Job seekers trying to find a new career that is on the cutting edge and that will have staying power into the decades ahead might want to consider positions in sustainability, health care, and security.
Finding the right career in one of these stable fields is about considering more than just the traditional. It means keeping an eye on business and lifestyle trends in order to understand changes in the marketplace that affect the way that companies work. It also means job seekers should consider how their interests and skill sets are adaptable to different industries.
Green-Collar and Sustainability Jobs Key to the Future
Job seekers would have to have their heads buried in the sand if they are unaware of the popularity and growing interest in all things green and sustainable. That’s why jobs in this field are a good bet for the future.
And what’s great about many of the jobs in sustainability is that they don’t require a college degree. Sure, there are scientific and engineering positions such as Ecologist or Wind Farm Engineer that require a graduate education. But there are also positions sprouting up such as Solar Thermal Technicians – retro-fitting and installing new solar panels on residential and commercial buildings -- and Certified Energy Advisor – helping businesses and homeowners assess their energy and environmental efficiency – which rely more on technical education, on-the-job training and a background in construction.
It’s just a matter of googling "sustainability" along with jobs, careers or education to see how many websites provide information about current vacancies as well as training programs for a wide variety of green-collar jobs.
Aging Population Makes Health Care a Career of Choice
Health care has always been a field that offers variety and the promise of employability. And while the economy has impacted even the most stable industries, healthcare continues to need qualified individuals in traditional nursing, technologist and physician roles. In addition, new fields of medical study have resulted in an outcropping of new roles, often married to these more traditional areas.
For instance, ever consider becoming a Nurse Informatics Specialist? For those who want to transform their RN degree into something new, this is the field they may want to consider. Nurse Informatics Specialists are responsible for providing expertise and support in the development and implementation of clinical applications to ensure that any new technology that is used is done so appropriately and in accordance with established technical and quality standards.
Rather work with seniors? As many have pointed out over the last few years, the aging baby boomers and advances in life expectancy have resulted in a larger senior population that requires attention. Elder Care Specialists provide personal care assistance and services to retired people in assisted living.
Increase in Need for Security Experts
The need for a ready military and strong police force has been a part of the American way of life for a very long time. And as the world continues to be a harsh and often violent place to live, there will always be a need for people who work in the field of security. However, there are many ways to be a part of the security industry.
One segment includes computer forensics. This field deals with computer investigation and analysis in order to identify potential legal evidence. Computer Forensics Specialists retrieve that evidence when a computer may be linked to a crime.
Another segment is continuity and contingency planning during a major natural or man-made disaster. Typically managed by a Continuity Director, this team is charged with making contingency plans to ensure the company's workforce and infrastructure can continue to function during and after a crisis.
While other fields such as education and technology also offer trendy new positions such as Distance Learning Specialist and User Experience Designer, sustainability, health care and security are definitely here to stay. Job seekers may want to keep these fields in mind when making a career choice.
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
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