Industry News

Five Recession-Proof Industries

According to John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a global outplacement consultancy, there are some jobs that will always be in demand.

"Many job seekers make the mistake of attempting a career change during downturns," says Challenger. "This can be a career-crippling move. It is much better to focus on transferring your current occupation's skills to industries that remain healthy."

Challenger warns workers not to make the mistake of thinking they cannot find work in industries unrelated to their occupation. “Do not make the mistake of thinking only those industry-specific skills will be in demand,” he says. “Hospitals not only need nurses and physical therapists, they need administrators and information technology workers. Firms specializing in information security need accountants and marketing professionals in addition to computer programmers. There should be a wide variety of opportunities in the industries that remain strong through the slowdown.”

Challenger identifies five recession-proof industries.

Education
The National Center for Education Statistics predicts a need for 2.8 million new teachers over the next eight years due to retirements, higher enrollment, and teacher turnover. There will also be a need for administrators, independent consultants, and sales executives marketing supplies and textbooks.

Energy
According to Challenger, 80 percent of the workforce in this industry will reach retirement age over the next ten years resulting in a steady job growth for this sector. Aside from engineering and technical jobs, there will also be a need for accountants, programmers and marketing professionals.

Environmental Sector
In 2005, this industry created 5.3 million jobs, according to a United Nations report. More and more companies are going green creating a need for related technical staff. Consultants, programmers, and even attorneys will find opportunities in this area.

Health Care
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half of the 30 fastest growing jobs are in health care. Most of these jobs are for medical assistants, physical therapists, and home health care aides. However, hospitals need administrative assistants, clerical workers, and accountants, too.

Security
The Defense and Homeland Security departments need to fill an estimated 83,000 jobs over the next two years. That figure is based on a report by the Partnership for Public Service. Jobs can be found in transportation security, information security, and computer programmers.

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/custom/msn/careeradvice/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1334&SiteId=cbmsnhp41334&sc_extcmp=JS_1334_home1>1=23000&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=72748ae46f914696b81651c21f79a1a5-261145958-J7-5

Back to Industry News