Ten Hottest Careers

Earlier in 2005, Fast Company Magazine highlighted the 25 hottest careers for the next 5 years. Two information technology careers made it in the top 10.

The number 3 career was computer software engineer. Fast Company used this description to describe this hot career: "The applications you use on your computer didn't write themselves, you know. That's where these guys -- and gals -- come in. Software engineers not only write programs; they also help companies adopt and integrate new technologies smoothly." For those looking for the glory days of the dot-com bubble be warned that "the profession is well paying, but only a gold mine for those with unique, specialized skills."

In the number 9 spot was computer system analyst. The distinction between this career and that of a computer software engineer is explained by Fast Company's description: "The technological needs of business are constantly expanding. Sometimes those needs require updating a system -- and sometimes they require replacing it entirely. A computer system analyst helps analyze the situation and determine what needs to be done." Unfortunately, "...because an analyst position is only a midlevel job, salary is weaker than in other related careers."