UC San Diego Extension Reveals the Hottest Careers for 2015

Turning a college education into a career is easier said than done.

To help newly minted graduates identify their best bets for rewarding employment, the University of California, San Diego Extension today released its “2015 Hot Careers Report.” Using a unique algorithm, UC San Diego Extension’s Center for Research on the Regional Economy identified those careers that offer a combination of strong employment growth, competitive salaries and high-quality work environments.   

According to its analysis, the top 10 hottest careers for college graduates in 2015, in rank order, are:

1. Software Developers, Applications

2. Software Developers, Systems Software

3. Accountants and Auditors

4. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

5. Cost Estimators

6. Computer Network Architects

7. Management Analysts

8. Personal Financial Advisors

9. Elementary School Teachers, except for Special Education

10. Financial Analysts

Mary Walshok, associate vice chancellor of public programs and dean of UC San Diego Extension, said the hot careers for 2015 reflect the evolution of the U.S. economy and its increased focus on globalization and technology.

“Global markets, the rise of big data and the continued reach and influence of the digital world, all helped propel jobs for software developers, computer network architects and marketing analysts to the top of the list,” Walshok said.

Shifting demographics are also fueling growth in such careers as personal financial advisors and elementary school teachers.

“Aging Baby Boomers and the decline in pensions are increasing the need for professionals who can help people properly prepare for retirement,” Walshok added. “On the other hand, more elementary school teachers are reaching retirement age and creating a real demand for new teachers to fill that void.”

The annual list is part of UC San Diego Extension’s larger research efforts to not only assist job seekers but also shape educational offerings to ensure companies have the talent they need to thrive. Researchers compiled the “Hot Career” list by analyzing four general categories: current employment in the field, projected growth between 2012 and 2022, the median salary, and workplace environment.

“We see UC San Diego Extension as a vital component of the workforce training and development system, and we want to provide authoritative and actionable data to help spur economic development efforts not only in this region but also across the country,” Walshok said.

For a free copy of the report, click here.