Questions about jobs in the Columbia area (Greenville, Scranton: employment, colleges)

[Jackie2008]

Hi everybody,

I haven't been on the Columbia forum since February. I'm back and I really need some help. I talked about moving in Feb. from the Scranton, PA area to the Columbia area and I'm still pretty serious about it. I currently work as a news director/anchor/reporter/personality (not being cocky - it's a small area) for a group of radio stations. I have a Bachelor's in Mass Communications/Radio/TV, with a Minor in History. I have been at the same place of employment for almost 6 years. Would love to continue in that medium or tv, but with the way things are changing in those fields, I don't know if that would be feasible. I have already checked out the radio/tv stations websites in the area. I'm seriously considering changing careers and going into public relations/corporate communications. Two questions: would I have a tough time finding a job in the Columbia area with my background? The second question: Has anyone heard of any good places to work when it comes to PR jobs? I visited last year and really like the area. Big plus also: no snow and no high oil bills Thanks everyone! I REALLY appreciate the help. I'm so ready to make a change in my life for the better!

[waccamatt]

There are several ad agencies based in Columbia, the largest being the Chernoff Newman agency. There are also 7 TV stations based in the Columbia area and a number of radio stations. Also remember that there are marketing opportunities within state government, at USC, the other colleges in the area and at the area hospitals, too. The State is the daily newspaper and there are a number of weeklies, including Free Times, The Columbia City Paper and the Star Reporter. Would you have a tough time finding a job? I don't know. The unemployment rate here is a little below the national average right now, but I don't know a lot about your specific field.

[Jackie2008]

Thanks Matt, for giving me a few ideas that I didn't think of before. (I was hoping you'd respond; you seem extremely knowledgable about the area; I have you're webpage saved under my favorites - great info there). I've been on the tv/radio websites and some of the state's jobs. I want a job that I can continue to grow in and be relatively stable (like everyone else) and pay a living wage. There aren't many jobs "up here" like that. Even if I had to commute (my commute now is 40-45 minutes), I'd be ok with that too. It was surprising to see a comment from a resident from the Greenville area on one of our local paper's websites re: jobs in the Greenville area (he was responding to the groundbreaking of a business park in the area) until I noticed that he used to live here. He mentioned that BMW and various other companies have really added to that area. Everything around here is all talk and waiting for improvement takes decades. The area business leaders get excited when the mention of a new distribution center is coming in - $8-12/hr. Sorry, getting off topic. Anyway, it seems like Columbia is a growing area with a lot going for it and has a relatively low cost of living. I'd love to be a part of it!