Did you finish High School, College or University
and think “I am done with study” ?
Depending upon where you do your research you will see references like ‘The Top 10 jobs of tomorrow don’t exist today‘ and 75% of future jobs will require Post Secondary education. So what does that mean for us in protecting or preparing for future steps in our careers ?
My father (born 1938) and his generation didn’t keep their skills current and found themselves forced to retire much younger than planned. Having observed this I am always working towards gaining new skills. Right now I am completing a Masters in Applied Finance. I am doing this because after 10 years of studying business management I couldn’t handle repeating it by doing an MBA and I also received independent advice that Finance qualifications are a good way to differentiate yourself.
Beyond doing my Masters I am always looking for short courses which maybe either internal or external to my company – I have a personal goal to complete one course of significance per year.
In my opinion, if we wish to keep driving our career forward, to remain attractive as employees for future roles and promotions then we need to keep developing our skills.
If we look into the future there is one thing that is pretty certain – the Baby Boomers (born 1946-64) retiring is going to create an explosion in demand for the retiree market. The other thing about the Baby Boomers is that they have money. The wealthiest people in society are aged 55 to 65 – this is because the generally own their house and have retirement savings. What will this mean for jobs ?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics produces a handbook which examines occupations into the future, the current issue is looking out to 2016. They currently forsee the Top 6 jobs by growth percentage are :
1. Network & Communications Analyst
2. Personal & Home Care
3. Home Health Aides
4. Computer Software Engineer
5. Vetinary Technologist
6. Financial Advisor
They forsee the Top 6 demand for jobs by number as :
1. Nurse
2. Retail Sales
3. Customer Service Rep
4. Food Preparation
5. Office Clerk
6. Personal Home Care
So whether you are in the middle of your career and thinking ahead for the next 20 years or are at the beginning and thinking about the next 40 years give some thought to the skills you need to acquire.
For additional reading check out these sites :
CareerPlanner.com – Hot Jobs for the Future
Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
75% of Future Jobs require Post-Secondary Education
Education 2.0 How to prepare for a career that works
Are you making any plans for your future career ? Let me know ! Please rate this article – Thanks
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