250 Part 3 Career Planning
Education and Training Requirements
Often people are not aware of the educational requirements
for various occupations. Having the education necessary to enter a
profession of choice is highly important.
Jobs that do not require a degree or technical training after high
school usually provide on-the-job training. Often, these are lower-paying
positions that people use as stepping-stones to better jobs. See 13-1 for a
list of the most available jobs through 2016 for workers without a degree
or technical training.
Many jobs require at least an associate degree. This is a two-year college
degree. Sometimes students take a two-year program to jump-start a career.
Once working, they seek additional education and training. See 13-2 for a list
of the most available jobs through 2016 for those with an associate degree.
About 20 percent of jobs may require at least a four-year degree,
or a bachelor degree. These jobs are usually higher paying than those
requiring less education. See 13-3 for a list of the most available jobs
through 2016 for individuals with a bachelor degree.
Future Occupational Trends
What are the jobs of the future? No one knows for sure, but researchers
continue to study occupational trends. These are research predictions
regarding the jobs that will most likely be needed in the future.
One such trend is the ever-growing number of service-related jobs. These
jobs are expected to account for most of the new jobs generated by 2016. The
majority of new service positions will be in business, health, and social services.
Advances in technology and changes in society shape occupational
trends. Some important societal changes that are shaping U.S. occupa-
tions include an aging population, increased concern over health and
fi tness, high interest in recreation and entertainment, and new ways of
communicating based on new technologies.
All 16 career clusters are important sources of future jobs. You and
your peers will likely work in 10 or more jobs for fi ve or more employers
before retirement. Some of the occupations you will hold may not exist
13-1
The jobs that do not
require a degree or
specialized training are
usually lower-paying
positions.
Top Jobs through 2016 That Do Not Require a Degree
Occupations Total Job Openings
Retail salespersons 5,034,000
Offi ce clerks, general 3,604,000
Cashiers (except gaming) 3,382,000
Combined food preparation and serving
workers (including fast-food)
2,955,000
Customer service representatives 2,747,000
Janitors and cleaners (except maids and
housekeeping cleaners)
2,732,000
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Why do so many people
believe the misconception
that everyone needs a
bachelor degree?
Thinking It
Through