INFORMATION

Radio Facts: American job titles and responsibilities are constantly morphing to suit the economic and cultural transitions of our madcap age. Euphemisms are often the way recruiters dress up old job titles to narrow the field to specialists. A "hash slinger" is now termed a "culinary resource professional." Kidding aside, today's workers are often forced by marketplace realities to undergo at least one rapid job change over their adult lives. Many enroll at online colleges and trade schools to garner fresh skills that fit their experience and previous training. Some of these hot new careers you may have never heard of are "green-collar" jobs. These jobs are on the rise as the business world responds to dramatic increases in energy costs and environmental regulation. And while disposable income seems threatened by a roller-coaster economy, other new careers are springing up to suit those who have cash to spend. Here are six hot career fields you may not have heard of: Eco Tourism Director Traditional hospitality careers are increasingly marching to the ecotourism drumbeat. According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is growing at three times the rate of traditional vacationing, increasing annually up to 30 percent. If you're just preparing for the field, seek an associate's degree in hospitality, travel, or tourism. If you're already aboard, why not trainto manage a hotel, bed and breakfast, spa, or resort with a graduate degree in business or hospitality? The majority of lodging managers are self-employed professionals. Top earners in 2007 averaged $83,240 for the year. Professional Hacker Ever hear of a certified ethical hacker? That's the professional IT certification for a computer scientist that works as a security specialist, forensic investigator, or network defense architect for corporations, the government, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent hacking or to track down perpetrators. To get into the field, you'll need more than the hacking skills you tweaked together in your garage. Begin by earning a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology. You can get additional online college training in network security. The top 50 percent of computer scientists earned between $97,970 and $123,900 in 2007. Pet Psychologist Don't be so shocked. Even Sparky sometimes needs help to keep from gnawing through the neighbor's bed of prized roses. Once the local vet has ruled out physical ailments that can contribute to rude pet behavior, people who love their animals may need to call in a trained, certified behaviorist or pet psychologist. As with human patients, pets can be analyzed and taught to act contrary to destructive impulses. There are even certified applied animal behaviorists. To get into the field, you'll need a master's or doctorate degree in psychology, preferably with additional work in zoology and animal behavior. Salaries vary greatly by locale, but can be upwards of $90,000 a year. Conservation Consultant There are companies who are greatly concerned with increasing energy efficiency. And there are those with a conscience, striving to reduce their carbon footprint. When Yahoo! decided to go carbon-neutral by 2007, they hired a director of energy strategy and climate change. Combine your thirst for conservation with an engineering degree to prepare for this thriving field. The U.S. Labor Department predicts a hefty 25 percent increase in environmental engineers during the 2006-2016 decade. In 2007, the top 50 percent earned between $70,000 and $106,000. Fashion Consultant/Personal Shopper Among those who care about their appearance, many are born with amazing taste; some have to work for it. Fashion designers and consultants help those who can afford personal attention to transform their image. You can be the one to consult on hair, makeup, and fashion--and then be the one to take your clients shopping. Get career training through an associate's or bachelor's degree program in fashion design. Top earners in the fashion design trades in 2007 took home $121,640 on average. Mobile Experience Architect The cool streaming videos and eye-popping CD covers that get delivered to the screens of millions of cell phones and PDAs each hour are designed to make you spend money. Information architects create the structure and mind-manipulating patterns (site maps) of each mobile delivery. You'll need to learn about marketing, strategy, and user testing through a degree program in computer science, Web design, or business. There's even an IT certification for professional mobile architects. Salaries range into six figures. As our world rapidly evolves, it's no surprise that the work land scape is evolving as well. You can prepare for and keep up with the changes by updating your training and credentials. Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.

Radio Facts: With an expected 2.2 million job openings by 2014, the business world may want you. And you don't necessarily need a business degree to be a part of this growing field. The good analytical skills and creativity found in liberal arts and science degrees can transfer into the marketable skills you can use in business. These seven hot jobs in business may be able to transform your non-business degree into a valuable asset in the business world. Want more great news? You can take many of the classes online. Health Care Manager If you love the idea of working in the medical field while being in charge, train to become a health care manager. Health care managers coordinate and supervise offices, departments, or entire facilities. A bachelor's degree in health sciences or a nursing degree with an emphasis in administration can get you started. Best yet, health care managers made an average annual salary of $84,980 in 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Human Resource Manager Human resource managers act as a liaison between management and employees. They often recruit and hire new employees, as well as work with employees and managers in order to increase productivity and boost morale. Although some human resource managers earned a bachelor's degree in business, others hold a liberal arts degree. Online classes in social sciences and behavioral sciences as well as business can help you succeed in this well-paying career. Human resource managers made an average annual salary of $99,810 in 2007, according to the BLS. Information Systems Manager Apply your interest in computers and become an information systems manager. Information systems managers work with a company's business plan and research how technology and information systems might meet those needs and then implement that technology. An associate's or bachelor's degree in information technology or management information systems can get your foot in the door. According to the BLS, information systems managers made an annual average salary of $113,880 in 2007. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Occupational health and safety specialists look out for the welfare of the public, the environment, and employees as they test and monitor the quality of air, water, and soil. You may find yourself working in an office, factory, or mine as you also conduct inspections and enforce laws and regulations. You need a bachelor's degree in a field like chemistry, biology, engineering, or occupational health to join this field. These professionals made an average annual salary of $61,310 in 2007, according to the BLS. Public Relations Specialist The need for public relations specialists is expected to grow 18 percent within the next eight years. If you are interested in a bachelor's degree in communication studies, why not then take your enthusiasm and those hard won communication skills and become a public relations specialist. You work may include drafting press releases and working with the media, government, and community. According to the BLS, public relations specialists made an average annual salary of $57,100 in 2007. Web Site Designer If you want to combine your creative edge with computer skills, become a Web site designer, where you will work with computer software in order to design Web pages. Graphic design software can help you create the look you want for your clients. An associate's degree in graphic design or a bachelor's of fine arts degree with an emphasis in graphic design can give you the online career training you need for this creative endeavor. Web designers with between five and nine years of experience made an average of $47,342 in 2008, according to PayScale, Inc. Entrepreneur If you have fantasies of running your own business one day, study what you enjoy most by earning an online degree that can provide you with much-needed career training. A bachelor's degree in English, for example, may be the perfect fit for a bookstore owner. Love the great outdoors and have a sense of adventure? Open a gear shop or provide adventure tours after receiving an associate's degree in natural science. Although small business owners' salaries vary greatly, entrepreneurs with one to four years of experience made an average annual wage of $57,086 in 2008, according to PayScale, Inc. Whatever your dreams, the business world needs people who enjoy their jobs and want to do them well. Many online bachelor's and associate's degree programs encourage you to explore new topics while you test hypothesis and question previously held beliefs -- all while learning new skills. Expand your world with an online associate's or bachelor's degree, and expand your job opportunities. Romy LeClaire Loran is a writer, poet, and educator. She has a graduate degree in education with an emphasis in Hispanic studies as well as an MFA in creative writing, poetry, from The University of Montana-Missoula.

Radio Facts: Universal Music Group (UMG), the worldâ„¢s leading music company, has surpassed its competition to become one of the countryâ„¢s Top 10 online music destinations, according to new data just released by comScore, a recognized leader in measuring the digital world.

For the month of November, UMG ranked Top 10 within the comScore Entertainment Music category, edging out the next nearest recording company in unique visitors by almost double, according to data from the comScore Media Metrix service.  UMGâ„¢s online music properties include cutting-edge and dynamic artist-related web sites that feature premium audio and video product, exclusive programming, fan information, compelling editorial content and news, and online shopping.

Å“With comScore recently announcing that users viewed more than 13.5 billion online videos in October alone, it is clear that the music category continues to represent a strong opportunity for advertisers seeking to reach important audience segments,  stated David Ellner, Executive Vice President of Global Digital Initiatives for UMG. Å“The fact that UMG has become the leading music company destination online this year is a testament to the diversity and incessant appeal of our artists and their music, and the commitment of our labels to helping create such compelling destinations. Moving forward, we are committed to building on this growth to deliver even more value to our advertisers and to music lovers everywhere. 

 The Top 10 music destinations according to comScore Media Metrix data for November 2008 include: AOL, Yahoo, MySpace Music, MTV, ArtisDirect, Clear Channel Online, PlayList, MSN Music, MetroLyrics and UMG.  Earlier this week, comScore also released October 2008 data from the comScore Video Metrix service, reporting that U.S. Internet users viewed 13.5 billion online videos during the month, representing an increase of 45 percent versus a year ago.

 

Universal Music