6 awesome careers that fly under students' radar
6 awesome careers that fly under students' radar
Undecided? You might want to check out these jobs
Undecided? You might want to check out these jobs
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst/Technician
About the job: Geographic information systems are designed to capture, manipulate, analyze, manage and display all types of spatial or geographical data. If you’ve ever used Google Maps, for example, you have benefitted from the technology.
What to major in at NIU: Geography with a specialization in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The GIS specialization emphasizes the creation, use and analysis of digital geographic information to examine economic, environmental, physical and social phenomena.
Entry and mid-level salary: $40,000 to $60,000
Why it’s a great career: Because the uses for geospatial technology are so widespread and diverse, the market is growing at an annual rate of almost 35 percent, with the commercial subsection of the market expanding at the rate of 100 percent each year. The northern Illinois region has long been a leader in American cartography and continues to be a rich source of internship and career-development opportunities in both corporate- and public-sector mapping.
Supply Chain Analyst
About the Job: Supply chain analysts (logisticians) coordinate and analyze the processes and systems that provide raw materials to the company for production and deliver the final product from the supplier to the consumer.
Median salary: $72,780 (with starting salaries in the $45,000 range)
What to major in at NIU: Business management, operations management and information systems (OMIS) or business administration.
Why it’s a great career: Employment of supply chain logisticians is projected to grow 22 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Successful job prospects should be best for those with a bachelor’s degree. In addition, the skill set required for supply chain logistics are transferable to other areas of business, including operations, human resources and training.
Audiologist
About the job: Audiologists diagnose and treat a patient’s hearing and balance problems using advanced technology and procedures.
What to major in at NIU: Communicative Disorders. Further education is required, however, because audiologists need a doctoral degree and must be licensed in all states (requirements vary by state).
Median salary: $69,720
Why it’s a great career: Audiology is a growing field with projected job growth of 34 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Hearing loss increases as people age, so the aging population is likely to increase demand for audiologists.
Public Relations/Fundraising Managers
About the job: People in these positons are responsible for planning and directing activities and projects that build the public image of an organization and raise awareness for a cause or mission. They could also be responsible for raising funds for organizations or causes.
What to major in at NIU: English, communication studies or journalism
Median salary: $95,300 (with starting salaries in the $45,000-$50,000, according to NIU Career Services)
Why it’s a great career: These professionals are in demand because they use social media, provide good customer service and possess leadership skills to communicate the mission of an organization. They help to maintain a strong public image for the company and to generate revenue necessary for the existence and maintenance of organizations and programs.
Manufacturing Engineer
About the job: Manufacturing engineers identify opportunities or implement changes to improve products or reduce costs using knowledge of fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment, assembly methods and quality control standards.
What to major in at NIU: Industrial and systems engineering
Median salary: $88,600 (with starting salaries in the $52,000 to $55,000, according to NIU Career Services)
Why it’s a great career: Occupations in this career area are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years. These jobs offer a great opportunity to demonstrate leadership, problem-solving and creativity.
Information Security Analyst/Cyber Security Analyst
About the job: Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increase.
What to major in at NIU: Computer Science. Many companies prefer a graduate certificate in CyberSecurity and/or other certifications.
Median Salary: $86,170
Why it’s a great career: Cyber security matters to everyone. Infected devices or breaches of personal information can be devastating. Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 37 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for information security analysts is expected to be very high as these analysts will be needed to come up with innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or creating havoc on computer networks.