Section 1.1 Importance of Work
9
Many jobs require at least an associate degree. An associate
degree 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 Figure 1-2 for a list of jobs open
to workers with an associate degree.
About 20 percent of jobs may require at least a four-year college
degree, known as a bachelor degree. These jobs are usually higher
paying than those requiring less education. See Figure 1-3 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. Occupational
trends are research-based forecasts about which jobs 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 2020. The majority of new service positions will be in business,
health, social services, and technology.
Advances in technology and changes in society shape occupational
trends. Some important societal changes that are shaping US
occupations include:
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You will see many of these changes reflected in Figure 1-4, which
shows projected growth by major occupation groups.
Ethical Leadership
Truthful Communication
“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember
anything.”—Mark Twain
The ability to communicate effectively is an important
leadership quality in both business and personal life.
Effective communication involves the ability to clearly state your ideas and
to do so honestly. Facts should be given without distortion. If the information
is an opinion, label it as such. Do not take credit for ideas that belong to
someone else; always credit your sources.