Types of Industry and Careers You Can Pursue

Industries are businesses within a similar group that manufacture goods or share a business focus or service. Understanding the differences between industries allows you to communicate effectively with audiences, stay ahead of industry trends and monitor competing businesses. Knowing which industry you'd like to work in can also give you a better understanding of tasks and responsibilities you may complete in your role.

Industries are typically categorized based on the type of goods or services they produce or the process they use to produce them. Some common ways industries are categorized include:

• Primary industries: These industries extract raw materials from the earth, such as mining, farming, and fishing.
• Secondary industries: These industries use raw materials to produce goods, such as manufacturing and construction.
• Tertiary industries: These industries provide services to consumers, such as retail, healthcare, and finance.
• Quaternary industries: These industries provide advanced, high-tech services, such as research and development, technology, and consulting.
• Quinary industries: These industries provide high-level decision-making and management services, such as government and top-level management in organizations.
• Industry categorized by the product or service produced: Such as automotive, healthcare, retail, etc.
• Industry categorized by the process used: Such as assembly line, craftsmanship, etc.
• Industry categorized by the location: Such as rural, urban, coastal, etc.