THE MARKET
OUTLOOK 2016 :
TOP CAREERS IN THE NEW YEAR
BY MARY WALSHOK
UC SAN DIEGO DEAN OF EXTENSION
The pace of innovation continues to accelerate , creating both challenges and opportunities for people on their career paths . Staying ahead of the curve requires an understanding of how our workforce is being remade . Here are some macro trends shaping the employment picture in 2016 .
IT ’ S GETTING PERSONAL
GLOBAL DEMOGRAPHICS AFFECT EVERYTHING
WORK ANYWHERE , EVERYWHERE
Whether it ’ s medicine or marketing , personalization is driving the development of new products and services . From apps that monitor health to ads targeted to a niche audience , the job market is rich for people who can collect and analyze data to create an experience tailored to individual needs . A wide range of opportunities are opening up for software engineers as well as for market researchers and computer scientists who cull and curate this ever-growing world of big data .
Demographic shifts have profound implications for the workforce . Aging Baby Boomers are increasing demand for health care workers , especially for home health aides and registered nurses . As Baby Boomers hit retirement age , they also create openings in teaching careers , especially kindergarten and elementary school grades . An increasingly diverse population also translates into a demand for workers who are proficient in multiple languages . From elementary schools where dual language teaching is on the rise to multinational corporations looking to enter new markets , the language of the workforce is one of variety , and those who understand and adapt to this trend are poised to capitalize .
Through technology we are both more connected and more scattered than ever before . This creates opportunities for a wide variety of professionals who neither need nor want to be tied to an office or even a specific company . This includes network architects and wireless engineers who design the intricate and expansive systems that keep us connected , consultants willing to hang up their own digital shingle , and a wide variety of online entrepreneurs who are looking to create the next big thing through digital collaboration and engagement .
PREPARING FOR WHAT ’ S NEXT Want to learn how workforce trends align with your skills and interests ? UC San Diego Extension ’ s Center for Work / Life Strategies offers a variety of free programs , from one-on-one career coaching to job skills assessments . Find out more by visiting extension . ucsd . edu .
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