good companies to work for

[fastninja500]

At my office, I've made some new friends who are highly skilled (IT) yet non-college degree folks hired locally and the salary range is between $80 to $100K plus benefits and bonuses, depending on experience.

In a major city, they would have a very slim chance of being called for an interview without a college degree. So Jacksonville matches up favorably, from that perspective.

For folks with college degrees, the salary "might" be be slightly lower, but is more than made up for by the no state income tax thingy.

And if you were hired up north, at northern rates, and relocated to Jax,... well,... that's like getting a raise just for moving to Jax. You probably even got paid the relo package to boot.

Not to mention all the free corporate training you can wrap your head around. And for the highly motivated individuals, there are tuition reimbursement programs for your college, MBA or PHD.

All that and this fabulous weather too?! At much lower stress-levels?! I tell you, what's not to like .... Jacksonville ain't looking too shabby at all!

By the way, while there are a lot of call centers around (which is good), there are actual banking and brokerage operations at our campus. We're a 24/7/365 operation, supporting the overseas markets as well. You drive by our campus at 3 am in the morning and there's a bunch of cars parked there cause somewhere in the world, a stock market is open. So the foreign desk has to be open as well.

[Magnolia Bloom]

Originally Posted by fastninja500

At my office, I've made some new friends who are highly skilled (IT) yet non-college degree folks hired locally and the salary range is between $80 to $100K plus benefits and bonuses, depending on experience.

In a major city, they would have a very slim chance of being called for an interview without a college degree. So Jacksonville matches up favorably, from that perspective.

I think a big part of the the rest of the story here is this-

Old-time Jacksonville tends to hire the home grown over "outsiders" when possible. Jacksonville has retained many qualities of the small town south that are charming and attract folks to this area. But in this case, it is one of the negative aspects of the small-town south that Jacksonville has retained.

We see it within city government, the school system, nonprofits, locally-owned businesses. There is a resistance to change. It is considered a threat or criticism of the status quo, rather than an opportunity to complement the workforce.

In addition to this mindset, there is also the "buddy sytem". Although not unique to Jacksonville, the level of education here is so much lower than in other areas that the "buddys" that get hired tend to be less well-educated.

I think we are reaching a tipping point, though, with the influx of outside corporations relocating here.

[jo1654]

thanks for all the advice! i'll have to start researching some of those companies.

[jaxalamalakum]

I have my own question to add, what's the market like for professions in the physical therapy field? (therapy, sports medicine, etc.)

[gradco2004]

Originally Posted by martysenior08

I have my own question to add, what's the market like for professions in the physical therapy field? (therapy, sports medicine, etc.)

As wide as an L.A. freeway... medicine is big here. No shortage for positions in sight.

[jaxalamalakum]

All right good. Physical therapy is starting to look rather appealing.

[jwolfer]

Originally Posted by martysenior08

All right good. Physical therapy is starting to look rather appealing.

IN 2010 as I understand it Florida will require PTs to have a Doctor of PT. UNF is offering a program but it is very competitive.

[jwolfer]

Originally Posted by gradco2004

There may be a lot of call center jobs here, but I don't see that as a negative. Compared to New Orleans, my former home, there were NO OPPORTUNITIES for people without a college education. At least those who are in the process of bettering themselves have a chance at a liveable wage. So many other cities need the opportunities that Jax has. The reality is that not that many people go to college... or even finish for that matter. They still need to live too.

I worked for a AT&T Universal Card/Citi cards here in Jax for over 5 years before I had a degree. The pay was good , tuition reimbursement etc. But the job can be a trap. You make decent money but with out the education not much else you can do. But it can be a foot in the door if you have or get the credentials. I have friends that stayed with citibank and did well and others who are still on the phone because they never completed school. But as with any large company you never knwo what the next merger will bring

[gradco2004]

Originally Posted by jwolfer

But as with any large company you never knwo what the next merger will bring

You got that right. I work for Wachovia, and we are merging all the time (Golden West, A.G. Edwards, SouthTrust). You really have to be on your game with education when working with large companies. With every merger comes competition & the need to outsource. Be very aware of this if you plan on working in the banking industry. It is a sad, but true reality. On the plus, if you are willing to relocate to India for a minimum commitment of 5 years, you can earn $135K plus a $50K/year bonus. Go figure!

[JAXDAW]

Have you considered becoming a Bank Examiner for the Federal Government? Check out Treas.occ.gov.