previous | next

I. Mapping the Market

Where Adults Fit Into the Educational Landscape

 B. How Do I Start?

-Fastest-Growing Career Fields

What are some of the fast-growing job fields? The following tables outline career projections through the year 2000. The job categories and figures are generalized. Factors such as local economy, geographic distribution, individual skill and experience will all impact the success of your career.

 These fast-growing fields generally require a college degree:
  % increase   % increase
  physical therapists  57   occupational therapists  49
 operations research analyst  55   computer programmers  48
 securities/financial services  55   employment interviewers  40
 actuaries  54   electrical/electronic engineers  40
 computer systems analysts  53   recreational therapists  37

Also: systems analysts, teachers, accountants and auditors, lawyers, food service and lodging managers.

Formal training by employers or some post-secondary training is required for these growing fields:
  % increase   % increase
paralegals  75 surgical technologists 56
medical assistants  70 physical and corrective therapy assistants  52
radiologic technicians  66 EEG technicians  50
computer repairers  61 occupational therapy assistants and aides 45
medical record technicians 60 respiratory therapists  41

Also: nurses, maintenance repairers, carpenters, cooks, blue-collar worker supervisors, electrical and electronics technicians, automotive mechanics.

Job skills needed for these occupations can be learned in high school or from short-term, on-the-job training:
  % increase   % increase
home health aides  68 jailers 41
travel agents  54 receptionists and information clerks  40
subway and streetcar operators  52 flight attendants  39
social welfare service aides  52 bakers, bread and pastry 35
human services workers 45 guards  32

Also: sales workers, janitors, waiters and waitresses, general office clerks, cashiers, secretaries, nursing aides and orderlies, truckdrivers.

Source: Occupational Outlook Quarterly, Fall 1993

previous | next