Secure and Recession-Resilient Professions

Chances are, at this point in the recession, (Yes, it's officially a recession,) either you or someone you know has probably been laid off and everyone is cutting back their spending and overall expenses. New grads will have a harder time finding work since companies can't spend a whole lot of money on training and mentoring right now. New Grads and experienced gurus alike will have to settle for lower wages either way. But there is good news in all this, especially for those with an education and/or job experience. According to the U.S. Department of Labor there are some economic exceptions which will help some of us cruise through the recession without a hitch.

Medical Jobs

Specifically Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistants and Licensed Nursing Assistants. The Baby-Boomers are aging and there is a shortage of good medical staff to help out. These are probably the most secure jobs in the country right now.

Education/Experience:

All these positions require some level of education or training to become certified or licensed as an LNA, CNA or Nurse. LNA and CAN programs can be found at most community colleges or vocational schools, while Nursing requires a degree.

Median Salary:

LNA/CNA: $25,000 - $35,000

Nurses: $35,000 - $45,000

Engineering

Especially Mechanical, Software and Electrical Engineers. You'll be needed in practically every area since there are big plans to develop new fuels, alternative energy sources and even cell phones.

Minimum Experience/Education:

You'll need a Bachelor or Masters degree. Like anyone, they prefer experienced professionals, but the good news is that this industry is taking new blood straight out of school. Your internships should land you a quality position in a good company.

Median Salary:

Most Engineers will make $65,000 - $75,000 depending on what industry they're working in.

Software Engineers will make about $85,000 - $95,000

Internet and Technology Executive Managers

Been a manager in the engineering or technology field for over awhile? It may be time for you to step up to an executive role. Web-based companies such as Google, Yahoo as well as mobile technology companies need executives who can promote and manage their people and products.

Minimum Experience/Education:

You'll need an MBA and/or at least a four-year degree in a technologically related area. Also, you will need a solid 10 years of experience in your field.

Median Salary:

Usually between $120,000 - $150,000

Sales and Sales Executives

Do people describe you as charismatic, convincing or a leader? If you can sell sand in the desert and close the deal quickly then you may be well suited for this line of work. Sales Representatives, Business Development Staff and Sales Executives are all in demand right now.

Minimum Experience/Education:

The great thing about sales is that because companies mostly hire based on past success, you don't always need a degree. You can start off as a telemarketer or salesperson and work your way up. However, if you want to start off a little higher on the corporate ladder and with higher pay, then a four year degree in business, sales, advertising or marketing is necessary. Executive-level sales may require an MBA or some equivalent, plus a solid 5+ years of successful sales experience.

Median Salary:

Entry Level: $27,000-$50,000

Mid-Management: $50,000 - $75,000

Executive: $80,000 - $150,000

(The above salaries don't include annual or quarterly bonuses)

Government Contracts Administrators and Grant Writers

These are two different jobs, but they play similar roles. These people create the grants, oversee the whole grant/contract process and are responsible for bidding on new projects/contracts.

Minimum Experience/Education:

Contract Administrator: You're going to need a Bachelor Degree and over five years experience in the field that you will be working in. For example, a construction contracts administrator will require an engineering or construction degree and 5-10 years of experience as a foreman/superintendent.

Grant Writer: You may need a two or four-year degree but I've seen people land these jobs with nothing more than a couple of grant writing classes at their local community college. You'll also have to demonstrate your writing ability somehow. Usually having prior writing experience or previous non-profit experience is acceptable.

Median Salary:

Government Contract Administrator: $55,000-$65,000 per year

Grand Writer: $45,000 per year

Customer Service/Support

In these hard economic times people won't put up with poor service if they can get it cheaper somewhere else. In a time of slow discretionary spending, good customer support can be the key to keeping a business afloat.

Minimum Experience/Education:

A 2-4 year business degree helps, but isn't always necessary if you have good people skills. If you have worked in retail, office reception or some other customer service related job, then you already have the experience you need to start.

Median Salary:

$30,000 - $45,000

Database and Network Administrators and other IT Professionals

This is all about data security, technology updating and keeping each employee in the company working smoothly. These jobs range from entry-level IT Help Desk up to Network and Database Administrators. Also in demand for this industry are Business Analysts who can implement new software and databases which make the company more effective.

Minimum Experience/Education:

Typically you will want at least a 2 or 4 year degree to enable you to start at a higher pay and move up quickly. I know a couple of middle and upper level managers in the IT field who have nothing more than a GED and a natural aptitude for this line of work. They were also willing to start off at the Help Desk and work their way up.

Median Salary:

Help Desk: $27,000 - $40,0000

Administrators, Analysts and Managers: $75,000 - $132,000

Marketing, Promotion, Advertising and Product Management

Specifically Product Management and Internet Marketing

Both of these involve packaging and promoting a product in a way that increases sales and profitability. Marketing, especially online marketing gets more technical with search engine optimization, website building, keywords, etc. These are essentially difference roles with common goals and they are all in demand.

Minimum Experience/Education:

You will want at least a BS in Business, Marketing or Advertising. However an MBA will get you further faster. For Product Manager, Advertising or Marketing positions you will typically need about 1-3 years of previous experience in a related field such as sales or marketing. For an Online Marketing Manager position, you will need to have about 2-5 years of experience in Marketing, plus some proof that you're technologically savvy.

Median Salary:

About $50,000 - $95,0000 a year for any of these jobs.

Quality Assurance Specialists

This is great for anyone who works in production/manufacturing and knows how these testing tools work.

Minimum Experience/Education:

Education is valued in this field so a bachelor degree is preferred. But like any other field, if you've been working there long enough chances are you could get the job anyway.

Median Salary:

$50,000 - $75,000 (lower if you don't have the education)

Project Managers

The most popular kind of Project managers work in construction or the IT field, but can be found in a myriad of other industries as well. These folks organize every aspect of a project including staff, materials, goals and direction from inception to closing stages.

Minimum Experience/Education:

You will need a minimum of a 4-year degree in the industry or in Project Management. An MBA or related degree is usually preferred. 1-3 years experience in the industry is also usually preferred.

Median Salary:

$85,000 - $95,000

Administrative and Executive Assistants

Many Administrative Assistants consider their positions to be stepping stones to higher-level jobs. As a result there are always new openings. Administrative and Executive Assistants need to have basic office skills such as filing and typing. They also usually have the responsibility of creating presentations, data entry, scheduling appointments and making travel arrangements.

Minimum Experience/Education:

If you have good organization, computer and people skills you should be able to land this job with just 1-3 years of experience. If you don't have any experience, then getting some office jobs through a temp agency is a good way start. Having a 2 or 4 year degree is helpful too though.

Median Salary:

$30,000 - $45,000

Accounting and Finance

Accounting and finance professionals are always in demand. Accounting is the lower level of this field, Finance is in the middle and Accounting and Finance Executive jobs are at the top of the heap. Any way you slice it, companies always need good bean counters and financial analysts.

Minimum Experience/Education:

You will need a Bachelor Degree in Accounting or a related field. For finance professionals, an MBA or some related degree is desirable. Most accounting jobs are available to new college grads.

Median Salary:

Accounting: $40,000 - $55,000

Finance Professionals: $50,000 - $70,000

Executive Level: $65,000 - $75,000