5 top jobs and the college programs that can get you there
Thinking of a career change or just starting out? Here’s a list of the most in-demand jobs in Nova Scotia today and the programs we offer to help you land one.
1. Database Analysts and Database Administrators
With the increased use of smart devices, sensors, intelligent systems and other tools, the volume of data generated is growing exponentially and it’s becoming more and more challenging to manage. Database analysts and administrators sift through and make sense of this data. They design and direct the data analysis, reporting, visualization, and management systems behind companies of all sizes around the world. They're employed throughout the private and public sectors in areas such as education, healthcare, supply chain management, oceans, banking, agriculture and government; as well as international brands operating here in Nova Scotia such as IBM (source for database analysts and administrators information).
Estimated job openings in Nova Scotia 2015-2017: 75 – 2,727
Average hourly wage: $28.82
Programs that prepare you for a career as a database analysts or database administrator:
- Business Intelligence and Analytics (Advanced Diploma)
- IT Database Administration (Diploma)
- IT Data Analytics (Diploma)
2. Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial and investment analysts make strategic business recommendations based on complex financial data. They provide insight on the historical performances and future trends of stocks, bonds and other investments and are employed throughout the private and public sector (source for financial and investment analysts information).
Estimated job openings in Nova Scotia 2015-2017: 67 – 6,393
Average hourly wage: $23.69
Programs that prepare you for a career as a financial or investment analyst:
- Business Administration (Diploma)
3. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and electronics engineering techs provide specialized support and services in the design, testing, creation and operation of electronic equipment and systems. They’re employed in many industries, including utilities, communications, manufacturing, processing, transportation, consulting, and government.
Estimated job openings in Nova Scotia 2015-2017: 47 – 2,727
Average hourly wage: $30.00
Programs that prepare you for a career as an electrical or electronics engineer:
- Electronic Engineering Technology (Diploma)
- Electronic Engineering Technician (Diploma)
4. Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
Information systems analysts and consultants investigate the requirements of various computer systems and liaise with non-technical users to implement solutions. They're able to analyze problems, design software solutions and write secure code, testing routines and documentation that’s effective, efficient and creative. They're employed in IT consulting firms and in IT units throughout the private and public sectors (source for information systems analysts and consultants information).
Estimated job openings in Nova Scotia 2015-2017: 358 – 2,727
Average hourly wage: $33.33
Programs that prepare you for a career as an information systems analyst or consultant:
- IT Programming (Diploma)
- IT Systems Management & Security (Diploma)
- IT Data Analytics (Diploma)
- IT Database Administration (Diploma)
- IT Web Programming (Diploma)
- IT Generalist (Diploma)
- Business Intelligence Analytics (Advanced Diploma)
5. Deck Officers
Deck officers operate and command ships that transport passengers and cargo on oceans and in coastal and inland waters. They supervise and coordinate the activities of deck crews, keep watch, navigate and practice ship safety. They're employed on commercial vessels, work for the Government of Canada and in marine transportation companies (source for deck officers information).
Estimated job openings in Nova Scotia 2015-2017: 66 – 2,727
Average hourly wage: $33.65
Program that prepares you for a career as a deck officer:
Interested in a career that we haven’t referenced? NSCC has over 120 programs that prepare for a variety of career options. Explore all programs.