With the economy slow to recover from recession, many college students are understandably worried about their potential to find gainful employment after graduation. And while there are certainly students who will opt to pursue their dream majors despite the fact that there are currently no jobs available in their chosen field (no doubt hoping that the job market will improve by the time they have a diploma in hand), others are seeking degree programs that not only spark their interest, but lead to careers in related industries that are showing growth regardless of the recession. Technology is one such area of study. Whether your student is interested in computers and computer systems, the growing mobile space, changes in the automotive industry, or green technology, for example, there are many ways that they can turn their interest in the mechanics and electronics we use in our everyday lives into a promising career. So here are just a few paths in the area of tech careers that aspiring college students may want to consider.
As modern technology advances, there is no more promising field than computer science. Whether your student likes getting their hands dirty with hardware or programming is more their style, this field of technology plays a role in nearly every other type of technological advancement of late. Just look at smartphones and tablets, which are slimmer, lighter, and can now stream downloadable content in HD resolution with nary a hiccup. Or how about automotive technologies that connect wirelessly to personal electronics in order to help hands-free communication, or tracking fuel economy so that you can find ways to drive smarter. The point is that a background in computers can not only lead to high-paying jobs in fields like IT, database administration, or software, web, and mobile development, but also in almost any other industry.
Suppose, for example, that it’s your student’s dream to work at a theme park. They could be the person creating software that makes virtual reality rides feel like participants are really on a star ship zooming through space, or on a hang glider hovering over the California landscape. Knowledge of programming could also allow them to run their own business developing games and apps for the mobile space. Or they might wind up working in the film industry creating 3D graphics for movies. Of course, many jobs that require a background in computer technology will only be viable if you have some other knowledge and skills under your belt, as well.
Many engineering positions, for example, from mechanical to civil, will have an emphasis on computer technology but require that your student take a specific degree program in the field of engineering you want to enter. Luckily,engineers are in equally high demand to computer specialists these days. So if your student earns a degree in civil engineering with a minor in environmental studies, for example, they could end up planning residential or commercial buildings for a cleaner, greener tomorrow, or even entire housing developments or urban projects.
They might also go into medical technology. With many doctors and nurses nearing the age of retirement and baby boomers reaching their golden years, the next several years will see a real shortage of trained medical personnel. So this could be a great career path to pursue.
There are tons of potential technical careers just waiting for qualified individuals to fill them. Whether your student wants to become an infographic designer, an automotive computer engineer, or an alternative energy innovator, consider that any of several technology fields could hold the keys to a promising career.