"Where are the 'Hottest' Careers?"

Question: 

What are the hottest careers? What does it take to get into them?

Answer:

That’s an interesting question, with several possible answers. The first word to remember when considering “hot” careers is the word “education”.

Education is the key to the best jobs in Ohio. All of the 15 fastest growing occupations in Ohio require formal education beyond high school. Of these, all of the top 5 require at least an Associate degree. During the decade ending in 2008, overall employment opportunities are expected to grow by 12.5%. During the same period, jobs requiring an Associate degree will grow by 26%, and positions requiring a Bachelor degree are increasing by nearly 21%. According to figures from the Ohio Department of jobs and Family Services, of the fastest growing occupations, “40% require at least a Bachelor’s degree.” 

It would be a mistake to suggest some careers as “hot” to the exclusion of other equally valid career choices. However, certain trends can be identified. During the decade before 2008, health care careers will grow rapidly, computer and data processing jobs in Ohio will increase by 114.5%, and the nation faces an urgent need for more new teachers. While overall employment in manufacturing has declined, technologically skilled workers have found good opportunities. 

Ultimately, I believe that it would be a mistake to select a career primarily on the basis of which careers are currently in demand. As a career counselor, I speak with many people whose initial career choice was made on the basis of which careers were the most highly paid, were in high demand, or offered a high level of job security. Often, they find that the salary, the security, or other factors which at first made their career choice seem attractive are outweighed by the fact that they simply do not enjoy their work. 

More effective first questions may be: “What do I want to do? What do I enjoy doing? What kinds of activities do I find personally satisfying?”. Once you discover the answers to these questions, the next step will be to determine which career fields will involve the things you enjoy most. A career counselor can help you think through these questions. John Clark, the Career Guy, offers individual career counseling and career information. You may also want to enroll in UNIV 129, Career Planning.

It is at this point that practical considerations should come into play. Questions like which careers are in demand or offer the best pay are very important, but if you are willing to consider other questions first, you can maximize your chance of being happy with your career choice later.

Questions about careers? Ask the Career Guy @ careers@bgnet.bgsu.edu