Yes, a career in the basic industry is a good choice for graduates in 2022 because they facilitate the production of raw materials used by other industries. So, if you want to know the answer to the question ”Is basic industries a good career path?”, read this article rigorously.
Without fundamental industries, it would be impossible for other sectors of the economy to function since they need raw materials to make processed goods.
We’ll review some fantastic opportunities one can take advantage of if one has a strong interest in the basic industries. Among other things, we will also emphasize the typical salary and educational qualifications.
What Are Basic Industries?
According to the Cambridge dictionary, basic industries are those types of Industries that produce materials supplied to other industries and are important in a country’s economy.
Essentially, basic industries concentrate on producing goods and services for export rather than local consumption and sales. These industries frequently account for a higher chunk of the market share and play a significant role in their respective economies.
This may become problematic if an export industry fails or political conditions change and restrict the market for exported items. Most countries keep statistics on their import and export activity and closely monitor their core sectors.
These sectors are highly significant in a nation’s economy. This makes the basic industries a good career choice for graduates in 2022.
Is Basic Industries A Good Career Path?
Yes. A career in the basic industries is a good career path. The number of jobs in the basic industry is steadily on the rise. For instance, a metallurgist in the sector earns over $100,000 a year, making it the highest-paying job in the industry. A petroleum geologist might earn up to $100,000 per year.
Working in a basic industry would be a good career path for anyone seeking stable employment. For instance, in the United States, the mining sector supports 8 million jobs and employs 601,149 people, making about 9.5.6 per cent of all employment in the nation, according to data from 2021.
It is, however, obvious that there is an increasing need for professionals in this sector. Hence, making basic industries a good career path to choose at any time.
Read also: Is Energy A Good Career Path In 2022
What Are The Examples Of Basic Industries Careers?
It is often assumed that the only job opportunities in the basic industries are farming or smelting. This is not true at all!
There are several career opportunities in basic Industries. For people who want to work in the basic industries, you can consider the following job options:
Agronomist
These professionals collaborate with farmers and those who cultivate and gather mass quantities of crops.
Although the pay may be average, this position will be steady work that will allow you to hone your management and crop knowledge skills.
Drilling Engineers
These categories of workers work alongside petroleum geologists, and these individuals can earn six figures a year supervising and managing the natural gas and oil extraction process. To work in this industry, you need to be an excellent communicator with a wealth of real-world experience.
Metallurgists
As suggested by the name, these specialists deal with various metals. They collaborate with miners and frequently go to the locations where the mines process the resources they extract.
For this sector, one should be proficient in the chemistry, metals, and safety procedures required for this line of work.
Health and Safety Officers
During initial training for workers in the basic industries, they frequently inform workers about the dangers and risks associated with their professions. For instance, miners frequently face risks to their safety because of the dim, underground environment in which they work.
Working with metals, heavy farm machinery, or chemicals requires knowledge of safe work practices to prevent injury.
Each site’s health and safety officers are to oversee the protocols and training for workplace safety and keep records of any accidents at work.
Related Business Services
You’re in luck if you intend to major in business or consider switching to a profession in the basic industries after earning a degree in business or finance.
Like most occupations, the basic industries require workers with an in-depth understanding of business, manufacturing, marketing, and finance.
See also: Is Consumer Services A Good Career Path In 2022?
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Career In Basic Industries?
Let’s discuss the benefits and downsides of careers in this field below. There are, of course, advantages and disadvantages to anything in life.
The Pros
Education
A lot of the professions in this field fall under the category of trade work. Most times, just trade school or on-the-job training is necessary for these positions, which often have lower educational requirements.
Security
Because of the constant demand for the resources they produce, working in the basic industries generally offers better job stability than many other career options. Many of these businesses also continuously develop and produce new products, which keeps the potential open and wide.
The Cons
These Jobs Could Be Very Physically Tasking
Most tasks that fit these criteria can be extremely labour intensive. Health and well-being difficulties may arise because of physical demands.
Economics
The basic industries can be impacted during difficult economic times, just like any other industry. Although they typically do better during these periods, they are not immune to potential worker disruptions.
The 2008 financial meltdown would have affected this industry because much of the goods produced there are used in housing.
You might also want to check out: 20 Best Paying Jobs In Real Estate Investment Trusts In 2022
What Skills Are Required To Succeed In A Career In Basic Industries?
One fact remains that you can’t make anything good from any career path you choose without having a ground skill in it.
Suppose you want to move towards the basic industry career path and be proficient. In that case, it requires having a deep variety of technical and soft skills that manufacturing professionals must have to succeed.
The manufacturing sector is still developing, and these industries are moving from manual assembly lines or procedures to more automated, technology-driven operations.
To keep up with this transformation, professionals need a mix of engineering abilities, traditional industrial skills, and soft skills.
Examples of these skills are:
Digital fluency:
Digital fluency is the capacity to comprehend digital tools and apply them to produce original work. Working with various digital systems, digital technologies, data, and AI systems is crucial for manufacturing experts.
Your knowledge of computers and technology could be put to use by a business to upgrade its digital networks, software, and hardware.
See also: Is Real Estate Investment Trusts A Good Career Path in 2022?
Attention to Detail:
Jobs in basic industries require a high focus and attention to detail. Operating heavy machinery, which calls for accuracy and efficiency, is a common requirement of manufacturing occupations. Paying attention to the small details will help you and your colleagues stay safe.
Critical Thinking:
The capacity to examine and resolve issues is highly required in basic industries. Rapid problem solving is a frequent need of manufacturing work. You may be able to solve problems and handle unforeseen difficulties better if you have critical thinking skills.
Teamwork:
One’s ability to collaborate well with others would be a big plus in basic Industries. These Industries may need you to collaborate with others to troubleshoot problems and find solutions. Additionally, it’s crucial to cooperate and advance shared objectives.
Lean Manufacturing:
Updates to production procedures are related to lean manufacturing. These procedures aim to reduce waste. It’s critical to minimize or get rid of waste without lowering standards.
What Are The Educational And Training Requirements For A Career In Basic Industries?
Understanding the educational and training requirements is crucial before pursuing a profession in the basic industries.
Hence, to begin a journey in the basic industries career path, it’s expedient you understand the educational requirements.
Listed below are some fundamentals:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry-level positions in basic sectors. However, those with higher degrees also have access to many options.
- Basic industries may require certifications or licenses depending on the position you are applying for. For instance, professional accreditation from organizations is necessary for many environmental or safety protection occupations.
- You might also need to pass a background check for criminal activity and receive health insurance before you can be employed in this sector.
What Are The Salary And Job Outlook For A Career In Basic Industries?
There are numerous career paths and pay levels available in basic industries. Although the starting salary for positions in the basic industries might be as low as $16,000 annually, the average pay for these jobs is roughly $32,000. Production worker is the most prevalent job title in this industry.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2% increase in jobs for food scientists and agricultural workers between 2020 and 2030, while an 8% increase is forecast for petroleum engineers.
The same job options for basic industries depend on the industry type and position level. It is projected that jobs in fishing, hunting, and forestry will grow by 7% and 11%, respectively, between 2020 and 2030.
A 4% employment growth is also expected for mining and geological engineers. Professionals in this industry have several possibilities when it comes to employment.
With the high demand for workers, opting for a job in the basic industries would be a good career path.
How Much Can You Earn From Basic Industries?
Jobs in basic sectors typically pay approximately $52,000 a year. However, there are numerous job options in the basic industries.
In the basic industries, for instance, a drilling engineer with years of expertise working for a reputable company can earn up to $163,000 per year. However, beginning horticulture only makes around $20,000 a year.
The amount earnable per annum in the basic industry varies, and this variation depends largely on the individual industry and the position one is employed in. With this, getting employed in the basic industries is a good career path.
List Of Best Paying Jobs In The Basic Industries
When deciding if a career path in a sector is good, one question sought to be answered: What are the best paying jobs in this sector?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook lists the best paying jobs available in the basic industries sectors. These jobs are:
Agronomists
Average yearly salary: $68,830
A bachelor’s degree in agriculture or a closely related subject from a recognized post-secondary institution, such as biology or chemistry.
In basic industries, they are responsible for informing agricultural employees about the crops and vegetables they are growing. Maintaining a healthy harvest is crucial for the market sector because people will consume it, and it must be secure.
Agricultural Chemists
Average yearly salary: $80,680
The prerequisite is a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a closely related discipline. By creating new compounds, these chemists improve crop fields and protect them. They experiment with various compounds to determine how the crops would respond to them. They would be protected from weeds and pests, which might help hasten the growth process.
Herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals are some of the substances created to assist crops. To make the soil even more productive, they research the already used soil.
Conservation Scientists and Foresters
Average yearly salary: $64,010
A bachelor’s degree in forestry or a closely related discipline is necessary. Maintaining parks and forests is a worthwhile endeavour, given the abundance of vegetation. These jobs aim to control their state and safeguard natural resources.
Conservation scientists gather data and draft plans for enhancing natural areas while minimizing harm to them.
Logging Workers
Average yearly salary: $42,350
A high school diploma and on-the-job training are prerequisites.
They employ log harvesters in the field. When cutting trees, these individuals perform the difficult task on behalf of the foresters.
In essence, you will require training for this position, including instruction on how to operate machinery, fasten cables around logs, and, of course, always be aware of your surroundings and safety.
Metallurgists
Average yearly salary: $95,640
The prerequisite is a bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. Metallurgists research the qualities of the materials since having suitable raw materials is the first step in producing a product.
To comprehend the composition and operation of metals, these positions are crucial.
Aluminium and copper, for instance, are frequently employed in items. Thus, it is necessary to research their properties to understand what might be made with them.
Metal extraction can be challenging without metallurgists because they are knowledgeable about the chemical makeup of the metals. They can help streamline the procedure, bring new ideas to the table, and keep an eye out for mine improvements.
Mining and Geological Engineers
Average yearly salary: $93,800
A bachelor’s degree in engineering is necessary. A degree in geological, civil, or environmental engineering is frequently accepted.
Keeping people safe while working in mines is crucial to recovering the ore. These engineers play a significant role in the entire industry as a result.
Their main goal is to plan and build infrastructure in mines that will make metal extraction more effective and secure. They also make the extraction path more efficient so that the transfer of minerals is swift and well-planned.
Check this: 20 Best Paying Jobs In Basic industries In 2022
What Companies Are Basic Industries?
The top businesses in the basic industries are listed below.
Cargill
- Annual Revenue: $134 billion
- Number of Employees: 155,00
- Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Chevron Corporation
- Annual Revenue: $169billion
- Number of Employees: 47,740
- Headquarters: San Ramon, California
Procter & Gamble Company
- Annual Revenue: $73 billion
- Number of Employees: 99,000
- Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio
International Paper
- Annual Revenue: $21 billion
- Number of Employees: 50,000
- Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee
DuPont de Nemours
- Annual Revenue: $20 billion
- Number of Employees: 23,000
- Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware
How To Get Started In A Career In Basic Industries.
The first thing needed is to do adequate research about the industry to get started in the basic or primary industries. This article touches on every information you need about the industry.
In case you don’t have a college degree, you can look up basic Industries courses on the Coursera or Udemy platform where you can learn adequately and gain a certificate in the field in the basic industry you’d like to venture into.
See also:20 Best Paying Jobs In Consumer Services In 2022
FAQs On Is Basic Industries A Good Career Path
Yes, a career in the basic industry is a good career path because they deal in processing raw materials, which other non-basic industries use to manufacture their products. And the effect these industries have on the economy of their countries cannot be downplayed.
Basic industries generate the raw materials or provide goods to other businesses that manufacture items. Example businesses that create iron, steel, aluminium, and copper.
The main feature of basic industries is manufacturing goods that other businesses will use for their production.
No.
There are other job opportunities in the basic industries like Mining and Geological Engineers, Logging Workers, Conservation Scientists and Foresters, e.t.c.
Conclusion
A basic industry is a category of an industry that primarily concentrates on manufacturing goods. Commonly, businesses in basic industries supply the raw materials numerous other industries require to manufacture goods and services. This industry is a good choice for graduates.
So, if you want to know the answer to the question ”Is basic industries a good career path?”, read this article rigorously.
References
- dictionary.cambridge.org – for the definition of basic Industries
- zippia.com – for the amount payable by basic Industries.
- bls.gov/ooh/home.htm – for the list of the best paying basic Industries jobs.
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