by Doug Schmitt
BusinessSchools.com Staff Writer
September 27, 2006
Situated in the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas has been known historically for an economy centered on tourism and gaming; it is even referred to as "The Gaming Capital of the World". Today, its economy is strong and diversified, having added manufacturing, high technology, construction, and financial services to the mix. In addition to a strong economy, the city offers recreation through “the Strip” and also caters to nature-buffs with nearby Red Rock Canyon, Mt. Charleston, and Lake Mead. Las Vegas is considered to be one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., its metropolitan area having more than 1.6 million residents. That trend is not expected to cease anytime soon.
Employment and Internships
The Las Vegas economy may have a large focus on gaming and tourism but that is only one aspect. Business and Financial industries thrive in the region due to the large influx of money thanks to gaming and tourism. Twenty-three different financial institutions as well as several savings & loans and credit unions have operations in the city, providing internship and employment opportunities for students and graduates. Las Vegas Employers include Bank of America, Washington Mutual, and Wells Fargo.
According to the Nevada Workforce Informer, the job outlook for those in business, management, and finance in Las Vegas looks outstanding through 2012. Business and Financial Occupations as a whole will experience and explosion of 55.6% additional job opportunities. Likewise, Management occupations will experience a whopping 50.2% increase in job opportunities. These numbers are good news for business students, showing that there will be no shortage of jobs in the Las Vegas area anytime soon.
Education
Similar to the employment situation in Las Vegas, students will find no shortage of educational opportunities in the region. The University of Nevada – Las Vegas (UNLV), College of Business offers students undergraduate and graduate level degree programs. Areas of study include Accounting, Banking, Business Administration, Hotel & Restaurant Administration, Insurance, Marketing, and Real Estate.
Another option is Las Vegas College, offering students degree in a number of specialties including accounting and business. The Community College of Southern Nevada Division of Business, Industry and Public Services offers programs degree and certificate programs to students in Accounting, Business Management, Casino Management, Marketing, and Merchandising/Retail in addition to other specialties. Additionally, the University of Phoenix – Las Vegas Campus offers students degrees in specialties including Criminal Justice Administration, E-Commerce, Human Resource Management, and Project Management.
Financial Aid
Business students have a variety of options for financial aid in Las Vegas. Scholarships, the most traditional form of financial aid, are available to students on private and institutional levels. The Millennium Scholarship http://nevadatreasurer.gov/millennium/, offered by the Nevada State Treasurers office, awards eligible Nevada residents up to $10,000 in funding. Additionally, UNLV awards ‘in-house' scholarships to students every year based on financial need and other criteria.
The Ronald McDonald House of Las Vegas offers scholarships as well. Providing four individual scholarships programs for Nevada high school seniors, recipients have received in excess of $290,000 overall.
Additionally, tuition assistance programs, grants, loans, and work study are forms of aid offered on the institutional and government levels. For example, CCSN offers aid opportunities which students will be considered for once they have completed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Summary
Las Vegas offers business students never-ending entertainment and recreational activities in addition to an outstanding occupational outlook and a booming economy. When combined with the city's numerous educational and employment opportunities, it's easy to see why Las Vegas is a prime place for business students to receive an education.
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