California Colleges and Universities: Popular Degree Programs

With a civilian labor force of 18.1 million, California is home to one of the largest employed workforces in the nation. California's unemployment rate, however, is slightly higher than the national average. For many industries, this can mean a higher level of competitiveness for employment, and job applicants in these industries should consider career training to increase their marketability and overall skill.

The sheer number of Fortune 500 companies located in California makes it a veritable "who's who" list within the retail, telecommunications, high tech, entertainment, and healthcare industries. Among the biggest players are:

• Petroleum giant Chevron
• Tech firms Hewlett-Packard, Apple, and Google
• Retail companies Gap, Safeway, and Ross.

Google plays a special role in California's employment picture. Recently ranked as the top place to work in the U.S. by Fortune magazine, Google's office culture, gourmet cafeteria, and financial benefits make it one of the most popular employers in the nation.

Career training can pay off in Los Angeles, where Salary.com reports that entry-level software engineers earn $59,000 on average. In Los Angeles' thriving marketing industry, database marketing analysts earn $60,700, while salaries for market research analysts start at $48,600. The healthcare industry is expected to grow in California, where massage therapists earn an average of $50,100. While no career training program can guarantee a particular job, getting your college degree is a good idea, particularly within more competitive fields.

Growing industries in California include professional and business services, educational and health services, and the leisure and hospitality industry. Students should look to these careers for potential growth opportunities.

Sources:

• CNN Money
• Salary.com
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics