With the Arkansas unemployment rate being at 7.8 percent, as students, we ask the question, is my career going to make it in this economy? There are seven careers according to Carolyn Hughes, head of HR at SimplyHired.com, that are built to last through this economy.

Career one is paralegals, having the average pay of around $42,798. Many firms are hiring paralegals instead of lawyers to manage costs. Paralegals help prepare for trials, draft contracts, establish trust funds, or even investigate the facts of cases and take affidavits.

Why it's built to last? The U.S. Department of Labor projects a 28 percent growth for paralegals between 2008 and 2018.

Career two is accountants, having the average pay of $48,993. No matter the economic conditions, accountants are always needed to help balance books. As an accountant, your duties would include bookkeeping, preparing taxes, and financial and investment planning. Accountants also work with law enforcement to help investigate financial crimes.

Why it's built to last? According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, graduates with an accounting degree are leading all others in job offers prior to graduation in 2011.

Career three is nurses, having the average pay of $46,372. With the aging population and an increased focus on preventive care, this gives stability for nurses. As a registered nurse, you could work closely with doctors and patients on a daily basis. Your responsibilities might also involve administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, helping with rehabilitation, and providing advice and emotional support to patients and their families.

Why it's built to last? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment opportunities for nurses will grow 22 percent from 2008 to 2018.

Career four is police officers, having the average pay of $55,180. Law and order is a priority for many communities. As a police officer, you would issue citations, respond to calls, or even pursue and apprehend individuals who break the law. The position will also require you to write reports and maintain good records.

Why it's built to last? Police officers are crucial to keeping our communities safe. While state and local budgets are seeing cuts, population growth is the main driver of demand for police officers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Career five is teachers, having the average pay of around $45,410. Teachers play an important role in shaping the futures of our children. As a teacher, you'll plan lessons, grade tests and papers, and meet with parents and school staff to discuss your students' academic progress. You may even incorporate new media into your lesson plans.

Why it's built to last? We'll need new teachers to replace retirees and to handle the growing number of students.

Career six is tax collectors, having the average pay of $53,800. As a tax collector, you would handle delinquent accounts, investigate returns, and work with taxpayers to help them settle their debts.

Why it's built to last? The U.S. Department of Labor is projecting employment of tax collectors to grow 13 percent from 2008 to 2018.

Career seven is budget analysts, having an average pay of $69,240. Balancing a budget is a big part of any business. As a budget analyst, you would help your organization allocate their financial resources efficiently and effectively. You might also develop and execute budgets, research economic developments that could affect your organization, and create budget reports and summaries.

Why it's built to last? The recent recession has led to a greater study of budgets so that businesses can ensure they are operating as efficiently as possible. That makes the role of budget analyst necessary. And as businesses become more complex and specialized, demand for budget analysts will grow 15 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Dr. David Boop, director of the Norman Career Services said it is important for any student, when choosing a career, “to make sure you are suited for that job.”

Students can check out www.discoverarkansas.com or go to the Norman Career Services located in Doc Bryan, for information about your future.