Making a Change: Hot Second Careers

By Francine L. Huff
Learning & Life Columnist
November 6, 2006

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Looking for a career change or advancement? An MBA could help you with both--not just in business but in almost any industry. Or, if you're looking for a career that helps people, nursing could be a great move, and there's plenty of demand for skilled workers.

Management Track

A business or MBA degree can boost you up the corporate ladder in a variety of industries, including finance, marketing, media, communications and other creative professions. Most MBA degree programs offer courses in basic accounting, economics, finance, human resources and organization design, marketing, operations, policy, and quantitative methods and statistics. That may sound like a lot of studying, but it can pay off: MBA graduates can expect to earn an average starting salary of $80,809, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council. Look for demand to keep growing for MBA degree-holders, especially at consulting and financial firms.

A Healthy Attitude

Healthcare jobs continue to be in demand as the U.S. population ages. A shortage of about 118,000 nurses in the U.S is fueling interest in this field, particularly as a second career, according to the American Hospital Association. To recruit nurses, some hospitals now offer bonuses, family-friendly work schedules, and subsidized training. More hospitals have also developed creative strategies to fill open shifts, decreasing the amount of mandatory overtime nurses must work.

The average age of graduates with a bachelor's degree is 27, according to the Federal Division of Nursing--which reflects the trend of nursing as a second career choice. Online nursing degree programs can help you juggle family, work, and learning. To become a registered nurse (RN), you'll need a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Students with a previous degree in a different field of study may be eligible for an accelerated degree program. In 2004, RNs had median annual earnings of $52,330, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you're ready to take your career to the next level but still want the flexibility to enjoy your life, take the time to research a move that will fit your goals.

Sources

About the Author
Francine L. Huff is a freelance journalist and the author of The 25-Day Financial Makeover: A Practical Guide for Women. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.

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