2009 Lows Create Career Opportunities in 2010

I think we can all agree that 2009 stunk worse than a locker full of dirty gym socks. Everybody was broke, global warming hit a boiling point, and health care reform seemed at a standstill. But believe it or not, to every con there's also a pro. New industries are needed to clean up the messes of 2009, and that means a whole lot of opportunity for you.  Here's a look at how the tragedies of 2009 could lead to your career triumph in 2010.

Con #1: Bernie Madoff's Ponzi schemes

This was a con, literally. Bernie Madoff swindled millions out of innocent investors for years until he was finally caught in March 2009.

Pro #1: Forensic Accounting Careers

Madoff is just the latest white collar offender whose financial abuses played a role in the current recession. The need to keep an eye on these guys was made brutally clear in 2009, which has led to a boom in forensic accounting. Forensic accountants work with the FBI, IRS and other law enforcement agencies to hunt criminals for embezzlement, money laundering, and securities fraud. For more information, visit this forensic accounting degree page.

Con #2: Global Warming

According to many scientists, 2009 was the D-Day for global warming: our last chance to make serious changes before temperatures start to rise at an alarming rate. This turning point prompted leaders from around the world to meet at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December 2009.

Pro #2: Green Careers

With time running out, Governments worldwide are making global warming and environmental sustainability a priority, leading to the birth of green jobs. This umbrella term covers a range of careers, from hybrid car manufacturing to sustainable office management. The U.S. Department of Labor even awarded $100 million in Energy Training Partnership Grants in 2010 (in addition to $55 million given in November 2009).

Con #3: Terrorism Attempts

A botched plane hijacking on December 25, 2009 was an unfortunate reminder that global terrorism and other threats to homeland security are still very real.

Pro #3: Homeland Security Careers

More than ever, the U.S. government needs immigration officers, emergency managers, and border patrol agents to keep our country safe. To find out more, visit this homeland security career profile.

Con #4: Health Care Fiascos  

With all the discussions and legislation swirling around the health care issue, it's only a matter of time before the face of healthcare changes drastically. Everyone—doctors, Democrats, nurses, Republicans—agreed in 2009 that something has to give.

Pro #4: Health Care Careers

We don't know what changes health care reform is going to bring, but we do know this: it should make health care accessible to a lot more people. Along with that, there will most likely be an emphasis on wellness and prevention, which put together means growth in the health care industry.

Con #5: H1N1 Epidemic

A global H1N1 scare in 2009 sent people scrambling for information, vaccines, and respiratory masks. The people we turn to most often in these sorts of disasters are our friendly neighborhood nurses.  

Pro #5: Nursing Careers

Thanks to improvements in technology, an emphasis on preventative care, and an aging Baby Boomer population, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an employment growth rate of 22 percent for registered nurses between 2008 and 2018.