Throughout your whole life, you have probably been given the advice to keep an eye on the future and plan accordingly. It's possible that someone advised you to give some thought to where you want to go to college, what subject(s) you want to major in, and what kind of job you want to have. This is particularly true for those who are still in high school.
The reality is that it probably won't go you very far if all you do is worry about your profession. You are going to need to put some effort into planning and doing research. Because of the quick pace at which both technology and the rest of the world are evolving, it may be very impossible to predict what the job market will be like in ten years, much less when you will have graduated from college.
How are schoolchildren meant to know which jobs will be the most desirable in the years to come? When making a decision, what are some crucial factors to take into consideration? Don't be concerned since we have everything under control to ensure your success over the long haul. Here is a list of some of the most promising occupations for the future, along with advice on how you might break into those fields.
1. Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Healthcare Professionals
When preparing for a profession that will be secure into the future, one of the crucial questions you should ask yourself is what services people are always going to need. Professionals in the medical field are indisputably at the very top of the list. People will always have a need for medical care, and despite the fact that the technology that we use to provide part of that care is always evolving, there will always be a demand for nurses, physicians, and other medical professionals.
Students have a variety of alternatives available to them, and they vary according to their area of study and the medical specialty they choose to enter. If you like dealing with patients and are interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN), you will need to get either an associate's degree in nursing, a bachelor's degree in nursing, or another certificate from a nursing school that has been given the appropriate accreditation. In addition to a bachelor's degree, you'll need to get a medical degree in the specialty you choose to pursue if you want to work as a doctor after you graduate from college.
Even better, students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field may be able to have their student loans cancelled. As part of the Federal Education Debts for Service (FELS) Program, which allows students to have some or all of their student loans forgiven in exchange for working in certain approved professions within the state of North Carolina, this program is being offered. A broad variety of nursing, allied health, and medical programs are all examples of professions and programs that are eligible for FELS funding. Be sure to check everything out and see whether the program you're interested in will help you get your student loans forgiven.
2. Data Analysts
In the last ten years, there has been a veritable explosion in one particular sector, and that field is the science of data analytics. Big data is more than just a passing fad; it's a rapidly expanding industry that offers attractive prospects to recent college grads. In point of fact, the job prospects for computer and information research scientists (a category that includes data analysts as well) are among the brightest in the industry as a whole.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be a 16 percent increase in the number of employment available in this sector over the next several years. This is more than three times the typical growth rate for employment throughout the country, which is five percent annually. When you combine this with the fact that the typical salary for workers in this field was more than $118,000 in 2018, you have the potential to earn a significant amount of money. If you want to enter into the sector, you absolutely need to acquire a master's degree in computer science or in another discipline that is closely linked to it.
People who want to tear down barriers and smash glass ceilings in historically male-dominated industries may find success in data science, which is another reason why it is a promising subject. According to information presented in an article published by Forbes, women only make up 26% of the workforce in the field of data science in the United States. The good news is that there are wonderful initiatives out there that are working to alter these figures. One such initiative is called Girls Who Code, and it is intended to provide girls, starting in the third grade and continuing through college, with opportunities to participate in clubs and immersion programs. The program educates young women about the fascinating subject of computer science as well as the steps they need take to enter this competitive industry on their own.
3. Tradespeople such as plumbers and electricians
A four-year college degree is not required for all of the top occupations that will be available in the future. There are numerous jobs in the United States that have an urgent need for trained workers. According to the findings of a study conducted by the National Science Board, there are expected to be 3.4 million skilled labor positions that remain unfilled by the year 2022. There is a significant need for people with specialized skills, such as plumbers and technicians; in addition, they are professions that provide competitive compensation and excellent opportunities for professional advancement.
One of the many advantages that come along with working in skilled labor is the rapidity with which one might possibly join the profession. The majority of these jobs need at least a high school diploma and often an associate degree in an area that is relevant to the job, but they do not always call for a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university. Students who are interested in working with their hands in a competitive industry should give careful consideration to pursuing careers in skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical work, and others.
People who are interested in beginning their careers might participate in apprenticeship programs that are funded by the state. Students get the opportunity to investigate potential career paths in industries such as the energy business, where they may find a wide range of professions, from power plant operators to electrical technicians. You may even be able to uncover apprenticeship opportunities with particular businesses operating inside your field. Have your parents opened an NC529 account for you to use in the future? Apprenticeship programs are another possible use for these money.
4. Dentists and Dental Hygienists
No of the state of the economy, it is essential for individuals to maintain their oral health by going to the dentist regularly. The baby boomer generation is likely to have an increased need for dental care as they continue to age. The same is true for the millennial generation's focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
To begin working as a dental hygienist, students will need to get at least an associate's degree in the field of dental hygiene. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase of 11% in annual job openings in this significant industry over the next 10 years. A bachelor's degree is the first step in becoming a dentist. You will next need to get either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree (DMD).
The number of jobs available for dentists is projected to increase by seven percent by the year 2028, and the median annual salary for dentists in 2018 is nearly twice as high as the median annual salary for dental hygienists ($156,240 for dentists against $74,820 for dental hygienists).
5. Programmers and Software Designers
You are probably already aware of how significant of a part software plays in our day-to-day lives, unless you have spent the previous 20 years living under a rock (or in a cave without access to the internet). You may thank a software developer for everything from your favorite social networking platform to the newest app that you can't get enough of, and they deserve the credit.
It is almost impossible to overstate the significance of software engineers to the world as it exists now. A software developer is responsible for almost everything that you encounter while using your computer or smartphone. The laborious efforts of software developers are responsible for everything from the utility applications that allow you to create reports to the tools that help you organize and manage your activities, and even down to your favorite video game. And developers are responsible for much more than just building the programs themselves; they are also in charge of providing the updates and patches that are necessary to ensure that your favorite apps continue to function normally. It's no surprise that there is such a huge demand for developers!
In today's labor market, one of the vocations that stands out as particularly desirable is that of a software developer. It was voted number one in both the STEM and technology industries by U.S. News & World Report, making it their choice for the greatest job overall on their list of the 100 best occupations for 2020.
If this is the line of work you want to pursue, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a discipline that is closely linked to it. Additionally, many employers will look highly on candidates who have earned an advanced degree. You may also wish to take into consideration programs such as Girls Who Code, which were mentioned before, in order to assist you in establishing a basis for computer science prior to enrolling in college.
6. Experts in Computer and Network Security
The need for improved cybersecurity has increased in tandem with the overall trend toward an ever greater reliance on digital technology. Data breaches are a major concern since they put the confidential information of consumers as well as businesses at risk. IBM estimates that the entire costs associated with a data breach come to an average of $3.92 million. Because there is so much at stake, it should come as no surprise that businesses are ready to spend a substantial sum for someone to safeguard their data.
Starting pay for information technology security consultants may be as high as $80,000 per year, while compensation for higher roles, such as security director, can approach six figures. You probably have understood that getting a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or another discipline that is closely connected to cybersecurity is the ideal approach to begin a career in cybersecurity.
7. Installers and Technicians of Alternative Sources of Energy
It doesn't matter how you feel about things like climate change or the continuous use of fossil fuels; there's no denying that alternative forms of energy are likely to play an increasingly important part in the global energy landscape in the years to come. Alternative and renewable energy are enormous industries with a nearly endless untapped potential, and one way to tap into this potential is to create new electric vehicles. Other ways to tap into this potential include increasing the use of wind energy, expanding the use of solar power, or both.
The diversity of occupations available in the area of alternative energy is one of the most alluring aspects of working in this sector's labor market. There are a variety of fields, ranging from engineering and construction to installation and alternative energy research, in which you might pursue a career.
The employment of wind turbine technicians is projected to increase by an astounding 108 percent by the year 2024, making it the occupation with the highest rate of growth in the United States. In addition to having a high school diploma, you'll almost certainly be required to finish an associate's degree program that lasts for two years at a vocational or technical school.
8. Those Working in Mental Health Professions
It is becoming less taboo for individuals to seek assistance for their mental health at a time when it might be argued that more people than ever before need the assistance of mental health specialists. It is not a career that can be mechanized, and you will have a difficult time finding a compassionate ear from a machine if you do seek one out. Because of this, it is anticipated that the field of drug addiction, behavioral problem, and mental health counselors would see an annual growth rate of 22 percent between the years 2018 and 2028.
Both society as a whole and individual insurance providers are beginning to acknowledge the rising significance of mental health. Because of this, there is likely to be a significant increase in demand for professionals who have received the appropriate education and training to provide services related to mental health. Professionals such as psychologists, therapists, counselors, and social workers are included in this category. As is the case with a large number of other medical specialties, those working in mental health may be eligible for the FELS program that forgives student loans. Remember to check if your program meets the requirements to determine whether you are eligible for any reductions in the amount of your student loans.
To become a licensed psychotherapist, you will need to earn at least a master's degree in clinical social psychology or social work. Alternatively, you can earn a doctorate in psychology. If a career in mental health sounds appealing to you, consider the educational requirements for becoming a licensed psychotherapist.
9. Veterinarians
People have a lot of affection for their animals, and as a result, they are more than prepared to spend a lot of money on their upkeep. If you are someone who is empathetic and enjoys dealing with animals, being a veterinarian can be the most suitable profession for you.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited university in biology, zoology, chemistry, physics, or another discipline that is closely related is required to pursue a career as a veterinarian. You will also need to have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from a veterinary school that is accredited.
After receiving your education, you will have the opportunity to earn a respectable income as a veterinarian. The median salary for veterans was $93,880 in 2018, and the predicted growth rate for the next decade is 18 percent; this rate is more than three times greater than the average growth rate for all occupations.
10. Artificial Intelligence
What if, instead of being concerned about a robot one day stealing your job, you were the one responsible for developing the robot? Artificial intelligence is a dynamic and expanding subject that has a broad range of vocations, including robotics engineers, people who work in natural language processing, and those who do research on artificial intelligence.
There is a significant amount of opportunity for expansion in the artificial intelligence sector due to the fact that it is such a novel and fascinating area. A career in this field also has the potential to be very rewarding. According to a recent article published in The New York Times, leading researchers at major corporations may command wages in the high six figures. If working in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) is something that interests you, you will need to have a bachelor's degree at the very least; however, a master's degree in computer science is advised if you want to be placed into one of these bigger jobs.