Job Skills and Employment Rates

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Job Skills and Employment Rates

If you have been working while in school or during summer, you already have some useful experience and skills that can help you in your future career. You may have gained some customer-relations skills, communication skills, organization, and time management skills. These are all very important in the real world.

Individuals should take an interest in the employment rates of different types of skills. It can guide one’s choice of higher education and careers. Employment rates vary based on other factors too, like demands for products and the state of the economy. Let’s take a broad look at employment rates among employees of different skill types.

• STEM skills. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These skills are linked to many specific types of jobs, and the job outlook is good.
• Trade skills. Trade skills are specialized skills that require training. They involve hands-on work. Think of plumbing, electric work, cosmetology, and truck driving as good examples. There is a lot of demand for them, and employment rates are high … and are expected to be high for years to come.
• Creative skills. Creative skills include graphics, art, and writing. The employment rates for these are about average overall. Artificial intelligence may make some of this work obsolete, but it may open up new opportunities in other areas.
• Tech skills. Tech skills include computer programming, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI), among others. These skills have high employment rates.
• Administrative skills. These skills include a lot of clerical and organizational work, plus customer support. Due to automation, the employment rates for these skills are expected to decrease in the future.
• Management skills. These skills have healthy employment rates. This is due to the importance of having managers in organizations.
• Soft skills. Soft skills are "people skills"—communication, teamwork, time management, leadership, and other interpersonal skills. They are obviously very important, but most of them don’t define particular careers. Rather, they supplement other skills. Soft skills can enhance your employability in any field.

Certain other skills may see employment rates decline in the future. For example, assembly work, data entry, fast food, and recordkeeping may decline due to automation. However, that’s not a given, and some skills may find ways to survive.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes more detailed information on employment trends.

How do different types of education and training pay off?

Is college really worth it? Are other alternatives better? For all the time, effort and cost that go into being educated, it is wise to ensure that you get your money’s worth—that is, a good return on investment (ROI).

While the return on investment of a college education is high enough to make it worthwhile, the payoff depends a lot on which field of study you choose. Higher education in STEM fields (that is, science, technology, engineering, and math) comes with a higher return on your investment. Learn which careers are in demand, what the best schools are, how much they cost, and what kinds of training they offer. Look at average salaries and compare them to what you could expect to pay for college or a trade school. There are a lot of factors that go into determining the return on investment. Even non-financial factors, such as career fulfillment and the reputation of the school, can be considered. Economic conditions also play a role.

Another option to consider as part of your evaluation is certifications and training programs in various fields. Many of these are alternatives to formal education like college. They are shorter, less expensive and more focused on mastering particular skills. And they are becoming more popular.

What fields will be in high demand in the future?

Individuals wanting a good, stable, fulfilling career should take interest in career fields that will be in high demand in the years ahead. We can’t predict the future with certainty, but there are trends that make certain career paths likely to be popular. Here are some major trends to think about:

One trend is healthcare. As people live longer, more workers will be needed. Nurses, therapists, and other medical professionals are in demand.

Technology is a predictor of employment trends. Every industry relies on software and data. Therefore, tech-oriented careers will be in high demand. Along with that are cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and developers and engineers. Technology is also necessary in many other fields, such as medicine and skilled trades.

Speaking of skilled trades, these fields are growing in need due to a shortage of workers and a lot of need for infrastructure. And, as sustainable technologies improve their return on investment, there will be demand for jobs in these fields.

Business. The business world is always hiring. It links with technology and other trends.

Education is another trend. Due to skills gaps and other challenges, there is an ongoing need for training. Teachers will always be in demand.

As you think about your future career, research several fields that could be in demand. Consider the role of technology as part of that demand.