Hot Careers That Are Hiring Now for 2012

Career #1 - Medical Assistant


Got organizational skills, an attention to detail, and an interest in the medical field? If so, a career in medical assisting could be a good fit.

Medical assistants often help a doctor's office run smoothly, and could do everything from filing patients' paperwork and scheduling appointments to measuring vital signs and sterilizing medical instruments, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Hot Factors: From 2010 to 2020, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow by 31 percent, faster than the average for all occupations, says the Department of Labor. Job demand could stem from physicians wanting to hire more medical assistants to complete routine administrative and clinical duties, adds the Department.

Career # 2 - Paralegal


Don't want to go through law school but still fascinated by the legal system? Good news, you don't have to spend the time and money on law school to get into the legal field.

Paralegals lawyers prepare for hearings, trials, and corporate meetings, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. They might even get to research case law and write legal documents and arguments.

Hot Factors: The paralegal field could see its employment grow by 18 percent from 2010 to 2020, says the Department of Labor. Following cutbacks during the recent recession, some law firms are rebuilding their support staff by hiring paralegals, adds the Department.

Career #3 - Accountant


Are you good with numbers and don't mind balancing your checkbook? As an accountant, you could put your math skills to good use by helping others with their finances.

Working with companies, individual clients, or even the government, an accountant could help clients prepare, analyze, and verify the accuracy of their financial documents, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Some accountants might even offer budget analysis and financial and investment planning.

Hot Factors: "Accountants are always in need, because the public will always need help with finances - not to mention, someone has to handle our taxes," says Shapiro.

Career # 4 - Public Relations Specialist


If you enjoy reaching out to others and communication is one of your stronger skills, consider pursuing an in-demand career in public relations.

Working with clients - that could range from businesses, nonprofits associations, universities, or hospitals - public relations specialists can help their clients build and maintain positive relationships with the public, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Responsibilities might include writing press releases, speaking to media contacts, and planning PR programs.

Hot Factors: Employment for public relations specialists is projected to grow 23 percent from 2010 to 2020, says the Department of Labor. Growth could be driven by the need for organizations to maintain their public image in this Internet age and with the growth of social media, adds the Department.

Career # 5 - Computer Software Developer


If you have a knack for understanding the "ins and outs" of computers - and the programs that run on them - a career in software development could be a good fit for you.

With the opportunity to create different types of software, from video games to word processors, software developers could be in charge of a software program's whole development process, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. They're also the ones to fix or improve the computer program if an error occurs.

Hot Factors: The Department of Labor projects 30 percent job growth for software developers from 2010 to 2020.

*source: http://education.yahoo.net