Career Exploration - 5 Fastest Growing Areas To Consider

Navigating career crossroads: each path offers unique opportunities.

Exploring career options is not limited to those in their 20s just starting their careers. People regularly change careers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. You might even find yourself healthy and energetic enough in your 60s or 70s to consider ways to participate in the workforce.

While exploring options, it's wise to consider industry trends, job market analysis, emerging careers, as well as what skills you'd need to develop to find success. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) exists to analyze workforce conditions and regularly publishes data that provides insights into growth rates for occupational areas and specific careers.

In a recently published report, several areas were highlighted as growing rapidly. Here are the top 5, with examples of careers that fit in each occupational area:

Healthcare Support

• Nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides

• Physical & occupational therapy assistants

• Dental assistants

• Veterinarian assistants

• Medical transcriptionists

A large portion of the US population is reaching their golden years. As a result, the demand for healthcare support continues to increase.

Computer & Mathematical

• Data analysis

• Programming

• Security analysts

• IT support

As technology continues to make our lives easier, there will be an ever-increasing demand for developing and supporting the systems that power those efficiencies and conveniences.

Healthcare Practitioners & Technical

• Physicians

• Chiropractors

• Dentists

• Surgeons

Similar to the Healthcare Support category, healthcare practitioners will continue to be in high demand over the next decade.

Community & Social Services

• Community health

• Social workers

• Rehabilitation counselors

• Probation & parole officers

• Family therapists

A growing population will create demand for community and social services support. Various career opportunities exist to serve your community.

Life & Physical Sciences

• Agriculture & food scientists

• Economists

• Environmental science and protection technicians

• Psychologists

Career opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are well-represented in this Top 5 list of fastest-growing occupations.

These areas represent a broad range of options for those who are exploring career paths. Private and public sector jobs are both represented. Careers in these hot career areas, whether private or public, all give professionals a chance to find meaning and value in their work.

While some require a significant investment of time and energy (doctors come to mind), many require far less training and you may find your current knowledge and skills are transferable to a new career. When you arrive at a targeted career, you will then be able to review your skills and identify the skill gaps to close in order to successfully land the position you've been targeting.

Connecting your goals, skills, values, and purpose to your career path is an essential part of finding satisfaction and success. Having an ally to support you as you plan and prepare to navigate your career path can be a difference-maker. Reach out to me for a free consultation to see how career coaching could help you achieve your goals.