While many Australians are anxious about losing their jobs during the current financial crisis, some sectors are expected to grow despite the economic downturn.
Business information analysts IBISWorld found that cosmetic retailing, biotechnology and online information services are among the sectors expected to thrive in calendar 2009.
IBISWorld general manager Robert Bryant said that while the economy slows and consumers tighten their belts, history has shown us that women continue to spend.
However, they stop buying more expensive fashion items in favour of cheaper alternatives, which still deliver the "feel good" factor.
"This means reduced spending on clothes, shoes and handbags, in favour of lipsticks, skin creams, perfumes and other beauty products," he said.
"The result will be openings for more cosmetic and toiletry salespeople, as well as laboratory technicians and those involved in the manufacturing side of the business."
Mr Bryant said the biotechnology sector would continue to mature as more research was undertaken by the private sector, creating additional jobs.
"While biotechnology is still emerging as an industry in this country, the substantial benefits it can deliver through advanced medical breakthroughs and improved agricultural outcomes have made the sector more resilient to declining economic conditions," Mr Bryant said.
IBISWorld expects the US situation to be repeated here.
"While the NASDAQ crashed by 42.4 per cent last year, biotech stocks only fell 14.3 per cent and despite difficulty accessing funding for many sectors, Australian biotech companies raised nearly $2 billion in recent months - up 50 per cent."
Online information services will also remain a huge growth industry, with more people continually turning to the web for information of all kinds.
"Companies are realising the value of information providers ... as these companies all expand they require additional researchers, analysts and administrative staff," Mr Bryant said.
IBISWorld believes online shopping in this country will benefit from tough economic times as consumers increasingly spend more time searching for bargains and any opportunity to save money.
"This rising demand will create employment opportunities across the sector, from developers to technical support, supply chain to marketing."
Other sectors expected to thrive include non-building construction, grain and livestock farming, blood bank and health services, internet service providers, passenger rail and waste disposal services.
The most job losses are expected in banking, tyre manufacturing, domestic airlines, boatbuilding and real estate agents.
