Professional Degrees that Lead to High-Paying Jobs

Professional Degrees that Lead to High-Paying JobsProfessional Degrees that Lead to High-Paying JobsAre you looking for a degree program that will prepare you for a high paying job? Consider getting a professional degree. A professional degree, also known as a first-professional degree, is a degree that prepares you for a particular career. The most common examples of professional degrees are law degrees (J.D.s) and medical degrees (M.D.s). However, there are many others. It is helpful to know what degree programs are out there, and which tend to lead to well-paid positions. This can help you pick a program that fits your interests and needs. Professional Degrees vs. Academic Degrees The U.S. Department of Education defines a professional degree as one that meets all of the following criteria You must complete the degree to practice in the profession (you might also need to take a licensing exam to practice)You must complete at least two years of college before entering the progr amThe program (plus any previous college experience) must last at least six years The other key quality of a professional degree is that it teaches you what you need to know to perform a particular job. While you might need to conduct some academic research (such as a final capstone or paper), the program focuses on practical lessons about the profession. This often includes real-life experiences such as internships. This is different from an academic degree, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), which focuses on research and other scholarly work. While academic degrees also touch on practical learning, this is leid their focus. Tips for Selecting a Professional Degree Program Think carefully about the job you want. Most professional degrees prepare you for one specific job. Therefore, make sure you want to follow this career path before applying and attending a professional degree program. Consider job shadowing people in the field first, or interning in the industry. This wi ll help you decide if you want to go through the long and expensive process of getting a degree. Consider the cost. Most professional degree programs last two to four years and can be expensive. Make sure you think about the cost of the program before applying. Consider applying for financial aid if it is available. While you will hopefully be able to pay off any loans with the money earned from your first job after school, you want to make sure you dont wind up with debts you cant pay back. Check out the reputation of the program and school. Look carefully into the reputation of any program you apply for. Ask the admissions office for information on the number of alumni hired directly out of the program. Ask what percentage of students reisepasses the licensing exam. If possible, talk with some former students to get more information. Make sure you spend your time and money on a good program that will get you the job you want. Look into joint-degree programs. If you are applying to colleges and know what profession you want to pursue after you graduate, consider applying to a joint-degree program. Some universities offer five-year programs where students complete a bachelors and a professional masters degree at the saatkorn time. This would save you time applying to a separate graduate school after college and would be quicker than a typical two-year masters degree. However, only do this if you are quite certain of the career path you want. Degrees That Lead to Higher Paying Jobs Below is a list of some of the professional degrees that lead to the most profitable careers. Of course, keep in mind that you should only select a degree program that fits your career interests and needs. However, this list is a useful place to start thinking of worthwhile graduate school programs. All salary information is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. 1.Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)If you want to become a doctor, you typically hav e to earn a Doctor of Medicine. Medical school programs last four years and include practical experience working in hospitals and doctors offices. People who complete medical school can earn very high salaries, ranging from $228,441 for a job in general pediatrics to $441,185 for a job in anesthesiology. People interested in medicine can also consider a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.), which is another program for future doctors. 2.Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)Like medical school, dental school programs typically last four years. However, being a general dentist is a well-paid career dentists earn an average of $158,120 per year. The number of dentist jobs is also expected to increase by 19 percent in the next ten years or so, which is much faster than the national average. 3.Doctor of Podiatry (D.P.M., D.P., Pod.D.)A podiatrist cares for patients with foot, ankle, and lower-leg problems. They assess and diagnose problems, provide treatment, and perform f oot and ankle surgeries. To become a podiatrist, you must complete a four-year Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. Many of the courses are similar to those you would take in a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. Podiatrists earn an average of $127,740 per year and are seeing job growth of 10 percent, which is faster than the national average. 4.Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)Pharmacists dispense medicine to patients and provide information on those medications. They might also conduct health screenings and provide immunizations. To become a pharmacist, you must complete a four-year professional degree in pharmacy and be licensed (which requires taking two exams.). However, there is often a big payoff the average salary for pharmacists is $124,170 per year. 5.Juris Doctor (J.D.)Interested in becoming a lawyer? Lawyers in most states need to complete a three-year law degree, which includes coursework and real-world experience in law firms. They also have to p ass a state licensing exam called a bar exam in order to practice in a particular state. Lawyers earn an average of $119,250 per year. 6.Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)You can work as a registered nurse (RN) with an associates or bachelors degree (or a diploma from a vocational training program). However, if you want to become a nurse practitioner (also known as an advanced practice registered nurse, or APRN), you need at least a Master of Science in Nursing. This is typically a two-year program that includes both practical learning and coursework. APRNs can also go on to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) degree. No matter what degree you earn, however, you need to pass a national certification exam. Nurse practitioner jobs are growing by 31 percent - much faster than the national average. APRNs can earn an average annual salary of $110,930. 7.Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)An optometrist examines patients eyes, diagnoses and treats visual problems, and prescribes eyeglass es and lenses. Optometrists must complete a Doctor of Optometry program, which typically takes four years, and must then pass a state licensing exam. After school, optometrists can earn an average salary of $110,300 per year. They can also expect to find many job openings the number of jobs is expected to grow by 18 percent in the next ten years. 8.Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.)Many people in health administration, especially those who want to become managers, get a masters degree in health administration (M.H.A.). These programs typically last two to three years and include practical administrative experience. While people with an M.H.A. go on to have a number of different jobs, a common position is health services manager. Health services managers (also known as healthcare executives or healthcare administrators) plan, coordinate, and direct medical and healthcare services. Health services managers earn an average salary of $98,350 and are expected to see 20 percent job growth over the next ten years. 9.Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M., V.M.D.)If you love caring for animals and want to become a veterinarian, you will have to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. This is a four-year program that includes time in classrooms, laboratories, and clinics. Veterinary jobs are increasing much faster than the national average, and vets can earn an average salary of $90,420. 10. Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)A Master of Business Administration degree is typically a two-year degree that prepares students for a variety of jobs in business. These jobs can sortiment from a financial analyst (with an average salary of $82,450) to financial manager (with a salary of $125,080). Many jobs in business are growing at rates faster than the national average. A related degree is a Master of Public Administration, which focuses more on governance and public affairs. Students can go on to run for political office or work in private sector jobs such as management analyst (also known as a management consultant, which has an average salary of $82,450).

4 Ways to Stay Sane When Your Company Is Going Through Layoffs

4 Ways to Stay Sane When Your Company Is Going Through Layoffs4 Ways to Stay Sane When Your Company Is Going Through Layoffs Sometimes, all it takes is an unfortunate turn of events for a company to go from thriving to struggling. And once that happens, layoffs are often inevitable.Of course, the greatest victims of layoffs are none other than the folks whose jobs are eliminated. But being a layoff survivor, so to speak, isnt exactly easy. After all, how are you supposed to go about your business as usual when each day brings another dose of bad news?If your company is going through layoffs, its important to remain cool and levelheaded in the face of all that upheaval. Here are a few tricks that will help you do just that.Its easy enough to get distracted when your office is filled with closed-door meetings and rumors continuously abound. But you can ease some of your mental anguish by focusing your efforts on the things you need to get done each day. So dive into tha t research report, and hammer out your upcoming presentation as best as you can. The mora time you spend thinking about your actual job, the less youll spend worrying about losing it.The downside of working for a company going through layoffs is getting more work dumped on you as folks depart. The upside, however, is getting a real opportunity to buy yourself some job security . If you aim to take on new tasks that are crucial to your companys operations, youll become more valuable, and your employer will have a harder time letting you go. So rather than waiting for other peoples work to land in your lap, volunteer for key tasks as they open up.The biggest problem with getting laid off is losing your income and not knowing when youll begin collecting a steady paycheck again. To help alleviate that concern, make an effort to sock away as much money as possible once your company starts letting people go. To achieve that goal, youll probably need to cut back on expenses or take on a s ide job to drum up some extra cash. But the more of a cushion you build, the less worrisome your loss of a paycheck will be. Incidentally, getting a second gig could be just the thing to buy yourself some additional peace of mind. This way, you know you have work to fall back on if you end up becoming a layoff victim yourself.When your company is going through layoffs and your role is precarious at best, the last thing you want to do is get caught tackling outside tasks during working hours. But when youre not at your desk, you should make a point of reaching out to your various contacts and associates and seeing what openings might be available at their companies. If you manage to gather a number of leads, youll have options if the worst-case scenario at your company comes to be, so be sure to network as aggressively as you can.Dealing with layoffs is never easy, so be kind to yourself during that period. Maybe youll end up hanging onto your job, or maybe you wont. Just remember that theres a world of opportunity out there, and if your company has become a sinking ship, getting let go may not be such a bad thing after all.This article was originally published on The Motley Fool . It is reprinted with permission.

Sample Reference Check Form for Employers

Sample Reference Check Form for EmployersSample Reference Check Form for EmployersEmployers typically use a reference check form to check a job applicants references. By using a form and standard questions, they are able to collect the same information for every candidate whose references they check. References may be checked in writing. In that case, the form is mailed to the candidates previous employer. Other times, references may be checked over the phone. Do keep in mind that not all companies choose to provide references.Some may only confirm that you worked there and your dates of employment. Review a sample reference check form to get an idea of what your previous employers may be asked when they are called regarding a reference check. This sample reference check would be for a phone reference check, filled out by someone from the company you are applying to. Sample Reference Check Form Applicant NameDatePosition Applied forReference Checked byEmployerContact PersonContact Ph onewelches the applicant an employee of your company?Yes NoWhat were the applicants dates of employment?Start DateEnd DateWhat was the applicants salary?Starting SalaryEnding SalaryWhy did the applicant leave?What were the applicants position and responsibilities?What were the applicants job responsibilities?How would you rate the applicants performance?Did the applicant have any performance issues?Did the applicant have any attendance issues?What are the applicants strengths?What are the applicants weaknesses?Did the applicant get along well with management and co-workers?Was the applicant promoted while with your company?Can you describe this rolles experience working as a member of a team?How would you describe the applicants interpersonal skills?Did the applicant have any attendance issues?If I describe the position we are hiring for to you, could you describe how good a fit you think the applicant would be for the position?Is there anything I havent asked that you would like to share with me?Would you rehire this person?Yes No Expand Why Employers Check Throughout the job application process, the candidate frames the story. They choose which experiences and skills to list on their resume. When answering interview questions, candidates share stories that paint them in a positive light. By checking references, employers can fact-check a candidates claims. Has the candidate worked at the jobs they said they worked at, for the dates listed on their resume? Are their skills as described? Checking references also allow employers to get a sense of the candidates work style, how they interact with others, and how they would fit with the company culture. Checking references is often the last step an employer takes before extending a job offer. References Matter Employers can use references to help decide between two promising candidates. A poor reference can make an employer opt against a candidate. In the worst-case scenario, it can reveal dishonesty. On t he other hand, a reference can reveal that a previous employer does not think highly of a candidate.Even if a reference isnt negative about a candidate, the conversation can reveal aspects of the candidates work style that make them a poor fit for the job under consideration. References are a significant part of the job application process. Some employers will call several of the most recent positions on a candidates resume. Here is more information on what employers can share about former employees. If you are concerned about what an employer will say, you canuse areference checking serviceto check what the company will disclose. When you apply for a job, you may be asked to provide a list of references with your application. Request references only from colleagues and managers who will speak well of you. Always ask references beforehand if they are comfortable serving as a reference. After a person agrees to be a reference, you can share helpful information, such as the job descri ption. If its been a while since you worked together, you can also remind the person wholl serve as a reference to some of your accomplishments.