Unemployed and underemployed workers who are "sick and tired" of being "sick and tired" can jump-start their careers in 2011 if they are willing to do their part to keep up with changing times.
"The future is bright if job seekers can figure out how to align continuing education with America's areas of successful innovation," says Mary Walshok, Ph.D., a sociologist and dean of continuing education at UC San Diego. "The array of job opportunities is dazzling for workers who are willing to be retrained."
Walshok, Tapan Munroe, Ph.D., and Henry DeVries, MBA, have published a new study in the book Closing America's Job Gap (W Business Books, January 2011), which indicates that many new jobs are being shaped by innovations in science and technology that are being developed through universities and research labs across the nation and around the world.
These top 10 sectors are:
1. Embedded engineering. There are career options for software developers willing to learn some new tricks. Devices from phones, appliances and televisions, to automobiles and iPods all use processors to run. These complex digital processors, or computers, are embedded systems, often built around a microprocessor core designed by software engineers.
2. Mobile media. Cell phones and other mobile devices are now multifunction devices that enable users to surf the Web, listen to music, download podcasts, use maps, access global positioning satellites, shoot and send photos and videos, and send text messages. Graphic designers, videographers and video editors, casual game/app developers and software engineers are needed to design and develop websites and create video content, software applications, games, interfaces, mobile platforms, and more, as demand continues to increase for Web content and next-generation cell phones.
3. Occupational health and safety. More specialists are needed to cope with technological advances in safety equipment, changing regulations and increasing public expectations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11 percent job growth over the next decade, with six out of 10 jobs being in the private sector.
4. English translation and foreign languages. In the next 40 years, it is predicted that the number of Spanish speakers in the U.S. will rise from 31 million to more than 100 million. For those completely bilingual in Spanish and English, these highly marketable language skills open doors to new careers.
5. Renewable energy and the greening of all jobs. By the mid-21st century, all jobs will be green jobs. Organizations today must address potential regulation changes and look for business growth opportunities in the new era of sustainable environmental economics.
Co-author DeVries is also assistant dean for continuing education at UC San Diego. He reports that the city of San Diego is becoming a hub of the movement, conducting studies and hosting job fairs where local industry showcases its sustainability efforts and innovations.
"There is a trend to be green, no matter what industry you are in," he said. "On April 16, UC San Diego will host a green open house where companies such as Sempra will be doing demonstrations and showing new technologies. The campus is a leader in sustainability—either carbon footprint reduction or alternative industries."
6. Teaching English as a foreign language. Half the world's population is expected to be speaking English by 2015. Interest in English teaching positions abroad has mushroomed. That is because English is the international language of business, technology and academia.
7. Action sports innovators. Job seekers searching for a strong sector should consider this: Despite the current economic slump, the surf/skate industry has shown notable resiliency during recent global economic challenges, posting U.S. retail sales of $7.22 billion in 2008, according to the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association.
NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton was recently named executive chairman of San Diego Sports Innovators (SDSI), the newest division of UC San Diego CONNECT. SDSI connects and drives the growth of San Diego's sports economy by offering innovative programs and services for start-ups, mature companies and service providers.
8. Setting up an independent consulting practice. Often there is work to be done, but no jobs. The trick is to offer to provide the labor as a true independent contractor. This is done to market your skills and experience whether in fine cabinet making, catering, technical writing, contract engineering or strategic planning.
"Consulting is thriving," DeVries said. "While there is a lot of work out there, there are not a lot of jobs. Because companies are reducing their head count, they are turning to consultants to execute their growth strategies."
9. Geriatric health care. The growing population of seniors continues to have a major impact on careers in health care. In the U.S. 34 million are 65 years or older, and that population will double by 2030. About eight out of 10 seniors have at least one chronic health condition and about 50 percent have at least two.
10. Repurposing America's skilled and technical workers for "new economy" applications. Nearly 100 percent of welding school graduates find jobs. The average welder is nearing retirement, with twice as many welders retiring as being trained.
The authors note that every job within these sectors requires differing levels of training as well as a commitment to ongoing education, given the continuing changes in technologies and applications. For more information, see closingamericasjobgap.com.
