MORE persons are already aware of the traditional careers – medicine, law, banking, engineering et al – which generally are thought to provide a comfortable salary in Jamaica. For years that has been the case, but for the new decade, Sunday Finance has identified a number of professions that also offer attractive earnings.

Web Designers

What they do

Web designers use their artistic skills to present user-friendly content by way of a web page on the internet.

Education and Skills

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, graphic design or digital media is usually required to gain employment. However, some web-designers are self-taught and make money independently.

Demand

With internet usage increasing at rapid pace locally, the demand for websites locally is likely to grow in 2010. Web designers’ charges vary depending on the magnitude of work, but they can be paid from $35,000 to $45,000 to build the most basic static five-page website, and from $100,000 to $500,000 to build one that’s more business-oriented and involves e-commerce features.

Grooming consultant

– What they do

These professionals work with individuals or companies that want an image upgrade. From instructions on dining etiquette to communication, the grooming consultant’s job is to add value to appearance.

– Skills and Education

You don’t need any certification in fashion consultancy. However, “You have to be educated, exposed and abreast of the trends,” says popular grooming consultant Sandra Samuels, principal of Totally Male.

– Demand

Financial institutions, government institutions and persons who have recently become public figures, are regular users of grooming consultants.

Marine Pilot

– What they do

Marine pilots guide sea-vessels in congested waters, such as harbours.

– Skills and Education

The prerequisite to be employed as a pilot ranges from a general maritime qualification to a Master’s certificate.

– Demand

These professionals are well paid and, because it’s one of the most low-keyed professions locally, demand is great.

Executive Chef

What they do

Executive chefs supervise kitchen staff and direct food preparation and cooking activities at mostly restaurants and hotels.Their responsibilities include menu creation, financial planning, and recruiting.

Skills and education

Professional and academic qualifications in the culinary arts along with experience in food and beverage management.

Demand

The proliferation of large hotel chains over the years have greatly increased local demand for executive chefs. An industry source told Sunday Finance that executive chefs at large hotels in Jamaica earn up to US$120,000 per annum plus room and board.

Translator

What they do

Translators facilitate intercultural communication through language.

Education and Skills

A high level of proficiency in a foreign language and its various forms. Many employers also require a first degree in the particular language needed to be translated, and experience in reading and editing the language.

Demand

Just look at the career section of your local newspaper. The demand for translators have increased substantially over the years as Jamaican society becomes more culturally diversed. Hotels, in paticular, are frequently on the look-out for translators. Testament to the value people put on such services, a friend of mine was paid $15,000 to translate a one-page transcript from Spanish to English recently.

Executive Coach

What they do

An executive coach helps their management-level clients with leadership skills. Executive coaching involves the use of techniques aimed at influencing leaders to make behavioral changes which can greatly improve their effectiveness in managing the people around them, and by extension, improve company performance.

Henry Lewis, head of Caribbean Coaching Centre, is one of the more renowned executive coaches in Jamaica. Lewis provides consultations to individuals or groups.

“I support executives and leaders to improve their bottom line by inspiring them, motivating them and helping them to see the value and satisfaction in what they do,” he told this newspaper in an interview last month.

Skills and Education

Strong interpersonal relationship skills and communication skills are a must, combined with significant professional experience. You can acquire a professional coach certification from some tertiary institutions.

Demand

Corporate executives are always looking for ways to improve their management skills, especially in today’s tough economic climate. Henry said that during these times, it can be lonely at the top for company leaders, but programmes like his can keep them focused on the task ahead.

“Most coaches motivate and inspire, full stop. I’m saying how can leaders take those they manage to the next level so that their company performs better,” he said.

Forensic scientist

– What they do

Forensic scientists help investigate crimes by processing a crime scene, and collecting and analyzing physical evidence..

– Skills and Education

To be employed to Government’s Forensic Labaratory, the basic requirement is a degree in any natural or physical science. Recruits undergo a training program that educates on scientific principles and theory, and provides practical training in a laboratory setting with standard equipment.

– Demand

Once there is crime, there is demand. And Jamaica’s crime rate is one of the worst in the world. Forensic scientists are primarily employed by Government but private persons pay good money to find out the cause of death of loved ones.

Veterinarian

– What they do

The veterinarian is a physician for animals and a practitioner of veterinary medicine. They provide care for a wide range of animals – from small rodents to large animals, but particularly dogs and cats, which are more common.

– Skills and Education

The prerequisite Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, which is offered via a five-year course at the School of Veterinary Medicine – the University of the West Indies. To practice in Jamaica you have to pass an examination and become a registered member of the Jamaica Veterinary Board.

– Demand

According to industry sources, there is demand for clinics in rural Jamaica

Pastor

– What they do

The role of a pastor is far reaching, extending way beyond just preaching from the pulpit. It involves counselling, teaching and caring for members of the church and wider community.

“The pastor is available to help people cope with the challenges of life,” says Reverend Al Miller.

– Skills and Eduction

Courses in ministerial studies are offered at the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI), which can provide the solid foundation in theology training that is needed. Reverend Miller, however, notes that a prospect’s quality of life is critical during recruitment. He supports his assessment with a Bible verse from the book of Timothy which states “…commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others”.

“Apart from the educational things, you look for spiritual committment and dedication,” he said. “It is more important that we look for a faithful man because integrity is critical to what we do.”

– Demand

No question, demand is great in Jamaica, an overwhelmingly Christian country. And Reverend Miller adds that in Jamaica today, the demand is even greater than it has ever been “….because there is a serious moral decline that has caused social and economic decline, causing people to lose hope… in that situation, you need the help of the church tro help people to cope.”

Mortician

– What they do

They are in the business of arranging and executing funeral rites, which involves embalming and burial or cremation of the dead, as well as the organisation of a ceremony.

“Running a funeral home takes a tremendous amount of work,” notes an industry source. “You have to ensure that you have different chemicals – embalming fluid, deadorisers, cleaning fluids etc – You have to think about caskets, fleets etc, plus you have to be able to deal with people, because when people are in grief, you have to expect the unexpected.”

– Skills and Education

An associate degree in funeral service education is generally required. Good morticians have solid knowledge in the sciences and restorative art.

– Demand

A lucrative profession. You’ll never be out of business once you’re good.