Top Careers for the Future

When considering new careers or evaluating your current one, investigate the top careers for the future—not for the past or even the present. Today is an excellent time to evaluate what you want, what you need and what you will want or need in years to come. Look beyond the pablum of yesterday’s news that is peddled as headline information today. If yesterday’s data still applies today, will it tomorrow in this constantly-changing world as well?

Some stand-by occupational fields that have solidly spearheaded the future possibilities still apply for roughly the next five to seven years. The healthcare industry and related fields—nursing, physical therapy and counseling especially—leads the pack, but the technology fields are catching up quickly: Computer sciences, network managers and IT specialists show tremendous and continued growth potential for the next several years.

Careers in finance and higher levels of accounting, such as Certified Public Accountants, still show solid projections in demand growth as well.

However, not all of the top careers for the future are included in these perennial favorites.

Education

Teaching and training are showing promise for the future, although most entail higher levels of degrees that are available through online education sources. For example, specialty teachers like those involved with special needs children or civil service education program development show better prospects for those who hold an online masters degree or an online PhD than bachelors degrees. While positions may be available for these four-year degrees, additional expertise is often required.

At best, teachers as a whole has only fair growth expectations as budget cuts often find fewer teachers within school systems. Advanced degrees in specialty areas, however, have a more solid future.

Design Fields

The demand for highly qualified and talented architects is projected for an increase of over 30 percent—one of the highest estimates of any occupation. This terrific job outlook makes this specialty one of the five top careers for the future. Those possessing at least a bachelor’s degree may get offered an entry level position for the mandatory three-year training program, but those who secure internships during their undergraduate years can reduce that time—and increase their chances of earning up to $7000 more per year than non-interned applicants.

The field of graphic design is constantly changing, adapting and expanding. Just a few short years ago, the Internet didn’t exist, and most graphic design positions were in print advertising and in casual clothing images.

Today, graphic designers delve into web development, electronic advertising, multimedia projects and more. The expected job growth in this field for basic certification-holders ranges almost 15 percent, and advanced degree-holders may see a demand increase of close to 20 percent, making this field also one of the top careers for the future.

Whether you are searching for your first full-time career or what you hope to be your last, education is key in almost every occupation of which you can think. You earn more during your working lifetime. You enjoy tenure longevity over non-degree-holders, and you expand your career advancement opportunities by getting quality education through a top online college or university. Prepare yourself to succeed in these or other top careers for the future.