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According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute (S.B.R.I.), over 2.5 million U.S. jobs were outsourced to companies overseas in 2013. The number is staggering, especially to those who are looking for a new position or just graduating from college. The best strategy a job seeker can take is to stay informed. The S.B.R.I. also found out that the jobs Americans are losing to outsourced workers fall into five main groups.
#1: Manufacturing Jobs (53%)
A little more than one-half of manufacturing jobs go to overseas workers. This group includes any jobs associated with taking raw materials and making them into a new product, such as machinists, wood and metal workers, or even bakers.
#2: IT Services (43%)
The second largest group of outsourced jobs at just under one-half is Informational Technology (IT) Services. Computer programming, network administrator and support, help desk technician, webmaster, and other such roles connected with computers are part of this category.
#3: Research and Development (38%)
Also known simply as “R & D,” positions in this group involve learning about new ways to combine raw materials, to use or improve products, or to provide better services. Jobs in this category include engineers, technicians, and project managers. Most of these roles are located within the medical and technology fields, which must continually advance to be successful.
#4: Distribution (26%)
The above three groups need a way to get their products and services into the hands of customers, and that is the role of distribution workers, about a quarter of whom are outsourced overseas. Positions in this area include material handler, retail sales, logisticians, and quality control supervisors.
#5: Call or Help Centers (12%)
The final group is the smallest with 12% of its workers outsourced although it’s also what tends to come to mind first with workers overseas. This group consists of customer service representatives/agents, office managers, data entry clerk, telemarketers, and other such consumer engagement roles.
Although the above statistics may be a bit discouraging, don’t let them keep you from pursuing a career in one of these categories if that’s what you really want. Some economists believe outsourcing of American jobs has been in decline, and thousands of jobs in these categories remain available in the U.S. Keep your focus on getting the skills needed for the position you hope for, and you should be able to find a position that meets your needs.