Few career fields today offer the kind of opportunities and job security that accounting does. In fact, in a 2008 survey of 500 finance and accounting professionals, a full 65 percent believe they have the same, if not better, job opportunities than they did the previous year. National statistics support these findings: the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of accountants and auditors will grow by 18 percent--faster than the average for all occupations--by 2016. If you're thinking of beginning, or continuing, your career training in accounting, now is a great time to do so.

Just as the range of degree programs in business is very diverse, so is the array of job opportunities from which you can choose. With a degree in the appropriate field, you will have a greater chance of landing the job you want, whether it is a position as an HR representative at a local company, or getting your foot in the door at a corporate accounting firm, or maybe even managing product development at a technology start-up. Perhaps you want to launch your own company and exploit a niche in the market that you have discovered. There are endless opportunities to be had for those with business know-how.

A degree in communications is based on the Greek and Latin studies of language and rhetoric, and how they could be used as tools to benefit all of society. These ancient teachings are the foundation for many modern societies and form the core of studies in communications, linguistics, archeology, religion, philosophy, art history, fine arts, sociology, ancient history, and law.

A communication major focuses on much of the same coursework as public relations, advertising, journalism, corporate training, marketing and business management. It's a generalist path with a wide-ranging curriculum that can be tailored to work in a variety of specific industries.

The business community is increasingly demanding a formal liberal arts/communications background for its professional candidates, rather than hiring staff from within. In some cases, an English degree is acceptable in this field since it encompasses a thorough knowledge and understanding of language and communicative arts.

Courses in economics, finance, management, marketing and sociology can round out your communication studies and help with your entry to or advancement in the workforce. An introduction to specific fields such as engineering, computers, and biotechnology can also be important if you're looking at a career within one of these industries. Familiarity and some expertise with modern media can also be crucial. You'll need to know web design and appropriate language rules if you'll be communicating to your audience via a company webpage. If you'll be working with the media, you should understand the technical aspects of radio, television, or digital imaging.

The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that $1.6 trillion of shipments, revenues and sales in the U.S. in 2003 were e-commerce activity, 94 percent of which was B2B (the other 6 percent, or $106 billion, was B2C). What's more, e-commerce grew 11 percent from 2002 to 2003. The U.S. Department of Commerce's definition of e-commerce encompasses goods and services sold online, via open networks like the Internet, or through closed, proprietary systems.

Did you know that over 400,000 people in the United States earn their living through eBay? Millions of people work for businesses that sell their products online, to consumers (known as "business to consumer," or B2C) as well as to other businesses (known as "business to business," or B2B). The success of these operations is due, in large part, to carefully crafted strategies and successful implementation of technologies that ease and encourage secure, efficient sales transactions online. (cont)

All types of organizations, from public sector agencies to small and large corporations, require people who are skilled in finance to make sound decisions that will contribute to the entity's steady and solid financial growth. Finance professionals make investments, oversee long-range financial planning, acquire assets, and work with existing resources. (cont)

A wide variety of companies and organizations employ finance professionals, ranging from nonprofits to global corporations. People who work in finance need more than financial acumen, success in this career often requires people skills, strong oral and written communication abilities, creative and critical thinking, and confident decision making

In today's economy, the quality of a company's personnel can mean the difference between a slot on the Fortune 500 and a trip to the unemployment office. Professional human resources (HR) managers often act as talent scouts and coaches at the same time. Human resources managers identify potential star employees for a company, while strengthening their organization's entire workforce. Though all executives must learn to develop their team members, human resources management professionals balance their specific skills with the expertise of their industry. In this manner, they can recruit and retain talented new team members.  (cont)

If you're considering a career in technology or information technology (IT), your path to employment typically should have these three vital components. In an industry that morphs almost daily, staying on top of new technologies and understanding complex business principles can be critical to your professional development.

Just like constant flux of the technology landscape, technology and IT career tracks constantly evolve. According to Computerworld, technology and business have become so irrevocably connected that the best opportunities should be in hybrid positions that specialize in using technology to accelerate company growth and realize business objectives.

That being said, professionals entering the market can benefit from augmenting their tech skills with business operations. Those that do may gain a competitive edge over other applicants. Some of the career tracks that show promise for the coming decade include:

• IT project manager


• IT consultant


• Senior software engineer, developer, programmer


• Computer networking system engineer


• Information technology specialist

After establishing a predominant market for its products domestically, many companies seek expansion overseas, hoping to win over customers and clients abroad. However, as the rules can change as you cross borders, what were the keys to success at home might lead to a downfall in overseas markets. Customs and market regulations vary from country to country, and marketing techniques vary widely in their ability to reach the target customer. Pricing and distribution strategies must also be adapted to realities in countries as disparate as Cambodia and Norway--if a company ever hopes to replicate the success it enjoys at home. As the world economy becomes increasingly integrated, the international business person is more important than ever.

A degree in international business can help managers surmount the barriers that have traditionally prevented companies from thriving in markets outside their home turf. Programs are designed to give you the type of career training needed not only to succeed in the international business setting, but also to gain the cultural understanding that plays an integral role in this type of business environment.

International business continues to grow as businesses seek ways to expand overseas and gain a share of the global market. A myriad of factors can affect a company's development in the international market and a graduate of an international business program should learn how to navigate foreign business markets, as well as foreign cultural, social, and political environments. With new technological advances in telecommunications, the business world continues to get smaller. Career training in international business can provide you with a greater understanding of how globalization affects both economics and business practices worldwide.