By La-Keasha M. Brown
VALDOSTA — This year’s hottest recession proof careers are right around the corner, literally. South Georgia Medical Center is home to the most sought after career field of 2008, nursing.
According to the Internet site, Career Explorer, for those pursuing a career in health, there will always be a high demand for caretaking and healthcare specialists.
When looking for a career that is enjoyable after graduation or simply searching for a new job, “People should always follow their passion,” Valdosta State University’s career services director, Winifred V. Collins, suggests. “It’s as the old saying goes-if you follow the career you’re passionate about, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, a recession consists of two negative quarters of economic downfall.
“Gross Domestic Product doesn’t seem to support this,” said Associate Professor of Economics, Dr. Cynthia Tori, of Valdosta State University’s Langdale College of Business . “Although numbers have changed from recent years, this does not technically mean the country is in recession.”
Information provided by VSU’s career services from the U.S. Census Bureau reinforces the value of a college education, listing that persons with a Bachelors degree earn an average of $51, 206 a year, while those with a high school diploma only receive $27,915. During a time of recession or when faced with recession, career fields that are dependable and service based appear to be most sufficient.
Approaching healthcare’s lead, Career Explorer provides a career in computer systems or business.
However, majoring in a certain field does not automatically guarantee job placement.
“It’s not always about the major, more so the experience,” said Tori. “In a time of economic slow down you need to have something that’s going to set you apart and give you experience. ”
In July, unemployment rates for Valdosta were 5.4 percent, the state of Georgia 6.2 percent, and nationally 6 percent, provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of jobs have decreased causing unemployment to rise, yet making the demand for education essential.
“For sure the person who doesn’t take the opportunity does not reach their potential,” said Tori.
