Half of “Best Jobs” Require Fewer Than Four Years of College
USNews updated its Best Jobs for 2013 and the number one job is….dentist! Okay, for that one you’re going to need an advanced degree. But if you think a bachelor’s degree or higher is the only avenue to get a good job, think again.
To make the “best jobs” list, a job must first be in demand, but it also has to pay a good salary and provide job satisfaction. You’ll find many healthcare and IT jobs on the list, and two of the top 10 best jobs–registered nurse and dental hygienist–require only a two-year degree. In fact, over half of the jobs on the list require less than four-years of college.
Many–such as medical sonographer, patrol officer and preschool teacher, require a two-year degree. Others–such as medical assistant, maintenance worker and fitness instructor, require only short term training or a certificate to get you started.
“The 100 best jobs” money.usnews.com
Want a Job? Get a Community College Degree
The U.S. Department of Labor reported that in 2012 more jobs were created for workers with two-year degrees than for workers with bachelor’s degrees.
That’s not just good news for community college grads, it’s a sign of a recovering economy says Anthony Carnevale of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.
The trend also indicates an increased demand for skilled workers who can be trained quickly, he adds.
“Employment surges for community college grads” USA Today
Know the Score
Now it’s easier to get the facts about the real costs of college by using a new tool developed by the federal government.
The College Scorecard allows you to compare the cost of tuition at two- and four-year colleges, and to see graduation rates, average student loan rates and default rates.
The Scorecard also allows you to narrow your search by location, degrees, occupations, and characteristics of the college.
It’s a fantastic source of information, but users should remember that no student is “average” and many factors such as admission requirements, financial aid and program flexibility are important to factor into the equation. Don’t eliminate a college based on its Scorecard before you do more research!
Find the College Scorecard at collegecost.ed.gov/scorecard
The More You Give, The More You Get
What would make you happier at work? More money?
More interesting projects? More flexibility in your schedule? While these are often cited reasons for job dissatisfaction, what if simply doing more to help your co-workers and clients could increase your satisfaction with your work?
Come again? Doing more at work can make you happier?
Well yes, says author and organizational psychologist Adam Grant. The opportunity to help other people isn’t a distraction from more important tasks, it’s an opportunity to feel good about yourself and your work.
Grant backs up his claims with research and case studies in his new book Give and Take, describing how the act of helping others can add meaning and satisfaction to our work.
The world, he says, is made up of givers, takers and matchers. While most of us are matchers, and nobody likes a taker, it’s the givers who have learned to give without being taken advantage of who are most successful.
“Is Giving the Secret to Getting Ahead?” nytimes.com