Advice on Getting Hired for Our Best Jobs
Our Best Careers list for 2011, based on job-growth projections, salary data, and job satisfaction, is designed to help you decide how to make your living. But we understand that you want to know more than where to find the jobs—you want to know how to get hired. Here’s advice for landing 10 of our choice jobs, straight from the people who work in those industries.
Athletic trainer:
Shadow an athletic trainer who works at a university, high school, or orthopedic practice near you. Choose an undergraduate program that offers athletic training as an approved curriculum, so when you graduate, you’re eligible to take the national certification exam and get licensed in your state. —Marjorie Albohm, president of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association
Court reporter:
Working as a court reporter, or recording every word that’s spoken during a courtroom proceeding, requires an interest in current events, computer literacy, and above-average verbal-comprehension skills. “The type of person who is successful at court reporting is disciplined, sharp, and motivated.” —Ashley Frazier, member services and information center manager at the National Court Reporters Association
Education administrator:
Enter the profession through the classroom. Gain experience as a teacher first, developing your leadership skills along the way, then look to move into administration. “Having the kind of skills to move change efforts forward is also really key.” —Segun Eubanks, director of teacher quality at the National Education Association
Environmental science technician:
Measuring emissions requires a background in math and science, as well as solid computer and data-analysis skills. Know how to work with others to come up with solutions. —Lawrence Phillips, environmental control manager for Finch Paper
Veterinarian:
“First and foremost are your clinical abilities ... Somebody who’s hiring you wants to know that you can communicate, that you’re compassionate.” Gain experience on the business side of practice management to make your resume stand out. —Kim May, assistant director of professional and public affairs at the American Veterinary Medical Association
Financial analyst:
While numbers are a big part of the job, remember to polish your business etiquette. It’s equally important that you be able to relate to people on a personal, face-to-face level. —Karen Klugh of the American Financial Services Association
Interpreter/Translator:
Learn to do more than communicate in a foreign language; develop expertise in a field like law, engineering, or physics—whatever topic you want to translate. Learn to write well in your own language, and consider spending time abroad. —Kevin Hendzel, spokesman for the American Translators Association
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technician:
“You have to enjoy working with people because you’re going into homes and businesses. You’ll need technical aptitude, but you’ll also be able to work with customers.” —Stephen Yurek, president of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
Public relations specialist:
Much of this job revolves around networking, so start building a network of people in the industry through informational interviews and other career-related events. Gain an understanding of digital marketing and social networking. —Gary McCormick, CEO of the Public Relations Society of America
Radiologic technologist:
“We think of just taking X-rays, but radiologic technologists also do CT scans, MRI scans, and mammography.” Employers look for a winning combination of tech skills and people skills. —Myke Kudlas, Chief Academic Officer at the American Society of Radiologic Technologists
money.usnews.com
By U.S. News Staff
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