近日，美國通過調(diào)查選出了“全美50個最棒的工作”，其中系統(tǒng)工程師名列榜首。

這些工作是如何選出來的呢？CNN Money和合作，先從 7000 多個職位中挑出 260 個年薪中位數(shù)在 65,000 美元（44.36萬人民幣）、需要大學(xué)以上學(xué)歷、而且未來十年內(nèi)會增加 10% 以上的工作，再把這 260 個工作剔掉前一陣子經(jīng)濟(jì)蕭條中比較慘淡的幾個，留下前 100 名。這前一百名的職位實(shí)際訪問 35000 名員工后，根據(jù)目前的就業(yè)狀況、長期成長、穩(wěn)定度、生活質(zhì)量等項目，再將范圍縮小到 50 個職位，就是最佳的 50 個工作啦！

五十個工作中，IT 產(chǎn)業(yè)就占了十位，除了第一名的系統(tǒng)工程師之外，IT 計劃項目經(jīng)理（IT Project Manager）在第五，計算機(jī)／網(wǎng)絡(luò)安全顧問在第八、軟件開發(fā)工程師在第 12、軟件產(chǎn)品經(jīng)理第 16。技術(shù)編輯（Technical Writer）也榜上有名喔，在第 28。

但這和醫(yī)療照顧產(chǎn)業(yè)完全沒得比，不僅入榜 12 名，而且?guī)缀醵荚谇岸伟?-- 12 個里面最差的（Speech-Language Pathologist，啥鬼啊）也有 27 名。往常比較吃香的金融產(chǎn)業(yè)大概受到這次金融風(fēng)暴的影響，只入榜 7 名，而且除了注冊會計師（Certified Public Account）在第六名之外，其他大多在后段班。前十名如下，附上了工作描述、工作優(yōu)缺點(diǎn)和加入這個領(lǐng)域的必備條件，有興趣的小盆友可要讀仔細(xì)啦！

1. Systems Engineer（系統(tǒng)工程師）

What they do: They're the "big think" managers on large, complex projects, from major transportation networks to military defense programs. They figure out the technical specifications required and coordinate the efforts of lower-level engineers working on specific aspects of the project.

Why it's great: Demand is soaring for systems engineers, as what was once a niche job in the aerospace and defense industries becomes commonplace among a diverse and expanding universe of employers, from medical device makers to corporations like Xerox and BMW.

Pay can easily hit six figures for top performers, and there's ample opportunity for advancement. But many systems engineers say they most enjoy the creative aspects of the job and seeing projects come to life. "The transit system I work on really makes a tangible difference to people," says Anne O'Neil, chief systems engineer for the New York City Transit Authority.

Drawbacks: Long hours are common; project deadlines can be fierce.

Pre-reqs: An undergrad engineering degree; some jobs might also require certification as a certified systems engineering professional (CSEP).

2. Physician Assistant（醫(yī)師助理）

What they do: Call it MD lite. Working under the supervision of a doctor, PAs do all tasks involved in routine medical care, such as diagnosing illnesses and assisting in surgery. In most states they can write prescriptions as well.

Why it's great: You get the satisfaction of treating patients minus insurance hassles, since PAs have far less administrative responsibility than the typical MD. "I'm part of a team yet have a lot of autonomy," says PA Robert Wooten.

You don't have to take on the time or expense of med school and the field is virtually recession-proof, owing to an ongoing shortage of primary-care physicians. PAs are also far cheaper to employ than MDs, so demand is expected to steadily increase as medical facilities try to rein in costs, says Bill Leinweber, CEO of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

And since they don't need as much specialized training as doctors, PAs can switch from, say, geriatrics to emergency care with relative ease.

Drawbacks: It's a fairly new profession, so the number of annual job openings is still small.

Pre-reqs: A master's degree; 100 hours of training every two years; recertification every six.

3. College Professor（大學(xué)教授）

What they do: Teach and grade papers, of course. But profs also spend about half their time doing research and writing articles and books about their field.

Why it's great: For starters, major scheduling freedom. "Besides teaching and office hours, I get to decide where, when, and how I get my work done," says Daniel Beckman, a biology professor at Missouri State University. And that doesn't even take into account ample time off for holidays and a reduced workload in the summer.

Competition for tenure-track positions at four-year institutions is intense, but you'll find lots of available positions at community colleges and professional programs, where you can enter the professoriate as an adjunct faculty member or non-tenure track instructor without a doctorate degree. That's particularly true during economic downturns, when laid-off workers often head back to school for additional training.

More valuable perks: reduced or free tuition for family members and free access to college gyms and libraries.

Drawbacks: Low starting pay and a big 50% salary gap between faculty at universities and community colleges. If the position is at a four-year university, you'll probably have to relocate, and you'll be under pressure to constantly publish new work to sustain career momentum.

How to get it: For a tenure track position, you'll need a Ph.D. But all colleges want at least a master's degree and prefer plenty of teaching experience.

4. Nurse Practitioner（護(hù)士）

What they do: In addition to performing routine caretaking tasks, nurse practitioners have the advanced medical training to diagnose and treat a wide range of ailments. They can also prescribe medication without consulting an MD.

Why it's great: Thanks to the growth of retail health clinics and the shortage of primary-care doctors, opportunities abound for nurse practitioners in settings from hospitals and urgent-care centers to private practice. They can specialize in fields such as women's health or oncology. Experienced nurse practitioners looking for a change of pace can shift to teaching or medical research.

Nurse practitioners are also specifically trained in patient teaching; disease prevention is typically a large part of their practice. "Helping people see that small changes in their lifestyles can make a big difference to their health is very rewarding," says New York City nurse practitioner Edwidge Thomas.

Drawbacks: Constant insurance headaches. Education requirements are ratcheting up.

Pre-reqs: Must first complete training to get license as a registered nurse; master's degree, plus certification. A doctor of nursing practice degree is increasingly in demand, which requires about three additional years of study.

注：中文部分摘自engadget中文版。