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Where are the Jobs? Admit it: You want to stay in Arkansas after you graduate. Well, who wouldn’t? With our great quality of life, abundant natural resources, low cost of living and pro-business environment, we offer the best deal around in both work and recreational opportunities. As you consider your career options in Arkansas, it pays to look into the occupations that are in demand here. And to do that, you need to know which Arkansas industries are growing and thriving. Technology is and will continue to be a thriving industry. Thanks to the Information Age and corporations such as Acxiom and Alltel (which are headquartered in Arkansas), IT skills are always in high demand. But it doesn’t stop with IT. Did you know that Arkansas’ growing number of retirees makes health care rank right up there as one of our state’s fastest-growing industries? Or that Tyson, the nation’s leading producer of meat and poultry, is located in northwest Arkansas? And don’t forget that the largest company in the entire world — Wal-Mart — has its home base here. But if you don’t hear the corporate world or the medical profession calling you, there are other options. The state’s education, hospitality and construction industries also have rosy outlooks for the future. You can find a good job and stay near home!
BUSINESS Growing up, Dax McDonald didn’t quite know what he wanted to do, just that it would probably involve business. After graduating from Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, McDonald considered campus diversity and the courses offered at different colleges before choosing Hendrix College in Conway. He chose to major in economics because of the degree’s flexibility. McDonald has been employed with Alltel for two and a half years. How did you end up working at Alltel? I worked in the direct marketing business for three and a half years supporting clients before moving to Alltel. Alltel had an opening for a similar position that allowed me to work on the client side and broaden my scope of direct marketing. What do you do as a senior analyst? My job requires making business decisions through data analysis to support marketing initiatives of all sizes. A normal day for me consists of being prepared for change. How did your education prepare you for your job? I was always required to manage several projects at once, each of which required different types of thinking. What’s the pay: Salaries for business majors vary depending on the area of expertise. However, the average business grad can expect to make about $30,000 initially. Try majoring in: Accounting, international business, financial management, business information systems, data processing technology, economics, insurance and risk management, banking and finance, or marketing. Why it’s hot: All businesses must play by the rules to be successful in operating their companies, which means that accountants, human resources personnel, economists, managers, marketing specialists and financial wizards will always be in demand.
CONSTRUCTION Growing up in Bauxite and graduating from Bauxite High School, Stephen Johnson wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. What he did know, however, was that college wasn’t right for him. His shop teacher in high school asked him if he was interested in electrical work, and Johnson found that he liked it. He then enrolled in the electrical program with the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation where he earned his journeyman electrician license in 2001. He has worked for Thompson Electric for 10 years. What are your job responsibilities as lead foreman? I organize work that needs to be done and delegate tasks to personnel. I’m on site all the time. How did your education prepare you for your job with Thompson Electric? Most of my education was on-the-job training working under different foremen and journeymen. I paid really close attention to what they were doing, how the paperwork worked and was able to look at some submittals. My on-the-job training exposed me to everyday tasks. What advice do you have for students who want to work in contracting? Be ready to work hard and get dirty. Learn from day one and ask as many questions as you can. If you don’t understand something, don’t act like you do. Knowing math and geometry is really, really important. What’s the pay: Salaries vary depending on specialties and high-need areas, but the average annual salary for someone employed in the construction industry is about $39,000. Try majoring in: Construction management, construction inspection, property maintenance and management, civil engineering. Also check out apprenticeship programs in electrical, plumbing, industrial electronics and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Why it’s hot: Construction companies find it hard to find well-qualified employees, especially as the construction industry becomes more complex as new technologies emerge. Advancement comes quickly to those with good credentials.
ENGINEERING As a little girl, Melissa Reed planned to land among the stars — literally. Born in Little Rock, Reed aspired to be an astronaut when she grew up. After looking at different astronaut profiles online, she found that math and science was what it took to get there. Although she found that becoming an astronaut was more work than she was ready for, Reed still aspired to work for NASA and majored in systems engineering at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She received offers from Lockheed-Martin, NASA and Boeing, but Reed chose to work for Windstream Communications in Little Rock. What do you do as an Engineer I? Windstream expects us to rotate every year or so to a different department to understand how the company works as a whole, and my first assignment has been in transport engineering. I’m responsible for organizing the equipment that transports broadband DSL to customers. How did you pick Windstream? I knew that it was in touch with the school and curriculum, so I had a great chance of working there. Also, it was a good fit — I liked its culture, business, and that it was growing in the market. What advice do you have for people who want to work in the technology industry in the future? Definitely look for trends. Technology is always changing and companies follow that. They are always hiring for the cutting-edge and look for someone who is willing to learn more. If you know what a company is looking for, you get in. What’s the pay: Industrial engineers with a bachelor’s degree make an average of $57,000 per year in Arkansas. But salaries vary with the various types of engineering specialties. Try majoring in: Chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electronics and communication engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering or systems engineering. Why it’s hot: The engineering field is broad, and the road to promotion is fast-paced.
TECHNOLOGY R. J. Martino and his older sister Roxanne didn’t expect that they would found a company together. They graduated from Bryant High School and attended college at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. R.J. got his degree in computer science and minored in business finance, and Roxanne majored in studio art with an emphasis in graphic design. While in school, they entered a business competition with their friend Matt Willis where they submitted a plan for what would later become their software development company, iProv LLC. They didn’t win, but they did start iProv in 2001. R.J., what are your responsibilities as president and CEO of iProv? Although I have a great title, my job really boils down to something quite simple. As a group, we create a plan of where we want the company to go, and then it’s my job to make decisions that help our organization get there quicker. I also manage and work on client projects, do administrative work and keep employees, clients and vendors updated on our progress. Roxanne, what advice do you have for peoplewho want to work in the technology industry? Really know your stuff, do good work, and be competent and reliable. That’s what turns jobs into careers. Read daily and keep up with the new stuff. Stay focused. As technology changes, altering your ideas and goals is fine, but abandoning them completely means possibly missing out on something fantastic. R.J., what do you think students should know before choosing career in technology? Be innovative. You don’t need millions of dollars; you could get started today. The skills taught in Arkansas are the same skills taught in Silicon Valley, the equipment is the same and you’re just as smart. What’s The pay: The national starting salary for employment in a technology field is about $42,000, though it varies depending on location. Try majoring in: Information science, computer science, information systems and security, computer programming, graphics and multimedia, network management, web development and medical technology. Why it’s hot: The industry continues to boom as new technological innovations become available to consumers.
HOSPITALITY Josh Gossage decided he wanted to be a park ranger when he was 6, a dream which eventually led him to Arkansas Tech University and a degree in parks and recreation. He worked at Lake Catherine State Park immediately after graduation in a seasonal job and then Delta Heritage Trail State Park. He has since returned to Lake Catherine. What is a normal day like as a park ranger? There is almost never a normal day in the park. One day you may be doing one thing, and another day you might be doing something different. My main responsibility is law enforcement. I enforce Arkansas state laws as well as park directives. I patrol the park, help guests and give directions, too. What do you like most about Lake Catherine? My favorite part is meeting people from all different places and seeing all the little kids have a great time. What advice do you have for students who want to work in your industry? Definitely try to work seasonally at a park while in high school so you have an idea of what the job will be like. Talk to people who have worked at parks for several years, too. That way you’ll really know what to expect. What’s the pay: Although you can start a hospitality career without any formal education, having a vocational or college degree can help you land a better-paying entry-level position. Try majoring in: Hospitality or administration management, human resources, leisure studies, marketing, professional sales, culinary arts, or travel or tourism management. Why it’s hot: Tourism is a big business in The Natural State. With lakes, rivers, parks, camping, lodges, hunting, fishing, historical attractions and festivals galore, Arkansas has lots to offer both visitors and residents. From the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock to the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, you’ll find lodging, interpretation and food services operations in practically every community in Arkansas.
EDUCATION After Jennifer Lasseter graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a degree in communications, she had no idea what she wanted to do with her life. As a child she dreamed of being a CEO of a large company, but after a lot of soul-searching Jennifer discovered a passion for education and a home at her alma mater, Mount St. Mary Academy. What are you responsible for as director of admissions? I help promote the Mount to families who have soon-to-be high school daughters. I also oversee the admissions process and cultivate relationships with enrolling students and families. I also coordinate programs that enhance the high school experience for our current students. How did your education prepare you for the job? My college education prepared me by teaching key communication skills, good time management skills and general professionalism. I strongly feel that my high school experience at MSM instilled in me many character-building qualities, which are valuable no matter where I go — qualities such as hospitality, compassion and respect for others. Is there anything else students should know if they’re considering a career in education? I think that everyone working in education feels that it is a rewarding job. No matter if you are in the classroom as a teacher or in an office as an administrator, everyone is there for the same reason — the students! What’s the pay: The average annual salary for teachers in Arkansas is in the mid-$30,000 range, although you won’t make that much at first. However, teachers usually receive great benefits. Try majoring in: A specific subject, or choose adult and continuing education, educational administration, elementary and early childhood education, gifted and talented education, secondary education, special education or speech education. Why it’s hot: Every state needs qualified teachers, and Arkansas is no exception. School districts in this area tend to have an increased need for math, science, special education and foreign-language teachers.
HEALTH CARE You don’t have to be a nurse or a doctor to work in health care — there are jobs in the financial and administrative sectors of health care, too, which is where Candice Miller found her niche. After growing up in Stuttgart, Candice attended the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to pursue a degree in international business. After working in an international sales position for a while, Candice decided that she needed a change and found a job at UAMS. What drew you to this job even though it was outside of your major? Health care, especially mental health, is such an interesting field. Even if you are working in an administrative health care role, you are still part of making sure those patients are the most important part of your job. How did your education prepare you for this job? In college you do a lot of research, whether that’s trying to find the answer to your question or studying. In my job, I don’t know everything but I research anything and everything I can to make sure I am the most efficient and, at the same time, come up with the most logical solution. What have you learned from this experience? Don’t be afraid to jump into something you are unfamiliar with. You can do so much more than you realize. Also, no matter what, finish college and get that degree! You will never regret earning it or the places it will take you. What’s the pay: One of the hottest jobs in health care right now is nursing. Nurses are in high demand in Arkansas and across the country. In 2006, registered nurses made an average of $51,330. Day shift nurses can earn about $22 an hour in a city the size of Little Rock, and night shift nurses can earn even more. Try majoring in: Biochemistry, biology, community health, dental hygiene, gerontological services, health care management, kinesiology, medical technology, nursing, physical education, physical therapy, rehabilitation, speech language pathology and audiology, or pre-medical, pre-dental or pre-pharmacy studies. Why it’s hot: The current shortage of nurses and other health care professionals such as pharmacists and anesthesiologists — combined with an aging population — has created significant growth in the health care industry.
AGRICULTURE Julie Townsend wasn’t exposed to agriculture in her hometown of Malvern until her older sister became involved with the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Through her sister, Townsend learned about the importance of the agriculture community and industry and eventually earned her bachelor’s degree in poultry science. What does your job as a food technologist in the research and development department involve? I work with food service national accounts, which includes restaurants and other food service establishments. They’ll contact Tyson requesting a new product or a change in an existing one. It’s my job to take that request and develop a product to fit customers’ needs. We test it small-scale in the Discovery Center, do some internal evaluations and then ship it to the customer. If they approve, I pick a plant that can produce the product. Some projects take a week, and others take months! What is a normal day like? There’s lots of communication involved because it takes so many people to make one thing. I also spend a lot of time working on new formulations for new products. What advice do you have for people who want to work in the agriculture industry one day? Do something you really enjoy and are passionate about, and take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. You’ll always meet people who can help you out later. What’s the pay: Agricultural and food science technicians with at least a master’s or doctorate can expect to start at $45,000. Food science graduates with a bachelor’s degree can expect an average of $33,000. Try majoring in: Agriculture business and production, agriculture sciences, agronomy and crop science, animal sciences, food sciences and technology, horticulture science, plant sciences, or poultry sciences. Why it’s hot: The agriculture and food science industry is a driving force in Arkansas’ economy, and it needs graduates who can contribute research and development of new products and improvements of others.
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