit a deep disguise) to get a fresh start in a field. Many factors combine to make a dream job: location, job satisfaction, hours, co-workers, and of course pay. In today’s changing world, the best jobs out there might not be what you expect. Here are five of the hottest fields of 2012.
- Information Technology. IT jobs continue to proliferate. One survey by Indeed found that more than half of hiring managers polled are looking to take on more tech staff this year. An IT degree can be obtained online, and it could be a valuable job-hunting asset well beyond this year.
- Pharmacy. This field has training just short of a traditional medical degree. With or without a new national healthcare plan, the need for pharmacists won’t go away.
- Finance. As individuals and businesses recover from a struggling economy, it pays to know a little about what makes things tick. One survey found that 54 percent of employers would hire an expert in finance or accounting—but they’re having trouble finding applicants. A little extra training could help you fill some of these openings.
- Discount Retail. A step away from the traditional 9-5ers on the rest of this list, discount retailers like Wal-Mart and Target don’t suffer when unemployment hits, they thrive. If you have a certain level of sales experience, you could work as a manager. This kind of work may be outside your comfort zone, but it’s great for transitional times, and you may find that the company climate is a good fit.
- Registered Nurse. “US News” ranked this the best job of 2012, and with good reason. As a registered nurse, you’ll be able to interact with and personally help patients, which can lead to high levels of job satisfaction. Plus, research shows that over 700,000 positions will need to be filled in the coming decade, making the odds of finding a job better, even in a competitive field like healthcare. You can choose non-hospital settings like schools or non-profits if you’re more comfortable there.
Advances in technology have made new jobs appear, and old jobs more exciting. Instead of bemoaning the down economy, 2012 is the time to embrace it, and take advantage of the needs it has created. Consider entering a new field; more and more adults begin new careers late in life. You’ll learn a new way of thinking, and it’s always possible to tie your past life into your current knowledge to make you more valuable to employers. Go out and start hunting.