Promising Career Degrees

Every year the so-called "experts" and pundits love to try their hand at predicting the future. What are the most promising career degrees for 2007 and beyond? Are technology career degrees the way to go? Or would a healthcare career degree be the ticket considering the aging baby boomer population? And will this still be case when you graduate in four years?

At this point, the majority of prognosticators point to three sectors as the most promising: healthcare, social assistance, and postsecondary education. Perhaps you should consider career degrees in these fields. But what specific career degree should you pursue? That's a great question and here are seven ideas to consider.

1. Physician's Assistant (PA)

The number of physician's assistant is growing rapidly and that's no surprise considering the aging baby boomer population but even so the supply of students pursuing career degrees leading to a physician's assistant position is still far exceeded by the demand.

2. Marketing Professionals

Good marketers are always in demand, but the constantly changing technological landscape has created even more demand for savvy marketers...particularly those adept at using Internet technologies to build businesses. Anyone looking for a promising career in a fast-paced and constantly changing business environment should look into earning a marketing career degree.

3. Video Game Design

One only need to look at the explosive growth in the sales of Xboxes and the constant commercials for games like Madden Football 2007 or any of the other EA sports video games to see the fantastic opportunities in this field. Video games have exploded into a nearly $10 billion industry and video game budgets are often in the same league as those for creating blockbuster Hollywood movies. Creative types who have good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a project team might consider a career degree in this field.

4. Network Systems Analyst

This is another in demand career spurred by advances in technology. Systems analysts are responsible for developing computer networks for companies. They are good at analyzing business needs and available technologies to build adaptable computer networks that provide companies with the ability to store and access the information necessary to carry out daily activities as well as make strategic decisions for the future. Those with career degrees in network systems analysis have been in demand for years and there's no slow down in sight.

5. Data Analysis

If you're into the details, a career degree in data analysis may be for you. Whereas systems analysts are more "big picture" types, data analysts focus on the best methods to collect and analyze information as well as data security to keep sensitive information away from people without a need to know. Biometrics is just one example of a career degree that's received much attention lately and falls under the realm of data analysis.

Ultimately, the career degree you choose to pursue is a personal decision. Is it best to pursue a career degree solely for financial reasons? Or is it better to ignore the predictions and choose to pursue a career degree in a field of study that interests you? The best case is to find a career degree that meets both criteria.