It has also put in place a rebranding "SWAT Team" of construction, operations and other professionals who can take a vacated site and convert it in just a little more than five months.

WSJ: Expanding Eateries Target Shuttered Sites

Unemployment has prompted many experienced professionals to launch consultant operations simply to survive.

CNN: Should you launch your own consultant business?

In December 2009, President Barack Obama directed the department to examine four specific areas: combat pay, benefits and pay for the National Guard and Reserve, compensation for wounded service members and their survivors and pay incentives for key defense jobs, such as drone operators, special operations forces, linguists and mental health professionals.

MSN: Pentagon recommends better pay for front-line troops - US news | NBC News

Donating professional skills often has far-reaching impact, says Scott Smith, vice president of operations at Catchafire.com, which matches professionals with nonprofits.

WSJ: Helping Your Cause��and Your Career

The Initiative has also led to unprecedented bilateral anti-crime information sharing and collaboration, including the placement of vetted Mexican law enforcement professionals within EPIC and the Air and Marine Operations Center.

WHITEHOUSE: Strengthen International Partnerships

Bank of America has large back-office operations in the Dallas area and the city is home to large law and accounting firms as well as professionals who serve the energy industry.

FORBES: Texas Dominates The Best Cities For Good Jobs