Miami, FL, Wednesday, January 17th 2024 (By Lina Sierra, South Florida Education Executive). Now that we’ve rung in the new year, it’s time to tackle some of the obstacles we will face as we try to improve our lives this year. Many New Year’s resolutions being made this year include the standard pledges such as: exercising, eating healthy and checking off items on the ever-expanding honey-do list. The promises will result in a better version of us in 2024. However, several other aspects of our lives significantly impact our overall well-being and future. The careers we choose play a significant role in our day-to-day lives as well as our lives in the long term.
It is essential to analyze and understand the labor market to appropriately plan for the future. All career fields are vulnerable to outside forces like anything else. For example, a shift toward robotic manufacturing puts factory workers out of business.
So, before you choose a career, answer the following questions: How large is the field that you want to get into? Is it specific to a particular geographic area? How much competition is there, as in, how many graduates will be vying for the same job opportunities?
Undergraduate education is a significant investment. According to US News, the average college education in the United States costs an estimated $10,662 for an in-state student, just over double that for an out-of-state student at $23,630, and just over double that if you choose a private university, $42,162. Even with scholarships or student loans, many higher education options represent a substantial investment for a student. This adds to the importance of examining and committing to finding innovative, forward-thinking options for your education.
Besides the potential financial impact of a college education, every student should consider how long it takes to gain the skills for their future career as well as how long it takes between graduation and gainful employment. Ideally, you want the best job prospects before obtaining an education. Many universities throughout the state focus on examining labor market needs and providing degrees that ensure a student’s proficiency in that field. This ensures the investment in education can pay off sooner than otherwise because a student has a higher chance of getting a job in their field quickly. It also enables students to pay back their loans sooner and increases the chances of longevity in their careers.
Fields like transportation and logistics, healthcare, and cybersecurity are expanding in Florida and offer great opportunities and incentives for new graduates. For example, Florida is home to three of the country’s largest ports. The state is also facing a shortage of nurses which is estimated to reach 60,000 by 2035. Careers in these fields offer an abundance of opportunity in Florida.
I recently learned about Keiser University, a Florida institution that specializes in academic majors that that address labor market needs and ensures that graduates have the broadest possible opportunities for a career. Keiser University has 21 campuses in Florida, from Miami to Tallahassee, and works with industry advisory boards to ensure their academic majors are addressing the workforce needs of the state. The University caters to non-traditional students with flexible scheduling and virtual classes, making learning more accessible.
Keiser University is just one example of how institutions of higher learning are attempting to ensure gainful employment is more accessible to college graduates. There are other universities throughout the state, large and small, that offer the major and career field that could provide you with an opportunity for professional growth.
So, as you tackle the year ahead, consider all the benefits a college education could afford. If you’ve been considering starting or completing a college degree, make this the year you achieve your educational goal!
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