As both the public and private sectors tighten their belts in unison to face California's state of economic turbulence, it may seem as though no one is safe.

Yet, there exist a few jobs that may be safer than others. These recession-proof jobs, in their own niche, are the ones that have the capacity to keep California and the nation going today, and to prepare them for a brighter future.

Whether you are considering an altogether brand new vocation or looking to complement a previously acquired degree with fresh, updated skills, Sacramento City College has a vast variety of programs that can help you reach your career goals. In just a few semesters and with the right classes, you could be on the fast track to getting your own recession-proof job.

The following careers have been ranked according to Dr. Laurence Shatkin's research, as published in his book 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs¹. An expert in the field of career information, Shatkin based his ranking on predicted job openings, salary opportunities and capacity to weather economic crises. Read on to find out more about these jobs and how City College can help prepare you for them.

#1 Computer System Analyst

With virtually every employment sector increasingly relying on information technology to perform faster and better, it won’t come as a surprise that Computer System Analyst is the No. 1 recession-proof job in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook², the profession is expected to gain 146,000 jobs between 2006 and 2016 and prospects are “very good” for those who can demonstrate that they have kept up with recent technological advances, particularly in the domain of information security.

Median Salary: $69,760

What we have to offer: Says the Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Technological advances come so rapidly in the computer field that continuous study is necessary to remain competitive.” To help computer system analysts stay abreast of new concepts, City College offers a myriad of Certificates of Achievement that can supplement a previously obtained Bachelor’s Degree — the level typically required by most employers. Check out our Web Developer, Information Systems Security, Network Administration certificates and many more at www.scc.losrios.edu.

   #8 Dental Hygienist

Dentistry has undergone a tremendous culture change in recent years, resulting in a significant shift in emphasis from curative to preventive care. And as more people retain their natural teeth longer, dental hygiene savvy is becoming increasingly valuable. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, another noteworthy factor in the change of landscape in dentistry is that retiring practitioners are leaving the stage for a new generation that is more likely to employ dental hygienists “to perform preventive dental care, such as cleaning, so that they may devote their own time to more complex procedures.” For these reasons and many others, dental hygienist is one of the fastest growing professions in the country — one that is expected to gain 50,000 jobs by 2016.

Median Salary: $66,950

What we have to offer: Says the Occupational Outlook Handbook, “a minimum of an associate degree or certificate in dental hygiene is generally required for practice in a private dental office.” Sacramento City College offers just that, with its well-rounded Associate in Science Degree. At the end of this intensive four-semester program (and a summer session), our students are fully prepared to take all national and state exams necessary to practice in the United States. For more information, visit www.scc.losrios.edu/~dental/.

   #95 Water and liquid Waste Treatment and Plant System Operators

Growing populations naturally consume more water and generate more waste. And with new suburban agglomerations seemingly materializing by the minute, there is an increasing demand for water and liquid waste treatment. This, compounded with the fact that many baby boomers in this line of work are approaching retirement, makes job prospects “excellent” for Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the profession should add 15,000 jobs by 2016, but one should also consider the many vacancies left by retiring operators.

Median Salary: $36,070

What we have to offer: Says the Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Completion of an associate degree or a 1-year certificate program increases an applicant’s chances for employment and promotion.” The Mechanical-Electrical Technology (MET) department is one of Sacramento City College’s longest-running institutions. With nearly 50 years of experience, the MET department offers a solid formation in Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation that is constantly updated to reflect modern, environmentally conscious practices. For more information on our Associate in Science Degree and Certificate of Achievement in Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation, visit www.scc.losrios.edu/~tech/mechelec/.

¹Shatkin, Laurence. 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs. Jist Publishing, 2008

²The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook is available online at www.bls.gov/oco/

Regardless of which recession-proof field you choose, City College can help you get there. For additional information on our degrees and certificates, please visit www.scc.losrios.edu/Academics.htm.