HispanicBusiness

Spring is traditionally a season of growth, and despite job contractions in many industries, fortunately for spring college graduates, there are some occupations expanding.

Among the top 10 fastest-growing professions in the latest forecast from the Bureau of Labor Statistics are those in the fields of internal auditing and decision and information sciences, which include computer systems analysts, management analysts and supply chain managers.

"A lot of majors are really hurting right now from the recession. We aren't," said Jaana Porra, associate professor of Decision and Information Sciences at the University of Houston C. T. Bauer College of Business. "When you have a specific skill you have a very direct way of getting a job."

The greater need for internal auditors is a result of business and government leaders' calls for more transparent business practices. In addition, passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002, which requires public companies to have internal audit controls to prevent accounting fraud, is another factor in the predicted growth. The expansion of opportunities in decision and information sciences is expected as businesses reexamine all areas of their operations with an eye to enhance their bottom lines.

College students are strongly encouraged to do internships as a way to prepare them for their chosen professions and to make contacts with potential future employers. Michael Parks, associate professor in Decision and Information Sciences at Bauer, said: "With an internship program, they (corporations) get a look, and they can have a hand in training. A lot of our students have been handed job offers when their internship is over."

Santos Monroy, president of the Houston chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors, explained why jobs in auditing are growing.

"Corporations, the public and our federal and state governments are requesting an increase in assurance, risk and compliance services," he said. "New regulations continue to increase corporate transparency and leadership accountability. This will increase the demand for audit, risk compliance and IT security professionals."

Other professions on the bureau's top 10 list of fastest growing include medical assistants, home health aides, veterinarians and vets' assistants, and personal financial advisers.