Despite the recent economic downturn, there are dozens of industries projected to grow quickly over the next decade. From healthcare to teaching, these industries are expected to generate millions of new jobs through 2018. Regardless of your current job or level of education, online degree programs can help you transition into one of the following fast-growing industries.
1. Healthcare and Social Assistance
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the healthcare and social-assistance industry to account for the largest number of new jobs from 2008 to 2018. Employment is projected to increase by 24 percent, or approximately 4 million jobs, due to advances in medical technology, increased life expectancy, and an aging population.
Registered nurses make up the largest group of healthcare employees, and their employment is expected to increase by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. Nurses work with doctors to diagnose and treat patients in hospitals, care centers, and doctor's offices. In addition to personal fulfillment, nurses are rewarded with generous salaries--according to the BLS, registered nurses earned a median salary of $62,450 in 2008. Most nurses hold either an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelors degree in nursing (BSN). ADN programs take two to three years to complete, while BSN programs take four years or more and offer more clinical experience. If you're interested in a nursing career but can't leave your current job to attend school, consider the flexibility of an online degree program.
2. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Service
Advances in computer technology will lead to an increased demand for professional, scientific, and technical consultants. The BLS expects this industry to grow by 34 percent from 2008 to 2018, resulting in 2.7 million new jobs.
Management analysts (also called management consultants) use industry expertise and in-depth analysis to help companies, organizations, and government agencies run efficiently. Some management analysts specialize in one industry, while others work for consulting firms and work on projects across industries. According to the BLS, management analysts earned a median income of $73,570 in 2008, and their employment is projected to increase by 24 percent from 2008 to 2018. Entry-level management analysts usually hold a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field, while a master's degree in business administration is often preferred for management jobs.
3. Educational Services
The BLS expects the educational-services industry to grow by 12 percent, or 1.7 million jobs, from 2008 to 2018. A growing population and increased demand for education at all levels will drive this growth.
Elementary school teachers play an important role in the lives of children by teaching them multiple subjects and fostering emotional development. Many elementary teachers work with one group of children throughout the year, teaching mathematics, social studies, and English. In 2008, elementary teachers earned a median salary of $49,330, and the BLS expects their employment to increase by 16 percent from 2008 to 2018. Many elementary teachers hold a bachelor's degree in education, though bachelor's degrees in other subjects can be supplemented by a teacher education program that leads to licensing.
4. Accommodation and Food Services
According to the BLS, the accommodation and food-services industries are expected to generate over 800,000 new jobs from 2008 to 2018. The majority of these jobs will be in the food-service sector, to meet Americans' growing tendency to eat out.
Food preparers and servers work in restaurants, hotels, and other dining establishments. As the population grows and Americans increasingly turn to the convenience of restaurants and fast food, the BLS expects employment of workers in food preparation and serving to increase by 15 percent, which translates to 394,300 new jobs. While few food-preparation and -serving jobs have strict education requirements, advancement opportunities may be best for workers with a high school diploma and postsecondary training. An associate's degree in culinary arts generally takes one to two years to complete and can prepare students for a career as a chef or head cook.
Preparing for a Growing Career
Whether you want to become an elementary school teacher or a business analyst, the proper education can help you make the transition. Online degree programs allow you to earn a degree without leaving your current job, so it's never too late to prepare for an in-demand career.
Jessica Hanley is a writer pursuing a graduate degree in creative writing. Her previous experience includes marketing for the Penguin Young Readers Group and teaching writing to students of all ages. Jessica received a B.A. in English from Stanford University.
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