21st Century Job Market

Society is constantly changing, and the professional world has been forced to adapt with it in order to keep up. Improvements in technology, changes in everyday interactions and rising living standards have all created a need for entirely new types of jobs and occupations.

Today’s job-seekers aren’t just choosing among a few traditional jobs like teaching or practicing medicine. Now, there’s a wide array of skill sets and technologies that young professionals can use in jobs that didn’t exist in decades past. Wide-ranging fields like medicine, engineering and communications will continue to change with the times, offering a greater assortment of options for new professionals.

Here are some newer jobs that are expected to expand over the next few decades:

• Car mechanics – While car mechanics are nothing new, the field needs to grow to make room for those who specialize in electric and hybrid cars.
• Cell phone developers – As cell phones become more and more versatile, the demand for better operating systems and more applications increases. Developers can work on any part of the process.
• Computer science teachers – Computer skills are a necessity for countless jobs today, and students are now learning the basics at school.
• Dental assistants – Dental assistants do a little of everything in dentists’ offices, from helping in procedures to keeping track of patient records.
• E–waste management coordinators – People in this field are responsible for finding ways to safely and effectively dispose of electronic waste products.
• Engineers – Although engineering is not a new profession, new types of engineers may begin to emerge in years to come. For example, biochemical engineers may be necessary if the biofuel market grows.
• Entertainment and media jobs – Jobs on the technical side of the entertainment and media industries will continue to develop and change. Video game designers and software developers are among the many available professions.
• Language teachers – The need for language teachers will continue to grow as the United States becomes increasingly diverse. Schools serving every grade and age level will need English and Spanish teachers in particular.
• Market research analysts – Individuals in this profession can expect to do a lot of research and work with numbers to quantify efficacy and sales. The field is expected to grow 41 percent between 2010 and 2020.
• Medical assistants – The medical field is expected to continue growing, and doctors’ offices will have an increasing demand for aides.
• Nanotechnologists – These are people who construct and repair electronic gadgets on microscopic levels.
• Network administrators – People who can understand and provide support for computer networks are in high demand, and job opportunities will continue to grow.
• Nutritionists – Again, as more people focus on their health and diet, demand for nutritionists will increase.
• Organic farmers – Demand continues to grow for healthy, naturally grown produce and producers.
• Personal finance advisers – People who are good with math and money may consider advising others, a field expected to grow 32 percent between 2010 and 2020.
• Respiratory therapists – People in this profession help patients who have trouble breathing. This profession is expected to grow rapidly, in large part because of longer life spans and a growing elderly population.
• Robotics technicians – Robots are already used for a number of high-tech purposes, such as performing miniscule surgical tasks. As technology improves, there will be more need for robotics technicians.
• SEO specialists – People who specialize in search engine optimization work to improve websites and their standing with search engines like Google.
• Social media experts – These are people who use social media like Facebook and LinkedIn for professional reasons, such as to create a brand identity for a company.
• Stem cell researchers – While stem cell research has been around for years – and surrounded by controversy for just as long – the research is expected to continue and even gain popularity.
• Transportation specialists – The rise of electric and hybrid cars will require not just specialized car mechanics but also workers who can install and repair electric power stations, as well as workers who can deal with renewable fuel sources like ethanol.
• Wind turbine technicians – Increasing numbers of green energy jobs will be available as energy turns cleaner. Wind turbine technicians, those who service wind turbines, are one of numerous similar professions.

Today’s students will have countless new job opportunities when they reach the workforce. However, each opportunity will require its own specific training and education, so students must be aware of what’s out there and prepare accordingly.