Transition Insight

These days there are a number of high income skills that can put you in a great position financially, but also give you a tremendous amount of flexibility in your life.

But which ones should you consider first?

This list of the most profitable skills to learn will point you in the right direction. No matter what your background is or what your preferences are, you'll surely find one below that appeals to you!

SEO

A strong Internet presence is a must in today's tech-focused world. Companies need to invest in their digital footprint, creating well-designed websites that can bring in more business. Whether a company is selling products directly to consumers or providing a service to B2B clients, ranking highly in search engines is incredibly important.

Most search engine users won't even take a peek at the second page when they look something up. Not only that, but the higher up you are on the first page will significantly increase the amount of visitors your website gets. That's where SEO comes in.

SEO stands for search engine optimization. Simply put, it's the act of fine-tuning content to cater to a search engine's algorithms (while still delivering a good user experience). Best practices for Google, Bing, and other popular search engines are constantly changing, so SEO is an ever-evolving and competitive field.

Understanding the intricacies of SEO can put you in a great place career-wise. Not only is this a high income skill that's in great demand, but knowing SEO opens up doors for working freelance or starting your own business.

Copywriting

You might not have heard of this skill before, but it's a vital part of marketing and advertising.

To put it simply, copywriting is a specialized form of writing. The goal is to inform potential customers and encourage them to take a specific action. That could be to fill out a form, make a purchase, or even just click on a link.

Whatever the case may be, copywriters must use their way with words to guide prospects in the right direction. The fact that good copywriting can have such a large impact on the bottom line of a business makes this a profitable and high income skill to learn.

There are many routes to take with copywriters. Some will work with marketing agencies, others prefer to freelance, while others will operate "in-house" within a single company's marketing or advertising department. Like SEO, copywriting comes with plenty of freedom to work on your terms and earn a high salary.

Software Development

Can you imagine a world without software developers? We rely so much on smartphones and computers to do everything. Developers work behind the scenes to make our digital lives possible!

Developers work diligently to create mobile apps, computer software, and more. Many will also participate in web development, creating front-end interfaces for external applications or internal databases.

Ever since the digital revolution, software development has been one of the most lucrative and high paying skills you can have. Every piece of software you've ever used in your life was brought to life by a dedicated developer. New apps come out all the time, and nearly every industry requires unique software to operate efficiently.

Being a software developer can take you very far. Working for a larger company, trying your hand at game development, or working on small-scale projects as a freelancer are just a few of the directions you can go. Knowing how to code will ensure that you're not only employed for the rest of your life, but you'll earn a great living as well!

Sales

Sales is another profitable skill that you can use pretty much anywhere. There's an element of sales in most industries. Whether it's B2B or B2C, there's plenty of money to make!

Some of the top earners can easily make six-figures or more! Companies take care of their sales team, as they're responsible for generating revenue and taking care of the organization's bottom line. You may find opportunities to work for commissions, which gives you the chance to skyrocket your income potential if you're a high performer.

There's no shortage of motivation to work, and many successful salespeople thrive in the electric sales environment.

The beauty of this high income skill is that you don't need any special education. You can learn to be a successful salesperson regardless of your background. Plus, many types of sales positions are available to help you find your place within a team.

Project Management

Project managers use their abilities to communicate, stay organized, and lead a team. This high paying skill is slightly different from others, as it doesn't always require technical know-how (this depends on the industry). Degree programs exist for project management, but more and more companies are moving past formal education requirements in favor of talent and experience.

As a project manager, your job is to oversee an organization's daily operations to complete large-scale assignments. That's a pretty broad description, but that's because every industry needs project managers!

If you work for a retail company, you might oversee the production and launch of a new product. Maybe you're working in public infrastructure. In that case, you might manage the design and execution of a newly paved road!

The possibilities are endless, and you can end up working in a wide range of jobs. As long as you can keep a team on track and complete assignments efficiently, employers will want to work with you.

Web Design

Like we mentioned earlier, every company needs a well-designed website. There are almost two billion websites on the Internet, and that number will only grow as we head deeper into our new digital age!

Web design is one of those tasks that businesses need regardless of their industry. Some organizations will have an in-house team to cover web design needs throughout the year. Some will hire contractors or work with a third-party design company.

Either way, the demand is there!

This high income skill doesn't require a ton of in-depth coding knowledge. It's not like software engineering or back-end coding.

Designers either pass their creations along to developers, or work with website builders and content management systems like WordPress. The focus is on design and aesthetics, making it a viable choice for any creative-minded individual.

Real Estate

If you've ever been involved with buying or selling property, you know just how much money there is in the industry. But while the earning potential is high, it's a fiercely competitive field that requires in-depth knowledge of the current market.

If you're interested in building profitable skills in the real estate industry, there are a couple of approaches you can take.

As an agent, you can facilitate sales and earn commissions on your work. High-priced properties can make you a significant income. However, even selling many average-priced homes can give you the financial security you seek.

If you prefer a different approach, you can also become an investor. It requires upfront capital and knowledge on how to utilize a property, but the earning potential is high if you succeed. Investors can develop properties, generate rental income, and more.

Content Marketing

Many people confuse content marketing with copywriting. While both skills usually involve a love of writing, content marketing is about using various forms of content to support the growth objectives of a business.

In other words, the scope of content marketing is a bit broader. You may produce content to increase brand awareness, tell stories, educate, or inspire customers. Ultimately, the aim is to create compelling content that hooks readers and keeps them returning.

Content marketing is a high paying skill with ample flexibility and many possible routes to go. Many eventually work for themselves developing content for eager clients.

UX Design

UX stands for user experience and revolves around the front-end design of websites, apps, and other customer-facing platforms. What users see and how they navigate a website or app can make all the difference. A poor user experience is a huge turnoff for modern consumers.

As a result, companies are looking to fine-tune every minute detail to increase sales, revenue, and engagement. That's where a UX design professional comes in.

As a UX designer, you use qualitative and quantitative research to develop an enjoyable digital front-end experience. It's not just about design. UX involves navigation, emotional responses, overall user-friendliness, and much more.

Mastering UX design can do a lot to pad your resume. The skill is in high demand and shows no signs of slowing down.

Graphic Design

Graphic design is a marketable and high income skill that leads to many work opportunities. You can land a full-time career in advertising or work on your own through freelance endeavors. Whatever the case may be, everyone needs graphics to accompany their digital footprint.

Graphic design is a creative pursuit that does require work to improve at. It's not like web design, where you can start with templates and pre-made elements. Many graphic designers create their work from scratch to convey a message or establish a theme.

There's no shortage of projects to tackle. As a graphic designer, you may find yourself creating a logo one day and drawing up infographics the next.

Video Editing

Video editing wasn't always a high income skill. A couple of decades ago, it was something you didn't need to know unless you worked in media arts. However, things are a lot different today.

Companies don't need to hire third-party media companies to create video content! Everything is more accessible than ever. As a result, more brands are developing video content for advertising and social media.

Social networks view video pretty favorably, making it a quick and easy way to garner attention for products or services. Putting together well-made videos for Instagram or YouTube is cost-efficient and has a significant marketing impact.

Video editing skills are in high demand these days. Because it's so new, there are not many requirements for education. Anyone can learn to use popular software, and those with creative backgrounds tend to excel on the artistic side of editing.

It's a versatile skill with opportunities in many industries!

Data Science

If you enjoy sifting through data to find patterns and solutions to problems, this is a skill you should hone.

Many of the high income skills you'll hear about are focused on some form of marketing and advertising. That's not necessarily the case with data science (at least directly). Data science is an analytical skill that revolves around problem-solving and efficiency.

From communications providers to machine learning engineering companies, they all need to analyze data. Companies have access to more data than ever, but making sense of it can be quite a challenge. Data science skills let you work proficiently to find solutions to complex problems, identify trends, and more. Your insights and analysis will help a company improve their processes and understand what they need to do in order to thrive.

The work you can do with this skill varies widely. However, all projects are analytical by nature and require proficiency in statistics, data visualization, mathematics, and code.

Trades

In high school, you likely didn't hear many advisors talking about the merits of honing trade skills rather than focusing on broad academic degree programs. But times are changing. Vocational degrees and certificate programs are becoming more popular because they focus on practical high income skills rather than general knowledge.

Trade skills can take you far, and there are many different kinds of skills to learn. Some of the most reliable trade professions are electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and HVAC installers. Society is always going to need people with those trade skills.

While underappreciated by some, those trade professionals keep modern society going. Every home and commercial property needs an electrician and a plumber!

Other trade skills are available to learn, too. Any skill that prepares you for a specific job can be considered a trade skill. That means everything from elevator mechanics to instrument repair applies.

Not every tradesperson will earn a high income right off the bat, but as you become more proficient your earning potential will grow significantly. If this seems interesting, here's our list of the best trade school jobs.

Social Media Marketing

There's no denying that social media reigns supreme in today's market. Gone are the days of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram being nothing more than time-wasters. These days, those platforms are money-making machines!

More than half of the world's population is active on at least one social media platform. It's easier than ever to reach a broad audience.

Who would have known that being good at social media could get you so far? Ask any successful influencer, and they'll tell you that there are plenty of opportunities to grasp in the social media sphere.

Businesses often hire dedicated social media managers to handle these accounts, with many offering very high pay. Responsibilities include creating posts that stay true to the brand, interacting with consumers, networking, and more. It's a taller order than most realize.

Because social media managers represent the company as a whole, they take great care in choosing the most qualified person they can. If you have the necessary skills it can be quite profitable!

Paid Advertising

Paid advertising is a unique skill sought after by retail companies and businesses looking to advertise their products or services. This high income skill often involves a specific advertising channel called PPC, or pay-per-click.

With this advertising model, businesses pay a fee each time Internet users click on an ad. It can be a successful form of marketing that provides a more direct connection than alternatives like SEO, and it requires great skill to do well.

Businesses often hire PPC specialists who can design and execute campaigns successfully. The job involves many subsets, including copywriting, graphic design, and conversion optimization. When all the pieces fall into place, you have a captivating advertisement that attracts attention and encourages action.

There's also an art to managing campaigns to get the most bang for your buck, because you need to run ads that convert (or else the company loses money). Understanding the complexities of paid advertising can make your resume stand out. It also opens up doors for freelance jobs or starting your own paid advertising business.

The Value of Learning High Income Skills

High income skills are in demand, offering excellent job security and a positive outlook for the future. Not only that, but these skills come with better pay and plenty of room to grow as your abilities improve.

But that's not all.

The most profitable skills you can learn offer long-term flexibility. You can start your career utilizing these skills to work as an employee for a company, but you'll also have the ability to branch out and do your own thing if you want!

Start your own business, do freelance work, or become an independent contractor. The choice is yours. As long as you continue to improve your skills, the ball is in your court.

Be Patient

One of the most important things to remember when learning any high income skill is that hard work and dedication still apply! These skills can be quite profitable and help you secure your financial future, but it's not going to happen overnight. These aren't "hacks" or "get rich quick" schemes.

It takes time to master these skills, and you'll invest years into them. The good news is that high income skills pay more the better you become. But even after you get to a point where you're making the big bucks, keeping your abilities current is a lifelong process.

Nothing in life comes for free. These skills can do a lot to give you the financial freedom you desire, but you have to work to get there!

Conclusion

Now that you know the best high income skills to learn, it's time for you to pick your favorites. Everyone gravitates toward certain jobs more than others, and it's no different with the list above.

If you're creative, maybe consider learning graphic design. If you're a strong writer, copywriting could be your calling. If you're highly analytical, learn data science!

No matter what you settle on, the skills in this list can be highly profitable. Stick with it, get better, and being paid well will be the last of your worries.

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA.

Veterans once formed the core of the United States' entrepreneur and business founder class in America. Nearly half of WWII Veterans launched businesses after the conclusion of their service compared with just over 5% of today's Veterans. There are a few reasons for this. Compared to their civilian counterparts, research reveals Veterans struggle to:

• Access capital necessary to launch and grow a business.
• Access to business/professional networks.
• Apply their military training as a competitive business advantage.

IVMF: Helping Veterans and military spouses achieve

For more than a decade, Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) has empowered Veterans and military families to create their very best post-service lives. For many, that includes opening a business, and IVMF has worked hard to make that American dream more accessible to Veterans nationwide through a broad portfolio of training programs and conferences.

There are programs and resources available for aspiring business owners with little more than an idea (ideation phase), or those who are still getting their business off the ground (startup), and even programming for entrepreneurs with well-established businesses (growth). No matter the phase of business, participants have an opportunity to network with their local and national Veteran business community, learn about resources for Veteran entrepreneurs, and educate themselves with best practices for overcoming the challenges of business and those unique barriers facing Veteran entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV)

Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) was created by the IVMF in 2007 and has expanded to nine universities across the country by providing foundational business education and training for Veteran entrepreneurs launching their first business.

At no cost to the participant, EBV attendees have access to a 30-day online, live, instructor-led course where they'll learn business fundamentals and how to take advantage of unique Veteran-focused opportunities and resources to give their business its best chance of success. After the online component, there is an 8-day intensive residency at one of IVMF's consortium partners. Expenses related to participant travel, lodging and curriculum are all covered at no cost to participants. During their residency, participants undergo intense learning opportunities covering a wide variety of entrepreneurial topics to reinforce a strong business foundation and, just as importantly, network with a community of like-minded Veteran entrepreneurs.

83% of EBV graduates that launched businesses are still operating today

Don't miss out on the chance to make your business dream a reality. Learn more and apply to IVMF's Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans today.

Find the perfect free program for your business or idea

In addition to EBV, the IVMF has over a dozen entrepreneurship programs ready to meet Veterans and military spouses where they are in their entrepreneurial journey. No matter if you have a powerhouse business already generating millions in revenue, or a business idea written on a napkin and a dream of quitting your day job, or anywhere in between, IVMF has a program that can help you get started confidently, with a community of fellow Veterans at your back.

Not sure which program fits you best? Reach out to IVMF's Enrollment Services and talk with a real person who cares about setting you up to win.

Knowing the best questions to ask recruiters can make your job search simpler and save time for everyone involved. But a lot of job-seekers aren't sure how to approach recruiters when it comes to finding out information about a company or position.

Fortunately, we've put together this list of questions to make the process easy. Give it a read before your next talk with a recruiter!

Can you provide more information about the interview process?

Preparing for what lies ahead in the hiring process is always a good thing. If you're seeking job opportunities from multiple companies, you need to know how to plan your interview strategy. It's also crucial to understand the hiring timeline.

For example, some companies will go through several rounds of interviews that could take weeks. Some may even require a security clearance that could take months. All of that information is critical.

Recruiters are usually more than willing to provide this information. Generally, they'll talk about the rough timeline, when you can expect to hear back, etc. They may even give you the names and LinkedIn profiles of the people you'll be talking to.

How long has the job been open?

This is one of the best questions to ask recruiters because it provides valuable insight. It's about reading between the lines and getting a good idea of what to expect.

If the position is newly opened, you may be one of the first people interviewing for it. That could be a good thing, but it could also indicate that the hiring manager is in the early stages of fielding candidates. As a result, it might be a while until they make an official offer.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, a job available for several months could be a red flag. It could indicate that several other applicants passed on the offer, or it might mean that the hiring manager is indecisive or looking for something super specific.

How would you describe the company culture?

It's easy to get a rough idea of the type of work you'll do when looking at a job description. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's the right fit for you.

Company culture matters, and it could be the thing that makes or breaks your success. Incompatible work styles could make you feel miserable every day if it's not a good match.

For example, some work cultures are all about the grind. Alternatively, you could walk into a more relaxed environment that's looser than what you're used to. Either way, this is all information you need to know to decide if the hiring process is worth pursuing. It's an important question to ask recruiters (or at least ask at the end of an interview).

What does a normal day look like for this job?

This is another question to ask recruiters that provides more insight than it might seem at face value. Recruiters may not know everything about a position, but they likely have a decent amount of information they can share. Every bit counts.

Their answer could unveil more about the day-to-day operations. It could give you a glimpse of how your work-life balance might be. You may even learn about ongoing projects or the types of people you'll interact with regularly.

What skills are needed in order to succeed in this role?

A job posting gives you some idea of what hiring managers are looking for, but it rarely paints the entire picture. Here's where you get to learn more about the position and the types of qualifications you might need to succeed.

This is a good question to ask a recruiter because it will help you determine how qualified you are to apply for this position and whether it's something you want to pursue. Even if you don't have every necessary skill at the moment, you can use this information to be strategic about your interview and resume. Highlight the most relevant skills and make sure you stand out as an applicant (and consider doing some additional training to develop the skills you don't have).

Why is this position open?

You might not think the past is irrelevant, but learning everything about this position makes a big difference. Asking this question to recruiters can give you helpful information about what you're walking into and the organization itself.

For example, you may learn that the organization is moving in another direction, and you'd be responsible for that transition.

There's a lot to learn about the role dynamics, and asking this question can give you the insight you need.

Has this role been created, or would I be filling an existing position?

If you're lucky enough to apply for a newly created role, you don't have any shoes to fill. However, there are still standards to meet. This question can help you learn about company expectations.

It encourages the recruiter to tell you why the position was created and what the company expects to gain from it. Are there clear definitions for this role, or is there flexibility to mold it how you see fit? That information matters and can change your entire approach when it comes to trying to land the job.

What are some of the common career tracks for individuals in this job?

Ideally, you don't want to stay in the same position forever. At some point, you'll want to advance your career. How does this position fit into that plan?

Asking about what former employees go on to do after leaving this role tells you a lot (this also made our list of questions to ask at a career fair).

You can learn about what skills you obtain in this role, what you can do with it afterward, and how it fits into the bigger picture. It also unveils some information about the company, such as whether they like to promote from within or if they treat this position as more of a transitory role.

Can you provide more information about the position?

This is a fairly broad question to ask recruiters, but that's by design. The goal here is to learn as much as possible about what type of job you're trying to land. A job posting only provides so much information.

There are many nuances to every open position. This is your chance to gain more insight.

Recruiters usually have a good grasp of the job and can provide more detailed information. The answer you get may lead to other questions. It's a great way to get the conversation rolling while learning everything you need to know.

What is the expected interview dress code?

First impressions matter with job interviews. How you dress could create a lasting impact on what interviewers think of you. The last thing you want is to underdress or overdress.

If a company is relaxed and doesn't “do” suits and ties, dressing to the nines could make you look like the wrong fit for the company culture. The opposite applies to showing up in jeans and a tee for an interview at a super formal company. This is a good question for interviewers because they will usually be able to steer you in the right direction if they have experience with the company you'll be applying to.

Does this job have the option for remote work?

Remote work is becoming increasingly common around the world, so it's perfectly reasonable to ask about this policy. It is a deal-breaker for many people!

Think about your preferred work environment. The answer to this question could help you decide if you want to continue or back out of the hiring process.

Many companies these days offer hybrid work policies that allow you to spend some time working remotely and some time in the office. Get all the clarity you need to ensure that this is the job for you.

How quickly does the company want to fill this job?

Finding a job can be just as demanding as having one. The only difference is that you're not getting paid for the former!

This question to ask a recruiter will help you understand the urgency of the hiring process. Companies that need it filled ASAP are more inclined to have fewer interviews. They may make an offer quickly, ushering you through the onboarding process faster (or being more willing to negotiate when it comes to salary and benefits).

If that's the case, you may want to prioritize this interview over others. Companies that aren't pressed for time may take months to extend an offer. That would tell you it's important to keep looking for other opportunities as well as this one.

How long have you been working with this company?

This is a good question to ask recruiters, even though it sometimes catches them off guard.

A recruiter that has worked with a particular company for a while can provide more insight into the culture and the interview process. Maybe they've worked with the hiring manager for years and can give you some tips on how to leave a positive impression.

They can also tell you about managerial styles, workplace culture, benefits, and more. They're you're “in” with this organization, so don't be afraid to ask these questions.

What qualities are you looking for in a new hire?

We're not talking about hard skills and base qualifications here. Every hiring manager looks for soft skills that could make or break an individual's success in this position.

For example, they might look for someone who can take charge, solve complex challenges, and be proactive enough to get work done as quickly as possible. Or, they may want someone who goes with the flow and is easy to collaborate with on important projects.

The answer to this question can put you ahead of the curve and give you the information you need to plan your interview response.

What is the salary range for this position?

Of course, you'll want to ask about the salary. There's nothing worse than going through an entire interview process to realize that the pay is well under what you expect. Avoid that disappointment and ask this question upfront.

Some recruiters are hesitant to provide an answer. Don't worry: There's no need to negotiate (that comes later).

The goal here is to have a better idea of whether the salary fits your expectations or not. Depending on the answer, you could even use what you learn as leverage if you get a job offer.

Do you know anything about the team I'll be working with and how they operate?

If this job requires you to work closely with a team, it's important to ask this question to the recruiter you're working with. The answer will shed more light on your daily operations and the work culture as a whole.

There's a good chance that you'll walk into an already established team. Can you fit in, and what will your day-to-day be?

Ask about the team size, the direction it's headed in, and more. You can also inquire about past or present projects it's working on.

What is the hiring manager like?

As you probably know, the recruiter is not the person who is directly responsible for hiring you. That falls onto the hiring manager. They will interview you and oversee the entire hiring process.

Getting to know a little more about them can come in handy. Not all recruiters have a working relationship with hiring managers. But if this one does, they may have enough insight to tell you about their inner workings.

They can provide tips on how to impress, warnings about what to expect, and other relevant information you want in your back pocket.

Conclusion

Being familiar with the best questions to ask interviewers will come in handy when it's time to talk. By the time you're done with your conversation, you should have plenty of helpful information to aid you moving forward!

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA.

Brick by Brick Vets has found an unconventional approach to reach Veterans. The online gaming organization for Veterans is using Twitch, a networking and streaming platform used by gamers, to host two-hour Q&A sessions with VA experts.

In addition, Brick by Brick Vets owner and operator, Army Veteran Justin DiSantis, and Air Force Veteran Eric Gyamfi, host a weekly esports community Twitch stream to build a community of Veterans and supporters promoting mental health, life skills, leadership, successful transitioning and play.

Brick by Brick Vets was founded on the belief that the camaraderie and support experienced in the military should continue beyond service. From networking opportunities to connecting Veterans with essential resources, the organization strives to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where Veterans can thrive.

In November 2024, Brick by Brick Vets hosted a Twitch livestream with Army Veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Earl Plumlee. The event provided Veterans an opportunity to engage directly with one of the nation's most decorated heroes. Plumlee shared his inspiring journey, discussing topics such as service, sacrifice and mental health, while taking questions from the community.

The outreach efforts on Twitch are more than just a new approach to connecting Veterans with resources; they represent a shift in how organizations can directly communicate with and reach Veterans. The success of Brick by Brick Vets' use of Twitch highlights the platform's potential to engage a demographic that may feel more comfortable in an online environment than in traditional, in-person settings.

By hosting live sessions, Veterans are able to interact in real-time, ask questions and receive immediate responses, creating a dynamic and accessible form of support. These live engagements provide an opportunity for Veterans to participate in discussions from the comfort of their homes, bypassing the barriers of travel and geographical constraints. Additionally, these interactions offer more flexibility and immediacy than traditional outreach methods, ensuring that Veterans can access critical information and support when they need it most.

With the online space growing increasingly vital in the Veteran support landscape, platforms like Twitch are not only places for entertainment but also hubs for building communities and providing essential resources.

Veterans can join the Brick by Brick Vets community through Twitch and Discord. Each community offers its own unique brand of camaraderie and support, combined with the love of gaming.