You may find yourself wondering what work at home jobs are out there and which is best for you. You may want to know what they are called, how much they pay, what industries regularly hire work at home employees. When I first entered the world of work at home jobs I had a difficult time knowing where to start. Here are a few job positions that will get you started in the right direction.

1. Administrative Assistant

Also known as virtual assistants, home based administrative assistants use office experience and computer skills as support personnel. Many skills easily transition into this position which offers many part time and temporary opportunities.

2. Advertising Sales Agent

It is said that Americans are exposed to more than 3,000 ad messages a day. Advertising sales representatives sell or solicit advertising space in print and online publications, custom made signs, or TV and radio advertising spots.

3. Computer Software Engineer

Computer software engineers are projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations over the 2002 to 2012 period. Duties include design, development, testing and evaluation of computer software, and continual training is suggested for the quickly evolving industry.

4. Corporate Event Planner

Employed by a private company rather than a hotel or convention facility, a corporate event planner coordinates staff activities, including group meetings, client presentations, special events, conventions and travel.

5. Copy Editor

Copy editors mostly review and edit a writers copy for accuracy, content, grammar and style. This is a competitive field; however, the growth of online publications and services is spurring the demand for writers and editors, especially those with Web experience

6. Desktop Publisher

Desktop publishers use computer software to format and combine text, images, charts and other visual elements to produce publication ready material. 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. Data Entry Clerk (be careful as a lot of these are scams)

Like administrative assistants, job prospects should be best for those with expertise in computer software applications. By typing text, entering data into a computer, and performing other clerical duties, these workers ensure companies keep up with information and technology.

8. Insurance Underwriter

Insurance underwriters serve as the main link between the insurance carrier and the insurance agent. Underwriters analyze insurance applications, calculate the risk of loss from policyholders, decide whether to issue the policy and establish appropriate premium rates.

9. Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts gather data on competitors and analyze prices, sales and methods of marketing and distribution. They often design surveys, compile and evaluate the data and make recommendations to their client or employer based upon their findings.

10. Paralegal

While lawyers assume ultimate responsibility for legal work, much of their work is delegated to paralegals. Paralegals not only assist in preparation for closings, hearings, trials and corporate meetings, they also perform a number of other vital functions, including draft contracts, mortgages, separation agreements, trust instruments and may assist in preparing tax returns and planning estates.

Of course you can anytime!

I guess I have kept myself in a little box for a long time because I never thought of these positions. Can you do any of these without a degree? And what exactly does a virtual assistant do?