America first jobs: career opportunities in the Trump economy

Executive summary

A comprehensive research report for university students and recent graduates on emerging job opportunities, skill requirements, and industry projections under the Trump administration’s economic policies

The Trump administration’s sweeping economic policies are reshaping the U.S. job market in unprecedented ways. With tariff rates rising from 2.5% to an estimated 27% by mid-2025, and “America First” policies driving industrial reshoring efforts, students and early-career professionals face a fundamentally different employment landscape than previous generations.

This research-driven analysis reveals significant opportunities emerging from Trump’s policies. Recent employment data shows strong job growth with 147,000 jobs added in June 2025 and unemployment falling to 4.1%, demonstrating the resilience of the U.S. labor market. Understanding these positive trends is crucial for capitalizing on career opportunities in the next 2-3 years.

The economic backdrop: what the data tells us

Tariff impact and market disruption

President Trump declared a national emergency in April 2025, implementing a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with higher rates (11-50%) for 57 specific countries. The Penn Wharton model projects these tariffs will reduce long-run GDP by about 6% and wages by 5%, with a middle-income household facing a $22,000 lifetime loss.

Current employment strength

Recent performance exceeds expectations: The U.S. added 147,000 jobs in June 2025, surpassing expectations of 110,000, with unemployment dropping to 4.1% from 4.2% in May. This marks the lowest unemployment rate since February 2025.

Key employment highlights:

• The unemployment rate has remained in a narrow range of 4.0% to 4.2% since May 2024, indicating stable employment conditions
• Recent policy initiatives, such as tariff changes, do not appear to be making any notable negative changes in the unemployment rate
• Job growth proved better than expected, showing surprising resilience and taking a July interest rate cut off the table

Economic growth projections

Economic Indicator	Current (June 2025)	2026	2027
Unemployment Rate	4.1%	4.6%	4.4%
Job Growth (Monthly)	147,000	Est. 100-150k	Est. 100-150k
Inflation (PCE)	2.2%	2.1%	2.0%
Federal Funds Rate	4.25-4.5%	3.4%	3.4%

The strong June jobs report confirms that the labor market remains resolute despite economic uncertainties. “The solid June jobs report confirms that the labor market remains resolute,” said Jeff Schulze, head of economic and market strategy at ClearBridge Investments.

Industry analysis: winners and challenges

Current job market winners

Government and public sector growth:

• Government employment posted the largest gain with 73,000 new jobs in June 2025
• State and local hiring showed solid boosts, particularly in education-related jobs (40,000 increase)
• Education jobs are leading the recovery, countering typical summer seasonal declines

Healthcare continues dominance:

• Healthcare added 39,000 jobs in June, maintaining its position as the most consistent growth sector
• Social assistance contributed 19,000 additional positions
• Healthcare accounts for nearly half of all job growth in recent months

Sector performance breakdown:

• Construction: +15,000 jobs (infrastructure and reshoring demand)
• Healthcare: +39,000 jobs (demographic trends)
• Government: +73,000 jobs (public sector expansion)
• Manufacturing: -7,000 jobs (transition period challenges)

Manufacturing: the reshoring reality check

Current manufacturing landscape: While manufacturing lost 7,000 jobs in June 2025, this reflects a transition period rather than decline. Major companies including Hyundai ($21 billion commitment), IBM ($150 billion over five years), and Johnson & Johnson ($55 billion) have announced significant U.S. manufacturing investments.

Key findings:

• Manufacturing has a significant multiplier effect: every $1 spent creates $2.64 in overall economic impact, and every manufacturing job supports 4.8 additional jobs in other sectors
• 482,000 manufacturing job openings currently exist, with 1.9 million unfilled jobs projected by 2033
• Major corporate commitments suggest long-term growth despite short-term fluctuations
• Skills shortage, not demand shortage, is the primary challenge

Manufacturing job opportunities:

1. High-tech manufacturing (semiconductors, pharmaceuticals)
2. Steel and aluminum production (policy-supported sectors)
3. Data center construction (AI-driven demand)
4. Automation and robotics (addressing labor shortages)

Energy sector: the “all of the above” approach

Fossil fuels expansion: The Trump administration has ordered the unleashing of American energy resources, emphasizing affordable and reliable energy development. Trump’s “energy czar” supports an “all-of-the-above energy governor” approach, promoting both oil and renewables.

Renewable energy resilience: Despite policy headwinds, renewables show surprising strength:

• Solar and battery plants are expected to hit an all-time high in 2025, accounting for 81% of new power generation, with renewables and batteries comprising 93% of new capacity
• Clean energy jobs accounted for more than half of energy jobs created in 2023, and 79% of new electric power generation jobs

Energy sector opportunities:

1. Oil and gas extraction (policy-favored)
2. Solar installation and maintenance (market-driven growth)
3. Energy storage systems (grid modernization needs)
4. Geothermal development (emerging technology)
5. Carbon capture and hydrogen (bipartisan support)

Technology and AI: the unstoppable force

AI-driven job creation: Technology remains a bright spot despite trade tensions. Load growth and data center demand are driving significant opportunities for deployment across the energy sector.

Tech sector projections:

• Data center construction and management
• AI/machine learning specialists
• Cybersecurity professionals
• Cloud infrastructure engineers
• Digital transformation consultants

Healthcare: demographic destiny

Health care industries are expected to account for a large share of new jobs due to the aging population driving demand for health care services. This sector remains largely insulated from trade policy impacts.

Healthcare opportunities:

1. Home health aides (47.3% growth projected)
2. Personal care aides (38.6% growth projected)
3. Medical technology specialists
4. Telehealth platform developers
5. Healthcare data analysts

Regional impact analysis

Winners: red state advantage

An estimated 85% of Inflation Reduction Act investments have gone to projects in Republican-led districts, highlighting widespread economic benefits. States likely to benefit:

Texas: Oil, renewable energy, and manufacturing hub Louisiana: Hydrogen development and petrochemicals
Ohio: Steel production and manufacturing Pennsylvania: Energy extraction and manufacturing North Dakota: Oil and agricultural processing

Challenges: import-dependent regions

Coastal areas and import-heavy industries face headwinds:

• California: Tech supply chain disruption
• New York: Financial services and trade impacts
• Washington: Boeing and aerospace challenges
• Ports nationwide: Reduced trade volumes

Skills in demand: the new career essentials

Technical skills matrix

Skill Category	High Demand	Medium Demand	Emerging
Digital	AI/ML, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity	Data Analytics, Software Development	Quantum Computing, Blockchain
Manufacturing	Automation, Robotics, CAD/CAM	Quality Control, Supply Chain	3D Printing, IoT
Energy	Solar/Wind Installation, Grid Management	Project Management, Safety	Energy Storage, Hydrogen
Healthcare	Telehealth, Medical Devices	Patient Care, Administration	Biotech, Precision Medicine

Essential soft skills

1. Adaptability: Policy uncertainty requires flexible career planning
2. Cross-cultural competency: Global supply chain navigation
3. Problem-solving: Complex manufacturing and logistics challenges
4. Communication: Explaining technical concepts to diverse stakeholders
5. Project management: Coordinating multi-disciplinary teams

Career strategies by education level

For current university students

Recommended majors with strong prospects:

1. Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical)
   • Focus: Automation, energy systems, manufacturing
   • Projected growth: 4-8% annually
2. Computer Science/Information Technology
   • Focus: AI, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure
   • Projected growth: 10-15% annually
3. Healthcare Sciences
   • Focus: Medical technology, data analytics, patient care
   • Projected growth: 7-13% annually
4. Supply Chain Management
   • Focus: Reshoring, logistics optimization, risk management
   • Projected growth: 6-10% annually

Course recommendations:

• Data analytics and visualization
• Project management certification
• International business and trade
• Sustainability and energy systems
• Digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0

For recent graduates (0-3 years experience)

Skill development priorities:

1. Digital transformation expertise

• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• Data analysis tools (Python, R, SQL)
• Project management (Agile, Scrum)

2. Manufacturing and operations

• Lean manufacturing principles
• Quality management systems
• Supply chain analytics
• Industrial automation

3. Energy sector specialization

• Renewable energy project development
• Grid modernization technologies
• Energy storage systems
• Carbon accounting and sustainability

Target entry-level positions:

• Manufacturing process engineer
• Supply chain analyst
• Energy project coordinator
• Healthcare technology specialist
• Cybersecurity analyst
• Data center technician

Industry-specific guidance

Manufacturing renaissance: preparing for Industry 4.0

Current reality: Modern manufacturing requires knowledge of software, data analytics, and coding, with automated systems replacing traditional assembly line work.

Career preparation:

• Technical skills: CAD/CAM software, robotics programming, data analytics
• Certifications: Six Sigma, PMP, automation technologies
• Experience: Internships in smart manufacturing facilities

Entry pathways:

1. Manufacturing engineering programs
2. Technology bootcamps with manufacturing focus
3. Apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing
4. Co-op programs with major manufacturers

Energy sector navigation

Fossil fuel opportunities:

• Petroleum engineering
• Chemical process engineering
• Operations and maintenance
• Environmental compliance

Renewable energy paths:

• Solar PV system design and installation
• Wind turbine maintenance
• Energy storage system integration
• Grid modernization projects

Hybrid approach: The “all-of-the-above” energy approach suggests opportunities in companies bridging traditional and renewable energy.

Technology and AI careers

High-growth areas:

• AI model development and deployment
• Cloud infrastructure management
• Cybersecurity and risk management
• Data center operations and efficiency

Skill development strategy:

1. Foundation: Programming languages (Python, JavaScript, SQL)
2. Specialization: Machine learning, cloud architecture, security
3. Application: Industry-specific implementations
4. Leadership: Project management and team coordination

Regional career strategies

Rust Belt revival

States like Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania offer manufacturing opportunities:

• Advantages: Lower cost of living, industrial infrastructure
• Focus areas: Steel production, automotive, advanced manufacturing
• Preparation: Manufacturing engineering, automation skills

Sun Belt growth

Texas, Arizona, and Florida present diverse opportunities:

• Advantages: Population growth, business-friendly policies
• Focus areas: Energy, technology, aerospace
• Preparation: Technical skills, adaptation to rapid growth

Coastal adaptation

California, New York, and Washington require strategic positioning:

• Challenges: Higher costs, trade disruption
• Opportunities: Technology innovation, financial services
• Preparation: High-value skills, network development

Compensation and benefits outlook

Salary projections by sector (2025-2027)

Sector	Entry Level	Mid-Career	Growth Rate
Manufacturing	$55,000-$70,000	$75,000-$95,000	3-5% annually
Energy	$60,000-$80,000	$85,000-$110,000	4-7% annually
Technology	$70,000-$90,000	$100,000-$130,000	6-10% annually
Healthcare	$45,000-$65,000	$65,000-$85,000	5-8% annually

Future outlook: 2027 and beyond

Technological disruption

Automation impact:

• Manufacturing jobs will require higher technical skills
• Service sector roles will need human-centric capabilities
• New jobs will emerge in AI management and oversight

Energy transition:

• Gradual shift toward renewables regardless of policy
• Opportunities in energy storage and grid modernization
• Hybrid fossil fuel-renewable operations

Policy evolution

Post-2025 considerations:

• Tariff policies may evolve based on economic impact
• Bipartisan support for infrastructure and technology
• State-level policies increasingly important

Global competitiveness

Skills premium:

• Advanced technical skills command higher wages
• Cross-cultural competency increasingly valuable
• Adaptability and learning agility critical

Actionable recommendations

For university students

Immediate actions (next 6 months):

1. Declare or switch to STEM majors with strong job prospects
2. Secure internships in target industries for summer 2025
3. Develop programming skills regardless of major
4. Join professional organizations in target fields

Medium-term planning (1-2 years):

1. Complete relevant certifications (PMP, Cloud, Industry 4.0)
2. Build a professional network through conferences and alumni
3. Gain international experience through study abroad or exchanges
4. Start a side project demonstrating practical skills

For recent graduates

Job search strategy:

1. Target growth sectors: Manufacturing, energy, healthcare, technology
2. Focus on emerging markets: Rust Belt, Sun Belt opportunities
3. Highlight adaptability: Emphasize learning and problem-solving
4. Develop portfolio: Show practical application of skills

Skill development priorities:

1. Technical upskilling: Industry-specific tools and technologies
2. Soft skill development: Communication, leadership, adaptability
3. Industry knowledge: Deep understanding of chosen sector
4. Professional branding: LinkedIn, personal website, thought leadership

For career changers

Transition strategy:

1. Assess transferable skills: Identify relevant experience
2. Bridge skill gaps: Target training and education
3. Network strategically: Connect with industry professionals
4. Consider gradual transition: Part-time or consulting roles

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s economic policies create an evolving landscape of opportunities for America’s workforce. Recent employment data demonstrates remarkable resilience, with unemployment at 4.1% and consistent job growth despite global economic uncertainties. Success in this environment requires strategic career planning that aligns with emerging opportunities in government, healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing.

The data suggests that students and early-career professionals who focus on in-demand sectors, embrace emerging technologies, and develop adaptable skill sets will thrive in the coming years. Those who understand both the current employment strength and future industry transformations will be best positioned to build successful careers in the resilient American economy.

Key takeaways:

• Employment is strengthening with consistent job growth and low unemployment
• Government and healthcare sectors are leading job creation
• Manufacturing transformation requires advanced technical skills for emerging opportunities
• Energy sector presents diverse pathways across traditional and renewable sources
• Technology integration remains crucial across all industries
• Skills development and adaptability are essential for long-term success

The next 2-3 years will be defining for the American economy. Those who prepare strategically now will be positioned to capitalize on the opportunities that emerge from this period of significant economic transformation.