The future of work: How Rider prepares you for high-demand careers of 2024 and beyond

Future-proof your career in these high-paying, in-demand roles, according to Indeed.

It is no secret that the nature of the workplace has changed in recent years. With employee and workplace well-being becoming a priority for many, it’s natural for individuals to be open to starting a new role or switching gears to enter a different career path to find more fulfilling work. In fact, according to Indeed’s 2024 Workforce Insights Report, roughly 70% of workers said they are open to new opportunities. However, if you’re unsure of where to look for a new position or how to prepare for a career change, we’ve got you covered.

Indeed recently released its list of Best Jobs of 2024, and the industries that continue to dominate the job market include business, healthcare and tech. The list also reports that roles in accounting, psychiatry and human resources, to name a few, are on the rise.

However, one key thing to note about Indeed’s 2024 list is that the employment hub focused on reporting about jobs that offer a large base salary and flexible work options. Also, though Indeed’s list is specific to 2024, the extensive research done by the employment platform gives insight into what’s to come in the employment market over the next few years. 

If you’re in search of your next opportunity or curious to know what’s out there, keep reading to discover hot jobs to watch, potential salaries for these roles in New Jersey and how Rider can help prepare you to break into this selection of the "best" opportunities for job seekers.

Careers for the future

Human resources manager

If you are interested in helping a company build a winning culture while finding and fostering top-tier talent, look no further than a career in human resources. As an HR manager, you will serve as a link between organizational management and employees. You will be a sounding board for the company and be the go-to person for all employee-related matters. On average, HR managers in New Jersey can earn $80,213+ per year.

To prepare for a career in human resources, consider a bachelor’s degree in organizational psychology from Rider. In this 100% online program, designed for adult learners, you will explore how management and psychology intersect and develop an in-depth understanding of human behavior, group dynamics, and how to make employees and organizations function at their best. Program coursework will focus on concepts, such as perception and attitudes, employee motivation and engagement, and organizational leadership and power.

Mental health technician

Are you looking to support individuals struggling with their mental health and interested in helping to break down the stigma and promote access to wellness resources? If so, a career as a mental health technician may be fitting for you. Key players in mental health treatment, technicians work in collaboration with physicians, psychiatrists, social workers and counselors to treat patients who cope with disabilities, illnesses and substance abuse. Responsibilities include acting as a confidante to patients who need to talk, leading therapeutic activities and more. On average, mental health technicians in New Jersey can earn $73,495+ per year.  

To pursue this fulfilling career path, Rider’s online degree program in psychology and on-ground social work program will help to start your path. Though both majors differ in coursework and requirements, both programs can provide you with the knowledge and necessary skills to work ethically with individuals, families, organizations and communities from various backgrounds and in settings that include healthcare, schools, criminal justice and social services. 

Students who earn their bachelor’s degree in these disciplines often consider pursuing an advanced degree from Rider in psychology or counseling master's degree programs to increase their skills and knowledge and expand their employability.

Controller

Are you passionate about numbers and have a goal to work closely with senior leadership early on? A career as a financial controller is where the two intersect. As controller, your job will be to monitor the financial health of your chosen company. This includes managing and analyzing financial statements, payroll, budgets and tax compliance issues. 

You will have an opportunity to work across a broad spectrum of industries. Depending on the corporation's size, you may work under the chief financial officer or report directly to the owner or CEO. Indeed reports that, on average, financial controllers in New Jersey can earn over $103,873 per year. Roles with similar responsibilities that may be of interest include accounting manager, tax manager and loan officer. 

The variety of majors, minors and certificate options in Rider’s AACSB-accredited Norm Brodsky College of Business can prepare you for this growing career path. Potential areas of study that will place you on track for this role include accounting, finance or business administration. These programs will help you to become fluent in the language of business and equip you with the knowledge you need in financial markets, investments and more.

Media and digital designer

If you’re a creative mind seeking a career that combines creativity with technical skills, you may find yourself right at home in a media or digital design role. You can work with top brands to create winning marketing campaigns by being the driving force behind areas such as branding, campaign strategy and design development.

There are many avenues you can explore in this unique industry that include, but are not limited to, web design, app or game design, user experience (UX) or user interface (UI) design, graphic design and animation. On average, digital designers in New Jersey can earn $57,386+ per year, and often, designers command higher rates in larger, more competitive markets such as neighboring New York, sometimes into the six figures. 

You’ll need to develop a wide range of technical knowledge useful to various creative careers and industries to thrive in these roles.The programs in Rider's School of Communication, Media and Performing Arts (SCMPA) can help you build a multifaceted portfolio of skills.

Potential programs of study offered at Rider to prepare for similar career paths include communications studies, graphic design, game and interactive media design, social media strategies and web design. Plus, the interdisciplinary nature of Rider’s SCMPA offers extensive opportunities to study and take elective courses in related academic programs and gain hands-on experience.

Supply chain specialist

Do you have a knack for organization and a talent for coordination? If so, you will thrive in this very critical role that exists within a multitude of industries. As a supply chain specialist, you will coordinate shipments, procure materials, manage order prices, oversee inventory, forecast demand and resolve supply chain issues. Your role will be pivotal in increasing company profits, decreasing material costs, improving customer service, and enhancing operational efficiency. On average, supply chain specialists in New Jersey can earn $98,314 per year.

To prepare for a career in this high-growth and in-demand industry, majoring in global supply chain management will familiarize you with various components of global supply chains. This includes sourcing, manufacturing and production, distribution and sales and customer service. You will gain insights into how organizations operate and adapt to cultural and regional norms, address border issues and laws governing the conduct of business. 

Prepare for high-demand careers with a degree from Rider

Earning a degree from Rider will equip you to succeed in the industry of your choice. Our career-ready academic programs will put you at the forefront of your chosen path and provide opportunities to gain real-world experience and receive focused career support. 

Our Cranberry Investment program further drives our belief in the value of a Rider education and our commitment to providing students with transformative experiences that lead to positive outcomes. The program guarantees that undergraduate students who fulfill the outlined requirements will obtain an entry-level job in their field of study or be accepted into graduate or professional school within six months of graduation. The Cranberry Investment also aligns with other Rider programs designed to promote career success, such as the Engaged Learning Program and Lifting Barriers.

We also offer affordable and accessible degree pathways for adult learners who often require more flexibility to fit their education into their everyday lives.