Jobs to Consider

Workplace Buzz on June 27, 2007 7:14 AM

Good pay, good prospects and a good quality of life: Jeanne Sahadi, CNNMoney.com senior writer writes about the best jobs for the long run. From an operations and production management to a fundraiser, these are some jobs from the list to consider.

Job: Operations and production management

President Bush's push to have the nation reduce its gas consumption by 20 percent in 10 years (and, by extension, increase its consumption of corn-based ethanol and other alternative fuels) has meant more money for biofuel makers and an even greater need for talent in the growing field, said Michael Jones, president of the bioenergy practice at the Richmond Group, a recruiting firm member of the MRINetwork.

There's demand not only for chemical and mechanical engineers, but liberal arts grads, too, Jones said. Some jobs require those with an engineering degree from college because of their technical nature. But someone with a liberal arts degree can start at a lower position in the company (e.g., a job that pays by the hour operating equipment in a chemical processing environment) and rise up through the ranks.

Job: Fundraiser

Every nonprofit needs a good development director to keep it in the black. The good news is "the ranks of the wealthy are growing. There's a great deal of wealth that's untapped," said Tom Damewood, owner of Management Recruiters of Mid-Hudson Valley, N.Y.

Being paid to raise money for a good cause can be a rewarding experience that puts you in touch with wealthy donors, corporate executives, foundations and, if you're involved in special fundraising events, top entertainers, intellectuals, politicians and other newsmakers.

You can get your foot in the door through volunteering, interning or working as a development assistant or special events program assistant, Damewood said. He also recommends taking courses in nonprofit management and joining a chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals

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