Know the job market of 2012

Workforce, Oct, 2002 by Eilene Zimmerman

If you're not sure exactly what a data communications analyst does, or what the difference is between software engineers who focus on applications and those who work on systems hardware, you could be in trouble. Despite tough economic times, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics optimistically reports that there will be 15 percent job growth in the United States over the next decade in these kinds of jobs--areas in which HR might have little experience.

If we believe the BLS's predictions, it's time to bone up on technological fields and on people care because that's where most of the work will be. The top 10 fastest-growing occupations are computer software engineer (applications), computer support specialist, computer software engineer (systems hardware), network and computer systems administrator, network systems and data communications analyst, desktop publisher, database administrator, personal and home care aide, computer system analyst, and medical assistant.

Employment in occupations that generally require a college degree or other post-secondary degree is projected to grow faster than the average across all occupations. These categories accounted for 29 percent of all jobs in 2000 but will account for 42 percent of projected new job growth from 2000 to 2010.

But that's long term. In the immediate future, it may benefit those in HR to make sure they understand what jobs in security protection, law enforcement, and defense contracting entail. It appears there's a hiring surge in those fields, says Mike Sweeny, managing director of talent acquisition at T. Williams Consulting, Inc. in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. "Anyone who possesses a high security clearance is in great demand right now because of the paperwork and length of time involved in obtaining a clearance," he says.