One of the biggest concerns for today’s college students is securing a job after graduation. With unemployment rates still hovering at 7.8 percent as of September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fixing the economy remains a high priority for the U.S.

As globalization continues to dominate corporate strategies and technology continues to improve, some industries will experience consistent downsizing and high unemployment rates. There are, however, industries that will still continue to undergo rapid growth with years of transformation lying ahead.

Don’t let the so-called experts discourage you. The job market will be ripe for people our age because of the huge transformation the workforce will undergo in a few short years. According to Investopedia.com, “baby boomers,” or workers between the ages of 48 and 64, now represent roughly 20 percent of the American public.

Many of these workers will be retiring within a few years, opening up many positions in job markets that were previously saturated.

Here are four student-friendly job markets that will continue to offer career advancement opportunities for recent graduates.

1. Health care
The controversy behind this tumultuous industry is well-known. With Obamacare set to be put into action by 2014 (unless it is repealed), health care companies are set to undergo historic changes.

Whether you agree with the basis of the new health care laws or not, it is hard to deny that it will present new opportunities for people who have recently graduated or students who are set to graduate in the next couple of years.

There will also always be a high demand for professionals in this field. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists and others in the health care industry are invaluable and irreplaceable members of our community who are highly trained and highly skilled.

No matter where you go, health care will always present opportunities for people seeking to build a career.

2. Financial services
In 2008, the U.S. experienced one of the worst market collapses in recent memory. Huge firms that were seen as industry leaders were involved in scandals, corporate irresponsibility and more than questionable business ethics and strategies. 

This is another industry that is set to experience massive overhauls. In addition to higher regulation and increased legislation, the financial services industry is under close watch by the American public.

Firms will need new blood with fresh ideas, which is where students who are soon to be graduates can play a huge role. Accounting, finance, management information systems, and other business degrees are in high demand right now.

3. Technology/engineering
One of the biggest campaign platforms that President Obama ran on in 2008 and continues to stress in 2012 is the need for America to regain a global advantage in technology research and math and science jobs.

According to whitehouse.gov, President Obama has set a goal of providing tech sectors with $148 billion in research funding in order to support research initiatives. 

With a renewed focus on making research, technology and engineering jobs a national priority, students in this field may find a growing job market as they complete school and enter the workforce.

Jobs such as alternative energy research are also hot; Obama has continually been vocal of his support in finding an alternative to our nation’s gasoline addiction.

4. Education/academia
According to the National Center for Education and Statistics, the U.S. has experienced a drastic increase in demand for college educators; between 2000 and 2012, the nation experienced a 37 percent increase in college attendance.

K-State is an example of a university that has seen record enrollment rates in recent years, a trend that is expected to continue.

Logically, if there are more people who want to learn, we are going to need more people who are willing to teach.

Pursuing a career in education or academia as a professor or researcher may very well provide you with the job security that you are looking for.

Andy Rao is a junior in finance and accounting. Please send comments to [email protected]