Today's career planners face an array of options that our forebears could never have imagined.
At the dawn of the 20th century, men were the primary laborers, and often toiled for a day's wage in the farming, mining, manufacturing and railroad industries. But big business began to rise, and the industrial boom drew many people from rural areas to cities in record numbers. Henry Ford and Ransome Olds began turning out cars by mass production. Electric washing machines and refrigerators offered great convenience, and radios opened the door to mass communication.
By the 1920s, technology had provided people with so many amazing new products, the daily business of living would never be the same. And as we know, the speed of change and development have snowballed at a dizzying pace since then. The careers of the new millenium bear very little resemblance to the work of a few generations ago.
Which careers are in high demand at this point in history?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has gathered an astounding amount of information about careers. They've identified a group of 25 occupations that are likely to offer the best opportunities, combining 4 important aspects:
fast growth
large numerical increases in workers
high pay, and
low unemployment These careers are listed in order below. Click on the highlighted job title for detailed information about job duties, education required, earnings, outlook, and more from the Occupational Outlook Handbook:
Systems analysts
General managers & top executives
Registered nurses
Teachers, secondary school
Clerical supervisors and managers
Database administrators/computer support specialists
Maintenance repairers, general utility
Special education teachers
Computer engineers
Social workers
Food service and lodging managers
College and university faculty
Engineering, mathematical, and computer systems managers
Licensed practical nurses
Financial managers
Marketing, advertising, and public relations managers
Computer programmers
Instructors and coaches for sports and physical training
Lawyers
Physicians
Electrical and electronic engineers
Corrections officers
Securities and financial services sales workers
Physical therapists
Commercial artists
In addition to the above information, click to find out about the 20 Fastest Growing Occupations, and about the Most Declining Occupations.
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