DR. WALLACE: I'm a high school senior, and I've worked part time for a construction business owned by the father of one of my good friends. My friend and I have worked a few weekends helping out on various job sites, and the pay is pretty good.

I've heard through friends and family members that I might want to consider getting involved in the electric utility industry. Apparently there is going to be a lot of demand for electricity in the next several decades due to the rise of artificial intelligence and all the power needed to drive that technology.

Do you think it would make sense for me to target the specific industry? Or could the business winds that are blowing right now be fickle, and change within a few years when something else gets hot? And if I do try to pursue this, how do I go about it? — Looking for a Long-Term Opportunity, via email

LOOKING FOR A LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITY: I think you're onto something. Indeed, the demands for future electricity are expected to rise for quite some time. It's possible the business winds might blow as you have mentioned, but even as they do, it's already apparent that AI is here to stay. Not only is it going to be a tremendous tool for businesses of all sizes, but it has become a matter of national security as well. Many foreign nations are also pursuing AI directly, and it would be irresponsible of the United States not to do the same. Therefore, I commend you for noticing this and making a proactive decision to try to become involved in this industry on the construction side.

The best way to go about this is to speak with your friend's father and have him make some inquiries on your behalf. He may be able to speak to other construction professionals and find you a few contacts you could speak with. Do as much online research as you can on your own, and look up the names of the major companies that provide electrical power. In every part of the country there will be a major power company, your parents will have utility bills from the one in your area: Start there. Network and study this industry. I feel strongly it will continue to grow for a long time from here, and if you can get started with a good opportunity, it should provide you a lifetime of excellent earnings opportunities.

MY BEST FRIEND TOOK A NEW JOB BEHIND MY BACK!

DR. WALLACE: My best girlfriend and I have been best friends for the past five years, and we do and plan many things together, especially the big things in life. That's why I was so surprised that although we both agreed we would try to find part-time jobs together, I just found out this week at school that she has already gotten a part-time job at a local mall in a clothing store! She never even mentioned this to me, and when I asked her what happened about the agreement we had made, she mentioned that one of her mother's coworkers called her mom and said there was one job opening that was coming up at the store and that my friend should rush down an interview immediately.

Of course, she went down, interviewed and got the job. Now I feel betrayed and left out of the situation. My friend is still being nice to me in all the other ways, but I can't help feeling that she went behind my back and broke her promise to me. What should I do about this? — Feeling Left Behind, via email

FEELING LEFT BEHIND: Her story does sound plausible to me, and since there was only one opening, it makes sense that she pursued this opportunity, especially as she apparently had to act fast. She simply had a good connection and a lucky break that fell into her lap. What you can do is encourage her to do well, and ask her to see if she can make any introductions for you anywhere else in the mall that may need a new employee. Typically, workers at various stores in most malls and shopping centers get to know each other and talk to each other from time to time.

In my opinion, the best thing you can do about this is to drop your animosity toward your very good friend. Let this become a motivating factor for you to go out to seek a similar job somewhere in your community. Also take note that your friend's job came about via a networking opportunity, so let as many friends, family members and neighbors know that you are currently looking for a part-time job.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: Matthew Henry at Unsplash