Looking to switch careers? Want to go back to school but don’t know what industries will survive economic downturns? Career Explorer wants to help you by listing the top 10 fastest-growing industries.

Now, you can find the industries where projected growth is guaranteed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has compiled a list according to percentage of growth in a 10-year period from 2006-2016.

10. Internet publishing and broadcasting: Expected to increase by 44%.
9. Securities and commodity contracts, brokerages, and exchanges: Expected to increase by 46%
8. Facilities support services: Expected to increase by 46%
7. Other financial investment activities: Expected to increase by 47%
6. Community care facilities for the elderly: Expected to increase by 50%
5. Educational support services, public and private: Expected to increase by 53%
4. Home health care services: Expected to increase by 55%
3. Gambling industries: Expected to increase by 66%
2. Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities: Expected to increase by 74%
1. Management, scientific, and technical consulting services: Expected to increase by 78%

Most of these industries have a number of careers and positions within each sector. Begin searching for a career that has positive growth and stability. Career Explorer can help you achieve your professional and academic goals. Search for programs that could fit into one of the industries and start building a better life!

There’s plenty of “bad” economic news to go around, but one thing you don’t actually hear much about is President Obama’s plan that is now in action to add thousands of jobs to state and civic offices. They’re up and open for inspection.

But understand one thing: you will be in competition with LOTS of people for these jobs, so be honest with yourself about your abilities and professional experience. Save your energy for the jobs you stand a chance of landing. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for the lowest of the low on the ladder. Be ambitious, but apply for what you know.

Where are they?
The most abundant industries the Obama administration has listed as priorities are:

• Renewable or Green Energy Careers
  
• Natural Resources Careers
• Infrastructure Careers
  
• Health Care Careers
  
• Education Careers
  

Lily Whiteman, an industry analyst, says jobs are particularly plentiful for contracts managers, financial managers and auditors, network specialists and people who are bi-lingual.

Extra tips for those who are finishing up their education

• A good route to a permanent government job is a federal internship. The site www.makingthedifference.org lists 200 federal internship programs.
• The 100 largest government contractors send job openings out weekly, which are listed at www.usaspending.gov.
• Federal job postings are at www.usajobs.gov There are literally thousands of jobs to fill right now, including the positions that Obama’s stimulus package and domestic policies have created. Many of those positions will be filled through accelerated hiring procedures, so get moving!

When the financial aid runs out – how do you survive on little to no money for expenses while in college? Since the economy has taken a bit of a nose dive, students are starting to see the signs of struggle when it comes to living and going to school on a budget. There is a resource that can help when financial aid doesn’t cover all expenses – work study.

Established as part of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, work study programs fall between a loan and a grant. Students can work up to 20 hours a week in libraries, residence halls or dining halls for money that then can go to college-related expenses.

President Obama wants to ensure that at least 25% of college work study funds are used to support public service opportunities instead of jobs in dining halls and libraries. This means they are trying to open up private and public sector roles so you can gain valuable work experience while in school. The opportunity may be there to even choose how to contribute your service to emerging Energy Technician or Green Job corps and get practical experience in fast-growing career fields.

Start exploring your possibilities today with Career Explorer.

Most of us are already familiar with “white collar” and “blue collar” jobs. Now, there’s a new collar in town – the green collar. What does having a green collar really mean? Career experts explain that green collar workers often work in many of the same industries and career fields as their blue and white counterparts. The difference is that green collar jobs contribute directly to generating energy cleanly and improving the environment.

Some green collar jobs require specialized training, but President Obama’s administration wants to help. In addition to allocating about $20 billion for creating a greener economy, the President’s stimulus plan supplies $500 million to green training and education programs.

Every time wind turbines pop up, or new solar panels are installed, knowledgeable workers are needed to construct, maintain and repair them. In a shaky economy, people want to achieve employment and financial stability more than ever. Many people see the green industry as a step in this direction.

In March, Vice President Joe Biden said people who made $20 an hour before a green jobs training program can make $50 per hour after. Additionally, these green jobs pay an average of 10 to 20% more than similar work outside the green industry.

For many workers and students, the choice to join in on the green movement is an easy one. With rising energy costs, some homeowners have no choice but to improve their energy efficiency. To environmental and career experts, this means an increase in demand for skilled green collar professionals.

Want to be a part of the green movement? You have lots of options! Whether a green career in business, construction and manufacturing, or engineering most interests you, you can contribute to a healthier planet. Check out the programs offered at schools in your area and get creative. There are countless ways to turn green ways of life into a rewarding career.