Though South Carolina employment might have taken a hit with the struggling economy, there are still some of the most wonderful and unique opportunities on earth available to those who come to work in the state. Smiling faces and beautiful places are abounding, so it’s no wonder that the phrase has turned into a state motto of sorts. With beautiful beaches lining one side of the state and wonderful mountains taking up the other side, one might guess that tourism is a big deal in South Carolina. That is true, but it’s not the only thing going on there. South Carolina is changing and it is starting to become a place where there is an industry for pretty much everyone. From the kings of industry to the up and comers in business, South Carolina employment is improving in more ways than just one.
South Carolina unemployment
South Carolina unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) increased from October 2008 to October 2009 by 4.3% to a rate of 12.1%
[Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics]
South Carolina Employment Opportunities
South Carolina employment is special for a number of reasons, most having to do with the beauty in which folks are able to work. The state is unique and diverse, with very separate cultural areas. From the rural interior of the state, to the tourist-heavy beaches, to the upstate area, where commerce and industry are truly changing the way that people live. South Carolina employment is special right now because the dynamic in the state is shifting. In the past, if one wanted a job that didn’t involve agriculture, they would have a hard time finding it. These days, colleges in the state are producing more professionals and business is playing a more important role in many areas.
The upstate area of South Carolina is where most of the changes are taking hold. Greenville and Spartanburg are quickly growing, and those two cities are home to more than 15 colleges and universities between them. With Clemson University having a stronghold on the area, more and more qualified graduates are taking jobs and staying in the state. The university’s partnership with BMW has brought not only a new factory to the area, but also research dollars in bulk. This has really given Greenville and the surrounding towns an identity to work with, and they have absolutely taken to it. As one of America’s fastest growing and cleanest cities, Greenville provides a place to work in the quickly growing automotive industry, and well as some other opportunities for people in marketing and other business related activities.
There are plenty of jobs that are in high demand right now, and the colleges are working hard to fill those positions with qualified people. As you might have guessed, tourism and hospitality is a big deal, especially in the coastal regions. Myrtle Beach is a huge center for tourism, and Charleston is, too. These places have resorts that offer jobs of varying degrees to all sorts of people. In addition to that, one of the emerging professions in the state is healthcare. Nursing is popular and with many new hospitals opening up, these positions are demanded. Each of the major universities in the state is currently offering a nursing program, so more and more of these people are being produced with each passing year.
Though things look good in some areas for South Carolina employment, the overall employment is somewhat bleak. The current unemployment rate stands at 11.6%, according to a CNN article found at http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/11/news/economy/state_unemployment/?postversion=2009031110. Still, South Carolina employment is on the rise for people with a solid educational background. While many of the labor-based jobs that have powered the state for a long time are going away, more and more upper level business opportunities are opening up. People with professional degrees are doing especially well, with the University of South Carolina’s law school posting all-time high rates in employment during the last decade.
South Carolina Employment Resources
The South Carolina Employment Security Commission is one of the most important resources for people who want all of the pertinent information about benefits and the situation within South Carolina. Their website, which can be found at http://www.sces.org/, is full of information about insurance, benefits, and what to do in the case of unemployment. They work closely with South Carolinians to educate and enhance the economic and professional situation for everyone in the state.
In addition to that agency, the South Carolina Unemployment Office (http://www.unemploymentoffice.net/State_resources/South%20Carolina.htm) does a significant amount of work in helping people who have previously lost their jobs. They work to make sure that individuals get the benefits they need and they are something of a liason between the unemployed people of South Carolina and the government that is working to help them. The state goverment in South Carolina puts a great deal of time and energy into creating jobs and helping the jobless, and this is one of their biggest, most important arms in the effort to help improve South Carolina employment conditions.
South Carolina Living Conditions
One of the best things about South Carolina employment is that there are significant advantages that go along with living in South Carolina. For one, the weather is typically very warm, and it’s wonderful in both the spring and the fall. While summers can be very hot, this only impacts a handful of the jobs that are available. South Carolina boasts some of the cheapest gas prices in the country, to go along with similarly low costs of living. Rent and housing prices are reasonable in most areas, and they are even relatively cheap in places like Charleston and Myrtle Beach. This provides a significant financial advantage for those who are trying to make a paycheck go a little bit further.
For people who love the outdoors, there is always a lot to do. The mountains aren’t far from the South Carolina upstate and the beaches are the state’s bread and butter. In addition to that, there is fantastic fishing in the many lakes and people hunt, too. With Charlotte not far away and Atlanta just a skip across the border, there are cities to be seen, as well. All of this combines to make South Carolina employment something that’s worth looking into.
South Carolina Employment
Though the South Carolina employment scene may not look its best right now, things are slowly changing for the better. The state itself is an excellent place to live and there are opportunities being created all over the place. Whether it is in business, tourism, or something in-between, you can find a job in South Carolina if you have the qualifications. With the state updating itself in the 21st century, one can count on things improving even more, especially when the economy turns around. All in all, South Carolina employment is on the rise, and it’s taking lots of young, excited people with it.
