by Patricia Cecil-Reed
The U.S. economy seems to be shedding jobs at an alarming rate -- 524,000 in December alone. It's natural to worry about your own career. If you've already been affected by the recession, you know the stress of scrambling for a new job, especially in difficult economic times. The unemployment rate today sits above 7 percent, with over 10 million Americans out of work.
A recession can provide opportunity as well. Whether you've recently been laid off or are simply worried about what the future may bring, a recession can provide the motivation you need to go back to school, pursue a degree program or continue your career training -- things you were more likely to put off a couple of years ago when the paychecks showed no signs of slowing.
Health Care
As the baby boomers age and the population as a whole grows older, health care is expected to create 3 million new jobs between now and 2016. Furthermore, 7 of the 20 fastest growing jobs listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics are in the health care industry.
Registered Nurse
The reality is that people get sick regardless of the economic climate. Demand for nurses is high, and the job comes with perks besides the satisfaction of helping others. Many nursing positions come with a full-time three- or four-day work week as well as health benefits.
Career Training: An associate or bachelor's degree in nursing is the requirement for most nursing positions.
Average Yearly Salary: $62,480.
Pharmacist
Employment for pharmacists is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade. Pharmacists have a wide range of choices for practicing. They can work in hospitals or drug stores, open their own pharmacies, or develop and test new drugs for pharmaceutical companies.
Career Training: A Pharm.D. degree from an accredited college of pharmacy is required for pharmacists, and they must pass the state-required licensing test.
Average Yearly Salary: $98,960.
Computer Technology
The impact of computers on our lives continues to grow, and so do the job opportunities for computer technologies and sciences.
Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst
Don't be intimidated by the long job title. A network systems analyst designs, analyzes and tests computer networks. This is the fastest growing career between now and 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Training: Many employers prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science or management information systems. However, an associate degree may suffice for some entry-level positions.
Average Yearly Salary: $70,760.
Computer Software Engineer, Applications
Technology changes rapidly, and computer software engineers have to keep up with all the changes. They design, test and analyze the programs that make computers run.
Career Training: A bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering is the best way to begin.
Average Yearly Salary: $85,660.
Education
Kids in America will always need education, whether or not there's a recession going on. Today's schools need administrators, counselors and special programs instructors just as much as they need teachers.
Math or Science Teacher
During rough economic times, more emphasis is placed on math and science programs in schools. We want our kids to be the best and brightest, leading the way in science and technology. As a teacher, these are great areas to focus on. Conversely, in times of economic strife, arts programs are the first to be cut, so teachers may want to approach this area with caution.
Career Training: A bachelors degree in education is the basic requirement for teachers. Continuing education in math or science is a bonus.
Average Yearly Salary: $52,450 for high-school teachers.
School Counselor
School counselors help students with everything from social skills to academic goals, and they are students' best advocates within the school system.
Career Training: A master's degree is usually required. In some cases a bachelor's degree with appropriate counseling courses may suffice.
Average Yearly Salary: $51,690.
Environmental Sciences
The Obama administration plans to create 5 million "green collar" jobs over the next ten years. This may be an ideal time to help the planet and help yourself by getting on board with a green career.
Environmental Science Technician
This career is growing fast as more national attention is paid to the state and future of our environment.
Career Training: You'll benefit from an associate degree in applied science or college courses in chemistry, biology or forensic science.
Average Yearly Salary: $42,190.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers use creative and analytical skills to assess environmental hazards and develop solutions for them.
Career Training: A bachelor's degree in environmental or civil engineering or a related field should get your foot in the door. To move up, you may want to pursue a master's degree.
Average Yearly Salary: $74,820
Government Jobs
The federal government is the nation's largest employer, with almost 2 million civilian employees. Many workers seek the security of government jobs during tough economic times. That means competition for these jobs may be higher, but is offset somewhat by the number of employees, especially baby boomers, retiring.
Police Officer
If you thrive during stressful situations, if you live for danger, or if you're hooked watching "Law and Order," a career as a police officer could be for you.
Career Training: Some departments require one or two years of college training or a bachelor's degree, but in many cases you only need a high school degree plus police academy training to begin.
Average Yearly Salary: $47,460
It seems the recession may be more severe and last longer than originally expected. But before you start to panic, take note of the fact that certain industries have continued to do well -- even thrive -- despite the economic turmoil.
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