By 2035, many high-paying jobs in healthcare, technology, and sustainability will go unfilled unless workers get the right training. If you’re looking for a rewarding career with a lot of opportunity, there’s never been a better time to upskill or pivot into a new industry.
Demand is surging for healthcare workers like nurses, healthcare administrators and mental health counselors, in addition to positions in tech such as data scientists, cybersecurity experts, developers, and those who are skilled with AI. Sustainability specialists who help organizations reduce their carbon footprint while maximizing efficiency are also being sought out by many large companies.
Why are these industries growing?
Healthcare
- Workforce shortages: Many professionals are reaching retirement age or experiencing burnout and will soon leave their positions, and many individuals need more healthcare as larger populations like the Baby Boomers age.
- Nursing shortage: While the demand for registered nurses is expected to surge over the next decade, the supply is flat. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s 2020-2040 forecast shows a 33 percent gap (22,900 RNs) shortfall by 2040.
- Nursing earning potential: Nursing has been ranked No. 3 of the top 10 jobs in which Gen Z graduates can make six-figure salaries. The 2024 median pay for registered nurses was $93,600 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with some states like Washington and California paying well over $100,000 per year. ZipRecruiter’s ranking also listed nursing as one of the most “useful” majors for Gen Z. Travel nurses, or those who move to different healthcare facilities as needed, can make well over $101,000 depending on the area.
- Mental health counselors: Increased awareness of mental health issues and treatment will also increase the need for more clinical mental health counselors and therapists. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job openings in mental health services are projected to grow 18 percent over the next decade. With a decreasing stigma around mental health services and more clients seeking treatment for anxiety, stress, and other issues, counselors are expected to be one of the fastest-growing occupations.
- Healthcare administrators: According to the BLS, health services managers will see a projected job growth of 29 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is significantly faster than the national average of 4 percent. Couple a high salary with job satisfaction, and you have one of the top-ten jobs in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report.
For many of these roles, a degree in nursing, healthcare administration or health sciences plus practical experience can set you up for a great job with high earning potential and the ability to work almost anywhere. Healthcare jobs also tend to have lower rates of unemployment during economic downturns due to the fact positions like nursing are always in need.
Technology
- AI and automation: In the technology field, digital transformation is driving the need for more information technology roles, especially involving machine learning and artificial intelligence.
“If you’re not using AI in your job, AI may not replace you, but I guarantee you someone using AI will replace you,” says Dr. John Muraski, instructor in the UW Online Collaboratives Information Technology Management program.
- Cybersecurity: More than 134 million people had their health information exposed or stolen in 2023, compared with 55 million people the previous year. The average cost of these breaches is more than $10 million per incident, further underlining the need for tech-savvy professionals to thwart attacks in the healthcare sector and beyond.
- Data science: Another top-ten job according to U.S. News and World Report, data scientist roles are expected to grow 34 percent over the next decade. With companies across all industries looking for professionals who are able to analyze data and report key findings, a data science degree can lead to high-paying positions in tech, healthcare, finance, and beyond.
Sustainability
- Climate change: The impact of climate change continues to grow, and so does the need for sustainability professionals, who can help organizations reduce their energy consumption without compromising efficiency, minimize waste, ensure sustainable supply chains, and address ethical labor practices. And there may not be enough skilled workers to solve these problems–it’s estimated that by 2030, one in five jobs in the green economy will not have enough qualified candidates. By 2050, this figure will rise to one in two jobs. Global demand for green talent grew twice as quickly as the number of workers with those skills between 2023 and 2024—with demand increasing by 11.6% and supply by 5.6%, according to the 2024 Global Green Skills report by LinkedIn.
- Earning potential: Some in-demand jobs and average annual salary ranges include: Supply Chain Sustainability Analyst ($70,000 to $105,000), Energy Efficiency Consultant ($70,000 to $110,000), Renewable Energy Project Manager ($95,000 to $130,000), and Sustainable AI Engineer ($110,000 to $180,0000).
How do I get skills to work in these fields?
If you’re just starting out in the workforce, you may want to apply for an entry-level role to gain experience and find out if it’s an industry that you dream of working in long-term. Or, consider volunteering for organizations that share your values.
For Lucas, his transition into the IT industry happened as the result of a side gig. Lucas, who is completing his master’s degree in cybersecurity from the University of Wisconsin and currently works as a PC Maintenance Technician at Marshfield Clinic Health System, is on his third career. He’s a veteran who has spent time teaching English in China, running the computer department at Staples, and teaching adult learners in Rhode Island.
Many of Lucas’ students in Rhode Island did not have quality computers–in fact, some had picked up machines from secondhand stores like Goodwill. Their computers sustained many malware attacks and were targets of social engineering scams. After working to fix his students’ computers on the side, he decided to pursue training in cybersecurity. Now, he sees the results of his hard work while at Marshfield Clinic.
“When I’m walking around, when I’m seeing patients, when I’m helping out providers and different staff and things like that, there’s never a day where I go home and I wonder if I did something that mattered, because it’s clear. And that’s exactly where I want to be.”
How can I get the education I need to start a new career, advance my current career, or pivot to a new role?
Whether you’re interested in upskilling or completely changing your career, there are many ways to build your knowledge while learning practical skills you can apply immediately. The Universities of Wisconsin offers several online options. Both UW Online Collaboratives and the UW Flexible Option offer online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in a variety of subject areas, in addition to graduate certificates, that you can earn while working full-time. These programs are perfect for working adults who are involved in hobbies, raising a family, or active in their community.
Lauren, a graduate of the Sustainable Management master’s program, successfully transitioned from her career in mortgages to one working in sustainability for Kwik Trip.
While Lauren doesn’t have a background in science, her mortgage background helped her in the program and now in her job: “It gave me a strong foundation of being able to analyze data, which is a big part of any corporate job really. It gave me the skills of being able to work collaboratively with people.”
She advises prospective students from doubting themselves if they are considering trying a new career path.
“Something people say a lot to me is, ‘I can’t believe you did a career change. I could never do that. That’s so scary.’ But if you are unhappy in your situation and you want to change it, you just have to do it,” she says. “If you’re unhappy in your current career, a career change is 1,000% worth it. I would strongly encourage anyone to do that.”
Are you ready to find out more? Connect with an enrollment adviser today to learn more about which programs might be the best fit for you. For more information, call 608-800-6762 or email learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.