Deciding to get an education and pursue a new career can be a life-altering choice. Investing the time and money in getting a degree may seem scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Choosing a career in a growing industry can help to alleviate worries about being hired after graduation.
Finding a job can depend on factors like the economy and unemployment rate. Graduating with a degree in an area that isn’t hiring can be disheartening, but choosing a career field with a lot of potential for growth can be a huge motivator.
Researching the industry and job outlook in a field before pursuing it is a smart choice. Hiring trends within an industry can vary from year to year, so be sure to use current data when making education decisions.
Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and The Job Outlook for the Class of 2013 by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), here are some of the fastest growing jobs in for 2013.
1. Accounting
Since paying taxes is mandatory for every person, family and company in the country, accounting is a field that stays consistently busy. In fact, The Job Outlook for the Class of 2013 by the NACE listed accounting as one of the top 10 in demand bachelor’s degrees.
Accountants can work for individuals, corporations or the government, so applicants in this field have several options for their career path. Since the financial sector has stringent laws and regulations to follow, accounting is an essential part of running a business. According to the BLS, accountants are expected to see a 16% growth in employment from 2010 to 2020.
Most accounting jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, though some companies might prefer to hire accountants who have a master’s degree in accounting or business administration. Some employers might only hire a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a designation that requires certification. Becoming a CPA is mandatory for any account that has to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
2. Financial Advisor
Financial advisors help people with all aspects of financial help, from investments and taxes to insurance and retirement. It doesn’t take an expert to realize that most people have a difficult time managing their money. Credit card debt, home foreclosures and other financial complications are pretty common issues for many people, which is why the help of a financial advisor can be so beneficial.
Working in this field has great long-term potential, as employment of financial advisors is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations, according to the BLS. Financial advisors are expected to have a 32% increase in employment from 2010 to 2020. Pensions for corporations and state governments are projected to decrease, which may lead to an increased demand for financial advisors.
Getting hired as a financial advisor often requires a bachelor’s degree at the minimum. However, having a master’s degree or additional certifications could help make it easier to advance in this field. There are specific licenses required for financial advisors that buy or sell bonds, stocks or insurance policies. Registration from the SEC and licensing from state boards is also required.
3. PR Specialist
The ubiquitous nature of social media is one of the reasons public relations has become such a popular field. Every brand has social media accounts to manage, an online presence to monitor and a reputation to uphold, which makes public relations specialists increasingly in demand.
According to the BLS, the employment of public relations specialists is expected to increase by 23% from 2010 to 2020. Since public opinion about a company or product can be shared online so quickly, public relations jobs are unlikely to go away anytime soon.
Most positions in public relations require at least a bachelor’s degree in public relations or communications. Degrees in English, journalism or business are also common for people interested in working in public relations. One in four public relations managers in 2010 had a master’s degree, according to the BLS, so higher education may help increase the likelihood of advancement.
