Important Careers for the Future

Your career isn't something that you necessarily have to be locked into for life. That might have been the case at once point, but fewer and fewer people now spend 40 or 50 years in the same career. You're much more likely to switch careers at least once or twice over your working life, and perhaps even try on a few different options for size before you decide what's right for you. But even if a career might not last forever, you do still want it to be reliable for at least a few years. Looking to the future, which could include remotely working and understanding what's in demand could help you to find the right career.

Health and Care Aides

With an aging population, more and more people require help with their personal care and health needs. There are several ways people might choose to receive the care that they require, from nursing homes to home health aides. Home health aides provide assistance in the home that is personalized to their client. They could do anything from offering a few hours of company and assistance each week to providing a live-in, 24/7 service. As well as helping elderly clients, they can also work with both children and adults with disabilities and additional care needs.

Image from Pexels - CC0 License

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

The renewable energy sector is growing, and solar energy is one of the most popular options. It can be used commercially, as well as by homeowners who want to use greener energy. With a higher demand for solar energy, there comes a need for professionals who can install and maintain solar panels and equipment. Solar photovoltaic installers are one of the experts that are in demand. They plan and install solar energy systems in a variety of locations to meet the needs of their clients. Most installers learn the skills that they need on the job, so you may only need a high school diploma to get started.

Wind Turbine Technicians

Wind turbines are another growing product in the field of renewable energy. They need the right people to install and maintain them, which is the role that wind turbine technicians take on. Wind turbines are less likely to be a feature that people want to add to their homes, and so the job is more likely to require working in remote locations. This job also requires a certificate or diploma from a college or technical school, as well as training on the job. However, it also pays significantly better than working as a solar PV installer.

Cybersecurity Experts

Organizations everywhere need to keep their computer systems secure. Cybercrime is often seen as a bigger threat than crimes such as break-ins and burglaries for many businesses. To maintain cybersecurity, experts in the field are required, especially for those organizations that need high levels of security. Becoming a white hat hacker is one option for people who are interested in this area of work. Their job is to find the vulnerabilities in a system so that they can be fixed. While a degree isn't always essential for this type of work, it can be useful to help you get your foot in the door.

Image from Pexels - CC0 License

Statisticians

Data can be used in many ways, helping to further many fields of study. Statisticians take data and analyze, interpret and apply it to provide a range of services and outcomes. They often work with the government, universities or research institutions, but might also work for private organizations such as financial companies and consulting services. Working as a statistician usually requires at least a master's degree, if not a doctorate or another higher degree. You can find job opportunities from organizations of different sizes and in different industries.

Physician's Assistants

Careers in healthcare are always a good option to consider if you're looking for a career for the future. Physician's assistants work alongside doctors, with more duties and responsibilities than nurses. They can carry out tasks like performing exams, ordering tests and even administering some types of treatment. There are opportunities to work as a physician's assistant in a range of clinical settings, from hospitals to private clinics. A physician's assistant needs to have a master's degree, and they need to be licensed. Once qualified, they could earn over $100,000 per year.

Software Developers

Software developers have been in demand for a long time and will continue to be needed in the future. Exactly what roles they are needed to fill and tasks they are required to perform can vary. Developing applications of different types is one thing that is in high demand, ranging from productivity apps for businesses to games. Software developers might have a specific area of focus, or they might have a more general skill set that allows them to work on many different types of application. A bachelor's degree is usually a minimum requirement for the role.

Image from Pexels - CC0 License

Physical Therapy Assistants

Another role in the medical field that is worth watching is physical therapy assistants, as well as physical therapists. Physical therapy aides support physical therapists in different medical environments, fulfilling duties to assist therapists, rather than providing the therapy themselves. They might carry out tasks such as preparing treatment rooms or clerical work, and they don't need to have the same level of knowledge about physical therapy as a therapist does. They will often train on the job but will need to have a high school diploma.

Genetic Counselors

As the ability to analyze DNA and genetics improves, individuals want to know more about their genes and what their genetics tell them about their health. Genetic counselors assess genetic risks and inherited conditions. One of the ways this information is used is to help people who are planning to have children, making them aware of any risks that might be present. Genetic counselors need to have qualifications in genetics, usually at least a master's degree, and they also need to be certified if they want to practice.

There are many careers that could help to set you up for the future so that you can protect your income and livelihood.