by Guest Author, Miles Oliver
The job market is changing rapidly. The recent surge in artificial intelligence has made some careers obsolete, while the booming tech industry has created thousands of jobs across the nation. This sentiment is supported by Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, which shows that fields like data science, information security, and software development are amongst the fastest-growing occupations.
Adjusting your skillset to meet tomorrow’s demands can be tricky. However, there are plenty of ways to re-skill and find new jobs in times of economic uncertainty. You may need to invest in further training but are sure to find that learning new skills will serve you well during the application process.
Investing in yourself looks great on your resume, too. Hiring managers want to interview folks who are self-motivated and will be impressed by your decision to invest in learning new skills. This can bolster your chances of landing your next role and will help you pivot toward higher- paying careers.
Renewable Energy
Data released by the BLS shows that wind turbine technician is the fastest-growing career in the USA today. Experts predict that the industry will grow by 45% from 2022 – 2032 and that the average technician will earn around $57,000 per year. There are plenty of other exciting careers in renewables, too, including:
● Solar photovoltaic installer;
● Electrical engineer;
● Data scientist;
● Green building architect.
These careers pay well, are future-proof, and teach you transferable skills. This makes renewables the ideal industry if you’re looking for a career in a fulfilling field. Roles like wind turbine technician can take you all over the country, too. You’ll also benefit from on-the-job training, meaning you don’t necessarily have to pursue additional qualifications or degrees before applying for roles.
Software Development
Software developers earn an average of $127,010 per year and are in high demand. We desperately need more people who can design the apps and programs that power modern life, and many employers will pay a premium for your services.
Upskilling to become a software developer is difficult. However, further education is a great way to future-proof yourself and increase your employability in the coming years. Developing your computer and analytic skills during a software development degree will even serve you well in “non-tech” industries like healthcare. It shows that you’re capable of learning complex systems and have an aptitude for data science, pattern recognition, and critical thinking.
Learning software development skills and coding languages can help you stay ahead of industry trends, too. As a software developer, you’ll be able to predict the way that emerging trends will influence your work life and can take advantage of cutting-edge technology. This ensures that you always have transferable skills on your resume and can point towards your technical know-how when pivoting towards a new sector or career path.
Healthcare
After a difficult few years during the pandemic, the healthcare industry is resurging. BLS data shows that nursing is the second-fastest growing career in the USA, with an average salary of $121,610 per year. You will need a degree or equivalent to qualify as a nurse but will find that the investment in education more than pays off.
Pivoting towards a career in healthcare can be particularly beneficial if you want a clear path for progression. This is explained clearly by the American Nurses Association (ANA), which suggests pursuing advanced accreditation once you’ve landed a job in healthcare. This can help you further specialize and increase your earning potential.
Healthcare can be a surprisingly flexible sector to work in, too. Travel nurses can work all over the country on short-term contracts, meaning you can see the nation while getting paid a great salary. This experience will look great on your resume, too, as it will prove that you can fit in quickly with teams and are self-motivated to find work and expand your horizons.
Content Creation
If flexibility and freedom are your main goals, consider pursuing a career in content creation. This is a broad job market, ranging from videography and graphic design to acting and copywriting. As a content creator, you get paid for your creativity and will build a strong portfolio that will serve you well when pitching to potential clients.
Careers in fields like graphic design and blog writing are amongst the most in-demand job categories today. Businesses know that skilled videographers are worth their weight in gold and will pay a premium for your services during a product launch. Just be sure to keep an up-to-date portfolio on hand, as you’ll need to show that you understand current trends to land lucrative gigs.
If you do decide to pursue a career in content creation, consider upskilling with free courses online. Businesses like Google, Hubspot, and SEMRush all offer free courses that will teach you the basics of effective content creation and give you a behind-the-scenes appreciation for search engine optimization (SEO) and web analytics. This technical knowledge will help you stand out from the crowd and will ensure that you’re able to deliver results for demanding clients.
Conclusion
Pivoting towards an emerging industry is a great way to future-proof yourself and land a new job quickly. However, you’ll need to invest in your own skills if you want to land interviews regularly. Start by bolstering your resume or portfolio with hard skills like coding, SEO management, or nursing degrees. These qualifications will serve you well in years to come and help you progress quickly.
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About the author: Miles Oliver is a freelance contributor whose writing focuses on professional development. You can reach him at moliverpages@gmail.com.
