Classes just started a couple days ago and already you have two homework assignments, hundreds of pages to read, a project proposal to write, and a test to study for. At the beginning of the week, you were looking forward to some of those concentration classes—maybe they will be something interesting, something you actually want to learn about. Now with the work already piling up, you are questioning not only your class choices this semester, but your entire major. Is there anything that can comfort you now and make all the hard work worth it?
According to an article on MSN Encarta Online, not only is there light at the end of the tunnel, but there will be a good job and generous salary, as well. The article, entitled “Careers with Staying Power Beyond 2008,” outlines occupational fields that not only have guaranteed jobs now, but will also be relevant for many years into the future. The five sections outlined are: health care, Internet-based services, corporate governance and corporate accountability, careers for the times, and—you guessed it—engineering and sciences. These sound almost like the five schools within our very own institute, don’t they?
Under health care, companies are facing huge growths as the average life expectancy keeps rising. Not only is there a shortage in registered nurses, but employers are also trying to fill pharmacist and physical therapist jobs. As far as corporate governance and accountability, recent legislation to protect companies against fraud has increased the need for auditors and accountants. Rensselaer currently offers degrees in economics, and there are accounting classes available, as well, which could provide useful information for the future. The careers for the times section branches out on the other four main areas, and indicates that anyone with security clearance is a hot commodity. This means that those tough students roughing both classes and ROTC will have opportunities to increase their earnings.
The other two main areas relate most heavily to the majority of students at RPI. The article refers to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics which indicates that “computer scientists and database administrators are expected to be among the fastest-growing occupations through 2014.” With the ever-changing and improving technology, employees with knowledge of a wide range of platforms are priceless. Also, while the two-year degree is often the only prerequisite, many businesses are now requiring a formal bachelor’s degree. Even if you are not interested in computers as a possible career, it may be beneficial to take a programming class or two to become knowledgeable in this important field.
For engineering and sciences, the demands go hand-in-hand with the technological upgrades, as more and more engineering technologists will be needed and hired—and a degree without solid experience may not be enough. While engineers are needed in all fields, there is “the biggest shortage of civil/structural engineers and designers in the chemical and petrochemical industries.” There is also a need for quality/process engineers and power train technicians to examine alternative fuel sources and create new vehicle types. The main point, though, is that all types of engineers are in demand, and that demand is rising.
So when you sit down to do that tedious or insanely hard homework, take comfort in the fact that what you are studying is on par with where the world is headed. Not only will you have opportunities to change or improve operations on a local and/or global level, you will also find longevity in that career. Stick with it—the payout, both literally and in a satisfaction sense, will be great someday.
