by Kelly Romero
You can’t have a career you love if no one wants what you can do. Interests are important when choosing a field of studying, but there’s nothing wrong with drifting toward an industry in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor projects industry demand in the next decade. Family services, software publishers and health care providers are among the fastest growing fields, and young professionals with the skills to meet these demands will have a leg up when it’s time to hunt for jobs. Set yourself up for the future and study one of these booming fields, courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Family Services
You may be well-suited for a career in family services. The individual and family services industry is expected to grow by 37% by 2020.
Marriage and family therapists discuss the mental and emotional hurdles interrupting their patients’ happiness and develop strategies to overcome these issues. A career as a family therapist usually begins with a degree in psychology and requires a more specific master’s degree, according to labor statistics. If you enjoy the West Coast, Argosy University offers a master’s program in both Northern and Southern California. Argosy marriage and family therapy programs enable students to gain licensure as therapists in the State of California.
Software Developer
In the information age, consumers are eager to get their hands on the next piece of life-enhancing software. Software developers feed our addiction, and a projected 30% rise in development positions means we don’t plan on quitting soon. As of May 2010, the median annual wage of software developers was $87,790, according to labor statistics. At least a bachelor’s degree in computer science coupled with an apprenticeship focusing on a specialized language usually qualifies developers for the work force.
Home Health Care Providers
The demand for home health and personal care aids will cause 70% industry growth by 2020. These aids attend to elderly patients, helping them bath, preparing meals and otherwise providing comfort. Education requirements vary, and while it’s possible to gain employment with a high school diploma, professionals with education in healthcare and nursing have the chance to earn more money.
Construction
On a list filled with health and information services, construction is one of the few traditional industries poised for growth in the current decade. The construction industry is expected to increase 2.9% per year through 2020. Basic labor positions are available to those with limited education, but professionals with engineering or construction management degrees will have access to more lucrative positions.
Automotive Repair and Maintenance
Another traditional professional, the automotive repair and maintenance industry is expected to grow by 2.6% per year until 2020, according to Bls.gov. That would mean 237,500 new jobs from 2010 to 2020. Trade schools and apprenticeships offer mechanically minded prospects the opportunity to hone their skills. There’s nothing like getting under the hood and fixing a car. According to Livescience.com, auto repair was among the top ten professions that reported being happy.
