Top 8 Hot Jobs for College Graduates

2009 Top 8 Hot Jobs for College Graduates

Here are the eight top jobs for graduates with an associate's or bachelor's degree, based on recent job predictions for the next eight years.

Network Systems Analyst
All companies with email, Internet, or intranet use networking systems and need individuals who can design and run them. An online bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems can give you the career training you need for this fast growing, high-paying career, which, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics or BLS, paid an annual wage of $70,760 on average in 2007.

Financial Analyst or Advisor
In large businesses, financial analysts research companies and make buy/sell decisions, while financial advisors help individuals make their financial investment decisions. Online coursework and a bachelor's degree in finance or business administration can prepare you for this quickly growing, well-paid position. Financial specialists made an annual salary of $61,760 on average in 2007.

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
If animals are some of your best friends, consider becoming a veterinary technologist or technician. With an associate's degree in veterinary science, you can work with animals, perform medical and laboratory tests, and give vaccines. Veterinary technologists and technician jobs paid an average yearly salary of $28,920 in 2007. The expected growth rate for this career is 41 percent over the next eight years, according to the BLS.

Counselors
A growing need for counselors in the areas of substance abuse, mental health, and marriage and family make this well-paying career enticing. Good interpersonal and listening skills are a must. Depending on your state's licensing requirements, a bachelor's or master's degree and career training in counseling is needed. In 2007, counselors, clinicians, and school psychologists made an average salary of $68,150 annually.

Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical therapist assistants work closely with physical therapists and their patients, helping patients improve mobility and strength. To become a physical therapist assistant, you need an associate's degree in an accredited physical therapist assistant program. This rapidly growing profession paid an average annual wage of $24,080 in 2007.

Forensic Science Technicians
If you are drawn to solving crimes along with the CSI team and want to outsmart the bad guys in real life, consider becoming a forensic science technician where you can specialize in DNA analysis or firearms. A bachelor's degree in science can prepare you for this profession, although some programs offer more specialized career training. The need for forensic scientists is expected to grow 30.7 percent within the next eight years. Forensic science technicians made an average annual wage of $50,310 in 2007.

Teachers
If you enjoy working with children and want to help them reach their potential, teaching may be for you. Elementary teachers receive career training in core subjects. Secondary teachers may specialize in one or two subjects. A bachelor's degree in education or a degree in the subjects to be taught with an education emphasis is usually necessary for these careers, which paid $50,040 annually for elementary teachers and $52,510 on average for secondary teachers in 2007.

Accountants
Accountants help companies, businesses, and individuals keep their financial records in order, pay taxes, and offer budget analysis. This faster-than-average growing profession requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, where you will focus on math skills, tax law, and business. Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can also advance your career. In 2007 accountants made an average wage of $63,180.

source: Yahoo! HotJobs