For people with a business-related degree, there are a variety of career opportunities to pursue – from technology and healthcare, to marketing and finance.

Here is a look at some of the fastest growing business jobs today and how you can get started building your career:

1. Accountant

Accountants are vital to the success of any business and enjoy excellent job security as a result. Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, adding 139,900 new jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As an accountant, you can pursue different career specialties depending on your interests. For example, public accountants typically work for accounting firms, performing audits, preparing taxes and provide consulting for individuals, corporations and government organizations. Internal or management accountants perform these activities for their employer, and are also involved in analyzing financial data and strategic planning.

To become an accountant, you need strong mathematical skills and attention to detail. Most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in accounting, but you can also gain experience as bookkeeper if you have an associate degree. This is a good option if you want to get into the workforce faster, but you’ll likely have to continue your education if you want to advance your accounting career.

2. Market Research Analyst

Employment for market research analysts is projected to grow 23 percent between 2016 and 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing career fields today. As a market research analyst, you’ll study consumers’ buying habits to help businesses make more strategic decisions about how they market their products and services. Market research analysts can work for marketing agencies, research companies, colleges, corporations and even government agencies.

You can become a market research analyst by earning your bachelor’s degree in marketing, data analytics or a related field.

3. HR Specialist

Human resources (HR) professionals help organizations manage their greatest assets – their people. As an HR specialist, you can gain experience in basic HR practices, such as administering payroll and benefits, employee relations, recruiting and training. Successful HR professionals have strong communication and people skills and enjoy creative problem solving.

To begin your human resources career, you’ll need either an associate or bachelor’s degree in human resources. Certain specialties or employers may require a master’s degree with a concentration in human resources. Certification is also highly desirable by employers, and most upper-level human resource professionals have at least one certification.

4. Financial Analyst

If you’re a numbers person and like analyzing trends over time, you might enjoy a career as a financial analyst. Financial analysts help their clients make decisions about when to buy and sell investments and advise on economic trends and company strategy. Most professionals in this field work for financial services and insurance companies.

To begin a career in finance, you’d need to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. Many financial analysts go on to earn a master’s degree in business administration and pursue additional specialized certifications.

5. Data Scientist

Data scientists use data to inform strategic decision making, and they often have advanced degrees or a background in computer science, math, statistics or economics. Their skills can be applied to a number of different industries, including finance, public safety, healthcare and government.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in data analytics is a good way to jumpstart your career as a data scientist. Pursuing graduate-level education, such as an MBA in Data Analytics, can help you advance to leadership and management roles. Many data scientists also specialize within a particular business function, such as finance or marketing, using data to support decision-making.

6. Project Manager

Every business needs effective project managers to oversee teams, assignments, deliverables and deadlines. With a bachelor’s degree in project management, you can prepare for entry-level roles in a variety of different industries and environments, from information technology to construction.

With experience, project managers can advance to upper-management positions, such as general manager, department manager, team leader, operations manager, and more. Many project managers also choose to specialize within one industry, and may pursue industry-specific project management certifications, such as the CompTIA Project + to further differentiate themselves in the workforce.

7. Operations Manager

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be 27-percent employment growth for operations research analysts through 2026, nearly four times the average growth of all occupations. Operations analysts help companies solve complex business problems, such as setting competitive prices for products and services or making decisions about how to allocate resources. These professionals are in high demand because companies are increasingly relying on new technologies to make data-driven decisions that can improve cost-savings and efficiencies. 

A bachelor’s degree in data analytics provides a strong foundation for a career as an operations analyst, with the potential to advance to management positions as you gain experience. Many operations managers also hold an MBA.

8. Management Consultant

Management consultants or management analysts help businesses find ways to improve efficiencies and cut costs. Employment for management consultants is expected to grow by 14 percent through 2026, adding more than 100,000 new jobs. Some management consultants work on a contractual basis and can be self-employed, while others work for large consulting firms. They can also specialize in certain industries, such as human resources or healthcare. To become a management consultant, you need a strong business background and exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. A bachelor’s degree in business management can help you prepare for a career in this growing field.

9. Healthcare Manager

Healthcare organizations have a growing need for competent and capable leaders to oversee health and patient services. Healthcare managers understand the business of healthcare and are instrumental in helping hospitals, small practices, insurance companies and a variety of other institutions navigate the changing healthcare environment. Employment for medical and health services managers is expected to grow by 20 percent through 2026.

Enrolling in a healthcare management online bachelor degree program will help you gain the business skills you need to succeed in a management role in the healthcare field, and earning an MBA in Healthcare Management can open the door to more advanced leadership roles.

Some students choose to enroll in a bachelor’s program after completing a certificate, diploma or associate program in a healthcare discipline, such as medical assisting.

Radiologic technologist is one of the most in-demand healthcare careers today with 19,000 new jobs expected by 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As a critical member of the medical imaging team, radiologic technologists work alongside doctors and nurses to perform X-ray exams and other diagnostic imaging procedures, which can be vital in diagnosing certain medial conditions as well as preventing future illness.

A career as a radiologic technologist also offers opportunities for specialization and advancement, making it a good choice for those looking to begin their career in the healthcare field.

Still not sure if radiologic technology is the right path for you? Keep reading to learn more about all the benefits this career offers.

Why should I become a radiologic technologist?

A career as a radiologic technologist is an excellent choice for anyone who is interested in the healthcare field, loves working with technology, and has a passion for helping others. Here are five reasons to consider a career as a radiologic technologist:

1. Employment opportunities are only growing

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), projects 9% employment growth for radiologic technologists in the next 10 years, which is faster than the average growth for all occupations. As the baby boomer population ages, conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease might become more prevalent. Medical imaging technology is useful for diagnosing these conditions, among many others, and radiology technologists are needed to assist in the process.

Due to the strong job market and the possibility of continued career advancement, radiologic technologist was ranked the #27 Best Healthcare Support Job for 2019 by U.S. News & World Report.

2. This is not a typical “office job”

Instead of sitting in front of a computer all day, radiologic technologists have a very active and involved job. Most work in a hospital or outpatient medical center, and some may also find work in medical or diagnostic laboratories. Radiologic technologists are almost always on the go, working with all types of people and various medical situations. They also often work on several different tasks in one day, and that variety keeps things interesting. There is no time for boredom in this role!

3. You won’t have to spend a long time getting your degree

To become a radiologic technologist, you will need an associate degree in radiologic technology. Herzing offers this program at its Orlando campus. Both in-class work and clinical experience are required as part of the degree program, and students typically must pass a certification exam from the state to complete their degree.

Most students can finish their associate degree program in two years and be ready to enter the workforce as soon as they complete the certification exam. Bachelor and graduate certificate programs can help radiologic technologists advance their careers, but are not required for most entry-level roles.

4. You have opportunities for advancement

The field of radiologic technology has many opportunities for growth and advancement. As you gain experience, you can choose to specialize in areas such as mammography, MRI, or cardiovascular imaging. Some of these roles might require additional education or certification, but they can also help increase your earning potential as well.

According to the BLS, the median salary for a radiologic technologist was $59,520 as of May 2018, though the highest paid 10% earned more than $99,180.

5. You will make a difference every day

Working in healthcare means that you can make a difference in someone’s life every day. When people come into a hospital or a medical clinic, they’re often nervous or scared. With the right bedside manner, you can turn their attitude around and make the visit much more comfortable for them. Diagnostic imaging scans can also help identify serious conditions early on, which could mean the difference between life and death for some patients. As a radiologic technologist, you play a role in ensuring your patients live longer, healthier lives.

Interested in learning more? Check out our radiologic technology degree program and find out how you can get started on your career today!

Feeling stressed is normal for college students, but did you know that regular stress can negatively affect your health? About 45% of college students say that they experience stress “more than average,” which is not a statistic to celebrate. Of those students, almost 90% said they felt overwhelmed at least once in the last year, according to the American College Health Association (ACHA).

With the right techniques, however, stress can be adequately managed so it doesn’t disrupt your day-to-day life.

What causes stress?

There are three common triggers for student stress:

• Social triggers, or those relating to maintaining relationships, social life or simply adjusting to a new environment. Examples could include competition between peers, meeting other’s expectations or social anxiety.
• Academic triggers, or those relating to school commitments. Academic stress could be caused by daunting assignment deadlines, challenging coursework, exams or poor time management skills.
• Daily life triggers, or those having to do with everyday issues related to family, finances or employment.

No matter what’s triggering it, stress can lead to several negative health symptoms, including poor decision-making, insomnia, reduced energy, pain, and illness. For some, stress may affect the quality of work at school and in the workplace. Stress can also cause irritableness, creating tension when interacting with others. 

Once you understand the factors that are causing your stress, you can begin taking the steps you need to manage it.

Here are seven stress management tips to try the next time you feel overwhelmed:

1) Find a support system

Identify a few family members or friends you can rely on to be your personal cheerleaders when you feel stressed. They can be a valuable resource, lifting you up, encouraging you and providing advice or a new perspective when needed.

2) Exercise 

Regular physical activity is another great way to kick stress to the curb. Exercise allows your body to release endorphins that send positive messages to your brain to improve your mood and help you feel relaxed. Finding time to exercise, even if it’s only 20 minutes a day, can give your outlook a boost. So next time you feel stressed, take a walk, try yoga or hit the gym!

3) Practice time management

Whether you’re at work or in school, it can be easy to get overwhelmed when juggling multiple projects. Practicing good time management can help you get all your work done on time. Start by prioritizing what you need to accomplish, then cut out distractions like emails, phone calls and social media to help yourself remain focused. While multitasking may seem like a good strategy for getting everything done, it’s better to concentrate on one task at a time instead of dividing your attention to various tasks.

4) Keep a journal

Writing in a journal can be beneficial for organizing your thoughts and helping you process everything going on in your day-to-day life. Plus, journaling has been proven to strengthen immunity and decrease your risk of illness. If you don’t feel comfortable talking through your stressors with another person, journaling is a more private alternative. Spending just 15 to 20 minutes a day journaling can lessen stress levels.

5) Stay hydrated

Drinking water has tremendous health benefits, especially when it comes to reducing stress. In addition to staying hydrated, try treating yourself to a hot bath when you’re stressed, which can help calm the nervous system, especially with a few drops of essential oil added into the water

6) Try to stay positive!

While it’s often easier said than done, make an effort to keep a “glass half full” attitude when working through a stressful situation. If you let yourself fall victim to stress, it can completely overtake you and cause you to fall into a funk. Remaining optimistic in the midst of stress is truly the best practice.

7) Take a break to do something you love

If schoolwork is stressing you out, take a break to do something that relaxes you or makes you happy, whether that’s reading a book or listening to music. Most music streaming websites offer curated playlists that are full of calming music and natural sounds to help reduce stress. Letting your mind focus on something that relieves your stress can be beneficial to your well-being.

When it comes to dealing with stress, it’s important to find a management technique that works for you – and stick with it! We all deal with stress at some point in our lives and as hard as it may seem, you will get through it. Remember to confide in others and take time out for yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed so that stress never has the upper hand.