MSU Extension 4-H Careers & Entrepreneurship

What is on your list of hot 50 jobs and careers? Michigan State University Extension provides programs and connections to either help young people, or the staff and volunteers that work with youth participants, learn and explore jobs and careers. We offer a variety of training, curricula and materials to support career exploration and workforce development, including entrepreneurship as an option. Many times, in our work, we reference a variety of Michigan’s job and career materials to help youth see the bigger picture of opportunities.

In August of 2022, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget's Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives released an update to the Michigan’s Hot 50 Job Outlook Through 2030 list. The list includes 50 of Michigan’s high-demand, high-wage careers that have a favorable projection of long-term job growth and projected annual job openings. In addition, it provides the median wages through the year 2030.

For middle and high school-age youth, this list might be a good resource to begin to explore potential jobs and careers available in Michigan. This report does however indicate that it does not necessarily reflect hiring demands. In alphabetical order, everything from accountants to massage therapists, and software developers to  training and development specialists made the list. The document provides the projected annual job openings, hourly age range, growth for the decade of 2020-2030, and the type of post-secondary training that may be required. Here are a couple of examples of careers listed:

• Bus and truck mechanics, and diesel engine specialists are projected to see a 12.7% growth by 2030. These positions require long-term on the job training and licensing.
• Electricians are projected to grow 13.1% by 2030 and is the type of job/career that uses an apprenticeship and licensing.
• Nurse practitioner jobs are expected to grow more than 50% by 2030 and require a master’s degree and licensing. If this sounds intriguing, explore MSU’s
• Public relations specialists are projected to grow 10.3%, requiring a bachelor’s degree. Being a Spartan might fit here as well.
• Software developers and quality assurance analysts are projected for 22.8% growth by the year 2030 with the educational requirement of a bachelor’s degree. MSU could help you become a developer with a computer science

Check out the Michigan’s HOT 50 to see if something on that list sparks interest in learning more! MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development helps to prepare young people for successful futures. We have resources on the career exploration webpage for youth and adults to help individuals identify their skills, interests and values as it relates to choosing a job or career path. Explore those too! For more information, questions or resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education or youth entrepreneurship, email us at 4-HCareerPrep@anr.msu.edu.