A question about careers in alaska. (Anchorage, Fairbanks: job market, luxury, high school) - (AK) - City-Data Forum

CE101 · 03-23-2009, 03:34 PM

Hey, all. I just found this site and it looks really informative. Anyways, my plan is to move to alaska after college. Or maybe even in the middle of college just really all depends. However, I love to do stuff outdoors, like 4 wheeling in the summer, snowmobiling,snowboarding, etc.. things that cost well money. I also am big into horses. So I guess to get to the point, Im going to need to job able to fund my lifestyle.

SO I was wondering what sort of jobs do well, (im not looking to be rolling in the doe just have enough that I can fund the lifestyle I want to have.)
Im a girl too,so really no hard labor (due to health issues.)

Ive been looking into either going into teaching,or advertising (like more creative advertising)? Or something along those lines.
So I know teaching doesnt make a lot. You just have all the benefits of summer off and breaks off..
I mainly want to know about adverstising how that does up there. And also what other jobs pay well up there.

Thanks for all your help in advance.

Barkingowl · 03-23-2009, 04:00 PM

The TSA is currently hiring at Ted Stevens if you can handle working with the public.

CE101 · 03-23-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barkingowl

The TSA is currently hiring at Ted Stevens if you can handle working with the public.

Well see I was thinking more a few years down the road. Like in general what is it like. Im just graduating highschool this year, so yeah.

Alex2009 · 03-24-2009, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CE101

Hey, all. I just found this site and it looks really informative. Anyways, my plan is to move to alaska after college. Or maybe even in the middle of college just really all depends. However, I love to do stuff outdoors, like 4 wheeling in the summer, snowmobiling,snowboarding, etc.. things that cost well money. I also am big into horses. So I guess to get to the point, Im going to need to job able to fund my lifestyle.

SO I was wondering what sort of jobs do well, (im not looking to be rolling in the doe just have enough that I can fund the lifestyle I want to have.)
Im a girl too,so really no hard labor (due to health issues.)

Ive been looking into either going into teaching,or advertising (like more creative advertising)? Or something along those lines.
So I know teaching doesnt make a lot. You just have all the benefits of summer off and breaks off..
I mainly want to know about adverstising how that does up there. And also what other jobs pay well up there.

Thanks for all your help in advance.

Well it depends what you consider a lot. I think teachers make good money in AK,NJ and CT. 40+. I'm guessing you're working on your BA? If you get a teaching job up in Alaska you could work on your Master's while teaching(if you live close to a college). Don't be a teacher unless you really want to be a teacher though. gl.

Alaska Teacher Salary - Salary Information in Alaska

edit: just read you're graduating high school this years......woooooooops

DoriKate · 03-24-2009, 06:19 AM

*Just a note* keep in mind a lot of teachers don't actually get the luxury of 'summers off'. It sounds like fun times, but in the real world that means 3 unemployed months.
All of my clients who are teachers have to pick up work in the summer, not to say though that ALL teachers have to.
Depending on your situation you might well be able to swing summers
(F)unemployed.

Good Luck!

akpls · 03-24-2009, 10:18 AM

Most of the health related job are "critically shorthanded." I've been told that out of the top 15 shorthanded careers in the state 10 are in a health field.

Alex2009 · 03-24-2009, 01:01 PM

Yes, I'm going into nursing- can't wait - will be a nurse in AK soon enough. I suggest nursing

- if you like that kind of thing.

CE101 · 03-24-2009, 01:34 PM

Thanks all for your advice. I really am considering adversting(maybe) or eduaction or health care.. I have a few things in mind health care wise. Im not sure if I could be a nurse but maybe.. We will see. Thanks everyone againg = )

kittymama · 03-24-2009, 06:39 PM

If you're going to get into teaching, you will probably have to teach in the bush before getting a good job in town - depending on what you teach. Yes, the bush pays extremely well, but you are not usually connected by roads anywhere. It is harder to get a teaching job in Anchorage or Fairbanks. As for advertising, there are not a whole lot of jobs in that up here. This is not a hot spot for that. There are some smaller agencies, but not a lot. Most of the jobs that pay well and are the reason why people move to Alaska are in the oil, timber, or mining industries. Those jobs pay EXTREMELY well and usually involve shift work.

NorthWord · 03-25-2009, 05:39 PM

Teaching's a bit of a dead-end right now unless you've got some connections, or may benefit from an affirmative-action style appointment. Lots of school for very little benefit if you ask me. My wife's a teacher, so I get reminded of the cost of education every month.

The trades do well up here, equipment operators, drivers, technicians, etc. If you care to go the Union route, you can sign up for some quality training and eventual job placement.
One of our apprentices (IBEW) can make about $20 an hour, more or less right out of high school. I make @ $37 an hour with good benefits.

For a high schooler, I'd strongly advise taking the vocational route and getting into the job market early. I have a degree (engineering) that I don't use, and frankly, I never had the desire to "work my way up to a cubicle".

Just something to think about. We're always building something or tearing something down.