Figure Out Where You Fit

After you decide to pursue career education or vocational training, you need to choose the right program. Several factors will influence your decision, such as your interests, best subjects in school, as well as job outlook and salary potential.

Career assessment

To simplify your first decision, take our quick career assessment to help determine whether you should pursue a career in one of the following areas.

• Business and arts
• Health care
• Information technology
• Mechanical sciences

How does the future look for these occupations?

Business

Business and financial-related occupations are projected to grow around 8 percent between 2014-24, which is as fast as the overall national average. However, the BLS states there will be a strong demand for accountants in the coming years, who earned annual median pay of $68,150 in 2016.

Health care

The most promising example of job opportunity lies in the field of health care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 19 percent growth for jobs in health care between 2014-24. Just to give you an idea of how dramatic this is, the anticipated growth for all occupations is just 7 percent.

Information technology

Information technology also offers opportunities for students. According to the BLS, computer support specialists earned median pay of $52,160 per year in 2016. Many of these jobs require a diploma or associate degree.

Mechanical sciences

Those who enjoy working with their hands and want to work in automotive, diesel or aviation mechanics can find occupations that are growing as fast as the national average. The annual median pay in 2016 for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $38,470. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians earned median pay of $60,270 per year in 2016.

Do you want to know how to map your own road to a career in one of these fields? Then keep moving forward …