Planning A Recession Proof Career

In this present economy things are looking very bleak. People are losing homes left and right, companies who have been around for years are closing, people are losing their jobs or being laid off and the applications for state aid are increasing rapidly. This is a time in which college students are looking at the future without bright hopes. A few years ago you could go through college, graduate and know you would have a job after school. But in today’s world unfortunately those times are gone and graduation from college does not mean a job. There are several people who have Bachelor Degree’s, Master Degree’s and maybe even higher who can’t find jobs in their fields or in any others. So in this pessimistic era why should college students even look at college as a window to anything? They may just say I’m better off just getting out of high school and not going to college considering all the money, time and energy, college will cost me, only to give me no return on my investment.
While it is true some college graduates find getting a job difficult, a college education is a worthwhile investment. Think of it like stocks, a person would not sell their shares in a company just because the value dipped for several weeks, they would wait anticipating a renewal in value and that is also what college students must do. You have to look at your degree whether it is an Associate, Bachelor, Masters or Doctorate as a long-term investment that with time will pay off greatly. Just think over a life time according to the U.S. Census Bureau statistics on annual income, an individual will make $45,000 compared to$ 37,000 for those only with a high school diploma.
An individual with a Bachelor Degree will make $65,000 compared to $45,000 for an Associate Degree. An individual with a Master’s Degree will earn $77,000 a year compared to$ 65,000 for a Bachelor Degree and an individual with a Doctorate degree will make $100,000 a year over their life time compared to a Master’s Degree. So what does this mean, it means that a decision not to attend college and receive a degree could end up costing you a minimum $8,000 annually if you had obtained an Associate Degree and $63,000 minimum if you had obtained a Doctorate. So what can a college student do to better their chances of success now and in the future? You can prepare in college for a low-risk recession career. While there is no such thing as a 100% recession proof career there are those that carry very little risk to be laid off or fired from. Listed below are five of these types of jobs.
Computer and Information Scientist
As the need for technology grows so does the need for computer scientists. Working as researchers, computer scientists solve technological problems. Many computer scientists work on teams in industrial settings or at universities. According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics computer scientists made over $100,000 a year on average in 2007. A bachelor’s degree in computer science can help you prepare for this career.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts work for businesses identifying their technological needs. A computer system analyst chooses and configures hardware and software in order to meet the company’s goals. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or management information systems can help you in getting the training needed for this career. According to the BLS computer system analysts made an average $75,890 in 2007.
Employment Recruiter and Placement Specialist
An employment recruiter and placement specialist works with companies looking for new hires or for a local job placement agency. Duties consist of meeting with prospective employees, interviewing them, and extending job offers. With a degree in human resources, as an employment recruiter and placement specialist you may be able to make on average $50,000 a year.
Health Care Technician
A health care technician compiles patient’s charts and records and keeping their health information up to date. An associate’s degree in health care management or a related field can give you training for this job. The BLS estimates that health career technicians made an average yearly wage of $31,450 in 2007.
Registered Nurse
Approximately 587,000 new nursing jobs are projected within the next eight years, which makes nursing one of the largest job markets in the U.S.A. Registered nurses tend to patients and also provide families with needed education and support in doctor’s offices and hospitals. According to the BLS, nurses made an average annual salary of $62,480 in 2007. An associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing can prepare you for this career.
So while there are no guarantees or fully recession proof jobs there are ways to minimize the risk and to better your chances of finding a job after college. Patience, persistence and hard-work are the keys to any success don’t give up on the first try just look above you still have at least four more on the list.