LF new Job and don't know where to start! (Jacksonville: insurance, employment)

[Diamonion]

Greetings All!

This is my first post in this forum, but I hope to get some responses. I moved to Jacksonville about year and half ago because I took a job in the insurance industry. So, to make a long story short, due to my hours at work, I have yet to make any real contacts beyond my current job.

My question is: what are the major industries here in Jax? What industries are flooded and what industries are worth investigation? My goal, at this time, is to move beyond the insurance industry unless a much better opportunity with another company crops up.

A much more specifically question is: does anyone know if any small businesses or even corperations are hiring? I am very flexible and willing to step out of my comfort zone. I have tried the internet/newpaper thing and that was a waste of time.

Any help with these questions will be much appriecated. Thanks!

[Lost in Jax]

Originally Posted by Diamonion

Greetings All!

This is my first post in this forum, but I hope to get some responses. I moved to Jacksonville about year and half ago because I took a job in the insurance industry. So, to make a long story short, due to my hours at work, I have yet to make any real contacts beyond my current job.

My question is: what are the major industries here in Jax? What industries are flooded and what industries are worth investigation? My goal, at this time, is to move beyond the insurance industry unless a much better opportunity with another company crops up.

A much more specifically question is: does anyone know if any small businesses or even corperations are hiring? I am very flexible and willing to step out of my comfort zone. I have tried the internet/newpaper thing and that was a waste of time.

Any help with these questions will be much appriecated. Thanks!

Dia --

I'm pretty much in the same boat. Maybe someone could shed some light on this topic?

[crash330]

You need to get involved in professional and civiv organizations: Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Toastmasters etc. Find a group that supports a charity you'd like to be involved in. THis is the best way to network and meet people from lots of different industries. If there's a company you're interested in working for, seek out someone from that company at an event. Read the Business Journal and the Florida Times-Union. Read Jacksonville Magazine and the First Coast Register. Find out who's moving in this community. You're never going to get connected by staying in your cubicle.

Hope this helps!

[mawipafl]

I like reading the Jacksonville Magazine. The August issue (readable online) had the annual Charity Register -- lots of organizations you could join and volunteer (thus you could meet folks from all walks of life depending on your interests.)

Here's the link ...
Jacksonville Magazine Online

[cellson]

I know that the logistics companies here are doing well...also I saw on Daily Bulletin Board today that the IRS is hiring people who are bi-lingual. Best of luck to you!

[cellson]

Originally Posted by mawipafl

I like reading the Jacksonville Magazine. The August issue (readable online) had the annual Charity Register -- lots of organizations you could join and volunteer (thus you could meet folks from all walks of life depending on your interests.)

Here's the link ...
Jacksonville Magazine Online

Don't you just love that magazine? And Jax Mag came out with a new one too in January...904. You can see it on line at the same web site. It's a B2B magazine, it might have some helpful info too

[riveree]

Scroll down to the employment section on this link to give you an idea of the major industries in Jax:

http://www.city-data.com/city/Jacksonville-Florida.html

Insurance is one of our bigger industries. Also finance/banking, transportation, health care. Good luck in your career change .

[SeekerNJax]

I agree with crash...the more you get involved in the community the bigger your circle gets. Jacksonville is a big city but the circles of commuities are small and they can provide a huge help in locating new employment interests. Become a member of LinkedIn and start to network that way as well. The Jacksonville Business Journal is also a good way to stay up on whats going on in local businesses. Riveree is spot on for major industries here. Good luck with your search.