Don't let the bad news get you down. There are some attractive job opportunities out there, especially in “hot” industries or those that need employees with specialized skills or qualifications.

One sector that’s doing well right now is higher education. People who have lost their jobs or want to pursue a better paying career are going back to school to earn advanced degrees. At the undergrad level, state and public universities are especially busy, as students and parents look for more affordable education options. At Penn State, for example, applications this year reached record numbers, exceeding the previous year by at least 5%. Don’t have the credentials to be a professor? No problem. These universities have a wide assortment of openings in just about every category imaginable, including some that might surprise you. Bonus: These institutions generally offer generous tuition breaks for employees, their spouses and children, which can save you a lot of money if there’s a current or future college student in your household.

Penn State
Who They Are:  A “state-related,” but not state owned or operated, university known for its research programs and its athletic accomplishments.

Where They Are: The main campus is in State College, Pa. There are 23 other campus locations across the state.

What They Want: There are lots of research-related openings, mainly assistant opportunities in labs studying subjects like weapons systems and energy science. Engineering aides are in high demand. They also have numerous openings for coaches and athletic trainers, security officers and maintenance personnel, and nurses for their health services department.

Coolest Job: Recently filled openings include a herd manager for the agricultural department and a sous chef for the hospitality department. A cool opportunity available right now is the Manager of Aquatic Facilities. This person would manage the university’s aquatic facilities, oversee 150 student lifeguard employees, supervise aquatic athletic operations and edit department materials. Requires a bachelor’s degree, three years work experience and several lifeguard and pool operator certifications. Benefits include health and life insurance, a 75% tuition discount for employee spouses and children, on-site childcare and career assistance for the spouses of new employees who relocated to accept a university job.

Apply at Penn State's jobs page.

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