Your Future Beyond the Game: What You Need to Know About Jobs with High Growth

After the final whistle blows on your college athletic career, your next challenge begins: finding a job that fits your skills and ambitions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released data on the jobs with the fastest growth over the next decade, and it’s a playbook you should definitely check out. The good news is that many of these growing fields—from healthcare to tech—align with the discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills you’ve honed as a student-athlete.

Key Takeaways for Student-Athletes

The report projects that the overall job market will grow by 5 million jobs by 2034. While some of the jobs with the most projected openings, like home health aides and food service workers, may be lower paying, other fast-growing fields offer significant opportunities:

• Healthcare: With the population getting older, healthcare jobs are a major growth area. Roles like registered nurses and nurse practitioners are expected to see significant demand. Your experience with health and wellness, and your ability to work under pressure, are huge assets here.
• Tech: If you’re passionate about technology, you’re in luck. The report highlights that jobs for software developers are expected to grow rapidly, thanks to the increasing use of AI. Your problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment are a perfect fit for this field.
• Leadership: Several managerial roles also made the list. Whether you’re a team captain or a leader in your community, the skills you’ve developed on and off the field—like communication, strategic thinking, and motivating others—are exactly what companies are looking for in managers.

Just like in a game, being proactive is key to success. Understanding these trends now can help you pick the right major, secure a valuable internship, and prepare for a career where your unique skills as a student-athlete will make you a standout candidate.