In a dynamic economy like this one, workers have to be flexible
and forward-thinking; they have to equip themselves with skills
that aren't going to be irrelevant in a year or two.
If you're in the job market, or if you're about to enter it,
you might be wondering what direction to go: What industries
are hot today? What qualifications will I need tomorrow? You're
right to wonder, because in a dynamic job market like this one,
workers have to be flexible and forward-thinking; they have to
equip themselves with skills that won't be irrelevant in a year
or two.
In the span of a decade, whole new occupations can be
created, and others can become obsolete. One only needs to
consider the job descriptions made possible by the Internet,
which were unimaginable to us only a few years ago, to
understand the need to look ahead.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the government agency that
tracks the employment situation in the United States, can
help us look ahead to the workforce of the future. By
identifying shifts and developing trends in the labor market,
you can plan ahead by making smart, informed career decisions
now.
BLS's forecast to the year 2006 projects has some good things
to say about your employment prospects, thanks to a strong
economy, the slowing growth of the labor force, and a
favorable inflation outlook. Here are the highlights of the
BLS forecast:
More educated
Employment will increase in occupations requiring higher
levels of education and training. Between 1996 and 2006, the
demand for workers with bachelor's degrees will increase 25
percent; for employees with a master's degree by 15 percent;
with a doctorate by 19 percent; and with previous work
experience plus a bachelor's or higher degree by 18 percent.
Employers also will be looking for employees with on-the-job
training.
Hot occupations
The aging of the baby boomer generation will be a major
influence on future employment. The most rapid job growth
will be in service-producing industries, which will account
for virtually all of the job growth through 2006. Health,
business, and social services, as well as engineering and
management services, are expected to account for almost one
of every two jobs added to the economy between 1996 and 2006.
Of the 10 fastest growing industries, nine belong to one of
these four industry groups.
Top 10 Industries: Fastest Employment Growth
(1996-2006)
1. Computer and data processing services
2. Health services
3. Management and public relations
4. Transportation services
5. Residential care
6. Personal supply services
7. Water and sanitation
8. Individual/social services
9. Offices of health practitioners
10. Amusement and recreation services
Source: BLS, 1998-1999 Occupational Outlook Handbook
Top 10 Occupations: Fastest Employment Growth
(1996-2006)
1. Database administrators, computers support specialists,
computer scientists
2. Computer engineers
3. Systems analysts
4. Personal and home care aides
5. Physical and corrective therapy assistants and
aides
6. Home health aides
7. Medical assistants
8. Desktop publishing specialists
9. Physical therapists
10. Occupational therapy assistants and aides
Source: BLS, 1998-1999 Occupational Outlook Handbook
You can find more detailed statistics on the employment
situation in the United States at www.bls.gov,
the web site of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
