Best career options for 2013? Tax & accounting still make the list

#1: Urgent care physicians
Why it’s hot : With the implementation of healthcare reform on the horizon, hospitals, healthcare systems and physicians are scrambling to prepare for imminent changes, including an influx of patients who have never requested medical care. Must-have skills: Besides having clinical skills, physicians are now required to excel in “soft skills” more than ever before. For instance, physicians must be proficient in coding and billing as the medical field switches from a decades-old system of codes called ICD-9 to the new ICD-10 in 2013. Customer service will also be extremely important and tied to a high patient experience survey. Not receiving high scores will result in severe reimbursement penalties (if the average is lower than the 75th percentile ranking).

#2: Physicians specializing in anti-aging medicine
Why it’s hot: With 78 million baby boomers in the United States, the anti-aging industry is expected to gross more than $291 billion worldwide by 2015, according to a report published by Global Industry Analysts. Must-have skills: Strong internal medicine clinical skills to adeptly diagnose and treat any chronic medical conditions. These professionals must also have expertise in the area of dermatology, including anti-aging methods utilizing cosmetic laser treatments, etc. Familiarity with diet, nutrition, weight loss and alternative approaches to wellness is a plus.

#3: Registered Nurses
Why it’s hot: The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing career sectors and registered nursing jobs are no exception. Facilities need experienced staff to hit the ground running with minimal guidance. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 26 percent from 2010 to 2020—faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Working as a contract worker or traveling nurse is a very attractive option for candidates, as it offers flexibility and work/life balance. Must-have skills: Clinical competency and critical thinking skills are a must (in addition to passing the board exam and holding a license in each state they work in), as well as interpersonal and customer service skills. Flexibility and resilience are also needed to survive as a frontline caregiver.

Technology

#4: IT professionals specializing in third platform
Why it’s hot: A huge emergence in the technology industry is the third platform, which includes cloud computing (both SAAS and PAAS), social technologies, big data analytics and mobility. According to research firm IDC, IT spending will exceed $2 trillion in 2013, and mobile devices represent 57 percent of that growth. Must-have skills: Cutting-edge technology experience, as many employers are seeking candidates to fill niche positions (many of the skill areas have not yet fully emerged); a strong ability to communicate with both business and technical teams.

#5: Software developers
Why it’s hot: Software developers are a sought after commodity in the technology world, especially candidates proficient in the main programming languages, such as Java and .Net. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of software developers is projected to grow 30 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. The main reason for the rapid growth is a large increase in the demand for computer software, the BLS reports. Must-have skills: Strong computer programming, written and verbal skills. Being able to communicate with both business and technical teams is a big plus.

Finance and Accounting

#6: Mortgage underwriters
Why it’s hot: As the housing market remains steady, lending rates are going down, which means more companies are in need of qualified mortgage underwriters.Must-have skills: Prior underwriting experience, Direct Endorsement (DE) certification, ability to work in a fast-paced environment and excel skills.

#7: Loan documentation specialists
Why it’s hot: As a result of the rebounding housing market, the demand for loan documentation specialists is on the rise. Must-have skills: A least six months of customer service experience, previous mortgage experience is a plus.

#8: Accountants (tax, financial reporting)
Why it’s hot: These financial professionals are needed year round by companies in need of their expertise in preparing and reviewing financial documents. Must-have skills: Technically savvy, good communication skills and industry experience. Employers are also looking for candidates with experience working for a publicly traded company.

Administrative and clerical

#9: Executive assistants
Why it’s hot : Executive assistants often serve as the backbone of companies, providing a wide range of duties, including supervising and training lower level staff, conducting research, preparing important reports and arranging travel. Must-have skills:Industry experience, tenure with a previous organization and excellent customer service skills.

#10: Customer service representatives
Why it’s hot: When customers have a problem or merely a question, their first contact with companies is usually customer service representatives. These employees do everything from solve customer problems, initiate sales and assist clients with finding information. Must-have skills: Call center experience, bilingual is a plus

Engineering

#11: Industrial engineers (process, quality, manufacturing and traditional industrial engineers)
Why it’s hot: Employers want candidates with four to 12 years of experience who have specific/niche skills, as well as engineering graduates just entering the workforce.
Must-have skills: Hands-on experience directly related to the job; even entry-level candidates need experience either through internships or co-ops. Specific software skills are needed in programs such as Inventor or Solid Works, as well as leadership and project management skills.

#12: Electrical/hardware engineers
Why it’s hot : Electrical engineers have shown the most growth this past year within the industry. The trade group Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers indicates that one of the fastest growing areas will be in the service industry, such as consulting firms that provide engineering expertise.
Must-have skills:Leadership/project management skills, experience with computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) tools such as Maximo, etc. The majority of employers also require engineering degrees from ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) universities.

Manufacturing

#13: Production specialists
Why it’s hot: Many manufacturing and logistics companies are investing again and the industry is regaining new jobs lost to the recession.  As a result, production specialists, along with other technical and skilled employees, are in high demand. Sectors hiring heavily include: automotive, supply chain and advance manufacturing
Must-have skills: On-the-job experience, leadership skills and a strong understanding of production safety and processes. Technical and skilled employees within manufacturing sector are in high demand.