Best job field / degree

[cookderosa]

I have searched, and though there are a few threads that hit somewhat on this, none address it. And everything changes from one year to another. The question is, what field do you think has the best job prospects for the coming few years? And what degree path would be best? Healthcare and IT are a couple that come to mind just to get the brain cells moving, although caffine works better for me.

Supply and demand are important, so when you have an unmet need, you're going to have a stronger job prospect. Let's look at some facts, over half of people who start college never finish. So, if you are among the 30% of Americans with a bachelor's degree, you've already got an edge. (the best degree is one that is finished) Of course, there are non-degree careers, but that wasn't the question....

Psychology (the most common degree earned in the USA - again this year) is a soft science. The hard sciences stand alone because they generally have Calculus 1 as the starting point of math- and it goes up from there. Obviously, degrees in this area put you among the elite, which increases your market value. They call these fields STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)

Next, look at fields that require graduate degrees as entry level or the average, because again, fewer people will obtain a graduate degree ( only 8% of Americans have one) and of those that do you'll see the bottom of the pyramid filled with soft sciences and business; top tier being professional degrees (ex. doctor) or STEM.

For the record, I believe that distance learning will dramatically increase the access to higher education as the next decade unfolds, and we might see an overall increase in numbers. Of course those earning degrees (like myself) in soft sciences, social science, or other "check the box" fields won't necessarily see a net gain because you essentially lower the bar and you'll see a re-leveling; however, that's all for another discussion lol.

Aim high. Why not? Not smart enough? I hear people say that all the time. I don't buy that only smart people can reach for the top rung, I do believe that motivation will take you far. While it can be hard for an older person, I think a highly motivated adult out-paces a flighty teen any day...even one who is "smart." If you can see yourself aiming for the degrees that are difficult to attain, then go for it! Not everyone can imagine that it's possible, and they become their own road block- but if you want it, you can do it.

**this is very generalized, there are hundreds of exceptions and nuances that don't apply, and again, a degree isn't a guarantee or employment, but I think as long as we are over-simplifying, we can use averages**