Even the most organized planner cannot fully prepare for what the future holds. Sometimes, life gets in the way of a good time and that can happen in any number of ways including job loss. Since change is inevitable and it is possible for the average worker to experience seven careers during their lifetime, knowing what possibilities for future employment and what diploma may be required can be helpful.
There was a time when America was in the throws of the industrial revolution and manufacturing jobs were plentiful in the land of milk of honey. Now, that type of work is hard to find and new careers linked to technology, engineering and science are the foundation for the next wave of working class.
Those careers have indeed been found to be both lucrative and plentiful, but since the average college student graduates with an average of $27,000 in debt, the choice may not by for everyone. Fortunately statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has indicated a myriad of occupations with potential for future growth including options for individuals who have earned a diploma high school, an equivalent of a high school diploma or associates degree.
Top 10 Future Career Options
- 10. Meeting, Convention and Event Planners: Some folks are just born to organize and these positions provide them free rein to do so. A bachelor's degree is typically required for this position, and long-term certification can provide professionals in the field with industry updates along the way.
- 9. Piping Experts (Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
): Plumbing has been around for thousands of years and those who have the ability to unclog drains and stop drips are super heros in their own right! Earning a high school diploma or equivalent, getting on the job training, getting a career degree and state licensing may be part of the process.
- 8. Physical Therapist Assistants: Sports medicine goes by several names, and this is just one of them. An associates degree is required to assist patients in recovering from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries regain movement and manage pain and patients can range from athletes to the elderly.
- 7. Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers: Construction is a booming business in America and workers trained to use metals to reinforce concrete are expected to have employment opportunities in the future. Those with either a GED or high school diploma can find opportunities in this field, but an apprenticeship is a must.
- 6. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians: Animal lovers have a bright employment future that allows them to work with critters and earn a paycheck. An associate's degree is a must to advance in this field.
- 5. Carpenters: Not everyone can work with their hands well, but individuals who master woodwork have a solid future ahead of them thanks to their craft. While a highschool diploma may or may not be required of carpenters, they will most likely benefit and advance courtesy of on the job training.
- 4. Construction Craftspersons (IE Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, Tile and Marble Setters): Shelter is a basic necessity and individuals who can adorn and build homes have opportunities. These positions are considered trades and a high school diploma is not a necessity but short-term on-the-job training is.
- 3. Biomedical Engineers: Qualified engineers are in high demand; according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) thanks to the basic formula of supply and demand those with engineering degrees have excellent earning potential and a slew of opportunities. Individuals who earn a bachelor's degree focusing on analyzing and designing solutions for problems present in biology and medicine are in the position of paving a path for a long-term employment.
- 2. Home Health Aides: There was a time when the nation's disabled, chronically ill, or cognitively impaired were regulated to living in hospitals or communities specifically designed to meet there needs. However as more individuals want to stay in their personal homes and get the health care they need, there has been a boom in job opportunities. These workers are typically employed by agencies that receive government funding and therefore workers will be regulated and may be under the direct supervision of a medical professional. For this career path, having less than a high school diploma is just fine.
- 1. Personal Care Aides: As more Americans are living to a ripe old age, additional workers are needed to support their health. This position is available to those with less than a high school education and who have the desire to help others and provide compassion to those in need. They will be charged with performing duties such as household tasks, cooking and providing companionship.
No two people have the same exact vision for their American dream; some folks may want to earn a fortune while others simply want the basics of food, clothing and shelter. Luckily, there is plenty of variety in future career options and there is something for everyone!
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