New York, N.Y., Jan. 2, 2008 — ClassesUSA.com®, a part of Experian and a free online resource that can assist prospective students in finding degree and certificate programs best suited to advancing their professional goals, announced today its choices for “hot educational pursuits.” Professionals considering a career launch in 2008 can begin by exploring degree and certificate programs in nursing, criminal justice, paralegal studies and education, among other disciplines, at ClassesUSA.com.
To be considered a “hot educational pursuit,” the chosen category must satisfy two basic requirements. First, it must demonstrate a high level of demand among prospective students. Each category selected ranked among the most searched-for program types on ClassesUSA.com. At the same time, to be “hot,” these categories must correspond to careers that are expected to grow over the next few years.
“Educational attainment can be a key factor in determining one’s employment opportunities and options,” said Stephen Semprevivo, President of ClassesUSA.com. “Each of these ‘hot’ categories boasts programs that can be completed online, making it even easier for busy professionals to fit educational advancement into their lives.”
Here is a look at ClassesUSA.com’s selection of “hot educational pursuits”:
Health Care/Nursing — Health care work can be fulfilling, rewarding and exciting. It can also be a smart career choice, particularly if one becomes a registered nurse. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses are expected to constitute the largest number of new jobs for 2006 to 2016. With such rosy prospects, it should come as no surprise that health care/nursing was the number one, most searched-for program category on ClassesUSA.com.
Criminal Justice/Legal/Paralegal — In the world of criminal justice and legal careers, paralegal work is particularly attractive right now. According to the BLS, employment for paralegals, whose duties may include preparing documents and conducting research, among other responsibilities, is expected to grow much faster than average through 2016. The BLS also notes that while competition for these jobs is expected to continue, those who have experience and formal training should have the best opportunities. The criminal justice category also includes educational programs in the exciting world of forensics. An increasingly popular career choice, “forensic science technicians” is listed among the fastest growing occupations for 2006 to 2016 by the BLS.
Web/Graphic Design/Fashion — Graphic design jobs can be particularly gratifying for those who enjoy working creatively. For those inclined to design, a background in Web design may be beneficial. The BLS notes that while competition for graphic design positions will be tough, experience in Web site design and animation, coupled with a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of computer design software, will afford the best opportunities. As the demand for design projects in interactive media such as video games and Web sites increases, graphic designers with experience in Web site design and animation will be in special demand, according to the BLS.
Education — Teaching can provide a sense of purpose and pride. Within the field of education, there are several promising avenues. BLS data ranks “postsecondary teachers,” “elementary school teachers, except special education” and “teacher assistants” among the occupations with the largest projected job growth for 2006 to 2016.
Professionals looking to enter the world of health care, criminal justice, design or education can visit www.ClassesUSA.com to explore their educational options.
About ClassesUSA.com
ClassesUSA.com is part of Experian InteractiveSM and is a free online resource that can assist prospective students in finding degree and certificate programs best suited to advancing their professional and personal goals. Each month, more than 2 million adults visit the site, which boasts more than 300 accredited college and university partners. As a leading online higher-education portal, ClassesUSA.com has fostered strategic content partnerships with a multitude of portals and Web sites since entering the online higher-education marketplace in 2001. ClassesUSA.com also publishes Learn® (formerly Online Degrees®), a biannual national magazine designed to empower adults considering higher-education as the tool to advance themselves both personally and professionally. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.classesusa.com.
About Experian
Experian® is a global leader in providing information, analytical and marketing services to organizations and consumers to help manage the risk and reward of commercial and financial decisions. Combining its unique information tools and deep understanding of individuals, markets and economies, Experian partners with organizations around the world to establish and strengthen customer relationships and provide their businesses with competitive advantage. For consumers, Experian delivers critical information that enables them to make financial and purchasing decisions with greater control and confidence. Clients include organizations from financial services, retail and catalog, telecommunications, utilities, media, insurance, automotive, leisure, e-commerce, manufacturing, property and government sectors.
Experian Group Limited is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. It has corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and operational headquarters in Costa Mesa, Calif., and Nottingham, UK. Experian employs approximately 15,500 people in 36 countries worldwide, supporting clients in more than 65 countries. Annual sales are in excess of $3.8 billion.
For more information, visit the Group’s Web site on www.experiangroup.com.
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Contact:
Danica Ross
ClassesUSA.com Public Relations
1 310 998 6334 Telephone
danica.ross@experian.com Email