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Simple Present Tense – 10 Minute English Grammar

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There are three chief Tenses: The Present, the Past, the Future.

Broadly, verbs may refer to the time of an action/state or event.

The sentence formation follows:

  Singular Number Plural Number
1st Person I do We do
2nd Person You do You do
3rd Person He does  
  She does They do
  It does  

Note: When we use 3rd person singular, it must follow s/es after the verb.

For example:

Rohit does a lot many new things in his business.

She feels terribly sorry for her acts.

Uses of The Present Tense:

  1. To express habitual action: Rachel smokes.     Cats meow.     Cows eat grass.    I wake up at 4 in the morning.
  2. It can be used, mainly with the verb say, when we ask about or quote from notices, books or recently received letters: What does that announcement say? ~ It says, ‘No more delays will be tolerated’.

What does that book say? ~ It says, ‘Trust but verify.’

“There are three gates to the self-destructive hell: lust, anger, and greed”, says Lord Krishna

  • To express general truths: Barking dogs seldom bite.     Earthquakes occur often.     Rain gives water to life.
  • It can be used in newspaper headlines: India win(s) by 6 wickets.    Militants surrender.
  • In exclamatory sentences beginning with here and there to denote what is actually happening in the present. In other words, we can call it a ‘Dramatic Narrative’. Such sentences can also be possible without using ‘here’ and ‘there’, particularly when describing the action of an opera, play, etc. and is generally used by radio commentators at ceremonies, public functions, sports events, etc.:

There you go!

Here comes your bus!

Here comes the great Achilles!

At play and also while telling stories: Samantha is asleep in her bed and she wakes up groggily. Suddenly the window opens and a masked man with a dagger enters to kill her.

  • It is also used to introduce quotations: Chanakya says, “Books are as useful to a stupid person as a mirror to a blind person.”
  • It is used in the conditional sentences: If you do not work hard, you will not succeed. If I happen to meet Roger, I will ask this question.
  • It is used in time clauses: (a) when there is a routine idea:

As soon as he enters the room, his dog jumps on him for a hug.

She drops her child to school before she goes to work.

(b) when the main verb is in a future form:

It will get darker soon. Then we will go out for supper.

When it gets darker, we will go out for supper.

  • It is used for a planned future action or series of actions, such as referring to a journey.

Alright, folks! We leave tomorrow morning at 6 and arrive in London 9. We have a layover of 2 hours at Heathrow Airport before we fly to Los Angeles.

The same sentence construction is used for the planned activities:

The exam commences next week

  1. We have many several involuntary actions/senses for which we do not use the verb form of the present progressive tense. The list of such verbs is the following:

Verbs of the senses: feel, hear, see, smell, notice, observe (= notice), taste, recognize

I am watching this place carefully, but don’t see anything unusual.’

Rita is listening to the IELTS tape, but she has put on the headphones so nobody else hears it

Verbs expressing emotions and feelings: admire (= respect), adore, appreciate (= value), care for (= like), desire, detest, dislike fear, hate, like loath, love, mind (= care) respect, value, want, wish, hope, refuse, prefer

I hate touristy places, but I am enjoying this place for some unexplained reasons.

I love eating burgers, but I don’t know why I am not loving it today.

Verbs of appearing: seem, look, appear

It seems acceptable so you are good to go.

She looks beautiful, but today she is looking stunningly a knockout girl.

Verbs of thinking: agree, appreciate (= understand), assume, believe, expect (= think), feel (= think), feel sure/certain, forget, know, mean, perceive, realize, recall, recognize, recollect, remember, see (= understand) see through someone (= penetrated his attempt to deceive) suppose, think (= have an opinion), trust (= believe/have confidence in), understand.

I don’t agree with you on this point. And I assume you have a long way to go yet.

I see through his devious plan and also feel certain that he won’t be successful in it.

Verbs of possession: own, possess, belong to, contain, consist of

  1. It is used for giving directions: First of all, you go straight and take the right turn when you reach the intersection.
  2. It is also used in ceremonial or formal conversation: The jury pronounces you innocent.

Note: There are some verbs that can also be used in the continuous forms with a different meaning, e.g. I smell diesel. But when you sniff or try to sniff at something/someone, you can use the continuous form as well.

Why are you smelling the cup? Is it stinking?

Canada streamlines the student visa process for India, China, Vietnam and the Philippines

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduces the new study permit guidelines for students from India, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Since April 2009, the ambitious plan called the Student Partners Program (SPP) had been operational in India until three days back. The success of this proactive plan to invite international students, especially from India and China was evident and was all set to invite a great number of students year on year basis. Because of the consistency of this visa policy program, IRCC witnessed a multifold rise in the student number from India and other countries.

With the grand success of SPP, IRCC is making great strides in promoting Canada as a study destination for international students by implementing efficient ways to process study permits. Now, the government has decided to replace the SPP with the Student Direct Stream (SDS). The SDS visa framework is effective from 9th June 2018 in four countries: India, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. More importantly, the Government of Canada is working on expanding this SDS program to Africa and contemplating adding Kenya and Senegal. Senegal seems to be getting priority because it has a rich French colonial heritage. Recently, we have seen the government is keen on inviting international students and intended immigrants who are proficient in French language to meet the acute needs of the French speaking manpower in certain industries and in various pockets of the country. Senegal fits into this story!

All these four countries and probably along with the new entrants i.e. Africa, Kenya and Senegal would be aligned together into one program to ensure the operational smoothness and consistency.

What all new changes have been introduced in the SDS program? Let’s study the existing policies versus the previous ones:

SDS

SPP
Tuition payment for the first year of study at a designated community college in Canada Tuition payment for the first semester of study at a designated community college in Canada
No CHANGE Purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000
A qualifying score of at least 6 in IELTS, with no less than 6.0 band in any module* A qualifying score of at least 6 band overall in IELTS, with no less than 5.5 band in any module

* The Government website doesn’t clarify the score of individual module, but the country-specific-checklist does.

All these new changes have now become a reality. What ramifications could we expect from these new changes in the context of Indian students wishing to study in Canada?

  • The upfront tuition payment for the first year: To date, parents/sponsors have been paying the one semester tuition fees before the final application for a study permit was lodged. For example, if we take the average of annual tuition fee of any community college on the upper side it comes to around CAD$ 14,000 (₹ 756,000). The Indian students paid around CAD$ 7,000 (₹ 378,000) for being the first semester tuition fees plus CAD$ 10,000 for purchase of a GIC. This totaled to CAD$17,000 (₹ 918,000). With this new SDS program, the upfront tuition payment doubles to CAD$ 14,000. It means students would be making the payment of CAD$ 24,000 (CAD$14,000 + CAD$ 10,000). So, the total expense comes to around ₹ 1,296,000 against INR 918,000, an increase by ₹ 378,000.

Students whose parents are struggling with finances take a hit with this new change. Unequivocally, this new policy is better for the Government of Canada but may not bring happiness for some Indian students. Further, looking at the hawkish stance of the RBI in India it seems that the interest rate would go up whereby the educational bank loan would also become expensive in the months to come. In a nutshell, with this SDS program parents would have a double whammy of loan interest increases and the burden of additional payment of one semester tuition fee.

  • A qualifying score of IELTS: As I do not have the official statistics about the median individual score of IELTS of the Indian students, I am presenting my assumptions.

If we were to believe that students wishing to study in Canada needed minimum 6.0 band in each module of the IELTS test, there would certainly be a massive amount of frustration among students. Over the decades, we have seen students slide by 0.5 band score at least in one of the individual modules, especially either in Writing section or Reading section.  Some students may manage to keep their nerve and win over this difficulty, but NOT all for sure. Consequently, students really need to prepare well for the IELTS test or they may face desperation and loss of the hard-earned money after paying for the test repeatedly.

Any new change either brings the luck or puts someone down: One man’s nightmare is another man’s dream. Ergo, some students will be caught in the crossfire of a silent scream.

Who will be reaping the harvest of SDS?

It goes without saying that British Council and IDP would be the greatest beneficiaries of this new change of the test score revision. Their numbers are already on the rise, and they could witness another 20% to 25% growth for Academic IELTS in the Indian market.

CELPIP test arrives in India

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Paragon Testing Enterprises which is a subsidiary of University of British Columbia has finally decided to open a testing center in India by the end of Summer 2018. The first test center will be opened in the capital, New Delhi.

The CELPIP test center stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). The CELPIP is a 100% Canadian English test designed for permanent residence status. There are two designated tests accepted as evidence of English language proficiency by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for immigration purpose – one is CELPIP and the other is IELTS General module.

The CELPIP test is developed by Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of University of British Columbia. It is the first-ever Canadian English test which is designated by IRCC and mirrors the best in Canadian research. The test is designed to give prominence to Canadian English and accents as used in Canada.

The best part of CELPIP is it measures your functional language proficiency which is more relevant for day-to-day life. It focuses on test taker’s English abilities in a variety of different situations and contexts, such as how you communicate with your colleagues and others at workplace, interact with your friends, comprehend and respond to the written materials and understand news items. It is a complete measurement of your English abilities which include four modules of your language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

The CELPIP comes in two versions: the CELPIP – General test and the CELPIP – General LS test. Those who intend to immigrate to Canada can take the CELPIP General test to fulfill the requirement of English language proficiency for IRCC.

UK – Top 10 jobs with a handsome pay

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The 10 most in-demand jobs in the UK

 Current unemployment rate is 4.3% and inflation rate is 3%

The UK is known as a business hub of Europe. The country is also known for producing best scientists, innovators and business tycoons.  There are many high-paying jobs in various sectors. We have rounded up the list of high-paying jobs for you. Here are top ten unmissable jobs with the most potential:

  1. Quant developers

Job outlook: One of the sought-after jobs in the tech industry is a quant developer. Typically, they work with the team of researchers to create and deliver custom software solutions for businesses.

Average salary: £92,910

 

  1. Java architects

Job outlook: Java architects are considered the backbones in the tech world and their role is a key to the IT infrastructure. By analyzing information requirements, they define infrastructures for design and further integration of internet computing systems. They are responsible for determining platform architecture, and involved in many other technical indispensable jobs.

Average salary: £82,016

 

  1. Financial services lawyers

Job outlook: By the first look, it gives an impression that such professionals would be fighting in the court. But, it is not in real terms. Financial services lawyers advise clients about funds and asset management and pension. Their job also encompasses a wide range of responsibilities including getting their clients acquainted with the existing financial services regulation and insurance.

Average salary: £80,520

 

  1. Corporate lawyers

Job outlook: Amid corporate scandals and tax evasions, regulatory bodies have adopted stringent laws to protect the interest of shareholders and others in general. Because of severity in nature of corporate deals, some corporations have in-house legal counsel or retain the expert lawyers to defend their cases or fight such types of cases against others. These corporate lawyers help their clients to interpret laws and deal with the legal issues.

Average salary: £77,596

 

  1. Pediatric intensive care nurse

Job outlook: I guess this prestigious job does not need any introduction. Pediatric nurses have a huge responsibility on their shoulders to get young children back on their feet. Nurses work under high pressure situations. They care for critically ill children in intensive unit and share their up-to-date observations to the concerned doctors.

Average salary: £68,808

 

  1. General practitioners

Job outlook: GPs are the saviors on this earth and again one of the most sought-after jobs. Their demand would never die down ever. National Health Service (NHS) always has openings for medical practitioners in the UK.

Average salary: £68,369

 

  1. Lead business analysts

Job outlook: Business dynamics never remain constant and bring challenges all the time, especially when every company is out there to go to any length in competition. All the businesses need to make use of technology at the optimum level so as they can stay ahead of challenges. From gathering details about consumer behavior to any other business analytics they bring in new software and technologies. However, it is a daunting task for mangers to make employees use these new features top-down. Business analysts make sure that how everyone uses such a new fancy piece of software. So, somebody who has a knack of doing business analysis with the IT background puts this job in order.

Average salary: £66,475

 

  1. Sonographers

Job outlook: “According to Adzuna, sonographers – medical professionals who perform diagnostic ultrasounds on patients – were among the best-paid workers in the UK this year.”

Average salary: £66,374

 

  1. Senior iOS developers

Job outlook: iOS developers are responsible for designing, recoding and creating new mobiles apps powered by Apple’s iOS operating systems. The world is getting digital with the stronger penetration of iPhones worldwide; these developers seem to remain in demand for the years to come.

Average salary: £65,187

 

  1. Biostatisticians

Job outlook: The chief responsibilities of biostatisticians are to apply their skills of mathematics and statistics to a varied range of topics in biology. The UK is known for its researching on various ailments of humankind and discovering of breakthrough technologies for making life beautiful.

Average salary: £64,444

Reference: The Telegraph

Australia – Top 10 jobs with a handsome pay

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The 10 most in-demand jobs in Australia

 Current unemployment rate is 5.6% and inflation rate is 1.90%

Australia is transforming its overall industrial outlook in a big way. The key policy makers support many other industries which have not been very popular over the years. Therefore, we expect the occupation list such as this one will be revised intermittently. If we look at the occupations in demand, beyond doubt medical professionals top the list in terms of pay scale and range between $200,000 and $400,000 annually. This fact is known to all and hence we have cherry-picked those occupations which are not in the medical fields.   This article may help you find the right answer in the context of the Australian labor market. Here are top ten jobs which displays a strong demand:

  1.  Financial Investment Managers

Training needed: Minimum diploma or bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, commerce or other related field along with several years of work experience. A master’s degree with finance concentration is generally preferred.

Job outlook: The job duties of financial investment manager includes controlling, planning, evaluating and directing the operation of brokerage firms or other financial institutions that buy and sell bonds, stocks, and other forms of investments on behalf of institutional clients or individuals. They also manage the investment portfolios of their clients.

Median salary: $288,790

 

    2. Investment brokers

Training needed: Minimum diploma or bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, commerce or other related field along with several years of work experience.

Job outlook: This job role requires a very sophisticated set of skills of convincing clients to use the brokerage firm as a means of buying investments. For that, investment brokers must possess a detailed knowledge about the financial statements of companies that they recommend to their clients. They may need to explain clients why the particular financial product is a broker pick. Once the client agrees to buy an investment, the broker typically sends the buy order to the exchange floor (ASX = Australian Stock Exchange).

Median salary: $286,530

 

     3. Company secretaries– corporate governance

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in business administration is usually required. Some companies prefer candidates with law background with several years of practise. The membership of ICSA (Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators), the global body for corporate secretaries, lawyers and accountants is usually required.

Job outlook: According to David Jackson, Corporate Secretary at BP PLC, “in today’s world, the role of the Company Secretary has no one meaning and covers a multitude of tasks and responsibilities. That said, the role lies at the heart of the governance systems of companies and is receiving ever great focus.” Increased attention on corporate governance and tightening and stringent regulations by the government authorities to make companies behave and act in good faith, the demand of prudent and efficient company secretary has surged noticeably. It is a role that entails a lot of competency and high ethical standards of a company secretary to curb the corporate scandals. However, the duties of a company secretary vary from organization to organization, depending upon the size of company, the sector in which it operates, the type of the organization and policies and procedures it adopts.

Median salary: $218,432

 

     4. Actuaries

Training needed: According to VETASSES requirements, “this occupation requires a major Actuarial Studies or Actuarial Science. Actuarial Studies is the application of mathematical and statistical analysis in order to solve financial planning problems in areas such as insurance, superannuation and investment (ASCED).”

Job outlook: This is a super-duper exciting job and a very few know about it. Actuarial professionals apply mathematical models to forecast and calculate the probable future costs of insurance or pension. Insurance business is expected to grow everywhere amid different types of uncertainty. In the past, some people either saw it as an investment or the others believed having no value in this product.  With increasing awareness about the insurance products with a strong purchasing power of expanding middle class, the insurance business will continue to scale new heights. This occupation has a wide range of products for offer. Specialists in this industry design health, life and property insurance policies. They calculate premiums, pensions and superannuation and make a product which could benefit both parties: individuals (person/tangible asset insured) and product offering companies/governmental departments.

Median salary: $196,144

 

    5. Petroleum engineers

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or in a related engineering concentration. Licensing is also required to work as Professional Engineer.

Job outlook: Australia is known for the deposit of natural resources. The Australian land is rich with the deposit of ore, mineral, coal, uranium, bauxite, and other fossil fuels. Natural resources are prime contributors to the Australian GDP. This job does offer a promising career with the field hardships as usual. Primary duties of a petroleum engineer includes directing and monitoring oil and gas drilling operations, conducting feasibility assessment studies for the same and among others.

Median salary: $185,808

   

    6. Mining production managers

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in mining engineering or in a related engineering concentration. Licensing is also required to work as Professional Engineer.

Job outlook: As discussed, business of natural resources is one of the prime employing sectors in Australia. Mining production specialists/managers are in a great demand, especially in Western Australia and Queensland. This industry yields billions of dollars each year.

Median salary: $179,439

 

    7. Paving plant operators

Training needed: Trade certification from TAFE is required.

Job outlook: Australia is the biggest island which governs the entire continent in the world. Size matters! Both the federal and state governments aim at developing the world-class infrastructure and over the years this operation has consistently been gaining the speed of changing the landscape suitable to industries and for Australians. It is a usual sight to witness activities of cranes, railway maintenance, construction, drilling and paving. Considering the size of the country, paving plant operators will remain busy for the years to come.

Median salary: $123,281

 

    8. Geophysicists

Training needed: A bachelor’s degree in earth science or a related field is usually required with 4 years of work experience working in the same field.

Job outlook: Western Australia and Queensland where the earth excavation for fossil fuels and minerals are in full swings. Professional geoscientists/geophysicists make more than the median salary in some cases. It all depends upon the previous track record of the candidate and his contribution to discovery and business activities. The pay scale could go as much as $300,000 in some cases. The primary job of geoscientist/geophysicist is to help society meet its needs for natural resources.

Median salary: $117,575

 

    9. Engineering managers

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree or higher qualification is usually required. In some cases, experience of years may be considered.

Job outlook: Another field job paradise it is! Those are driven to do something challenging in engineering fields and not depending on the fate for employment. This occupation offers a stable and job satisfying equation. Engineering managers direct, plan, organize, coordinate and control the technical and engineering operations of large- or mid-sized corporations.

Median salary: $116,732

 

   10. Metallurgists

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related science discipline is required

Job outlook: Metallurgists design uses for new materials in traditional and related industries. These days, industries are also focused on scientific and new medical products. It is expected that material engineers will remain in demand in a near and long-term period.

Median salary: $110,359

USA – Top 10 jobs with a handsome pay

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The 10 most in-demand jobs in the USA

Current unemployment rate is 4.4% and inflation rate is 2.20%

Which occupation could assure me of a lifelong job security? Which occupations are trending now? These are complex questions. Oftentimes it is hard to find the right answer. We have no idea whether a specific occupation will remain in demand or increase demand in the future. One misstep could destroy the career of someone and may put him backwards only to switch it at a later stage. This article may help you find the right answer in the context of the US labor market. Here are top ten unmissable jobs with the most potential (medical occupations are in exception):

 

  1. Software Application Developers

 Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer systems engineering or software engineering with practical experience for entry-level

Job outlook: It is estimated that this occupation will witness around 25 per cent growth in the coming decades yet. Technology surrounds us all the time and innovators and software application developers are never going to be out of demand. Not only is a solid demand that is on the table, but engineers in this occupation are paid high salaries. The breakthrough technologies and ongoing revolution in mobile device industry cements a stable growth in coming years. So get on the board and build the world of future.

Median salary: $85,000

 

  1. Patents Attorneys

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in law and successful completion of bar exam and a completion of period of articling. Licensing is also required by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office and passing the patent bar exam.

Job outlook: Intellectual property is given a lot of significance, especially when certain patents could make large corporations earn windfall profits. There is no doubt that highest-paying and most-in-demand jobs are available in the tech industry, but reliance on the patent registration plays a crucial role for corporations and innovators. The importance of IP is certainly neglected in some parts of the world to some extent and therefore this occupation is sidelined citing there is no future.

 Median salary: $118,160

 

  1. Architectural Designers:

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in architecture with additional on-the-job training needed to gain competency in the skills. Registration with the relevant body is compulsory by passing a registering exam.

Job outlook: After the 2008-financial meltdown, the construction industry witnessed slowdown in business activities and there was an evident soft demand for architects. However, the 2016 turned out to be better than expected in the economic recovery and business activities in the US. Civil contracting corporations are experiencing a nascent uptick and home buyers are back.  There exists a steep competition among architects as a high number of students are graduating with degree in architecture. Yet, architects with the sound competency along with the eccentric designing ideas make it easily.

Median salary: $76,930

 

  1. Engineering Managers

 Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in computer or information science with related work experience is usually required.

Job outlook: The tech industry has been one of the main industries and largest contributors to the US GDP over the decades. The coveted high-paying jobs in the tech industry may witness around 12 per cent growth from 2018 until 2026. It is faster than the average for all occupations. Companies such as Google, Microsoft and Yelp have openings for this role.

Median salary: $135,800

 

  1. Veterinarian Doctors

Training needed: Minimum degree required is Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine with the state license

Job outlook: Are you an animal lover who wants to make the world more compassionate? If yes, then there could be no better job for you than this. The good news is the employment opportunity in this sector is expected to grow by 19 per cent until 2026, quite faster than the average for all occupations. Go help your loved ones!

Median Salary: $88,770

 

  1. Pharmacists

Training needed: Minimum degree required is Pharm. D with licensing that requires passing two exams

Job outlook: The US alone has more than 45 percent of global pharmaceutical market with the world’s leading giants, such as Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Merck, Johnson and Johnson, Novartis and among others. There is no doubt that more students are graduating in Pharm. D each year. Yet it is believed that this occupation has not lost the steam.

 Median salary: $122,230

 

  1. Finance Managers and Financial analysts

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in Finance (preferred), Economics or Commerce is usually required with the work experience of several years.

Job outlook: Do you want to watch and analyze the fighting between bulls and bears of the Wall Street? Or do you want to work with giants such as Amazon or NBC as a financial manager? Does the magic of numbers naturally ring the bell for you? If yes, then be a part of the financial world of the US which enjoys the highest GDP of $19 trillion. There are several core functions of finance managers, including risk management and cash management which are in a solid demand, and continue to grow higher.

Median salary: $121,750

 

  1. Biomedical Engineers

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or bioengineering or in a related field.

Job outlook: According to Melissa Burns, “biomedical engineers are the research elite of the medical profession. They develop new solutions in medical care; enjoy great respect and high salaries. Humankind today is more concerned with preserving and improving general health of people than ever, and high-tech improvements in this field are going to become more important in the years to come.” Demand for biomedical engineers is expected to increase by 27 percent in the next 10 years.

Median salary: $85,620

 

  1. Product Marketing Managers

 Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in marketing. An advanced MBA degree in the same field is more desirable.

Job outlook: Greed is good. That is what Harvard School teaches you, isn’t it? All the large corporations are in pursuit of swelling their top and bottom line. They can do so only by increasing their sales turnover of existing and new products. Ergo, there is an acute need of highly talented marketing managers who could come up with new ideas to snap the market share. It is a very competitive job position though.

Median salary: $127,560

 

  1. Psychologists

Training needed: Usually a doctorate degree in psychology is required with a license. A graduate degree may be sufficient for some positions.

Job outlook: As we learn more about how the human brain works, specialists in this sphere are going to be in great demand in the years to come. Psychological well-being is prioritized and there is a big section of our society which really needs a helping hand for their betterment.

Median salary: $75,230