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While there is a lot of bad economic news and dire job loss predictions, there is reason for hope. There are areas of job growth and exciting new industries and careers that are growing. While you may need to get a job now, you will also want to keep exploring good job opportunities and developing new skills so you will be ready to thrive in the workplace of today and tomorrow. In this activity, you will look at 60 jobs in four high growth industries. One of these jobs could rock your future!
View Hot Jobs in a Weak Economy
To get started, view this four-minute video, Hot Jobs in a Weak Economy, and listen to the advice Alex Hockman has to offer. He will give you some clues about where to expect job growth and a few strategies on how to find and grow a good job. On your guide, write down Hockman’s three tips for finding a job.
Scan the Top 60 Jobs that Will Rock the Future
This interesting article on the Businessweek’s Business Exchange, offers some extraordinary and exciting descriptions about jobs of the future. They explore four major areas of job growth including Health Care, Science and Engineering, Environmentalism, and Digital. We will use this article to explore job opportunities that might interest you.
1. Health Care
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2004 and 2014, seven of the ten fastest-growing jobs in the U.S. will be in healthcare. As our population ages, and we continue to experience an influx of immigrants, millions of Americans will need more health care services. Jobs should become more available in nearly all specialties, from nursing to coding, imaging to hospice. Review the thirteen job descriptions and list three that interest you on your guide.
2. Science and Engineering
Because almost every product created is the result of engineering, and engineers use science to solve practical problems, jobs in science and engineering are expected to grow much faster than other occupations. While science and engineering jobs require extensive education and training, there are many technician jobs that require skills you can acquire in two years or less. Look through the list of eleven science and engineering jobs and write down the names of the three technician jobs.
3. Environmentalism (Green)
Jobs in energy and the environment could triple over the next decade. Green jobs are popping up everywhere in a variety of fields and industries. Green jobs require skilled workers and pay 10 to 20 percent more than other jobs. There is great energy and enthusiasm around the green movement and a lot of the federal job money is going toward clean energy sources and training programs to make things “green.” Scan the eleven jobs described under Environmentalism. On your guide, write down what a Wind Technician and a Renewable Energy Technician do, and where you think you could find these jobs.
4. Digital
In our increasingly digitized world, Americans are turning more to the Net to shop, communicate, conduct business, and entertain themselves. If you are looking for some of the highest paying hot jobs, the Information Technology Sector is the place to look. In the 60 jobs article they list thirteen digital jobs. Review at least five of these jobs and then write down three skills a person seeking a digital job should possess.
In the … And Beyond section of the article, they list an additional ten jobs you may choose to explore. Your future is bright and filled with options and opportunities. If you came across a job that interests you, and you want to learn more about it, check with your campus career center. Remember, tomorrow belongs to those who prepare today.