Using Your Degree: Jobs Ranked By Projected Growth

two graduates in cap and gown holding diplomas

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of choosing a viable career path, and the risks of not planning ahead.

Choosing a viable career interest is the first step in reducing your children’s college costs. Given today’s high-cost college environment, students can never get too much information or spend too much time researching and planning to prepare for their career field.

Why Choosing a Viable Career Path is Important

Choosing a career path is one of the most important decisions that students face today. It is a decision that can have a significant impact on their future earnings, job security, and overall satisfaction with their chosen profession. By choosing a viable career path, students can maximize their chances of finding employment after graduation and earning a decent income to pay off their student loans.

The Risks of Not Planning Ahead

Students who do not plan their career paths may end up receiving degrees in declining growth fields or fields with a surplus of applicants. This can result in a struggle to find employment after graduation, or worse, being stuck in a low-paying job that doesn’t utilize their skills and knowledge. Sadly, millions of students have paid for four or more years of college only to find that they wasted money on a career choice that was indeed a mistake.

The Importance of Researching and Planning

Given the risks of not planning ahead, it’s crucial for students to spend time researching and planning their career paths. They should look for indications of whether the field is expanding or experiencing a decline. Students should also consider the job outlook, average salary, and potential for growth in their chosen field. This information can help them make an informed decision about their career path and reduce their chances of choosing a degree that won’t lead to a successful career.

Top 10 Fasted Growing Jobs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following jobs have the “highest projected percent change of employment between 2022-32”:

  1. Wind Turbine Technicians (45%) - typically requires a associates degree or technical college certification

  2. Nurse Practitioners (38%) - typically requires a Master’s degree

  3. Data Scientists (35%) - typically requires a Bachelor’s degree

  4. Information Security Analysts (32%) - typically requires a Bachelor’s degree

  5. Mathematicians and Statisticians (30%) - typically requires a Master’s degree

  6. Medical and Health Services Managers (28%) - typically requires a Bachelor’s degree

  7. Epidemiologists (27%) - typically requires a Master’s degree

  8. Physician Assistants (27%) - typically requires a Master’s degree

  9. Software Developers (25%) - typically requires a Bachelor’s degree

  10. Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides (19%) - typically requires a associates degree

Conclusion

Choosing a viable career path is crucial for students to reduce their college costs and maximize their chances of finding employment after graduation. By spending time researching and planning their career path, students can avoid the risk of wasting their time and money on a degree that won’t lead to a successful career. We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights into the importance of choosing a viable career path. If you’d like more information on how to save for your child’s future education, schedule a call with us today.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by GW Financial, Inc. to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 GW Financial, Inc.

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