Young clients in particular, often ask me what to expect for future trends of employment and opportunity. My response begins with a quick review in economics; that supply and demand determines future employment trends. This is due to the size and trends of the population, shifts in supply occur because of new or increased demands. Population trends are the biggest contributors in determining the future expansion and opportunities of the labor force.

Advancing technology and available automation processes have shifted the demand for products and services and how products are now made. Newer industries will ultimately experience increases in employment to meet the demand of products and services. These necessary employment shifts are calling for increases in skilled positions and increasing the demand for higher education or formal training for these new employees.

With the aging population we will need more educators for children from elementary through college. Equally, with the baby-boomers nearing retirement, the need for additional health care jobs becomes increasingly necessary.

Demographic projections estimate an increase of 14% from 2002 to 2012 in the American workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in the next four to five years the five fastest growing industries will be Technology with 35.8%, Healthcare with 34.8%, Nursing having a 27.3% increase, Human Resources increasing 26.2% and Criminal Justice and Education/Teaching increasing both by 24.7%.

Sales opportunities will be increasing in these areas as well some may include; educational products, healthcare products, technological products, sales of related industry services, recruiters, insurance, pharmaceuticals and more. There will be an increase in ancillary industries as well which will also undergo the need for an increased sales force.

Some of my clients are more interested in finding the employment opportunities with the fastest income increases. The BLS offers additional indexes which show the largest salary and wage changes for the next decade. The top five industries expected to offer the largest earning increases include Software Publishing with a 68% increase, next is a tie with Computer System Design and Related Services, and Management, Scientific, and Technology Consulting Services both coming in with increased earnings of 55%. Employment Services is at a close third with 54% increase, Social Assistance (except child day care) expects a 47% increase and rounding the top five spots is Motion Pictures and Video industry increasing by 31%.

Computer related and health care industries look to be the most promising for both growth and income potential. Sales needs for new and existing products and services in these industries will in turn offer strong opportunities. I remind my clients that whichever industry their sales career leads them, the best thing they can do for their career is to never stop learning. Stay fresh in their understanding of selling techniques that work best for different geographic, demographic, products and economic climates. Continue participating in sales seminars, webinars and conferences. Read industries magazines, the latest books by top sales experts and stay informed of market changes so that whatever industry you’re in - you are the sales expert and you’ll be successful.