Every organization has a need for a human resources professional, right? That may be one reason why it's ranked as one of the 10 best jobs for 2012, according to CareerCast, which analyzed 200 jobs from best to worst.
Human resources manager was listed as the third-best job, behind software engineer (No. 1) and actuary (No. 2).
"Companies big and small need someone who is skilled in HR," Pat Kuhl, VP of Human Resources for a Maryland health care system tells CareerCast, a job search and employment resources website. "We are relied upon to make sure the needs of the employee are in sync with the company's goals and in support of the organization's mission. It's not always an easy job, but it is very rewarding."
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Job rankings were determined by five key categories: physical demands, work environment, income, stress and hiring outlook.
Employment growth for HR managers is projected to be "very healthy," writes Victoria Brienza for CareerCast. Growth is expected at "21 percent through 2020, which is on par with most medical professions, according to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you mix their job outlook scores with their income levels (19th on our Jobs Rated list) and throw in the low physical demands, relatively safe work environment and low-to-moderate stress levels, HR Managers should rightly be listed as a Best Job."
HR managers grab a top spot, while professions like lumberjack, dairy farmer and enlisted soldier fell straight to the bottom. The HR world is a desired profession, as opposed to lumberjack, which is still in demand, but difficult to find workers who want to get their hands dirty, Jake Rosa owner of Dry Brook Custom Sawmilling in Upstate New York, tells CareerCast.
And for the first time ever, two different media jobs made the Worst Jobs List: reporter and broadcaster. Apathy is to blame, according to one industry insider: "Today's younger generation doesn't seem to care about the news, and, if they do, it's more about celebrities and Hollywood and not what's going on in their backyards."
The software engineering area also hit the top spot on CareerBliss's "Top 10 Happiest Jobs in America," which was announced Thursday.
More than 100,000 employees around the nation rated their current job on CareerBliss.com, calculating factors such as workplace culture, management, environment and rewards to determine their overall bliss or happiness score.
Top 10 best jobs (CareerCast):
- Software engineer
- Actuary
- Human resources manager
- Dental hygienist
- Financial planner
- Audiologist
- Occupational therapist
- Online advertising manager
- Computer systems analyst
- Mathematician
Top 10 worst jobs (CareerCast):
- Lumberjack
- Dairy farmer
- Enlisted military soldier
- Oil rig worker
- Reporter
- Waiter/waitress
- Meter reader
- Dishwasher
- Butcher
- Broadcaster
Top 10 Happiest Jobs (CareerBliss)
- Software quality assurance engineer
- Executive chef
- Property manager
- Teller
- Warehouse manager
- Administrative assistant
- Customer service representative
- Accountant
- System engineer
- Construction manager
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