The unemployment rate for recent college graduates is rising (CBS News 2025). Many speculations exist about the reasoning behind this, such as an increase in replacing entry-level positions with AI, early signals of trouble for the economy or increased uncertainty from government action.
One thing is certain: in today’s job market, we can’t just watch the changes happen; we have to react to them.
Whatever the cause, it is critical that college graduates account for such labor economics. This is why it is more important than ever to “Go the Extra” as we focus on entering our careers. But in a wave of uncertainty, it may be smart to “aim for targets that are easier to hit.” This means recognizing that some industries are growing more than others and have a greater demand for new talent.
This article is meant to spotlight just one of the industries expected to grow significantly over the coming decades. If you take anything from this article, it should be noted that it’s important to research the company you apply for and the overall health and growth potential of the industry in which it operates.
Why the Nuclear Sector Is Heating Up
Due to AI's overwhelming usage, energy demand will grow exponentially over time. Implications aside, positioning your career on the supply side of the equation is a dominant strategy when demand exceeds supply.
Due to the fundamentals of economics, the supply side will inevitably grow to meet the excess demand. To meet this demand, expansion will be required.
As a result, the energy sector of this industry alone is expected to grow by over 250% by 2050 (IAEA 2024).
“But I’m a Business Student, Not an Engineer…”
You don’t need to be a nuclear engineer to have a thriving career in this field. Like any large-scale enterprise, nuclear organizations require professionals in business, operations and policy to succeed. If anything, the complexity of the industry makes these roles even more essential.
Here’s just a sample of where business and related skills are in demand:
- Finance & Accounting: Managing billion-dollar budgets, capital projects, and cost controls.
- Project Management: Coordinating multi-year infrastructure builds with hundreds of stakeholders.
- Supply Chain & Procurement: Overseeing specialized, often international, sourcing of materials and equipment.
- Regulatory Affairs & Compliance: Navigating strict safety and legal frameworks while keeping operations efficient.
- cGMP Compliance Management: Ensuring operations meet current Good Manufacturing Practices — especially vital in isotope production, nuclear medicine, and specialized manufacturing sectors.
- Human Resources & Talent Development: Recruiting and retaining the specialized workforce needed for expansion.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Leading environmental initiatives, community engagement, and public trust campaigns.
- Business Development & Strategy: Securing partnerships, funding, and new market opportunities.
Why It Matters for You
The nuclear sector sits at the intersection of technology, policy and sustainability. Its reach extends into healthcare, energy, research and environmental stewardship. By stepping into this space, you’re not just building a career. You’re contributing to solutions for climate change, energy security, medical innovation and global economic growth.
For DECA members and other driven students, this is an opportunity to put your skills to work in a field where the impact is measurable and the opportunities are multiplying. Whether you’re crunching numbers, leading teams or shaping strategy, there’s a place for you here.
The future of the nuclear industry is glowing. It might just be calling your name, but it’s your turn to react!
Article Photo from the University of Missouri Research Reactor, 2023.
