Top 10 Careers in U.S. industries

Whether you're pondering a career change or entering the workforce for the first time, you might want to do a little homework. Choosing a career is a big decision, and it can be hard to narrow down the possibilities. To help you out, we've compiled a list of the top 10 U.S. industries--those that will add the most jobs in the coming years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Maybe one of them is right for you.

1. Home Health Care Services

Individuals who are injured, disabled, mentally or physically ill, or elderly often require directed medical care in their home. If you'd like to provide this kind of dedicated, one-on-one care to someone in need, consider training as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN) , or patient care technician.

2. Software Publishing

Software is the key component in making computers work, and software publishers oversee the design, distribution, installation, and technical support of both application and systems software. Demand is on the rise for software in the areas of operating systems, games, graphics, data, Internet business, Internet security, and word processing. Good college degrees for a software publishing career include game design, computer programming, and information technology.

3. Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services

Consultants provide expert advice to domestic and foreign businesses, governments, and other organizations. Management consultants generally focus on operations, marketing, human resources, distribution, and security or focuses on specific industries such as healthcare. Scientific and technical consultants provide expertise on technology, environment, or specific scientific fields such as biology or chemistry. If you're interested in becoming a consultant, consider earning an MBA or a degree in information technology, engineering, or the sciences, depending on your field of interest.

4. Residential Care Facilities

Residential care facilities offer continuous medical care to patients whose conditions aren't serious enough for a hospital stay, and assisted living services to seniors. If you want to work in this booming field, you'll want a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) degree, or a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). For a non-clinical career in this expanding industry, consider training as an assisted living administrator.

5. Facilities Support Services

A facilities manager oversees the planning, procurement, and maintenance of buildings for businesses, government agencies, and other institutions. While some facilities managers are responsible for engineering or architectural, many facilities managers handle the business aspects such as operations, real estate, finances, technology requirements, and personnel. Career training in administrative assisting or business management provides a good foundation for this widespread industry.

6. Employment Services

Employment services assist people with job placement on a temporary or permanent basis, and sometimes provide HR management services for a business. If assisting with job recruiting, employment service professionals should have experience in the particular field of placement and a degree in business administration and management. A certificate or degree in human resource management will train you in such areas as payroll, benefits, workers' compensation, and labor laws.

7. Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

Artists can be found in a variety of specialty sectors, including art direction, fine art, craft art, multimedia, animation, and graphic design. If you're looking for a creative career in this sector, go for a degree in art, visual communication, or graphic design. Freelance writers produce fiction or non-fiction material for print, movies, television, or advertising and often have degrees in English, communications, or journalism.

8. Office Administrative Services

Office administration professionals include executive secretaries, administrative assistants, and even legal and medical secretaries. Performing a variety of clerical duties using multiple office technologies, office administrators ensure that office operations run efficiently. Career training programs for office administration include degrees and certificates in administrative assisting, office administration, business management, and associate's degrees in business administration.

9. Computer Systems Design

The role of computers in businesses is constantly evolving, as companies' needs and technologies change. Computer systems designers, programmers, analysts, and engineers work to plan, design, and maintain computer hardware, software, and communications technology. To get involved in this lucrative industry, you'll need a college degree in computer science or computer information systems.

10. Outpatient, Laboratory, and Other Ambulatory Care Services

An enormous portion of U.S. medical care does not involve an overnight stay in a hospital. Physicians' offices and other outpatient facilities are staffed with registered nurses or licensed practical nurses (to move up, you'll want a Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Other career training programs for this fast-growing industry include clinical laboratory technology, dental hygiene, pharmacy technician, radiological technology, and respiratory therapy.

Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
The College Board

About the Author
Leslie Acosta has a BA in modern European studies and an MA in art history. She has taught college courses and is currently a freelance writer.

7 Success Strategies for Distance Learners!

Distance learning has special challenges. You will probably never see or meet the teacher. You won't have classmates. You don't have a campus full of people studying the same thing.

But you can succeed! Plan on it! Follow the simple tips below, and you'll do better in your learning. They may seem pretty basic, but they'll help keep you focused and on track.

1. Set goals.

• Goal #1: "I will succeed in this course."

• At the beginning of a new course, look through the materials. Break the lessons/assignments into manageable chunks. You might not have time to do a full lesson in one night, so plan for how much you can do, then stick to it until you're done.

2. Establish a regular study/learning schedule.

• Keep a calendar or journal with your study goals and important dates clearly marked-and look at it every day (a calendar can't help you if it's closed!).

• Determine what time is best for you to study. Is it after dinner on Wednesdays when your partner is at bowling? Is it Saturday mornings when the kids are at soccer?

• Take breaks-walk around and stretch. Drink some water or have a light snack. If you're studying nutrition or health topics, you know how important this is!

• If possible, have a dedicated study place with all the supplies you might need (computer, paper, pens, calculator, etc.)

• Pace yourself. Don't over extend yourself. There's a reason it takes several years to graduate from traditional university. You're in this to learn, not just to get a certificate, so make sure you're learning, not just racing through the materials.

3. Talk about it!

• Tell people what you're doing. You're more likely to stick to a course if your co-worker knows you're doing it. If you are studying high-tech or internet development, the person might just know a programmer he can hook you up with for tutoring.

• Ask a friend to check up on you.

• Ask someone to proof your work before you submit it.

4. Join a study group-this doesn't have to be stuffy!

• Join a club. Aspiring financial planners could join a local investing club.

• If you're studying a language like Spanish or Japanese, ask the owners of a local restaurant if they know anyone who might like to do language exchange with you.

• Get a mentor. If you're taking a course related to health or medicine, ask a nurse or pharmacist if you can take them for coffee once a month.

• Search the Internet for bulletin boards or chat rooms related to your topic.

5. Know your learning style, and use it!

• Look for real-world situations and examples of what you're learning about. If you're studying about civil engineering, pay attention to bridges.

• You'll be much more interested if you're involved, not just reading about a topic. • Put things into practice as early as possible.

• If you're studying accounting, practice by balancing your checkbook.

6. Celebrate successes!

• Reward yourself with whatever works for you, along the way. Remember, you chose to do this. Be proud of your accomplishments!

7. Ask Questions

• If you don't understand something, ASK. It's been said a zillion times: the only dumb question is the one you don't ask.

It's not about memorizing - it's about learning material that will help you in your hobbies, career, and life. Memorization isn't a bad thing, but make sure you're memorizing because you are really interested in the information, and figure out a way to use the memorized information several times within a few days of learning it. It'll stick if it has real-world meaning.

Source: http://www.worldwidelearn.com/