Career #1: Healthcare

According to recent Labor Department data, an aging population will put healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, physical therapists, home health aids, and pharmacists in more demand.

The same data indicates 4 million jobs will be added to this sector by 2018.

Healthcare Education and Skills

Healthcare workers should enjoy working with people, and should have an aptitude for science and math.

Less-skilled and lower paid workers such as aides may require as little as a certification course, depending upon the state they are living and working in, while doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and pharmacists require specialized schooling after graduating from college.

Those who want to enter this field should prepare early by taking college courses in pre-med, biology, and science.

Career #2: Information Technology

Think of all the technology we didn't have just a few decades ago, a decade ago, a few years ago. Computers, the Internet, and Smartphones have changed the way we do business and communicate. And they will continue to do so. 

As more technology is developed, IT professionals such as programmers, security specialists, and administrators will continue to be in high demand.

Information Technology Education and Skills

Those in this field should enjoy analytical thinking, but should also be creative problem solvers. As this career becomes more central, more institutions of higher learning are responding by offering course work and majors in areas such as computer networking and information security, applied computer science, and computer science and innovation.

Because this field is rapidly changing, those who want to secure the best positions should keep up with those changes by seeking out and participating in cutting-edge classes, continuing education, and certification.

Career #3: Alternative Energy

Don't say good-bye to oil and gas quite yet, but alternative energies such as wind power, hydrogen power, geothermal power, and solar power will create dozens of new careers, from mechanics and plant managers to scientists, engineers, and even sales and marketing professionals, as these energies become more mainstream.

Alternative Energy Education and Skills

Those with scientific minds who enjoy research and care about the earth's future are good candidates for a career in alternative energy.

As this field becomes more popular, colleges and universities are offering associates degrees, bachelor's degrees, and even MBAs in green energy.

Career #4: International Law

As the emphasis on global business and trade grows, organizations will be looking for individuals who will have the education, experience, and skill set to navigate areas like international law, tax codes, work and environmental regulations, and even ethics.

International Law Education and Skills
Individuals who want to take advantage of this trend will need a law degree with an emphasis on international law. Excellent communication skills, as well as knowledge and/or fluency in one or more languages will also help.

Individuals who follow this path should also be willing to live in several different countries over the course of their careers, as this will be a future trend.

Career #5: Content Creation

As marketing becomes education-based and less sales-based, demand for business writers who specialize in blogs, newsletters, website articles, whitepapers, and special reports will also increase.

Content Creation Education and Skills

There is no typical education for professionals who specialize in content creation. Most have at least a bachelor’s degree, with additional education in areas of specialization.

Individuals in this field must have good communication and writing skills, and be highly creative and original. They must also be self-motivated and self-disciplined in order to meet deadlines.

Career #6: Marketing

Increased competition and the desire for companies to find new ways of differentiating their products and services will ensure that marketing professionals are kept in high demand.

However, because trends and strategies change over time, those who can demonstrate they are keeping up with strategy will be better positioned.

Marketing Education and Skills

Marketing professionals need a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field at the very least. Those who are best positioned will have MBAs in business or marketing, with a focus on strategic marketing.

Creativity, good communication skills, and excellent research ability are necessary attributes.

Career #7: Financial Analyst

Unsettled economic times have demonstrated a need for sound financial advice and planning, for both individuals and businesses.

As our country's financial future becomes less predictable, financial analysts and planners will continue to be in demand.

Financial Analyst Education and Skills

Most people in the financial industry have at least a bachelor's degree, with the most employable earning MBAs.

Certifications are required in some fields. A good track record is necessary for success, as are exemplary people skills, math ability, and the ability to handle stress.

Pay attention to opportunity

Your profitable future goes hand in hand with demand for those in your profession.

Carefully positioning yourself for jobs that are showing significant growth potential is your best bet.

What will the help wanted ads look like in two years? In five? In ten? And why should you care?

As the world evolves, so do job trends and job descriptions. It’s important to structure your career so that your job will be in demand in several years, not eliminated. This article explores seven professions, both emerging and long-standing, that will be secure in the future.