Despite the prevalence of the lumber industry, Oregon
college students are finding diverse career opportunities in the "Beaver
State." Working professionals are now heading back to school in order to secure
promotions and find more satisfying occupations in Oregon. Colleges and
universities are making it easier than ever before to maintain work and personal
responsibilities while earning a college degree
in Oregon.
Graduates of Oregon Colleges and Universities find Employment with
Prominent Oregon Businesses
Recent decades have seen a decrease in the lumber industry and an increase in the
computer and electronic industries of Oregon. Oregon
college graduates working in the technology industry are sometimes said
to now be working in the "Silicon Forest." Printing, publishing, and tourism
provide additional employment opportunities in Oregon. Some of Oregon's most
prominent employers include:1, 2
- Intel, Oregon's largest private employer.
- Genentech located in Hillsboro, OR.
- Nike headquartered in Beaverton, OR.
- Graphic Arts Center Publishing headquartered in Portland, OR.
- Harry and David Operations Corporation headquartered in Medford,
OR.
Expanding Population Ignites a Growing Economy for Oregon University
Students
Oregon's state population has increased 20.4% since the 2000 census. Tourism
continues to grow as well to locations, such as the Oregon Caves National
Monument and Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks. The most
recent economic statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Census
Bureau reveal:2, 3, 4
- The 2005 Oregon gross state product was $145.35 billion.
- The September, 2006 Oregon unemployment rate was 5.4%.
- 1,790,500 people are employed in Oregon.
- The 2004 – 2005 Oregon median household income was $43,262, only $3,000
behind the national average.
Oregon Colleges and Universities Now Offering Flexible Programs for
Working Professionals
Thanks to advanced technology, Oregon college students now have the option of
attending campus-based degree programs or online degree
programs. Flexible combinations of campus-based and online education are
available through Oregon
schools, such as:
For an extensive list of Oregon colleges
and universities, students are encouraged to explore Dynasty Education,
the leading education and career resource website. Prospective students will
also find links to informative articles about making education and career
decisions in the state of Oregon.
Melissa Garvey
Dynasty Education Staff Writer
November 20, 2006
References:
1. Pearson Education. (2000 – 2006). Oregon, The Columbia Electronic
Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 19, 2006 from,
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/us/A0836814.html.
2. Wikipedia. (last modified November 19, 2006). Oregon. Retrieved November
19, 2006 from, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2006). Oregon
Economy at a Glance. Retrieved November 19, 2006 from,
http://stats.bls.gov/eag/eag.OR.htm.
4. U.S. Census Bureau. (last modified August 29, 2006). Two-Year-Average
Median Household Income by State: 2003 – 2005. Retrieved November 8, 2006, from
http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/income05/statemhi2.html.
