It is becoming increasingly challenging for students to determine the best degree they should pursue to prepare for a career. Choosing a degree to study from is never easy, especially when there are limited job prospects involved. Besides the fact that there are nearly infinite options to choose from, the world and job market keep changing frequently. The global economy has been transformed by everything from increased populations and new types of disease to emerging technologies, so it can be challenging to foresee how the future job market will look like.
Plus, career planners don’t expect the majority of jobs in the decade to exist yet. The difficult question is how to choose a profession without knowing what jobs will exist in 10 years.
Earning a degree signals to your potential employer that you have taken the time and effort to learn the skills for your profession and are well-versed in it. It tells them that you know about this field and that you are good at handling problems, thinking critically, managing time well, communicating clearly, and collaborating with others.
Fortunately, it is becoming easier to get a degree regardless of your circumstances. Online courses are so popular that they are fast replacing four-year degrees due to the flexibility and affordability. Online universities enable you to get a degree from an institution located in another state or a different country. On the internet, where everything is possible, you can access the most unique and best information from world-renowned scholars.
If you’re in the market for an online degree program but can’t figure out what type would suit your career development needs, read on. The six degrees below are more valuable than their reputations precede them.
International Finance Degree
Interest in finance degrees with an international focus is on the rise because business continues to become global, and organizations realize their need for people who know financial regulations and the differentiating factors between countries.
A finance major or international business degree can prove very helpful for these types of jobs; you’ll become an expert in overseas sectors that are integral to global trade.
Health Science
Want to make a difference in the world? A degree in health science might be just what you’re looking for. There are various specializations in this field, and it’s wise to explore which ones suit your strengths. A degree in the healthcare science field guarantees good job prospects and even a higher salary. In fact, according to Forbes, nearly 13 of the 20 fastest-growing jobs are in the healthcare sector–and one of them is patient care provider.
Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administration and health science professionals will have plenty of opportunities in the coming decades, with healthcare technology likely to remain a very promising field. With medical advances prolonging average life expectancy, people will require more care and this ultimately means demand for healthcare workers is poised to rise substantially leading into the foreseeable future.
Employers are well aware that their annual pay increases significantly with more degrees and certifications. Therefore, if you have a degree in any health-related area, it is wise to enroll in an online master’s program in the same field to boost your income and knowledge.
Information Technology
The IT industry is another valuable growing industry. Generally, it focuses on computer systems – both software and hardware – using these computer tools to share data and securely design various methods used to generate and analyze data, store information, etcetera.
The IT field is a highly demanding job, requiring at least five years of college study. The salary is very good, with a median annual salary exceeding $90,000. Additionally, the industry is adding lots of jobs faster than most professions and has an expected growth rate of 15% over the next decade.
Education
Across the world, there is a shortage of educators. This means that the demand for teachers will always be high. Whether you study education at a traditional college or online university, you may be able to find a teaching role and impact future generations’ education positively.
Most states require licenses or certification to teach in a classroom, but a bachelor’s degree is an excellent place to start. If you are motivated for an administrative position, many online Master’s programs can help take your career further and make you more qualified.
Operations and General Managers
If you have a background in operations management, you may be qualified for a role that is essential to the success of any business. This position typically involves formulating and creating organizational policies as well as enforcing them.
The general and operations sector encompasses all of the business departments, such as human resources and finance. To stay afloat in this lucrative career, it is imperative to have an in-depth knowledge of these sectors – a degree and related professional certification will do just that.
Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-language pathologists diagnose, evaluate and treat people with speech, swallowing, or language difficulties. They help children who have speech impediments, stroke victims learning to speak again, and more.
Speech-language pathologists are among the most desirable healthcare careers and can work at rehabilitation centers, private clinics, home health care, school systems, or skilled nursing facilities. Speech therapy remains one of the most profitable professions, with a median salary of at least $75,000.