What, You Don't Believe in This Stuff?

By Francine L. Huff
Learning & Life Columnist
May 7, 2007

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If checking out your horoscope strikes you as a waste of time, there are plenty of careers out there to suit your no-nonsense temperament. Your realistic and down-to-earth outlook on life may make you a perfect fit for a career in finance, information technology, or business administration.

Accounting and Finance

The accounting and finance profession is expanding to keep up with stricter federal regulations. As a result, businesses are looking for educated people who are organized, detail-oriented, and good at math. An associate's degree in accounting or finance can get your foot in the door, but most jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. Courses at accounting schools may cover internal auditing, forensic accounting, information technology, and business ethics.

The job outlook for people with accounting or finance degrees is strong. The median annual salary for accountants and auditors in 2004 was $50,770, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Business Administration

Businesses need good managers. A degree in business administration can help you hone your leadership skills, study business principles, and learn about sales and marketing. If you are good at negotiating and can make decisions quickly, a career in business administration may be a good way to use your skills.

An associate's degree in business administration can help you get entry-level jobs, but a bachelor's or MBA may help you advance faster. According to PayScale.com, people with MBA degrees earn a median salary of $80,000 in controller jobs, $85,000 as project managers, and $72,000 as senior analysts. Business courses may cover computers, economic analysis, risk management, and business law.

Information Technology

Getting a degree in information technology (IT) can prepare you to help businesses and other organizations build their IT infrastructure. In an IT job, you may help select software and hardware that is appropriate for your organization, as well as install and customize applications.

To succeed in an IT career, you need to be patient, methodical, and able to see the big picture. An associate's degree can get you started, but many employers want to hire people with a bachelor's or master's degree. That education may pay off. The median salary for IT directors is $142,311, according to Salary.com.

What the Future May Hold

Regardless of what the stars may foretell, your analytical abilities can help you advance in a variety of jobs--especially in industries that involve business, money, and technology. Spend some time matching your skills, talents, and interests to a career that fits you to create your own future

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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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