Top occupational fields for diverse, Class of 2024, college and university graduates

Every graduating class since there were graduating classes have had the same concern: where can I find gainful employment? Often, the answers are the same as those for the previous graduating class. But, sometimes, the answers differ markedly. And they also differ markedly if you drill down a little and look at the top occupational fields for those graduating from different schools, or with different majors, or with different diversity characteristics. Women, for example, who are graduating from the same school and in the same major will often have different, preferred career paths than their male classmates.

Here’s a closer look at the top occupational fields for various groups within the Class of 2024, highlighting the paths where their impact is poised to be the most profound.

• LGBTQ+ Students: The creative arts and design sector stands out as a leading occupational field for LGBTQ+ graduates. Here, their unique perspectives drive innovation in everything from graphic design to fashion. This industry values diversity and inclusivity, offering a platform where LGBTQ+ voices can thrive and influence societal norms.
• First-Generation Students: Many first-generation college students are breaking new ground in the field of education. Their firsthand experience with the transformative power of learning often inspires them to pursue careers as educators, counselors, and administrators, aiming to make education more accessible and equitable for future generations.
• Black and African American Students: The technology and software development sectors are increasingly benefiting from the talents of Black and African American graduates. These industries, seeking to enhance diversity and innovation, offer significant opportunities for graduates to engage in cutting-edge work, from cybersecurity to software engineering.
• Latinx Students: Health care is a prominent field for Latinx graduates, where their cultural competencies and bilingual skills are invaluable. Roles in nursing, healthcare administration, and public health are crucial, as Latinx professionals work to bridge gaps in care and advocate for underserved communities.
• Economically Disadvantaged Students: The finance and banking industry is seeing a surge of talent from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. With fresh insights into fiscal responsibility and economic disparity, these graduates are well-positioned to innovate in areas like financial planning, investment banking, and economic development.
• Women: STEM fields, particularly engineering and technology, are witnessing a transformative increase in female graduates. Their participation is not only diversifying the workforce but also driving gender-inclusive innovations in sustainable engineering, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
• International Students: The global business and international relations sectors are natural fits for international students, whose cross-cultural experiences and multilingual abilities enable them to navigate the complexities of the global market, diplomacy, and international law with ease.
• Students with Disabilities: Adaptive technology and inclusive design are growing fields where students with disabilities are making significant contributions. Their unique perspectives are critical in developing technologies and services that are accessible to all, ensuring a more inclusive world.
• Veterans: Public service and defense sectors greatly value the leadership, resilience, and strategic skills of veteran graduates. Their experiences bring a unique perspective to national security, emergency management, and public administration roles.
• Neurodiverse Students: The data analytics and information technology sectors are increasingly recognizing the strengths of neurodiverse graduates, such as pattern recognition and attention to detail. Their contributions are enhancing areas like cybersecurity, data science, and software development.
• Student-Athletes: Sports management and marketing are standout fields for student-athletes, who apply their teamwork, discipline, and strategic thinking to roles in sports analytics, event management, and brand partnerships, driving innovation in the sports industry.
• Native American & Indigenous Students: Environmental science and sustainability are key areas where Native American and Indigenous graduates lead the way. Their traditional knowledge and commitment to environmental stewardship are invaluable in addressing climate change, conservation, and sustainable development.
• Asian American & Pacific Islander Students: The entertainment and media industries are increasingly enriched by the talents of Asian American and Pacific Islander graduates. Their contributions are pivotal in creating more diverse representations on screen and behind the scenes, influencing global narratives and cultural exchange.
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Students: The legal profession, particularly immigration and civil rights law, benefits from DACA students’ unique insights and experiences. Their journeys and resilience fuel their passion for advocacy and justice, making significant impacts on policy reform and community support.

As these diverse groups of graduates embark on their professional journeys, their varied life experiences and viewpoints are set to enrich their chosen fields, drive innovation, and foster a more inclusive and equitable workforce. The future is bright for the Class of 2024, and the diverse paths they choose will undoubtedly shape the industries of tomorrow.