Choosing an In-Demand Career

People decide on a career for any number of reasons: personal interest, natural talent or suggestions from friends or family. Yet, an important factor — the market need for workers in a particular job — is often lower in the consideration set or not considered at all. Especially for professionals in the workforce considering a career change, researching job trends can help you focus on an in-demand career with future growth. 

Here are four key areas to consider when choosing a career or making a change:

1.  Be aware of job market needs

Like any other area of the economy, the demand for specific jobs is dependent on larger market trends. If you’re not willing to move, think about what industries or employers already exist in your city and which jobs are scarce. For example, Madison is a great place to look for jobs in education, government, insurance, biotech, healthcare, technology, hospitality, retail and nonprofits.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Workplace Development’s Office of Economic Advisors, job openings in south-central Wisconsin will continue to grow with a focus on IT (primarily driven by AI and related technologies), professional and business services, education and health services, and computer and mathematical occupations.

Based on projections for 2022–2032, the 10 most in-demand careers (above average growth, wages and openings) for the next five years in south-central Wisconsin (Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Marquette and Sauk counties) will be:

1. General and operations managers
2. Accountants and auditors
3. Software developers
4. Sales representatives of services (except advertising, insurance, financial services and travel)
5. Management analysts
6. Health specialties teachers (postsecondary)
7. Project management specialists
8. Carpenters
9. Human resources specialists
10. Market research analysts and marketing specialists

For detailed data on job projections, check out the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and the Occupational Outlook Handbook, produced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2. Research your ideal job

If you have a particular job or industry in mind, do some research. Take a look at typical job duties, opportunities for advancement and salary. Make sure you also look at projections for openings over the next 5-10 years. Then, talk with people who are working in the position in which you are interested. They will have the most current information regarding their field, including the latest industry trends.

If you are thinking about launching your own business, it’s even more important to research local and regional market needs to gauge demand for your idea. Seek out local resources for entrepreneurs, including UW–Madison’s Small Business Development Center, incubators like gener8tor and community organizations like 100state.

3. Prepare for what’s coming

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, staying informed about emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) is crucial when making career choices. AI is transforming industries through automation, decision-making and innovation. It’s also creating roles that didn’t exist even a few years ago. As a result, careers that leverage AI are not only in high demand but also offer the potential for significant growth and advancement. 

As you consider a new or different career, consider how AI and other emerging technologies will affect it — and how soon. Talk to those who study or work in the field about what they’re noticing. Read reputable sources of information about the labor market — from government agencies like those mentioned above to trade publications and LinkedIn — to keep up with the latest trends in your desired occupation at local, national and global levels. These actions can help you make better choices about your education and career paths, ensuring you remain competitive in the workforce.

4. Find your balance

Even the most fulfilling career does not make for a complete life. As you think about your job, consider how it complements the lifestyle you’re seeking, your desired salary, what type of work you’re willing to do and how often. Does it allow you the balance for the time you need with family, friends, travel and personal interests?

Where will you need to live to secure the job you want? If you’re going to stay in a particular region or city, make sure the area has job openings in your current or desired career. If you can work remotely from anywhere, consider if virtual work is a good choice for you or if you prefer to work in person. If you’re willing to relocate anywhere, your career options may be virtually endless!

Choosing an in-demand career requires careful consideration of professional trends and personal preferences. By staying informed, you can position yourself for a successful and fulfilling career that meets both your professional goals and personal aspirations.