Confidence in Your Career
UT Grads make strides in a changing economy
Each night, the news covers the latest industry hit by the economic downturn. Manufacturers, journalists, and local small businesses are tightening budgets and closing doors.
At the same time, thousands of students at The University of Toledo and at other schools nationally will graduate and start searching for jobs this month. Their prospects may seem slim, but the changing economy is actually leading to new and exciting opportunities. According to Rosemary R. Haggett, PhD, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at UT, there’s no better time to have a bachelor’s degree – or start on one. Here’s why.
As the economy changes, new jobs are constantly being created. In fact, the top in-demand jobs of 2010 didn’t exist in 2004. And right now, Toledo is sitting on a gold mine for several of the most innovative industries of the future, which include:
- Clean water technology – According to the National Intelligence Council, finding new industrial uses for freshwater in areas such as farming and biofuel could transform the world.
- Bioscience and biotechnology – This area of discovery is in its infancy, but it soon will grow to involve new labs, hospitals, staff and revolutionary techniques and treatments.
- Nanotechnology – Nanotechnology (something that cannot be seen with the naked eye) is about manipulating subatomic particles in order to create new or improved materials – and these small items could result in big business and job opportunities.
- Green industry – Toledo and UT are no strangers to the green industry, particularly in solar energy research. Finding alternative energy from the sun, wind and water is quickly moving to the top of world’s to-do list, opening the door to thousands of new jobs to be created.
- Transit – More efficient transportation is in high demand. Toledo is in a prime location for efficient transportation – from rail and road to marine and air. And UT has been researching transit for several years.
How to be a part of the growth
“Fortunately, graduates don’t need to get a degree in these specific industries to land jobs in these areas,” says Dr. Haggett. “They can get a degree in chemistry, physics or even marketing, or English because we will need every surrounding profession for the industries of the future to succeed.”
At UT, “we’re able to give students skills that go beyond their area of study,” says Dr. Haggett. “The general education curriculum, like history, arts and science, is required for students in every major. The skills they obtain through these courses allows them to weather all economic conditions.”
For example, a marketing student graduating this month could get a job at a top marketing firm or become a marketing guru in clean water or solar technology. “Part of our job at UT is to give our students a versatile education that allows them to jump into these industries of the future – even if the job doesn’t exist yet,” says Dr. Haggett.
Education as a sound investment
UT graduates this month will face a challenging job market, but despite times of hardship, one thing remains: a diploma from an American university is highly valued worldwide and can be used to open doors in new and emerging fields.
“I want to join with everyone at the University when I say how proud we are of our graduates and their accomplishments,” says Dr. Haggett. “One of the best investments you can make – whether the stock market is up or down – is an investment in yourself and your education. Your returns on that investment are invaluable, as many of our graduates will find out.”
Learn more about investing in yourself through a UT education.
Call (877) 451-2299.
