Trying to find a new job can be one if the toughest tasks you'll ever face. And you'll often find an attractive work opportunity only to learn that you don't have the right education requirements to apply.
But as the job market experiences a period of growth, there are some big opportunities for job-seekers in careers projected to grow faster than the overall market. Below are five of the highest ranked entry-level careers for the next 10 years, based on growth potential.
1. Personal care and home health aides ($20,000 median salary)
Love working with people? With more than 1 million personal care and home health aides jobs expected to develop during the next decade, both roles present a great opportunities for those that want to help others
Generally, aides work with elderly or disabled people in their homes or in retirement communities. Typical work includes helping around the house, running errands, personal hygiene assistance, and companionship. Though there's no specific education requirement, expect to have some on-the-job training or to shadow an experienced aide.
2. Interpreter/translator ($45,000 median salary)
If you already have a bachelor's degree and are fluent in a second language, becoming an interpreter or translator would be a breeze. The career is expected to grow 46% over the next 10 years, which is not surprising given the shift in demographics we've seen within the past decade.
Think there's no work for a translator in your area? Think again -- some work-from-home sites offer work requests from companies that require translations of speeches or other dialogue for their clients.
3. Medical secretaries ($35,000 median salary)
Don't mind administrative tasks or talking with insurance company representatives? You may fit right in at the front desk of a doctor's office or hospital.
The need for medical secretaries is projected to grow by 36% over the next 10 years. Though there is no education requirement beyond a high school diploma, people entering this field should expect extensive on-the-job training in order to become acquainted with the proper systems and procedures within the medical office or hospital where they work.
4 & 5. Electricians and construction laborers ($28,000 and $30,000 median salaries, respectively)
With the economy recovering and the housing market's growth eating up most of the existing homes available, construction and related work is expected to rise in the coming years. While electrician and other specialized careers are expected to grow more than 35% over the next decade, basic construction jobs are rising a bit slower at 25%.
Both jobs involve basic skills that will need to be learned, but you can expect to do that training in the field. Specialized jobs like an electrician or masonry-specialist often begin in the field as an apprentice to an experienced professional.
Don't stop looking
Employers are estimated to add more than 225,000 per month as the housing market continues to recover and the effects of government spending cuts soften. With more opportunities coming available each month, there will be more chances that you'll find the right position for you.