JEC November 2024 College & Career Ready Newsletter
Volume 21
What Jobs Will Be In-Demand For The Next 10 Years?
As you approach the end of high school or college, you’re likely thinking about your future and what kind of career path you want to pursue. Choosing the right career is more important than ever, especially when considering how rapidly the job market is changing due to technology, innovation, and global shifts. So, what jobs will be in high demand over the next decade? Let’s explore some of the top occupations that are expected to thrive, providing opportunities for growth and success.
1. Healthcare and Medical Services
The healthcare sector continues to grow due to an aging population, advancements in medical technology, and increased focus on wellness. If you have an interest in helping people, there are a variety of roles to consider:
Nurse Practitioners: These advanced practice nurses can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication, and manage patient care. With the demand for healthcare services increasing, nurse practitioners are in high demand.
Medical and Health Services Managers: These professionals oversee healthcare facilities, ensuring they run smoothly and efficiently. As healthcare organizations grow in size and complexity, management roles will become crucial.
Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides: With a growing elderly population and proposed changes to Medicare guidelines, in-home healthcare will expand rapidly. These roles involve assisting individuals with daily living activities, making them vital to the future of healthcare.
2. Technology and IT
The tech industry is constantly evolving, making it one of the most secure and high-paying sectors. Here are some tech jobs that will dominate the next decade:
Data Scientists and Analysts: As companies collect vast amounts of data, they need professionals who can analyze this information to make business decisions. If you’re interested in problem-solving and analytics, this might be for you.
Cybersecurity Experts: With the rise of digital threats and data breaches, companies are investing heavily in cybersecurity. Experts in this field will play a crucial role in protecting sensitive information.
Software Developers and Engineers: From creating mobile apps to developing complex AI systems, software developers are the backbone of tech innovation. If you enjoy coding and working with new technologies, this is a solid career path.
3. Green Energy and Sustainability
With climate change becoming a central global issue, jobs in sustainability and renewable energy are on the rise. These roles will help shape the future of energy, agriculture, and conservation:
Wind Turbine Technicians and Solar Photovoltaic Installers: As governments and businesses focus on reducing carbon emissions, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar will require skilled technicians to install and maintain systems.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists: These professionals work to protect the environment by conducting research and finding solutions to environmental problems. Their work is critical in shaping policies and practices that impact the world.
Urban Planners: As cities grow and adapt to environmental challenges, urban planners will be responsible for designing more sustainable and efficient cities, helping to reduce pollution and improve living conditions.
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation
The rise of AI and automation is transforming nearly every industry, creating new jobs while unfortunately also displacing some. However, there will be significant demand for professionals who can work with these advanced systems:
AI and Machine Learning Engineers: AI is being used in everything from healthcare to finance. Engineers who can develop and optimize AI systems will be in high demand.
Robotics Engineers: As automation continues to expand, robotics engineers will design, build, and maintain robots used in manufacturing, healthcare, and even home applications.
Automation Specialists: These professionals help integrate automated systems into different industries, streamlining processes, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs.
5. Education and Training
With the growing need for lifelong learning and upskilling, education will see significant changes in the next decade. Jobs in this field will focus on adapting to new teaching methods and technologies:
Postsecondary Teachers: As more people seek higher education and specialized training, the demand for college and university professors will grow, especially in fields like healthcare, business, and technology.
Instructional Coordinators: These professionals design and implement curriculum standards for schools and training programs, often incorporating new technology into the learning process.
Corporate Trainers: Companies are increasingly focusing on continuous learning for employees, which creates a demand for corporate trainers who specialize in upskilling and professional development.
6. Trades and Skilled Labor
Despite the rise of automation, many trades and skilled labor positions will continue to be in demand. These roles often offer high pay and job security without the need for a traditional four-year degree:
Electricians and Plumbers: These essential tradespeople will remain in high demand as new infrastructure is built and old systems need maintenance or upgrades.
Welders and Machinists: Manufacturing jobs are evolving, but skilled laborers like welders and machinists are still needed to operate complex machinery and build the parts necessary for other industries.
Construction Managers: As cities expand and develop, construction managers who can oversee building projects will be essential. This role combines technical know-how with leadership skills.
7. Creative and Digital Media
As the digital world continues to grow, creative industries are experiencing a boom. Whether it’s producing content for social media, building websites, or creating digital art, these roles will be increasingly in demand:
Digital Content Creators: Influencers, YouTubers, and digital artists will continue to grow their influence as content creation platforms expand. From marketing to entertainment, this career offers flexibility and creativity.
Web Developers and Digital Designers: Every company needs a digital presence, and web developers are responsible for creating user-friendly and visually appealing websites and apps.
Animation and Game Designers: The gaming industry is booming, and demand for creative professionals who can design games, create animations, and work with VR/AR technologies is growing rapidly.
Preparing for the Future
When considering your career path, keep in mind the importance of adaptability. The job market will continue to evolve, and new roles may emerge that we can’t yet predict. Focus on building skills that will make you flexible and open to change, such as:
Critical Thinking
As automation takes over routine tasks, jobs that require creative problem-solving and critical thinking will become more valuable.
Tech Savviness
Whether or not you’re pursuing a tech career, understanding how to work with new technologies will be crucial in almost every industry.
Emotional Intelligence
Interpersonal (people) skills and emotional intelligence will set you apart in fields like management, healthcare, and education, where human interaction is essential.
The job market in the next 10 years will be shaped by technology, environmental concerns, and demographic changes. Whether you’re drawn to healthcare, tech, trades, or creative industries, there are plenty of exciting opportunities awaiting you. As you prepare to enter the workforce, focus on gaining skills that will keep you competitive and adaptable in our ever-changing world.
Tech Is A Great Career Choice
As technology evolves, so do careers in technology. Look around you. We’re in the midst of a tech revolution. Jobs, tech businesses and artificial intelligence innovations are growing faster than ever before. Everything from new to improved products and services are all caught up in this transformative explosion. But let’s not stop there. Many non-tech jobs are increasing and evolving just as quickly due to the impact of new technology. So as someone sifting through career choices or looking to change careers, consider career opportunities directly involving tech or impacted by innovations in technology as an option.
Here is information to get you to think about careers in technology:
1. Household Robots for Everyday Tasks
Many homes already have basic robots, such as robot vacuums (like iRobot Roomba) and mopping robots. However, over the next decade, these robots will become more advanced, capable of performing a wider range of cleaning tasks, such as window cleaning, laundry folding, and even tidying up rooms with enhanced object recognition and manipulation abilities. They may even be able to cook for you. As AI improves, these robots will become more capable and affordable, making them more common in homes.
- Companies / Products to Research:
Home robots that can perform tasks like carrying items, monitoring home security, cleaning, cooking, or even serving as smart assistants.
Tesla: With its humanoid robot Optimus, Tesla is integrating AI into robots to perform repetitive tasks in homes.
Amazon: Product - Astro
Samsung: Product - Bot Handy
LG
2. Companion and Social Robots
As emotional AI advances, more affordable, emotionally intelligent companion robots are being developed to provide companionship, particularly for the elderly or those living alone. With increased aging populations, demand for caregiving robots will rise.
- Companies / Products to Research:
Personal companion robots are designed to engage in simple social interactions, respond to emotions, and provide entertainment.
Hanson Robotics: Developer of the famous humanoid robot Sophia, which can hold conversations and demonstrate facial expressions.
Personal Companions products - Jibo
Personal Companions products - Emo
Caregiving and elderly assistance robots can help with daily tasks such as medication reminders, mobility assistance, and emotional support.
SoftBank Robotics: Makers of robots like Pepper, which are used in retail, customer service, and caregiving industries
Caregiver products - Paro
Caregiver products - Romeo,
3. Generative AI Tools
Advanced Creative AI: New generative models, like the latest versions of GPT, Claude, and Google's Gemini, are expected to produce increasingly sophisticated creative outputs (writing, art, coding, etc.). Tools like ChatGPT have added capabilities beyond text (e.g., images, audio, and video generation). Future AI models are likely to manage multiple modalities more seamlessly.
- Companies / Products to Research:
Companies working on these kinds of innovations:
OpenAI
Google
DeepMind
Meta
4. AI for Personalized Medicine
Biotech and Pharma: AI is being integrated into drug discovery, medical imaging, and diagnostics.
- Companies / Products to Research:
DeepMind (AlphaFold) are solving complex problems like protein folding, which is vital for understanding diseases and developing treatments.
NVIDIA’s Clara collection of healthcare AI models for drug discovery, medical imaging, and genomics analysis is gaining ground in the industry.
5. AI Ethics and Regulation
As humanlike robots become more advanced, ethical concerns are being raised, particularly around human-robot interaction, privacy, and job displacement. Researchers are working on ensuring that robots align with human values, safety, and trustworthiness. Governments and companies are pushing to develop policies on AI fairness, transparency, and security. Lawyers and the law will have to work to keep up with the technology.
Regulations: As AI progresses, regulations will become crucial to ensure humanlike robots operate within legal and ethical boundaries, particularly in sectors like caregiving, education, and public services.
- Companies / Products to Research:
Anthropic is focused on aligning AI models with human safety and ethical considerations, founded by former OpenAI researchers.
6. AGI Research (Artificial General Intelligence)
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) models are being developed to perform any intellectual task that a human can do. This goal remains theoretical, but developments in neural network architectures and reinforcement learning are moving towards it.
- Companies / Products to Research:
Tesla: With its humanoid robot Optimus, Tesla is integrating AI into robots to perform repetitive tasks in industries and homes.
DeepMind
Boston Dynamics: Known for developing highly advanced robotic systems with AI-driven agility and adaptability.
OpenAI
Conjecture: A newer player in AGI research, focusing on ensuring AGI's alignment with human values.
7. AI and the Creative Economy
As generative AI tools become more mainstream, AI will increasingly play a role in creative industries (writing, art, music, game design). A few companies are leading this charge with AI-assisted tools for creators.
- Companies / Products to Research:
Runway
OpenAI
Adobe
8. Quantum AI
Companies are exploring how quantum computing might accelerate AI. While still in its infancy, quantum AI could vastly improve machine learning models by processing complex computations faster than classical computers. This technology could transform industries like finance, healthcare, and logistics.
- Companies / Products to Research:
IBM
Google
D-Wave
Searching For a Summer Job or Internship:
A Guide for High School and College Students
We all get it. You work hard during the school year and want to take a break during the summer. The academic pressures, family expectations, and often self-imposed stress can be overwhelming. You deserve a break. But hold on, wait a minute. Before you make a plan to sleep every day till noon and veg out on the couch all summer, consider the benefits of working or having an internship for 6 to 8 weeks this summer? Whether you're in high school or college, the benefits go far beyond just earning money. Once you turn 16, every summer experience should support your growth and development to increase your future academic, professional, and earning potential.
There are always a multitude of summer academic enrichment programs, internships, and jobs. So, how do you decide which opportunity is right for you? Good Question. I use my SMART Decision tool to evaluate any opportunities. When you are considering any new work or academic experience, ask yourself, “Is this a SMART move for me?” Here’s what SMART stands for:
S – SKILLS:
Will the experience allow you to acquire any skills that will contribute to your academic/professional development? It’s always a good idea to learn new skills (soft skills, hard skills, personal, knowledge-based, or transferable skills). Plus, acquiring new skills that you can add to your resume is always a great idea. Relevant skills will make you more marketable when it’s time to look for your next job.
M – MONEY:
Will the money that you earn help you meet your immediate financial goals? If you need to earn money to pay bills, then an internship may not be a practical summer experience for you. Focus on finding a summer job and paying your bills. Whether it's for college savings, travel, or personal expenses, a summer job helps you earn cash.
A – ACADEMICS:
Will an academic summer learning experience allow you to acquire knowledge that will enable and encourage you to continue on your learning journey?
R– RESOURCES:
Will the experience allow you to meet and work with people to learn from and also help support your growth and development? Is it possible that you might meet a mentor who can help advise you on your academic/career journey? Will you be able to build or increase your professional network from the people that you meet there?
T – TALENT:
Will the work advance your talents in any areas relevant to your career choices?
The SMART Decision tool will help you analyze and compare opportunities so you can make the best choice for your summer experience to enhance your skills, meet new people, and increase your future job prospects. The right Job and internship can develop a strong work ethic and discipline that can benefit you in both academics and your future career.
Once you make up your mind to pursue a summer work experience, it’s time to look at when and how to start. It’s never too early to make a plan so you can stay ahead of the competition.
When to Start Looking for a Summer Job
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a good summer job. The earlier you start, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose from.
1. Winter (December–February)
This is the ideal time to start your job search. Many employers, particularly large companies, or those in competitive industries, begin posting their summer job opportunities as early as December or January. By starting your search early, you’ll have the best shot at securing a position before others even begin looking.
2. Spring (March - April)
By spring, some positions are still available, but competition is stiff. If you haven’t begun your job search by this time, don’t panic—but act quickly! This is the time to expand your search and be more flexible with job types or locations.
3. Late Spring/Early Summer (May -June)
Although most jobs are filled by May, some last-minute positions open up due to cancellations or increased demand. Seasonal jobs in retail, hospitality, and recreation may still be hiring, especially if they experience a busier than expected summer season. If you’re starting late, focus on local businesses or short-term gigs.
How to Find a Summer Job
Now that you know when to start looking, here’s how you can effectively search for and secure a summer job.
1. Create a Strong Resume
Before you start applying, make sure your resume is updated and tailored to the job you're looking for. Even if you don’t have much work experience, emphasize your skills, school projects, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. Mention any soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, which are crucial for most entry-level jobs.
2. Leverage Online Job Boards
Many employers post their summer job openings online Websites such as:
Indeed
Glassdoor
LinkedIn
Snagajob (geared toward part-time and hourly jobs)
Internship websites (for college students)
These platforms allow you to search for seasonal or temporary roles. Apply to as many jobs as you can to increase your chances of landing a position.
3. Tap Into Your Network
Ask friends, family members, teachers, or mentors if they know of any open positions. Often, a personal connection can get you in the door faster than applying through online channels. Additionally, your school’s career center or guidance counselor may have local job leads and resources.
4. Target Local Businesses
If you prefer working locally, visit shops, cafes, restaurants, or recreational centers in your area to inquire about open positions. Bring copies of your resume and ask to speak with a manager. Dress professionally, be polite and professional to make a good first impression.
5. Consider Internships
If you're a college student (or even an ambitious high schooler), summer internships can provide valuable experience related to your field of study. Internships may not always be paid, but they often offer the chance to gain industry-specific skills and make professional connections.
6. Be Open to Gig Economy Jobs
If you're looking for flexibility, consider the gig economy. You can work as a:
Freelancer (writing, graphic design, social media management)
Tutor (if you excel in a particular subject)
Pet-sitter/dog walker (through apps like Rover)
Delivery driver (for services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart)
These jobs allow you to set your own hours, which can be particularly helpful if you have other commitments.
Tips for Success
Be Proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Apply broadly and follow up on applications.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions, such as “Why do you want this job?” or “Tell me something about yourself.” Confidence and preparation can make a significant difference.
Be Flexible: While it’s great to have preferences, staying open to a variety of roles or industries can increase your chances of finding a job.
Keep a Positive Attitude: Job hunting can sometimes be frustrating, especially when you don’t hear back right away. Stay persistent and optimistic.
Conclusion
Starting your job search early and being proactive are the keys to landing a great summer job or internship. Whether you’re looking for a traditional role, an internship, or gig work, opportunities are out there—if you know where and when to look. By staying organized, applying to multiple positions, and using your network, you’ll increase your chances of landing a rewarding job that helps you develop valuable skills for the future.
Unlocking the World:
The Power of Studying Abroad
Have you ever dreamed of exploring new cultures, mastering another language, or experiencing daily life in a different part of the world? Studying abroad could be your chance to do all that—and more! Whether you're in high school or college, study abroad programs open up exciting opportunities to broaden your horizons in ways that can impact your life far beyond your time overseas.
Why Consider Studying Abroad?
Expand Your Cultural Perspective - Living in another country isn’t the same as visiting for a vacation. Studying abroad immerses you in new environments, allowing you to experience traditions, languages, and customs firsthand. This can help you develop a better understanding of global cultures, while challenging your assumptions and enhancing your empathy.
Develop Language Skills - If you’ve ever struggled to learn a language in a classroom, studying abroad offers a different kind of learning experience. By being surrounded by native speakers, you’ll gain skills in real-life conversations, making language learning faster and more natural. Plus, knowing another language is a valuable skill that can boost your resume and open doors in many career paths.
Gain Independence and Confidence - Moving to another country, even temporarily, is a major step out of your comfort zone. It requires you to manage new situations, adapt to unfamiliar surroundings, and become comfortable relying on yourself. This newfound independence and confidence can make you feel more prepared to tackle future challenges, whether in school, work, or life.
Build an International Network Study abroad program typically includes students from various parts of the world. This unique environment encourages friendships that often last a lifetime and can be valuable for building a global network. Networking internationally can be a huge advantage, whether you want to collaborate on future projects or find professional opportunities abroad.
Enhance Your Career Prospects Employers value candidates who have global experience. In an increasingly interconnected world, people with international exposure and cultural understanding are in demand across industries. Studying abroad highlights your adaptability, independence, and cross-cultural communication skills, which can set you apart in a competitive job market.
Earn Academic Credit While Traveling Most study abroad programs are designed to align with your current curriculum, meaning you can earn credits that count towards your degree. Imagine studying ancient history in Rome or marine biology in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef! You get to explore the world while also staying on track with your academic goals.
Tips for Getting Started
Research Programs Early: The earlier you start looking into options, the better! Some high schools and colleges have partnerships with international schools or study abroad providers, which can simplify the process. Start by asking your school what study abroad programs are available. Speak to language, history, and geography professors and check in with school‘s language clubs for any information they may have.
Check Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many programs offer scholarships or accept financial aid, making studying abroad more affordable than you might think. Check with your school’s financial aid office and look for external scholarships as well.
Consider Your Goals: Do you want to improve language skills, focus on a particular area of study, or experience a certain culture? Tailor your search based on what you hope to gain from the experience.
Studying abroad can be an unforgettable experience that enriches your education and prepares you for a global future. If you’re thinking about taking this leap, start exploring your options now, and don’t be afraid to reach out to advisors, teachers, or peers who have studied abroad. The world is full of possibilities; take the first step toward discovering them!
Put Some
FUN
In Your School Year
We can all agree that the primary goal for any school year is to learn, achieve, and prepare to advance to the next level. But what about having some fun? Yeah, I said it. Have some fun! No matter what year you’re in, there is always the countdown to graduation in the back of your mind somewhere. So, before you walk across that stage there are a few things that you may want to put on your bucket list. Start with the basics and end with the “I can’t believe I did that” thing.
1. Attend Major School Events
Experience things like homecoming, sports games, galas, concerts, and organized events. Even if you’ve been before, show up and show out. Make it fun for you. Get dressed, sing along, cheer, chant, volunteer to help and meet new people, take selfies, and enjoy the moment.
2. Take a Road Trip with Friends
Nothing says Fun like a spontaneous road trip. Grab a few friends, pick a fun destination (even if it’s just the next town over), pack snacks, blast some music, sing off key and enjoy the break. It doesn’t have to be far; the fun is in the adventure!
3. Give a Shoutout to Someone Who Is Making a Difference In your Life
Take a few moments to thank the person or people who made an impact on you. Whether it’s the one who helped you pass that tough class or the one who always had the best advice, write them a note, send an email, or give them a shoutout. Just let them know that you appreciate them. A “Thank you” goes a long way.
4. Get Involved in a New Club or Sport
Try something completely new. Whether it's joining a random club, signing up for a sport you’ve never played, or even volunteering for an event, stepping outside your comfort zone will help you make new friends and create another unforgettable experience.
5. Host a Throwback Day
Create Some Memories
Recreate a memory from your earlier years. Host a "Throwback Day" or Party where you and your friends dress like you did back in the day. Listen to old music, play your favorite games, watch old movies, and take pictures, lots of pictures. Print out your favorite photos and make a scrapbook. Years from now, you’ll love flipping through the pages of your school days.
School is a chapter in your life that you’ll look back on for years to come. Before you move on to bigger and better things, take the time to check off a few of these bucket list items, make the most of your year and just let go and have some fun.
Mental Health and Wellness
It’s always important to prioritize self-care and maintain good mental health. Most schools, jobs, cities, and states offer counseling services where you can speak with trained professionals who can provide guidance and support. Also, consider reaching out to trusted friends, family members, or mentors for support and encouragement. If you are struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to seek support.
If you are in crisis and in need of help,
Text or Call 988
988 will connect you to compassionate, accessible care. Support is available to anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
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