Posted On30 Apr 2018
Every generation faces its own struggles. For millennials, which includes those who were born between 1980 and 2000, the job hunting process presents a unique set of challenges that were never experienced by generations past. Likewise, some of the best jobs for today’s workforce were seldom heard of in the years and decades that came before, if at all. Indeed, today’s jobs are significantly different from what they used to be.
Navigating the Job Market: Top Careers for Millennials
In June of last year, the US saw a record of 6 million jobs available, a 5 percent increase from the previous record of 5.7 million set in July of 2016. This, despite the fact 6.8 million Americans were unemployed. According to Forbes.com, millennials are having extreme difficulty in finding reasonable jobs. The unemployment rate for this generation stands at 12.8 percent. A sizeable number, considering the national average is 4.9 percent.
If you’re a millennial, it pays to know some of the best jobs that complement your generation’s unique attributes. Whether you’re just entering college or have work experience, below is a list of the 10 best jobs in the market for you.
1. Web Developer
With technology evolving the fastest in this generation, many millennials are naturally inclined to the use of digital tools. If you’re inherently tech-savvy, you may be a natural fit for web developer and programmer. It can also help if you’re creative and good with graphic design, as websites are a highly visual medium. The more skilled you become with programming, computer coding, and web traffic analytics, the more attractive you’ll be to tech companies looking to fill a vacant position.
2. Computer Systems Analyst
Continuing on the tech-savvy route, computer systems analyst is another job that requires you to have significant background on digital systems. The job of a computer systems analyst involves understanding the business needs of a client and using technology to meet them. But while web developers are required to be artistic, computer systems analysts must be systematic. You must be able to identify and evaluate problems and create solutions, all while being the bridge that allows for the seamless communication between business managers and technology workers.
3. Software Developer
A completely different beast from a web developer, software developer jobs require a firm understanding of computer codes, that’s why a computer science degree is often necessary educational attainment. Two of the job’s biggest responsibilities are to design custom programs and find and fix bugs in erring software. Thus, aside from computer coding skills, the job requires meticulousness, focus and problem-solving abilities.
4. Social Media Manager
Social media has become a handy marketing tool, and a lot of businesses are harnessing it to create direct relationships and lines of communication with their customers. If you are on social media most of the time, then why not turn your interest into a full-time career? Have a huge following? You can turn the personal marketing tricks you used to develop your audience and apply them to businesses that want to have a strong online presence.
5. Mechanical Engineer
The job of a mechanical engineer shares many similarities with that of a computer systems analyst. For instance, both need to be good problem solvers with strong communication skills, among other things. However, while an analyst deals with abstracts, engineers work with the tangibles, building testing tools and machines that solve complex problems. Millennials who enjoy seeing the physical results of their work may find a career in mechanical engineering to their liking.
6. Interpreter/Translator
Although many would argue that advancement in AI has made this job redundant the reality is that AI has a long way to go before it is able to capture the nuances of culture and its impact on how language is used. Many consider interpreter and translator as one and the same. This is true to a point, but there’s a distinction--interpreters work with the spoken material, while a translator specialises in written ones. These careers require applicants to be fluent in at least two languages. As the job title suggests, it is the job of an interpreter/translator to convert one language to another while making sure nothing gets lost in translation. For those who want to learn more of the world and want to have a great work-life balance, an interpreter/translator job can be the career you’re looking for.
7. Physical Therapist
For those who abhor the regular 9 to 5, the work of a physical therapist assistant (PTA) presents the perfect antithesis. Under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, a PTA assists patients who are recovering from illnesses and injuries, helping them regain movement, manage pain, and avoid further injury. PTAs can work in a variety of settings, from hospitals and private practices to nursing homes and even the actual home of the patient. Work hours will also vary. You’ll spend a lot of time working one-on-one with a patient, showing them proper exercise and mobility techniques while observing their progress to keep them on the right track to better health.
8. Dental Hygienist
Not the sexiest of choices, dental hygienists are there to stay and enjoy a steady income as long as more and more people join the middle class thus putting more emphasis on the importance of dental hygiene. These dental professionals are known to earn as much as nurses, minus the heavy stress. Should you decide to become one, know that the job calls for good communication skills and an ability to engage with people from all walks of life. Attention to detail is also a must since you’ll need to keep track of your patient’s dental records.
9. Radiation Therapist
Another great job position for millennials in the medical field, radiation therapists provide radiation therapy to patients by operating medical equipment called linear accelerators. Aside from this, radiation therapists may also act as a liaison with physicians, manage diagnoses and prescriptions for patients, as well as maintain medical records and reports.
10. Social Justice Advocate
More than any generation, millennials are more willing to get involved in social justice causes. As long as you have at least one cause you’re passionate about, then becoming a social justice advocate could be the greatest career choice you’ll ever make. Many large companies support social justice causes with their wallets, allowing many passionate young people to earn while doing something that gives them a sense of fulfilment.
