Data Science Jobs in Demand

Colleges have begun programs in this new occupational field that combines training in statistics, computer systems and a subject matter field to analyze data for decision making.The first graduates are in high demand and one study projects a shortage of nearly 200,000 workers in five years. (New York Times, April 11, 2013)

---

Retail Jobs Disappearing

Employment and hours for sales clerks, cashiers and other retail sales workers continue to decline due to consumer preference for low staff discount stores, e-commerce purchasing and website product research. Alternative industries such as food service or health care will need to be found for the lower skilled workers in this major sector. (Atlantic Magazine, June 2013).

---

New Manufacturing Automation Changing Skills Needs

The potential of rapidly advancing 3D manufacturing to customize production while reducing labor and storage needs could lead to less assembly line, warehouse and transportation workers while increasing the need for highly skilled computer analysts and artisans. (Business Week, May 16,2013)

---

Jobs North of the Border

Canada is actively recruiting US welders, electricians, plumbers, heavy equipment mechanics, oil field workers and other skilled trades. Residency requirements for citizenship are relatively quick and easy to meet. (Business Week, May 16, 2013).

---

College Graduates Finding Jobs in New Cities

Beyond the usual meccas of New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles, metropolitan areas employing a large number of new graduates include Washington DC, San Francisco/San Jose, Boston, several cities in Texas (Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio) as well as many smaller places such as Milwaukee according to a ranking of the top 100 metropolitan area hiring trends [USA Today May 15, 2013]

---

College Graduates Employment Continues Favorably

Even through the recession, unemployment rates for college graduates have remained relatively low while the financial return on a degree high. However, graduates are being increasingly employed in lower skilled jobs not usually requiring a college degree. [New York Times, May 4, 2013]

---

US MANUFACTURING TURN AROUND

The prospects for long term, although slow, employment growth in manufacturing work look favorable. Best prospects appear to be in high tech and energy intensive sectors due to increasing US worker productivity, lower transportation and energy costs, and quicker customer response. [Time Magazine April 11, 2013]

---

HOSPITAL JOBS CHANGING

Entry level career ladder jobs in hospitals are declining while the industry continues to be a major employer with rapid growth. Due to technological and financial reasons such careers as licensed practical nurse, associate degree registered nurse, medical transcriptionist and non doctorate pharmacist are becoming less needed. [Wall Street Journal April 26, 2013].

---

BEST JOBS

Actuary is the best job and Newspaper Reporter the worst based on an annual ranking of careers according to work environment, pay, stress and employment outlook. Two hundred occupations are listed with the ranking factors and other job information [CareerCast.com April, 2013].

---

Nurse Aides in High Demand

Nursing home staff, especially nurse aides, are in short supply. Workers are hard to find due to low pay, under staffing, physically hard work, and high turnover and retirement. The situation is expected to worsen as the demand for care increases with an aging population. [Wall Street Journal April 15, 2013]

---

Mining Careers Offer Good Prospects

Job opportunities and wages in the mining, oil and gas extraction industry are very good for both college and non college graduates. Unfavorable working conditions are being partially offset by use of high technology machinery. [Occupational Outlook Quarterly, Spring 2013].

---

Occupational Job Satisfaction  

The most satisfied workers according to a recent survey were real estate agents, quality assurance engineers, senior sales representatives, application developers and construction superintendents.  Conversely the most unhappy were associate attorneys, customer service associates, clerks, marketing coordinators and legal assistants. [Forbes March 22, 2013]

---

Mentoring for Younger Workers Changing  

The standard one-on-one mentoring by a senior manager in large companies is disappearing for millennials (born 1977-1997)  who prefer peer, speed, reverse, or family advice and assistance.  [Business Week March 18-24, 2013]

---

Nurse Practitioner Job Opportunities

Legal challenges by doctors in many states to restrict independent diagnosis and prescription by nurse practitioner will largely determine the employment opportunities and growth in this 155,000 worker occupation. [Business Week  March 11-17, 2013]

---

Software Apps Work Not Remunerative 

The new skill of writing computer applications for mobile devices is attracting a lot of interest from software developers and engineers.  Over 275,000 individuals have registered with Apple, with almost all freelancing.  However, the lengthy time involved in doing the work (often months) compared with payoff is unfavorable. [New York Times Nov. 2012]

---

Job Prospects of MBAs Improving  

Over 92 % of the class of 2012 MBA graduates were employed six months after graduation.  This compares to 86% for the class of 2011, and is the highest rate since 2003 [Graduate Management Admission Council  May 2013]

---

Fitness Instructors in Demand

“Group Fitness Instructor” is a relatively new and growing field with an expected employment increase of 24% over the next 5 years.  Salaries average $31,000 for those with at least a high school diploma, special certifications, and particular interests and abilities. [Occupation Outlook Quarterly, winter 2012]