This is one of the toughest times in recent American history to launch a career. Not only are we in an economic recession, many jobs are being outsourced to other countries and software programs. The housing market collapsed, the stock market is still weak and even markets that have traditionally been ‘recession-proof’, such as Hollywood, aren’t doing as well. Many recent graduates wonder what steps they can take to increase their chances of forging a strong, future-proof career. Whether you’ve recently acquired your online criminal justice degree or you attended a traditional university for a Master’s degree, there are practical ways to strengthen yourself as a job applicant. Here are the most reliable and current tips for building a strong career:

Keep learning new skills, especially online and computer skills. The job market is changing rapidly. With many occupations, it is necessary for employees to diversify and upgrade. This means learning new software applications, becoming proficient with social media, knowing your way around a computer. Become certified in new fields to make it official. Many skills can be learned online at sites like online-degree.com. The surest way of appearing useful to an employer is to be a jack-of-all-trades.

Try being an intern. Many of the world’s top professionals started their careers as interns. It is a chance to learn the ins and outs of an industry while making an impression on people who may one day hire you. Many employers will specifically look for job applicants who have interned prior to entering the job market. While you may not be earning much if any money, you will be building extremely valuable connections, experience, and resume material. Any investor will tell you that sometimes you have to forgo money in the short run to make money in the long run.

Use social media to network with employers. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter are but a few of the online destinations where job seekers can make and develop valuable employment connections. Smaller, more-focused niche communities like Plaxo, Jobster, MyWorkster, and JobFox all offer a variety of tools as well. Social media offers you the chance to showcase your job skills to millions of different people.

Career development is no piece of cake and it may take years before you find yourself on stable ground. After you have acquired an education, the best things you can do for yourself is to continue learning new skills, get an internship under your belt, and network online.