Sector: Information Technology
What they do: They're the "big think" managers on large, complex projects, from major transportation networks to military defense programs. They figure out the technical specifications required and coordinate the efforts of lower-level engineers working on specific aspects of the project.
Why it's great: Demand is soaring for systems engineers, as what was once a niche job in the aerospace and defense industries becomes commonplace among a diverse and expanding universe of employers, from medical device makers to corporations like Xerox and BMW.
Pay can easily hit six figures for top performers, and there's ample opportunity for advancement. But many systems engineers say they most enjoy the creative aspects of the job and seeing projects come to life. "The transit system I work on really makes a tangible difference to people," says Anne O'Neil, chief systems engineer for the New York City Transit Authority.
Drawbacks: Long hours are common; project deadlines can be fierce.
Pre-reqs: An undergrad engineering degree; some jobs might also require certification as a certified systems engineering professional (CSEP).
Sector: Healthcare
What they do: Call it MD lite. Working under the supervision of a doctor, PAs do all tasks involved in routine medical care, such as diagnosing illnesses and assisting in surgery. In most states they can write prescriptions as well.
Why it's great: You get the satisfaction of treating patients minus insurance hassles, since PAs have far less administrative responsibility than the typical MD. "I'm part of a team yet have a lot of autonomy," says PA Robert Wooten.
You don't have to take on the time or expense of med school and the field is virtually recession-proof, owing to an ongoing shortage of primary-care physicians. PAs are also far cheaper to employ than MDs, so demand is expected to steadily increase as medical facilities try to rein in costs, says Bill Leinweber, CEO of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
And since they don't need as much specialized training as doctors, PAs can switch from, say, geriatrics to emergency care with relative ease.
Drawbacks: It's a fairly new profession, so the number of annual job openings is still small.
Pre-reqs: A master's degree; 100 hours of training every two years; recertification every six.
Sector: Education
What they do: Teach and grade papers, of course. But profs also spend about half their time doing research and writing articles and books about their field.
Why it's great: For starters, major scheduling freedom. "Besides teaching and office hours, I get to decide where, when, and how I get my work done," says Daniel Beckman, a biology professor at Missouri State University. And that doesn't even take into account ample time off for holidays and a reduced workload in the summer.
Competition for tenure-track positions at four-year institutions is intense, but you'll find lots of available positions at community colleges and professional programs, where you can enter the professoriate as an adjunct faculty member or non-tenure track instructor without a doctorate degree. That's particularly true during economic downturns, when laid-off workers often head back to school for additional training.
More valuable perks: reduced or free tuition for family members and free access to college gyms and libraries.
Drawbacks: Low starting pay and a big 50% salary gap between faculty at universities and community colleges. If the position is at a four-year university, you'll probably have to relocate, and you'll be under pressure to constantly publish new work to sustain career momentum.
How to get it: For a tenure track position, you'll need a Ph.D. But all colleges want at least a master's degree and prefer plenty of teaching experience.
Sector: Healthcare
What they do: In addition to performing routine caretaking tasks, nurse practitioners have the advanced medical training to diagnose and treat a wide range of ailments. They can also prescribe medication without consulting an MD.
Why it's great: Thanks to the growth of retail health clinics and the shortage of primary-care doctors, opportunities abound for nurse practitioners in settings from hospitals and urgent-care centers to private practice. They can specialize in fields such as women's health or oncology. Experienced nurse practitioners looking for a change of pace can shift to teaching or medical research.
Nurse practitioners are also specifically trained in patient teaching; disease prevention is typically a large part of their practice. "Helping people see that small changes in their lifestyles can make a big difference to their health is very rewarding," says New York City nurse practitioner Edwidge Thomas.
Drawbacks: Constant insurance headaches. Education requirements are ratcheting up.
Pre-reqs: Must first complete training to get license as a registered nurse; master's degree, plus certification. A doctor of nursing practice degree is increasingly in demand, which requires about three additional years of study.
Sector: Information Technology
What they do: Keep big tech projects like software upgrades running on time--and on budget. "We bring order to chaos," says April Ellison, an IT project manager in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Why it's great: Lots of opportunity. "Just about all companies need techsavvy people who are great managers," says Houston tech recruiter Linda Ranostaj. Figuring out how to implement cutting-edge technologies keeps the job challenging.
Good upward mobility: IT project managers can rise to chief technology officer of a company, where the salaries can hit $300,000.
Do you prefer to work for yourself? The field offers plenty of consulting work.
Drawbacks: Hours (and hours and hours) of meetings. Aggressive project timelines. Staff jobs can be outsourced to consultants.
Pre-reqs: Five to seven years of technology and computer-related experience. A project management professional certification, along with an MBA, will enhance career prospects.
Sector: Financial
What they do: Crunch the numbers, whether it's for financial analysis or tax preparation.
Why it's great: Businesses began stocking the payroll with CPAs after major accounting scandals earlier this decade, and a host of new corporate accounting rules going into effect soon should ratchet up demand further.
Government agencies are also hiring CPAs, to monitor how well companies are complying with the new regs. Add inevitable changes to personal income tax rules and you have a pretty recession-proof profession.
"Unless Congress does away with taxes, we'll always have work," says CPA Lisa Featherngill of Winston-Salem, N.C. Some 33,000 independent CPAs also work for themselves, typically as tax preparers.
Drawbacks: Deadlines are nonnegotiable; if you're in tax preparation, kiss your personal life goodbye between mid-February and April 15.
Pre-reqs: A certification exam and, typically, 150 hours of business and accounting classes and work experience.
Sector: Healthcare
What they do: Restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to people who have been sidelined by injury, illness, or disease.
Why it's great: Unlike many health-care professionals, physical therapists generally see great progress in their patients. "I don't just treat the symptoms--I give people the tools to get better," says Jennifer Gamboa, an orthopedic physical therapist in Arlington, Va. Plus, there's no overnight or shift work.
Medical advances that allow a growing number of people with injuries and disabilities to survive are spurring demand, says Marc Goldstein, senior director of research at the American Physical Therapists Association. And hey, baby boomers' knees aren't getting any younger: An aging population means more chronic conditions that need physical therapy treatment.
Drawbacks: The impact of health reform on the profession is a wild card. Can be physically demanding.
Pre-reqs: A master's degree, plus certification and state licensing. Many employers prefer a doctor of physical therapy degree.
Sector: Information Technology
What they do: Protect computer systems and networks against hackers, spyware, and viruses. "I consider myself a cybercrime fighter," says Gregory Evans, an independent computer security consultant in Atlanta.
Why it's great: No company or government agency can afford to have a serious breach in the security of its computer system. New technologies and an unending supply of creative hackers around the world keep the field challenging. Consultants can often work from home. And top-level pros command big paychecks.
Drawbacks: Talk about stress. If a system is infiltrated by a virus or hacker, it could mean lights out for the security consultant's career. "This is a job you can't afford to ever fail in," says Evans.
Pre-reqs: Mostly major geekdom, since the skills can be self-taught. Still, a computer science degree comes in handy. An information systems security professional certification (CISSP) is increasingly favored. Experience is key for better-paying positions: Most companies won't hire a consultant with less than five years of experience.
Evans took a more unique route: He actually started as a hacker, but was convicted of wire fraud and conspiracy in 2002, served 16 months in prison and was ordered to pay more than $9 million in restitution and fines. After prison, he went the white-hat route, starting a security consulting business in 2003. That year, a chain of computer security stores contracted to sell his cyber security software. He has since done deals with the Atlanta Hawks and The City of Los Angeles.
Clarification: An earlier version of this profile didn't mention that Gregory Evans is a former computer hacker who was convicted of wire fraud and conspiracy in 2002.
Sector: Government
What they do: Gather and analyze data related to international policy and military strategy, most often for the government or defense contractors.
Why it's great: Like adventure? Data might be collected from satellite images, wiretaps, Internet chatter, and military and spy reports.
Given the country's continued vigilance about national security, demand should remain high. "The best part is helping our country," says Nate Copeland, an intelligence analyst in Herndon, Va.
Drawbacks: High stress; you often can't talk about your job outside of work.
Pre-reqs: Security clearance, of course. Foreign languages and often military experience are a huge plus
Sector: Sales and Marketing
What they do: Set and meet sales goals, generate new accounts, and mentor and train new recruits.
Why it's great: A successful sales director--especially one who can weather an economic downturn-- will always be sought after.
"I feel secure since I'm bringing money into the company," says Holly Anderson, a sales director in St. Helena, Calif.
Sales directors often move into high-level management.
Drawbacks: Sales down? You're vulnerable to getting the ax. Commission-based pay can fluctuate dramatically. Expect to be on the road about 50% of the time.
Pre-reqs: 10 years of sales experience and a year or two in management. A proven track record beats an advanced degree.
Sector: Healthcare
What they do: Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who administer anesthetics during surgery or other medical procedures.
Sector: Information Technology
What they do: Software Developers write and debug software for use in computer applications, websites, and other data processing systems.
Sector: Healthcare
What they do: Pharmacists dispense medications following prescriptions issued by doctors, dentists, or other authorized medical practitioners. In addition, they educate patients on medication use, storage and side effects, as well as help patients to prevent dangerous or harmful drug interactions.
Sector: Healthcare
What they do: Occupational Therapists organize and participate in rehabilitative programs that help restore vocational skills, daily living skills, and general independence to disabled persons.
Sector: Healthcare
What they do: Nurse Anesthetists work with Anesthesiologists to help administer anesthesia for patients prior to surgery, monitor and adjust the levels of anesthesia during surgery, and oversee the health of patients post-surgery.
Sector: Information Technology
What they do: Software Product Managers perform market analyses and assess customer needs to identify new software products and new features for existing products.
Sector: Information Technology
What they do: IT Business Analysts analyze management, operations, healthcare, engineering and other business information processes to identify and specify computer software and hardware solutions.
Sector: Legal
What they do: Attorneys/Lawyers represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, and manage or advise clients on legal transactions.
Sector: Healthcare
What they do: General Practice/Family Physicians diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries that commonly occur in the general population.
Sector: Other
What they do: Human Resources Managers plan, manage and coordinate all human resources initiatives (e.g. recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, and employee relations) of an organization. In addition, they work to ensure policies, procedures and HR programs are consistently administered, aligned with organizational goals and are in compliance with professional standards, as well as state and federal regulatory requirements and laws.
Sector: Financial
What they do: Senior Financial Analysts study financial information to produce forecasts of business, industry, and economic conditions for use in making investment decisions. They also recommend investments and investment timing to companies, investment firm staff, or the investing public.
Sector: Healthcare
What they do: Obstetricians/Gynecologists diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, especially those affecting the reproductive system and the process of childbirth.
Sector: Healthcare
What they do: Clinical Psychologists diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests, and formulate and administer programs of treatment.
Sector: Healthcare
What they do: Psychiatrists diagnose, treat and help prevent disorders of the mind.
Sector: Other
What they do: Veterinarians examine animals to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries and then treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds, or performing surgery.
Sector: Sales and Marketing
What they do: Marketing Managers manage and analyze results of all marketing programs and recommend changes to approach based on performance.
Sector: Healthcare
What they do: Speech-Language Pathologists administer hearing, speech and language evaluations, tests and examinations to patients to develop, implement and monitor treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders and or voice problems.
Sector: Information Technology
What they do: Technical writers write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, online help documentation, operating directions and maintenance instructions.
Sector: Financial
What they do: Finance Directors manage the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and accounting activities, as well as ensure compliance in all various forms of financial reporting.
Sector: Information Technology
What they do: Telecommunications Network Engineers plan, design, troubleshoot and oversee construction and maintenance of telecommunication networks used for data, voice, and video communication.
Sector: Sales and Marketing
What they do: Directors of Communications plan and direct public relations programs designed to create and maintain a favorable public image for companies.
Sector: Other
What they do: Hotel General Managers work to ensure lodging establishments are run efficiently and profitably. They ensure standards for guest service are met, and participate in financial activities such as the setting of room rates and general accounting activities.
Sector: Financial
What they do: Securities Traders relay, buy, or sell orders to securities exchanges or to firm trading departments and review all securities transactions to ensure information is accurate and they conform with governing agency regulations.
Sector: Sales and Marketing
What they do: Account Executives follow leads to identify and qualify new sales opportunities, develop and present proposals, and close deals with new customers.
Sector: Education
What they do: Education/Training Consultants consult on a company's education, training and development programs for employees. They develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology in an effort to provide guidelines on developing curricula and conducting training courses for companies.
Sector: Legal
What they do: Corporate Paralegals assist lawyers by researching legal precedents, investigating facts, and preparing legal documents for companies.
Sector: Engineering
What they do: Quality Control Engineers analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished products.
Sector: Engineering
What they do: Manufacturing Engineers design and develop integrated systems used for the manufacturing production process. They also coordinate the maintenance and repair of machines to avoid delays in the production process, as well as ensure the production process and machinery are in compliance with customer specifications and professional and safety standards.
Sector: Information Technology
What they do: Computer Software Program Managers identify requirements, write specifications, work with development teams from design through testing and delivery, and manage project schedules for software applications, websites, and services.
Sector: Information Technology
What they do: Applications Systems Analysts evaluate, plan, design, and configure implementations of commercial software application systems. They test, debug and maintain installed systems and support users.
Sector: Financial
What they do: Senior Internal Auditors conduct operational, compliance, financial and SOX audits within an organization and provide management with recommendations for policy, procedure and practice improvements.
Sector: Other
What they do: Commercial Property Managers manage commercial properties, such as retail and office spaces, by arranging maintenance, executing leases, collecting rent, and providing other services on behalf of property owners.
Sector: Other
What they do: Creative Directors formulate design concepts and presentation approaches, and direct workers engaged in artwork, layout design, and copy writing for visual communications media, such as magazines, newspapers, websites, television, and packaging, usually for advertising.
Sector: Sales and Marketing
What they do: Pharmaceuticals Sales Reps travel to visit various healthcare professionals in an effort to increase awareness of their company's product. They meet with pharmacists, hospital personnel, doctors, clinic workers, and retirement homes to discuss the uses and benefits of the medications they represent.
Sector: Financial
What they do: Investment Banking Associates support public equity offerings, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and other investment banking activities by analyzing company valuations, building financial models, and researching markets.
Sector: Other
What they do: Training & Development Managers plan, develop, and provide training and staff development programs, using knowledge of the effectiveness of methods such as classroom training, demonstrations, on-the-job training, meetings, conferences, and workshops.
Sector: Sales and Marketing
What they do: Product Marketing Managers formulate, direct and coordinate marketing activities and policies to promote products and services, working with advertising and promotion managers.
Sector: Engineering
What they do: Quality Assurance Managers set and monitor product standards, examining samples of raw products or directing testing during processing, to ensure finished products are of prescribed quality.
Sector: Financial
What they do: Financial Research Analysts conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs of public or private institutions. They present their findings to their employers, who can use these analyses in deciding where to invest the company's funds.
Sector: Sales and Marketing
What they do: Outside Sales Reps monitor market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales in an effort to sell their company's products or services. Their job requires frequent travel as they connect directly with a customer at their residence or place of business.
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