Top Careers in the New Millennium

By Amelia Gray

As millions of young Americans leave high school or college and enter the job world, one question rises above the sound of call centers and deep fryers: does it get better than this? The U.S. Department of Labor's statistics on job growth through 2014 suggest that a number of fun, interesting, and lucrative careers will be going strong for a long time. Some of these hot jobs require degrees, but you can work your way up some career ladders with on-the-job training.

Top Career #1: Nursing & Caregiving

Though job prospects across the healthcare industry are forecasted to rise, nursing jobs are expected to be in critical demand. Registered nurses work in nursing care centers, inpatient and outpatient departments of hospitals, home healthcare facilities, and government agencies. The job requires stamina and patience, but the rewards of helping people are immense.

Growth: 27% to 56%
Education: Nursing diploma, associate's degree in nursing, or RN to BSN in nursing
Skills: Empathy, high-energy personality, attention to detail
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