Section 1.1 Importance of Work 9 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 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: • an aging population • an increased concern for health and fi tness • a high interest in recreation and entertainment and • new ways of communicating based on new technologies. You will see many of these changes refl ected 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.