We asked jobs guru Dr. Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., author of The Sequel: How to Change Your Career Without Starting Over, which high-growth, in-demand occupations he’d recommend for people over 40 who are seeking a new career and are willing to hit the books.
Regardless of whether you’re only able to commit to a certificate program or you’re willing to go all the way to a master’s degree, Shatkin has a suggestion that may be right for you.
Industrial-organizational Psychologist
Average Salary: $94,720
In a nutshell, industrial-organizational psychologists study workplace behavior to help boost productivity, as well as improve upon employee placement and training.
For obvious reasons, Shatkin believes this is a great job option for seasoned workers who are transitioning into this line of work. “Someone over 40 can use previous experience in the workplace to suggest topics for research, and provide insights that [more] green workers would not perceive,” says Shatkin of individuals who earn a master’s in industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology.
Other positives? “Unlike many psychologist occupations, this one does not routinely require a doctorate,” says Shatkin, adding that the job growth rate for industrial-organizational psychologists is a not-too-shabby 35 percent.