Arkansas Colleges and Universities: Accredited Career Education

ARTICLE: Arkansas In-Depth

Job opportunities in Arkansas may be on the rise due to significant growth in the state's healthcare industry. A recent health insurance initiative promoted by Arkansas' governor may be the boost Arkansas' healthcare industry needs. Small business owners in particular are expected to benefit from the initiative, which may encourage more Arkansas residents to seek college degrees in small business management or entrepreneurship.

The trade, transportation, and utilities industry is Arkansas' largest, employing about 251,000 workers. Fleet managers in Little Rock earn $71,400 on average. As with all careers, getting your college degree won't guarantee a specific salary, but hiring managers tend to prefer applicants with training or experience, particularly in more competitive employment areas.

Arkansas is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, including Wal-Mart, the most profitable company in the U.S. Wal-Mart is a major employer in the state, and its headquarters in Bentonville are an important hub for this international business. Other Fortune 500 companies in Arkansas include:

• Tyson Foods
• Murphy Oil
• Alltel
• Dillard's

While Arkansas' largest companies have headquarters across the state, capital Little Rock is the state's largest city and may be the best place for students interested in career training and work in the area. With an IT education, graduates in Little Rock may be able to find work as application engineers, who earn about $44,100 annually. Career training and educational programs in the information technology industry give students the chance to join the state's growing IT workforce.

Sources:

• Arkansas Business, "Beebe Promotes Small Business Health Care Program"
• CNN Money
• Salary.com
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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