Here’s a look at the job outlook

Here’s a look at the job scene for entry-level jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree. Within that category, these are the Fastest Growing Occupations and the Occupations with the Largest Numerical Increases predicted between 2004 and 2014.

First, let’s explain the terms Fastest Growing Occupations and Occupations with the Largest Numerical Increases. If, for instance, an occupation had 1,000 workers in 2004 and it is predicted that another 1,000 workers will be added by 2014, that’s a 100 percent increase in the occupation. It’s a very fast-growing occupation.

On the other hand, a second occupation may have 500,000 workers and is predicted to add 100,000 more by 2014. That’s only a 20 percent increase, but it’s many more people entering the occupation than the 1,000 new employees entering the first occupation. Here’s a look at the data both ways.

Fastest Growing Occupations (Largest percent increase)

• Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts

• Physician Assistants

• Computer Software Engineers/Applications

• Computer Software Engineers/Systems Software

•  Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Occupations with largest Numerical Increase (Adding the Most Jobs)

• Elementary School Teachers (except Special Education)

• Accountants and Auditors

• Computer Software Engineers/Applications

• Computer Systems Analysts

• Secondary School Teachers (except Special Ed. and Vocational Ed.)

Plenty of additional information

The information above is from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

            There’s lots more information in this publication as well, including job search tips and more detailed information on many types of jobs. AND...it’s all available and downloadable from the Web. Go to www.bls.gov/OCO to get it all.

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