How to Match Skills With Home-Based Careers

How would you like to work from home? No more hustling out the door late, no more fighting traffic in the morning, and no more dealing with noisy coworkers. More than ever, employers are setting up home offices for workers seeking a flexible schedule. This option is in order to attract or retain top employees. In fact, 7.6 million employees conducted work from home last year. Do not fret, as you can find employment with well-established employers. Here are some career options.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• High-speed internet capability
• Printer
• Scanner
• Fax machine
• Desk

Instructions

1. Know what it takes to be an administrative assistant. This position is also known as a virtual assistant. You must have experience working in an office environment with computer skills to support your employer from home.

2. Consider a job as an advertising sales agent. Selling or soliciting space in print, online or other media platforms can be done at home via the phone. Your day will consist of contacting clients to set up appointments and creating PowerPoint presentations.

3. Think about being a computer software engineer. This position is projected to be the fastest growing occupation over the next 10 years. Your duties include designing, developing, testing and evaluating computer software, plus continually updating yourself on the latest trends within the ever evolving industry.

4. Be a corporate event planner. Usually you are employed by a private company rather than a hotel or convention facility. Your responsibilities will include coordinating staff assignments, setting up group meetings, organizing special events and scheduling client entertainment.

5. Understand the role of a copy editor. Your duties include reviewing and editing writer's copy for accuracy, content, grammar and style. This is a competitive field, with the growth of online publications and services that are screaming for writers and editors.

6. Be a desktop publisher. The duties of this fast-growing profession include writing and editing text, creating graphics, converting photos and drawings into digital images, designing page layouts and developing presentations.

7. Think about being a data entry clerk. This job is best suited for people with expertise in computer software applications. You will also ensure companies keeping up with current information and technology.

8. Know the skills needed to be an insurance underwriter. You will serve as the link between the insurance carrier and the agent. Your responsibilities will include analyzing insurance applications, calculating the risk of loss from policyholders, deciding whether to issue a policy and establishing appropriate rates.

9. Consider career as a market research analyst. You will gather data on competitors and analyze sale prices within the industry. Most analysts design their own surveys and evaluate the data to make recommendations to their employer.

10. Know you can work from home as a paralegal. Lawyers will assume full responsibility for legal work, but paralegals assist in preparation for hearing, trials and corporate meetings. You will also perform a number of tasks including drafting contracts, mortgages, separation agreements and assist in preparing tax returns and planning estates.