Career on the Mind? Think Outside the Box

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a cliché that probably makes you roll your eyes every time someone asks you. But as you get closer to graduation, you can’t help but wonder … deep down … what do you want to do with your life?

Of course, there are your typical choices. You could work in healthcare (doctor/nurse), education (teacher/coach), technology (network administrator/programmer), advertising (graphic designer/copywriter); we could go on. But there are choices and possibilities within fields of interest that aren’t as commonly considered, yet could offer you the type of job (and salary) you’d want.

So first, think about what you really enjoy. Is it gaming? Do you like the challenge of solving problems? Building things? Writing? Do you like history? Art? Music? Do you like being outdoors? Appreciate wildlife? Are you good at planning/coordinating? Are you drawn toward helping people? Whatever you tend to enjoy, there’s sure to be an occupation out there that will maximize your strengths and talents.

Here are a few careers available today that offer high job satisfaction and strong outlooks for the future. Which ones look good to you?

Museum curator
If you like uncovering the rich layers of the unknown, this could be for you. Curators specialize in a particular field (botany, art, history). They direct the acquisition, storage and exhibits of collections for museums as well as authenticate, evaluate and categorize specimens in those collections. As a curator, you would likely possess a Masters or Doctoral degree in a specialized area such as history, art or archeology.

Conservation agent
Welcome to the great outdoors! Conservation agents are licensed peace officers charged with enforcing the rules of the wildlife code (as well as state and federal laws) within the state in which they work. A bachelor of science degree in forestry, fisheries or wildlife management, agriculture, etc., is required in addition to 26 weeks of classroom instruction (in Missouri). Trainees must complete 1,000 hours of licensed law enforcement training and be willing to accept assignments anywhere in the state.

Tour guide
Travel the world! Or travel the city in which you live. Tour guides are needed anywhere people have a desire to see the sites. To be a successful tour guide, you must interact well with all types of people, possess good problem solving skills and good judgment, and have a real desire to please customers. You can guide in the Mediterranean or on the Mississippi, depending on your desire or situation. Training can be attained through online courses with an accredited university.

Project manager
Are you very organized with an ability to motivate people? Many industries need project managers, from the automotive world to the tech sector. This position makes sure projects are completed on time and on budget. Education depends on your career choice. Not all project managers possess a college degree. What’s more important is that you learn on the job, experiencing as many different roles and tasks associated with the day-to-day workings of your employer as you can. A good start is to apply for key/assistant positions on a project team. This is where you’ll gain the experience and knowledge necessary to head up your own project.

Physical therapist
Do you enjoy helping people? As a physical therapist, you’re a one-on-one fitness coach with advanced skills, helping people with acute problems in a wide range of work settings, from hospitals to patients’ homes. A vast majority of physical therapists are “very satisfied” with their positions. Why? Because they get to witness real progress with their patients. As far as education, a bachelor’s degree used to be good enough, but today a master’s is the minimum with a three-year doctoral gaining ground as a prerequisite.

Engineer
If you have a knack for math and science, this may be the job for you. You could design the next must-have electronic device or life-saving software. Take your pick from many types of engineering, including electrical, mechanical, civil, nuclear, software, biomedical and others. This position usually requires a five-to-six year bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science. There is a strong demand for engineers, a career that provides one of the best paychecks available for a bachelor’s degree.

Firefighter
After scientist and physician, this career is listed by a public Harris poll as the most prestigious … and it doesn’t require a higher education, most times just a high-school diploma or two-year degree. These guys are often first responders to emergency situations, so you know the danger level is high, but so is job satisfaction, second only to clergy.

Landscape architect
If you like the outdoors and have a creative touch, this job could really suit you. It’s a combination of style and function, art and science, and it could have you designing a back yard fit for a king, or a mountain resort or urban plaza using Mother Nature as a backdrop. Education for this position is usually a bachelor’s degree with a one-year internship of some sort.

Nurse practitioner
These people do 80% of what doctors do; conduct exams, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, etc. Education involves a bachelor’s degree (typically pre-med) and two-three years in a training program. This position is one of the fastest-growing professions and is in especially high demand in inner city and rural areas.

Fitness trainer/aerobic instructor
With health consciousness important to our well-being, these positions are projected to increase in numbers by 45% through 2012. You’ll help people set and achieve fitness goals while leading both individuals and groups. As a bonus, as you help increase the fitness level of clients, you’ll very likely increase/maintain your own level as well!

Pharmacist
A pharmacist does more than count pills, they also counsel patients on such things as diabetes, high blood pressure and over-the-counter medications. One of their most important jobs is ensuring patients can safely take multiple drugs simultaneously. This is very important because combining some drugs can be deadly. Pharmacists are regularly rated as one of the most trusted professions. You could find yourself working at a pharmacy, a hospital, or for a pharmaceutical company working on new drug development. Training involves two-to-three years of undergraduate study plus a four-year doctor of pharmacy degree.

No matter what your interests might be, there’s sure to be a job out there that will offer you not only a challenge, but a challenge that you’ll relish. Here are some other careers you might look into:

• Publishing editor
• Database administrator
• Dental hygienist
• Occupational therapist
• Audiologist
• Optometrist

There are also opportunities right here at your credit union! And for more detailed information on additional jobs, job responsibilities, salaries, etc., check out www.usnews.com/sections/business/best-careers/