Careers in Demand/Careers of the Future
What College Majors are in Demand? What Careers with a Bright Outlook?
You read that the best advanced degree major program to undertake is the one that ‘best suites’ your interests and passions. But, beware, meager love of a particular field of study likely won’t sustain you with long-term financial stability and job security. A review of the major degree programs and related careers that foster future monetary prosperity may be a worthwhile exercise. As would be expected, the Bureau of Labor Statistics can provide good statistics on the majors and career areas supported by a STEM focus. Jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math are expected to see massive growth over the next ten years. The STEM field also provides much room for a concentration area of study, a minor program of study, or a specialized area of study.
Another area that is increasingly growing in demand is that of Nursing. There are many various levels of post high-school formal education and training that can prepare you for a successful career launch in this field. There are many various occupations within the field of Nursing that are growing remarkably. Over the next ten years, the need for credentialed workers in the field of Nursing is expected to increase approximately ten percent.
There are other fields of study that can be recognized as servicing the rapid career growth in particular areas of industry (public and private). Below are links to resources providing some authentic insight into the major and career outlooks in years ahead.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fasting Growing Occupations – The Occupational Outlook Handbook provides information on the 20 occupations with the highest projected percent change of employment between 2020-30.
O*Net Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.
BLS Career Outlook – Projected openings in occupations that require a college degree.
Should I be researching careers and majors of the Future?
Some have concerns about the future and worry that the skills and schooling they receive will not necessarily prepare them for the jobs of the future. Some question if the ‘big-bang’ of the early 2020’s, where everything that could go online did go online, accelerated digitally enabled jobs? One thing is proven, employers of today need workers who can apply the latest technology, express an analytical perspective, and bring creativity to the workplace whether it’s within their studied discipline or in an inter-disciplinary manner. But questions remain. Which jobs will be at the top of the list in the future workplace? Is it a misconception that the only type of major program that pays off is one focused on a specific occupation?
Though it isn’t possible to predict exactly how the global labor market will develop, it may be wise to anticipate change no matter what major and career you embark on. Change may bring about detours and reconfigurations of plans in many ways; for example, technology-based innovation, unanticipated disruption (pandemic), and ever-evolving work trends (social media).
Of course, many of the jobs that exist today will be here tomorrow and will be a part of the future work world. New paths forward will emerge, however, in many disciplines and occupations as change is inevitable. How is it best to prepare for the anticipated plausible scenarios?
In the full range of perspectives, technology is probably the strongest influence that will continue to impact the workforce on a global scale. Other factors will play majors roles, too. A growing, ‘shared’ economy will see the rise of ad hoc and project-based work. An exponential increase in data collection related to almost every aspect of our lives has huge implication. The aging population in much of the developed world is rising dramatically due to improved health care, medicine, and lifestyles which lends toward less attrition in the workplace.
Perhaps the best route to take is to apply educated guesses on future workforce trends based on current situations. This means performing your due diligence in planning, research, realistic perspectives, and conscientiousness. The possibilities may turn out to be inspirational, astonishing, and rewarding.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Fastest Growing Occupations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Most New Jobs (2021)
Jobs for the Future – ‘JFF collaborates with national leaders in education, workforce development, business, technology, government, and philanthropy. We develop powerful partnerships and networks that help scale our impact nationwide.’
U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Reimagining Our Work
More Resources