Jobs on the Upsurge

Posted on Oct 25th 2009, 12:07 pm, under Career Advice

A few posts ago, we examined several careers that were on the way out. Now, let's examine the flipside -- here are some of the jobs which are expected to have the fastest growth within the next seven years, according to the Boston Globe:

Computer systems analysts

You'll need a bachelor's degree and some credible experience to make it in this field, but this still remains a very promising industry. Though job growth won't match the boom of the 1990's, it will still post a respectable 29 percent increase by 2016, as new technologies and software continue to emerge.

Home health aides

The growing population of elderly Americans has created an enormous demand for home health aides within the last few years, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 48.7 percent increase in this field by 2016. Entry requirements depend on the employer, but workshops, classroom training, and lectures are usually the norm. Home health aides aren't required to have a high school diploma; most of their training comes from experienced nurses and aides on the job.

Veterinary technologists

Owners around the country spend more on their pets each year, and the veterinary industry is on the upswing; within the next seven years, it is expected to grow by 41 percent. If you're a prospective vet technician, you have two options for getting your degree: you can enroll in an accredited community college for a two-year associate's degree, or you can get a four-year bachelor's degree from a college that offers a veterinary program.

Skin care specialists

With an anticipated increase of around 34 percent by 2016, skin treatment experts will be much more in demand due to the growing number of medical facilities and spas around the country. Getting into this profession is relatively easy; cosmetology and skin care training programs are offered by several high schools and vocational schools.

Environmental science and protection technicians

Protection technicians have various responsibilities, such as controlling hazardous materials inventory, cleaning up pollutants, and monitoring levels of contaminants in the environment. With the burgeoning interest (and funding) given to green professions, environmental technicians are expected to see a 28 percent increase in demand for their services by 2016. You'll need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, or chemistry, an associate's degree, and at least two years of specialized training if you're interested in this line of work.