Hardest Jobs to Fill in 2012

At the end of 2011, Inc. Magazine’s Keith Kline made a not so bold prediction about what some of the hardest jobs to fill in the U.S. would be in 2012.  With the decline in  interest in the areas of science and technology by U.S. students, no one should be surprised that these job voids fall heavily in the tech arena.  One of the areas that should be of no surprise is analytics.

A good business will use analytics to help drive customers to their store, product, or website and the business analyst or business intelligence professional are considered this field’s offensive coordinators or quarterbacks.  They read the plays of the competition and the data provided through analysis to drive their company in the right direction.  These professionals remain in high demand.  The Bureau of Labor and Statistics states that by 2020, the growth rate for this field is 22% and will need to add 157,000 to the work force.

The need for Web Developers has similar numbers and the need will only increase in the next decade.  There are a few areas in the US where demand is not as heavy (San Francisco, New York, and Boston) where the market may be saturated with talent.  A good developer or software engineer will have no problem finding a job almost anywhere in the country (sometimes relocation may be necessary).  Individuals with online marketing experience should expect a 41% growth outlook through 2020.  These individuals must not only understand marketing and research, but how to apply what they’ve learned to affect businesses online  and in state, federal, and local positions.

These hard to fill jobs demonstrate exactly what is needed by our educational institutions today.  To be competitive in the U.S., or other markets, we have to embrace learning and promote the benefits of a good education to our students.

Page 1 of 2 | Next page