College is an expensive but important investment in the financial future of each student that chooses to take this route. Selecting a major is one of the most important decisions that a student will have to make during their studies. While finding something you love should always be a top priority, careful thought should be given to the employment opportunities waiting upon graduation.
Too many college students begin their college career with no idea what they want to pursue. All too many colleges push their liberal arts education as the answer to this problem. While taking varied classes in a wide array of subjects can help some students find their focus, it can also provide a false sense of security for students that pick a college major that may not have the marketable employment outlook upon graduation.
Parents and college advisers should be helping these students with an "employment reality check". Before a student finally decides on their major, a serious discussion should be about their future job prospects with this degree. If there are no jobs available with this degree, maybe we should be looking harder at our options.
Here are five college majors that will provide a great opportunity for employment upon graduation:
1. Engineering: Engineers of all disciplines have great job opportunities today. Chemical, electrical and many other engineering fields have a growing need in today's work force. The energy, medical and computer worlds have a high demand for new engineering developments and this should continue strong for the future.
2. Computer Sciences: Knowing how to use a computer is easy today. Knowing how to program, develop and design systems is not. Hardware and software applications are changing every year and we do not see an end in sight. There will always be demand for the newest, the fastest, the most powerful or the most efficient way to do things and computers are usually involved in every area.
3. Finance and Economics: As businesses and families become more involved in their own work, family and life enhancement objectives, financial and economic advice is being handed off to specialists. With the aging baby boomers, expanding emerging markets middle class and growing demand for financial services, this field continues to offer steady employment opportunities for years to come.
4. Nursing and Medical: We have a shortage of qualified nurses and other medical professionals right now. With the expanding longevity of the world population, more people are reaching older ages and the demand for health related services will continue to grow rapidly into the future. Employment prospects are very good here and compensation packages are also growing faster than the averages.
5. Building and Construction Management: As economies around the globe expand, infrastructure and construction is growing with it. Qualified building and construction management leaders are in short supply. Knowing how to take a project from paper to steel and concrete is an area that is no longer left to a labor foreman. Building and construction managers now oversee these projects from start to finish as well as quality control. Demand continues to grow as regulations and safety concerns become more complex.
Summary: These are five of the best areas for students upon graduation. As with everything in life, if you enjoy these fields, you will enjoy your career even more. If you are just doing it to get a job, it will probably be less rewarding. Every individual needs to find their own niche and find something that makes them happy. If you love your job, it will never seem like work.