Landing a high-paying job abroad could be all you need to change your family status for good. But it’s almost impossible to do that if you don’t have the necessary skills and degrees.
Some degrees could place you in the top earners’ chart and connect you to the crème de la crème of an industry. That’s why this article discusses the top 10 degrees you need to land a high-paying job abroad.
10 Degrees You Can Use to Get a Job Abroad
Here are the top ten degrees you can use to get a job abroad:
1. Nursing
Nursing is one of the most in-demand degrees in the world. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for nurses is increasing, with a 6% increase in demand for registered nurses (RN) and a 40% increase in demand for advanced practice RNs (APRNs) between 2022 and 2032.
This statistic is further supported by the reports of shortages in the nursing profession. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing in the US reports that about 100,000 RNs left the workforce between 2021 and 2022 due to stress, burnout, and retirements. There’s a projection that another 610,388 will leave by 2027.
As the Baby Boomers age and the need for healthcare grows worldwide, the demand for nursing degrees will continue to increase. This means that if you have a nursing degree in Nigeria, your chances of getting a high-paying job in the US or any other country are high.
2. Medicine and Surgery
Medical doctors and surgeons are among the highest-paid professionals in the world. ZipRecruiter reports that the average annual pay of a medical doctor in the US is $272,959.
Like the nursing profession, the demand for medical doctors is on the rise, with the Association of American Medical Colleges predicting a 122,000 shortage by 2032.
A degree in medicine and surgery is sure to guarantee you a high-paying job abroad. The opportunities are vast. You can specialize or decide to go with general medicine practice. You can also decide to practice in any country of your choice, from the US to Canada, the UK, Australia, etc.
3. Computer Science or Engineering
If you’re studying computer science or engineering in any Nigerian school, be sure to take it seriously as it could be your route to a high-paying job abroad.
Technology is one of the most in-demand skills in the world right now. As a tech expert, your job opportunities are vast, as you can work in any field, from health to banking, communication, manufacturing, etc.
A degree in computer science or software engineering could see you landing a high-paying job as a digital marketer, programmer, AI engineer, etc.
4. Engineering
Engineering is an age-long profession, but its relevance in modern society can never be overemphasized. While it’s true that engineers are most needed in countries with booming construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, it’s also true that they’re needed everywhere in the world.
Many engineering disciplines can land you a high-paying job abroad. Some of the most popular are mechanical, electrical, civil, computer, and aeronautics engineering.
Have you imagined what the engineers who build and maintain airplanes earn? What about the ones in charge of trains, spacecraft, mining machines, and other manufacturing and construction works?
An engineering degree is sure to land you a high-paying job abroad as the opportunities are numerous.
5. Agricultural Sciences
Every country is looking for ways to produce enough food to sustain its citizens. The rapid increase in world population means there’s a demand for more food, fiber, fuels, and raw materials. This has increased the reliance on agriculture, especially as many people drift towards careers in health, tech, and finance.
Agricultural science degrees are in high demand worldwide. There are job opportunities available in diverse roles, such as manufacturing, processing, research and development, quality assurance and control, marketing, etc. With an agricultural science degree, you could land a high-paying job in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.
6. Biotechnology
Biotechnologists are in high demand all over the world, especially in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability industries.
As a biotechnologist, you can engage in research for new drugs, therapies, and treatments for various medical conditions. You can also work in pharmaceutical companies where these drugs are developed. Biotechnologists who major in biomedical engineering are tasked with developing medical devices and technologies and those who major in agricultural biotechnology focus on genetic engineering, crop improvement, and the development of sustainable farming practices.
There are still many diseases in the world without a cure and the pharmaceutical industry needs the services of biotechnologists to get solutions. Therefore, your degree as a biotechnologist is sure to land you high-paying jobs in places like the US, China, Germany, etc.
7. Law
Lawyers with international experience or expertise in specific areas of law such as international business law or intellectual property law are in high demand abroad. They are needed mostly by Global law firms and multinational companies.
Therefore, your law degree can land you high-paying jobs in the corporate industry of countries like the US, Canada, etc. You can also practice law and handle high-ticket clients abroad if you have the expertise.
8. Data Science, Analytics or Statistics
It’s the era of big data and most companies are willing to pay a premium for people who can help them gain business insights from customer data.
As a data scientist, analyst, or statistician, you’re not restricted to any industry. There are opportunities for data experts and statisticians in the FMCGs, financial services, retail, travel, healthcare, and marketing industries. The good thing is, while Nigerian companies may not value your services, companies in the US, UK, China, France, Germany, and other developed countries will do anything to have you.
9. Medical Laboratory Science
Another degree that can easily land you a high-paying job abroad is medical laboratory science. There are huge employment opportunities for medical laboratory scientists in the healthcare, research institutions, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
As a medical laboratory scientist, you can diagnose and conduct some medical procedures on patients. You’ll also assist doctors by providing them with detailed information on a patient’s test results, enabling them to offer better care.
10. Mass Communication
A degree in mass communication offers many high-paying job opportunities abroad, especially in areas like advertising, media, corporate communication, etc.
There’s an increasing demand for skilled content creators worldwide, and mass communication graduates are better positioned to fill those roles. Many companies hire mass communicators to manage their internal communication strategies, employee engagement initiatives, and corporate branding efforts.
One good thing about mass communication is that you graduate with a good flair for writing and creative storytelling. This skill can earn you good fortunes, whether as an employee or freelancer. You can also attract high-paying remote jobs in areas like copywriting, content strategy, social media marketing, and more.
Conclusion
There are many degrees that can earn you high-paying jobs abroad. Some even allow you to work remotely or immigrate to your desired country.
A good degree can change your life for good. Therefore, you must examine carefully the degree that suits your career plan and invest your time and resources in it.
Hopefully, you’ve learned about the top 10 degrees that can easily land you a high-paying job abroad.
