Opportunity is Knocking

By: Staff Writer

Updated: 3/14/2010

2009 has been a year filled with challenges and uncertainties. No where has this been felt more than in our job market; however, the government has passed several bills to help retrain Americans recognizing that those with more education and training have more secure jobs and higher earnings. With jobs hard to find, it may be a good time to consider going back to school.

Even unemployed workers receiving unemployment benefits may qualify for aid to help pay for education and training. And aid can be significant: In particular, the Federal Pell Grant program can provide up to $5,350 for educational costs at community colleges, colleges and universities, and many trade and technical schools. This is only one example of several federal student aid programs available to assist unemployed workers.

With all of these opportunities available, it may be challenging to pick a career. There is a lot of help out there for those who are willing to do a little research. There are several strategies behind picking a career. Of course, one needs to look at their strengths and weaknesses; i.e. if you are not good with numbers or math, picking a financial field would not be of much benefit to you. But once you know where your aptitude lies, where do you go next?

Perhaps you should look at the fastest growing industries. There are several websites that highlight those industries that are projected to grow the fastest and include industry employment levels. Within those industries, you should be able to find a job description that intrigues you and takes advantage of your skills. Within each industry, you will be able to profile an occupation in that industry, see national employment trends and locate employers.

For example, one of the projected fastest growing industries through 2016 is the grouping titled Management, scientific, and technical consulting services. Within this grouping, there are seven different occupations to choose from. If you choose Administrative Management Consulting Services, it will give you an overview of trends, wages and employment projections. This grouping is projected to grow increase by 78% through 2016.

Another strategy to employ when looking toward your future would be to look at the top industries with the highest employment figures. Industry information is typically updated every few years, but by looking at how many jobs exist in this industry, it may point you toward a career that will typically rely on high employment numbers. Based on 2006 information, the current highest employment industry is the elementary and secondary school industry. By the same token, it would also be wise to look at industries with declining employment figures. While you may hold a strong interest in one of these industries, if employment figures are declining, your job opportunities will greatly diminish and you will find yourself looking for work in an overly competitive field.

If money is your main motivation, then look toward the industries that are the highest paying. These industries will require advanced college degrees and job experience, i.e., the current highest reported paying industry is that of commodity contracts dealing. Of course, the information is based on 2006 records but those working within this industry earned an average median wage of $221,795.

The best strategy to use is one that you believe will make you happy and allows you to pursue your interests while taking advantage of your strengths and aptitudes. The importance of a strong education cannot be stated any more strongly whether a technical, vocational, two-year, four-year or even a more advanced degree.

For additional information about specific job industries, visit http://www.careeronestop.org and http://www.bls.gov/bls/employment.htm. For information on funding your education, visit http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov/opportunity/index.html.

Opportunity is knocking—will you answer or be left behind?

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