Here is a compiled list of some great job opportunities that can give you the upward mobility you have been wanting. You just might be shocked at some of the jobs that make the list!

1. Financial Consultant

A financial consultant is someone who gives the advice to help people achieve their financial goals. You typically find financial consultants in the realm of investments, finance or insurance. To qualify for this job, you must have a bachelor's degree in a field such as finance.

2. Human Resources Manager

Human resource managers (HRMs) are responsible for hiring new employees. These individuals also develop and implement training programs for said employees. Another key job description is ensuring workplace safety.

Those desiring to pursue this occupation need at least a bachelor's in business administration or human resources management. Good leadership and organizational skills are vital. You must first acquire five years experience as a generalist or assistant before applying to be an HRM.

3. Seismologist

Seismology has specialty fields that allow you to help identify oil and gas locations. Another option is to study waves pertaining to earthquakes and volcanos. You can expect to work a typical full-time work week. However, expect long hours in times of public emergency.

If you have good analytical and computer skills, this field may be a good fit for you. The job has a projected 16% growth rate. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in geophysics, geology, math or a similar field is required. Graduate education will allow more research opportunities.

4. Air Traffic Controller

An air traffic controller helps maintain safety and directs aircraft. They can give landing and departure instructions to pilots. Usually, these individuals are employed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

To even qualify for this position, one must first be a U.S. citizen, pass a background check and medical exam. There are three routes to achieve your dreams of becoming an air traffic controller.

Military experience (air traffic controller)
Aviation degree through FAA's Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative Program
3 years experience, bachelor's degree or both

5. Advertising and Promotions Manager

If you enjoy the art of persuasion and creating new ideas, this is a potential career choice. Advertising and promotions managers create programs to spark an interest in services or products. Most but not all positions require a bachelor's degree along with work experience in marketing, promotions or advertising.

The campaigns created by advertising and promotions managers help institutions maintain and expand. Creativity is an important skill because you have to generate original ideas. Additionally, interpersonal skills are important because you will work with a diverse team of people.

This job has a projected 10% job growth. Some helpful courses to take in undergraduate school include business law, economics, statistics, and management.

6. Actuary

An actuary is someone who helps manage potential financial risk. What does this mean? They help people estimate the probability and cost of things like disability, illness and even death. An actuary designs methods to lower the chance of negative effects from these unfavorable events.

Actuaries also help design pension plans and insurance policies. You can expect to work in a management group for a large corporation. The necessary education is a bachelors degree in actuarial science, economics, commerce or another related field. You can opt for an unrelated field, but this results in having to take a few extra classes.

Once you finish your studies, simply apply for membership in a professional actuarial body. You will then have to take their courses and pass their exams. Voila! You are now a certified actuary!

7. Pharmacist

Pharmacists instruct patients how to take their medicine. This career requires a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The good news, however, you can enter a Doctor of Pharmacy program after completing the prerequisites in two to three years.

All applicants to the program must take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), which is the entrance exam. Once accepted, you can expect to receive numerous hours in clinical training before you graduate. To practice, you must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensing Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE).

8. Sales Manager

Sales managers get the product to customers so commercial companies can reap a profit. You should have a bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations or business administration. It is helpful to have at least five years of selling experience.

Public speaking skills are very important, so you may find it useful to take public speaking or communications classes. Another tip, try to get experience as an assistant sales manager to prepare you for the big boss position.