Insider Buzz #2

Aging of Baby Boomers Creates Opportunities for Today’s Grads
an article by Marisa Vernon of ClevelandIntern.net

On New Year’s Day, the world wished Kathy Casey-Kirschling a Happy 60th Birthday.

You may be wondering who Kathy is. Is she a reality television star? A millionaire CEO? A talk-show host? The answer is no, no, and no.

Kathy is the first of a wave of many to turn sixty in 2006, and is credited with being the first member of the Baby Boom generation to reach this milestone age. Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, make up the largest generation in recent American history. As the 79 million members of this generation age into their fifties and sixties, younger generations will see increased employment opportunities as a result.

With Boomers moving into retirement age, opportunities for employment in the health care, biosciences and technology industries will continue to multiply for future college graduates. As hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities grow to accommodate the expanded aging population, professionals are needed to fill both clinical (nurses, doctors, practitioners, etc) and administrative positions (supervisors, human resources, etc).

In addition to job growth in hospitals and related facilities, an increased need for candidates with strong science and technology research skills is also anticipated. Graduates with scientific lab experience are needed to develop new health care products, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology devices.

Graduates with solid business skills and sales experience will continue to be in high demand, as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies search for candidates who can communicate well with clients and health care professionals. Areas such as product management and quality control are also projected for high growth as the healthcare industry continues to expand.

How can students prepare for the limitless possibilities in these areas during the years to come? Here are some suggestions:

 Gain internship experience in the health care field. Even if your major is not directly related to the industry, you can pursue other opportunities within hospital systems, such as internships in human resources, management, communications, marketing and finance.

 Consider enhancing your degree with a science, health care or technology minor, like Biology, Computer Information Systems, Human Development, or Gerontology.

 Regardless of your major, fill elective credits with science-related coursework that can be integrated into any career field.

Continue to log on to ClevelandIntern.net regularly to check out exciting internship opportunities within the areas of health care, science, technology or sales! Be sure to stop by your college career center for additional opportunities too!


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