Sex and Your Job Search 2013: A Guide to Scoring Your Dream Job (35 page)

3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The following are five of the best jobs of the future that require a certain amount of technical skill, as well as analytical and creative ability.

Software Engineer and Software Developer

Job Description:
Software developers build, test, and maintain software. Skills required include an ability to analyze a need, come up with creative solutions, and modify existing software. Developers can work in most industries and for small or large companies.

Demand:
It is forecasted that there will be a 28% growth in these positions between 2010 and 2020. Approximately 145,000 new jobs will be created during that time. Several news outlets rank software developer in their top two positions for the future.

Pay:
Median salary is around $88,000, with the highest paid upwards of $130,000 and the lowest in the range of $55,000.

Training:
A bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering has become the standard for these positions, although extremely talented individuals might get hired with solid practical experience. Taking classes and staying on top of changing technology is pretty much expected.

For More Info: 
The IEEE Computer Society: www.computer.org

Database Administrator

Job Description:
Database administrators manage, secure, and store a company’s data. Most public and private companies have a need for this type of position. The ability to analyze, communicate, and troubleshoot is essential.

Demand:
Over 30% growth is projected until 2020, with over 33,000 jobs estimated to be filled.

Pay:
The median salary is over $73,000. The best-paid employees earn over $115,000, while the lowest make close to $40,000.

Training:
The general requirement is a bachelor’s degree in the computer field, which can include computer science and management information systems. Certifications are common in specific database platforms.

For More Info: 
Association of Information Technology Professionals: www.aitp.org

Web Developer

Job Description:
Web developers specialize in designing and maintaining websites in all types of organizations. Developers need to have strong programming, web application, and design skills They can work as employees or as freelancers and consultants.

Demand:
The BLS forecasts a 20% growth for web developers between now and 2020. 65,000 jobs will need to be filled during that time.

Pay:
The Labor Department states that the median pay is around $70,000 in 2010. The highest-paying positions come in around $120,000 while the lowest-paid are around $43,000.

Training:
A bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology is generally preferred. Strong work experience and technical skill will sometimes be accepted in lieu of a degree. Acquiring certifications, including one in mobile application development, is recommended. Experts suggest that networking and strong communication skills increase the likelihood for success in this field.

For More Info: 
Web Professionals: www.webprofessionals.org

Computer Systems Analyst

Job Description:
The computer systems analyst works on all aspects of a computer system: hardware, software, and networks. They work toward a user-based solution through programming, testing, troubleshooting, and estimating costs. They work closely with management and end users. These analysts work in a wide range of industries.

Demand:
The BLS predicts a 22% growth in this field between 2010 and 2020, adding over 120,000 jobs.

Pay:
The median salary for these positions comes in around $77,000. Top salaries in the profession earn more than $115,000 and low salaries are near $48,000.

Training:
A bachelor’s degree in computer science is oftentimes the requirement, with a masters degree in business administration or computer science preferred.

Computer Programmer

Job Description:
A computer programmer writes programs so that a computer can perform a task or tasks in the most efficient way possible. This may involve testing and debugging software and programs. Programmers tend to either stay in programming and manage projects or they move onto management positions that involve less actual programming. The ability to learn, work with others, and communicate is key to success in this profession.

Demand:
Expected growth is about 12% until 2020, with 43,000 jobs being added.

Pay:
Standard pay is a little over $70,000 a year. The best-paying jobs top out at about $115,000, while the lowest average around $41,000 per year.

Training:
Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems. Some jobs will accept a two-year degree and additional work experience. Scoring an internship can help facilitate a full-time offer after graduation.

For More Info: 
The IEEE Computer Society: www.computer.org

4. SOCIAL SERVICES

Professionals in Social Services tend to affect society in a positive way. They liken their career path to a personal mission, rather than just a job.

In this field there are two hot careers for the future, Speech-Language Pathologists and Social Workers. There are other jobs in this category that the “experts” claim will be hot throughout this decade, but that just isn’t true right now. I’m talking about elementary school teachers and high school teachers. There seem to be more layoffs than new jobs right now. Also, given the fact that some cities in this country are going bankrupt, I just don’t see many new police officer and lawyer jobs open right now.

So, let’s take a closer look at the two shining stars in this category.

Speech-Language Pathologists

Job Description:
Speech-language pathologists evaluate, diagnose, and treat people who have disorders associated with speech. Their goal is to improve communication skills through instruction and muscle and swallowing exercises. Patients include those who have had a stroke, brain injury, or have mental or learning disabilities. Speech therapists work closely with physicians, teachers, social workers, and parents on treatment plans.

Demand:
The Department of Labor predicts that this profession will grow 23% over the next decade. That amounts to 28,000 new positions by 2020.

Pay:
Median pay is around $66,000 and top pay just over six-figures at $103,000. The lowest-paid professionals make about $42,000. Working in healthcare or homecare tends to pay the best in this field.

Training:
A masters degree is required, along with a national exam. A number of supervised hours of clinical experience, 300–375, must be completed along with nine months of professional experience before a license is attained. Ongoing continuing education is expected.

For More Info: 
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: www.asha.org

Social Worker

Job Description:
Social work is a profession that tries to improve the social and psychological well-being of children, adults, and their families. Social workers may work with foster children, adoption cases, child abuse, and homelessness. Their goal is to come up with a positive solution in these situations.

Demand:
The BLS predicts 19% growth in the next ten years for this profession. This means adding over 58,000 new jobs.

Pay:
The median salary is approximately $40,000. The highest wages are about $68,000 and the lowest just over $26,000.

Training:
A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or sociology is required. A masters degree makes an applicant more desirable and promotable.

For More Info: 
www.socialworkers.org

Dear Reader,

Believing that I would produce a good finished product that will help you and make your life easier has kept me going over the past two years.

I worked full-time and used over seven weeks of paid vacation to complete this book. I worked every single weekend, every holiday, and thought about the book every day. I also wrote left-handed for several weeks after shoulder surgery. I’m tired. I can imagine you’re tired too, either from being overworked or stressing about a lack of work.

I’m a firm believer that if you follow the advice in this book, you can be a superstar like the people mentioned in the Success Stories. I’d love to hear about your successes. You can reach me on my blog
urdreamjob.com
, Facebook page
facebook.com/urdreamjob
, or on Twitter
@DomBokich
.

My desire is that you find your dream job. And that you have hope for the future, with more wealth and happiness than you can imagine. I truly wish you all the best.

Dom

Editors

Lisa McCoy, for your encouragement and editing advice.

Lindsey Alexander, for your brilliant guidance, lindsey-alexander.com.

My Immigrant Parents

My dad used to say:

• “There is no substitute for hard work”

• “Change is constant”

I’d like to thank him for that advice. And for making me read three hundred books and write three hundred book reports before he would buy me a dirt bike at age eleven. I’d like to thank my saint of a mother for teaching me to treat others as I want to be treated.

My Brothers

Thank you for your support and encouragement. I couldn’t have done this without you.

My Friends

To all of my friends who I told about my book project, I appreciate your kind words and support, even when I disappeared for weeks at a time sitting in front of my computer.

God

For the many blessings and for putting me in diverse school and work situations.

Dating and Sex Authors

During my research, I read a lot of books and magazines on relationships. I tried to find advice that was written by decent people, with a great sense of humor. They include:
Getting Naked: Five Steps to Finding the Love of Your Life
  by Harlan Cohen,
11 Points Guide to Hooking Up
  by Sam Greenspan,
Women’s Health
,
Men’s Health,
and
Cosmopolitan
. Yup, I read
Cosmo
, for you the reader.