Career

Monday, August 2, 2010

5 Careers to Get Passionate About

by Mary Fineday, FindtheRightSchool.com

When you're passionate about your job, going to work is a pleasure instead of a chore. As the saying goes, when you do what you love, you'll never "work" a day in your life! So check out these five careers you can get passionate about. They're worlds away from the humdrum nine-to-five routine--and what's better, they all provide healthy salaries.

Career #1: Physical Therapist Assistant
Make a living out of helping people move more freely and feel better. As a physical therapist assistant, you'll work with a physical therapist in a clinic or a therapist's office. Physical therapist assistants earned mean annual wages of $46,300 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Career Training: You'll need an associate's degree from a physical therapist assistant program to adequately prepare for the job. If you'd like to become a licensed physical therapist someday, you'll eventually need a post-baccalaureate degree.

Career #2: Elementary School Teacher
Think of the very first people who inspired you, and you'll likely picture a few of your first teachers. Teaching at the elementary level means being responsible for crucial years of mental development in a child's life. Elementary teachers earned mean annual wages of $52,240, the BLS reports. Take responsibility for the next generation of minds as a teacher.

Career Training: A bachelor's degree in elementary education, or a bachelor's degree in addition to education training, is generally considered standard preparation for the career. In addition to holding a degree, elementary school teachers must be licensed.

Career #3: Paralegal
If you're passionate about truth and justice, a career as a paralegal will get you close to your interests. Paralegals help lawyers prepare for criminal and civil trials, working with clients and court documents. The BLS reports that paralegals earned mean annual wages of $48,790 in 2008. And best of all, unlike with many legal careers, you don't need years of law school.

Career Training: Many paralegals have an associate's degree in paralegal studies. If you already have a bachelor's degree, a paralegal studies certificate may be all you need to qualify for the job.

Career #4: Fashion Designer
Do you have a creative vision? Express yourself as a fashion designer. Talented, trained designers use their knowledge of fashion history, materials, and methods to create innovative and beautiful pieces for clients and customers. In 2008, fashion designers earned mean annual wages of $71,400, the BLS reports. A degree helps support your passion with important formal training. In this competitive job, career training is always in.

Career Training: An associate's or bachelor's degree in fashion design can get you started in the field. If you hope to start your own label someday, it might be wise to pair your design training with a business degree, perhaps even an M.B.A.

Career #5: Social Worker
As a social worker, you might work with children and families dealing with addiction, unemployment, relationships, and other situations requiring a trained helping hand. Social workers earned mean annual wages of $48,180 in 2008, according to the BLS. Though it's a stressful career, social workers love having a chance to make a real difference in people's lives.

Career Training: Earn a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field to get your career in social work started. For jobs in health and school settings, as well as for clinical work, you'll eventually need a master's degree.

Career Training Leads to Jobs You Can Love
Hiring managers in the careers above typically prefer or require that applicants have formal education. While no career training program can guarantee a job, it's safe to say that you'll need some specific training if you're interested in one of these positions. Why suffer in a career that doesn't challenge and inspire you? With one degree or certificate program, you could be on your way to a job you love.

Mary Fineday is a freelance writer in Austin, Texas.


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