Parkersburg Area - Employment

[jrb1012]

It doesn't look like anybody answered your question though. I don't have a lot of information but I do know that a company called 'Professional Services of America' handles applications and hiring for DuPont. They may know who handles the other plants in town if they don't. I will tell you though that DuPont hasn't done much hiring at all for the past several years and I don't really think there are any plans of doing so in the near future. I'm not sure about the other plants in town. One thing about Wood County...there are plenty of chemical plants (and the chemical pollution that goes along with them...I'm having a horrible sinus day today...). I think you'll find that Parkersburg and the surrounding areas will be disappointing if you've got your mind set on finding a good job and being financially stable. But, having said that...good luck to you!

[Two-Rivers]

You can't push a broom or clean a toilet in a power plant without some college. A degree in underwater basket weaving is preferred over 20 years experience. Walk in without college and your resume hits the trash can.

Of course having the highest degree, from the finest school, won't get you in ahead of legacy hirings.

With the high number of major plant closings in this area over the past 15-20 years, competition for gainful employment is fierce. I would wager that DuPont is on it's way to China.

[gopherit]

You mentioned teaching. If this is something you wish to pursue, you may want to call various area dept. of education here. They can give you some guidance on what you would need to be eligible for teaching roles in their area. As a back-up to at least see if this is something you want to do, you could also get registered for substitute teaching. Try both the WV area as well as neighboring Belpre / Marietta Ohio. And don't forget the private schools, like Parkersburg Catholic.

Sadly, a bachelor's degree today in biochemistry is going to put a very real ceiling over your head. Yes, you have a college degree, but without the advanced learning necessary to do reasearch level work, you will likely be looking at either (a) working as a lab tech (medical, industrial) or (b) doing a job that is non-science related. It may be necessary to hone your knowledge to a "career advantage" - such as getting that teaching capability, or getting additional training in a particular skill in the medical fields, or use your college degree as a stepping stone to something entirely different. Public Debt (US Gov't), for example, is a huge business here too - how much math did you take in school? Computer skills? COuld you take a few business or accounting classes? Obviously I'm just tossing out ideas here - just trying to show that you may need to think outside the box a bit and explore what you really like to do / do well.

I do not believe this area is the "dead zone" as some nay-sayers have elected to post. I believe there are jobs out there for those who have the ability to grow. Yes, it is an area largely driven by the chemicals industry, but you don't have to necessarily be a part of them to find work. nor are they "all bad" and not worth trying. For example, are you interested in environmental work? There are several contract labs in the area that serve the various industries. Likewise, as someone noted, there are contract groups that do work internal to these corporations. Working contract for a while might get your foot in the door enough to let you know if this is the type job / work environment you want, without making a huge commitment. Often, when openings DO come up in these companies, then the person who has been doing the job on contract is considered for hire.

Whatever you do - good luck to you!