You’re thinking about majoring in Criminal Justice. Many students pursuing criminal justice degrees are already in the field. They could be public safety officers, police force staff, civilian employees with the government, or other similar fields.  Often, these students decide to get a criminal justice degree because they love their jobs but realize that they could get further with a degree in criminal justice.

But, even if you aren’t already in the field, a degree in criminal justice or a similar sub-specialty is a great move. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many jobs in criminal justice fields are expected to grow in the next 10 years.

What exactly are those jobs?

The types of jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree primarily focus on areas of law or law enforcement and the justice system. Some areas of focus for criminal justice majors are:

• Law enforcement

• Corrections

• Pre-law or court professional

• Social work

• Criminology

• Criminal & forensic psychology

• Police science

Obviously, there are other paths towards the career areas listed above. It ultimately depends on your strengths and your opportunities if you want to pursue criminal justice or a similar major. Criminal justice can be a wonderful way to get a broad base of skills that could transfer into all sorts of areas like the ones listed above. So, it’s a great choice if you are not 100 percent sure where your career will take you. It’s also a great choice for law enforcement administration (and often required to advance in that career field).

Let’s look at some of the job areas of expertise and their degree requirements in more detail.

Law Enforcement Administration

For many entry-level jobs in law enforcement, a high school education is all you need. However, law enforcement agencies prefer candidates with an associate degree or higher. And, to advance to the administrative level, a degree is often required. Many police or law enforcement organizations prefer candidates for their management or administrative functions to have a deeper and broader understanding of criminal justice. A criminal justice degree can prepare current law enforcement personnel with tools for leadership plus an understanding of how policework fits within the broader society and within the justice system.

Corrections Officer

Similar to those who serve in law enforcement, many entry-level corrections officers are hired with a high school education. However, a correctional officer wanting to advance in their career or work in a federal penitentiary will often need a college education. There are schools that provide a sub-specialty of criminal justice just for those looking to serve in correctional institutions.

Pre-Law or Court Professional

There are many majors that can be helpful for those planning to go on to law school, and surprisingly, many law schools don’t favor particular undergraduate majors. Majors specifically labeled as pre-law aren’t offered everywhere and while they are designed to provide a mix of subjects that could provide a solid foundation for future law school studies, they certainly aren’t the only way to go. According to U.S. News & World Report, “There are other concentrations that can provide a solid foundation for legal education.”

Some other pre-law pathways may be more suitable depending on your end goal. For example, someone specializing in tax law may choose to do an undergraduate degree in finance and someone specializing in medical malpractice may take a more medical-friendly route towards their law degree. There is no one perfect path and there is flexibility in the end outcome for those who decide to pursue law or careers within the justice system.

For those pursuing other aspects of the legal system (besides pre-law) there is a diverse set of careers available. From paralegals who help lawyers prepare for hearings, trials, and corporate meetings to pre-trial and trial services like interpreters and other support services.

Social Work

There are many kinds of social workers and so there are also a few degree options that work for social work. Criminal justice may be a good fit if one plans to go into social work within some aspect of the legal or justice system. Within criminal justice, future social workers will find lots of opportunities like working with victims (forensic social work), working with those within the justice system or incarcerated individuals, case management, home visits, life skills or coping strategies for individuals at elevated risk of committing crimes or offenses. Social workers within these and other systems often deal heavily with the court systems so a working knowledge of criminal justice can be an advantage in this area.

Criminology

Criminology takes a more sociological approach to criminal justice. Sometimes criminology degrees fall under sociology, but they can also often fall under criminal justice. According to The Balance Careers, “Even though it may not hold the same glamour and excitement of other jobs in criminal justice, a career as a criminologist is no less important. In fact, for those of an academic mind, it may present the best opportunity to contribute to the prevention and treatment of crime.”

A criminologist takes a more holistic view of crime in much the same way that an epidemiologist takes a 1,000 view of disease. They look at things like demographics and trends that may be tied to increases in crime and they look for ways to reduce crime before it happens by improving access to things like afterschool care for troubled youth or drug treatment programs in areas where drug abuse leads to higher levels of crime. An important aspect of criminology is also the ability to collaborate with communities and law enforcement, so criminologists need to be able to take in and digest multiple (potentially opposing) viewpoints.

Many criminologists pursue advanced degrees, most often a master’s degree or higher. Job roles for criminologists often include working for state, local or federal government entities to pursue their work.

Criminal & Forensic Psychology

Made popular by TV shows like Mindhunter and Criminal Minds, criminal psychology is a branch of psychology specifically devoted to studying the minds of criminals. Many criminal psychologists start out with an undergraduate degree in psychology or forensic psychology, but criminal justice can also be a gateway to this professional path.

Criminal psychologists often pursue advanced degrees, and you must have a doctorate to be a licensed psychologist in many states. Similar to criminology, many criminal psychologists work for government-run institutions like prison systems or psychiatric hospitals. Another option for criminal psychology majors is to work in an academic setting as a researcher.

Forensic psychology is closely related to criminal psychology but can include services for a wider array of groups, including victims of crime, witnesses, attorneys, and law enforcement.

Police Science

Police science is an umbrella term referring to any science related to the investigation of crimes or the prosecution of criminals. So, police science includes the previously discussed criminal psychology, forensic psychology, criminology, and it can include other sciences when performed in relation to police work.

An Evolving Field

While this is by no means an exhaustive list, it should give you a general idea of the wide array of careers available for criminal justice majors. Criminal justice is an ever-evolving field and there are new ways to utilize these skills all the time. For instance, criminology is a relatively new field that was only recently identified as a subspecialty dealing with both criminal justice and sociology. Criminal justice is a great choice if you know you want to work in the field but don’t have a set idea yet of where you want to go. It provides a good general education in many areas related to police work, the study of criminals and criminal behavior and the justice system. Plus, starting out in a broader target major is a great way to gain exposure and experience with all these areas, which should help you narrow down your focus as you go. Good luck!

Did you know that Pearson Accelerated Pathways can help you down the path to a criminal justice degree? Find out how we can help you get started on your educational journey and learn more about our degree planning tools by speaking with our academic advising team.

Ready to go back to college? Excellent decision! If you’ve already earned previous college credit, you’ll want to make sure your hard work counts toward your new degree. To find out how much of your prior credit you can transfer, you’ll need to obtain your college transcript. But how? And what if it’s been years since your last college attendance? No worries! We’ll answer your questions and walk you through all the steps to obtain your college transcript.

What is a college transcript?

A college transcript is a list your courses, grades, major/minor (if you had one), credit hours and GPA you’ve earned at a college.

How do I get my transcript?

The school you last attended is always the best place to start when looking for your transcript. Your transcript can be requested in person, by mail or online.

We suggest ordering it online by following these steps:

1. Go your previous college's website.

2. Either enter "order transcript" in the search box on the main page or look for a link to the Enrollment, Admissions or Registrar page.

3. From there, you should be able to find instructions on the various ways to order your transcripts. (You may be required to go to the college’s online student portal. If this is the case, you’ll likely need to enter your former student ID and password. If you forgot it, click on the applicable "forgot my student ID" or "forgot my password" buttons and follow any steps listed.)

4. Follow the instructions to order your transcripts, fill out any information required and pay any fees that might be requested. Typically, there are no fees for unofficial transcripts. If you’re not sure if you need an official or unofficial transcript, see below.

How do I know if I need an official or unofficial transcript?

Official transcripts are certified by the college and mailed to the receiving institution in a sealed envelope. This ensures that the transcript is unaltered and assures the receiving institution of its validity from the originating source. Official transcripts are usually only needed for formal college or job applications.

Unofficial transcripts can be downloaded and/or printed out by you or the college. An unofficial transcript is typically not accepted when formally applying to a college or job, but it allows you to review your transcript and work with an academic counselor to better understand how to transfer that credit.

For your call with our academic counselor, all you need is an unofficial transcript. This will allow us to see what prior credit you’ve earned and research where it can be transferred. The following documents are also acceptable if they’re easier for you to access: degree audits, degree evaluations, academic advising reports and even screenshots as long as the institution and student name are visible. Be sure to include all pages!

How long does it take to get your transcript?

Unofficial transcripts can usually be emailed, downloaded and/or printed right away once you follow the college’s online instructions. For official transcripts, most universities require two to three working days to process after receiving the request in the transcript or records office.

Can I get a free copy of my transcript?

Some universities offer a certain number of transcripts for free, and most offer unofficial transcripts at no charge. Official transcripts may have a fee ranging from $10-50 depending on the college.

I haven’t attended college in years. Will my transcript still be available?

Luckily, transcripts are available years after you attended or graduated from a college. If, by chance, the college you attended has closed, try to find out if it was part of a larger educational organization. The CDE recommends that you try to contact the parent organization first.

If you’re still unable to find the college or a branch of the college, try contacting any of the following organizations for help:

• Department of Higher Education in the state in which the school you attended was located. There should be a link to request transcripts from closed schools.

• Bureau for Private Postsecondary Secondary Education (BPPE) provides information on records in their possession as well as a link to their transfer request form.

• Parchment is a private company that offers transcript recovery services.

At Pearson Accelerated Pathways, we love to help students find degree plans that accept as much of their prior credit as possible. In fact, we do your college research for you… for free! Once you provide our academic counselor with your college transcripts, they'll conduct an intensive college research process based specifically on your goals and transferrable credit. Then you’ll get a custom College Options Report of the best colleges we found to fit your degree plan, schedule, budget, credit transfer and more. You’ll be able to make side-by-side college comparisons based on the most important factors to you. If you haven’t set up an appointment with one of our expert academic counselors yet, be sure to reach out today to get your free College Options Report!

Considering a degree in business? You probably already know that a business degree gives you a head start when applying for jobs compared to applicants with less marketable degrees. Business is one of the more popular majors due to its many real-world advantages, including attractive salaries and good jobs right out of school. And while most degrees in business ensure you understand the foundations of accounting, management, financial analysis and business operations, there are many majors and concentrations to choose from, including:

• Accounting

• Business Administration & Management

• Economics

• Entrepreneurship

• Finance

• Financial Planning

• General Management

• Green and Sustainable Management

• Healthcare Management

• Human Resources Management

• International Business

• Leadership

• Marketing

• Project Management

• Public Administration

How do you choose a business major?

Well, the most popular choice among students is Business Administration. In fact, it’s not just the most popular among business majors, Business Administration & Management is among the most popular majors in the United States with over 410,000 degrees and certificates handed out per year. But does that mean it’s the best business major? While a Business Administration degree offers a broad foundation in the world of commerce, some research shows that students who major in general business and marketing are more likely to be underemployed or earn less than those in more math-focused business majors, such as accounting or financial planning.

So how do you make a decision with so many business major options? Eyeing the job market outlook for business degrees of the future is a good place to start, but your decision should also take into consideration your preferences, goals and motivations. In this blog, we’ll help you narrow down your choice by looking at three motivating factors: Do you want to earn the most money, gain a sense of fulfillment or be your own boss?

I want to be a high earner

Are you looking for a degree that will make you rich? The good news is that business is one of the highest paying majors outside of STEM. In fact, research from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce shows that of the 25 highest paying majors, all but two (economics and business economics) are in STEM fields. However, you may be surprised at how much a STEM background can help you advance in your business career.

Let’s take a look at five of the highest paying jobs for business graduates according to UoPeople:

• VP Sales and Marketing: MBA in Sales, Marketing

• Chief Executive Officer: MBA in Management, Operations, Entrepreneurship, Sales

• Finance Manager: MBA in Management, Operations, Entrepreneurship

• Director of Marketing: BA/MBA in Marketing, International Business, Sales

• Budget Director: BA/MBA in Finance, Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Operations, Economics

Notice how most of these upper management high earners have education at the MBA (Master’s in Business Administration) level. If your goal is the make the most money by advancing to executive management, you’ll probably want to obtain your bachelor’s degree and then join the workforce for a few years before applying to an MBA program. For this path, it may seem like an undergraduate degree in Business Administration would be your best option; however, that may not necessarily be the case. TopMBA looked at the undergraduate backgrounds of those accepted into MBA programs at three of the most prestigious business schools in the United States. Results showed that the majority of candidates accepted were not from business backgrounds.

Here’s a breakdown of the undergraduate majors accepted to these MBA programs:

Harvard

• 41% economics/business

• 40% science, technology, engineering, math

• 19% humanities and social sciences

Stanford GSB

• 14% business

• 38% engineering, mathematics, natural sciences

• 48% humanities and social sciences

Wharton

• 27% business

• 23% science, technology, engineering, math

• 45% humanities and social sciences

A good deal of students accepted to MBA programs actually come from STEM backgrounds. This may be partly attributed to higher rankings on the GMAT or GRE, which you’ll be required to take to get accepted into a reputable MBA program. If getting a high GMAT or GRE score is important to the MBA program you’re applying, then you may want to consider a major that will help you prepare for it. GMAC analyzed scores from different majors and found the top performers on the GMAT had bachelor’s degrees in Physics (608), Mathematics (605) and Engineering (595) while graduates in Marketing (493) and Education (485) were near the bottom of the list.

In sum, if your goal is to make the most money by striving to become a top corporate executive, your best course is to set your sights on eventually earning an MBA. Instead of just focusing on a generic business undergrad degree, your education plan should align with the type of industry you’d like to work in. If your goal is to someday become the VP of a financial institution, then you might do well to study finance as your undergrad major. If you’d rather be a high-level director or manager in the tech industry, then studying an IT-related major could get you further in your educational goals, career and earnings than a general business major.

I want to be fulfilled in my work life

Some jobs pay well, some have flexible schedules and others are reported to give workers a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. While making lots of money is a good goal for some, others are looking for a job that makes them feel rewarded and engaged. If you cherish your mental health and a good work-life balance, pay attention to these factors that The Balance Careers say make a job fulfilling:

• Something you excel at

• Limited stress

• Good company culture and reputation

• Opportunities for advancement

• Fair compensation

• Lack of major negatives

• Caring for others

• Positive relationships

While there are a variety of jobs that offer these types of benefits and advantages, it’s best to know your particular personality and values before deciding what might be most satisfying in your work life. Perhaps you have an accounting brain or maybe you’re passionate about non-profit management and social causes. There’s also Green and Sustainable Management for those with a passion for protecting the environment. According to msn.com, here are some of the most-fulfilling roles identified by business professionals:

Product managers

• Median base salary: $121,107

• Number of job openings: 14,515

Business development managers

• Median base salary: $82,182

• Number of job openings: 8,827

Human Resources managers

• Median base salary: $87,852

• Number of job openings: 3,818

Strategy managers

• Median base salary: $123,207

• Number of job openings: 2,647

Product marketing managers

• Median base salary: $120,267

• Number of job openings: 2,998

Program managers

• Median base salary: $80,066

• Number of job openings: 18,963

Tax managers

• Median base salary: $111,046

• Number of job openings: 4,052

As you can see, these positions can be held in a range of industries and organizations. If you’d like a job that gives you a sense of fulfillment, it might be a good idea to figure out what makes you feel motivated and engaged. You can also take some general business classes before declaring your business major. This will help you decide if you prefer the math side (accounting, finance, tax) or the people side (human resources, marketing, public administration) of business. Luckily, most business degrees are versatile. So even if you end up in an entry-level role that doesn’t bring you joy, there’s still opportunity for advancement, company change or even career change.

I want to be my own boss

Is your goal to someday run your own company? A business degree is a great start. While anyone can come up with a business idea, how successful that business becomes depends heavily on the individual and their education. It’s true that some successful business owners have never completed college, but this tends to be more of an exception than the rule. A degree will only help your business become more successful, even if you’re able to get a good head start on your own. Knowing how to take your business to the next level is key to being an effective entrepreneur.

There are several business majors that work well for budding entrepreneurs. Here are four we’ve identified as most effective:

Entrepreneurship – A business major in entrepreneurship is a great choice for anyone wanting to start a business, as it teaches you how to pursue business opportunities and provide for the needs of the market. According to CVN, you’ll also learn how to get creative, learn management, be a leader, tackle uncertainty, identify problems, expand demand and dream big.

Finance – Majoring in finance can also give you a great advantage over other entrepreneurs as it teaches you about working with money and investments. According to Investopedia, ‘Finance students may drill deeper into topics such as corporate and global finance, and a finance degree program may address hard skills such as financial analysis and accounting.’

Marketing – Another great choice for those wanting to learn how to start their own business is marketing, as marketing campaigns are pivotal to the success of any new business endeavor. A marketing major will help you explore the fundamentals of consumer behavior while also learning how to conduct market research and develop advertising to promote your products or services and increase your brand awareness.

Economics – An economics major is also useful for entrepreneurs for several reasons. You’ll learn how markets work, be able to identify true costs, know how to collect in-depth market analysis and make long-term business forecasts.

New businesses can fail for many reasons, from poor location choice and inadequate cash flow to poor management practices and ineffective advertising. If your goal is to become your own boss, you’ll want to learn everything you can before starting your business to avoid the pitfalls of inexperienced entrepreneurs. By first obtaining a business degree in entrepreneurship, finance, marketing or economics, you’ll learn how to both identify and implement best business practices so that you can be your own boss – and stay that way!

No matter your motivation for getting a business degree, you’re on the right track! A degree in business is the door to the world of commerce where you’ll get the opportunity to network with professionals, expand your career opportunities, learn useful skills and obtain valuable experience. Whether you’re just starting your education or wanting to finish your business degree to get ahead at your job, we’ve got you covered. At Pearson Accelerated Pathways, we give you the freedom to earn or finish your bachelor’s degree through a non-traditional, online college experience that saves you both time and money. See how it works!

You know the battle. You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience. It’s a conundrum many college students face when trying to start their careers. Searching through endless job postings that require at least two years of experience can be frustrating, but don’t get discouraged!

Here’s the good news. As a college student or recent grad, you’ve probably already developed a lot of the knowledge and qualifications to ready yourself for the professional world. Even without prior job experience, a college student can still create a strong impactful resume that gets employers’ attention. In fact, Career Alley confirms that most employers want to see evidence of leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. Luckily, these are all things you can prove you’ve developed in college.

Ready to show hiring managers that you have what it takes to land your dream job? Here’s some handy college resume tips and examples to help.

1. Choose a well-organized resume format

In the past, classic resume formats followed a boring standard layout with limited flexibility. In today’s market, pertinent information and good design have set the standard for catching employers’ attention. Why not stand out from other candidates with a catchy design? If you're looking to get your creative juices going and develop a resume format that stuns while also fitting your aesthetic, Canva has some very cool designs to get you started. Check out this one by Stella.

According to Indeed, “The best resume formats are well organized with only the most relevant information and should make efficient use of blank space to avoid clutter.” Stella has made great use of the one-page space, even including a photo to showcase her unique style and personality. She’s also included a section labeled “Relevant Experience and Training” in place of the traditional “Job Experience” to emphasize her involvement in school teams and committees that have provided her with applicable skills in lieu of an official job.

Keep in mind that if you include a photo on your resume, it should reflect the style and dress for your industry. If you’re entering a more formal career, be sure to adjust your resume accordingly. You can still have a great design while keeping it professional, like in Avery’s resume below. As a new face in the accounting and finance world, Avery wants to make an impact on employers while still representing himself as a reputable professional. His resume stands out yet also does a great job of fitting the expectations and standards for his career.

2. Create a summary focused on the employer’s needs

A summary, objective, or “About Me” statement is an excellent way to introduce yourself and quickly advertise your qualifications. This statement should be brief (1-2 sentences) and focus on your relevant experience as well as your career-developed skills. It’s also a great idea to tailor your summary according to the employer’s needs, rather than your own. If the employer mentions specific desires in their job posting, figure out a way to incorporate the highest priority ones into your statement. Not only does this show the employer that you’ve paid attention to what they want, but also that you're responsive and willing to meet their needs.

3. Prioritize education vs. experience

For college students or recent graduates, it can be difficult to decide whether to list your education or experience first. Notice in Jonathan’s resume below, he lists his education history first to showcase his student activity and accolades, like the Best Student Web Developer Award. That’s because his educational accomplishments demonstrate more enthusiasm and mastery of his technical abilities than his limited experience as a freelance web developer – with just two work projects completed.

Not sure whether to list your education or experience section first? Figure out which one allows you to present your most pertinent and remarkable information. If your main selling points come from your college experience, then be sure to list your education section first. Then you can get really creative in emphasizing your academic history and accomplishments, as discussed next.

4. Get resourceful in your education section

Don’t feel intimidated if your degree doesn’t exactly align with the job you’re applying. By showing a commitment to your education, you can still demonstrate the qualities employers are looking for like strong work ethic, dedication, leadership, commitment, and desire to improve.

According to Live Career, “Not only should the education section of your resume be concise, but it should also relate to the job you are seeking.” This is a good time to brainstorm and make a list of your best student accomplishments. Any relevant honors or academic recognition, coursework, activities, or other achievements obtained during your education should be included to build up what may be lacking in your experience section. You can even add in relevant coursework and school projects you’ve completed to establish your training qualifications and special areas of study, particularly if your major or minor doesn’t readily indicate it. 

5. Keep your experience section relevant

Employers don’t need to know about the summer job you had at a pizza shop or about that one time you sold perfume at the mall. Your experience section shouldn’t be limited to just paid jobs nor does it need to include every job you’ve ever had. Hiring managers will be looking to see whether you have job experience that’s relevant to the position they are hiring.

In Jonathan’s resume above, notice how he only includes his work as a Freelance Web Developer. This is his only experience that’s relevant to the positions for which he’s applying. Jonathan doesn't need to include his part-time job stocking shelves at Costco or his sales associate position at Champ’s during his first year in college. Not only can that distract from his qualifications, but it can clutter up his resume and make it seem like he doesn’t understand the employer’s wants or needs.

If you have very limited or no work history at all, you can change the name of this section from “Work Experience” to “Relevant Experience.” Then add in internships, volunteer work, leadership experience, extracurricular activities or any other related involvement or training you can think of to compensate for your lack of workplace experience.

6. Include a skills or strengths section

Including a skills, key strengths, or competencies section on a resume is a great way to let employers know what hard skills and soft skills you bring to the table. Indeed defines hard skills as abilities specific to the job (like proficiency in technical software systems) and soft skills as abilities that can be applied in any job (like problem-solving and time management).

So how do you know which of your many talents to list on your resume? According to The Balance Careers, “Some skills are in high demand for employers hiring college graduates, and there are other skills that specifically relate to the job for which you're applying.” Try reviewing several job descriptions specific to the industry or role you’re applying. Be sure to focus on the key desires and requirements employers emphasize for candidates. Jot down a list of the ones that stand out, then review how their desired skills match your core competencies. From there, you can decide which key strengths to include on your resume.

Check out Ed Stewart’s “Key Strengths” section in the below resume. Notice how he only lists hard skills or technical abilities. This is a good move for Ed as he’s positioning himself as a Search Engine Marketing expert and targeting companies looking to hire someone with a technical approach to their marketing strategy. He also does a great job of keeping his bulleted section short and scannable. Bulleted lists should only include about 5-7 items, so be sure to add only the most important and relevant skills to your resume. Anything that you feel you’ve left off can be included in your cover letter.

7. Always submit a custom cover letter

Did you know around 250 resumes are submitted for each corporate job listing and only about five candidates will be called for an interview? According to Pongo, “without a cover letter, you're relying solely on your resume to make a big enough impact that the hiring manager will call you back for an interview.” As an applicant just starting out in the job market, you’ll need a good cover letter to make up for the lack of experience on your resume.

By submitting a custom cover letter specific to the company and role for which you’re applying, you can let employers know why they should hire you over a candidate with more experience. This is your chance to tell them that you’re a fast learner, hard worker, or willing to go the extra mile to gain experience and to help their company succeed. Don’t count on your resume to get you through the competition. By including a cover letter, you’ll get noticed quickly, show you’ve put in extra effort, and demonstrate how much you want the job. You only have 7.4 seconds to make an impression, so make it good!

8. Get a friend to proofread

After staring at the same resume and cover letter for hours, it can be easy to gloss over your own writing and mistakes that a fresh pair of eyes can detect. After completing these documents, try a few proofreading tricks like reading them slowly and out loud. Then, ask for help! You’d be surprised at what someone else may pick up on. TopResume states, “Have a friend — preferably one who writes for a living or studied English in college — review your resume for contextual spelling mistakes, missing punctuation, and inconsistencies in your resume format.” Once all final details are confirmed, then you’re ready to apply. Good luck!

Want to check out more college resume and cover letter examples? Zety has some excellent templates and guides. And check out this blog if you need help obtaining reference letters. At Pearson Accelerated Pathways, we love helping students on the journey to their brightest future and best career. We’d love to help you create your own college experience that develops the background qualifications and skills needed to land your dream job!

Meet Roland

Roland is a 32-year-old father of three young girls and the Operations Supervisor for the New York Public Transit facilities. Currently, he’s managing the facility and maintenance staff for two boroughs in NYC: Manhattan and Queens. Although he’s never completed his bachelor’s degree, he loves his job and has made it this far in his career by being a go-getter and a hard worker.

But now he’s hit a bump in the road.

His boss is retiring in a year, and Roland is up for an Associate Director promotion that earns almost double his current salary. To qualify, he’ll need to complete his bachelor’s degree as quickly as possible to “look good on paper.” The company knows how hard Roland works, but without meeting the education qualifications for the promotion, he’ll be surpassed by someone with less experience.

Fortunately, Roland already has 42 college credits that he’s earned over the past 10 years. His prior credits come from different places including a trade school, a community college, and The City University of New York (CUNY). While he enjoys learning, Roland has always encountered difficulty finishing his degree at in-person schools. It seems every time he got started, life got in the way: his wife got pregnant and sick, they moved to be closer to family, Covid started, etc.

Now he understands what it’ll take for him to complete his degree as fast as possible.

This is Roland’s wish list:

• He needs to be able to start school right away (no traditional college semesters)

• All courses have to be offered completely online (not in-person)

• He must be able to take courses during downtime at his job (no set class times)

• His college must accept as much of his previous credit as possible (no tight transfer restrictions)

Time to call in the experts!

To fulfill these requirements, Roland turned to the academic counselors at Pearson Accelerated Pathways, trusting their expertise in finding degree paths with freedom and flexibility. By gathering his transcripts from each school, Roland was able to help his academic counselor to review his prior credits and see where they could transfer. Although Roland’s previous studies mostly focused on engineering and architecture, he also had a good deal of general education credits completed.

Roland now wants to major in Business or Project Management to better fit the promotion qualifications at his job. His academic counselor was able to sort through thousands of possibilities and narrow down five degree options in a side-by-side college options report customized to show Roland the degrees that would best fit his wish list. Here’s a preview of three of the six colleges they reviewed.

After going over the best options with his academic counselor, Roland chose Excelsior College based on a combined factor of price and prior credit acceptance. He was able to start courses right away, and with tons of hard work, determination, success coaching, and tips on staying sane while working full time in college, Roland exceeded his completion date and earned his bachelor’s degree in under two years!

As a result, Roland has fully qualified for the promotion to Associate Director at his job and no longer has to worry about hitting a glass ceiling or feeling like his lack of a degree will hold him back from future promotions. He also gained a solid foundation in budgeting, planning, business operations, and management from his degree that will be beneficial as he moves into upper management. Congrats, Roland!

It’s Not Too Late to Go Back to College

Feeling stuck in your career because you still haven’t finished your degree? You’re not alone. According to a Pew Research study, 35 percent of workers say they don’t feel they have the education and training needed to get ahead at work. They’re not wrong either. In fact, there are 57 percent more job opportunities for those with college degrees than without.

That’s why we’ve developed a new way for workers to experience college. By providing flexible start dates and self-paced learning options, Pearson Accelerated Pathways has helped thousands of busy adults and parents get ahead in their career by finishing their degree while they work. Unlike traditional universities, we allow you to start learning right away – not on a rigid semester schedule.

Our flexible online courses can be started anytime, anywhere—even from your job—and with no assignment due dates. You can learn, complete quizzes, and even take tests according to your schedule. With loads of success stories from working adults and parents, our goal is always to help you earn your degree and move up the ladder to your brightest future.

Ready to join our success stories?

Don’t get held back at your job or surpassed by someone who has less experience than you but more education. By demonstrating a willingness to take steps to move up at your job, including expanding your education, management will begin to view you as a prime candidate for greater responsibility and pay. It’s never too late to take the initiative and finish your degree. With non-semester learning schedules, we’ve helped thousands of busy people just like you earn their degree while working and raising families. Click here to learn more about how we can help!

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed by the amount of research needed to attend college? With so many degree options, costs, and requirements for each school, the search process can feel like a never-ending battle with a thousand unanswered questions. Do I meet the admission requirements? How much will it cost? Will my past credits transfer?

Where do I even start?

Take a deep breath because expert help is on the way! At Pearson Accelerated Pathways, we do all the college research for you… for free. Our academic counselors have tons of expertise, resources, and inside knowledge to help you narrow down the best college options based on your specific goals.

We Build a College Options Report – Just for You

Just provide us with some basic info and our academic counselors will reach out to learn more about your situation. Our goal is to gather the most pertinent info needed to determine your best college and degree options. We’ll factor in things like:

• What majors interest you, or do you want to wait to decide?

• How many hours per week you can study?

• What do you want out of your college experience?

• Have you’ve already earned any college credits?

• If so, where can they transfer?

From there, just sit back and relax as we crunch the numbers on tuitions, degrees, fees, and much more. We'll conduct an intensive college research process based specifically on your data and circumstance, and then you’ll get the final results. Your academic counselor will send you a super organized and helpful College Options Report – custom built just for you.

What's a College Options Report?

The College Options Report is a side-by-side degree plan of the best colleges we found to fit your goals, schedule, budget, transferrable credit, and more. The first page will look something like this:

Page 1 (click here to enlarge image)

Your academic counselor will carefully walk you through each page of the report to make sure you understand all of your options. In particular, they’ll spend lots of time going over the chart on Page 2 (below), where you’ll see a complete breakdown of each school by degree, cost, transferable credit, and more. As you examine this college comparison, you’ll be able to consider important factors like:

• Which of the degrees can I obtain the fastest?

• Which of the schools costs the least?

• Which of the options accepts most of my prior credit?

• Which degree can I finish completely online?

Page 2 (click here to enlarge)

After that, you’ll see a page-by-page outline for each college (like in the image below). This gives you an overview of each college by tuition, fees, books, and—most importantly—the potential savings through our Global Digital Classroom (GDC). The GDC is Pearson Accelerated Pathways’ online learning platform. It’s how we are able to offer you lots of courses at a much lower cost per credit than traditional colleges. The GDC gives you extra freedom to pursue courses that align with your interests while enjoying our cost savings and flexibility. Best of all, GDC courses are fully accredited and guaranteed to transfer to your final college of choice!

Page 3 (click here to enlarge)

How Does This Help Me?

With the College Options Report, you’ll be able to make comparisons based on the most important factors to you. That may be cost, degree, major, college reputation, time to complete, prior credit transfers, or a number of factors combined.

In the above example, let's say you choose to go with Maryville University based on the cost savings. You’ll see that we can save you $32,850 on your total degree cost by offering 25-27 courses through our Global Digital Classroom (GDC). This savings also includes the discounted tuition you’ll receive at Maryville University for transferring from Pearson Accelerated Pathways. That’s a lot of savings – cutting the total cost of your degree almost in half!

In addition, Pearson Accelerated Pathways offers flexible pay-as-you-go plans. Unlike one-size-fits all colleges, we work with your budget to customize payment options. Also unlike traditional colleges, you can get started on online classes right away. No waiting for a semester to begin or working around a set college schedule. We make sure payments and schedules are all on your terms!

We’re Here When You’re Ready

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of choices involved in doing college research, let us help... for absolutely no charge! We love being a guiding light for students in a world of noise and clutter. Our specialty is helping students identify their best college options and setting them on the right education track for their lifestyle, budget, and schedule.

Ready to get your free College Options Report? Get started here!

Many students are experiencing burnout. It’s a common-enough situation in the best of times. But right now, students are struggling extra hard to stay focused on school and on their ultimate goals. If you’re looking for tips to help you stay focused and achieve back-to-school success, you’re in the right place.

I sat down with our Success Coach Manager, Peter Marshall, to chat about trends he’s seeing with students. “I think we’re just starting to see the effects of Delta. There is this underlying fear with students right now,” explains Marshall.

When so much is in flux, like it has been with the pandemic the past several years, it can be difficult to buckle down and do what needs to be done for your education. The good news is that Marshall has some excellent tips to help students get back on track (and stay on track) even through difficult times.

1. Practice Good Time Management

Marshall explains that protecting your study time is crucial to going back to school. This is particularly true for working students that may have many other competing priorities. “It all starts on Mondays,” says Marshall. “You’ll see this trick a lot with personal trainers too. If you want to really stick with something and make it a priority you should always make time for it early in the week.” The adage, “Never miss a Monday” applies to your schoolwork and not just your weight training sessions. Set aside some time early in the week to get started on your schoolwork. It will set the tone for the rest of your week.

2. Make a Place for School

A good study area is more helpful than you know. Just like having a dedicated fitness area (at a gym or at home) improves your likelihood of sticking to your exercise habit, having a dedicated spot in your home for studying improves your chances of getting study time in regularly and sets you up for success. A study space also gives you a place where you know you can focus on school and get into a routine – i.e., “When I sit down at this desk I study.” According to our partner school, Maryville University, “A study space can be a home office, attic nook, kitchen table, or – for those who have limited living space – an area in a bedroom or living room. Creating a dedicated space may be an ideal choice if you are easily distracted and have a hard time focusing amid other distractions, such as the television, smartphone notifications, and social media accounts." Marshall gives these tips for designing the right study space, “It is better to create a space that is not in a high traffic area where kids are running around, or your roommates are binging Netflix. It’s also good to keep all your materials you need in this space.”  You can think of this space as always ready for study time. You can store your books here when you are not in class, you can attend virtual classes here, and you can make sure you always have a pack of pencils here.

3. Give Yourself a Quick Win

Marshall often coaches older students who can be daunted by the thought of going back to school. “Giving these students a quick win to show them they can make progress can be a real game changer in the beginning,” says Marshall. Marshall recommends starting with a simple class. New students with Accelerated Pathways receive a complimentary StudySMART course that many students enjoy because it eases them back into school. StudySMART and an additional course called Student Success are available to students through Accelerated Pathways. Both provide valuable information for all students but especially those who may have been away from school for a while or students who need an extra boost to get going strong. Again, using the analogy of exercise, many personal trainers will start with a quick easy workout the first time. The point is not to burn 1,000 calories or lift enormous weights in your first session. The point is to show new exercisers that it can be done. That they can ease into a new way of life. The same goes for returning to school.

4. Break It Down

When confronted with a big, audacious goal, it must be broken down into easy actionable steps. Many top business leaders (and leaders in general) live by this philosophy. Taken even further, to achieve big things, start by thinking small. For example, if you want to go back to school, start with a goal of talking to an admissions counselor. Breaking down your big goals into small manageable chunks gives you a place to start. It also de-stresses the situation. Big goals tend to be paralyzing. It’s like you’re confronted with too many possibilities. By creating small actionable steps, you remove the paralyzing force and give yourself the push you need to move forward with more confidence.

5. Take Breaks

Research shows that taking purposeful breaks when doing schoolwork can improve your ability study. Marshall recommends the Pomodoro method to his students. “Every 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break,” he says. While the Pomodoro method calls for a very specific schedule of work to break time, you can find a rhythm that works for you. Maybe studying for an hour is more feasible for you. Great! You may want to consider increasing your break to 10 minutes to accommodate for that extra time. Many students find that having scheduled study breaks can keep them focused more reliably for their designated “study time.” Try it!

6. Hit Your Milestones

As you’re goal setting, don’t be afraid to really map out what both short- and long-term goals look like for your education. Give yourself some deadlines. Do you want to finish that bachelor’s degree you started in the next two years? Well, work backwards from that date and give yourself some milestones along the way. This can help you keep your sights not only on your short-term goals but on your long-term success too. Making your goals timebound is essential if you are a fan of the S.M.A.R.T. goals method, which helps people set very defined actionable goals and then gives themselves a deadline for achievement. We cover setting S.M.A.R.T. goals in this post on continuous learning. Setting milestones functions in much the same way.

So, whether you are a high school student jumping straight to college courses or you are returning to school after quite some time away, these tips should help you hit the ground running. College isn’t easy and it does require a lot of self-discipline. But that’s where Accelerated Pathways comes in. Our coaches are trained to help students—no matter what stage of life they are currently in—stick to and achieve their goals. Reach out for more information on how Accelerated Pathways can help you overcome burnout and use these strategies and more to achieve your educational goals.

Before making any career decision, it’s always a good idea to ask yourself, “Will this career be in demand? And if so, how much can I earn and what education will I need?” With thousands of options available, it can be difficult to narrow down a career path that's right for you. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of five careers that have great demand and excellent earning potential. We hope this will help you on your educational journey and increase your chances of making a good career decision.

1. Cyber security

Did you know the unemployment rate for cyber security professionals has been 0% since 2016! As more businesses rely on data and as cyberattacks become more frequent, demand for cyber security expertise is projected to grow 32% up to 2028, compared with growth of 12% for other computer occupations.

Cyber security encompasses everything that relates to the protection of data and networks. Employment can be found in a wide range of industries and focuses on a number of specialties. Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures; forensic roles deal with the aftermath of data breaches; penetration testers identify vulnerabilities to help prevent breaches; security architects establish and maintain network security; and the CIO sits at the top tier of the industry, overseeing all of this.

For each career pathway there’s a lot of technical knowledge and many certifications to acquire to demonstrate mastery, so it’s best for aspiring cyber-crime fighters to research each specialty early and get on track for the role that best fits their skillset and goals.

Here are a few specialties and their earning potential:

• Information security analyst ($51K-$108K)

• Forensic computer analyst ($49K-$118K)

• Penetration & vulnerability tester ($58K-$136K)

• Cyber security architect ($86K-$160K)

• Chief information security officer ($106K-$200K+)

Study options available

Most entry-level cyber security positions require only an undergraduate degree (which degree may not matter if you have the right skills and certifications), but a graduate degree will open the door to more senior positions and quicker advancement. Increasingly, schools are offering degree programs specific to cyber security that students can pursue rather than the more broad computer science.

No matter what degree a candidate boasts, their prospects may be further improved by adding professional certifications to their résumé. In fact, many job postings will require that prospects come to the table with at least a foundational certification or will ask employees to acquire further credentials for career development.

Here’s some insider advice from Charles Poff, CISO, Salespoint, “Anyone interested in cybersecurity needs to get a degree, as going to college helps you to learn how to learn. No one in IT or security has all the answers, but what defines us as IT and security folks is how we figure out problems. You learn how to become a lifelong learner in college and develop new skills on the job as you fine tune your natural gifts.”

Interested in this promising career? Check out our Cyber Security fact sheet.

2. Internet of Things

The demand for smart devices increased 16% in 2020, and with it the need for Internet of Things expertise in consumer electronics, transportation, manufacturing, utilities, agriculture, and healthcare has grown. Bachelor’s degrees in the subject are only just starting to be introduced, but there are other programs and skills that can lead to success in this career.

The IoT is the network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors or software to connect and exchange data with the internet. This includes products such as wearable fitness trackers, home automation devices, self-driving cars, and much more. The demand for these devices is staggering, with an estimated 35 billion devices connected worldwide in 2021—a 16% increase in just one year. Although investment and development may have slowed during quarantine, COVID-19 is set to spark further growth. More time at home means more people connecting their homes for health, wellness, and efficiency, and the healthcare industry is leveraging smart tech for tasks like early detection and contact tracing.

While the IoT demands a specialized skill set, career potential in the field covers a wide range of options since it is not an insular industry. It fulfills the demands of other distinct industries, opening up job prospects in IoT sectors of consumer electronics, transportation, manufacturing, utilities, agriculture, and healthcare.

Here are a few specialties and their earning potential:

• IoT developer ($59K-$74K)

• Data scientist ($67K-$135K)

• IoT solutions engineer ($80K-$120K)

• IoT architect ($98K-$190K)

• Cyber security engineer ($94K-$320K)

Study options available

While there are only a couple US colleges offering a bachelor’s degree specific to IoT, the rise in options internationally indicates that number will likely increase soon. In the meantime, for many entry-level roles, a bachelor’s in information technology, computer science/engineering, or software development may suffice.

Learners can set themselves up for IoT job success by researching the competencies expected by their dream employers and planning their course work accordingly. Master’s degrees, micro-masters, and graduate certificates specific to the IoT are increasingly common. These programs may go by alternate labels such as “embedded systems” or “cyber-physical systems”. At all levels (engineers and architects in particular), professional certifications may be a requirement.

Here’s some insider advice from Home Security List, “Without a doubt, the versatile nature of the IoT is one of the numerous reasons it is due to add such significant value to the economy. IoT devices can be implemented in every industry, through adoption, development or both. In this respect, you should learn to collaborate with people from distinct sectors. Make sure your training is diverse so that you can apply it to numerous businesses.”

Interested in this promising career? Check out our Internet of Things fact sheet.

3. Diversity & Inclusion

In the past few years there’s been a growing demand for equality and representation. As a result, more companies are championing the need for diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the workplace and hiring specialists to help them meet that need. In a 2018 column for Inclusion at Work, Jennifer Kim noted that taking on a D&I role comes with significant risk, as they’re often the first cut in an economic downturn. This prediction held true at the onset of COVID-19 when job postings plummeted. However, just months later, the US saw widespread civil rights protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death, and D&I job postings did a quick about-face.

There’s hope right now that roles supporting D&I are newly focused on action over awareness. Examples include GE, which pledged $10 million toward racial justice and inclusivity initiatives, and Salesforce, which committed to increasing Black representation, especially in leadership. The rebounding of job postings is also a positive sign of change. Each of the roles included below supports employers’ mission of attracting, developing, retaining, and supporting the advancement of a diverse workforce.

Here are a few specialties and their earning potential:

• Chief diversity officer ($75K-$211K)

• D&I director ($89K-$120K)

• D&I manager ($55K-$124K)

• D&I specialist ($46K-$118K)

• D&I coordinator ($25K-$102K)

Study options available

Options for a degree specific to D&I are limited, but available. Some institutions, such as Tufts University and The University of Kansas, have developed master’s degrees in D&I leadership. However, most D&I job applicants come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some studied and worked in business or human resources management, choosing to specialize along the way. Some transitioned from other areas of their organization, driven by passion and seeing the need for this role. For them and others, there is a proliferation of graduate certificate and online course options that support D&I development.

It’s worth noting that while education demands are high for these roles (45.6% hold master’s degrees), transferable skills and a demonstrable interest in social justice should not be discounted as qualifying factors. A number of institutions, such as Emporia State University, offer interdisciplinary degrees in subjects like ethnic, gender, and identity studies that will give candidates a social science foundation and help them stand out in the hiring process

Here’s some insider advice from the Allison Dingler, Global DI&B Program Manager, Indeed, “My number one advice for folks looking to get into diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DI&B) is to look at what they can do right now, within their sphere of influence, to create an inclusive culture. DI&B is a vast field, needing a multitude of skills and backgrounds. Consider how your skills translate to DI&B work and start doing that work before you ever have a DI&B title.”

Interested in this promising career? Check out our diversity & inclusion fact sheet.

4. Wine and beer

The wine and beer industries are not new. People have been studying the production and use of fermented beverages for thousands of years. Throughout much of that time, education came through apprenticeship and then certification. Historically, the wine and beer industries have been the domain of families and smaller communities. Now, with a myriad of options for self-education, winemaking and brewing have become accessible to a broader group, and many are turning this passion into a career.

Universities are starting to offer degrees to expand the possibilities for job candidates in these industries. Most who seek careers in beer and wine are driven by passion. While some start young — either in the labor-intensive lower tiers of the industry or by seeking formal training right away — others are career-changers looking to turn their hobby into a profession.

Earnings that follow can vary greatly. Working for a small winery or craft brewery is not going to net as much as working for a major brand, but as health and sustainability trends move consumers toward quality over quantity, the number of boutique producers entering the market is increasing. More new producers means more opportunities for those open to both the uncertainty and potential of a start-up.

Here are a few specialties and their earning potential:

• Winemaker ($85K-$150K)

• Sommelier ($55K-$155K)

• Vineyard manager ($50K-$85K)

• Brewmaster ($40K-$100K)

Study options available

There are many ways to specialize in the wine and beer industries, and expectations for applicants’ experience and background will vary. Those willing to start at the lowest tier of wine and beer work—in the field or in the cellar—will learn a lot on the job. At the business and sales end, industry knowledge is crucial, but traditional degrees often suffice.

Those looking to specialize as brewmasters, enologists, or sommeliers, however, are going to need certifications and proven dedication to understanding the science, taste, and history of their product. University degrees are increasingly a way to gain the necessary academic foundation. There are numerous bachelors and a few masters options in the US, and even some PhDs for those willing to go international.

Here’s some insider advice from Teri Fahrendorf, “My hunch is that as time goes on, the educational requirements of microbrewers in the US will increase, if for no other reason than that the demand will increase. One microbrewery owner I spoke with recently declared he will never again hire another brewer without formal training... or a lot of experience.”

Interested in this promising career? Check out our wine and beer fact sheet.

5. Data science

Data is everywhere and in everything we do, and with humans producing 2.5 quintillion bytes of data every day, the need for data scientists is rising. The high demand for this role makes it a competitive field that requires intensive education and skills. Love it or fear it, big data is everywhere, and it’s about more than just serving up unnervingly targeted ads. In addition to shaping the retail industry, big data is a cornerstone of healthcare, banking, agriculture, government, transportation, and energy. It’s estimated that humans produce 2.5 quintillion bytes of data daily. That figure is only going up, which has led to the growing demand for data scientists.

As with any young industry, the job description for a data scientist can be vague and may vary greatly by industry or company. Generally, data scientists have mixed expertise in computer science, mathematics, and trend spotting. They’re needed to create algorithms, identify trends, organize data, produce insights that drive business decisions, and design machines that can automate output based on data. “Data scientist” has held the top spot on Glassdoor’s list of “50 Best Jobs in America” since 2016 and remains in high demand with continued projected growth.

Here are a few specialties and their earning potential:

• Data analyst ($44K-$86K)

• Data architect ($77K-$156K)

• Data engineer ($65K-$132K)

• Statistician ($52K-$109K)

• Machine learning engineer ($76K-$154K)

Study options available

Compared to other emerging careers, data science has fairly rigorous academic requirements for entry. A competitive field means employers can make higher demands for education, and the array of technical skills required will demand intensive study, whether formal or informal. A good starting point is a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, IT, or statistics. Increasingly, degrees specific to data science are available as well. This also goes for master’s degrees, which are held by 73% of professionals in the field. As many as 38% have a PhD. However, those with a more mixed background still have a chance.

Since the field is new, many of its leaders didn’t have today’s focused degree options. Applicants may stand out if they can demonstrate that they’ve supplemented coursework with real-world projects, if they have additional expertise in the job’s broader industry (i.e., healthcare, marketing, etc.), or if they can show that they’ve targeted their studies to fit the demands of the role they’re looking to take on.

Here’s some insider advice from Robert Chang, Data @Airbnb, “Instead of fixating on a single technique or programming language, ask yourself, what is the best set of tools or techniques that will help you to solve your problem? Focus on problem solving, and the tools will come naturally.”

Interested in this promising career? Check out our data science fact sheet.

For a more comprehensive and in-depth look at additional emerging careers, get our free eBook with up-to-date information and useful charts to help you with your future career decision. If you’re ready to start your journey toward a fast-growing profession with the right education and skills, we can help! At Pearson Accelerated Pathways, our academic advisors are experts at putting you on the right track to become qualified for your dream job. We help you to customize your college experience, choose your learning style, choose your pace, and study from anywhere. All you need is an internet connection. Learn more about our college planning process.

Before making any career decision, it’s always a good idea to ask yourself, “Will this career be in demand? And if so, how much can I earn and what education will I need?” With thousands of options available, it can be difficult to narrow down a career path that's right for you. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of five careers that have great demand and excellent earning potential. We hope this will help you on your educational journey and increase your chances of making a good career decision.

1. Cyber security

Did you know the unemployment rate for cyber security professionals has been 0% since 2016! As more businesses rely on data and as cyberattacks become more frequent, demand for cyber security expertise is projected to grow 32% up to 2028, compared with growth of 12% for other computer occupations.

Cyber security encompasses everything that relates to the protection of data and networks. Employment can be found in a wide range of industries and focuses on a number of specialties. Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures; forensic roles deal with the aftermath of data breaches; penetration testers identify vulnerabilities to help prevent breaches; security architects establish and maintain network security; and the CIO sits at the top tier of the industry, overseeing all of this.

For each career pathway there’s a lot of technical knowledge and many certifications to acquire to demonstrate mastery, so it’s best for aspiring cyber-crime fighters to research each specialty early and get on track for the role that best fits their skillset and goals.

Here are a few specialties and their earning potential:

• Information security analyst ($51K-$108K)

• Forensic computer analyst ($49K-$118K)

• Penetration & vulnerability tester ($58K-$136K)

• Cyber security architect ($86K-$160K)

• Chief information security officer ($106K-$200K+)

Study options available

Most entry-level cyber security positions require only an undergraduate degree (which degree may not matter if you have the right skills and certifications), but a graduate degree will open the door to more senior positions and quicker advancement. Increasingly, schools are offering degree programs specific to cyber security that students can pursue rather than the more broad computer science.

No matter what degree a candidate boasts, their prospects may be further improved by adding professional certifications to their résumé. In fact, many job postings will require that prospects come to the table with at least a foundational certification or will ask employees to acquire further credentials for career development.

Here’s some insider advice from Charles Poff, CISO, Salespoint, “Anyone interested in cybersecurity needs to get a degree, as going to college helps you to learn how to learn. No one in IT or security has all the answers, but what defines us as IT and security folks is how we figure out problems. You learn how to become a lifelong learner in college and develop new skills on the job as you fine tune your natural gifts.”

Interested in this promising career? Check out our Cyber Security fact sheet.

2. Internet of Things

The demand for smart devices increased 16% in 2020, and with it the need for Internet of Things expertise in consumer electronics, transportation, manufacturing, utilities, agriculture, and healthcare has grown. Bachelor’s degrees in the subject are only just starting to be introduced, but there are other programs and skills that can lead to success in this career.

The IoT is the network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors or software to connect and exchange data with the internet. This includes products such as wearable fitness trackers, home automation devices, self-driving cars, and much more. The demand for these devices is staggering, with an estimated 35 billion devices connected worldwide in 2021—a 16% increase in just one year. Although investment and development may have slowed during quarantine, COVID-19 is set to spark further growth. More time at home means more people connecting their homes for health, wellness, and efficiency, and the healthcare industry is leveraging smart tech for tasks like early detection and contact tracing.

While the IoT demands a specialized skill set, career potential in the field covers a wide range of options since it is not an insular industry. It fulfills the demands of other distinct industries, opening up job prospects in IoT sectors of consumer electronics, transportation, manufacturing, utilities, agriculture, and healthcare.

Here are a few specialties and their earning potential:

• IoT developer ($59K-$74K)

• Data scientist ($67K-$135K)

• IoT solutions engineer ($80K-$120K)

• IoT architect ($98K-$190K)

• Cyber security engineer ($94K-$320K)

Study options available

While there are only a couple US colleges offering a bachelor’s degree specific to IoT, the rise in options internationally indicates that number will likely increase soon. In the meantime, for many entry-level roles, a bachelor’s in information technology, computer science/engineering, or software development may suffice.

Learners can set themselves up for IoT job success by researching the competencies expected by their dream employers and planning their course work accordingly. Master’s degrees, micro-masters, and graduate certificates specific to the IoT are increasingly common. These programs may go by alternate labels such as “embedded systems” or “cyber-physical systems”. At all levels (engineers and architects in particular), professional certifications may be a requirement.

Here’s some insider advice from Home Security List, “Without a doubt, the versatile nature of the IoT is one of the numerous reasons it is due to add such significant value to the economy. IoT devices can be implemented in every industry, through adoption, development or both. In this respect, you should learn to collaborate with people from distinct sectors. Make sure your training is diverse so that you can apply it to numerous businesses.”

Interested in this promising career? Check out our Internet of Things fact sheet.

4. Wine and beer

The wine and beer industries are not new. People have been studying the production and use of fermented beverages for thousands of years. Throughout much of that time, education came through apprenticeship and then certification. Historically, the wine and beer industries have been the domain of families and smaller communities. Now, with a myriad of options for self-education, winemaking and brewing have become accessible to a broader group, and many are turning this passion into a career.

Universities are starting to offer degrees to expand the possibilities for job candidates in these industries. Most who seek careers in beer and wine are driven by passion. While some start young — either in the labor-intensive lower tiers of the industry or by seeking formal training right away — others are career-changers looking to turn their hobby into a profession.

Earnings that follow can vary greatly. Working for a small winery or craft brewery is not going to net as much as working for a major brand, but as health and sustainability trends move consumers toward quality over quantity, the number of boutique producers entering the market is increasing. More new producers means more opportunities for those open to both the uncertainty and potential of a start-up.

Here are a few specialties and their earning potential:

• Winemaker ($85K-$150K)

• Sommelier ($55K-$155K)

• Vineyard manager ($50K-$85K)

• Brewmaster ($40K-$100K)

Study options available

There are many ways to specialize in the wine and beer industries, and expectations for applicants’ experience and background will vary. Those willing to start at the lowest tier of wine and beer work—in the field or in the cellar—will learn a lot on the job. At the business and sales end, industry knowledge is crucial, but traditional degrees often suffice.

Those looking to specialize as brewmasters, enologists, or sommeliers, however, are going to need certifications and proven dedication to understanding the science, taste, and history of their product. University degrees are increasingly a way to gain the necessary academic foundation. There are numerous bachelors and a few masters options in the US, and even some PhDs for those willing to go international.

Here’s some insider advice from Teri Fahrendorf, “My hunch is that as time goes on, the educational requirements of microbrewers in the US will increase, if for no other reason than that the demand will increase. One microbrewery owner I spoke with recently declared he will never again hire another brewer without formal training... or a lot of experience.”

Interested in this promising career? Check out our wine and beer fact sheet.

5. Data science

Data is everywhere and in everything we do, and with humans producing 2.5 quintillion bytes of data every day, the need for data scientists is rising. The high demand for this role makes it a competitive field that requires intensive education and skills. Love it or fear it, big data is everywhere, and it’s about more than just serving up unnervingly targeted ads. In addition to shaping the retail industry, big data is a cornerstone of healthcare, banking, agriculture, government, transportation, and energy. It’s estimated that humans produce 2.5 quintillion bytes of data daily. That figure is only going up, which has led to the growing demand for data scientists.

As with any young industry, the job description for a data scientist can be vague and may vary greatly by industry or company. Generally, data scientists have mixed expertise in computer science, mathematics, and trend spotting. They’re needed to create algorithms, identify trends, organize data, produce insights that drive business decisions, and design machines that can automate output based on data. “Data scientist” has held the top spot on Glassdoor’s list of “50 Best Jobs in America” since 2016 and remains in high demand with continued projected growth.

Here are a few specialties and their earning potential:

• Data analyst ($44K-$86K)

• Data architect ($77K-$156K)

• Data engineer ($65K-$132K)

• Statistician ($52K-$109K)

• Machine learning engineer ($76K-$154K)

Study options available

Compared to other emerging careers, data science has fairly rigorous academic requirements for entry. A competitive field means employers can make higher demands for education, and the array of technical skills required will demand intensive study, whether formal or informal. A good starting point is a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, IT, or statistics. Increasingly, degrees specific to data science are available as well. This also goes for master’s degrees, which are held by 73% of professionals in the field. As many as 38% have a PhD. However, those with a more mixed background still have a chance.

Since the field is new, many of its leaders didn’t have today’s focused degree options. Applicants may stand out if they can demonstrate that they’ve supplemented coursework with real-world projects, if they have additional expertise in the job’s broader industry (i.e., healthcare, marketing, etc.), or if they can show that they’ve targeted their studies to fit the demands of the role they’re looking to take on.

Here’s some insider advice from Robert Chang, Data @Airbnb, “Instead of fixating on a single technique or programming language, ask yourself, what is the best set of tools or techniques that will help you to solve your problem? Focus on problem solving, and the tools will come naturally.”

Interested in this promising career? Check out our data science fact sheet.

For a more comprehensive and in-depth look at additional emerging careers, get our free eBook with up-to-date information and useful charts to help you with your future career decision. If you’re ready to start your journey toward a fast-growing profession with the right education and skills, we can help! At Pearson Accelerated Pathways, our academic advisors are experts at putting you on the right track to become qualified for your dream job. We help you to customize your college experience, choose your learning style, choose your pace, and study from anywhere. All you need is an internet connection. Learn more about our college planning process.