Exploring different career paths involves more than simply finding a job. The process fosters personal growth, resilience, and adaptability in a rapidly changing market, helping you to pivot when your passions change or new talents emerge.  

If you haven't yet found a career that matches your personality and potential, don't worry — you're not alone. Many people are looking for high-paying jobs that let them use their strengths and skills to make a real difference. Keep reading to discover 12 job options that could be right for you. 

Tips When Exploring a New Career Path  

Whether you're just starting your career or considering a change, it's important to approach the job search intentionally. As you explore, consider the following suggestions. 

• Reflect on what matters most: Take the time to define what success means to you. What do you value most in a career? What type of work feels meaningful to you? 
• Stay open-minded: The best career for you today might not be the same in five years. Could your skills and experience be used in ways you haven't considered? Are you open to learning something new and completely different? 
• Seek guidance: Consider talking to career counselors, mentors, recruiters, or professionals in your fields of interest. Connect with individuals who are already doing the kind of work you’re curious about. Who in your network has a career path you admire? Have you ever asked them how they got there?  
• Research careers: The more you learn about different jobs, the easier it becomes to make informed decisions. What industries are experiencing high growth? What degrees or certifications are common in fields that interest me? Explore WGU’s career guides to learn more about the responsibilities, salary expectations, and job growth projections associated with various professions. 
• Take a career assessment: If you’re not sure where to start, WGU offers a free career quiz that can help you discover your strengths, get degree suggestions, and plan your career path.  

Navigating Career Choices: 12 Jobs for the Undecided 

Choosing a career can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure what you really want. While you might not know exactly what your ideal career looks like yet, you can still move forward. The job market offers a variety of opportunities that pay well and help you develop valuable, transferable skills. If you’re open to learning, growing, and gaining experience, there are plenty of directions you can explore that offer both stability and potential. 

1. Registered Nurse

Nursing is one of the most stable and in-demand careers in the healthcare industry. It’s not only a well-paying job, but also one that lets you make a tangible impact. The profession offers nearly countless ways to specialize, from nurse leadership and education roles to nursing informatics and community outreach. Whether you want to work in hospitals, schools, communities, or nonprofit settings, nursing gives you the power to change lives.  

The median annual pay for registered nurses is $93,600, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of RNs will grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034. To become a registered nurse, you’ll need to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. While an associate degree is sometimes the minimum educational requirement, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is increasingly preferred by employers, and earning this degree can unlock greater opportunities for career advancement. 

2. Information Security Analyst  

If you’re tech-savvy and interested in outsmarting hackers, then the information security analyst career could be perfect for you. This role involves monitoring networks for suspicious activity, investigating security breaches, and developing strategies to prevent cyberattacks. Most people enter the field with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance or cloud computing. Information security analysts earn a median annual wage of $124,910, and the demand is exceptionally high. The BLS projects that the employment of information security analysts will grow by 29% from 2024 to 2034.

3. Copywriter  

For those with a passion for storytelling and communication, copywriting offers a well-paying outlet for creativity. Copywriters craft persuasive messages that capture attention, inspire action, and strengthen brand identity through advertisements, websites, social media, and other platforms. 

While strong writing skills are essential, earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications can help you stand out from the competition and unlock career advancement opportunities. Earning a degree can also help you branch into other writing roles, including technical writing and grant writing. According to the BLS, the demand for writers and authors is projected to grow by 4% from 2024 to 2034, and the median annual salary for jobs in this field is $72,270. 

4. Patient Navigator

Unlike healthcare roles that involve bedside care, patient navigators focus on helping patients understand and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. They offer information, coordinate services, connect patients with services, and advocate for their needs. This nonclinical role is ideal for individuals who want to join the fast-growing healthcare field without providing hands-on medical care. Patient navigators earn an average salary of $50,669 a year. The BLS predicts that the employment of community health workers, including patient navigators, will grow by 11% from 2024 to 2034. Most patient navigators have a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, public health, nursing, psychology, or a related field.  

5. Health Information Manager

In the healthcare industry, accurate diagnoses and treatment rely on secure, reliable medical data. Health information managers (HIMs) oversee the organization and protection of patient records, conduct audits to verify data accuracy, analyze health information to gain insights, and enforce compliance with confidentiality laws and regulations. Medical and health services managers, including HIMs, earn a median annual salary of $117,960, with top earners making more than $200,000 a year. Demand for professionals who can effectively manage and protect healthcare data is rising sharply, and the BLS projects that employment in the health services management field will grow by 23% from 2024 to 2034. Most employers require HIMs to hold a bachelor’s degree in health information management, health information systems, or health informatics.  

6. Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical trials provide the evidence needed to advance medical knowledge and guide healthcare innovation. While doctors and scientists design these clinical research studies and trials, clinical research coordinators make sure they’re actually carried out. From recruiting and screening participants to explaining informed consent and maintaining accurate records, clinical coordinators oversee the day-to-day operations involved in clinical trials. They also play a crucial role in ensuring that all research adheres to ethical and regulatory standards. The BLS projects a 4% increase in the employment of natural sciences managers, which include clinical research coordinators, from 2024 to 2034. Salaries for this position vary depending on the scope of the research project and other factors. As of September 2025, the average annual wage for clinical research coordinators is $61,320. If you’re interested in becoming a clinical research coordinator, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in health and human services, health science, or a related healthcare field.  

7. HVAC Technician

While many high-paying, in-demand jobs require a college degree, HVAC technicians often enter the profession through an apprenticeship or postsecondary certificate program. An apprenticeship is a paid training program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice, enabling new technicians to develop skills while earning a paycheck. HVAC technicians install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They earn a median annual salary of $59,810. According to the BLS, the employment of HVAC technicians is projected to grow by 8% from 2024 to 2034, which translates to just over 41,000 job openings each year throughout the period.  

8. Digital Marketing Specialist

If you enjoy creative work, problem-solving, and have an interest in branding, audience engagement, or e-commerce, the digital marketing specialist job may be right for you. Digital marketing specialists create and manage online campaigns to help businesses increase brand visibility, generate leads, and drive conversions through a variety of digital channels. Many digital marketing specialist roles are remote jobs, though some companies require in-office or hybrid work. Educational requirements for this position vary, but earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications is a great first step. The employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow by 6% from 2024 to 2034, indicating steady demand for digital marketing specialists over the next decade. According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for this role is $73,000. 

9. Online Course Designer

Online course designers, also called e-learning designers, create engaging digital learning experiences for schools, universities, and businesses. They collaborate with subject matter experts, UX designers, and other professionals to develop course material that makes learning both enjoyable and accessible for students of all ability levels. Most online course designer roles require a bachelor’s degree in instructional design or education, with some employers requiring a master’s degree in educational technology and instructional design. The average salary for online course designers is $84,648 a year.  

10. Software Developer 

With a projected job growth rate of 15%, the demand for software developers is steadily increasing across a range of industries. Software developers are responsible for creating everything from operating systems and mobile applications to video games and robust cybersecurity solutions. They design software architecture, write and debug code, test functionality, and maintain existing programs to ensure optimal performance. The job also involves collaborating with designers, system architects, project managers, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality software that meets user needs and industry standards. While not every software developer job requires a degree, most employers require either a bachelor’s degree or significant experience, along with a strong portfolio of successful projects. Earning a bachelor’s degree in software engineering can equip you with the skills, knowledge, and practice you need to demonstrate your expertise to employers.  

11. Human Resources Specialist 

Human resources (HR) specialists assist with hiring, onboarding, and managing employees. They help recruit and screen job candidates, administer employment benefits, and ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies. The educational requirements for this job can vary. Some employers may accept significant HR experience instead of a degree. However, earning a bachelor's degree in human resources can help you stand out from the competition and qualify for high-paying jobs in the field. The BLS projects that the employment of HR specialists will grow by 6% from 2024 to 2034, resulting in approximately 82,000 openings each year during that period. The median annual salary for HR specialists is $72,910. 

12. Market Research Analyst 

Effective marketing strategies begin with a robust understanding of the target audience’s needs, preferences, and behaviors. Market research analysts gather and analyze data, study consumer trends, and test content to help companies make informed marketing decisions. Because the role blends psychology, data analysis, advertising, and research, people can enter this career with a range of educational backgrounds. A bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, psychology, or even user experience design can provide the foundational skills needed to get started. The demand for market research analysts is rising, and the BLS projects that the employment of professionals in this field will grow by 7% from 2024 to 2034. The average annual salary for market research analysts is $76,950. 

Earn an Accredited College Degree with WGU 

Whether you’re interested in business, healthcare, technology, or education, earning a degree from WGU can help you gain the skills and knowledge needed to broaden your career horizons. WGU also offers industry-relevant certificate programs that allow you to gain specialized expertise, boost your résumé, and advance your career without committing to a full degree program. WGU’s low, flat-rate tuition and flexible pacing make it an affordable way to earn a high-quality education. Take the next step toward realizing your professional goals by applying for free today.