Whether you're fresh out of high school or looking for a career switch, you want a profession that will be around today, tomorrow, and far into the future. But before you can prepare for a high-demand career, you need to identify one that will be right for you. Which career path will fit your innate abilities and interests and provide you with the stability and potential for growth you crave? Here's how to prepare for a high-demand career:

Evaluate Your Career Strengths

Before you look for your future career, you need to evaluate your own strengths, weaknesses, and ability to prepare for the profession. For example, nurse practitioners may be among the fastest growing occupations in the country¹, but do you have six to eight years and the considerable tuition dollars required to become one?

And what kind of learner are you? Are you satisfied with learning from a classroom lecture, or do you learn better by performing hands-on activities? Reflect on who you are, how you learn, and what you want. Then, take a look around and consider the kinds of jobs you might enjoy. If you want to help others, there are plenty of in-demand careers in healthcare. Like to fix things and problem solve? Electricians² and HVAC technicians³ are in demand. Or do you want to pave a path in technology? Entry-level computer support specialists are also in demand⁴.

Conduct Career Research

Perform due diligence to determine if today's high-demand careers are predicted to stay that way and whether you might enjoy one for the long term. Conduct online research and speak to people in the profession. Consider the ten questions you should ask as you explore your options:

1. Why is there current demand and is it expected to stay that way?
2. What are the day-to-day responsibilities of positions in the career?
3. Do people in the field like what they do?
4. Can you meet the physical requirements of the job?
5. What skills and credentials would you need for the profession?
6. How could you acquire the skills needed?
7. How long would it take to enter a career?
8. What kind of salary might you expect?
9. Where are the jobs in most high demand?
10. Will there be opportunity for advancement throughout your career?

Choose the Right Career Education and Training

Whichever career path you set out on; you will need to learn the tasks of the profession. Select a school that will set you up for success. Especially for high-demand trades careers, there are some general criteria to consider:

• History and Reputation: Choose a school with a long history of providing students with career-relevant training.
• Curriculum: Determine that the curriculum will provide you with the foundation you need and that it matches the expectations of your future employer.
• Certifications: In addition to what the school teaches, ask whether they offer preparation for relevant certificates and licensing exams.
• Instructors: Look for an institution that hires instructors from the field with years of experience working in the industries they teach about.
• Career Services: Find out whether the school offers job search assistance and teaches you how to professionally present yourself and your new skills.

Gain Hands-On Career Experience

The best schools will provide you with hands-on experience during your program. You may also have the chance to work on internships, externships, or clinicals. And don't miss the opportunity to be around people doing the job you want as your profession. If you want to work in machining, find out if there are part-time jobs at a manufacturing plant where you can see people in action while you acquire the CNC skills you need for a better job. Are you planning to become a medical assistant? Apply for work at a hospital and observe staff on their daily responsibilities. And whatever career path you set out on, find people doing the job and make connections.

Obtain Certifications for an In-Demand Career

Many in-demand careers require training, licensure, or certification. Enroll in a reputable career school that offers specialized programs tailored to your chosen field and preparation for certification. Here are a few examples:

Electrician

• Curriculum: Study electrical theory, wiring techniques, safety standards, and building codes.
• Certification: Working as an apprentice to a licensed electrician after graduation is the first step on your journey towards eligibility to take the Electrician's certification exam.

HVAC

• Curriculum: Courses cover topics like refrigeration, air conditioning, system diagnostics, and repair techniques.
• Certifications: EPA Section 608 Certification, NATE Certification

Welding

• Curriculum: Training includes learning various welding techniques, safety procedures, and reading blueprints.
• Certification:American Welding Society (AWS) Certification

CNC Machining

• CNC Machining: Programs focus on machine operation, CAD/CAM software, and precision measurement.
• Certification: National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certification

Medical Assisting

• Curriculum: Programs teach medical terminology, patient care, office administration, and clinical procedures.
• Certification: Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Dental Assisting

• Curriculum: Training covers dental procedures, patient care, radiography, and office management.
• Certification:Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) - The CDA cert is able to be earned after the dental assistant completes the minimum required hours working in their field, which varies from state to state.

Develop Soft Skills for a Career

While technical skills are crucial, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are equally important. For example, medical assistants and dental assistants need to interact well with patients and healthcare professionals. Electricians and HVAC technicians often work in teams and must communicate clearly to ensure safety and efficiency. Other important skills are problem solving, attention to detail, and professionalism.

Seek Career Guidance

Leverage career services at your school, such as career counseling and job assistance services. These services can help you navigate the job market, prepare your resume, and practice for interviews. Networking with instructors, peers, and industry professionals can also open doors to job opportunities.

Are you ready for one of the many skilled trades careers that are in demand? Lincoln Tech has more than 20 US campuses offering a wide variety of career-focused programs that can help you prepare. Fill out the form to find out more.

References:

¹ "Fastest Growing Careers" at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024. Retrieved on June 26, 2024.

² Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electricians, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024. Retrieved on June 26, 2024

³ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024. Retrieved on June 26, 2024

⁴ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Support Specialists at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024. Retrieved on June 26, 2024

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