Are you looking to expand your horizons?

A larger office with a view? Looking for the right executive job often requires patience, practice and power. Building your network, adding skills and advancing the company's mission all play a large part in winning the coveted corner office. Sometimes it takes a little more luck to get there.

Executives sometimes spend more than 20 years fighting their way to the top. Rest assured, there are some industries that have higher executive growth and may require less time to get to that comfortable executive's chair. Before setting your sights on higher ground, consider one of these 10 fastest growing industries for executive careers.

Healthcare.

Healthcare is still one of the fastest growing industries for any career path. Aging baby boomers and the Affordable Care Act stimulated growth in this already lucrative business. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the healthcare industry will overtake state and local government growth within the next ten years. More than four million jobs will enter the market, many of these high-paying executive positions.

Medical professionals aren't the only ones winning big with the hiring boom. Look for job listings in account management, sales and marketing, customer relations, recruiting and education. This is a great time to brush up on medical terminology and legal structures. Executives will need to have an advanced understanding of HIPAA and the Affordable Care Act.

Technology.

Technology is exciting and ever-changing. Companies endlessly updating their computers and account systems. The work is detailed, tedious, often stressful and rewarding. It takes a like minded executive to stay on top of every detail and change. Companies search for IT directors who not only think outside the box and maintain updated technical proficiencies, they also want them to be able to explain it in elementary terms.

Presentation, budget management and corporate accounting are important skills to remember when entering the executive suite. Consider taking a interpersonal communications class at the local college or visit Lynda.com for presentation and budget training.  

Marijuana.

Okay, this may not be the most conservative career path, but it is one of the fastest growing industries. With increased social acceptance and legalization of medical and recreational use, the marijuana industry is booming. Fortune reports the marijuana industry will top $6 billion in 2016. Companies are scrambling to cash in on the wealth. Executives with medical, legal and cybersecurity experience are in top demand. These top guns will spearhead regulatory, research and protection for new, emerging companies.

First and foremost, if you have any ethical or religious beliefs against marijuana usage, steer clear of these positions. Companies look for liberal-minded professionals to lead the business into a new and risky venture. There's no room for doubts or fears. If you're looking to get your feet wet with a new sales venture, look into the history of marijuana and current legislation on the state and federal level. Hiring managers want to know you have a knowledge of the industry and challenges they face.

Waste Management.

Waste management: it's a stinky business, but someone has to do it. And it's one of the fastest growing industries. Americans throw away more trash than any other nation. We have dedicated thousands of acres to containing waste in landfills. The companies that visit our homes each week represent a multibillion-dollar industry. And it continues to grow. Being a waste management professional isn't all about collecting garbage and processing waste. Behind every garbage pickup truck are thousands of employees, all waiting for the best executive to manage them.

Companies look for professionals with experience in medical and hazardous waste management, regulatory and government laws, account management, sales and marketing and human resources. Searching for a job in waste management isn't difficult. Managing waste management is a little more tedious though. Take time to research proper procedures and environmental concerns before applying for this role.

Elder Care.

Hospice and home health care providers are entrusted with the care and safekeeping of our elderly community. With the boom in aging baby boomers, these jobs are expected to continue to grow. And, while there is no shortage of providers, finding the right management candidate takes a little more time. Most healthcare providers are overqualified for these executive roles. Doctors, nurses and senior aides are reserved for private care and intensive environments. On the other hand, social workers and applicants with public health experience fit the bill.

Social workers and public health managers wanting to step up their game should take time to learn the intricacies of human resource management. Most management and executive roles in elder care include managing caseworkers, care providers and treatment teams. Udemy offers several human resources courses, often for free. Alison has a free human resource management diploma program taught by leaders in the industry.

Construction.

No matter the business, regardless of the industry, every sector uses construction. It is the most stable industry. Construction companies develop sites and build buildings in the private, public and real estate sectors. Construction companies hire executives to manage literally every aspect of their business. From marketing and sales to human resource management and recruiting, most executive level candidates will find a perfect fit. While executives with experience with construction companies are still in high demand, business management professionals with experience spearheading office staff and managing accounts are needed.

Most of the executive positions mentioned above are compatible with standard executive level jobs. No matter which specialty the company focuses on, it requires management teams to coordinate business services and operations. Hospitals may provide medical care and research the latest pharmaceutical trends. They still need business managers to keep the books in line and human resources specialists to recruit the best team members. Find the common ground between those jobs and your current position.

This doesn't mean to go in with little to zero knowledge of their industry. Hiring managers want team members who complement their services. For example, construction executives want to hire a marketing director to expand their company into new locations. They know the marketing experts aren't architects or engineers. They do expect the candidates to understand basic construction terms and operations. As with all career opportunities, research the company and its industry. Expand your horizons. Your potential employer will be impressed.

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