Most computer video game designers earn a college degree, and the most common concentrations are English, art, and computer science. Communication is one of the designer’s most important skills. Creative writing, English, theater, and other liberal arts classes help many designers to strengthen those skills.

Designers have to be good managers. They lead the development team and make sure it implements the game concept. They incorporate many people’s ideas into a single product.

Designers need to understand computer programming and software design also, because designers have to be able to comprehend the technical hurdles that programmers face.

(Source: BLS)

Multi-Media Artists and Animators create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

A 2008 BLS estimate shows 31,500 people employed as multi-media artists and animators at a mean hourly wage of $29.99 and a mean annual wage of $62,380. The industries with the highest levels of employment in this occupation are the Motion Picture and Video Industries with 9,050 employees at an hourly mean wage of $34.57or $71,910 mean annual wage; followed by Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services with 4,040 employees at an hourly mean wage of $27.76 or $57,740 mean annual wage, and Computer Systems Design and Related Services with 3,410 employees at an hourly mean wage of $27.80 or $57,820 mean annual wage.

Network and computer system administrators must have strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills because troubleshooting and helping others are vital parts of the job.  The constant interaction with other computer personnel, customers, and employees requires systems administrators to communicate effectively on paper, via e-mail, over the phone, or in person. Strong writing skills are useful in preparing manuals for employees and customers. (Source: BLS)

Growth in network and computer system administrator jobs will be much faster than average. Job prospects should be best for college graduates with relevant skills and experience. For network and computer systems administrator jobs, many employers seek applicants with bachelor’s degrees, although not necessarily in a computer-related field.

Entry-level network and computer systems administrators are involved in routine maintenance and monitoring of computer systems, typically working behind the scenes in an organization. After gaining experience and expertise, they often are able to advance to more senior-level positions. For example, senior network and computer systems administrators may make presentations to executives and managers on the security of the company computer network. They also may translate the needs of an organization into a set of technical requirements based on the available technology. As technology continues to improve, systems administrators must strive to acquire new skills. Administrators may become software engineers involved in system and network design. (Source: BLS)

Helping people make sense of their lives is satisfying, beneficial, and needed. The online want ad growth for Clinical Psychologists is 28%. (Sources: CNNMoney, Conference Board Help Wanted Online Data Series)

A bachelor’s degree in psychology qualifies a person to assist psychologists and other professionals in community mental health centers, vocational rehabilitation offices, and correctional programs. Bachelor’s degree holders may also work as research or administrative assistants for psychologists. Some work as technicians in related fields, such as marketing research. Many find employment in other areas, such as sales, service, or business management.

In the Federal Government, candidates having at least 24 semester hours in psychology and one course in statistics qualify for entry-level positions. However, competition for these jobs is keen because this is one of the few ways in which one can work as a psychologist without an advanced degree.

A master’s or doctoral degree, and a license, are required for most psychologists. People with a master’s degree in psychology may work as industrial-organizational psychologists. They also may work as psychological assistants under the supervision of doctoral-level psychologists and may conduct research or psychological evaluations. A master’s degree in psychology requires at least 2 years of full-time graduate study. Requirements usually include practical experience in an applied setting and a master’s thesis based on an original research project.

Competition for admission to graduate psychology programs is keen. Some universities require applicants to have an undergraduate major in psychology. Others prefer only coursework in basic psychology with additional courses in the biological, physical, and social sciences and in statistics and mathematics. (Source: BLS)

Aspiring psychologists who are interested in direct patient care must be emotionally stable, mature, and able to deal effectively with people. Sensitivity, compassion, good communication skills, and the ability to lead and inspire others are particularly important qualities for people wishing to do clinical work and counseling. Research psychologists should be able to do detailed work both independently and as part of a team. Patience and perseverance are vital qualities, because achieving results in the psychological treatment of patients or in research may take a long time. (Source: BLS)

A bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN) is prerequisite for admission to graduate nursing programs in the Nurse Anesthetist advanced practice nursing specialty; some programs require at least 1 to 2 years of clinical experience as an RN for admission. Most graduate programs that lead to becoming a Nurse Anesthetist include about 2 years of full-time study. In all States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-RN, in order to obtain a nursing license. All States require periodic renewal of licenses, which may require continuing education. (Source: BLS)

Great prospects for job growth, 94.7% job satisfaction and a median salary of $157,000 make Nurse Anesthetist a very attractive career to pursue. (Source: CNN/PayScale survey)

Nurse Anesthetists work with Anesthesiologists to help administer anesthesia for patients prior to surgery, monitor and adjust the levels of anesthesia during surgery, and oversee the health of patients post-surgery. (Source: CNN Money)