Higher Learning = Higher Earnings, page 6

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Many of the fastest-growing jobs in today’s economy require some education beyond high school.

No one can predict what the jobs of the future will be. But you can use the best estimates of economists to help you make smart decisions.

In general, the jobs that require at least an associate’s degree are growing faster than those that require less education. Economists predict that by 2008, the number of jobs requiring an associate’s degree will grow by 31% — much faster than the growth rate of 9% for jobs that require just a high school education and some on-the-job training. Examples of fast-growing jobs that require an associate’s degree or postsecondary technical training include computer support specialist, paralegal, physical therapy assistant, computer repair person, licensed practical nurse, and auto mechanic.

By the year 2008, the number of jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree will grow by 24%. Examples of fast-growing or high-demand jobs for college graduates include computer engineer, teacher, broker or financial planner, physicians’ assistant, and social worker.

There will still be plenty of jobs in the near future for people with a high school diploma and some on-the-job training. In fact, the majority of jobs today do not require a higher education — for example, there is still a high demand for food service workers, sales clerks, and health care aides. But most of these jobs don’t pay well and involve low-level skills. They offer few chances for steady pay raises or promotions. They may not provide essential benefits like health insurance. And they may not be very secure, so you could be laid off every time business slumps. Your best bet is to get a solid academic foundation and pursue some kind of education after high school.

You can shape a future that’s right for you.

Many forces will have an impact on your future career — the demand for workers in the field you choose, the job market in the area where you live, the people you meet, and the unexpected opportunities that come your way. You can’t control all of these things, but you can take charge of your own learning — now.

Here are two of the surest ways to prepare for a successful and satisfying career:

Work hard at academic courses in middle school and high school.

Complete formal education and training beyond high school.

And remember: College offers benefits that can’t be measured just in terms of money. College can open your mind to new information and new ways of looking at the world. It can prepare you to make decisions and solve problems at home and at work. And it can give you more control over how you spend your working hours.

There’s a big difference between a job you do just because it pays the rent and a job you actually like. College can help make that difference.

Source: Center on Education Policy at http://www.cep-dc.org/educationjobs/higherlearninghigherearningsoct2001.htm

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