College is a long-term investment with high returns in regard to employment opportunities, incomes, and work satisfaction. It is therefore important to select a major with a view to where the jobs are. The following five majors are ranked high in the list of being in high demand in recent years.
Computer science remains arguably one of the most popular college majors to this date. As almost every aspect of life moves online—entertainment, banking, health records, etc.—the demand for technology skills continues to grow. There are projections that job opportunities in areas such as software engineering, computer programming, cybersecurity, and app development will grow much faster than average over the course of the next ten years.
Majoring in computer science provides students with thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, computational concepts, and skills to design and develop efficient software and systems. Larger tech firms, together with emerging new companies, are keen on the recruitment of computer science graduates to enhance their innovativeness. As for the average starting salary, remunerations are also ranked among the highest for the new college graduates.
The trends reveal that the healthcare industry is still growing with increased attention given to the growing elderly population. Nursing is currently one of the most popular and sought-after degrees at the moment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is projected to increase by 12% between 2018 and 2028, which is much higher than average employment growth across all occupations.
Nursing programs appeal to learners who want to work closely with patients and manage cases. Coursework includes subjects such as human anatomy, physiology, biology, pharmacology, pathology, public health, and clinical experience. Nurses are well paid and can get employment in various sectors ranging from hospitals to schools to home health services, among others. Further training is also possible, and this results in advanced specialties and leadership positions.
Studying finance prepares students for the professions in investment, banking, accounting, and economic forecasting. Some of the subjects that are generally taught include financial markets, budgeting, risks, investments, and international finance. Finance majors hone analytic skills to assess the level of risk, future market prospects, and revenues.
It opens up employment opportunities in the areas of financial analysis, investment banking, portfolio management, financial planning, actuarial services, treasury, etc. Big banks and Wall Street companies pay very well at the base beginning rate and use huge bonuses to attract the best talent for starting positions. The average projected job growth in financial services is 9 percent in the period between 2018 and 2028.
Whether it is a small business, midsize, or large corporation, professional accounting knowledge is required in all fields. Specialization in accounting offers the students professional knowledge in areas of financial reporting, taxes, audits, managerial accounting, and even forensic accounting. Skills include critical thinking and analysis, application of quantitative and qualitative data, problem solving, and communication.
In a constantly developing legal framework, professional knowledge and experience of accountants are needed to meet the requirements of the law and to think through the financial activities of a company most effectively. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the accountants and auditors profession is expected to experience a 6%, on average, growth rate from the year 2018 to 2028. It has diverse career prospects in public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, government departments, and even as an independent businessperson.
A marketing degree is still regarded as a way to a versatile career, leading to the demand for high-positioned jobs. Marketing students develop proficiency in understanding the customer, data analysis, market research, content development, and campaign planning. In our modern world, knowledge in the fields of SMM and cooperation with influencers is also very relevant.
Marketing specialists work in large companies and corporations, advertising and PR agencies, as well as the mass media. Many career fields ranging from artistic to numerical are available in most fields of work. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for marketing managers are expected to increase by 8% between 2018 and 2028. It is important that coursework in data analytics, e-commerce, and social media is included to arm graduates for success.
Finding a good major that people find fulfilling while the demand for the jobs is on the rise also requires effort. Students should think about their strengths and passions and should also research numerous and specific job profiles, growth projections, pay scales, and employers of concern related to the majors one is interested in. It is a very important decision that one has to make, but the decision sets the person on a professional growth path
- Written By - Natasha Singh