Best careers for 2012 -

Best careers for 2012 - Every year, I report on U.S. News World Reports best careers article. What are the hot jobs for this year? Are they different from last years hot jobs? (For the past year+, Ive also contributed to their On Careers page.) U.S. News selects its jobs based on several factors. One is the growth potential in the various positions. However, the article explains, our rankings give you some context as to why youd want to stick around. We use a formula that compares projected growth for the future to employment rates of the present. We then weigh in average salaries from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and job satisfaction, as determined by the job review website Glassdoor. How can you take advantage of this information? Do Your Research Every job seeker should keep an eye on his or her industry and make plans for the future with an informed outlook. I like to remind readers that it’s a good idea to set a Google alert for organizations and fields of interest to you so you’ll be aware when there are newsworthy ups and downs in your market. Clearly, there are trends in industries. While there are no guarantees, keeping an eye on these surveys and data should help direct those seeking career change make their plans. Learn what you can about the number of job opportunities, salary expectations, educational requirements, job satisfaction â€" make a list of what is important to you and conduct a personal analysis to determine a good direction for your career. Luckily, there are more and more resources every day to help you with your research. You can go “old school” and talk to people you know or people they know via informational interviews. Or, expand your networking circle by using Twitter to research your job, LinkedIn to connect with new colleagues, Facebook (via BranchOut or BeKnown) to meet new people who may have advice, information or recommendations for you. Learn what blogs are popular and respected in your niche (I like to use Alltop.com as a great resource) and find out what your mentors are saying. Find them on Twitter (WeFollow.com is my favorite list for Twitter) and learn who they talk to, what conferences they attend (and what they think of the speakers). Hop on a Twitter chat to connect with people in your targeted industry. Before you know it â€" with skill and persistence â€" you can become one of them! (Read this story of someone who has decided to lead the way in his industry, even if his colleagues are not already joining him on social media.) Clearly, there are many, many ways to learn what everyone is saying and â€" most importantly â€" to insert yourself into the conversations (via participating in social media, meeting local colleagues, attending professional conferences, etc.) to really get to know about a field. Here is U.S. News World Report’s list of top jobs for 2012. I invite you to share your thoughts on the lists in the comments belowAre you working in these fields? Do you think they are hot? Would you recommend them to your friends? #1 Registered Nurse Salary:$44,190-$95,130 Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs #2 Software Developer Salary: $87,790-$54,360 Also ranked in: Best Technology Jobs #3 Pharmacist Salary: $82,090-$138,620 Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs #4 Medical Assistant Salary: $20,810-$40,190 Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs #5 Database Administrator Salary: $115,660-$41,570 Also ranked in: Best Technology Jobs #6 Web Developer Salary: $43,190-$119,940 Also ranked in: Best Technology Jobs #7 Computer Systems Analyst Salary: $48,360-$119,070 Also ranked in: Best Technology Jobs #8 Physical Therapist Salary: $53,620-$107,920 Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs #9 Computer Programmer Salary: $40,820-$114,180 Also ranked in: Best Technology Jobs #10 Occupational Therapist Salary: $48,920-$102,520 Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs #11 Maintenance and Repair Worker Salary: $20,800-$56,090 Also ranked in: Best Social Services Jobs #12 Elementary School Teacher Salary: $34,390-$80,140 Also ranked in: Best Social Services Jobs #13 Clinical Laboratory Technician Salary: $24,210-$56,040 Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs #14 Speech-Language Pathologist Salary: $42,970-$103,630 Also ranked in: Best Social Services Jobs #15 Paramedic Salary: $19,710-$51,370 Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs #16 Meeting, Convention Event Planner Salary: $27,090-$76,840 Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs #17 School Counselor Salary: $31,630-$86,250 Also ranked in: Best Social Services Jobs #18 Social Worker Salary: $26,170-$68,030 Also ranked in: Best Social Services Jobs #19 Sports Coach Salary: $16,380-$63,720 Also ranked in: Best Social Services Jobs #20 Sales Representative Salary: $26,970-$108,750 Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs #21 Accountant Salary: $38,940-$106,880 Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs #22 Receptionist Salary: $17,560-$36,910 Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs #23 Financial Adviser Salary: $32,660-$166,400 Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs #24 Customer Service Representative Salary: $19,550-$49,320 Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs #25 HR Specialist Salary: $31,110-$89,490 Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs See what jobs from quick-to-hire industries made their list in these categories: business, creative services, healthcare, science technology, and social services. (Compare to the Best Careers for 2011) photo by circulating