Which careers are in high demand?

When considering further education or training, contemplating a career or job change, or facing changing circumstances, many people start to contemplate what type of career may be most aligned to their personal preferences, existing talents or skills, and even suggestions from others. It’s important to consider a few additional factors when making a decision to change careers, including factoring in the growing expectation of the field or career you’re considering.

Focusing your efforts on a job that will be in demand and has future growth potential can improve the level of security you experience and improve overall life satisfaction.

Your work isn’t just a “job”; it’s also where you’ll spend a large amount of your time. Look at careers you’re interested in in terms of work and life balance, desired salary, and what type of working environment you want to be in. Certain careers are more prominent in some geographical areas than others, so consider what area you prefer to live in as well. Your preferred way of living or lifestyle needs to be factored into your choice of career.

The demand for specific jobs depends on trends in the economy. Examining which jobs are most secure and have the highest growth rate is important; and if you don’t want to ever have to consider a cross-country move, looking at that trend specifically in your location is important. Your state should have a list of jobs that are fastest growing within its borders. Sometimes this website is a Department of Workforce, Workforce Commission, or state labor website. You can also look at information from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Researching the typical career path for the job you’re considering is another good avenue of investigation. Examine typical job duties, opportunities, the usual path of advancement, and average salary. This information compared with projections for growth from your state and federal government labor statistics website will help you get a better picture of the sustainability of the career for you

For individualized support in determining a career path, guidance with determining your skill areas, or narrowing your areas of interest, consider talking with a licensed counselor. Counselors have training in career counseling and can provide you with unbiased feedback and support during your research and decision process.