by Doug Schmitt
BusinessSchools.com Staff Writer
September 27, 2006
Located near the Pacific Ocean and having 70 miles of beautiful beaches, San Diego has a population of 1.3 million. In the past, the city's economy was known largely in part for national defense and aerospace. At the conclusion of the Cold War era, its economy diversified and today is a hub for biotechnology and telecommunications. Additionally, San Diego has a culturally diverse atmosphere which hosts a plethora of recreational activities. Countless gardens, galleries, museums, and theaters present themselves along side attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, providing enjoyment for people of all ages.
Employment and Internships
With a strong economy and low unemployment rate, San Diego is labeled as a “center for innovation”. The technology industry creates economic wealth which spurs business and creates new opportunities for students and graduates. Internship and employment opportunities can be found with many firms in the region. Major employers in San Diego include Nokia, Ernst & Young, KPMG, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Sempra Energy, Qualcomm Inc., Pfizer, and Sanyo.
The outlook for business and related occupations in San Diego is outstanding through 2012 according to the Economic Development Department of the State of California. Business and financial occupations will experience 25.7% new jobs, with business operations specialists gaining 26.2% more jobs; financial specialists will have 24.6% new opportunities. Additionally, management occupations will see 22.9% more job opportunities, with general and operations managers experiencing 20.9% new jobs; human resources managers' will experience 23.1% additional job opportunities.
Education
Educational opportunities are plentiful in San Diego. Business students will find themselves presented with many options, one being the University of San Diego School of Business Administration. Offering undergraduate and Masters programs in addition to joint degree programs, some areas of study include Advertising, Business Administration, Business Law, Engineering and Technology Management, and Entrepreneurial Studies in addition to a host of others.
The San Diego State University College of Business Administration features academic departments including accounting, information systems, management, and marketing. Programs offered are entrepreneurship, hospitality and tourism management, real estate, executive financial planner, and sports business management. Additionally, California College San Diego caters to working students, offering a Fast Track program with programs such as Business Management, E-Commerce, and Health Care Administration.
Financial Aid
Financial aid opportunities, just as educational opportunities, are numerous in San Diego. A variety of scholarships, grants, and loans are available to students. The Perkins Loan and Pell Grants are two examples of aid which can generally be applied for by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online or by visiting the school financial aid office.
Students will find many scholarships available from private and institutional sources.
The University of California – San Diego has an Undergraduate Scholarship Office, which presents students with several scholarships. Entering freshmen can apply for financial need scholarships by completing a FAFSA; eligible students may receive awards ranging from $500 to $5000 per year.
More scholarship resources may be found at the San Diego Foundation.
Summary
San Diego is a culturally diverse city with a booming economy. Its abundance of educational resources and employment opportunities provide a good environment for students and graduates alike, making San Diego an opportune place to pursue an education.
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