There’s a lot of talk about the lowering of employment opportunities in this country and around the world. The automation of countless tasks that at one time demanded the human touch is shrinking the demanded workforce at a shocking rate. While it can safely be said that there will probably be less jobs than people in the next 20 years or so, that doesn’t mean opportunities won’t continue to exist for you. Stop and think about the cause of this shrinking job market: big tech improvements, streamlined services, and scientific breakthroughs. These things will still require human involvement. It’s therefore obvious that you need to pursue either jobs in healthcare, science, or the tech industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth projections are up in every sector except utilities over the next decade. But the entrepreneurial, management, entertainment, and other commercial-oriented industries are barely making any gains. The booming sectors seem to be in healthcare – which is expected to see a steadily booming market over the next several years on account of retirees – and any and all industries involved in the increasing automation of most tasks and labor. If you’re concerned about statistically being unable to find word after graduation, then it’s imperative you seek a career in a field that’s sure to have plenty of opportunity to go around.
The problem right now is that too many people remain unqualified for the limited number of jobs available. In the last decade or so, those that decided to go get a higher education mostly chose paths that as of today are leading more and more to nowhere. Those who studied accounting are realizing software does the same job faster. People who majored in agriculture realized mega farms are what drive 99% of grain creation in this country. Once upon a time, you could at least always become a secretary, but then that ended so those who defaulted to secretarial work decided to get an associates degree and become a paralegal. But now even the paralegals are being replaced by technology!
The point is that it’s imperative you take into consideration the future state of employment growth in sectors before deciding you want to go down that particular path. If you’re passionate about something, then by all means don’t let projections persuade you; passion can get you a long way no matter how bad the job market is. But for those just interested in settling into a safe secure career, take the time to see if such a career opportunity will even be waiting for you once you earn your degree.