Whether you are looking to launch your first career job, or you’re looking to shake things up and start a whole new career path for yourself, there is plenty to consider in the process. Clearly you want to choose a path that speaks to your interests, talents, skills, and knowledge, but at the same time, you want to choose something that shows promise and future. You want to know that the career you invest in will still be there two, five, 10, even 20 years from now.

One career path that is showing plenty of promise at the moment is that of a risk manager. In fact, according to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor, this is a career path that is enjoying a higher than average rate of growth. Over the next eight years, job growth is set at 16%, which is rather healthy and promising.

So, what does it take to launch a career as a risk manager? What will you need to do? Let’s take a closer look.

Start with Education

Just like with so many other careers, education acts as the foundation to success. While the only degree required is a bachelor’s degree, you can certainly beef up your odds of success by taking a more specialized degree program. Take for example the Master of Science Engineering Management, available through Kettering University Online.

With this program, you will be able to complete your studies completely online. What this means is that you don’t have to move to be closer to a campus, and you can even hold a job while pursuing your degree.

Other benefits of the online program include:

• The ability to customize your degree by picking a graduate certificate
• You’ll be able to practically apply what you are learning
• The online program can be finished faster than the traditional on-campus program
• The school is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
• It provides you with the communication and leadership skills to excel, plus the necessary knowledge

Once you have your degree, you will instantly increase your marketability, and you’ll be able to demand a higher salary since you have the skills that employers are looking for. And what can you expect to make? Risk managers have a yearly average salary of $113,940, which is dependent on certifications, education, the number of years on the job, and additional skills.

Develop the Necessary Skills

You also want to be sure that you are putting in the necessary time and energy to develop the necessary skills. These should include:

1. Excellent communication skills
2. Superior mathematical skills
3. A keen eye for detail
4. Advanced data analysis skills
5. The ability to stay calm and focused even under pressure
6. Superior time management and organizational skills
7. The ability to multi-task

While some of these can be further developed through your education, many will require a conscious effort to learn and advance during your own personal time.

Make Sure You Stay Current

Another tip is to make sure you stay current. What this means is that you make it a priority to stay up on the latest practices, trends, and news that are affecting the risk management industry. You can also look for career advice provided by professionals and blogging websites similar to Careers4U. This can help you understand essential skills and information that can help in up-to-date with the latest trends in the job market. Moreover, it will ensure you stay relevant and effective in your job.

Don’t Be Shy – Get Out and Network

It’s also time to kick any shyness to the curb and get out there and network. The more connections you can make before you actually start looking for a job, the easier it will be to break into the field.

So where can you go to network? There are a number of places and options available such as:

• LinkedIn
• Attending industry events (conferences, seminars, and trade shows)
• Joining online groups meant for risk managers

Understand You Will Start at the Bottom

Then there is the fact that you have to be understanding and willing to start at the bottom of the industry. You can’t simply expect to walk into a company and get a job as a senior risk manager straight out of school. It just doesn’t happen. Instead, you’ll be expected to put in your dues and get that all-important hands-on experience. It’s no different than any other job or industry in that sense.

A Fabulous Career Ahead of You

By following these tips and advice, and making sure you take a proactive approach to your career, you’ll be setting yourself up for a fabulous and rewarding career as a risk manager.