What is the most promising career path for someone just starting out?

Question

The Job market in michigan seems to have changed and its nothing like it was when i was an entry level guy starting out. I would like to get some other opinions on what everyone else thinks about how the future job market will be. Seems like high tech is moving in... What field do you think a college student should be aiming for to make him or herself more marketable in the forseeable future?

Answer 1

Wow, Mishy sure had some nasty comments about the union workers. Thing is, I have never worked for the union but if your father had been unionized he WOULD have taken a salary.

Beyond that, who would be building his office? Doing the electrical, the plumbing, the painting...these people are educated in their trades and their trades are VERY dangerous at times. They also can work long hours, not in an office but on top of a skyscraper, up in the pipes in a factory, on steel beams.

Sounds like Mishy needs a little education herself. Don't just listen to daddy, chickee, get out in the real world.

Answer 2

Thanks to Sarbanes-Oxley, I would say anything in auditing. This includes IT audit. There is so much work out there that firms cannot even service all the clients available... You were in the right direction with thinking 'high tech.' Take it a step further, especially even get certified. The nice thing too, is that with auditing, you have to be there. The job cannot be farmed out to Bombay etc. because as an auditor, you need to see the environment, talk to the clients etc. etc. etc.

I would highly recommended studying network security, etc. Some good certifications to get (besides the CPA, which is a lot of work - I should know - I'm still working on it!):

CISSP - Certified Information System Security Professional
CISA - (my next goal after the blasted CPA) - Certified Information Systems Auditor
CISM - Certified Information Systems Manager (I think)
CFE - Certified Fraud Examiner

Times have definitely changed... I guess.... though my parents NEVER led me to think I could have a nice house and a cottage up north without going to school. I think a lot of blue collar types are finally getting a wake up call. They were living in a dream world - I mean, seriously, making 6 figures without even studying etc. and being a professional? Come on now!!!! People should've known that would not last....

As I was growing up in Michigan with highly educated parents who had come here from South Asia, I became totally surprised when I found out how much a lot of uneducated union types were making. They hadn't even gotten educated! I was shocked! Meanwhile, as a doctor, my dad would work so many hours, go to the hospital at night sometimes etc. but by the time he paid the girls in the office, all his office expenses, insurance etc. frequently he couldn't even take a salary! Frankly I'm glad now that people who were slackers are getting what they deserve finally! I don't feel sorry for the uneducated loser types "suffering" in Michigan at all! It doesn't take a genius to know that you need to be educated to have real opportunities in this life - and the "no money for school" thing is a stupid excuse too. There are plenty of scholarships, tax credits, low interest student loans etc. etc. out there...

Answer 3

Looking for your idea career path may take a lifetime of trial and error! No one will be able to tell you what you will enjoy. What would you consider a successful career path – one in which you make a lot of money, one you enjoy doing so much that you do it all the time – even when you are not paid for it or some combination of both? It has been said that many “professionals” will actually change their career paths three to five times during their life because of technology changes in the future.

The question of how to spend one’s life is the topic of many self-help books, motivational speeches and presentations, inner searches and the long-term organizational search for goals.

It is a sad fact that nearly 80% of most Americans that reach age 65 will be broke or have to rely on the government for social security (that is if it is still available for many when they reach that age).

The first step to winning is recognizing that you want to have good career path - no mater what happens with technology or what you might be seeking.

The next step is to create a plan (either mentally or written - another large topic) of what you want to win/achieve and what you are willing to do to get there. This plan needs to be review yearly so that updates/changes can be made as the economy/technology and other things change in your life.

Technologies will continue to change (at a faster and faster pace), but there are many career paths that will remain the same, as companies need certain things all the time – no mater what technology is develop.

Can you find anyone who has achieved what you want now? Can you talk with them or otherwise research how they did it? What can you read on the topic that is your goal. It is said that the winners of tomorrow are those who read, study and talk to the winners of today!

I can heartily agree with this as I have won in a number of areas that I have started years ago and am now recognized as one of the world experts in my field (having been honored this year by having my picture on a leading magazine cover in the field and receiving a number of other rewards and recognitions in my field). Technology is used in my field, however, it does not rule my field – and yes, I am qualified to work with the Sarbanes Oxley law, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the ISO Standards of Quality Management and Environmental Management and others.

So the journey starts by taking the first step. What do you want to do with your life right now and what are you going to do. It is not about hitting the home run the first time at bat, but creating a daily routine to develop into the winner that you want to be. Do not be afraid of getting in there are swinging. I had many jobs while I was in High School, College and through a Masters Degree. Each help lead me to where I am today.

The only person who you should listen to for advise is someone who has been where you want to go! All others either did not want to pay the price or failed to make the grade!

One phenomenal source of information that I would highly suggest is the Nightingale Connant organization. They are the largest producer of audio training materials in the world and have a lot of materials on success and career building activities.


Good Luck

Answer 4

The elderly field is a great market. I work with the elderly and that is the best thing to be in. WIth the baby boomers aging, more people in the field of gerontology are in need. Whether it be as a doctor, social worker, or therapist, I highly recommend this field. Currently, I do recreational therapy work which is a great foot in the door. I plan on moving up, and I am already ahead of the game bc there will always be a need for someone in this field.

Answer 5

I just saw a study..don't remember where...but it said that Nurses are in high demand as are accountants. Accountants because large firms are having to hire more due to changing laws on audits of large corporations.(ENRON?)

Answer 6

Petroleum Field

this field is heated up by oil prices.......and they can not find qualified personnel ....... they have a major defect in employment...... the next year will show more rise in oil prices and more need for rigs and personnel.......yey man......what are u waiting for?