According to the Bureau of Labor Statics, there were about 32,000 people employed as desktop publishers in 2006 in the United States. Most of these worked in the printing and publishing industries. You can pursue a desktop publishing career nationwide from home, however many jobs are located in major cities.

You do not need a college degree to start a desktop publishing career, but the BLS strongly recommends it. Those with either certificates or an associates or bachelors degree will have more, and better, job opportunities available to them. Many people working in this field learn on the job, but many others learn by taking classes and specialized desktop publishing programs.

It is strongly recommended that anyone considering a desktop publishing career have all or most of the following: good communication skills, basic computer skills, a strong work ethic, the ability to compute ratios to estimate job costs, good manual dexterity, the ability to pay attention to detail and work independently, good eyesight (including visual acuity, depth perception, field of view, color vision, and the ability to focus quickly), and artistic ability.

Though the BLS does not predict any serious growth in the desktop publishing industry through 2016, jobs will be available due to natural attrition in the workforce, which will need to be replaced. The BLS also states that the median earnings for someone in a desktop publishing career were $34,130 in 2006.

Those entering a desktop publishing career with limited training and experience may start as helpers receiving instruction from experienced desktop publishers. As one masters more skills and learns how to use new software, he or she can advance to positions with greater responsibility. This may include supervisory or management positions. Some desktop publishers may start their own companies or work as independent contractors, many of these publishers work at home. Those who are more artistic talent and can further their education may find opportunities in graphic design or commercial art. These are often higher paying careers, that can also be done from home or in a major city.

Do you remember when career exploration was playing make-believe?
At any given time you could switch from being a master chef to a brain
surgeon to an archeologist with just the change of a costume. If only
choosing a career were as easy as a wardrobe change.

Career
exploration involves research, observation, experimentation and
relationship building. And although stressful at times, it can be fun
and exciting. You just need to develop the right approach to the process
of looking for the right career.

Narrow career options

One
of the biggest mistakes young adults make in career exploration is
giving themselves too many choices. The average person has a few natural
skills that can translate into a career. If you don’t have an aptitude
for science, you will not do well in medicine, even if you have always
dreamt of being a doctor. Identify your natural talents and find careers
that utilize those skill sets. For instance, if you are extremely
patient and good at explaining things in simple terms, a career in
teaching, tutoring or early child care might be a great fit.

Choose a career with longevity

Technology
has continued to shape the job market. Many jobs that were in demand a
decade ago have decreased in importance. Others have been eliminated all
together. Self-check out at the grocery store has eliminated many
cashier positions. It is important that as you explore your career
options you choose from careers that will be around for a while.

A
great place to start is the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According
to the BLS, there are some careers that will experience tremendous
growth during the next decade. Although you might not be interested in a
particular job, you might find that your skills are still needed in the
specific industry.

The ten hottest careers for college graduates are
network systems and data communications analysts; physician assistants;
medical records and health information technicians; computer software
engineers, applications; computer software engineers, systems software;
physical therapist assistants; fitness trainers and aerobics
instructors; database administrators; veterinary technologists and
technicians; and dental hygienists.

Get a closer look with internships

Now
that you have a clearer picture of what career piques your interest,
dive in! You will need first-hand knowledge to make a well-informed
decision. The best way to find out what a career really entails is to
find an internship. Internships allow you the opportunity to work in
your desired field, exposing you to the reality of the job, not the
glamour that many careers enjoy.

While you are learning the ropes
of your desired profession, don’t forget to make connections. Many times
young adults are intimidated by the idea of networking. It is not as
bad as people make it out to be. You can start with your internship
supervisor and the professionals you work with directly. Ask them if
they belong to any national or local professional organizations. If the
do, get information about membership and upcoming events. These are just
more opportunities to build relationships while learning the insides of
your desired profession.

No one likes to feel overwhelmed. Having
too many career choices is definitely overwhelming. Making your search
manageable by narrowing your career options, focusing on careers with a
future such as the ten hottest careers mentioned above, seeking
first-hand experience through internships and building relationships
with professionals in the field will pay off handsomely in the long run.