Columbus, Ohio has a diverse economy supported by private industry, countless universities, and local, state, and federal government agencies. With over 700 insurance firms located in this city of 750,000 residents, you'll find that financial, business, and professional services account for a large percentage of career opportunities. Even more impressive, however, are the roughly 150,000 government positions available in this state capital. In fact, the US government is one of the largest employers in the region. However, true to its roots as a major shipping and manufacturing hub, the largest slice of Columbus' workforce comes from trade, transportation, and utilities. This means that a degree, diploma, or certificate program that specializes in mechanics, engineering, repair, maintenance, logistics, computer science, and manufacturing typically should offer you the most abundant career opportunities after graduation. The following is a breakdown of the six most thriving industries by employee population:

• Financial activities. 74,500 jobs
• Manufacturing. 82,000 jobs
• Educational and health services. 100,700 jobs
• Leisure, hospitality, and other services. 125,400 jobs
• Professional and business services. 132,800 jobs
• Trade, transportation, and utilities. 183,900 jobs

Columbus, Ohio: The Economy and Your Future

Because Columbus enjoys such a diversified economy, it has managed to weather the current economic situation far better than you might expect. Leisure and hospitality have remained constant, while health and education have experienced a 3 percent increase over the past twelve months. With proper training and a well-established network, you should be able to secure jobs and hourly median salaries like the ones below, from the 2008 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report:

• Dental Hygienists at $34.96
• Radiologic Technologists and Technicians at $24.56
• Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing at $25.24
• Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants at $20.01
• Accountants and Auditors at $26.01
• Civil Engineering Technicians at $19.26

If you select trade schools that specialize in nursing, hospitality, travel, medicine, or dining, you should be able to choose from an impressive range of career options after you graduate. Some vocational and technical schools even offer placement services and alumni networks to help you get started on your career search--and your future--in Columbus