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Students have a responsibility to research and understand theirlikely employment prospects after graduation and then choosea career and educational path with that understanding in mind.Colleges (especially career colleges, whose mission has longbeen to train students for employment rather than provide thetraditional college experience), admissions representativesand the board members choosing curricula also need to takeresponsibility for making sure that program and supplementaleducation offerings align with the needs of employers and thebest interests of graduates.So where are the jobs? Economist Charles Lehman, Founderof the Employment and Economic Information Center of NewMexico, said, “The best four-year career fields now and in theshort-term future are in health (there is a particular need fornurses and therapists), information technology (such as systemsanalysts and administrators), security-specialized applications,engineering/math/statistics, teaching, technical sales andaccounting. Other developing fields that will continue to groware robotics (mechanical engineering) and genetics (biology).”“At the Associate-degree level,” Lehman added, “we continueto see good employment opportunities for skilled crafts:welders and machinists, plumbers and electricians, automotivemechanics and utility linemen, as well as long-distance truckdrivers, and lower-skilled health and IT specialists. At thislevel, there is a developing need for manufacturing techniciansand solar installers.”According to the gold standard of labor market predictions, theU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and its Occupational OutlookHandbook, his perspective is spot-on. Following are some ofthe fastest-growing degree-requiring occupations between2010 and 2020. Median annual salaries are based on 2010 data.• Veterinary technologists and technicians, with a projected 52percent change in employment: Veterinary technologists andtechnicians help diagnose and treat animals by performingmedical tests and procedures under the supervision of alicensed veterinarian. The occupation generally requires anAssociate or Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology andpays a median annual salary of $38,430.Subscribe at www.CareerCollegeCentral.com | 31