It’s kind of a scary time to be a student. Nobody seems to be quite sure what’s going to happen in the next year, the next five years, what industries will thrive and what will keep cutting back in our new economic climate. If you’re trying to figure out what career track to pursue so you can make the most of your education, you’re probably plagued by a lot of doubts right now. While there are no definite answers, perhaps our new quiz can provide some guidance.

Here’s a little more information about each of these job industries and why they’re likely to thrive in the future. Nothing is certain, of course, but rest easy that the rampant layoffs can’t (and won’t) last forever – if you’re just starting college, you’ll enjoy more job security than many folks in the corporate world today. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hedge your bets by getting into an industry that’s likely to grow. Like…

Health Care

The face of health care might change in the coming years, but one thing is for sure: people will always need doctors, nurses, and the technicians who do things like interpret X-rays, read ultrasounds, and draw blood. Even if you don’t think medical school is for you – or don’t have the grades for it – see what your school has to offer in terms of medical training that won’t require giving up a decade of your life to education.

Green Technologies

In the next few decades, the need for green solutions will be growing in every industry. Those with training in environmental sciences might be hired into large corporations as consultants; others may start or work for companies and firms that specialize in drawing up green strategies and technologies that can apply to an entire industry.

The industry of green technology is largely unexplored, but it’s going to become more and more important. Pursuing a degree in environmental science will give you many opportunities in the future.

Law

No matter what fluctuations the economy might go through, the need for legal representation isn’t going to go away. If you have the necessary dedication and passion, becoming a lawyer might be a smart move. You will need to have excellent grades to be accepted into a pre-law program (and, later, law school) but if you’ve got the chops, there’s no reason not to give it a shot. Remember that, even once you’ve graduated law school, you will still need to be certified by passing the famously rigorous bar exam.

But there are other jobs in law. Paralegals don’t need to go to law school, but it’s still a common position for those who have graduated and are waiting to take the bar. If being a lawyer isn’t your ultimate ambition, you can become a paralegal just by having knowledge and experience in law – even an Associate’s Degree will get you there.

Education

If you’ve got a passion for teaching, take heart: teachers will be in demand no matter what happens to the world in the next few decades. And since education is mandated by the government, jobs will always exist. And you don’t necessarily have to enter a teaching program. However, it’s not a bad idea. The teaching market is competitive, and when you’re just starting out, your educational background is very important. And while private school teachers are not required to pass government certification, their higher salaries mean that they’re expected to be extremely proficient in their field.

While the most important thing is a good, broad education with a concentration in what you hope to teach, a teaching program will give you the leg up that you need. If you hope to teach high school or higher, then a Master’s degree might be necessary too.

Management

Even in these difficult times, management positions are still doing well. While redundant positions are being eliminated, those who hold entire companies together are still considered vital – with that in mind, business school isn’t a bad choice at all. If you’re planning on founding your own company or working your way up in a corporation, you’re likely to have a secure job.

Management requires a unique set of skills, mostly centered around effectively dealing with people. You’re required to understand and juggle many different facets of business, without making your specialist employees feel micromanaged. If this sounds like your kind of job, pursue a business degree.

Social Services

If you’re interested in mental health and helping people, then a career in social services might be something to pursue. Whether you want to study general mental health or a specialized area like addiction, there’s a career for you in social service. If you’d like to land a career in this area, pursuing a degree in social work and/or mental health studies will allow you maximum flexibility. Jobs are varied: you might work as a counselor for troubled teens, help run a therapeutic boarding house, or even become a licensed therapist. And no matter what happens in the future, people like you will always be in demand.

Accounting

Like to crunch numbers? If you want to pursue a degree in accounting, rest assured that a lack of money in the global economy doesn’t mean people will stop wanting to manage it. In fact, money management will become more and more important in the coming years as people and companies start to re-evaluate their spending. You can work for a company, work with a firm, or work for yourself – no matter what track you choose, there will never be a shortage of people looking for your services. If you like, you can choose to specialize in a particular service, like tax preparation – or you can keep your options more open.

IT Consultant

Most computer industries are dropping off in the short term, but that’s about to change: with the unstable world economy and the falling dollar, it’s no longer going to be cheaper to keep IT consulting overseas. Plus, the stimulus package is designed to encourage companies to keep business in the U.S. Within the next few months, companies will likely be scrambling to bring their workforce back. Pursuing a degree in computer science is your best bet if you’re interested in this field.

I hope I’ve helped you decide what to do with your time in school. If you already own a website that is focused on career building, searching, and preparation, Kwanzoo has quiz widgets that can help you. With our widgets, you can engage users, drive traffic, target advertising, and more – all in one efficient package. Get in touch with us today.

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