The American Dream (Job)
The most desirable careers
September 2022
Script
What did you want to be when you grew up? A firefighter? An astronaut? Well, kids these days have slightly … different career aspirations.
54% of young Americans say they’d consider becoming a social media influencer.i And a UK study found “social media and gaming” was the 4th most popular job category for young people.ii
And that’s not the only area where kids’ ambitions may be a little impractical. All told, half of American teens think they’ll either end up working in the arts or scientific research. But those careers only make up 8% of the job market.iii
There are plenty of fields, however, where job opportunities are expanding. Employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow 46% over the next decade. Wind turbine service technicians follow close behind, with 44% growth.iv
The good news: Over time, young people tend to adjust their career aspirations. The most popular career goal for 13-year-old boys is to be a professional athlete, but most of them change their minds by the time they turn 18.
And while being a doctor is the most popular career goal for girls 13-15, by ages 16-18 research shows they’re more likely to want to be veterinarians, teachers, or nurses.v
Still, the odds aren’t entirely stacked against the dreamers. After all, 43% of Americans say they’re working their childhood dream job.vi The professionals most likely to say they’re living out their childhood dreams: doctors.
Although one survey participant defined their dream job as “anything where I could do paperwork.”
It turns out that there’s a perfect job out there for just about everybody.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- 54% of young Americans say they’d consider a career as a social media influencer.
- Nurse practitioners and wind turbine service technicians are the two fastest growing careers in the United States.
- 43% of Americans say they’re working their childhood dream job.
Sources
- "The Influencer Report: Engaging Gen Z and Millennials" – Morning Consult
- "Drawing The Future" (Nick Chambers, et. al.), p. iv – Education and Employers
- "Dream Jobs and Employment Realities: How Adolescents’ Career Aspirations Compare to Labor Demands and Automation Risks" (Kevin Hoff, et. al.). – Journal of Career Assessment
- "Fastest Growing Occupations" – Bureau of Labor Statistics
- "The Job You Want Vs. The Job You Get" (Laurie Fickman) – University of Houston
- "43% of Americans say they’re working their ‘dream job’ from childhood" (Chris Melore) – Study Finds
Shownotes
SOUND: “Brand New Day” (Fairground Lights)
FOOTAGE: JGI/Jamie Grill (Getty)
Sources
- Morning Consult
"The Influencer Report: Engaging Gen Z and Millennials" - Education and Employers
"Drawing The Future" (Nick Chambers, et. al.), p. iv - Journal of Career Assessment
"Dream Jobs and Employment Realities: How Adolescents’ Career Aspirations Compare to Labor Demands and Automation Risks" (Kevin Hoff, et. al.).
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
"Fastest Growing Occupations" - University of Houston
"The Job You Want Vs. The Job You Get" (Laurie Fickman) - Study Finds
"43% of Americans say they’re working their ‘dream job’ from childhood" (Chris Melore)
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