The great recession has left behind a population scarred by high jobless rates, massive layoffs, harsh cut-backs, and much more – a population that’s trying to redeem itself by making practical, realistic choices when it comes to careers. The era of romantics, who believed in chasing their dream careers – their profitability be damned – seems all but over.

The World Wide Web is full of questions from young people seeking counsel on college programs that have high ROI and careers that promise stability, growth, a fat paycheck, and some job satisfaction.

It would be foolish to look away from the reality of the world we live in today – that education is an investment and a profitable career is the return people look to reap from it. In this context, we bring to you the top career choices of 2010.

Healthcare – The Top Choice

According to a recently concluded study on the ‘Best Careers for 2010’ by the U.S. News and World Report, healthcare, business, and science and technology are amongst the fields likely to generate best job opportunities over the next few years. Let’s explore some popular career options within these fields.

There are many rising careers in the field of healthcare such as healthcare administration, respiratory therapy, medical specialties, etc. However, nursing is easily one of the most sought after health care degree programs.

The demand for Registered Nurses has grown over the years owing to the ageing demographic profile of the country and an acute shortage of trained nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with 2.6 million jobs, RNs constitute the largest healthcare occupation.

RNs will continue to enjoy excellent job opportunities over the next few years as employers do everything – from offering flexible schedules to attractive compensation and benefits package – to draw and retain talent. The occupation is expected to add 581,500 new jobs by 2018.

The minimum qualification to become an RN is an Associate’s Degree in Nursing along with a license to practice as an RN that can be obtained after passing the requisite examination held by the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX.

Registered Nurses, who want to rise up the ranks and take on roles of higher responsibility, pursue a nursing administration program. The program qualifies them for managerial or supervisory positions in a healthcare environment.

The Science of Computers

A popular choice in the field of science and technology is computer science. With advances in technology, businesses have started using computers to perform highly complex functions. The need for professionals trained in various IT related jobs like software development and system analysis is only going in one direction and that’s up.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software engineering is amongst the fastest growing occupations likely to add the most jobs by 2018. The bureau has also projected faster than average growth in the employment of computer network, systems, and database administrators.

This makes computer degree programs like computer science and computer networking extremely popular amongst technology enthusiasts.

Business as Usual

One doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist – only adequately aware – to know that business and finance are amongst the most in-demand careers of our time. Whether its economics, accounting, or the popular field of business management – a degree in business is believed to open the gateway to a million opportunities.

While a career in accounting is as stable as any career can be in the modern-day economy, recession has created a mini shake-up in the world of business managers. However, business management remains one of the most globally relevant degrees and well-trained, qualified managers will always be in demand to lead people and organizations.

A degree in accounting qualifies graduates for extremely lucrative careers as management accountants, public accountants, government accountants, or auditors. Accountants are expected to see a much faster than average growth in employment owing to an increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws, and companies exercising greater checks over their finances.

Business management graduates, on the other hand, can choose to specialize in any branch of business ranging from finance and marketing to operations and human resources. The job prospects, nature of work, and earnings of a business manager depend to a large extent on his specialization, employer, and geographic location.

For example, while financial managers are expected to witness an average growth in employment, the growth in employment of human resource managers is likely to be much faster than average until 2018.

So, go ahead and invest in an education that gives you a career and a quality of life that you aspire for!