The Texas Coast is one of the most thriving areas in the United States, and opportunities abound for Houston employment. With everything Houston has to offer, it is the perfect place to begin the next chapter in your life. As the energy industry continues to grow and change, the city of Houston continues to move forward, even in an uncertain economy. There are many resources available for those looking for Houston employment.
Opportunities in the Houston Area
Houston employment is as diverse as the people themselves. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, professional and business services, retail trade, and government make up the largest percentages of jobs in the Houston area. However, there are over 15 other industries highly represented in the Houston market, including healthcare, the arts, manufacturing, and retail trade. In fact, as of March 2008, Houston employment had more jobs than Colorado, Alabama, or Louisiana.
Opportunity Houston projects that many Houston employment opportunities will increase by the year 2012, with professional occupations increasing by 28%, service occupations increasing by 27%, and management, business, and financial occupations increasing by around 20%.
Energy has long been one of the major industries for Houston employment, and it continues to thrive in the Houston market. Many of the nation’s oil and gas production companies are headquartered in Houston, including Citgo and Conoco Phillips. The Texas Gulf Coast is an exceptional natural resource for petroleum products, attracting energy companies to the region. From specialized field workers to office personnel to cleaning and service workers, the oil and gas industries continue to be large employers of Houstonites.
The technology industry, especially aerospace, is thriving in Houston. With NASA’s Johnson Space Center in the area, highly qualified technology personnel is attracted from across the country. Lockheed Martin and Boeing are aerospace companies with large expansions in the Houston area. In fact, Lockheed Martin has been contracted by NASA to build Orion, the newest American space exploration vehicle. Some of Orion’s construction will be completed in the Houston area, further earning its nickname of “Space City.”
Employment Resources
Because Houston is home to so many major corporations, highly specialized professionals searching for Houston employment should consider using internationally available employment sites such as monster.com or careerbuilder.com. If working for a particular company is your goal, you should also consider visiting that company’s web site and contacting their human resources or personnel division. For example, Lockheed Martin has a specialized web site for job seekers, www.lockheedmartincareers.com, and you can even sign up for their career updates based on your job qualifications.
Healthcare workers can find Houston employment opportunities by contacting specific hospitals and clinics in the area. Memorial Hermann Hospital is the largest Texas hospital system and has several locations throughout the Houston area. Other health care systems to consider are St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Houston employment also offers many opportunities for service workers, and simply visiting local employment placement agencies may be the best way to find a job. Many companies contract the hiring of their blue collar personnel to employment agencies, so making sure your application and resume is up-to-date with every possible agency will expedite your job search. The Houston Chronicle is the area’s local newspaper, and it is also a good resource for jobs available in the Houston area.
Living in Houston
Housing in Houston is quite affordable compared to other areas of the country. According to www.city-data.com, the cost of living in the Houston area is approximately 12% lower than other cities. The greater Houston area offers even more housing opportunities with communities like Katy, Conroe, and The Woodlands within driving distance of the city proper. If you are seeking Houston employment, it is helpful to know that townhouses, condos, apartments, and single-family dwellings are all available in Houston and the surrounding communities.
The Houston area provides unparalleled activities for people with all tastes and interests. The city is home to over ninety movie theaters, so wherever you choose to live or work there is a movie close by. If you enjoy more sophisticated entertainment, you’ll appreciate the city of Houston’s art collection which consists of public art placed around the city. Pieces are located practically everywhere, including the Bush Intercontinental Airport, various places downtown, and at the Houston Zoo. Additionally, the Houston Theater District offers many performances around town, and theater lovers can always find a show to see. From movies to museums, there’s always something to see and do in Houston.
Houston is also home of the Metro public transportation system. Metro’s bus system has local, airport, and park and ride options available. The park and ride service is convenient for those with long commutes, as riders can park at a stop near their home and then have a productive ride to and from work each day without the hassles of traffic. The METRORail is a convenient service for downtown Houston, covering 7.5 miles of the city, including the Texas Medical Center, Central Business District, and Reliant Center. The rail provides an affordable alternative to the difficulty of finding parking in Houston’s busiest areas.
It is obvious that Houston is a city bustling with fun and convenience. If you’re searching for Houston employment, consider visiting employment and human resources sites for specific companies. The Gulf Coast region is abundant with opportunities in the medical, aeronautics, and energy fields, and with a low cost of living, Houston is the place to be. When you’re searching for Houston employment, you know you’re looking in one of the most sought-after regions of the country.
