Colleges in New York

Career Opportunities in New York: What's Right for You?

Still Looking for a Perfect Job? You Might Need a Degree
In the state of New York you have an endless variety in career paths to choose from, regardless of whether you are in Buffalo or New York City. Whether you're interested in becoming a paralegal, dental assistant, or head chef in a fancy restaurant, New York has it all. However, the ideal job for you may require more than a high school diploma to get started -- you might need a college degree.

Competition is Heating Up
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 1994 and 2006 the number of college graduates went from 37 million to 54 million. To top it off, those with a degree earned over 60% more in 2005 than those who only had a high school diploma. If you've been having difficulty landing the job you want, it could be due to not having a degree -- or not having the right degree. Many jobs require a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions, while others may require only an associate's degree. Some vocations, such as being an auto mechanic, don't require a degree, but earning certification in a mechanic's program could mean that you get the job and beat your competition.

Finding the Right Job
Not sure which is the right job for you? Consider your personal interests and then make a link to a corresponding profession. If you like working with children then perhaps earning a teaching degree is the answer. If you like helping people and want a job where every day is different, then perhaps you might be happy as a paramedic. Consider what you like doing in your time off and use that as a launching point. Then find a college program that will, upon completion, help you meet the qualifications to get into the workplace.

New York at a Glance:

Regardless of what you want to study, there are colleges and universities in New York that will fit your needs. There are certification and training programs for every discipline under the sun. Not only can NY schools train you to become a businessperson or dentist, but they will also teach you how to become a farmer, an actor, or even a beekeeper. And should you decide to live in Manhattan, the list of potential programs skyrockets. Until you see it for yourself, nothing can prepare you for the sheer diversity that typifies the Big Apple.

According to the US Census Bureau, as of 2004, New York was the third largest state in population after California and Texas. It is the 27th largest state.

New York State is an agricultural leader, ranking within the top five states for a number of products including dairy, apples, cherries, cabbage, potatoes, onions, maple syrup and many other products. Its industrial outputs are printing and publishing, scientific instruments, electric equipment, machinery, chemical products, and tourism.

New York City dominates the economy of the state. It is the leading center of banking, finance and communication in the United States and is the location of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Wall Street, Manhattan. The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that in 2003, the total gross state product was $822 billion, second only to California.

While best known for Manhattan's skyscrapers, the rest of the state is dominated by farms, forests, rivers, mountains, and lakes. Few people know that New York's Adirondack State Park is larger than any National Park in the US. Niagara Falls, on the Niagara River as it flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario is a popular attraction; the best view is from the Canadian side.