Guest Post Five Hot Careers to Pursue in 2013

Guest Post Five Hot Careers to Pursue in 2013 The first quarter of 2013 is winding down; how far along are you on your plan for a new career? If you are making a change, your first task is research  deciding on what career to pursue. As in previous years, growth projections for IT, marketing, healthcare, and engineering are still trending up at a steady pace. Here is a list of the fastest growing  careers for 2013 and their qualifications. 1. Social Media Marketing Expected Growth: 51.8% Qualifications: A bachelors degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or business management. Knowledge of social media platforms. Knowledge of internet marketing strategies. Description: Social media marketing is one of the newest forms of advertising and a hot buzzword. Should you decide to pursue a career in this field, you can expect to do a lot of research regarding your target market. You will have to learn how to come up with engaging content (and lots of it)about the product or service that you are promoting. The whole idea is engagement with customers and prospects on a personal level thus giving you a better chance of turning them into customers. 2. Software Development Expected Growth: 30% Qualifications: A bachelors degree in software engineering, computer science, or computer information systems. Experience in the field will likely be required by most employers. Description: Software developers are responsible for engineering computer applications for business. You can choose to work in a corporation that develops software programs for office and personal use; you also have the option to work for a company that produces apps or computer or video games for different platforms.  3. Financial Advisor Expected Growth: 27% Qualifications: A bachelors degree in finance, accounting, economics, or any other related major. A CFP  (Certified Financial Planner)license. Adequate experience in the field. Other certifications may also be required by employers (Series 7, Series 63, etc.) Description: The responsibilities of a financial advisor include assessments of clients’ assets and investments, coming up with a solid and profitable financial plan based on solid financial research. Your job is to help clients manage risk, achieve financial goals and give them confidence that you are on top of market trends. 4. Systems Administrator Expected Growth: 28% Qualifications: A bachelors degree in computer science, IT, or any related field. Prior work experience Description: System administrators are responsible for installing and maintaining the computer hardware and software applications used in a company. They are also tasked with making sure that all network connections are fully functional and secure. Be ready for long hours and being on call whenever the network needs attention.    5. Home Care Aide Expected Growth: 70% Qualifications: Educational qualifications to become a home care aide vary depending on state regulations and the employers policies.   LPNs and CNAs have an edge in this field and can earn more based on their certifications. You’ll need patience and a passion to help and care for those who are ill or disabled. Description: Responsibilities of a home care aide depend on the condition of their patients. Caring for the aged or disabled requires physical strength, as lifting will be involved. Even entry level caretakers  will require basic training in taking vital signs, administration of medications and helping with basic life functions. Is one of these careers on your target list? Leave a comment and let us know. Author Bio: Lisa Fox is a writer for DegreesThatPay.com which recently featured an article on The Best Paying Jobs for 2013. Questions or comments or Lisa? Feel free to connect with her @DegreesThatPay on Twitter.