Jobs in Portland, Oregon area? (job market, theater, school)

[mommy1970]

Im in school in Oklahoma. Will be graduated in 3 years or less with a BA in Sociology. I absolutely detest this state not to mention there are no jobs. I love the culture, climate Washington & Oregon both have to offer. But, what are the opportunities available in my market?

[hamellr]

Originally Posted by mommy1970

Im in school in Oklahoma. Will be graduated in 3 years or less with a BA in Sociology. I absolutely detest this state not to mention there are no jobs. I love the culture, climate Washington & Oregon both have to offer. But, what are the opportunities available in my market?

My wife has dual degrees, one of which is Sociology. She went to 40+ interviews before giving up as everyone wanted tons of experience even for what were low paying entry level ($28k) jobs.

This was before the economy went bad. A degree of any kind looks good on the resume for, but don't expect to be working in that industry here in Oregon. If you do, it's going to be for a State or local government as they're the only ones who even need people with those types of degrees.

[karlsch]

Originally Posted by mommy1970

Im in school in Oklahoma. Will be graduated in 3 years or less with a BA in Sociology..........But, what are the opportunities available in my market?

People with sociology degrees end up stocking shelves in big box stores while waiting for that barista position to open up at Starbucks.

Change your major before it's too late.

[Urbanlover85]

You should do some research. Portland (and Oregons) job market is dreadful. And Sociology majors are statistically the lowest paid of all majors. Goooooood luck.

[AztoORegon]

What degree would you suggest? I am finishing up my Human Resource Managment ( BSB/HRM degree) and have 5 years works experience. I have found numerious jobs online on many diffrent sites, but I wanted to get the " Local" perspective.

[BLAZER PROPHET]

The state hires a lot of people for DHS (Dept of Human Services). Those potential openings can be found on the state employment dept website- State of Oregon: Employment Department

[Nell Plotts]

I haven't look at HR jobs for years so am reflecting my experience as a retired HR Specialist.

Take and pass the SHRM exam, having the certificate helps a lot. If there are local, experienced, HR folks with a good reputation you will still be at a disadvantage.

If you have the aptitude focus on compensation, compensation specialists do well but keep in mind that it is an internal frying pan.. managers want to pay more than the data supports because this particular recruit is special. The minus is that the universe of employers who have Compensation Specialists in Portland is small [a corporate position].

[Smiled]

Sociology...

Good for pre-law. Good for a MSW. Probably good for writing and marketing - if you're a skilled writer.
Tougher for research. The State pay is about even with the private sector but a chunk of that is in deferred comp - the actual salaries are 10-15% lower.

If you're OK with not making a lot, and free-lancing, and you're really good, Portland has a fairly good-sized advertising/marketing/research community, with quite a few software startups. I'd say that if you would like to move here and be successful, keep a very open mind about what sort of work you might do.

[Nell Plotts]

MSW is a diploma with the lowest return on investment that I can think of. A Master's in Theater Arts would probably do better.

[Minervah]

The medical field seems to be doing okay. A nursing degree will probably get you a job.