Now Hiring: Look at Finance, Animal Welfare, Spas

July 27, 2008 — -- I get accused of sporting rose-colored glasses whenever I say there really are jobs available despite the economy, while others only point to gloomy statistics. It happened last week when I tackled the question of finding these jobs are and I wrote, "Wherever there are needs in our changing society."

Well, I'm sticking to my story. Only this time, let's focus on three very different roles and industries that are growing based on wants and needs of people and businesses.

The first are jobs for financial professionals. These range from chief financial officer to accounting clerks and everything in between, including treasurers, directors of risk, analysts, cash managers, accountants and payroll clerks. They all fit into the broader picture that spells growth for the industry. And that is that nearly every business or government agency needs people to prepare and oversee financial reports, direct investments and develop and implement cash-management strategies and long-term goals.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these jobs are growing because of regulatory reforms, the expanding global economy, the growth of established companies and creation of new ones, mergers and acquisitions and the need to raise capital, assess global financial transactions and assess risks for insurance and investment purposes.

It's also interesting to note that these professionals' compensation outpaced that of the overall workforce, with pay increases that are 36 percent higher, the Association for Financial Professionals found in its latest compensation study. Pay depends on your location and education, but some industries pay better than others. Financial professionals in an energy or utility company earn an average $95,000 compared to someone in government or non-profits who makes an average $80,300, the association said. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13 percent job growth in this area through 2016.

The second area of job growth is newer and less understood in terms of jobs: animal welfare. Hundreds of people tell me they want to work with or on behalf of animals. But besides being a veterinarian or one's technician or working in a shelter, few can think beyond what that might be. Due to the growing love affair Americans have with animals, changing attitudes toward pets and wildlife and the increased desire to protect nature, the numbers of jobs in animal advocacy and humane fields is growing.

Roles include lobbyists, association executives, community activists and working in animal welfare protection, conservation and environmental protection, wildlife management and pet services. For more ideas, see www.humanesociety.org/careers_with_animals .

The Human Society University recently joined with the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management to offer a graduate certificate in Community Advocacy. Designed to help students become leaders of community activism or involved in public policy in any area of animal welfare, the program covers such subjects as grassroots, state and local politics, focus-group research, media relations and community advocacy. For details see: www.humanesocietyu.org/gwu.html.

The third area of job expansion is one that supports people's growing desire to feel and look better. For example, industry experts say there are not enough qualified people to fill the demand for jobs in spas, which include managers, massage therapists, aestheticians and nail technicians. The shortage of manicurists in the Cincinnati area has reached an all-time high, says Michael Batchelor, director or corporate development for Mitchell's Salon and Day Spa. Experienced people can earn up to $40,000, plus gratuities and benefits, he says.

Although these are very different examples of available jobs, they all have this in common: There's a need for them due to changing attitudes and needs in our society. So quit focusing on doom and gloom and keep your ears and eyes open for what's needed.

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Andrea Kay is the author of Life's a Bitch and Then You Change Careers: 9 Steps to Get Out of Your Funk and On To Your Future. Send questions to her at 2692 Madison Road, No. 133, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208; www.andreakay.com. E-mail: andrea@andreakay.com.