If you’re confused about what to do for a living, here’s a short guide to the best majors for a gratifying career.
Nearly every individual wants to work in a profession that makes them happy. However, job satisfaction is immensely challenging to quantify. According to various studies, people tend to be more satisfied and pleased when they find meaning in their work.
But, the definition of happiness can vary from person to person.
For instance, a job in the construction field might attract some individuals but might not achieve the same for ones who like to work from home.
There is a likely chance that what you love doing in the present might not appeal to you after a couple of months or years, or it might not be your ultimate career goal.
For example, you might find gratification working as a doctor right now, only to realize later that you’re not strong enough to handle the stress that accompanies the work.
Consequently, you may want to make a shift toward a career in hospital management. Whatever the case may be, you need to start somewhere. And a college major might give you the skills and knowledge you require to do so.
No worries I’m here to help! As you might know, I started my career working in New York’s top ad and marketing agencies – rising up quickly to Senior VP.
But then I quit in my late twenties to pursue becoming a (hoped for) bestselling author. Plus I wanted to help people – in a more personal way – as a branding and marketing consultant and also as a personal coach.
Thankfully, my career plan/dream worked out! Now I love to help people in their various career ventures.
With this in mind, I created this guide for how to help you land a gratifying career in 2022.
Listed below are a few majors that will help you land a gratifying and meaningful career in 2022. You may want to consider these at the postgrad level.
Social work is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, it is a calling that requires assisting people muddling through dire situations, financially, mentally, and physically. As a social worker, you’ll probably have to help the needy via donations and charity, and work on strategic and policy changes to improve their social fabric. While most jobs in this field might be highly demanding in terms of skills and commitment, the personal and financial rewards may well be worth it.
Becoming a social worker requires both knowledge and experience. However, you can manage both things simultaneously by enrolling in social work masters programs online to create the perfect balance between your responsibilities. Once you fulfill the necessary academic requirements, you can apply for various opportunities, including allied healthcare jobs, case management, consultancy, and much more. Typically, social workers earn an average salary of around 51,760 dollars annually.
One of the best things about working as a professional physical therapist is that you’ll help individuals improve their well-being. What’s more gratifying than that? These healthcare professionals treat patients with disabilities, injuries, and other physical conditions that impair movement. Moreover, they also help individuals suffering from chronic physical health issues, restoring or improving their mobility while reducing or managing their pain more effectively.
To work as a practicing physical therapist in the U.S., candidates must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as sports, exercise, or science. Then, they must acquire a master’s degree in physical therapy and a license to practice. On the other hand, some employers might require a Doctor of physical therapy to allow you to practice. However, if you’re looking to open your private practice, a master’s degree will be enough. Currently, the median salary of a physical therapist is around 89,440 dollars per year, with the highest 10 percent taking home about 125,000 dollars annually.
According to a payscale survey, 90 percent of speech-language pathologists find their work highly meaningful. These professionals help people of all ages manage and overcome speech, swallowing, communication, and language-related issues. Moreover, they assist those unable to communicate because of neurological impairments, trauma, chronic disease, and hearing impairments.
Aspirants must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. Then they must acquire a graduate degree such as an MS from a CAA (Council on Academic Accreditation) certified university or educational platform in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Typically, the median salary of a speech-language therapist is around 79,120 dollars per year.
While many people say that the eyes are the window to one’s soul, they can also become your window for finding a gratifying career! In fact, according to a payscale study, optometrists are one of the most satisfied healthcare workers – with more than 80 percent finding meaning and happiness in their work. Not to be confused with opticians or ophthalmologists, optometrists offer routine eye care. On-the-job duties usually include performing minor eye surgeries. Plus they provide treatment to help patients manage eye disease, conducting eye exams, and writing prescriptions.
To become an optometrist, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in medicine or a related field, followed by a postgrad in optometry and a state-issued practicing license. While these healthcare professionals work in a healthcare facility, they can also open their private practice. An optometrist’s median salary is around 115,250 dollars, making them one of the highest-paid individuals in the healthcare field.
According to another payscale survey, around 75 percent of occupational therapists believe that their role offers them high levels of satisfaction and meaning. This statistic, combined with high projected growth and a competitive salary, makes occupational therapy a very gratifying career path to follow. Typically, occupational therapists utilize therapy to assist people who are disabled, injured, or ill.
Their duties include helping children with disabilities participate in school activities, educating family members, and assisting patients in coping with dementia. They also recommend adaptive equipment in a patient’s home.
Candidates need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in physiology or biology, followed by a master’s degree in a related field. After doing that, they need to pass the OTR (Occupational Therapy Registered) exam. Plus they must also obtain a state-issued license to practice. Licensure requirements vary from state to state. However, candidates need an NBCOT score and educational records. And they must undergo a background check. Moreover, you can also pursue a doctoral degree to improve your chances of employment at a reputable healthcare facility. The median salary of an occupational therapist is around 84,950 dollars on average with the highest earning 10 percent more than 121,490 dollars annually.
Choosing the right college major is an excellent educational path to increase your chances of finding work in a gratifying field after college. While the subject you choose shouldn’t depend on expected pay alone, it should be enough to help you earn back some money you spent on your education. That said, you should try to find work in an interesting, well-paying, and gratifying field. Give yourself a head start. Consider the majors mentioned in this article. You’ll be well on your way to finding work in a field that you enjoy!
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