Real World, Real Jobs

Graduates, welcome to the real world, the place with full-time careers and bills and timeclocks. But don’t worry, it’s not all as ominous as it may sound. Chances are good you’ll have some money in your pockets now. And every once in awhile, you’ll have that glow from a job well done. It’s the usual yin and yang of life.

Now as we all know, some jobs are better than others. Heck, some jobs are way better than others. Maybe it pays more. Maybe you get to travel. Maybe your boss is Will Ferrell. What we’re going to list for you here are careers that have been rated very highly for 2011 by U.S. News in relation to job-growth projections via the Labor Department. Below are the top three careers for each career category.

Business

• Actuary
• Financial advisor
• Financial analyst

Creative/Service

• Commercial pilot
• Curator
• Film/video editor

Healthcare

• Athletic trainer
• Dental hygienist
• Lab technician

Social Service

• Clergy
• Court reporter
• Education administrator

Technology

• Biomedical engineer
• Civil engineer
• Computer software engineer

Not all of these jobs (or good jobs in general) require a four-year degree; some can be had with a two-year associate’s degree. Here are a few we found through bankrate.com, along with median salaries according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Electrical technician—talk about saving some money on tuition, it’s possible to get a four-year apprenticeship that pays you while you travel down this career path. Upon graduation, your average salary will be just over $46,000.
   
• Radiologic technician—A two-year degree and a passing grade on a state’s radiologic licensing exam will earn you a median salary of over $52,000 as you collect MRI scans and x-rays.
   
• Dental hygienist—Open wide and say, “Oh yeah!” These positions not only pay well (median pay $66,500), they many times offer flexible hours convenient for family-oriented employees.
   
• Graphic designer—this position can be filled with a four-year or two-year degree. Employers look more at a designer’s body of work rather than at a diploma. Median salary––$42,000. $57,000 for freelancers.
   
• Paralegal—Organize legal files. Draft contracts. Maintain client relationships. If you’re into law AND order, this position is for you. And they make a very respectable median salary of over $46,000. The top ten percent earn a very nice $73 per year.

Once you get your new job, you’ll surely need help with looking into your first house, retirement (yes, it’s NEVER too early to think about it!), savings plans, insurance, taxes, budget advice … all the things that life begins to throw at you once you’re out on your own. Just remember, Vantage is here and ready to help with many aspects of your new financial life. Let us help you get moving in the right direction!