Considering your career options after studying abroad? It’s important to choose a growing industry to ensure long-term career success! Growing industries will have more job opportunities, and salaries are likely to be more competitive. While you may face higher competition for open roles, successful applicants to these emerging careers are likely to enjoy higher job security and employee perks.
In their Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shared projections for 20 of the fastest growing occupations in the US over the next decade. We’ll look closer at ten of those jobs below. Read on to learn more!
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Renewable Energy
Two sustainable energy jobs top the charts as the fastest-growing occupations in the US through 2033.
First, the OOH predicts a 60% growth in jobs as a wind turbine technician. This role requires credentials from a technical school and provides lots of on-the-job training. Because of the size and location of turbines, technicians should be comfortable working at heights in remote and semi-remote areas.
More of a city person? The work of solar photovoltaic installers takes them from solar farms to urban rooftops. They set up and maintain systems that convert sunlight into electrical energy, and often hold diplomas or degrees from a technical institute or college. Because it’s a specialized field, installers will also have on-the-job training that lasts up to one year. While it’s still a small field, it’s growing fast: In 2023, 25,000 solar installers worked across the US, up from almost 12,000 in 2020. By 2033, the OOH projects there will be 12,000 more than there were in 2023, an industry growth of 48% over the decade.
Curious about skilled trades programs? Check out some options on our blog!
Health Care
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and as the American population ages, the number of nurse practitioners working in the US is expected to grow by 46% by 2033. In fact, some reports project that 1.2 million new nurses will be needed by 2030! Interested in this career? Most nurse practitioners hold a master’s degree in one of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) fields. They must also have state-level licensing, and pass a national certification exam.
Jobs at many career stages are growing across the health care sector. Medical and health services managers, physician assistants, and physical therapist assistants are also in demand, with employment in these roles expected to grow by 29%, 28%, and 25% respectively over the next decade.
Medical and health services managers plan and coordinate the business side of health care organizations. So, if you are business savvy and want to work in a field where you’re also changing lives, this role might be a good fit! Generally, managers need a bachelor’s degree and work experience in health sciences is an asset. The OOH projects over 61,000 job openings in this field per year until 2033.
Physician assistants work in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. They examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician. All states require that physician assistants are licensed, and most assistants hold a master’s degree from an accredited program.
Physical therapist assistants help patients regain strength and mobility after an illness or injury. They’re also a licensed profession, and most assistants will take two-year associate’s degrees in a related, accredited program to prepare for this role.
Considering different study destinations? Health care workers are also in high demand in Canada.
Data Science
Data scientists work in office settings and use analytical techniques to pull helpful insights from large amounts of data. To work in data science, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, math, statistics, or a related field, although some employers prefer employees with a related master’s or doctoral degree. This field is expected to grow 36% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the overall average for all jobs.
Information Security
International students passionate about data and network security could find success as information security analysts. Analysts guide coworkers through security procedures, develop tech best practices, and monitor work networks for attacks. They usually have a bachelor’s degree in a computer science field. The Occupational Outlook Handbook predicts around 17,300 new jobs will appear yearly in this field until 2033.
Prepare for a career in info security: study computer science in the US!
Veterinary Science
As the American population grows and ages, so do their pets. That’s why veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers are predicted to see a 19% growth in their field over the next ten years. If you enjoy working with animals, consider some of the high-growth jobs like these in this sector.
Depending on the role, you might be working in a clinic, animal hospital, or research lab. It can be hard work, both in a physical and an emotional sense, as you’ll be working with animals at all stages of their life, and will likely be on your feet a lot. But it can be a very rewarding job, as well.
If you’d like to run medical tests to help diagnose animals’ injuries or illnesses, consider a career as a veterinary technologist or technician. These roles are also expected to grow faster than most other careers in the US. To work as a technologist, you’ll need a four-year bachelor’s degree, while technicians usually need a two-year associate’s degree. You’ll need to take a credentialing exam, and, depending on where you practice, follow the licensing regulations for your state.
If you plan to become an international student and bring your pet with you, these strategies can help ensure that the journey goes smoothly.
Whether you study data science or biology, one of these emerging career options in the US is likely to suit your skills. No matter which program you choose, we wish you all the best as you start your study journey!
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