The Ten Best Careers for 2011

Even the best blacksmith or carburetor repair tech understands that jobs that were “hot” can become terminally “cold” because of circumstances beyond their control. Technology changes so rapidly, it often influences the supply and demand equation for talent. However, for the first time in recent years, many hiring managers now state that they plan to make substantial new hires in 2011.

Projected Strong Hiring Industries in 2011

Carol Tice of PayScale.com studied the subject, compiling job posting numbers and analyzing other factors to project the following industries as having more job opportunities than most others.

• High tech. Smartphones, new touch screen computers, and myriad other technology tools continue the demand for high tech professionals in all disciplines.
• Human resources. The hiring increases projected for 2011 will generate new HR opportunities for recruiting, compliance, processing, and interviewing professionals.
• Management. As promotions increase, the major “hits” taken by management employees during the recession is creating many new opportunities at different employers. This career is, once again, “hot.”
• Federal government. As federal government expands, so do available jobs. Opportunities should be strong in 2011.
• Health care. The White House’s health care reform programs have further enhanced the job opportunities in the medical field. The swelling numbers of Baby Boomers reaching senior age levels expand health care job opportunities.
• Education. Although public education jobs continue to face challenges from state and local governmental fund reductions, training instructors and effective teaching dispensers of practical, useful knowledge will be in high demand.

Top Ten Projected Job Titles for 2011

1. Software engineer. Designers and managers of software systems will be in major demand in the coming year. Industries seeking software talent in large numbers include medical, scientific, and industrial companies.
2. Mathematician. Whether in teaching disciplines or private industry, mathematicians are in demand after years of supply excesses. Demand for mathematically trained people has caught up, creating new opportunities outside of the education universe.
3. Actuary. The surprising top job expansion category of 2010 should level off in 2011, but still offer new opportunities. Interpreting probabilities and statistics for the insurance industry, opportunity expectations are a bit lower because of continuing uncertainty surrounding future insurance regulations.
4. Statistician. Analysis and statistical interpretation becomes ever more important to companies, large and small, in 2011. These professionals project compensation in excess of $70,000 per year in 2011.
5. Systems analyst. The growing importance—and dependence—on sophisticated computer systems is creating increased demand for systems analysts that can effectively combine common sense with technical expertise.
6. Meteorologist. Increased interest from individuals and governments on weather system analysis creates more job opportunities for meteorologists who understand the atmospheric information available from new technology.
7. Biologist. Formerly confined to the world of academia, biologists having a working knowledge of the relationships between plants, animals, and our environment are in demand from both the private and public sector.
8. Historian. Only a few years ago, history teachers and historians were a “dime a dozen.” However, historians are now in demand by the education and business community. While some “generalists” are needed, the highest demand may be for those who have expertise in a specific era, particularly in a business environment.
9. Audiologist. Hearing problems in children cause reading, speaking, and learning difficulties. The maturing of the millions of Baby Boomers commonly often results in some hearing problems. Audiologists and speech therapists are becoming a lucrative source of new, exciting job opportunities.
10. Dental hygienist. Medical assistants, in all disciplines, enjoy increasing demand. Dental hygienists have entered the “top 10” level because their specific talents will be in strong demand in 2011. More and more dentists use hygienists to perform cleanings and gum treatments.

Your focus on a new or enhanced current job improvement may or may not direct you to these careers or industries. However, whether you decide to independently pursue new opportunities or work with respected employment search firms, like Kelly Services, you should be aware where the most job options exist.

Searching for a new, exciting job is a trek that is important, can bring frustration, and is always exciting. Having the most “ammunition” and knowledge always gives you an advantage. Use this advantage to its maximum to help you improve your workplace enjoyment and career advancement.

As you can see, most of these in-demand positions are technology- or mathematics-oriented. This demand has been building in recent years, hampered only by the recession. As the U.S. recovers from the down economy, demand for qualified candidates in these areas should improve in 2011.