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What would you like to be when you grow up? As children, we often met this question with ideas of grandeur. However, as adults, economic realities and real-world possibilities often alter these visions.
COVID-19 effectively halted the gears of industry and debilitated global finances. Essentially, this pandemic changed approaches to education and workplace methodologies.
As the world stumbles to find solid footing in a post-pandemic era, people will also try to predict which careers are in high demand in order to secure certain futures. Ultimately, this forecast affects study choices.
Despite all the negatives, COVID-19 spotlighted the fragility of certain professions and the essential need of others. This article takes a closer at the top industries for well-qualified professionals.
Healthcare
The pandemic had a profound effect on the healthcare industry, and many workers buckled under the constant strain. Analyses show that more than a third considered resignation.
However, even before the onset of the disease, there was a shortage of qualified workers, especially nurses. It was and remains an industry in need of skilled employees.
This field serves an essential need as people will always need healthcare. As such, there will always be jobs available and room to grow.
Experts predict the US will need at least 500,000 more registered nurses by 2027. This profession requires a bachelor’s of science or associate degree, as well as a practicing license.
Today, accelerated online nursing programs present viable professional growth opportunities. For instance, the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing offers accelerated BSN online programs. These are hybrid courses combining online teachings and clinical experiences.
The nursing profession has a variety of career opportunities outside hospital networks. For example, one can work as a travel nurse, deliver home-based care or run a private community practice.
Nursing is dynamic and ever-expanding. In 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated nurse practitioners earn close to $112,000 per annum.
The healthcare industry also constantly reports a need for health aides, nursing assistants, pharmacists and laboratory technicians. With part and full-time study options available, one can secure a future in this market.
Information technology
Demand for skilled professionals in the field of information technology is an ongoing phenomenon backed by steady digitization and the emergence of metaverse concepts. Focus on specific jobs within the industry may change from time to time to keep in step with wider market needs.
COVID-19 introduced the idea of remote work. This, coupled with smartphone advances, created a demand for software and app developers. Ideally, candidates need a bachelor’s of science degree to fill these types of posts.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a growth of 22% in software development by 2030. Looking at the tangibles, this entails more than 300,000 new positions offering job security for the future. As information technology professionals often rake in six-figure salaries, the industry is also a lucrative option.
Logistics
Supply and delivery remain a top priority industry with continual growth. Once again, COVID-19 evidenced how reliant businesses are on the basic acquisition and delivery of goods.
Careers in this field include high-demand positions for qualified professionals such as purchasing agents, distribution managers, logistics analysts and industrial engineers. Various degrees fulfill these job requirements, and salaries depend on designations and company policies.
Financial industry
Sound financial management is crucial in any company. As such, financial managers who balance spending and incomes and maximize profit remain in high demand throughout all business sectors.
Market analysts expect this field to grow by roughly 15% during the next 10 years. An MBA is often required for top jobs, but candidates can also land attractive opportunities when equipped with a bachelor’s degree. In the US, financial managers earn an estimated $120,000 per year.
Data and statistics
As long as there is data to collect and numbers to crunch, statisticians and actuaries will be in demand. Experts predict an estimated 20-30% growth in this field by 2030.
Actuaries often work for insurance companies, assessing the risks of potential clients. This job requires an actuarial sciences degree and suitable licenses.
Statisticians are tasked with various roles. Some of these include analyzing data, forecasting sales and profits, and evaluating risks that curb growth.
Energy industry
Renewable energy drives are creating a bevy of new job opportunities for well-qualified individuals. This industry needs everything from engineers to technicians who can install and operate smart-based technologies.
As of 2018, more than 2.5 million in the US worked in clean industry enterprises. The demand for more and more skilled workers grows in tandem with the urgent need to address climate change.
Some careers in this field include solar and wind energy engineers, information technology specialists and marketing agents. A bachelor’s in science is the base qualification needed for a job in this industry. Candidates are often versed in disciplines such as chemistry, biology and sustainability.
Despite the growing negativity attached to natural gas and oil extractions, conventional energy industries still need qualified employees for the foreseeable future. Ironically, this sector requires the same degrees as those needed for clean energy endeavors.
The exploration of energy sources offers many diverse careers, including offshore jobs with high remunerations due to the inherent risks. Computerized mining opened new doors in the field with yet another opportunity for information technology specialists.
Biotech
The race for developing a COVID-19 vaccine renewed the world’s awareness of this highly competitive and lucrative industry. Qualified candidates can choose between jobs in medical research, pharmaceutics and other science-based areas.
This ever-growing market requires specialized degrees and offers salaries to match these specializations. For instance, a definitive gap in molecular diagnostics drives the increases in remuneration packages as the search for specialized lab workers continues.
Industry experts continually express their concerns about the lack of graduates and workers in these fields. This increases the prospects for job security. It is evident that a solid qualification opens many doors and can weather storms such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, online education makes it possible to juggle work, studies and family life. It is a stepping stone that puts professional growth within reach.
