In recent years, students entering higher education have seen a dynamic shift in tensions. With the battle against student loan debt burning on, and the application requirements increasing, many are struggling to qualify for their dream school – let alone afford it. And, with the events of the past year, gone are the days of studying topics you are interested in: Now, students are looking at degrees that offer high job security.
It is not just students, either; if you have lost your job due to the pandemic, you might be looking to re-train in something a little more futureproof.
If either of these scenarios sounds like you, you are in luck, as we are sharing the top degrees to pursue post-pandemic for job security and futureproof career prospects.
Let’s get started!
Accountancy
Accounts are going to be a huge part of rebuilding the world’s economy. Whether you work with corporate businesses and banks or help small businesses get back on their feet, accountants and economists will have a huge part to play post-pandemic. We will be relying on experts to crunch the numbers and help us understand how much the pandemic cost, and how long it will take to recover.
Even without the pandemic, there will always be plenty of work for accountants. Anyone with a statistical mind can learn invaluable skills for bookkeeping and finance.
Nursing
If there is one thing the pandemic has highlighted, it is the distinct shortage of nurses. These integral roles in the healthcare industry are renowned for having a high job satisfaction rate and have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives’ every single day.
With the huge need to bridge the shortage, reputable colleges across the world are offering an accelerated nursing program online for those who already have a degree – even if the degree is completely irrelevant. With the fast-track course, you could find yourself in a brand-new career before you know it.
The world would not be the same without nurses and those worried that automation and robots are taking over more manual jobs should know the need for nurses is certainly not going to disappear! Nurses can also have quite a flexible working life, scheduling shifts around other engagements like looking after children or studying specialisms.
Social Care
Similar to nursing, social workers will be highly sought after. Whether it is providing support to families who have lost their income or helping people get back on their feet, social workers have an opportunity to make a positive impact on society’s most vulnerable.
A year of restrictions and uncertainty has inevitably left a lot of people struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression. Social care and mental health workers will be an integral part of helping people get back on track and feeling themselves again after one of the biggest crises of our time.
Not all social care roles require a degree, so there may be options to train on the job if you are looking for a direct route to work.
Supply Chain
Something that probably goes overlooked when reviewing career options is the supply chain. Due to manufacturing pauses, supply chains have struggled to keep up the momentum, and as such businesses have had to close. This failed supply chain is now in the midst of a huge shift, with more businesses looking to futureproof and streamline their operations.
This is a great time to join the supply chain industry, as new practices are being taught and implemented into businesses across the world. Lean manufacturing, for example, aims to reduce waste within the chain to help businesses become more sustainable. It also helps businesses to adapt faster. During the pandemic, lean manufacturing allowed factories to swap from building engines to producing ventilators, fashion pieces to PPE, etc. While supply chain might not seem like a hands-on hero in the pandemic, it has helped save lives across the world from the shadows.
Biology
While we have already found a vaccination for COVID-19, there are always new strains and new biological threats. As such, those interested in studying for potential risks and future epidemics might consider studying biology or biomedicine. Biologists work mainly in research to predict viruses and new strains. It is a great way to get involved with the medical industry without studying medicine for years and becoming a GP.
Teaching
Similar to nursing, we will never find ourselves sending our kids off to a teacher-less school. Teachers are integral to educating the next generation. As a teacher, you have the chance to really make a difference in a child’s life and lead them on a straight path to success. You will be an inspiration to both parents and children, and who knows, your students might want to follow in your footsteps and become teachers themselves.
Computer Science
Of course, as we all become more dependent on AI and technology, computer scientists will be able to secure lucrative jobs for generations to come. Whether you are interested in coding or want to focus on finding new ways to implement this technology into our everyday lives, computer science is a huge futuristic topic that could end up with you changing the world.
Environmental Science
As we all become more aware of our carbon footprint, and how our actions can make a difference to the world, environmental science is starting to see a rise in popularity. Whether you want to work on implementing new renewable energy options or how to tackle pollution, these scientists work to make the world a better, greener, and safer place.
There are so many options for students these days, that the choice of degree can be overwhelming. It is always good to understand what options are available to you based on your existing qualifications. Those that find themselves struggling to feel inspired and motivated in their line of work later in life need to know that there is always the chance to retrain and find enjoyment all over again. Speak to a career advisor or research potential careers online to see if the work is really something you would like to consider. Then, it is time to get applying and get excited.
