What you decide to choose for your academic major is vital to starting a prosperous and fulfilling career.
It is both a way to stand out from the competition and sometimes a prerequisite, depending on the career you choose. Regardless of what subject an individual decides to study, everyone’s primary goal is to work in a profession that provides excellent job satisfaction. Wouldn’t you want to have a career that makes you happy? Probably yes! However, job satisfaction is a difficult thing to define. Its definition varies from person to person. For instance, a healthcare job might attract some people but won’t do the same for individuals who usually work from home.
Furthermore, interest and passion can also change from time to time. For example, chances are you might like where you’re working right now. But, a couple of years down the road, your current job might not appeal to you anymore, or it may not help you pay the bills. Whatever the case may be, you have to begin your professional career somewhere. And acquiring higher education is the first step in the right direction. So, what subjects should you consider studying in 2022? Have a look below.
Social Work
A career in social work might not sound like an appealing profession for everyone. However, it is a rapidly growing field and presents various opportunities to individuals. As a social worker, you will probably have the most fulfilling and gratifying career imaginable. You will assist individuals through dire situations and circumstances mentally, financially, and emotionally. Furthermore, you will empower people by giving them access to resources, improve their economic conditions, participate in state or local policymaking, and much more.
That said, to become a social worker, you will have to obtain a relevant education. Fortunately, you can ditch the traditional approach and acquire an online social work degree, preferably an MSW, alongside working to gather experience. Then after fulfilling the required educational and state licensing requirements, you will be able to apply at any government or non-profit organization or work as a freelance social worker in clinical and non-clinical settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a social worker’s median salary is 51,760$ per year, with the highest 10% making upwards of 85,820$ annually.
Nursing
It is a nurse’s role to care for injured or ill patients and help them recover. Generally, nursing candidates have to hone communication skills, time management, critical thinking, and cultural awareness alongside medical know-how. Furthermore, nursing majors typically work in the healthcare sector in nursing care facilities, doctor’s offices, hospitals, schools, universities, and the corporate sector.
However, to become a registered practicing nurse, candidates must obtain a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or an Associate degree. After acquiring one, candidates must pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) to get registered. In addition, aspiring nursing candidates can also go for further education, such as an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) and other specializations to take their career to the next level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nursing career opportunities will grow around 12% by 2028. Not to mention, the median yearly salary of a registered nurse is approximately $75,330.
Marketing
A marketing professional must create and implement strategies to promote their employer’s services and products and maximize their revenue. They primarily work in small offices, marketing firms, or freelance. Furthermore, marketing professionals determine prices according to product supply and demand and grow their employer’s market share. They also help businesses critique marketing trends and aid in products development. A marketing professional can hold various job titles such as Brand Manager, Marketing Coordinator, Digital marketing manager, and Marketing assistant, to name a few. And considering that many businesses are now shifting online, digital marketing is expected to flourish in the coming years.
To work as a marketing professional, aspiring candidates need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in marketing at least to work in an entry-level marketing job. However, you can acquire an MBA with a concentration in marketing or a master’s degree in marketing to apply for high-paying jobs. It would be wise to upskill with short courses in SEO and digital marketing in order to be up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the marketing field will grow by around 20% by 2028. What’s more, the median salary of a marketing manager is around 142,170$ per year. However, the highest 10% make about 208,000$ annually.
Computer Science
Computer scientists are professionals who specialize in the interaction and transmission of data. They typically work in the tech sector in various areas such as research facilities, government agencies, and private offices. In simple words, computer scientists utilize technology to solve issues and prepare for the future. Furthermore, they create and code programs and software to develop applications. However, their primary duty is to validate and generate interaction models between software and devices or people and computers. Some roles computer scientists can work in include; Information security analysis, web development, computer engineering, database administration, and software development, to name a few.
Computer scientist job opportunities in academia and business require a graduate-level degree, such as a PH.D. or masters in computer information systems, system analysis, computer science (CS), or a related degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the computer science field will grow around 21% by 2028. Furthermore, the median salary of a computer and research scientist is about 126,830% per year.
Psychology
A psychologist must meet with patients to determine behavioral, mental, and emotional issues they face in their lives. Then, through tests, interviews, and observation, psychologists diagnose potential or existing mental disorders. Moreover, after meeting with the patients, they develop treatment programs according to their psychological and mental requirements. In the end, they also monitor their patient’s progress day in and day. Doing so allows them to identify the effectiveness of their treatment plan and whether it needs adjustments or not.
To work as psychologists in a clinical setting, aspiring candidates need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in healthcare, psychology, or the liberal arts, followed by a master’s or doctoral-level degree in psychology. Needless to say, licensure is important. According to the BLS, a psychologist’s median salary is around 82,180$ annually, while the highest 10% make around 137,590$ per year. What’s more, jobs in this field will grow by approximately 14% by 2028.
Conclusion
Higher education will be a worthwhile investment of your money and time if you want to increase your likelihood of finding a high-paying job in 2022. However, it would be best to consider salary prospects alone when selecting a college major. That said, ensure that you pick a career this is gratifying, engaging, and well-paying. So, to give yourself a headstart, consider the majors mentioned in this article and go for one that piques your interests and aligns with your career goals!
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