Alternative energy
The world, and the United States in particular, continues to grapple with the high levels of consumption of fossil fuels. A societal shift to alternative fuel sources, such as nuclear, wind, and solar energy, may seem like a logical course of action. However, widespread usage of these energy sources still requires a great deal of development and logistical guidance. In addition, the current distribution system must be adapted for alternative forms of energy. This requires leaders who can develop alternative energy into a genuinely workable solution while navigating through political and social obstacles. Of course, standard energy sources like oil won't be going away anytime soon, which is why alternative energy industries need a new generation of leaders that can balance consumer demands, government oversight and environmental impact.
Education
For a variety of reasons, the field of education continues to be a difficult industry to maintain. While education remains a societal priority, it can have an extremely expensive and entrenched infrastructure that doesn't always meet expectations. Not only are leaders needed to govern institutions, but they must also navigate the complexities of government funding and accreditation.
Education continues to blend public and private elements, which requires people to manage entities that can have a variety of motivations and outcomes. Prior to the last few years of economic downturn, this field seemingly had a large gap that needed to be filled with employees. Now, educators and administrators are working longer than they originally intended, but education remains an industry that will need leadership long into the future.
Medicine
The field of medicine has changed a great deal over time, as commerce continues to be a major component of managed care. It would seem reasonable that health care will continue to be a major industry, particularly since countries like the United States have such a damaged health care system. There is a fine balance to traverse between advanced medicine and financial management, which will require individuals who have a particular sensitivity to managing various staff assets. As medical costs continue to rise, there will need to be a new crop of leaders that can work with doctors while managing the temptations that come with having a more profit-driven corporate mindset.
Technology
In an information age, technology continues to be a major part of many societies, both from a commercial and social standpoint. Technology can include everything from consumer electronics to manned spacecraft. Visionary leadership may be able to shape technological innovation in such a way that it changes the way society functions. Granted, this has already happened in many ways, but some individuals still dream of the day where technology will help correct some of the planetary issues that have plagued humanity for long periods of time.
Government
Finally, government is always an industry that needs effective leaders. As each generation passes on, a new group of leaders must emerge to lead governmental agencies and make decisions that will impact the future way of life experienced by the citizenry. In government, there will be opportunities for leaders to find common ground, as political parties continue to evolve and older leaders grapple with the behavioral patterns of younger voters who don't fit the standard pattern of party loyalty. As the needs of society change, there will be opportunities for new leaders to combine attitudes, cultural differences, technology, finance and world politics in order to manage the future of society.
