Job markets nationwide have suffered since the beginning of the recession, but have recently begun to see an economic upswing with the creation of new jobs and a lower unemployment rate. Nearly 900,000 jobs were added last year alone, and 2011 is expected to bring even more opportunities to job seekers. While some industries, such as government and construction, are not seeing a growth in job opportunity others are, including:

Graphic Design & Gaming

The gaming industry is expected to be a $68 billion business by 2012 which means that many employers will be looking to hire skilled and qualified graphic and video game designers.  The average salary for a game designer is over $63,000, however, can be as high as $88,000,which makes game design both a well paying and fun career choice.

Healthcare

Specialized medical professionals, such as a medical assistant or medical billing and coding workers, are in especially high demand, and have some of the highest expected job market growth rates in the nation. Most specialized medical positions only require a 2-year degree or  the completion of a certificate program. These fields also require hands-on experience alongside technical training. Institution, such as Sanford Brown , offer interested individuals both the experience and knowledge necessary to be a qualified job applicant. The flexible schedules associated with attaining degrees for these professions make them attainable choices for working professionals that are looking to change careers.

Professional and Business Services

Careers in the fields of management, office administration, and accounting are all considered professional and business services, and are expected to be some of the largest growing industries in many metropolitan areas. Business and office administration are two of the most promising career paths in terms of both salary and upward mobility. They require minimal education such as an online associate’s degree, and can be used across a variety of jobs.

Although graphic and gaming design, healthcare, and professional and business services are expected to have some of the highest rates in job growth across the nation, other industries such as manufacturing, retail, and hospitality positions are also anticipating job growth.  For many wishing to make a career change, now may be the perfect opportunity to do so.  With an online degree, individuals can save on transportation or childcare while taking classes at their own pace, and walk away ready for a new, higher paying career.