Ask the typical 18-year-old about his or her career plans and chances are good the answer will be “I want to be a doctor” … “I want to be a lawyer” … or “I have no idea.” However, some are actually anticipating working at companies that serve seniors. More than 100 inquiries have already come in from students interested in enrolling in the new bachelor’s program in management of aging services that will be offered by the Erickson School of Aging Studies for the first time this fall. The Goldman Mature Market Report recently sat down with Erickson School Dean Kevin Eckert to learn more about what’s going on.

“Of course, when most young people think of working with the aging, nursing homes come to mind,” Dean Eckert says. “The way we’re getting them interested in our program is by explaining that it’s really a pre-professional program. We discuss the demographic shifts and the huge opportunities this field will offer.”

The program will include courses on management, policy, and gerontology; it will be the only major of its kind in the country.

Judging by the fact companies and organizations serving the elderly are already setting up internships at the school (and AARP is even establishing a scholarship), the students will have plenty of job opportunities to pick from when they graduate.

The Erickson School of Aging Studies, which is part of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, has come a long and successful way very fast. Established in 2004 through a gift from John Erickson, founder and CEO of Erickson Retirement Communities, the school became operational in 2005, offering executive education courses. Besides starting the undergraduate program, the school now allows students to obtain a graduate certificate by taking four of the executive education classes. Five students have already signed up for the certificate program.

Dean Eckert, who calls the school’s fast growth “very exciting,” says the Erickson School’s mission is clear: “To train aging services leaders for the future.”

For more information on the Erickson School, click on www.umbc.edu/erickson/.