Top Trending Jobs and How to Get Them

Some say our economy is in a "permanent slump," but it's still possible to find a job you love. Here's a look at today's top trending jobs and how to get one.

Health Care

Image via Flickr Southeastern Seminary

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the health care industry offers a wellspring of job opportunities, including careers in dentistry, dietetics, emergency medicine, fitness, genetics, mental health, and veterinary care.

Join the Field

In some states, you can land a job as a pharmacy tech, medical care assistant, or health care aide without any training. An associate degree can get you in the door as a nuclear medicine technologist, sonographer, or veterinary tech. A graduate degree can help you get a more specialized job, such as that of occupational health specialist, nurse practitioner, or physician/surgeon.

Take some time to read about different health careers. If you're considering going back to school, meet with an academic advisor at your local university. He or she will help you decide which field is right for you, how long your program of study would take, and what your prospects would look like upon graduation.

Business

If a high salary is your goal, a career in business could be your best move. A person with a four-year business degree can find entry-level work in accounting, marketing, insurance, public relations, management, and more. A person with an MBA enjoys even more career opportunities and a higher earning potential.

Join the Field

An associate degree in business can put you on the path to a career in office management, tax preparation, real estate, customer service, and more. A bachelor's degree could lead you to lucrative work in finance, human resources, and purchase management. An MBA is one of the most versatile and prestigious degrees you can get these days, and it often leads to job promotion. Many adults have used an online MBA program to reach their business goals.

Experts predict that 2014 will be another robust year for business grads. Before you embark on a program of study, spend some time evaluating your business savvy. If your heart belongs in the field, you'll know.

Technology

Technology is here to stay, and that's a blessing to IT fanatics who make their living with computers. Some of the best tech jobs for 2014 include software developer, web developer, and computer systems analyst, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Join the Field

You don't need a four-year degree to snag an IT job. Computer support specialists often have no post-secondary education. Web developers make upwards of $60,000 with an associate degree alone. A bachelor's degree in computer science might earn you more money, though: computer programmers, network architects, and database administrators raked in median incomes over $70,000 in 2012.

Talk to an advisor about the various certifications and degrees that could advance your tech career. He or she can help you select the academic track that best suits your needs.

Choosing a career is no small task. Arm yourself with an understanding of today's top industries and you'll have a much easier time finding a fulfilling job you truly enjoy.