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The new year is always a great time to set goals, but this year in particular—as we enter not only a new year but a new decade—there’s extra importance to thinking beyond a short-term resolution and focusing instead on a long-term vision. Think about the one big switch that will create the most change in your life.  An amazing career with better pay, stability and exciting new challenges could be just around the corner.

Supply and Demand

A recent study reports there will be 29% growth in fields like professional, scientific and technical services, resulting in the addition of 2 million new jobs to the U.S. economy. More than 60 million Baby Boomers will leave their jobs by 2025; however only about 40 million new workers will be available to take their places. This is because of the limited supply of qualified candidates who fit the education requirements and skill set for the demand.

Education is Imperative

If you’ve been tinkering with the idea of a career change, one of the first steps toward achieving that vision is education. Because the marketplace for jobs is competitive, many employers won’t even be willing to give your resume a glance without the right education and credentials. Completing a training program and earning a certificate or certification is what will make you stand out, set you apart, and help you land the job that will open the door to the career you want.

Identifying the Right Path

For most of us, it is our preferences, skills, strengths and interests that typically drive our career selection. Success is often a direct result of identifying what your personal gifts and talents are, your interests, and identifying a profession where you can tie it all in together and match your individual skills with the job requirements.  A classic book, Do What You Love, the Money Will Follow helps identify your path to success, and consider the following things:

• What do you love to do?
• What are you good at?
• What can you get paid for?
• What does the world need?

Alone, no one component is enough. You can love something and be good at it, but if there’s no need for it in the world, nobody’s going to pay you for it, right? You may realize there’s a need for nurses, or a huge job market for massage therapists, but you can’t just knock on a door & get a job without the right education, can you? Or, you can be good at something, which happens to be something people will pay for, but if you’re just working for a paycheck & hating every moment of it, then you’re not going to be happy in life, are you?

To be successful, you need skill & training. Knowledge is power, and education is key. So begin your research to find out the education requirements of the profession you want to pursue, so that once you graduate you can get in the door and begin the exciting journey of turning your interest into a prosperous and fulfilling career.

The Bridge and the Gateway

Whether you’re looking to start a new career or switch career paths, Swedish Institute offers programs that hit the mark on some of the hottest positions in today’s specialized health care market. And our Career Services department is dedicated to ensuring each and every one of our graduates is prepared with the tools and experience they need to be at the top of their game and to shine above the competition.

“Our programs are designed in a way that gives our students the edge to position themselves above the rest,” explains Richard Gardner, Director of Career Services at Swedish Institute. “Once they’re nearing the end of their studies, we come in to match the right person with the right employer.  We are the bridge between their training and finding their best job opportunity, and the gateway for them to put their best foot forward on their path to a successful future.”