Engineering, computer fields to see growth
By Kara Story
Of the Kmerald
Due to technology, the fastest
growing occupations requiring
a bachelor's degree are in the
engineering, heal1' and com
puter fields, according to U.S
Bureau of ?,abor statistics and
Lawrence Smith, director of the
Career. Planning and Placement
Service in Hendricks Hall.
And the number of teaching
positions, primarily from
kindergarten through secondary
school, is also expected to in
crease through 1995 to meet the
demand created by teachers
leaving the profession and a
boom in school-age children.
Smith said.
Computer systems analysts
are at the top of the list,
followeed by computer pro
grammers, electrical engineers,
mechanical engineers, and ac
countants and auditors. The list
is rounded out with
kindergarten and elementary
school teachers, physicians,
lawyers and secondary school
teachers.
The percent growth ranges
from 13 percent for secondary
school teachers to 85 percent for
computer systems analysts. The
number of jobs generated ranges
from 109,000 for mechanical
engineers to 511.000 for
kindergarten and elementary
school teachers.
And based on projected
population figures, a 1979
study published in Business
Week magazine predicted the
labor force will decrease.
The work force population.
22-44 years of age. has increas
ed steadily since 1980 and will
peak at about 78 million in
1995. the study stated. In the
early 2000s. the population is
expected to drop to 71 million,
it stated.
And the study stated the
population aged 45-64 years
will increase from 50 million to
72 million by 1995.
The demand created by the
increase in people 45-64 years
old. who generally earn and
spend more money, combined
with the shortage of workers,
may place a strain on businesses
in the early 2000s, Smith said.
But he said. "Individuals that
choose a career based on projec
tions for jobs available as their
sole criteria may be setting
themselves up for an unhappy
—
work life."
Instead, students should
assess the skills they enjoy us
ing and look for employment
Today
meet the
Macintosh Plus
. _-,
• large screen demonstration • upgrade information
• question & answer session
• panel participants include Apple Computer reps
Tuesday, April 29, 4:30 P.M.
138 Gilbert Hall
presented by the Computing Center
Mechanical engineers
Kindergarten and elementary teachers
opportunities that allow thorn to
use those skills, he said.
Individuals who are unsure
ubout thoir major or career
direction choices can receive
uuidance thniuuh (he Career
Assessment Program offered by
the service, Smith said. The
program uses standardized tests
to help, individuals identify
skills, Interests and personality
characteristics Such as values,
temperament and preferred
working relationships, he said.
Students also could benefit
from attending one of the ser
vice's group-orientation ses
sions to become familiar with
the services available, he said
Juniors are especially en
couraged to take advantage of
the center this term because
they will need resumes for fall
recruiting of 1987 graduates, he
said. Recruiter schedule are
available at the placement of
fice. he said.
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