The Occupational Outlook Handbook’s Fast Growing Careers

Have you ever wondered how someone becomes the radio announcer who covers the play-by-play for your favorite hockey team? Do you love to write, but don’t see yourself becoming a novelist? It’s hard to know where your career path will lead when you’re in high school, and you may not know all the options that are waiting for you, especially if you are still developing your interests. The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) provided by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics is a great resource to discover various careers and learn more about the entry-level education required to enter these fields. In addition, the OOH compiles data on projected job growth. Per the OOH, the average growth rate for all occupations is 5%. Highlighted below are three very different careers that are forecasted to have much faster than average growth rates. Interpreters and Translators This sector has an expected 10-year growth rate (2018-2028) of 19%. Interpreters and translators play an important role connecting those who are conveying information and those who need to understand it. The OOH reports that these careers commonly begin with a bachelor’s degree and require fluency in at least two different languages, one of which is typically English. On a daily basis, interpreters work in environments such as hospitals, schools, and global conferences, while translators may work in areas of publishing and web content. If your world language or American Sign Language class is one that you look forward to each day, you may want to consider these fast-growing careers. Social and Community Service Managers Fulfilling careers can often stem from extracurricular activities. Students who engage deeply with organizations and agencies which support various community groups might enjoy careers as social and community service managers. These individuals are community advocates whose work focuses on coordinating and overseeing community based organizations and social service initiatives. A bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, urban studies, or related fields is necessary for entry-level positions. Strong communications skills are also key, as many social and community service managers write grants and speak at fundraising events. The OOH reports a 13% growth increase in these careers within the next 10 years. Athletic Trainers As people strive to live healthier lives and advances in medicine allow people to live longer, careers in healthcare are on the rise. It’s not surprising then to learn that the OOH project a 19% growth in jobs for athletic trainers by the year 2028. Athletic trainers play an integral role in helping to prevent injuries as well as creating rehabilitation plans when injuries do occur. Athletic trainers must be compassionate individuals with strong interpersonal skills, as they work with a range of patients from young children to professional athletes to the elderly. A bachelor’s degree from a college or university that has accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education is required to enter this career. The OOH notes that “high school students interested in postsecondary athletic training programs should take courses in anatomy, physiology, and physics.” Making the Occupational Outlook Handbook part of your resource library can be a helpful tool in the college search process. It can assist you in researching careers that best suit your interests as well as provide information relating to job growth, median pay, and the education necessary to advance in a chosen career.