7 Choices to Create a Solid, Yet Dynamic Career and Future

Choosing a career is often difficult. Whether you’re considering how to start the work portion of your life or you’re looking to establish yourself in a different field, there are a lot of considerations.   

It isn’t just about what’s fun or what you’re good at (though those ARE important aspects!). You need to also consider the job market, average pay, advancement in the field, whether the job is common in your region, companies that hire for the role and so much more. However, there are some ways to reduce the overwhelm of making a new career choice.   

Top Education Institutions Know What Companies are Looking for 

If you’re not sure what roles companies are hiring for that are in top demand, just check out the offerings from an education institution like Ashton College. Unlike some other post-secondary schools which generally offer traditional programs regardless of what the job market is like, schools like Ashton approach things with job-readiness in mind. Because Ashton’s offerings are shorter-term in duration, the focus is on helping students train for a career and find a job quickly, in an in-demand field. 

For example, when roles in healthcare were on the rise Ashton College’s administrators recognized that there would be a corresponding need for unit clerks and created the nursing unit clerk program. They consulted with professionals in the field and the first students through the program graduated into a job market with high demand.  

The growth in self-employment that began because of the pandemic has led to a need for guidance for new entrepreneurs. Ashton started its life coach certification program to provide new opportunities for those looking to help entrepreneurs succeed. This helps support Canada’s largest percentage of jobs – those in small businesses. 

Five Other Great Career Options 

There are many other fields, of course, that are in growing demand. Here are five to consider: 

1. Accounting. You may have heard, there’s a global shortage of accounting professionals. It doesn’t require a degree to work in this field. If you like numbers and helping businesses succeed, you’ll want to consider taking some accounting courses to add theoretical knowledge to your interests. Paired with a great resume, the options in this field are abundant. 
2. Education Assistant. Perhaps the most diverse career on this list, education assistants find themselves working in an increasingly broad section of education. From supporting those with physical and learning disabilities to assisting in integrated classrooms, individuals who have graduated from an education assistant course may find work in the public sector, private organizations, government and not-for-profits. 
3. UX Designer. Obviously, all things digital that support current technology are on the rise in terms of job growth. UX design is important in that it focuses on how the human user interacts with digital products. A UX design course looks at everything from how someone might use a banking platform to a company’s recipe page for the shiny new air fryer on the countertop. It’s an essential role in helping companies create products that are simple for the end user to access. 
4. Digital Marketing. As mentioned above, all things digital tend to be in growing job fields. Digital marketing is no exception. Earning a digital marketing certificate can position you as more than just someone with a passing knowledge of Facebook ads and SEO. You’ll have the expertise to create plans that implement various marketing platforms and show the results.  
5. Human Resources. It may seem that all this focus on technology and digital means there is less focus on human beings, but that’s just plain wrong. Now, more than ever, companies need someone with the backing of a human resources management program to help them navigate changes within the employee pool, ensure job satisfaction, stay on the right side of legal requirements and so much more. Managing people isn’t just about managing, it’s also about understanding individuals, their needs and how to help them better contribute to overall organizational results. 

Embarking on a new career search is exciting and a little intimidating. Before you make up your mind, check out the courses being offered by post-secondary institutions like Ashton College. Scanning the available options will provide insight into some of the most in-demand job fields to ensure you have options upon graduation and are entering into a growing field.  

Written by: Ronda Payne