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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Get The Right Degree

There was a time when good references and a strong interview could open the door to employment.
Now you likely won't get an interview without the right college degree.
In fact, in today's more selective and highly competitive job market, the right degree has become a required hiring standard.


Want to arm yourself with the credentials that employers are demanding? Review the following eight great careers and find out which degree you'll need to get the job you want - and the salary you deserve.

Job #1: Medical Assistant


Medical assisting is a specialized profession that is the focus of many career training programs. It's also among the fastest growing job sectors in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which notes that a degree or certificate in medical assisting significantly increases your chances of getting hired.
The Degree You Need: Get a jump on the competition with a certificate or associate's degree in medical assisting. Additional certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants AAMA) can help distinguish an experienced medical assistant from an entry-level candidate.


Job #2: Medical and Health Services Manager



Qualified managers working in hospitals, clinics, and private facilities are enjoying solid job growth, according to the Department of Labor. Their ranks are growing due to the aging population's need for medical services.
The Degree You Need: Get a bachelor's degree in health care administration to get the training you'll need for entry-level or assistant administrator positions. An MBA can help qualify you for management roles.

Job #3: Paralegal



An education helps prepare paralegals for this increasingly complex job. In order to save costs, paralegals are now doing some work previously handled by lawyers. According to the Department of Labor, formally trained paralegals have the best odds at finding employment in this growing field.
The Degree You Need: To qualify for most entry-level jobs, you will need to earn an associate's degree in paralegal studies. If you already have a degree, earn a certificate in paralegal studies to meet most hiring standards.


Job #4: Graphic Designer



Strong competition in this field means graphic designers must have a formal education to augment their creative skills. Most job opportunities are in advertising, computer design, interactive media, and animation.
The Degree You Need: You can meet the hiring needs of most employers if you earn a bachelor's degree in graphic design. Or you can qualify as an assistant designer with an associate's degree or certificate.


Job #5: Computer Network Administrator



Job prospects for educated workers in the field of information technology (IT) are excellent. Computer skills are important, but college degree programs help job candidates meet hiring requirements. Courses in the computer sciences, mathematics, and statistics help show employers you're ready for the job.
The Degree You Need: Seek a bachelor's degree in computer science or information science to compete for administrator positions. For entry-level jobs, focus on getting an associate's degree.


Job #6: Financial Analyst



The job market is very competitive and the hiring standards for financial analysts reflect that. The right degree can help you qualify for high-paying job opportunities in businesses such as banks, insurance companies, and securities firms.
The Degree You Need: Get a bachelor's or master's degree in a finance-related major like business administration. Additional certification and licensing might be required to meet other job standards.


Job #7: Police Officer



Many local police departments require some level of college degree work, while having a degree is a federal agency prerequisite. Having a college degree also increases your salary potential in law enforcement, according to the Department of Labor.
The Degree You Need: You can improve your hiring outlook with an associate's degree in criminal justice. Thinking about becoming an FBI agent? To work on the federal level, you'll need a bachelor's degree.


Job #8: Dental Assistant



A degree program can provide a real boost to your employment opportunities in this field, according to the Department of Labor. A college education also prepares dental assistants for more advanced study should they want expanded job responsibilities, higher salaries, and promotion opportunities.

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