What professions are really needed in the US right now?

Find something you love doing.

Get good at it.

Use it to help people.

I would just check the classifieds in your area. I know that there are always postings for medical type work. But I also agree with @roundsquare. Being able to work with computers is big right now, too.

Here is a list of the 50 best careers in the US for 2010.

The medical profession is always advertising in our area, RN’s and such. I would say all of the elder care professions.

Do medical jobs interest you? Nobody is getting younger, we will always need doctors & nurses & dentists & all the other health professionals.

health care and accountancy are two I know of

If I had it all to do over again, I would become a cabinet maker. There is always a need, you can be in business for yourself or work for someone else. If you are good you will never run out of work, can name your own price and for me it would be fun!

Nursing, pharmacy, psychology. But these careers involve dedication, not just an eye for the bucks. Lots of government psych jobs—VA, social services,emergency management, etc.

@rooeytoo: I’d have to disagree with you. I have a close relative who’s a cabinet maker, and life is definitely not easy for him. He is very good, but with the downturn in the economy, less people are renovating, upgrading their kitchens, buying new furniture, and building homes. It’s hard for him to find enough consistent work to pay the bills every month. He’s had to start up another business on the side to make it through. He loves what he does, but it can be very stressful when there are deadlines to meet and the humidity keeps the lacquer from drying.

My suggestion would be something in the international business world, especially with China or the Middle East.

@Aqua – I know a couple and they have more than they can handle. The wealthy folks they work for barely notice the lagging economy. Guess it depends on where you are and the income level of your clientele.

Medicine will always be in high demand. Don’t rule out skilled labor (electrician, plumber, etc.). Those jobs pay exceptionally well and are in high demand in a lot of areas… you just wouldn’t know it.

@Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard Yes but make sure it is a union trade career or you will be performing 5 to 10 different trades for $30,000 a year in sweatshop conditions. Trust me, I know what I am talking about here. Stay away from nonunion trade jobs and most maintenance positions (unless it is with one of the rare elite maintenance positions for an elite company).

In Germany it’s scientists and engineers. Our economy is booming, especially mechanical engineering and there are not enough young people with Bachelor and Master degrees.

The same will happen in the US once the crisis is over.