The job outlook - April 2006

By Edward M. Mazze, professor of business administration at the University of Rhode Island, and former dean of the business school.

What are the hot jobs for the next 10 years?

This is the time of the year where many business publications report on career opportunities for students getting ready to enter college and for others looking for a new career that may be more challenging and rewarding than their present one.

Many of us will change careers three to five times in our lifetime. I have selected a number of job categories where there are considerable opportunities for growth in Rhode Island and the New England region. These jobs currently have a salary of over $100,000, not including bonuses and the potential for upward mobility. Some of these jobs require a graduate degree.

In the professional fields, opportunities exist in education (college teaching, school administrator), health (pharmacy, psychology, medical science, physician/surgeon and dentist), engineering (software), law and accounting.

In business, the jobs in demand are with mutual fund companies, banks and insurance companies.These jobs require a bachelor’s degree as well as communication and quantitative skills. By entering the financial services sector, you can get a head start in owning your own business, for example, an insurance agency.

There are other exciting jobs to consider in fields such as information technology, real estate property management, urban planning and paralegal work for insurance companies, government agencies, transportation and utility companies and legal firms.

It is important to pick the job that fits your personality, skills and knowledge. You will be successful if you select a career where you can balance your work life with your home life.