The Class of 2015
There is a great probability that a significant number of the job classifications being filled by college graduates today, may not exist or the demand for those historic sector applicants may significantly diminish in four years’ time. On the other hand, new technologies, changes in society and constant political shifting will open new career opportunities for the well prepared.
By 2015 estimates have it that there will be billions of smartphones connected to one another enabling social networks and providing audiences of one, to enjoy a variety of entertainment in the palm of their hand — among those entertainment properties electronic video games. This multi-billion dollar industry has come a long way since PONG was launched in 1972. Students seeking careers in this sector are looking for admissions to schools like: University of Southern California, DePaul University, DigiPen Institute of Technology, The Art Institute of Vancouver, Michigan State University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Drexel University, The New College, Parsons, Rochester Institute of Technology and Becker College. Yet as exciting as the entertainment industry might be, it is fraught with uncertainty. The upside of chaos however, is opportunity. The career consideration here will be aptitude, innovation, skills and temperament in addition to a portfolio of work, test scores, grades and recommendations.
While the aforementioned example is quite narrow in its scope, it becomes even more apparent that designing a personal strategy while making applications for college admissions needs to consider what knowledge base will be of value over time, which skill sets will be in demand and can one’s innate personal talents be amplified to an advantage over others competing for similar opportunities.
To meet the challenges of a competitive marketplace you need to perceive yourself as a Company of One – with a personal brand identity — continually working to evolve and grow your brand’s value by expanding your knowledge base through experiences that rigorously test your skills and talents. For those driven by personal passion, the marketplace will always present options if we are aware of our market driven economy.
As a nation more of us are living longer presenting career options owing to the aging of our population. In four years the 17 million boomers reaching 65 with skin problems will invigorate the demand for dermatologists with parchments from; University of California in San Francisco School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. What will it take for an undergrad to get admitted to one of these schools?
Our growing dependence on business systems will raise the demand for analysts. The need for Network Systems and Data Communication Analysts is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade. It is also expected that 286,600 new jobs will be introduced over the next 10 years, making this a 53% increase. Degreed applicants from MIT, Cal Tech, University of Illinois, Georgia Tech, Rice, Northwestern, DeVry and ITT will be filing those positions.
Financial Analysts offer businesses and individuals expertise advice on investment strategies. Personal Financial Advisers focus mainly on a specific industry, region or a certain type of product. Personal Advisers help individuals to develop sound money strategies by assessing their client’s assets, liabilities, insurance coverage, tax status, cash flow and objectives with their finances. Employers look for people with a college degree in accounting, statistics, business or finance and prefer a master’s degree in business administration.
Math, problem solving and computer skills are a must as well as great communication skills. You should also have the ability to explain complex financial ideas in an easy to understand manner. Being able to write reports well and make presentations which hold people’s attention and interest is another necessary skill.
In 2008, the annual median income was $84,780 however; many analysts receive large bonuses on top of their annual earnings. This occupation is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade. Mutual Fund companies and banks will need financial analysts to tell them which stocks and bonds they should buy and sell. In 2008, financial analyst’s held 397,000 jobs. By the year 2015 this number is expected to grow to 548,000. The large baby boom generation is the main reason why more people are seeking the help from Harvard, Stanford, Babson, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University and Carnegie Mellon Institute grads. This is a global economy and literacy in multiple languages and cultural customs will become an essential credential to consultants as commerce will continue to shift manufacturing, commodities and the distribution of wealth.
The decisions made today will resonate a lifetime. Prepare by introspectively, assessing your skills, talents and achievements. Ask yourself; where do I stand in relationship to my peers? Where do I feel most environmentally and socially comfortable? What level of stress can I live with? Can I happily picture myself four, eight or even sixteen years ahead in a work environment?
While gaining admission to the right school is critical, staying the course deserves equal attention as one in every four freshman enrolled in a four year school drops out. The consensus is that the student was ill prepared for the rigor of college. Choosing the wrong school could also be a contributing factor.
I’m Rick Singer and have been coaching and counseling students and parents making the tough choices about which college, what courses, career options and the quality of life sought for more than twenty years. There is much to talk about in defining the right fit for a student with a college and meeting that institution’s admissions standards. Give me a call to find more about my company; The Key Worldwide and what our team can do for you and your future.
Tags: Admissions, Career, College, College acceptance, College Admissions Coach, The Right Fit