Whether you’re looking for a different position or are interested in pursuing an entirely new career altogether, the job market these days can give many people pause. Despite low unemployment rates and an abundance of open roles, job seekers report lacking confidence in the market. In fact, job market confidence recently fell to its lowest level since 2016, according to Glassdoor data.
While concerns are warranted, particularly in light of recent mass layoffs across several high-profile companies, there are positive signs of improvement, especially within certain industries. One way to mitigate any lingering apprehensions? Consider entering a field that has plenty of career growth, including those listed on LinkedIn and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as the fastest-growing occupations for 2024.
By aligning yourself with the below industries, you’ll enhance your chances of securing stable and rewarding employment opportunities. Read on to discover the top-growing jobs of the year as well as the USC online graduate programs that will support your career goals.
Nurse Practitioners
Since the onset of COVID-19, there has been a renewed appreciation of the value of medical professionals. While the most challenging days of the pandemic are behind us, the demand for nurses remains constant. After all, illness and injuries are inevitable.
If you possess a compassionate nature, derive fulfillment from assisting others and aspire to contribute positively to society, pursuing a career as a nurse could be your ideal path. Consider the online Master of Science in Nursing program from USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, which not only imparts fundamental nursing knowledge, but also provides a robust understanding of the social determinants influencing health outcomes.
Health Care Managers
As with nurses and doctors, health care managers and administrators are also necessary to address the ongoing threats and challenges in the field. Unlike medical practitioners, health care administrators do not directly engage in patient care. Instead, they oversee the organizations where those treatments occur. Health care administrators are vital to the success of hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices, handling finances, staffing and other key administrative tasks.
Those who want to impact the medical field from an administrative level can enroll in the Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) online program from USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, which prepares professionals to become health care leaders.
Information Security Analysts
The increasing prevalence of remote work has resulted in many professionals conducting the majority of their job duties from behind a computer. That means it’s absolutely crucial that each organization employs an information security analyst to detect, monitor and address all aspects of virtual security. One unsolved compliance or security issue can wreak havoc for a company and lead to cybersecurity breaches that have lasting impacts.
An information security analyst is the perfect role for people who enjoy working with technology and solving problems. The Master of Science in Computer Science program from USC Viterbi School of Engineering, offered on-campus and online via DEN@Viterbi, provides a comprehensive training in programming, coding and computer application design.
Data Scientists
While information security analysis is one avenue for tech-savvy professionals, there are alternative paths, including pursuing a career as a data scientist. In today’s digital landscape, data is necessary for companies to make informed decisions, and data scientists play a crucial role in sifting through large quantities of information to make predictions, draw key conclusions and provide innovative solutions the organizational challenges.
For those interested in specializing as data scientists, USC Viterbi offers the Master of Science in Applied Data Science, which can be completed on-campus and online. The program not only impacts valuable data science methodologies, but also emphasizes the practical application of data-driven insights in real-world scenarios.
Financial Managers
Ultimately, the primary objective of every organization is to generate profit. To accomplish that, companies need adept financial managers to oversee their financial health. These managers undertake a multifaceted role, keeping track of company expenses and profits and implementing financial strategies to ensure fiscal stability. This includes data analysis, financial reporting and budget creation.
For those aspiring to become financial managers, consider the Master of Science in Financial Engineering program from USC Viterbi (online or on-campus) or the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) from USC Marshall School of Business.
Sustainability Analysts
As the consequences of climate change and global warming grow, so does the necessity for sustainability analysts. Sustainability analysts play a pivotal role within organizations to combat these challenges, managing efforts to improve ecofriendly practices and values. Tasked with analyzing and advancing a company’s environmental and social responsibility, sustainability analysts provide valuable insights to drive decision-making processes toward greater sustainability.
The Master of Sustainability Management (MSM) online program, offered through USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, provides both the contextual knowledge and practical management skills to succeed in this role.
Physical Therapists
In addition to nurse practitioners and health care managers, physical therapists continue to be essential pillars of the health care field, working alongside other medical providers to help patients recover from injuries, illnesses or surgeries that affect their overall mobility. Physical therapists provide hands-on care to manage patient pain and improve well-being, and they work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, out-patient practices and more.
Those who are committed to helping people live healthier and happier lives can consider the hybrid online/on-campus pathway of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at USC.
Learn more about USC Online graduate programs today.