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College students are full of hope and excitement for the future. However, choosing the wrong course could lead to career struggles and disappointment. If you are leaving high school behind and are ready to take the next step in your education, you might be considering the different career options available.
However, you must not rush into a decision, as the path you choose can determine your annual salary, job security, and employment growth. Make an informed choice by checking out the following six in-demand fields.
- Data Analyst
Organizations across the world are eager to hire qualified data analysts, as they can use accumulated data to make smarter, more strategic business decisions. Many companies have recognized that big data could provide their brand with a competitive edge, as it can eliminate guesswork when making key business decisions. The great thing about a role like this is that you could work in any number of industries, from healthcare for both humans and animals to the eCommerce industry and more.
As a data analyst, you must analyze gathered data to answer various questions and resolve issues. Plus, you must identify and monitor trends to make accurate predictions regarding an industry’s direction or consumer behavior.
While data analysts are in-demand, you could stand out from the competition by earning an MBA degree with a concentration in business intelligence. It will prove to an employer that you are a data expert with strong business acumen. Learn more about an MBA in business intelligence and the benefits you can gain from taking this degree.
- Software Developer
As most companies depend on software programs to power their operations each day, it makes perfect sense that software developers are in more demand than ever before.
Software developers must design and write innovative software for various devices, such as smartphones and computers. For example, you might build a mobile application, work on a device’s operating system, or create a brand-new program from scratch. Also, you must identify the features users will need, provide regular upgrades for old programs, and maintain the software to ensure it runs safely and smoothly.
You should consider that there could be years of education to enable you to gain this position. Many employers will only hire applicants who have earned a master’s degree, too. However, if you are passionate and have the skills, this could be perfect for you.
- Health Services Manager
Health services managers are integral to the smooth running of hospitals and medical practices across the country, which is why they are in-demand. While medical practitioners are responsible for patient care and outcomes, health service managers will ensure a medical environment operates like a well-oiled machine.
For example, they will be responsible for:
- Appointments
- Payment collections
- Medical record storage
- Care provider coordination
Thanks to their organization and communication skills, all medical practitioners can focus 100% of their time and attention on caring for patients.
If you would like to make a valuable contribution to a hospital, clinic, medical practice, or nursing home, you could enjoy career satisfaction as a health services manager.
- Mechanical Engineer
If you are looking for a respected career that will get your mind and body working, you could enjoy great job satisfaction as a mechanical engineer. If you love the idea of designing, building, and testing various mechanical devices, such as engines and machines, it could be the perfect path for you.
There are different industries you could enter once you become a qualified mechanical engineer. However, many choose fields that allow them to build electrical appliances, mechanical motors, generators, gas turbines, and even escalators and elevators.
If the career ticks every box, this career makes sense. However, don’t be afraid to push the boat out. Once you have gained your mechanical engineering degree, you could go onto take an MBA, for example, which could offer you the opportunity to turn your love of mechanical engineering into a business.
Don’t overlook a career in engineering, as the industry is projected to grow by 3% by 2029.
- A Registered Nurse
Many countries are struggling with a shortage of nurses, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. If you want to make a positive difference every working day, few jobs are more rewarding than nursing.
As a registered nurse, you will need to diagnose, treat, and monitor patients with injuries or illnesses to help them make a full and quick recovery. Also, there are many progression paths you could take throughout your career. For instance, you could become a family nurse practitioner, clinical nurse educator, or home health nurse, to name only a few options.
If you want to feel a sense of achievement at the end of each working day, nursing is ideal for you. However, there will be a lot of training and education involved, and you will need to apply for a nursing license. Once you have gained the appropriate qualifications and experience, you could enroll in additional courses to climb the nursing ranks.
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for nurses will grow by 7% by 2029. This is faster than average for most occupations in the United States. The demand is due to the increased need for preventative care and increased rates of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.
- Veterinarian
If you love all animals, you could adore a career as a vet. It will be your responsibility to care for different types of animals, such as pets, zoo animals, and livestock. Also, you must develop and enforce standards to ensure the safe, healthy living conditions of livestock across a community. The great thing about this industry is that you could walk into a veterinarian role, as demand may increase by 15.9% by 2029. Or you could choose to open up your own practice, but again having an MBA is advised.
So, if you’re looking for respected, rewarding careers that offer multiple progression paths and fantastic salaries, consider the above six options before you submit a college application.
