We dream of the perfect job and how to pursue it, but sometimes we have to face the reality of the job market and the opportunities that are available. For some, this may mean looking for a job outside of journalism.
A recent Wall Street Journal article, “Avoiding the Ax: Where the Jobs Are,” pointed out that even during this rough economy there are jobs in health care and education. The article quotes Brendan Courtney, senior vice president and group executive at Mergis Group, a national staffing firm, as saying these industries hire fairly steadily because “people keep getting sick and people keep going to college.”
Becoming a home health aide, medical assistant or pharmaceutical technician would of course be a dramatic career move from journalism.
It may be easier to transfer journalism skills to jobs in the insurance industry, for instance, where the vetting of facts, researching and other reporting skills are important. The insurance industry often offers assistance in obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications to folks transferring into that field.
Information technology is critical for all businesses, even those that are struggling. Learning the technical skills necessary for practicing digital journalism could help make you a qualified candidate for this type of work.
The Journal mentions some other industries that may be more likely to have job openings during tough economic times: crisis management, career services, universities and law firms specializing in bankruptcy.
As our new administration takes office, be ever vigilant of the opportunities that could help us jump-start our economy.
