Set An Example for Your Kids: 8 Steadily Growing Careers to Consider
Many students in online degree programs may know this, but you are typically your children's biggest idols. Children look up to you as mentors and role models. They often aspire to follow in your footsteps.
Parents often tell their children to dream big and pursue the career of their dreams. But are they as parents truly chasing their own career dreams? Sometimes, the answer is no.
Life is too short. It saddens me to think of adults who do not reach their full potential.
If a degree would help elevate your career to the next level, think of the benefits that online learning provides its students: flexible schedule, setting your own pace, convenience and affordability, to name a few. It’s possible to earn a degree nowadays while you work a full-time job and care for a family.
Don't be afraid to reach for your goal. To provide some context, here are eight blossoming careers to consider as you ponder this major life decision. I organized the occupations in order of the projected rate of change in employment for the 10-year timeframe between 2010 and 2020. Statistics and job descriptions are according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For reference, the average growth rate for all occupations is 14%.
1. Personal Care Aides: 70.5% growth
Personal care aides help people who are disabled, chronically ill or cognitively impaired. They also help older adults who may need assistance.
Students interested in this field (and the next field on the list) should consider a degree from a College of Nursing and Allied Health.
2. Home Health Aides: 69.4% growth
Home health aides assist with activities such as bathing and dressing, and they provide services such as light housekeeping. In some states, home health aides may be able to give a client medication or check the client’s vital signs under the direction of a nurse or other healthcare practitioner.
3. Biomedical Engineers: 61.7% growth
Biomedical engineers are highly skilled professionals who specialize in designing medical information systems and health delivery systems. They also work with doctors and surgeons to develop medical programming. Biomedical engineers ranked No. 1 on our list of the five hottest careers to pursue with an online engineering degree. Students interested in becoming a biomedical engineer should pursue a degree in engineering.
4. Physical Therapist Assistants: 45.7% growth
Physical therapist assistants help patients recovering from injuries, illnesses and surgeries regain movement and manage pain.
5. Occupational Therapy Assistants: 43.3% growth
Occupational therapy assistants treat patients with injuries, illnesses or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
6. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists: 41.2%
Market research analysts study market conditions in local, regional or national areas to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them and at what price. Students interested in this field should consider a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or, taking it a step further, a Master’s in Business Administration.
7. Health Educators: 36.5% growth
Health educators teach people about behaviors that promote wellness. They develop programs and materials to encourage people to make healthy decisions.
8. Mental Health Counselors: 36.3% growth
These individuals counsel patients with an emphasis on prevention. They work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health.
Be an example for your children and show them what is possible with perseverance and dedication. You won’t regret it in the end.
Looking for further advice in your career? Check out Grantham University's Career Center for suggestions on choosing the right career and accomplishing your professional goals. Click on the button below for more information.
About the author: Eric Sorrentino joined Grantham University as Social Media Manager in October 2011. Prior to that, he blogged about Big 12 Conference athletics for KUsports.com and was a sports copy editor for the Lawrence Journal-World. Eric received his bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas.