1. Career Options in 2011
Rising unemployment rates in the recent past have made hunting for a job a guerilla search. The good
news is that while most sectors in our economy have suffered cutbacks in employment, many of them are
now back in business and are ready to hire. Here’s what you should be doing.
• Still in college or heading there? You have the opportunity to make the smart career choices now
that can hone your skills for the job opportunities that are in greater demand today.
• Already employed? Now is the time to consider upgrading your credentials with a course that
could augment your skills and qualify you for promotions or a new career.
Careers that Show Excellent Growth Prospects
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, certain sectors of our economy are showing more optimistic
signs of growth.* To enhance your job marketability, below are a few career options you should consider
pursuing in 2011.
Healthcare. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re looking for the likelihood of job security, this could be the
place for your skills. During the recession, the healthcare industry was one of the few industries that
actually hired more people. Plus, employment rates have been rising in almost every field of
specialization. Career options are open in nursing, healthcare management, medical assisting, and
accounting in hospitals and long-term facilities.
Energy Sector. As gas costs continue to rise, focus today has turned to saving energy and discovering
alternative fuel sources. Opportunities lay ahead in marine, wind, and solar energies, carbon
management, and more.
Business Administration. Business will always require administrators and managers, and opportunities
are growing. Sales and customer service representatives are also in demand. Plus, with business gone
global, more multinational companies are looking for people who are willing to travel or relocate to
different parts of the world.
Information Technology (IT). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT is one of the fastest-
growing job markets.** There is a huge demand for a top-level, higher-end IT workforce, which includes
talented systems designers and software developers. Internet publishers have good job prospects as
well. The IT industry is dynamic, and a bright future could lie ahead for those who can keep up with the
pace of information technology.
Good News for Fresh Grads
The job market for fresh grads is growing. Entry-level job postings for candidates with less than one year
of experience have increased by 13 percent from the previous year at the end of 2010.***
Courses can prepare you both practically and academically to face real-life challenges in today’s job
market. There are a wide range of degree programs to consider in order to pursue a career in any of
these growing fields, including health sciences degrees, nursing administration degrees, information
technology degrees, and more.
*United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Statistics.”
dol.gov/dol/topic/statistics/index.htm
**“Fourth Quarter 2010 Career Trend Analysis Report” Beyond.com, Inc.
beyond.com/Media/BeyondcomCareerTrendAnalysisReport-4QT10.pdf

2. ***Koc, Edwin and Mimi Collins. “Job Outlook 2011: College Hiring Outlook Positive in All Regions.”
NACE.
naceweb.org/Press/Releases/Job_Outlook_2011__College_Hiring_Outlook_Positive_in_All_Regions
.aspx