Exploring the Future of Job Prospects: Top 25 Fastest Growing Jobs in the US
How well do you understand the changing job market and its impact on your career aspirations?
Have you identified your transferrable skills and considered how they can enhance your career prospects?
Are you aligning your educational path with industries projected to experience growth in the coming years?
Are you open to upskilling, retraining, or pursuing new qualifications to adapt to changing professional landscapes?
Are you ready to chase your dream job and embrace the exciting opportunities that lie ahead?
In a rapidly changing job market, staying ahead of the curve and preparing for the future is essential. LinkedIn's recent identification of the top 25 fastest-growing jobs in the United States provides a roadmap to navigate this dynamic landscape. These roles represent areas of high demand and offer valuable insights into the future of employment trends. As we delve into these positions, it becomes clear that the job market is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technological advancements, industry shifts, and changing consumer preferences. For both mid-career professionals seeking to switch careers and future or first-year college students deciding on their majors, understanding the significance of staying ahead of the curve (by educating yourself and planning for your future) is paramount.
The importance of staying ahead of the curve cannot be overstated from the perspective of mid-career professionals contemplating a career switch. The modern job market is marked by constant innovation and transformation. Industries that were thriving a few years ago may now be on the decline while new sectors emerge as the driving forces of the economy. For individuals contemplating a shift in their career paths, staying informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and in-demand skills is crucial. This proactive approach enables you to identify opportunities in burgeoning fields and prepares them to meet the evolving demands of the job market. Whether through upskilling, retraining, or pursuing new qualifications, mid-career professionals who prioritize future readiness can not only secure more promising career prospects but also remain adaptable in an ever-changing professional landscape.
Recognizing and nurturing transferrable skills is the linchpin for mid-career professionals aiming to future-proof their careers. Whether through upskilling, retraining, or pursuing new qualifications, honing these versatile abilities not only boosts immediate job prospects but also fosters adaptability in a dynamic professional landscape. As the world of work continues to evolve, the ability to leverage and apply transferrable skills across various roles and industries becomes an invaluable asset. Mid-career professionals who prioritize this skill-centric approach position themselves for enduring success and resilience in their career journeys.
On the other hand, the concept of staying ahead of the curve is equally significant for future college students and first-year college students making decisions about their major. Choosing a major based solely on current interests or short-term job prospects may not be the wisest approach. Instead, consider the long-term outlook of your chosen field. By aligning your educational path with industries projected to experience growth in the coming years, you can increase their chances of entering the job market with a competitive advantage. This forward-thinking strategy allows you to harness the potential for career stability and fulfillment, as well as the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in fields that are shaping the future. In essence, staying ahead of the curve empowers you to make informed decisions about your academic path, sending you toward success in an ever-evolving professional world.
1. Chief Growth Officer
What they do: Chief Growth Officers (CGOs) are responsible for developing and executing strategies to drive revenue and ensure sustainable growth for organizations. They often work in technology, IT services, and advertising.
Career Insights: With a median of 4.2-6.5 years of prior experience, CGOs often transition from roles like Vice President of Sales, Chief Operating Officer, or Vice President of Business Development. Flexible work options are available, with 33.6% remote and 25.0% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: Consider taking courses on growth strategies to build the necessary skills for this role.
2. Government Program Analyst
What they do: Government Program Analysts evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of public sector programs through data analysis and regulatory compliance. They are prominent in the administration of justice and transportation.
Career Insights: Government Program Analysts typically have 4.2 years of prior experience, and they transition from roles like Service Analyst, Licensing Analyst, or Office Technician. Flex work options include 12.5% remote and 45.5% hybrid.
How to Prepare: Look into government leadership and policy analysis courses.
3. Environment Health Safety Manager
What they do: These managers ensure safe and sustainable workplaces, managing risk and compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, often in industries like oil and gas.
Career Insights: With a median of 6.3 years of prior experience, they transition from roles like Director of Operations, Safety Director, or General Manager. Flex work options are available, with 14.3% remote and 22.5% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: Environmental compliance and hazardous waste management courses can be beneficial.
4. Director of Revenue Operations
What they do: Directors of Revenue Operations optimize revenue generation practices by working closely with sales and marketing teams, primarily in the technology and advertising industries.
Career Insights: These professionals have 6.7-7.3 years of prior experience and often transition from roles like Sales Director, Marketing Operations Manager, or Director of Customer Success.
How to Prepare: Consider courses on go-to-market strategies to enhance your skills.
5. Sustainability Analyst
What they do: Sustainability Analysts evaluate an organization's environmental, social, and governance efforts, focusing on sustainability and social impact, often in business consulting and real estate.
Career Insights: With a median of 2.6 years of prior experience, they transition from roles like Project Manager, Research Assistant, or Environmental Specialist. Flex work options include 19.6% remote and 36.8% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: Courses on sustainability reporting and corporate social responsibility can help you get started.
6. Advanced Practice Provider
What they do: Advanced Practice Providers, including Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants, provide primary care services, diagnose conditions, and prescribe treatments.
Career Insights: Typically, they have 2.5-4.9 years of prior experience and transition from roles like Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Nurse, or Clinical Fellow.
How to Prepare: Courses in advanced medical practices and certifications may be necessary.
7. Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion
What they do: Vice Presidents of Diversity and Inclusion foster inclusive workplaces through policies related to diversity and equity.
Career Insights: With a median of 4.3-5.4 years of prior experience, they often transition from roles like Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, Vice President of Human Resources, or Professor.
How to Prepare: Courses on diversity training and program development can be beneficial.
8. Artificial Intelligence Consultant
What they do: AI Consultants advise organizations on implementing AI technologies in their operations and products.
Career Insights: With 4.1 years of prior experience, they transition from roles like Data Scientist, Software Engineer, or Research Assistant.
How to Prepare: Courses on machine learning and natural language processing can help you excel in this field.
9. Recruiter
What they do: Recruiters source, evaluate, and hire candidates for organizations.
Career Insights: With 3.0-3.9 years of prior experience, they often transition from roles like Administrative Assistant, Sales Specialist, or Account Manager.
How to Prepare: Courses on employer branding and talent acquisition can enhance your recruiting skills.
10. Artificial Intelligence Engineer
What they do: AI Engineers develop, implement, and train AI models and algorithms.
Career Insights: With 3.1 years of prior experience, they transition from roles like Software Engineer, Computer Vision Engineer, or Data Scientist.
How to Prepare: Courses on machine learning engineering are essential for this role.
11. External Communications Manager (Public Relations Manager)
What they do: External communications managers, also known as Public Relations (PR) Managers, oversee and execute an organization's strategic messaging to external audiences, including the media and customers. Their responsibilities include managing executive appearances, media pitching, and crisis communications.
Career Insights: Most external communications managers have a median of 5.8 years of prior experience and commonly transition from roles such as Corporate Communications Manager, Account Supervisor, or Marketing Manager. Job flexibility is present, with 8.4% of remote positions and 65.2% hybrid.
How to Prepare: To prepare for a career in external communications management, consider taking courses or gaining experience in crisis communications, strategic communications, and media relations. Building skills in these areas will be valuable for this role.
12. Product Security Engineer
What they do: Product security engineers ensure a product’s or system’s security by analyzing and addressing potential vulnerabilities through risk assessments, threat modeling, and protective measures.
Career Insights: With a median of 4.4 years of prior experience, product security engineers often transition from roles like Software Engineer, Application Security Engineer, or Cyber Security Engineer.
How to Prepare: To become a product security engineer, focus on developing skills in threat modeling, application security, and vulnerability assessment. Additionally, consider pursuing certifications related to cybersecurity to enhance your qualifications.
13. Physical Therapist
What they do: Physical therapists work with injured or impaired patients through various therapeutic techniques and exercises aimed at increasing mobility, treating pain, and improving recovery.
Career Insights: Physical therapists typically have 2.3-3.0 years of prior experience and often transition from Personal/Athletic Trainer, Sports Specialist, or Medical Assistant roles.
How to Prepare: To become a physical therapist, you should pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Additionally, gaining experience in rehabilitation and inpatient care will benefit this career.
14. Grants Program Manager (Grants Analyst or Grants Management Specialist)
What they do: Grants program managers oversee the end-to-end process of grant programs, including identifying funding opportunities, managing budgets, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Career Insights: Most grants program managers have a median of 4.1 years of prior experience and commonly transition from roles like Program Coordinator, Project Manager, or Grants Writer. Work arrangements are flexible, with 13.0% remote and 41.9% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: To prepare for a career as a grants program manager, focus on developing skills in federal grants management, grant administration, and grant monitoring. Familiarize yourself with the regulatory requirements associated with grant programs.
15. Director of Land Acquisition
What they do: Directors of land acquisition carry out the process of acquiring real estate or land through research, negotiation, and strategic relationships with brokers.
Career Insights: Directors of land acquisition usually have a median of 5.7 years of prior experience and often transition from roles like Project Manager, Director of Development, or Sales Manager. There is some flexibility in work arrangements, with 2.8% remote and 10.3% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: To prepare for a career in land acquisition, consider gaining expertise in real estate development, entitlements, and contract negotiation. Building a network of industry connections can also be valuable in this field.
16. Transmission Planning Engineer
What they do: Transmission planning engineers analyze the effectiveness of transmission systems, and design plans to both increase their precision and meet energy demands.
Career Insights: Transmission planning engineers typically have a median of 3.1 years of prior experience and often transition from roles such as Electrical Engineer, Power System Engineer, or Project Engineer. Flex work options are available, with 34.3% remote and 25.1% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: To prepare for a career as a transmission planning engineer, focus on gaining expertise in power systems, electrical engineering, and power transmission. Consider pursuing a degree or certification in electrical engineering. Additionally, stay updated with industry trends and advancements in power transmission technology.
17. Influencer Marketing Manager
What they do: Influencer marketing managers coordinate partnerships with influencers and celebrities and develop corresponding marketing campaigns to drive profit and brand awareness.
Career Insights: Influencer marketing managers typically have a median of 4.0 years of prior experience and often transition from roles such as Influencer, Marketing Assistant, or Social Media Coordinator. Flex work options are available, with 35.6% remote and 27.2% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: To prepare for a career as an influencer marketing manager, focus on developing skills in social media marketing, digital marketing, and brand awareness. Consider taking courses or gaining experience in influencer partnerships and campaign management.
18. Director of Development Services (Director of Fundraising Operations or Director of Advancement Initiatives)
What they do: Directors of development services oversee and execute an organization's fundraising plans and tracking, ensuring revenue monitoring, prospect management, and effective resource allocation.
Career Insights: Directors of development services typically have a median of 4.8 years of prior experience and often transition from roles such as Project Manager, Planning Director, or Economic Development Director. Flex work options are available, with 25.1% remote and 22.5% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: To prepare for a career as a director of development services, focus on developing skills in community outreach, community development, and fundraising. Networking and building relationships within the nonprofit sector can also be valuable.
19. Director of Legal Operations
What they do: Directors of legal operations oversee the administrative and business aspects of an organization’s legal department, such as technology implementation and cost efficiency.
Career Insights: Directors of legal operations typically have a median of 6.2 years of prior experience and often transition from roles such as Paralegal, Attorney, or Contract Manager. Flex work options are available, with 65.1% remote and 6.3% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: To prepare for a career as a director of legal operations, focus on developing skills in legal technology, legal compliance, and contract negotiation. Consider pursuing a law degree or certifications related to legal operations management.
20. Workforce Development Coordinator (Learning and Development Specialist)
What they do: Workforce development coordinators design and implement programs to cultivate employee retention, skill development, and career opportunities within an organization.
Career Insights: Workforce development coordinators typically have a median of 3.8 years of prior experience and often transition from roles such as Program Coordinator, Teacher, or Employment Specialist. Flex work options are available, with 3.5% remote and 14.0% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: To prepare for a career as a workforce development coordinator, focus on developing skills in community outreach, program development, and career counseling. Consider taking courses or certifications related to human resources and employee development. Building a network in the field of workforce development can also be beneficial.
21. Head of Public Safety
What they do: Heads of public safety oversee safety and security initiatives such as law enforcement, emergency response, and community engagement.
Career Insights: Heads of public safety usually have a median of 5.1 years of prior experience and often transition from roles like Lieutenant, Asset Protection Detective, or Sergeant. There is some flexibility in work arrangements, with 4.6% remote and 21.8% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: To prepare for a career as a Head of Public Safety, focus on developing skills in law enforcement, criminal investigations, and emergency management. Consider pursuing relevant certifications or advanced degrees in public safety and emergency response management.
22. Plant Director
What they do: Plant directors supervise manufacturing facilities, oversee production processes, and ensure quality control and adherence to regulatory standards.
Career Insights: Plant directors typically have a median of 5.3 years of prior experience and often transition from roles like Operations Manager, Production Manager, or Director of Manufacturing. Flex work options are limited, with 2.9% remote and 3.3% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: To prepare for a career as a Plant Director, focus on developing skills in lean manufacturing, plant management, and cross-functional team leadership. Gaining experience in manufacturing and operations management is essential.
23. Infection Preventionist
What they do: Infection preventionists are responsible for strategies to prevent and control the spread of infection in healthcare centers, which may include designing and implementing safety protocols as well as educating and training staff.
Career Insights: Infection preventionists typically have a median of 4.2 years of prior experience and often transition from roles like Registered Nurse, Epidemiologist, or Nursing Manager. Flex work options are limited, with 1.1% remote and 1.7% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: To prepare for a career as an Infection Preventionist, focus on developing skills in infection control, patient safety, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems. Gaining clinical experience in healthcare settings is crucial.
24. Head of Partnerships
What they do: Heads of partnerships cultivate and manage strategic relationships with external partners and organizations as a way to expand into new markets and drive business growth.
Career Insights: Heads of partnerships typically have a median of 5.7 years of prior experience and often transition from roles like Director of Business Development, Account Executive, or Sales Director. Flex work options are available, with 40.5% remote and 37.4% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: To prepare for a career as a Head of Partnerships, focus on developing skills in strategic partnerships, business development, and partner relationship management. Networking and building strong industry connections can also be beneficial.
25. Instructional Systems Specialist
What they do: Instructional systems specialists develop educational and instructional programs and materials for use in formal education or training programs.
Career Insights: Instructional systems specialists typically have a median of 4.7 years of prior experience and often transition from roles like Teacher, Training Specialist, or Curriculum Developer. Flex work options are available, with 15.2% remote and 2.2% hybrid roles.
How to Prepare: To prepare for a career as an Instructional Systems Specialist, focus on developing skills in instructional design, e-learning, and curriculum development. Consider pursuing relevant certifications or advanced degrees in education and instructional design. Building a network in education and training fields can also be beneficial.
In a nutshell, these career snapshots give you a taste of the many exciting job possibilities out there. Whether you're eyeing a role as a Director of Legal Operations, a Head of Public Safety, or an Instructional Systems Specialist, there's a world of opportunities waiting for you. By digging into what these jobs entail, the skills you'll need, and the potential career paths, you can prepare for an incredible career adventure. Remember that success often comes from learning the right stuff, making good connections, and being ready to roll with today's job market changes. So, don't be afraid to chase your dream job – it might be closer than you think!
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Many Thanks!
Valerie Palmer
