10 Most In Demand Jobs and Skill Sets for 2014 and Beyond

Are you looking for a job right now? If so, you're likely not alone as three-quarters of working age Americans are either looking for work or trying to find a new job. To be hired in today's competitive market, it's crucial that you prove you have critical thinking skills, computing and  programming knowledge, or sales and marketing savvy. And if you're thinking about venturing back to school, consider joining programs in software development, accounting, or market research: the top three most in demand jobs for 2013. Over 70,000 software and application developer jobs have been added since 2010, and just over 30,000 marketing positions were creating, leading all sectors with 10% growth.

Job growth between 2010 and 2020

It's not always best, however, to base your career decision on today's environment if you plan to enter the workforce several years from now, for example after finishing school. So where is the future of the labor market headed? Between 2010 and 2020 industries occupations related to health care, personal care and social assistance, and construction are expected to experience the fastest job growth, according to data reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now that the Baby Boomer generation is coming into retirement, the need for assistance such as nursing and healthcare will be greater than ever with 5.7 million new jobs expected by 2020, an increase of 33%.
Below you can see a list of the top 10 most in demand jobs and critical job skills for 2013 to help make you aware of what to look for before starting your job hunt or career plan!
Are you looking for a new job or career? Remember, it's most important to find a way to do what you love!

The Most In Demand Job Skills Of 2014

If you’re in the market for a new job, you might want to consider the tech sector. According to LinkedIn, the most desirable skills in 2013 were dominated by tech.
LinkedIn took a look at the skills and employment history of over 259 million members to determine what the most popular skills were this year. Based off new jobs added by people with select skills and recruiter search activity, the company found that social media marketing led the way followed by mobile development, cloud and distributed computing, Ruby, Python and Perl coding languages, and statistical analysis.

Tech Is So Hot Right Now

This year put an increased emphasis on technical education that translated into the job market.
Free open online courses, often called MOOCs, became extremely popular in 2013, and a significant number of those programs focus on technical skills including programming and Web development. Students were able to become self-taught experts in some of the most marketable skills, and, especially in technical fields, job opportunities stemmed from completion of online courses.
A push to learn coding also put more attention on the importance of technical skills in the job market. Code.org, a non-profit organization led by some of the most prominent names in tech including Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, launched the Hour of Code this month in an effort to get people across the country excited about programming. Headlining the movement is the projected billion-dollar job market built on computing jobs. Tech turns out it’s a pretty good job market to be in.
If you’re thinking about a career in technology, you’ll be in good company. Tech jobs make up almost half of the best companies to work for, as many of tech’s most popular companies are truly changing human behavior, have enviable office cultures, and maintain high employee satisfaction. Not a bad gig.

Business Is Growing

You might be scratching your head at what, exactly, social media marketing is. But it’s on the same list as recruiting, business development, and public relations—all essential functions of growing a company.
The tech sector is booming, which means so are its support roles. In order for successful businesses to grow, they need cheerleaders in non-technical jobs to promote, pitch, market and expand the company. This encompasses more than just the technology industry. Companies large and small are trying to harness the power of social media to gain awareness for their brands and get their message in front of as many eyeballs as possible. While social media marketing might seem a bit shallow, there is no shortage of opportunity for people to start their careers on the strength of their Twitter accounts.
If you don’t have the technical capabilities to build or code a product, chances are you can still work in the ever-growing tech sector by focusing on marketing and business development skills.
It’s likely we’ll see this trend continue in 2014. If you’re looking to pick up a new skill or job in the New Year, tech might be a good place to start. See the full list of LinkedIn's most in-demand job skills of 2013 below.

High Demanded Jobs In 2012 And Beyond

If you're job hunting, you've likely heard that some employers are having difficulty filling positions -- as incredible as that might seem in an era of 8-plus percent unemployment.
The reasons that many in-demand jobs go unfilled vary, with some businesses saying they're unable to find suitable candidates, while others report that job candidates are simply asking for more money than employers are willing to pay.

Perhaps more surprising than the shortage of workers in some professions is that many of these in-demand occupations don't require extensive education. A recent Manpower Group survey of 1,300 U.S. employers showed that six of the top 10 hardest jobs to fill didn't require a college degree.
So what are some of these in-demand jobs? Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data and updated rankings of the most commonly advertised job titles from Wanted Analytics, an employment data aggregator, AOL Jobs came up with 10 occupations that are aching to be filled.
The annual salaries of these occupations vary considerably, from about $25,000 to more than $110,000, as do educational requirements. For some, a high school diploma is all that is needed while others require a doctorate.
But all of these in-demand occupations have one or two things in common: More openings than candidates to fill them and demand that is to projected to grow by at least 12 percent through 2020 (about average, according to BLS forecasts).

This list of jobs, listed from lowest to highest paid, is by no means comprehensive; there are many more occupations that are heavily advertised, suggesting that employers, for whatever reason, are having difficulty filling those posts. Maybe one of these has something for you.

1. Pharmacist

Americans' increased use of and reliance on prescription drugs is helping to drive the demand for pharmacists, whose job it is to dispense doctor-prescribed medications and offer advice on using them properly. They typically work in pharmacies within drug and grocery stores, as well as clinics and hospitals.

• Median annual pay: $111,570.
• Typical education/qualifications: doctorate or professional degree; a license is also required.
• Anticipated job growth (through 2020): 25 percent (faster than average).

Looking for a job as a pharmacist? Click here to get started.

2. Software Engineer

A perennially in-demand profession, software engineers develop applications that allow users to perform specific tasks on computers and other devices, or create operating systems that run the devices or control networks. Wanted Analytics notes that the job title of Java developer, in particular, is among the most commonly advertised.

• Median annual pay: $90,530.
• Typical education/qualifications: bachelor's degree and strong computer programming skills.
• Anticipated job growth (through 2020): 30 percent (much faster than average).

Looking for a job as a software engineer? Click here to get started.

3. Physical Therapist

The job of physical therapist has the distinction of being among the hardest to fill, according to Wanted Analytics' survey. One reason may be the high barrier to entry into this field, which requires advanced education and state licensing. The job involves helping patients who have sustained sometimes debilitating physical injuries or illnesses by enabling them to regain mobility and manage pain. Employers include clinics, hospitals and nursing homes. Workers in this field spend a lot of time on their feet, actively working with patients.

• Median annual pay: $76,310.
• Typical education/qualifications: doctorate or professional degree.
• Anticipated job growth (through 2020): 39 percent (much faster than average).

Looking for a job as a physical therapist? Click here to get started.

4. Speech Language Pathologist

A well-paying profession, speech language pathologists treat hearing, speech and language disabilities. Workers in this field frequently work with children, though as baby boomers continue to age, plenty of older people will require such treatment, suggesting job opportunities in this field are expected to remain robust for years.

• Median annual pay: $66,920.
• Typical education/qualifications: master's degree and state certification.
• Anticipated job growth (through 2020): 23 percent (faster than average).

Looking for a job as a speech language pathologist? Click here to get started.

5. Registered Nurse

America's more-than-decade-long nursing shortage doesn't appear to be abating anytime soon. Forecasts show nursing to be one of the most in-demand professions. The need is particularly acute for registered nurses, commonly referred to as RNs, who generally have greater education and experience than practical nurses. RNs are responsible for coordinating patient care, as well as providing advice and education to patients and their families about illnesses and treatments. Hospitals and doctors offices are typical employers, but so are schools, the military and prisons.

• Median annual pay: $64,690.
• Typical education/qualifications: nursing program diploma; associate degree; or bachelor's degree
• Anticipated job growth (through 2020): 26 percent (faster than average).

Looking for a job as a registered nurse? Click here to get started.

6. Accountant

Often deridingly referred to as bean counters, accountants nevertheless play an important role in keeping a company's finances shipshape. Beyond ensuring the accuracy of financial records and ensuring taxes have been paid, accountants assess financial operations and help to ensure smooth business operations. Accountants are typically employed full time and it's not unusual for them to pull long hours during tax season.

• Median annual pay: $61,690.
• Typical education/qualifications: bachelor's degree.
• Anticipated job growth (through 2020): 16 percent (about as fast as average).

Looking for a job as an accountant? Click here to get started.

7. Sales Representative

The title of sales representative may bring up visions of used-car salesmen, but here we're talking about those who generally work behind the scenes, selling goods on behalf of wholesalers and manufacturers to big customers, such as government agencies, businesses and other organizations. The job can be stressful, in part because most salespeople work on commission, meaning their earnings are tied directly to how well they perform. The job may also involve frequent travel, which, depending on your point of view, can be a plus or a minus.

• Median annual pay: $56,620.
• Typical education/qualifications: high school diploma, though positions involving more technical products may require a bachelor's degree.
• Anticipated job growth (through 2020): 16 percent (about as fast as average).

Looking for a job as a sales representative? Click here to get started.

8. Administrative Assistant

More commonly referred to as secretaries in years past, administrative assistants perform routine clerical and organizational tasks. Duties include drafting messages, organizing files and scheduling appointments. Jobs in this field typically are found in schools, governmental agencies, hospitals, and legal and medical offices. The number of virtual assistants, who work from home rather than an office, has risen in recent years along with advances in technology.

• Median annual pay: $34,660.
• Typical education/qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent.
• Anticipated job growth (through 2020): 12 percent (about as fast as average).

Looking for a job as an administrative assistant? Click here to get started.

9. Customer Service Representative

People employed in this job are routinely viewed as the face (or voice) of a company or organization. The job involves frequent interaction with customers, which can challenge anyone's good graces, particularly if a customer is angry (for legitimate reasons or not). In addition to handling complaints, customer service representatives answer questions and may act as liaisons to help solve problems beyond their responsibilities. It's not unusual for workers in the job to work in a large call center, depending on the size of the employer. They include insurance companies, banks, retailers and others.

• Median annual pay: $30,460.
• Typical education/qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent.
• Anticipated job growth (through 2020): 15 percent (about as fast as average).

Looking for a job as a customer service representative? Click here to get started.

10. Receptionist

It may seem a lowly profession, but a job as a receptionist can be a stepping stone to a more substantial position within any organization. The job involves administrative tasks, including answering telephones, and providing clients and the general public with information. Receptionists are employed in nearly every industry, though health care and social service providers, including doctors offices, hospitals and nursing homes, dominate the profession. About 30 percent of receptionists are employed part time.

• Median annual pay: $25,240.
• Typical education/qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent.
• Anticipated job growth (through 2020): 24 percent (faster than average).

Most Demanding Areas Of Study In The World Colleges

College Majors That Are Most Demanding

Ever wonder which majors require the most study time? A new survey sheds some insight...

By Terence Loose    

Are you ready to take on school but not sure you're ready to take on the hours of coursework and studying?
Good news. A new study by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) could help you decide which major might be the best fit for your lifestyle. The study surveyed 416,000 full-time, first-year students and seniors attending 673 colleges and universities during 2011.
Although the study included factors like the number of hours spent commuting to class or caring for dependents, let's focus on the areas associated with study time and working:

• Average Weekly Hours of Study/Class Prep Time: This is the time students spent studying out of class each week.
• Number of Hours Faculty Expects You to Study: This is the amount of time faculty members told researchers that students needed to study to be fully prepared.
• Percentage of Seniors That Spent 20+ Hours Preparing for Class: Again, in this study, "preparing" equals studying.
• Number of Hours Working for Pay: The number of hours that students spent working at a paid job outside of school.

It's important to note that not all majors are included in the study. "Some, such as architecture and nursing, for example, were not included," says Alexander C. McCormick, NSSE director and associate professor of education at Indiana University.
But McCormick is confident in the study's findings and hopes it helps students and faculty alike better understand what is, and should be, expected of them.
It's also important to note that the number of hours that students reported for relaxing or socializing was virtually the same for each major: 10 to 11 hours per week. Seems like whether you're a science whiz or studying big biz, you'll still find some time to minor in fun.
Check out some key findings from the NSSE study. Consider it time well spent in the "Preparing for Class" category.

#1 Most Demanding Area of Study - Engineering

Do you love to take things apart to see how they work? An engineering degree might be for you. Just make sure you're ready to hit the books, since engineering students reported studying more than any other major, according to the NSSE study.
Depending on the specific area of study, engineering majors might study everything from the link between architecture and construction, the scientific and mathematical basis of computer software, or the design of spacecraft and missiles, according to the College Board, an organization that administers academic aptitude tests like the SAT.
Click to Find the Right Engineering Program Now.
Typical Engineering Majors:* Aerospace Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Average Weekly Hours of Study/Class Prep Time: 19 hours
Number of Hours Faculty Expects You to Study: 20 hours
Percentage of Seniors That Spent 20+ Hours Preparing for Class: 42 percent
Number of Hours Working for Pay: 9 hours

#2 Most Demanding Area of Study - Physical Sciences

Physical sciences students reported spending about 18 hours studying and preparing for class per week - this was second only to engineering students for the most study/prep time.
If you're curious about how the universe works or how chemicals affect our environment, this might be your area to study. Physical sciences students usually study brainy subjects like chemistry, geology, and physics. They also tend to spend time learning a lot about mathematics and the scientific method, says the College Board.
Typical Physical Sciences Majors:* Physics, Chemistry, Geology
Average Weekly Hours of Study/Class Prep Time: 18 hours
Number of Hours Faculty Expects You to Study: 18 hours
Percentage of Seniors That Spent 20+ Hours Preparing for Class: 36 percent
Number of Hours Working for Pay: 11 hours

#3 Most Demanding Area of Study - Biological Sciences

Perhaps you're more interested in living organisms, such as bacteria, animals, and us. Well, get ready to work. Biological sciences students came in at a close third for study time. But they didn't party with the extra hour or two: they reportedly socialized an hour less per week than both physical sciences and engineering students.
When they do hit the books, biological sciences students generally study living organisms as well as the systems and processes that permit life, says the College Board. Typical courses could include biochemistry, genetics, marine biology, and zoology.
Typical Biological Sciences Majors:* Marine Biology, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology
Average Weekly Hours of Study/Class Prep Time: 17 hours
Number of Hours Faculty Expects You to Study: 19 hours
Percentage of Seniors That Spent 20+ Hours Preparing for Class: 34 percent
Number of Hours Working for Pay: 11 hours

#4 Most Demanding Area of Study - Arts & Humanities

Crave a little more creativity in your major? Then you'll likely want to check out the halls of the arts and humanities departments. And while you might not burn as much midnight oil to prepare for classes as those in engineering or physical sciences, you'll still study more than the average student.
But it's what you'll study that is very different. Arts and humanities students usually learn everything from philosophy to languages to literature, according to the College Board. And courses could include more artful fare, such as music and drama.
Typical Arts & Humanities Majors:* Theater, Philosophy, The Classics
Average Weekly Hours of Study/Class Prep Time: 17 hours
Number of Hours Faculty Expects You to Study: 18 hours
Percentage of Seniors That Spent 20+ Hours Preparing for Class: 31 percent
Number of Hours Working for Pay: 12 hours

#5 Most Demanding Area of Study - Education

Don't be fooled by the fact that students in education reported an average of "only" 15 hours of study/prep time per week. Education students reported 13 hours of work for pay per week, and the most weekly hours caring for dependents: seven. That's a 45-hour week, before attending a minute of class.
Education students generally learn how to manage a classroom, how to design lesson plans, and how to effectively teach students, says the College Board. Education classes generally include topics such as educational psychology, teaching methods, and instructional technology.
Still Interested in Studying Education? Click to Find the Right Program Now.
Typical Education Majors:* Education, Middle School Teaching, Special Education
Average Weekly Hours of Study/Class Prep Time: 15 hours
Number of Hours Faculty Expects You to Study: 15 hours
Percentage of Seniors That Spent 20+ Hours Preparing for Class: 26 percent
Number of Hours Working for Pay: 13 hours

#6 Most Demanding Area of Study - Social Sciences

Tied with business as the area with the least amount of study/prep time reported, social sciences can still be a fascinating field if you are interested in learning more about psychology or sociology.
If you are intrigued as to how the human mind works, or why societies function, or how to lower crime rates, this could be the major for you. You generally study those subjects as well as other interesting questions about the human condition, according to the College Board.
Click to Find the Right Psychology Program Now.
Typical Social Sciences Majors:* Psychology, Sociology, Criminology
Average Hours of Study/Class Prep Time: 14 hours
Number of Hours Faculty Expects You to Study: 18 hours
Percentage of Seniors That Spent 20+ Hours Preparing for Class: 23 percent
Number of Hours Working for Pay: 13 hours

#7 Most Demanding Area of Study - Business

Though business majors were found to study the least when compared to the other surveyed degrees, that doesn't mean they didn't keep themselves busy. These students logged the most hours when combining the two areas of caring for dependents and working for pay - six and 16, respectively.
Business students usually study the process of buying, producing, and selling goods and services. They also could learn more about the areas of accounting, marketing, and management, says the College Board. So, perhaps they just learn to manage their time better.
Click to Find the Right Business Program Now.
Typical Business Majors:* Business, Finance, Management
Average Weekly Hours of Study/Class Prep Time: 14 hours
Number of Hours Faculty Expects You to Study: 15 hours
Percentage of Seniors That Spent 20+ Hours Preparing for Class: 19 percent
Number of Hours Working for Pay: 16 hours

How To Install Windows 8 or 8.1 From a USB Device Or Create Windows USB

The need to install Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 from a USB device, like a flash drive, is a common one due to the fact that many computers, especially tablets and smaller laptops and desktops, no longer have optical drives.
In other words, that Windows 8 install disc doesn't do you much good if you don't have anywhere to put the DVD! If you want to install Windows 8 from a USB device, you'll need to get those setup files onto a USB device. Unfortunately, simply copying them there won't do.

Windows 8 is also sold as a downloadable ISO file which, if you choose to buy Windows 8 that way, requires some steps to get it properly copied to a flash drive as well.
Regardless of whether you have a Windows 8 DVD you need to get on a flash drive, or a Windows 8 ISO file with the same goal, the following tutorial will help you get the Windows 8 installation files properly copied to a flash drive so you can get on with the installation process.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Getting the Windows 8 installation files onto a flash drive or other external USB device will take between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on what format your copy of Windows 8 is in right now and how fast your computer is.
Applies To: The following procedure applies equally to Windows 8 (standard) or Windows 8 Pro, as well as those editions of Windows 8.1.

Requirements:

• A flash drive (4 GB or more) [Buy: TigerDirect | NewEgg | Other]
• A Windows 8/8.1 DVD or ISO [Buy: Microsoft | Other] (See Where Can I Download Windows 8 or 8.1? for more options)
• Access to a working computer (with a DVD drive if you have a Windows 8 DVD) with Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP installed

Important: If you have a Windows 8 ISO file and want that on a flash drive, start with Step 2. If you have a Windows 8 DVD and need that on the flash drive, start with Step 1.
Here's How:
Create an ISO file from the Windows 8 DVD. This is the procedure by which you create a single file, called an ISO image, that contains all the data stored on the Windows 8 setup DVD disc.

1. Once you have an ISO image created from your Windows 8 disc, come back here and continue on with this tutorial which will explain how to get that ISO file onto a flash drive.
   
   Note: If you already know how to create ISO files with your favorite program, often called "ripping," then do so in whatever way you're used to doing it. However, if you've never created an ISO image, or don't have a program installed right now that does it, please see the linked tutorial above for complete instructions on doing so with a free program.
    
2. Download the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool from Microsoft and then install it.
   
   This free program from Microsoft properly formats your flash drive and then copies the contents of the Windows 8 installation ISO file you have to that flash drive.
   
   Note: Don't worry that this program has Windows 7 in the title. This program works perfectly well with Windows 8 ISO files and can be used in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP.
    
3. Start the Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool program. You should be able to find the shortcut on the Desktop, as well as in your Start menu or on your Start screen, depending on which version of Windows you installed the program on.
    
4. Click Browse on the Step 1 of 4: Choose ISO file screen.
    
5. Locate, and then select, your Windows 8 ISO file. Then click or touch Open.
   
   Note: If you downloaded Windows 8 from Microsoft, check your Downloads folder or your Desktop for the ISO image. If you created an ISO image from your Windows 8 DVD, the ISO file will be wherever you created it to.
    
6. Click or touch Next.

7. Choose USB device on the Step 2 of 4: Choose media type screen.
   
   Note: As you can see here, there is also a DVD option. While it doesn't do us much good in this case, since the end game is to get Windows 8's setup files on a flash drive, you could also use this tool to burn a Windows 8 ISO image to a DVD or BD disc.
    
8. On the Step 3 of 4: Insert USB device screen, choose from the drop-down box the flash drive or USB-connected external hard drive you want to put the Windows 8 setup files onto and then touch or click Begin copying.
   
   Tip: If you haven't yet plugged in the USB storage device you're planning on using, you can do that now and then touch or click the blue refresh button to make it show up in the list.
    
9. Click or touch Erase USB Device if you're prompted to do so on a Not Enough Free Space window. If you don't see this, don't worry, it just means that your flash drive or external hard disk is already empty.
   
   Important: If this message didn't make it apparent, you should know that whatever data you might have on this drive is going to be erased as part of the process of getting the Windows 8 setup files copied.
    
10. On Step 4 of 4: Creating bootable USB device, just wait for the Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool to prepare the drive and copy the Windows 8 installation files to it.
    
    The first Status you see will be Formatting, which will take anywhere from a few to several seconds, depending on how large the USB drive is that you're using. Next will be Copying files which could take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, possibly longer, depending on which Windows 8 ISO file you're working from, as well as on how fast your flash drive, USB connection, and computer is.
    
    Tip: Don't worry if the percentage indicator jumps ahead quickly but then sits on a single number for a very long time. While it might not make a lot of sense to behave that way, it doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong.
     
11. Assuming everything went as planned, the next screen should say Bootable USB device created successfully with a Status that says Backup completed.
    
    You can now close the Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool program window. The flash drive, or other external USB drive you're using, now has the necessary files on it to install Windows 8 and is also properly configured to be booted from.
     
12. Boot from the USB device that you just created to start the Windows 8 install process.
    
    Tip: If the Windows 8 setup process doesn't start, it's very likely that you'll need to make boot order changes in the BIOS. See How To Change the Boot Order in BIOS if you need help doing that.
    
    Tip: If you have a UEFI based system and you still can't boot Windows 8 Setup from the flash drive, even after setting the USB device first in the boot order, see Tip #1 below for help.
    
    Note: If you came here from my How To Clean Install Windows 8 or 8.1 tutorial, you can return there now to continue the walkthrough of that process.

Tips:

1. The Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool formats the USB drive as NTFS, a file system that many UEFI based computers will not boot from when on a USB drive.
   
   To work around this issue, do this:
    
   1. After Step 11 above, copy all of the files from the flash drive to a folder on your PC.
   2. Format the flash drive manually, using the older FAT32 file system.
   3. Copy all of the files from the folder you made in Step 1 back to the flash drive.
   4. Repeat Step 12 above.