10 Highly Profitable Two-Year Degrees

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Have her take ESL languages at a local college, Danno. In our area, they are offered free of charge.

What is peoples opinion of ESL programs?

It's been my observation that they do serve a purpose but hardly make people fluent or employable.

The only thing that makes a non-native speaker employable and fluent is lots and lots of practice and time.

I think they're a good first step, but integration into a setting where the foreigner must speak and interact with natives is, IMO, the most effective way. The problem is when the foreigner lacks the confidence to take that step...that's when an ESL Class is best.

They are always advertising these classes around my apartments, downtown, and on campus. I've heard lots of stories from other ladies on VJ whose Husband's aren't so fluent and it depends on the individuals level of fluency. One Husband took the class and quit after awhile deciding to study independently because he became less interested in the way the course was taught. Another Husband also quit because he wasn't willing to become more fluent he was struggling with the language and adapting to the culture.

Edited December 23, 2008 by Olivia*

[jundp 191]

Anyone who can do a 2 year and get good grades is smart enough to do a 4 year.

If you're a CS major (for example), you're not gonna get into an Accenture or Deloitte with a 2 year degree.

True but with IT a degree is definitely not a prerequisite. I know a lot of people without even a semester of college under their belt earning from $120 to $280K.

Wow. P wasted his time getting a CS master's then? Yikes. He did get a great job with a great company here in Seattle though, making better than the average for an entry level software developer. Somehow I think he would have been ok with a 4 year degree, but at least the advanced degree, and the experience he got working for the university in Germany helped get him this job. If he stays with this company it won't matter much.

True though, that some 2 year degrees earn people far more money than some of us with MAs.....

[jundp 191]

Have her take ESL languages at a local college, Danno. In our area, they are offered free of charge.

What is peoples opinion of ESL programs?

It's been my observation that they do serve a purpose but hardly make people fluent or employable.

The only thing that makes a non-native speaker employable and fluent is lots and lots of practice and time.

I think they're a good first step, but integration into a setting where the foreigner must speak and interact with natives is, IMO, the most effective way. The problem is when the foreigner lacks the confidence to take that step...that's when an ESL Class is best.

Our library also offers them. It depends also on the teacher, honestly. Some of the free classes don't have certified EFL teachers and that makes a difference, really. But I agree that immersion and practice are the best teachers of all, though a class or two will certainly help.

[Teacher Mark 53]

I've always wanted the job where you're the guy who comes out on stage right before a metal concert is about to start, makes sure the microphone stands are the right height and the guitars are all plugged in, then grabs a mic and screams "Cincinnati!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you ready to ROCKKKKKKKKKK?!?!?!?!?? Are you ready to ROCK AND FVCKING ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Then you go backstage and drink whiskey, do a bunch of coke, and hump some second-rate groupie sluts in the back of the tour bus and pass out in your own vomit, all to do again the next night.

How much does that guy make?

I know that guy. He's in Rehab now, and he didn't have Aflac, so he's not making anything.

[tallcoolone 102]

I've always wanted the job where you're the guy who comes out on stage right before a metal concert is about to start, makes sure the microphone stands are the right height and the guitars are all plugged in, then grabs a mic and screams "Cincinnati!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you ready to ROCKKKKKKKKKK?!?!?!?!?? Are you ready to ROCK AND FVCKING ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Then you go backstage and drink whiskey, do a bunch of coke, and hump some second-rate groupie sluts in the back of the tour bus and pass out in your own vomit, all to do again the next night.

How much does that guy make?

Been there, done that.

The pay not's good, but the fringe benefits rules......

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

10. Camera operator. While competition to break into TV broadcasting and film can be stiff, the continued rise of Web content means more opportunities for camera operators. Television and film work often involve long or unusual hours. For that reason, many camera operators gravitate toward commercial advertising or corporate videos. The more computer skills a camera operator has, the better their job prospects. Average salary: $42,558 a year.

This is what I've been shopping in the Inland Northwest cos my degree gives me these skills. Unfortunately the market here for that is deceptive and I have a four year degree in it. Right now most TV stations need camera operators but they are offering to pay them only $7.00 an hour, especially when you're right out of college. I feel this is incredibly out of balance. How am I supposed to eek a living off of that and pay back student loans in the first year? I haven't looked in other markets yet. I mean hell if I could start out and make that kind of money I'd be willing to relocate for sure otherwise it's another year of college for me to prep for graduate school in film. Part of this is due to the signs of the economic times.

What about doing camera work on a low budget film for practically nothing? It would be something to put down on a resume and would most likely lead to other opportunities.

Camera operator...

i assume more $ in the porn industry and you get a raise daily...

...the excitement would wear rub off.

Eww..

Anyways...

I've had some offers like that through networking but they are all wanting to go abroad. I've been keeping an eye out in the Northern panhandle region I'm in. The only low budget films being made are students ones which is fine. The last film I know for certain they did in my region was where these men come together and they bring a guest who happens to be a famous rapper whose name I can't recall and they hunt him in the wilderness of Hell's Canyon. He outsmarts them and lives. I wish I could remember the rappers name or the name of that film. Any ideas?

I don't know, but I'd say if I were looking to establish myself as cameraman, I'd look for opportunities that are high profile (beyond student films) but offer little or no pay, but with the hope that doing so would open more doors. I wouldn't bother doing TV work...just seems too methodical and non-creative. Just my two cents.

The only thing I can think that I've gotten offers like that are from the advertising/marketing companies in Boise that come to my region to do shoots and want me to be a production assisstant for no pay. Do you mean take jobs like that?

I don't think a PA job would open up to camera work, but I could be wrong. If you could move out to CA or NY, that's where I'd go looking for opportunities to do camera work for a low budget film or perhaps a music video. Location is going make a huge difference, IMO. Perhaps there some blog sites where film production crews are looking for camera operators right-out-of-college?

I also forgot to mention that in college I make more money as a camera operator for football games than I would starting wage as a camera operator at a television station right out of college. I agree television can be structured and not challanging creatively.

[NickD 203]

Think a bachelor's or master's degree is the only way to advance your career? Think again.Whether you're looking for a fresh start in a new, more lucrative field or enrolling in college for the first time, a two-year associate's degree from a community college is one of the quickest routes to bringing home more bacon each week.

"Associate's degrees are much cheaper, and the entry requirements are not as onerous as they are for getting into a bachelor's program," says Dr. Laurence Shatkin, author of more than a dozen books for job hunters, including "150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs."

Not only that, associate's degrees are incredibly convenient. Besides being right in your neighborhood, many two-year programs offer part-time, evening, weekend and online classes -- good news for those already holding down a job and caring for a family.

So which two-year degrees offer the most job opportunities and will earn you the most green after graduation? Read on.

1. Physical therapist assistant. While every other job sector slashed their workforce in 2008, the health care field added nearly 400,000 jobs. According to Shatkin, job openings for physical therapist assistants are expected to grow by 33 percent in the next decade, especially as Baby Boomers age and "get a bit more creaky." Most physical therapist assistants either work in a hospital or a physical therapist's office. Average salary: $46,111 a year.

2. Web designer. As long as there are companies, organizations and creative agencies with something to sell or promote, there will be a need for people to design, code, and maintain their websites. Though many Web designers are self-employed, countless others work in staff positions. Average salary: $48,785 a year.

3. Electrical or electronic engineering technician. These technicians comprise a third of all engineering technician jobs. They often work in industrial or commercial plants and laboratories, taking calculations, running tests, modifying equipment and otherwise assisting the engineers on their team. Average salary: $47,163 a year.

4. Registered nurse. If it's a high-growth field you want, you can't beat registered nursing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs are the largest occupation in the health care field, with 2.5 million jobs out there, about 587,000 new jobs expected to open up by 2016, and 59 percent of RNs working in hospitals. Average salary: $55,276 a year.

5. Computer support specialist. Such specialists include the tech support and help desk workers who assist customers and users with problems they're having with their computer hardware and software. Often, computer support specialists can enjoy the luxury of working from home or working flexible hours. Average salary: $46,111 a year.

6. Executive or administrative assistant. In the business sector, there's no shortage of administrative jobs. "You're talking a quarter of a million job openings every year," says Shatkin. And though you may start as the low man or woman on the totem pole, once you're in the door you're in a prime position to prove your worth and climb the ranks. Average salary: $37,669 a year.

7. Dental hygienist. While would-be dental hygienists must obtain a state license on top of their two-year degree, it's well worth the investment: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than half of the country's dental hygienists work part-time and many enjoy flexible work schedules. Even better, this is one of today's fastest growing occupations. Average salary: $57,148 a year.

8. Surveying or mapping technician. Although the construction industry took some big employment hits in 2008, if all the infrastructure work President-Elect Obama has promised comes through, there will be a huge need for surveying and mapping technicians. Such technicians do much of their work in the field (a boon for those who don't want to sit in an office all day), collecting data, taking calculations, and assisting with computer-aided drafting. Average salary: $42,104 a year.

9. Veterinary technician. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this field to grow significantly during the next decade. Vet technicians often work in a private veterinary practice (zoo and aquarium work is harder to come by), performing lab tests and clinical procedures. Vet techs must pass a state exam and the salaries aren't as high as the other jobs on this list, but for those who want to help animals, the trade-offs are well worth it. Average salary: $33,363 a year.

10. Camera operator. While competition to break into TV broadcasting and film can be stiff, the continued rise of Web content means more opportunities for camera operators. Television and film work often involve long or unusual hours. For that reason, many camera operators gravitate toward commercial advertising or corporate videos. The more computer skills a camera operator has, the better their job prospects. Average salary: $42,558 a year.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for experienced, full-time workers and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

Michelle Goodman is a Seattle-based freelance writer. Her latest book is "My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire" (Seal Press, 2008).

The above is verbatim to the kind of stuff our local two year tech school is constantly sending out in their brochures, ITT advertising on TV says just about the same thing all about getting you to enroll and make big money. But not quiet realistic in a country where millions are being laid off. Could get a job as an electronics technician, but in China at an average pay of a buck a day that is far more realistic.

Ha, one of my sons' was an excellent Web designer working his way through college, while his boss was charging 65 bucks an hour, all he got has 8 bucks an hour, but today, he does have a good job in Japan teaching English to kids. And what in the heck is a physical therapist assistant, either you are a certified physical therapist or not.

But surprised they don't mention becoming tech school instructors, college professors, or school superintendents, all high paying jobs with a very strong union. But please enroll, they have a fixed operating budget, don't know how to tighten their belts, and since enrollment tuition contributes to their operating budget, when that drops off, our property taxes skyrocket like they have this year.

[Danno 1,228]

Have her take ESL languages at a local college, Danno. In our area, they are offered free of charge.

What is peoples opinion of ESL programs?

It's been my observation that they do serve a purpose but hardly make people fluent or employable.

The only thing that makes a non-native speaker employable and fluent is lots and lots of practice and time.

I think they're a good first step, but integration into a setting where the foreigner must speak and interact with natives is, IMO, the most effective way. The problem is when the foreigner lacks the confidence to take that step...that's when an ESL Class is best.

Our library also offers them. It depends also on the teacher, honestly. Some of the free classes don't have certified EFL teachers and that makes a difference, really. But I agree that immersion and practice are the best teachers of all, though a class or two will certainly help.

My wife started these classes back in the spring but lost interest in them rather quickly.

The course she took was at a community collage, and it was all on a computer program, I don't think the teacher in this case had much to do with it except answer questions.

Now she constantly studies these books she bought, which seem mostly to be learning phrases in American style english.

Every night she literally sits and translates the NC drivers hand book, page by page.

God Bless her heart, she gets an "A" for effort but she seems like a long ways off from her goal to enroll in any type of Nursing or Dental course.

[Mags 112]

My aunt is an RN and makes about $80k/yr here in Indiana

Yeah, a friend of mine has been working as an RN for 2 years and makes around $55,000. She only works 3 nights a week too!

[Teacher Mark 53]

Have her take ESL languages at a local college, Danno. In our area, they are offered free of charge.

What is peoples opinion of ESL programs?

It's been my observation that they do serve a purpose but hardly make people fluent or employable.

The only thing that makes a non-native speaker employable and fluent is lots and lots of practice and time.

I think they're a good first step, but integration into a setting where the foreigner must speak and interact with natives is, IMO, the most effective way. The problem is when the foreigner lacks the confidence to take that step...that's when an ESL Class is best.

Our library also offers them. It depends also on the teacher, honestly. Some of the free classes don't have certified EFL teachers and that makes a difference, really. But I agree that immersion and practice are the best teachers of all, though a class or two will certainly help.

My wife started these classes back in the spring but lost interest in them rather quickly.

The course she took was at a community collage, and it was all on a computer program, I don't think the teacher in this case had much to do with it except answer questions.

Now she constantly studies these books she bought, which seem mostly to be learning phrases in American style english.

Every night she literally sits and translates the NC drivers hand book, page by page.

God Bless her heart, she gets an "A" for effort but she seems like a long ways off from her goal to enroll in any type of Nursing or Dental course.

I'm sure she'll achieve her goal eventually. That kind of determination won't be denied.

This website is good for learning slang:

englishbaby.com

Edited December 24, 2008 by Joe Six-Pack

[mawilson 2,133]

None of these seem "highly" profitable.

[Teacher Mark 53]

None of these seem "highly" profitable.

Well, as an RN you do have access to a wide range of pills!*

* Joe Six-Pack does not condone stealing or even taking pills (unless prescribed by a qualified Doctor).

[mawilson 2,133]

None of these seem "highly" profitable.

Well, as an RN you do have access to a wide range of pills!*

* Joe Six-Pack does not condone stealing or even taking pills (unless prescribed by a qualified Doctor).

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

None of these seem "highly" profitable.

[Dr. Obvious 49]

Many of the job descriptions have asked for 2-year min. in web designing. Many times the candidates has 4 year CS degree. I don't know how they did the survey.

Yeah, even for administrative assistant, a lot of companies ask for a BA around my neck of the woods. Being an administrative assistant usually comes with a lot of great benefits for little responsiblity and great work/home division. I totally recommend it if you have a 'useless' BA. I dunno how much a two year degree would well cut it in my market.

Edited December 24, 2008 by Wacken