This year hasn't exactly started off on the best foot. According to CNN, over 2 million people lost their jobs in 2008, and already 200,000 jobs have been cut during the first month of 2009. If your one of the people who was laid off, it probably seems like there is no hope. Fortunately, companies are still hiring, you just have to know what jobs are in-demand.

Laurence Shatkin, a career information expert, published a book called "150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs" that lists the most in-demand careers during hard economic times. The top 10 careers on his list include:

1. Computer Systems Analysts
2. Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
3. Network and Computer Systems Administrators
4. Registered Nurses
5. Teachers
6. Physical Therapists
7. Physicians and Surgeons
8. Dental Hygienists
9. Pharmacists
10. Medical and Health Services Managers

While most of these careers require experience in science and math as well as a degree, sometimes work experience can be just as or more valuable.

The top three careers all require experience working with computer technologies in lieu of a degree. Anyone who possesses technical skills and has relevant experience can find a job in these fields, regardless of the level of education they have received. Sometimes a few courses in computer science or related subjects can help in combination with work experience.

Nurses, physical therapists, dental hygienists and medical services managers generally need at least an associate's degree. However, experience working in a medical office can get your foot in the door, and sometimes employers will reimburse you for pursuing formal training. Most associate's degree programs take about 2 years to complete, and in that time you could be receiving formal on-the-job training that will make you more marketable in the future.

Teachers usually need a bachelor's degree at the least, but anyone who has a degree or expertise in a specific field, such as art, history, or even business can find a job as a teacher. Teachers are always in demand, especially with the increasing number of older teachers retiring. To make yourself more marketable to employers, you need to get relevant experience working in a classroom. Volunteer to be a tutor or apply for a teacher's aide position and prove that you can be a successful teacher.

In order to get a job as a pharmacist or a physician, you must have a Doctorate. However, there are ways to get your foot in the door. Most pharmacies employ pharmacy technicians to help the pharmacist fill prescriptions. Some pharmacies don't require any formal degree or training for this position, instead they provide on-the-job training. In fact, there are no state or federal requirements for training or certification of pharmacy techs. Once training is complete, you can take the voluntary certification exam to become certified. Some pharmacy programs also allow pharmacy techs to enter their programs in lieu of a college degree.

So don't be discouraged. Even if you don't have a college degree you can still get a high paying job that will provide stability in this unstable economy.

Those in the Knowledge Management sector are also in high demand.

apart from the first three on the list , this information is not really relevant to Naija . Goodluck if you think being a teacher or a registered nurse in Naija is a HOT career move,

abi o

comedians too are likewise needed at least to release tension

i think that list was good.try taking ur IT skills abroad then u`d be lost and even in nigeria that sector is becoming congested.the other courses apart 4rm the 1st three are good but it takes someone who is not narrowminded to see it. simply becos you dont have interest in a particular field dosent mean it isnt good or there`s no money in it.people used to laugh at farmers becos they didnt care to know. nursing is hot in nigeria and abroad if you dont know u better ask somebody!

steadycash:

1. Computer Systems Analysts
2. Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
3. Network and Computer Systems Administrators
4. Registered Nurses
5. Teachers
6. Physical Therapists
7. Physicians and Surgeons
8. Dental Hygienists
9. Pharmacists
10. Medical and Health Services Managers

While most of these careers require experience in science and math as well as a degree, sometimes work experience can be just as or more valuable.

So true even as we are experiencing the worst Global economic crises of our time,

several people who are actually close to retirement are actually going back to school to pursue medical careers, . . .

Actually came across a 59 year old woman, who lost her job at united air-lines after 30 years, who was looking to purse a agree in pharmacy, . . .

she felt like all was lost but i mean shes taking the first step towards saving her home, and securing a good retirement for herself, . .

Ma point is that its pays to stick to any Kinna medical field these days, they are in high demand, and i also think the highest paid jobs out there as well!!

Only God and Street Smartness can save a career.

Is nursing a hot job in Naija?

my dear,please nursing jobs are not lucrative in naija oh. not at all.
Maybe abroad but not in naija at all.
I am a doctor in a private hospital and they pay nurses about 20k per month.
those in teaching hospitals get about 60k.
those in the other sectors like companies get a lot more.like i know a nurse in shell that earns about 600k.
uve got to know its not their main core business so they employ about 3% of nurses.

I tell you the truth, almost all the fields are congested. The best thing to do is how you can turn your hobbies or what you know or what you can learn into a marketable price. This is when you are sure of making alot of money and have good time for yourself. For a medical doctor for instance to meet up financially he/she has to work for about 2 to 3 hospitals, except few of them in the teaching hospitals.- even many of them still move to other hospitals for them to meet up. IT career is not a bad choice. All thesame, it is the blessing of the Lord that makes one rich and adds no sorrow.
Best of luck in your career.