This article is from The Green Economy Post.

“The excitement surrounding the biofuels market opportunity has been tempered somewhat by its many challenges, which include ethical questions of food versus fuel, limited availability of inexpensive feedstocks, petroleum price volatility, overcapacity of production and the global recession.  However, a two recent reports from both Pike Research and Bio Economic Research Associates  forecast that, despite these significant challenges, the combined biodiesel and ethanol markets will reach $247 billion in sales by 2020, up from just $76 billion in 2010. Total job creation, accounting for economic multiplier effects, could reach 123,000 in 2012, 383,000 in 2016, and 807,000 by 2022.

“‘In the near term, the biofuels market looks like a train wreck,’ says managing director Clint Wheelock. ‘The economics of ethanol and biodiesel are not yet competitive with petro fuels, and governments have pulled back some of their support.  However, in the 10 to 15 year timeframe, the outlook remains very positive.  The long-term commitment of national governments to foster robust biofuels markets remains solid, and technological advances and economies of scale will dramatically improve the economics of biofuels versus petroleum.’”

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This article is from The New York Times. 

“When Wendy Scarbrough lost her job after 10 years as a television news producer for NBC, she decided it would be smart to pursue a new career and to improve her skills.

“At a job fair, she learned about a course that she was sure would make her more marketable to employers. Within weeks, she was enrolled in that course, in project management, at Northern Virginia Community College, alongside 15 other laid-off workers.

“It felt a little odd enrolling at a community college, Ms. Scarbrough said, because she already had a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. Still, she said, not only were the instructors knowledgeable, but also the course involved visits from prospective employers, and she was able to polish her skills in budgeting, personnel management and other areas.

“‘I learned a lot,’ she said. ‘It also helped me psychologically after looking for a job for a year and feeling discouraged. It gave me a new direction and has certainly been helpful for networking.’”

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This article is from The New York Times.

“A recent 93-page report on online education, conducted by SRI International for the Department of Education, has a starchy academic title, but a most intriguing conclusion: ‘On average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.’

“The report examined the comparative research on online versus traditional classroom teaching from 1996 to 2008. Some of it was in K-12 settings, but most of the comparative studies were done in colleges and adult continuing-education programs of various kinds, from medical training to the military.”

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This article is from the Lansing State Journal.

“What is a ‘green job’? And what’s considered in-demand when it comes to these jobs?

“Green’s a tricky topic these days. In June, Capital Area Michigan Works released a study called ‘Shades of Green’ that examined these environmentally friendly jobs in the greater Lansing region.”

“For the purposes of that report, the green economy was defined as businesses that offer products or services related to renewable energy, increased energy efficiency, clean transportation and fuels, agriculture and natural resource conservation and pollution prevention or environmental cleanup.”

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This article is from Gallup. 

“In today’s highly challenging job market, Americans cite the medical field, more than any other profession, as the line of work they would recommend to both young men and young women looking for career advice. Thirty-seven percent would recommend medicine to young women, including 10% citing nursing specifically. Twenty-two percent would recommend medicine for young men, with less than one-half of one percent naming nursing.

“The majority of Americans who advocate the medical field as a career path for either gender mention medicine or healthcare generally; however — in addition to nursing — some specifically advise young people to become doctors, pharmacists, or veterinarians. Medicine is the only career to have increased on these measures since Gallup last updated them in 2005, and is now the overwhelming response on both questions.”

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This article is from MSN Encarta.

“F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote that there are no second acts in American life, but Fitzgerald didn’t live in today’s economy. Given the dynamics of the modern job market, second careers can be even more important — and rewarding — than the first ones.

“Career prospects are constantly shifting. Downsizing and outsourcing close some doors, just as demographic trends and new technologies open up others. If you have lost your job or feel dissatisfied with your current career, how you redirect yourself toward better opportunities?

“The answer starts with training and education. The good news is that with online learning and adult education programs, there are more opportunities than ever to prepare yourself for a second career. To make sure that preparation pays off, you need to focus on the following types of careers:”

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This article is from the Daily Globe.

“Faced with ever-expanding technology, many of today’s grandparents and greatgrandparents are learning to do things a little bit differently than they may have in the past.

“Instead of writing out checks, they are using cash cards. Instead of referencing the card catalog at the library, they are looking information up on computers. And instead of writing letters, they are sending e-mails and keeping tabs on family through social networking sites such as Facebook.

“For some people over the age of 55, computers have even become an avenue for them to take collegelevel coursework.

“District 518 Community Education has made it possible not just for seniors, but people of any age, to expand their knowledge through online educational courses. The classes require computer access, but allow participants the opportunity to learn on their own schedule.”

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This article is from Yahoo HotJobs. 

“Of President Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package, an impressive $40 billion will be spent on the creation of “green jobs,” jobs that have a positive impact on the environment. This should come as great news to job seekers. Many are getting on board for a green career. Some facts you may want to consider:

• Opportunities for green careers are growing, and can be found across the nation.
• Contrary to popular belief, green jobs are not just for scientists and PhDs.
• Many traditional jobs are being given a green makeover.
• Building and manufacturing are popular sectors, but green jobs also include retail, science, and agriculture.”

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This article is from Bankrate.com.

“With nearly one out of every 10 workers currently unemployed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers across the country are updating their skills. Luckily you don’t have to go into debt to retool your career. From company-funded retraining programs to adult-targeted financial aid awards to federally funded work force development centers, several free education options are available to help get the unemployed back on their feet. Check out these ways to reinvent your career without going broke.

Talk to the boss:

Before making a grand exit, Rolf Wegenke, president of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, advises the recently laid off to investigate if their severance package includes cash or provisions for retraining or professional development.

‘Companies have cut back on funding educational programs (for terminated employees), but some still do,’ he says. ‘It all depends on which company you’re working for and the kind of position you’re in.’”

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 This article is from MSN Careers.”In today’s uncertain job market, even the jobs once marked as ‘recession-proof’ are not as safe as we thought. So where should you focus your job search?

“Several trends — existing and emerging — continue to drive job growth and creation throughout the United States. Developments in technology, health care, environmentalism and globalization, as well as current trends in the economy, are clearing the path for several cutting-edge careers to surface.”

“If you’re in the market for a new job, here are seven emerging careers that are making a mark and poised for growth in the coming years. Please note that salary and job growth information is not collected for all positions because of the size and awareness of each job.”

Click here to read the full article.