Considering your career options after studying abroad? It’s important to choose a growing industry. These industries will have more job opportunities, and salaries are likely to be more competitive. Despite numerous applications for open roles, successful applicants can also enjoy other benefits, from higher job security to employee perks.
In their Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shared occupations with the highest projected employment percentage change between 2020–2030. We’ll look closer at ten of those jobs below. Read on to learn more!
Health Care
Before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the American health care system, the number of nurse practitioners was projected to grow by 52% in the 2020s. Now, the need for trained professionals is even higher. Some reports project that 1.2 million new nurses are needed by 2030. Interested in this career? Most nurse practitioners hold a master’s degree in one of the advanced practice registered nurses‘ (APRN) fields. They must also have state-level licensing, and pass a national certification exam.
Occupational therapy assistants and physical therapist assistants are also in demand, with employment expected to grow by 36% and 35%, respectively. Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists to help patients develop, recover, and maintain their daily life skills. This can range from guiding patients through stretching exercises to teaching someone how to use special equipment. Occupational therapy assistants usually hold an associate’s degree from an accredited therapy assistant program. The OOH projects about 8,800 job openings in this field per year.
Physical therapist assistants help patients regain strength and mobility after an illness or injury. They’re also a licensed profession, and most earn associate’s degrees in a related, accredited program.
Considering different study abroad destinations? Health care workers are also in high demand in Canada.
Information Security
International students passionate about data and network security could find success as information security analysts. Analysts guide coworkers through security procedures, develop tech best practices, and monitor work networks for attacks. They usually have a bachelor’s degree in a computer science field. The Occupational Outlook Handbook predicts around 16,300 new jobs will appear yearly in this field until 2030.
Prepare for a career in info security: study computer science!
Restaurants
Americans rediscovered their appetite for dining out as gathering restrictions ended. But, because many in the restaurant industry changed careers over the last two years, there’s a widespread shortage of restaurant cooks.
In 2020, the OOH predicted a 49% growth in the restaurant industry this decade. However, the National Restaurant Association’s 2022 State of the Restaurant Industry report noted that their workforce is “projected to grow by 400,000 jobs by the end of the year,” exceeding that prediction. While that rapid growth helps the industry stabilize, “over half of the restaurant operators surveyed said it would be a year or more before business conditions return to normal.” This is difficult news for current employees, but could mean tons of opportunities for new graduates.
No matter what you study, you still have to eat. Use our tips to eat healthy on a student budget!
Renewable Energy
Two sustainable energy jobs are in demand through 2030. First, the OOH predicts a 68% growth in jobs as a wind turbine technician. This role requires credentials from a technical school, and provides lots of on-the-job training. Because of the turbines’ size and location, technicians should be comfortable working at heights in remote and semi-remote areas.
More of a city person? Solar photovoltaic installers‘ work takes them from solar farms to urban rooftops. They set up and maintain systems that convert sunlight into electrical energy, and often hold diplomas or degrees from a technical institute or college. It’s still a small field: In 2020, almost 12,000 installers worked across the US. By 2030, the OOH projects there will be 6,100 more, an industry growth of 52% over the decade.
Curious about skilled trade programs? Check out these options on our blog!
Sports and Entertainment
With tourism and entertainment sectors growing in 2022, many of the jobs expected to grow the most this decade are in pro sports and entertainment. Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes are predicted to see a 46% growth in their field. Most agents have a bachelor’s degree in a program like business or marketing. However, specific sports and artist management programs are becoming more popular.
Recent stats from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) showed that over 20,000 international student-athletes were enrolled at NCAA schools. While not all students pursue an athletic career, the OOH noted that the number of pro athletes and sports competitors is expected to grow 38% by 2030. Pro athletes don’t require a formal education, but college athletic experience can set a young athlete up for success. Meanwhile, coursework can prepare students for a post-athletic career later in life.
Joining a campus or rec sports team is a great way to boost your resume while studying abroad! Here are some more resume tips.
Statistics
Statisticians who “apply math to solve practical problems in business, engineering, or the sciences” are expected to see a 35% growth in jobs across the US by 2030. Statisticians work in the academic, public, or private sectors. Most have a master’s degree in mathematics, or a related field like statistics or computer science. Some statistician jobs are also open to grads with bachelor’s degrees.
Whether you study data science or biology, one of the emerging career options in the US will suit your skills. No matter which program you choose, we wish you all the best as you start your study abroad journey!
