Careers That Make A Difference
8 careers that help you change your world.
By Cherise Asato
Want a more meaningful career? It's now possible to make a difference - and a nice living - in a field you'll love.
Check out these 8 rewarding careers that you'll want to put your heart and soul into.
EDUCATION
If you're looking for a way to make a difference in the world, start with the country's youth.
The Job: K-12 teachers shape the minds of students from Kindergarten through grade 12. Get started with your rewarding teaching career with a bachelor's degree and then work on gaining your licensure and certification. Already have your bachelor's degree? Look into approved teacher training programs and master's degree programs.
The Reward: Shaping young minds and educating America's next generation. Plus, you'll get extended summer vacations and a salary of approximately $48,000 to $52,000, depending on level of instruction.*
The Job: Make a difference in the lives of children and youth with disabilities by becoming a special education teacher. To start, you'll need a bachelor's degree. To attain licensure, most states require that you complete a special education teacher training program. Many states require a master's degree in special education.
The Reward: Making a positive impact on the lives of children. The salary doesn't hurt, either. Depending on the level of instruction, special education teachers made an average of about $51,000 to $53,000 annually in 2007.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Does the idea of combating crime and protecting your community sound rewarding? A career in criminal justice may be your key to job satisfaction.
The Job: Police officers play a pivotal role in protecting the nation by apprehending criminals, detecting crime, and maintaining public order. To prepare for this rewarding career, you'll need to meet the age requirement (usually 20 years old) and complete at least a year or two of college coursework. For some positions, a bachelor's degree in law enforcement or criminal justice may be an additional requirement and will help you advance in your career.
The Reward: Protecting your community from criminals, plus an average annual salary of $50,670.
The Job: Forensic science technicians ensure the innocent go free and the guilty go to jail by impartially collecting and analyzing physical evidence related to crimes and providing expert witness testimony. To get your start in this compelling occupation, you'll need a bachelor's degree. A solid knowledge of legal procedures can help, too. Already have a bachelor's degree or relevant experience? You may want to think about a master's degree in criminal justice.
The Reward: If you're detail oriented and love science, the work can be fascinating. Plus, you'll be putting the right bad guys in jail. Another plus: forensic science technicians can make up to $76,440!
HEALTH CARE
Health care professionals have a direct impact on the lives of their patients. As a plus, this field is booming as more and more people seek medical care and the health care system evolves. Many jobs that were formerly based in medical offices are now conducted on an out-patient basis.
The Job: As a registered nurse, you'll play a big part in the patient care process as you provide treatment, education about medical conditions, and offer support and advice to your patient's family. All it takes to enter this rewarding profession is an associate's degree in nursing and a nursing license.
The Reward: Helping people live longer, healthier lives, plus an average salary of over $60,000.
The Job: Want to bring comfort to the stressed, injured, or overworked? Put your hands to good use as a massage therapist. To start, you'll need formal training from an accredited or state-approved massage therapy school and national or state certification, depending on the state you live in.
The Reward: Helping others live more comfortable lives, relieving stress, and promoting overall health -- plus an average annual salary of over $40,000.
BUSINESS
Qualified financial advice and more jobs can be a blessing to those hard-hit by today's shaky economy. Make a positive impact as a personal financial advisor or entrepreneur.
The Job: Help others take control of their money and meet their savings goals as a personal financial advisor. You can prepare for this rewarding career by earning a bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, or accounting. Many employers prefer to hire those with graduate-level education, so you should also consider earning your MBA. Once employed, you can work on getting the licenses required to give financial advice.
The Reward: Helping others safeguard their future, plus an average annual salary of nearly $90,000.
The Job: As an entrepreneur, the company you start will mean new business and more jobs for your community. A high school diploma is all some past entrepreneurs have needed to start their successful businesses, but also consider earning a bachelor's degree in business or an MBA in Entrepreneurship.
The Reward: Being your own boss, making things happen with your new company, and bringing new jobs and life to your community.
All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment Statistics for May 2007, U.S. Department of Labor
