For many students, college is all about exploring the world. They are eager to take a variety of classes like the history of rock and roll, or kickboxing or the dating habits of metrosexuals. While that might make for interesting lectures, it’s not likely to lead to a career. It is relatively pointless to earn a degree in an area that will not translate to a job in the future.

Many college majors are cross-functional, meaning a person with an English degree can use it in many careers ranging from teaching to writing to advertising. Someone with a degree in Russian Literature might not be so lucky. It is important that students realize that even though a major might sound cool, it might not be the best choice of study.

High school guidance counselors can help students prepare for promising careers by exposing them to different careers, administering skill tests, exploring likes and dislikes and evaluating where the job market is going in the future. The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a great source of this kind of information.

According to the latest Occupational Outlook Handbook, the following careers are the top ten hottest careers in the country through 2012: