If you are considering being a virtual assistant, it is important for you to understand that not all virtual assistants do the same things or work in the exact same ways. There are a wide range of options in this job field. Here, we've provided a list of ten of the most popular (and profitable) virtual assisting jobs. While your dream job may or may not be on this list, it should at least provide a jumping-off point and open your eyes to the many possibilities in front of you.

1. Medical Transcription:

Medical transcriptionists are responsible for listening to recordings of reports made by doctors and various other professionals in the medical field. They then transform these recordings into written reports and, as such, a vast understanding of medical terminology is required. Most jobs in the field request that the virtual assistant have at least two years of experience and/or have graduated from an accredited medical transcription school. Required tools include a Stedman's Medical Dictionary, a stop/start pedal, a high quality headset, and high speed internet connection.

2. Customer Service:

Some virtual assistants prefer to work in the customer service sector, providing help, advice, taking phone orders and general support to customers of a particular business or company. These jobs do require a quiet working environment (no pet sounds, children, etc.), headset, high speed internet connection and generally require a land line with call waiting disabled.

3. Data Mining/Research:

For many businesses, companies, and other organizations, having relevant facts and figures at their disposal is incredibly important. If you're a good researcher and can dig up credible information with ease, then working as a data miner might be for you. Responsibilities and necessary skills vary from one position to the next but being able to follow instructions precisely, familiarity with how to use search phrases to bring up the correct information on the internet, and being able to properly document sources are generally required.

4. Online Reputation Management:

These days, when people want to learn more about a business, they typically go online to do it. As such, it has never been more important for good information that paints a company in a positive light to be what people find when they go online. Virtual assistants who work in online reputation management do whatever they can to promote positive online discussion of a particular organization. They might write positive reviews of an organization, comment on forums or other social media platforms, or help to remove negative information surrounding the organization. Generally, extensive computer and internet knowledge, experience with search engines, social media and experience with various Web 2.0 tools are a must.

5. Social Media Management:

Akin to working in online reputation management, many virtual assistants help to promote positive representation of a company or business through the major social networking sites, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. A social media management professional might help create profiles on these networks, update them regularly, and promote positive communication with clients and customers to build longstanding relationships of mutual trust. Extensive knowledge of major social networking sites and good computer skills are a must.

6. Content Writer:

If you're a good writer, then you may be in demand by many companies! Lots of professional organizations hire individuals to write online content for their websites, newsletters, blogs and other promotional materials. Good grammar, strong writing skills, and knowledge of appropriate style and format are necessary, and degrees in English or other related fields are a major asset to have but not necessary for some jobs.

7. Real Estate Assisting:

Selling houses and other property is not an easy task, especially in this economy. That's why more and more real estate agents are hiring virtual assistants to help them with their work. Job duties might include posting classified ads for listings, creating fliers for open houses or other events, marketing a property in various locations online, speaking with and generating leads, and clerical tasks as well.

8. Editing/Proofreading:

Just as someone has to write business and marketing content, someone has to go behind the writer and act as a proofreader who spots mistakes, errors, and makes sure the content reads in an easy, straightforward manner, and as editor to fix any mistakes that are found. These can range from factual errors due to faulty research or misunderstanding to simple grammatical mistakes. A keen eye for detail, skill with the written word, and the ability to "fact check" are required.

9. Telemarketing/Appointment Setting:

Today, more companies are hiring people to work out of their homes and make phone calls to market products or to set appointments for their sales force. If you feel comfortable talking to people/businesses over the phone, have a good phone presence, great attitude and are a self starter, this may be your ticket in obtaining a work from home job. Keep in mind you will need a quiet working environment, and a phone with call waiting disabled.

10. Marketing:

You can't get anywhere in business without advertising and that advertising has to be targeted to the right people. If you are good at creating press releases, marketing and advertising content, articles, and advertisements, then this could be the job for you. An educational background in the field, copywriting, and the ability to present ideas in an attractive manner are part of the job description in most cases.