This post is for people planning to come to US for higher education and want to pursue a career in fields other than engineering(Computer Science) and medical (Doctor) as opposed to the standard practice of following the crowd and join the fad. Here’s a list of some fields which students might want to pursue their careers in as they are definitely going to be in demand for next few years. (atleast until 2010 as quoted on CNN)
Education: With almost 70% of the teachers in US retiring by 2010, this is one field that will have a large demand for elementary and secondary school teachers especially in math and science field.
Average Starting Salary: $45,000
Nursing: The profession may make a good choice for those interested in health but don't have the inclination to pursue a medical degree. Demographics are on this field's side. Of all the people ever to reach 80, half are alive right now. Throw in boomers nearing retirement, technologies that allow for more care at home, a shortage of nurses, and you see why there'll be a huge need for home-care pros. "Those with special skills-cardiac care, diabetes, oncology and working with the terminally ill-will be in especially high demand," The median income for nurses in 2003 was $50,000, but that should rise. And those with specializations can demand a 15 percent premium or more.
How to become one: It takes an associate or a bachelor's degree to become a nurse, and certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center or a master's will boost your resume for working as a specialist.
Bioinformatician: The fusion of biology and computer science is the hottest of the hot in science right now, and it's going to heat up even more. Bioinformaticians, also known as computational biologists, use computer modeling to predict which drugs will work on which illnesses, saving the time and cost of getting new products to market. No wonder drugmakers are salivating over these professionals, especially in the wake of human-genome mapping.
How to become one: You'll need graduate training in a biological science such as chemistry, biochemistry or molecular biology, and familiarity with computer technologies.
Average Starting Salary: $65,000-$70,000
Speech Pathologist: In the old days, kids with speech or language problems were just considered slow. But as understanding of disorders such as stuttering, autism and language delays grows, so does the need for people who can treat them. At last count, 14 million Americans were afflicted with such disorders-nearly 6 million of them under 18. Back in 2000 the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 39 percent growth for the profession through 2010. Though the starting pay isn't great-$40,000 median-that can double once you rise to the administrative ranks.
How to become one: Get a two-year master's in speech-language pathology, then a nine-month clinical fellowship.
Data Miner: You've no doubt heard by now that your personal info is just sitting out on the Web, waiting for marketers to capitalize on it. But how exactly do they sift through the info glut? Enter the data miner, who uses software to comb through huge databases, crunch numbers and identify trends. For years to come, data miners will be needed not only for market research but for everything from spotting bioterrorism threats and money-laundering rings to helping astronomers find new stars. Industry analyst IDC projects that the market will grow by nearly 30 percent a year. Salaries start at $60,000 to $70,000, but managers can make $120,000 or more.
How to become one: Most data miners have a master's in computer science, statistics or physics.
Pharmacist: Pharmacy is becoming more consultative. The years-long shortage of pharmacists in North America has resulted in higher salaries.
Average Starting Salary: $60,000
Life Sciences: Currently 2% of the H-1B visas are being issued to people who want to pursue their career in life sciences. Future prospects for people who want to pursue higher education and careers in this field seem to be really bright.
PS- If someone is interested in pursuing career in Speech Pathology, feel free to contact me as I do have some contacts in this field.
Education: With almost 70% of the teachers in US retiring by 2010, this is one field that will have a large demand for elementary and secondary school teachers especially in math and science field.
Average Starting Salary: $45,000
Nursing: The profession may make a good choice for those interested in health but don't have the inclination to pursue a medical degree. Demographics are on this field's side. Of all the people ever to reach 80, half are alive right now. Throw in boomers nearing retirement, technologies that allow for more care at home, a shortage of nurses, and you see why there'll be a huge need for home-care pros. "Those with special skills-cardiac care, diabetes, oncology and working with the terminally ill-will be in especially high demand," The median income for nurses in 2003 was $50,000, but that should rise. And those with specializations can demand a 15 percent premium or more.
How to become one: It takes an associate or a bachelor's degree to become a nurse, and certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center or a master's will boost your resume for working as a specialist.
Bioinformatician: The fusion of biology and computer science is the hottest of the hot in science right now, and it's going to heat up even more. Bioinformaticians, also known as computational biologists, use computer modeling to predict which drugs will work on which illnesses, saving the time and cost of getting new products to market. No wonder drugmakers are salivating over these professionals, especially in the wake of human-genome mapping.
How to become one: You'll need graduate training in a biological science such as chemistry, biochemistry or molecular biology, and familiarity with computer technologies.
Average Starting Salary: $65,000-$70,000
Speech Pathologist: In the old days, kids with speech or language problems were just considered slow. But as understanding of disorders such as stuttering, autism and language delays grows, so does the need for people who can treat them. At last count, 14 million Americans were afflicted with such disorders-nearly 6 million of them under 18. Back in 2000 the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 39 percent growth for the profession through 2010. Though the starting pay isn't great-$40,000 median-that can double once you rise to the administrative ranks.
How to become one: Get a two-year master's in speech-language pathology, then a nine-month clinical fellowship.
Data Miner: You've no doubt heard by now that your personal info is just sitting out on the Web, waiting for marketers to capitalize on it. But how exactly do they sift through the info glut? Enter the data miner, who uses software to comb through huge databases, crunch numbers and identify trends. For years to come, data miners will be needed not only for market research but for everything from spotting bioterrorism threats and money-laundering rings to helping astronomers find new stars. Industry analyst IDC projects that the market will grow by nearly 30 percent a year. Salaries start at $60,000 to $70,000, but managers can make $120,000 or more.
How to become one: Most data miners have a master's in computer science, statistics or physics.
Pharmacist: Pharmacy is becoming more consultative. The years-long shortage of pharmacists in North America has resulted in higher salaries.
Average Starting Salary: $60,000
Life Sciences: Currently 2% of the H-1B visas are being issued to people who want to pursue their career in life sciences. Future prospects for people who want to pursue higher education and careers in this field seem to be really bright.
PS- If someone is interested in pursuing career in Speech Pathology, feel free to contact me as I do have some contacts in this field.