by C.J. Gustafson
BusinessSchools.com Contributing Writer
October 20, 2004
Seattle is built on seven hills situated between Puget Sound and freshwater
lakes to its east. It was founded by John Low, Lee Terry, and David Denny in
1851 and eventually named for Chief Seattle, the leader of the local Duwamish
and Suquamish Indian tribes. Incorporated in 1869, Seattle is the oldest and
largest city in King County. It has a total land area of 53,718 acres and a
population of 570,800 people based data from 2002. Seattle began as a lumber
town, played an important role in the Klondike Gold Rush and the U.S. war efforts,
and was integral in the birth of the computer information age. Home to Bill
Gate's Microsoft, Seattle has a reputation for being a place where anything
is possible. Business students are drawn to the area by the large number of
top employers, quality educational opportunities, and the desire to live in
a city of creative people who aren't afraid to take risks.
Business in Seattle
In addition to Microsoft, many other large companies are headquartered in Seattle. Prominent and innovative organizations such as Alaska Airlines, Amazon.com, AT&T Wireless, CostCo, Nintendo, Nordstroms and Starbucks all call the city home. Many of these companies were pioneers in their fields, and this sense of risk-taking and creativity draw thousands of business students, entrepreneurs, and others attracted by the possibilities the city has to offer. The presence of Microsoft seems to have established the region as a computer information mecca, with the highest number of Internet startups. Students pursuing e-commerce careers will find interesting opportunities in Seattle.
The Port of Seattle is one of the busiest in the world, and helps to facilitate
the international trade of the Puget Sound area (for example, Japan is a leading
trade partner for the region). The Port is the source of over 89,000 direct
jobs and over 500,000 more indirect and related employment opportunities.
In describing the city, the Greater Seattle Info Guide said "This is a place that balances big business and a healthy environment, sports and the arts, family and single-living, individualism and a deep sense of community pride. With quality schooling, affordable health care and a low incidence of crime, Seattle offers a life that balances favorable working and living conditions."
According to information provided by the Economic
Development Council of Seattle and King County, the services industry is
by far the largest industry sector in Seattle, employing 223,306 people. This
is significantly more than the next largest sector, government, which employs
87,290 people. Retail, wholesale/utilities, and manufacturing follow in the
top five sectors. Tourism is an important industry as well, with Seattle serving
both as a destination for millions of travelers and as a port of call for cruise
ships and other seafaring vessels navigating the coast.
Drawing on statistics from the 2001-2003 Central Puget Sound Major Employers
PinPointer Directory, the following is a list of the top five employers in the
area based on number of employees:
- The Boeing Company - 64,000 employees
- Port of Seattle - 11,225 employees
- Alaska Air Group Inc. - 11,150 employees
- Microsoft Corporation - 11,000 employees
- University of Washington - 10,000 employees
Other large employers in the area include Amazon.com, AT&T, Emeritas Corp.
and Westin Hotels and Resorts. Health care also is an important sector with
institutions such as the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Swedish Medical,
and Group Health providing over 20,000 jobs combined and offering numerous employment
opportunities for nursing and health care administrators.
Educational Opportunities
Seattle is the second most highly educated city in the country, with 24.6% of
the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher.  The Seattle area offers
numerous educational choices for business students. Argosy University - Seattle, Seattle University Albers School of Business and Economics, and the University
of Washington Business School are some of the choices available for business
students interested in Accounting degrees, Economics degrees, Marketing degrees, Public Relations degrees,
and E-commerce degrees. At these schools, students can also prepare for management
careers and administration careers in fields such as nursing, health care, and
criminal justice. Several of the schools offer MBA programs as well.
Nicknamed the Emerald City, Seattle is known for airplanes and computers,
grunge rock, and espresso. Its reputation for innovation and risk-taking has
led to the creation of companies and entire industries that have completely
changed the way the world does business. Those students who like to be on the
cutting edge of new technology, business ideas, and approaches to life will find
much to like about Seattle. Click here to see the Top 10 Reasons to Go to School or College in Seattle.
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