5 Recession-Proof Careers

Yes, it is bad news that the National Bureau of Economic Research has declared the American Economy is in deep trouble. With recession comes layoff threats. However, some careers are always in demand, even when the economy falters. So what are these careers?

If you are a nurse, teacher, auditor, police officer, or product developer, you are more likely to survive the whims of the economy. The good news is that there are many online schools offering degrees or diplomas leading to these careers.

Teacher

Education is a life essential that seemingly is not affected by the failing economy. Teachers perform a major role in shaping the mind and in securing the economic future of a country. Teachers are always in demand as they sustain hope for the future.

If you want to shift to this career, consider getting an online teaching degree. Many online schools offer a bachelor’s or a graduate degree in education. Distance education also offers teacher training programs, which are required by most American states for licensure. Teaching salary is $48,919.

Nurse

Nurses are in demand as long as there are ill people. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates around 30% growth in nursing jobs in the next six years. To start a nursing career, you will need to have one of the following professional qualifications: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate nursing degree, or a registered nursing diploma.

With online nursing schools, aspiring RNs can complete most nursing degree requirements online as well as the clinical part through a health care facility. Nursing salary is $59,000.

Auditor

Every company needs an auditor. Auditors are especially needed when the economic heads south, a time when it becomes critical for companies to have sound financial management. This career gives you an extra layer of security since regulatory compliance is becoming more complex. The BLS expects 18%-26% job growth through 2014. Salary is $50,770.

The first step to becoming an auditor is to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. You can find online schools that offer accounting degree programs and course. Consider an accounting MBA online degree instead if you already have an undergraduate degree in another field.

Product development

You can make your career recession-proof by distinguishing yourself through innovation. If you currently work in a technical field, consider transferring into a lucrative and secure product development position. You can earn this with an online degree in marketing. Salary in this career is $101,837.

Law enforcer

Law enforcement is in demand since crime can increase during a recession. If you want to shift to this career, you can look for an online criminal justice or law enforcement degree with courses in legal studies, crime scene investigation, law enforcement skills, and criminal psychology. Salary is $45,210.

Career Tips for IT Professionals in a Bad Economy

The American economy is in a bad shape and has everyone on edge. During these bad times, however, IT professionals can make a few maneuvers to survive and even flourish during the downturn.

According to Michael Kirven, principal and co-founder of IT consulting and staffing company Bluewolf, “When IT is in the crosshairs, the tendency is for people to freeze up and hide out.” In an interview with InformationWeek, Kirven said that this isn’t the best strategy to advance one’s career during hard times. Here are some tips for IT professionals to survive and thrive in a bad economy.

Be proactive

Hiding in your cave won’t help. Be proactive. Seek cross-training in other skills and technologies. For example, if you’re an Oracle DBA expert, you could try getting SQL certification. If your employer doesn’t have the budget for training classes, you can volunteer to shadow a coworker who has the skills or is currently working with the technology. Another option is to go for affordable (many are free) online certification programs.

Have your thinking-cap worn around the office

Kiven advises, “Come up with a great idea to help your company’s sales team generate new sales.” An IT developer from Bluewolf did just that recently. His sales-generation tool has been rolled out to Bluewolf’s offices across the country. This staffer wasn’t involved with sales and now, “the whole sales organization knows this guy by name,” says Kiven. The key here is to step up for the company. Kiven adds, “Nine out of 10 ideas stink, but I’d rather get bad ideas than no ideas.”

Break out of your cocoon

Breaking out of the techie cocoon relates to the first one about being proactive, but this tip takes things a little further. It suggests that you must venture away from your IT comfort zone a little more. You need to mingle with professionals from other business groups within the organization. Update yourself with the business initiatives that are under way. Consider whether you have some expertise or value to offer.

Channeling Debbie Downer won’t help

Don’t be like Debbie Downer, that Saturday Night Live character who persistently spoils every moment with negative feelings or bad news. According to Kiven, “No one wants to be around negative people. Don’t plop down in the chair and complain. Come up with solutions.”

The suggestions above are definitely useful when the economy is thriving, but they’re more important when IT professionals are struggling to survive a bad economy. Overall, these tips suggest that you shouldn’t fly under the radar during a threat. Your goal is to shine.

7 Career Tips for Teens

Many parents of high school students today are struggling to help their teenagers think about and answer the million-dollar question “What do I want to do with my life?” The New Year’s resolution season is upon us and it’s the perfect time for teens to ponder their professional future. Here are some helpful career tips for teens.

1. Plan your career

It’s never too early to gather information about jobs with high earnings, great career prospects, and attributes that are so important to you. Make a solid career plan. True, college education increases your opportunities for careers with high earnings, but this is not the case in all fields. Great opportunities await professionals and workers without college education who spend many years learning in-demand skills or crafts.

2. Finish high school

Almost all jobs require basic analytical and communication skills. Compared to professionals and skilled workers who finish high school and pursue higher education, high school dropouts face more challenges in getting hired and keeping jobs. While skills and experience are important factors in the hiring process, many employers put much weight on an applicant’s educational background.

3. Consider further education or training

Workers who have higher education tend to have higher earnings than those who have lower levels of education. In general, high school graduates have higher earnings compared to high school dropouts. Also, workers who have postsecondary training are paid more compared to high school dropouts and high school graduates. Workers who pursue a bachelor’s, masteral, or doctoral degrees are more likely to have higher earnings than workers with less education.

4. Learn job search techniques and how to develop a good resume

After graduating from high school, you have to aggressively market your skills when you search and apply for a job. It will help if you learn job search techniques and develop a good resume. On the average, workers change jobs 8 times jobs by the time they are 32. So you must be prepared to change jobs and even careers until you settle for the one that’s perfect for you.

5. Gain experience as early as possible

As mentioned, employers usually hire candidates based on their experience related to the job they’re applying for. So gain experience early. Volunteer, internships, on-the-job training, and part-time jobs, are some ways to gain experience while you’re still in school. A hands-on experience will help you make smart career decisions later in life.

6. Acquire basic computer proficiency

You must always take advantage of opportunities to develop computer skills. Whether you decide to go to college and pursue higher education or not, you will still need some degree of computer skills when you do your job.

7. Value your abilities and personal interests

Don’t be discouraged to go after a career that you really like just because it’s a very competitive career. If your abilities and interests direct you to a field such as law, medicine, journalism, acting, or other competitive occupations, then go for it by all means. Just prepare yourself for the challenges and difficulties that may come your way.

On the Road to Job Promotion

If you really want that higher position you’ve been eyeing since you joined the organization, you have to rise above the cut-throat competition. Step up in this dog-eat-dog world to get the promotion you deserve. By stepping up we mean exerting extra efforts to get positive attention. Here are 5 tips that will help you climb the corporate ladder.

1. Be enthusiastic

Show your enthusiasm. Tell your boss and your colleagues what you enjoy most about your job. Highlight the parts of your work you really do best and look forward to performing. Share this excitement, even in informal conversations with friends and colleagues. This will definitely help you concentrate on the parts of your work you do well and want to improve. It will also help members of the organization notice that you do your job very well.

2. Ask for further training

If you want to be promoted, request for further training. Grab every opportunity to undergo every training your employer provides. Even if the training doesn’t cover your job area, it may help you learn new skills and knowledge in other areas. You must define what training will make you improve your job. If you need a training but isn’t available, explain to your employer how it will benefit the organization.

3. Assume more responsibility

You must be very willing to take on added responsibility. Let your boss know that you want to climb the career ladder. Volunteer to help out in many activities of the organization. This will make you more important and valuable to them.

4. Challenge yourself with difficult projects

You probably won’t get noticed unless you challenge yourself with difficult projects and exceed expectations. Consider asking for challenging projects that you believe you can do very well, and you think would help the organization. However, you must not promise too much. Work under the radar when completing the project. If your boss and colleagues don’t expect too much, it’s very likely that the project will be seen as a success, even if the results fall below your own expectations.

5. Decide what you must learn

Reflect on what you must learn to edge out the competition and get the position you want. Consider taking evening classes or reading books and magazine articles related to your job. Stay updated with the happenings in your field. It is also crucial that you acquire computer skills and learn new technologies.

6 Sports Jobs for College Jocks

The end of your jock days doesn’t mean you’re not playing your favorite or any game anymore. You can continue engaging in sports by getting a sports-related job. If you majored in communications and played basketball, you’ll still get to the court everyday if you’re working in a team’s publicity department. If you majored in science or pre-med, a sports medicine career will require you to work with athletes all day. Here are 6 great sports jobs for people who are into sports in college:

1. College coach

If you want to stay in college sports, then consider coaching a college team. You can start out as an assistant coach and you can eventually become a head coach. According to Salary Wizard, assistant coach of a major college team earns about $46,700 a year and a head coach earns about $64,300. You’ll earn around 25% less if you coach a minor college team.

2. Athletic trainer

You won’t miss the big game when you land a job as a collegiate athletic trainer. This job requires you on the sidelines to help injured athletes. According to Salary Wizard, an assistant athletic trainer makes $38,700 a year while head trainer earns up to $50,700.

3. Physical education teacher

If you want to teach children, get paid and play sports all day by obtaining a teaching certificate. Then land a job as a gym teacher. Salary Wizard estimates the salary for physical education teachers in the United States at $49,000.

4, Sports medicine

If you were injured back in college playing your sport and you were intrigued by it, you may want to pursue a career in sports medicine and work with patients/athletes. Salaries for sports medicine physicians average $229,500 whereas salaries for nurses average $60,500, according to Salary Wizard.

5. Event marketing associate

If you’re an athlete and are passionate about sports, you can work for a sports-related company or a sports magazine as an event marketing associate. This job will require you to work with public relations, advertising sales, client marketing, creative services, and legal office. Event marketing associates earn about $52,400.

6. Corporate communications manager

Share your love of sports by working as a corporate communications manager. A public relations or marketing degree or great communication skills (both written and oral), will help you make a plan that supports marketing efforts and promotes the brand. Corporate communications managers earn $84,100 on the average.