A steady stream of discouraging economic news is bringing with it a sense of the recession in the air and fears of job loss. However, many economy sectors are expected to remain strong despite a possible recession, and job seekers may have more success by focusing on recession-proof professions.

A recent report of the Merit Systems Protection Board, a body that monitors trends in the government jobs, suggests that upper-level government jobs are increasingly filled by job seekers outside of the government. The study says that the Department of Homeland Security filled more upper level positions by outside job applicants with degrees in business intelligence, management and logistics.

In the five years since its creation, DHS has faced significant challenges of recruiting, hiring, and retaining the right people. According to a 2007 report of the Partnership for Public Service the Defense and Homeland Security departments need to fill an estimated 83,000 jobs over the next two years. To cope with DHS workforce demand the U.S. colleges and universities are churning out homeland-security related degrees and certificate programs. Since 9/11 about 400 colleges offer homeland security or emergency management programs.

Since 9/11 DHS has poured more than $300 million since 9/11 into eight top U.S. universities to develop “centers of excellence” focusing on counter terror and disaster management issues.

A report of Homeland Security Research Corporation 2007-2011 U.S. Homeland Security (Government & Private) Market Outlook forecasts that the U.S. Homeland Security markets, driven by the government and private sectors, will grow from about $24 Billion in 2006 to $35 Billion by 2011.

All indicators suggest that Homeland Security is a recession proof business.