If
you think looking for a job and finding a career are the same thing,
think again. With the U.S. unemployment rate under 5%, almost anybody
can find a job. The bad news is that many of these jobs are low-paying,
come without benefits, or offer little in the way of security. Finding
a career where you have the upper hand takes a little more long-term
planning than simply finding a job, but it will be well worth it in the
long run.
These ten careers--in four major job sectors--are likely to be rewarding
because employees in these fields are expected to find themselves in an
employee's market.
For
better or worse, you can't fight demographics, and those demographics
show that the average American is getting older. Healthcare needs
increase with age, so as the baby-boom generation enters retirement,
healthcare workers are going to be in more demand than ever.
Career possibility #1: Personal/Home Health Aide. As people age, healthcare becomes more of a day-to-day issue, which is why personal/home health aides are in such demand. Health aid training will give you enough background to get started in this field.
Career possibility #2: Medical Assistants. Demand for this occupation is growing, but so is the demand for formal training. You'd want to take some medical assisting courses
in school--or even consider a medical assisting degree.
Career possibility #3: Mental Health Counselors/Social Workers.
The psychological aspect of healthcare cannot be overlooked. Consistent
with the theme of an aging America, Alzheimer's disease is creating
more and more mental health challenges, but there are also conditions
such as autism which are becoming more common in the general
population. Psychology programs are offered in many schools, and online psychology degrees are also available.
The
big concern with information technology (IT) has been that some
programming and customer support functions have been outsourced
overseas. However, certain IT functions are more hands-on, and these
are the areas where trained workers remain in demand.
Career possibility #4: Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts. Mastery of the computer system makes you indispensable to an organization. This takes a high level of training, so a degree in information technology is a must. Experience plus training is even better, so if you are already working, consider earning an IT degree online.
Career possibility #5: Computer Software Applications Engineers.
Routine programming can be outsourced, but there will never be any
substitute for the ability to create new, value-added applications. A computer programming degree is a good start, or go online to check out other types of computer science degrees.
Teaching is another career that is hands-on enough to be immune to outsourcing.
Career possibility #6: Teacher.
Dedicated teachers are in demand in virtually every part of the
country, and with the general population growing, this demand is not
going to wane any time soon. You will need a degree in education, and
an online teaching degree
is one way of meeting this requirement. You'll need teacher's
certification as well, so check your state department of education
website.
Professional Services
The nature of these services is highly-individualized, which is one of the reasons trained professionals are in demand.
Career possibility #7: Paralegal/Legal Assistant. These occupations are in demand because they can leverage the time of high-priced lawyers. There are paralegal schools across the country and online where you can pursue a paralegal degree or legal assisting training.
Career possibility #8: Financial Services. The heart of the baby boom is entering its peak savings years. Careers in finance can be highly compensated, so an MBA in finance may be well worth the investment. An online finance degree can be a way to give your current career a new boost.
Career possibility #9: Accountants and Auditors. These have some of the same characteristics as financial services careers. Training can be found at a variety of accounting schools, or consider an online accounting degree. Specialize in taxes or estate planning or fraud to attract even bigger opportunities.
Career possibility #10: Employment Services.
With all the job demand described above, it should be no surprise that
this is expected to be the fastest growing segment of the professional
and business services sector. Plus, what better way to keep track of
evolving employment trends than working as a recruiter or placement
specialist? Consider earning a human resource management degree either online or at a traditional school.
As always, check out the relevant accreditation standards for any career training
and educational program you choose. As for making that choice, the
bottom line is, if you want a job where you'll be in demand, just look
at society's trends and follow those trends toward your new career.
