Five Recession Proof Careers for Graduates

This month, hundreds of thousands of job seekers with newly minted diplomas will be hitting the market. Previously, I covered jobs for recent grads with good prospects and high pay. Even though I agree that an economic slump will not affect the under-30 set’s job prospects, here is a look at five career fields that will still be hiring, even in the toughest of times.

Teaching

The nation still faces widespread teacher shortages as populations swell and more teachers reach retirement. The best prospects are in math, science, and special education, and in fast-growing states like Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, and Texas, but well-qualified applicants should be able to find teaching positions anywhere.

Health Care

With increasing demand from aging baby boomers and a perennial shortage of qualified applicants, health care continues to top the lists both of recession proof careers, and the highest paying careers. Unlike the best parking spots at the hospital, the good career prospects aren’t just reserved for docs. Nurses, physicians’ assistants, pharmacists, and various medical technicians also stand to do well.

Public Safety and Security

Crime, fires, and medical emergencies don’t slow down with the economy. And, as the population grows, cities and towns need more police officers, fire fighters, and EMTs to protect them. While initial competition to become a police officer or fire fighter can be tough, once you’re in you will enjoy great job security.

Environmental Science

Being “green” may be trendy, but reducing our environmental impact is also critical for our future. Enter environmental scientists, who do everything from monitor pollution to design eco-friendly technologies. Career prospects for environmental scientists are expected to dramatically outpace most fields over the next ten years.

Federal Government

If you want some real job security, work for Uncle Sam. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you are 75 % less likely to get laid off from a government job than by a private employer. Opportunities abound for twentysomethings in a variety of divisions, and some of them are pretty cool. For example, you could become an FBI Agent, travel abroad with the State Department, or study killer strains with the CDC.

Do you work in an another industry that seems to be recession proof?