Job Hunters Ask Us Great Questions

One Great Question job hunters been asking lately is:

What sort of industry or job position is “best’ to target a job search?  

They ask what is “best” because many job hunters feel no job is safe anymore.

A recent survey (Harris Poll) found 73% of job seekers believe job security is declining, even when one is personally a strong performer with great annual performance reviews.

The Job Forum answers their good question with some of these ideas:

Job hunters who want to position themselves for long-term growth should look at industries and career paths that are projected to expand strongly over the next decade. Here are some of the key sectors and strategies to focus on — plus examples of some of roles within them.

 High-Growth Industries to Watch

Based on recent labor market data and expert forecasts, these are some of the areas likely to grow significantly in the future:

Healthcare
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are projected to see very high growth.

• Medical and health services managers, mental health professionals, rehab (physical therapy) roles.
• Aging populations and expanded healthcare access make this a stable, growing area.

Technology / Data / AI /Cybersecurity
AI and machine learning specialists.

• Data scientists, business intelligence analysts.
• Information security / cybersecurity analysts.
• Other specialized tech roles: fintech engineers, IoT specialists, autonomous vehicle specialists.

 

Quantum Technology
 More niche, quantum computing and other quantum tech roles are expected to grow significantly as the field matures.

• There’s growing demand for specialized research, software development, and engineering roles in quantum.

Social Services / Community Services
Roles such as substance abuse counselors, family support, social workers are projected to grow.

• These are “human-centered” careers that are less likely to be automated and remain essential.

 

Trades / Skilled Labor
Skilled trades (e.g., electricians, plumbers, business facilities managers) are in demand. According to UC, these roles remain very relevant.

• As green infrastructure grows, tradespeople skilled in renewable energy systems will also be increasingly needed.

Energy , Green Energy & Sustainability
Ai requires lots of energy

• Wind turbine technicians, solar installers — both are expected to be among the fastest-growing job categories.
• Sustainability specialists, environmental engineers, renewable energy engineers and a resurgence of nuclear is expected
• Clean energy investments are being driven by global climate goals and policy shifts even though America’s commitment to environmental issues flagged compared to economic factors.

 

Finance & Fintech
Actuarial work (risk, data, financial modeling) is growing.

• Fintech engineering: building digital banking systems, payment platforms, blockchain applications are mentioned
• Banks still welcome and train people to be client facing and explain services in ways AI does not.

 

Fears about where to look are driven by the many layoffs that have focused on white collar jobs and by fears of recession.

 

Many worry that this job search will be followed by the need for the next job search.

 

That is just one reason why The Job Forum focuses on teaching job search skills and equipping people so they “know how to fish” (look for a job) rather than giving them one meal for today.