What WIll You Be When You Grow Up?

Posted by Kathy Quan Aug 23, 2008

Are you a high school or college student trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up? The Bureau of Labor Statistics has produced a guidebook speciically to help students make informed decisions about their future.

The trend for growth in service industries as opposed to gods and manufacturing, will continue well into the next decade. With the growing and aging population, health care will continue to expand and provide job security.

Registered nurses will see the largest growth in employment during this time frame. Other health care jobs in the top 20 include home health aides, personal care aides and nursing assistants. Social workers, and teachers also rank high in the growing needs in the service industries.

Health care also provides opportunities for computer technology, IT, engineering and support positions such as food services, and hosekeeping. Management and executive positions will continue to grow as well. Degrees in science, math, and business can open opportunities in the health industry.

As advances in automation and technology continue, many jobs such as cashiers will dissapppear. On the other hand, technology continues to create jobs in health care as new diagnostics and treatment options become available. Students today have many more opportunities to consider.