Some individuals just seem to connect with people, are sociable, responsible and concerned with the welfare of others. These traits are the perfect fit for a career in human services.

Reasons to Pursue

Individuals first start their education in human services for a wide variety of reasons.

Some find themselves drawn to a human services career and start their education in a field of interest immediately after high school. Others may find the career first and then go back to educate themselves after having working in a human services job. And many see human services as a positive second career.

Whatever the reason, it all comes down to caring.

Career Options

Within the human services spectrum there are numerous career options in fields such as child development and family services. Professionals may specialize in serving children or older people, they may work with families in crisis or they may help families avoid the pitfalls that can lead to crisis.

Job titles and duties depend on the setting, organization and population served. The common thread for all these jobs is that they are intended to help people in some way.

Wages can also vary greatly in human services, depending on the field or specialization. Although the average salaries may not necessarily be as high as professionals in other technical fields, many find careers in human services immensely rewarding in more fundamental ways.

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts social work and human service positions to be among the most rapidly growing employment opportunities – increasing by 23 percent through 2018.

Lifelong Learning

Human Services is one field where many begin by earning their associate degree and then either start in the field or immediately go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Many also work in the field for a few years after graduating with their associate degree and then go on to pursue a four-year degree.

Whatever the case, human services professionals seem to always want to enhance their knowledge to improve their level of service to others.

Human Services

Love working with people? Happiest when you’re making a positive contribution to the welfare of others? Consider making your career in Human Services.

*Starting salaries may be lower and more experience can demand higher levels of pay.

Source: Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI)