How to Snag a ‘Smart’ Job in a Struggling Economy

Great Tips to Finding a Growing Career Path in a Down Economy

It’s no secret our economy’s been having a rough time in recent years. We’re in a recession, and though there have been signs of improvement, unemployment and low wages continue to run rampant. Part of what’s negatively impacting job numbers is improvements in technology; as production technology becomes better and more efficient, fewer workers are needed to produce things, which have led to a decrease in the availability of the decent, blue-collar jobs. As Wired.com points out, the “nerds” who create this improved technology are the winners in this new job market, which means that if you want to get in on this action, you should seriously consider a “smart” job in the tech field. Here’s how.

What Field is Right for You

The tech field is wide and varied, and even if you’re not particularly skilled at math or computer code, there are opportunities for you. According to the same Wired article, the categories of jobs that grew the most from 2006-2010 were Internet, online publishing, computer network and security, as well as wireless, e-learning, and nanotechnology. This trend is expected to continue; according to the Labor Bureau, for example, employment in computer systems design and related services is expected to grow 45% through 2018. The variety of occupations in the tech field offers something for everybody. For the artistic, there’s computer animation and website design; the education-minded, online tutoring; the writers, Internet writing; the entrepreneurs, ample online business opportunities. Of course, if you’re into computer code or engineering, choosing a “smart” job will be easy for you too.

Get Training!

Just as “smart” job opportunities are wide and varied, so are the training and education requirements. Becoming a computer software engineer is almost certainly sure to land you a fantastic, high-paying career, but there’s a lot of schooling required to get to that point (a bachelor’s degree at the minimum). Graphic design education is more flexible; you could get a bachelor’s if you want to invest that much time or were planning on going to a four-year university anyway, but an associate’s degree is a less expensive option that will only take you two years to complete. If you’re business-oriented, a business administration degree can help you get the knowhow you need to start an online company. If you’re someone who like to learn on your own, you could teach yourself code and do freelance website design and construction. No matter what level of education you’re interested in, there’s a smart job for you.

Make it Happen

Once you’re trained and ready to go, you have two options: you can look for work with an already established company or organization, or you can strike out on your own. There are pros and cons to each. If you decide to work with an existing company, you get comfort, stability, and benefits. If you decide to start your own business or go freelance, you get to be your own boss, and can fully reap the rewards of your labor and ideas. You could also combine the two, and get a 9-5 job while doing freelance or your own projects on the side.

Whatever you decide, best of luck on your path to smart job glory!