If you want to succeed in your career after college, whether you want to switch professions or are just getting started, pick an area or industry where there is a high demand for work. We have compiled a list of the top positions that are in high demand across four industries.

Jobs in great demand can be found in a variety of industries, so you can pick one that matches your interests and abilities. Health care, information technology (IT), trade, and hospitality are the four industries that have grown quickly in recent years. You can find a career that is in high demand in one of these fields regardless of your preference for problem-solving or manual labor.

1. Nurse practitioner

Nurse practitioners provide advanced nursing care, so advanced that you might have scheduled an appointment with one rather than an MD. NPs can evaluate, diagnose, counsel, and treat patients either independently or in collaboration with doctors. In addition to ordering lab and other testing for patients, nurse practitioners can also prescribe medications. They may work in medical settings such as clinics, outpatient centers, and schools.

You must first become a licensed registered nurse (RN) before pursuing a master’s degree and becoming certified as a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners frequently obtain certification in particular specialties, such as psychiatry, pediatrics, or emergency medicine. The requirements are steep—and understandably so given the responsibilities of the role—but according to BLS, nurse practitioners will be the No. 1 most in-demand job in the next decade.

Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 45.7% (much faster than average)

2. Data scientist

Data scientists design the frameworks that enable businesses to gather, arrange, and analyze data—then use that data to improve business decisions. Depending on the demands of the company, the role may entail carrying out data experiments, applying statistical models and algorithms, creating data products, and improving frameworks to boost effectiveness and improve business outcomes.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, statistics, math, engineering, or a similar discipline is often required for employment in the highly technical and data-intensive field of data science; many employers, however, prefer that their data scientists hold an advanced degree.

Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 35.8% (much faster than average)

3. Information security analyst

As more and more sensitive data is shared and stored digitally, it is the responsibility of information security analysts to keep a company’s information safe and secure. Information security analysts are in charge of everything from developing and implementing security solutions and technologies (such as by supervising the installation of firewalls and the use of data encryption) to researching and testing security solutions. They also evaluate a company’s current digital security processes.

Read Also: Which Driver Job Pays the Most?

Information security analysts often possess a bachelor’s degree (or higher!) in a technology-related discipline, such as computer science, and must be well-versed in all aspects of cybersecurity.

Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 35% (much faster than average)

4. Web developers

Web developers create and maintain websites and web apps and they fall into three categories:

• Front-end web developers focus on the look of the site and anything that visitors might see or interact with.

• Back-end web developers deal with the behind-the-scenes tech that makes everything work seamlessly.
• Full-stack web developers work on both the front- and back-ends of the site.

No matter what kind of developer you end up being, you’ll need to learn how to code. To connect with whomever you’re creating a website for and make sure everyone is on the same page, you’ll also need to have effective communication skills. Some design experience is also useful for front-end jobs. While some businesses like to see a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline, others may hire web developers who have attended a bootcamp and/or have good portfolios of work.

Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 30.3% (much faster than average)

5. Physician assistant (PA)

A physician assistant (often referred to as a PA) is a qualified healthcare provider who offers standard patient care. A physician assistant can evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients, as well as prescribe medication and create treatment plans, much like an MD. But unlike doctors, who can work on their own, PAs need to be under the direction of an MD. PAs can work in a number of locations (such as clinics and hospitals) and specializations (from general practice to surgery).

A bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related topic is the first step toward a career as a physician assistant, which is then followed by a master’s program (often referred to as “PA school”), a national certification test, and license (state-specific criteria).

Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 28% (much faster than average)

6. Software developer

Software developers, also referred to as software engineers, are responsible for the design, coding, testing, and development of all types of software, from consumer-facing mobile apps used by individuals to enterprise software solutions supporting enormous corporations. Software engineers can work on any kind of programs and features, whether they are online or offline, unlike web developers who are focused on websites and apps.

Coding abilities are the most crucial requirement for success as a software developer. Therefore, it doesn’t really matter how you learn to code—through a computer science degree, a coding bootcamp, or on your own—as long as you have the skills and can demonstrate them in a technical interview, you should be able to find work for the majority of positions.

Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 25% (much faster than average)

7. Actuary

Actuaries are in charge of assessing risk and frequently work for insurance providers. They utilize arithmetic, facts, and statistics to decide whether their firm should offer a policy to a potential client, whether that client is an individual or a business, and if so, what the premium should be. Actuaries assess retirement plans, other investments, as well as health, life, car, homes, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation insurance.

A degree in actuarial science or a closely related field (such as math or statistics) is required. Actuarial science focuses on applying mathematical and statistical modeling to analyze risk. Plus, actuaries need to pass a series of rigorous exams over the course of several years in order to be certified to do the job by the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or the Society of Actuaries (SOA).

Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 21% (much faster than average)