PICAYUNE —
A recent article in the USA Today (http://www.usatoay.com/story/money/personalfinance/ 2012/10/17/community-college-job-growth/1639275/) highlighted the rewards of a community college degree. The author indicated that those with an associate’s degree increased by 578,000 compared to a 314,000 job increase for those with a bachelor’s degree. That is really good news for those seeking to gain an entry level skill and enter the workforce. Some of these vocations include welders, instrumentation technicians, respiratory therapists, nurses and the like. The job market for those with only a high school diploma remained stagnant.
The idea here is certainly not to demean the value of a four year degree. Certainly an increase in 314,000 jobs is a good thing, considering that the job market has been in such disarray for the past few years. But the notion that should be shared with those that do not wish to go the university is to get a community college credential. The job market for those with an associate’s degree is currently growing at twice the pace as the market for baccalaureates.
Some of the areas that are predicted to continue to expand in the south Miss. and La. are the sectors that include transportation and warehousing, utilities, wholesale trade, natural resources and mining, leisure and hospitality, and information technologies. Besides the relative low cost of entering these fields via the community college route, another attractive feature is that the time to attain a credential, or degree, is typically two years or less.
If after gaining a credential form the community college the person would like to attain a four year baccalaureate degree, then there are many options available. Many colleges and universities have online programs, weekend programs and other formats that are available to the working professional. Many companies even have tuition reimbursement that will help pay for a college degree while employed. With the high cost of a university degree these days, the community college to work and then university might be the best option.
Business
Associate degree shows high jump in job growth
- Business
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- Dual Enrollment Practical Nursing Program available at PRCC Some students possess the maturity level and academic wherewithal to begin studying toward a fruitful career path while still in high school. It is no secret that many earn most of the necessary credits towards a high school diploma by the completion of the junior year of school; thus, requiring the student to attend high school for part of the school day during their senior year. Many students have jobs or extracurricular school activities, such as band or athletics, to help round out the day. However, those not in falling into these categories often ended up with a lot of free time; fortunately policy makers in Mississippi are finding ways to assist these students.
- Senators Burks Hill and Smith along with Representative Frierson panelists for Chamber Business Review The Greater Area Picayune Chamber of Commerce held a Legislative Review for the business community, at Char Southern Steakhouse, Monday at 5:30 p.m. Panelists included State Senator District 40 Angela Burks Hill, State Senator District 47 Tony Smith, and State Rep. Herb Frierson of Poplarville. All are Republican. They spoke on the past session and bills they either authored or helped pass which impact local and state businesses.
- Investing in the community one building at a time There is a bit of a renaissance occurring in Pearl River County. This is happening one building at a time. It seems to be happening rather quietly, but the end results are going to help shape the future of the county and the cities located here.
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Medical Group gives back to community
, Children’s International Medical Group is proud to announce the opening of their pediatric clinic in Picayune.
The clinic is one of many throughout La. and Miss. which brings compassionate care centered around pediatric patients and the community in which they live.
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Charter Bank names Westfall as VP
Charter Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Rich Westfall as vice president of business development and marketing. His responsibilities will be to lead business and community development and oversee all marketing efforts for the bank.
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Weak Oracle sales, Cyprus fears weigh on US stocks
Stocks closed lower on Wall Street Thursday after Oracle’s weak sales results weighed down big U.S. technology companies. Traders also worried about Cyprus running out of time to avoid bankruptcy.
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Mississippi REALTORS® hold annual REALTOR® Day at the Capitol
On Feb.7, 2013 Pearl River County REALTORS® joined more than 120 Mississippi REALTORS® at the Mississippi State Capitol to take part in REALTOR® Day at the Capitol.
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More than school board needs to be changed: Part 2
Dr. Scott Alsobrooks/Guest Columnist
At quick glance, it is easy to see that the Mississippi economy will only need about 25 percent of its workforce at the bachelor’s level or higher. Most jobs still require only a high school degree, but many well paying jobs will require some sort of 2 year degree or a post high school type credential such as a certificate in welding, carpentry or plumbing. -
HORNE LLP welcomes Picayune native as spring accounting intern
HORNE LLP, one of the top accounting and business advisory firms in the nation, recently welcomed Melissa Pigott of Picayune, Miss., as a spring accounting intern. A total of 26 accounting students were selected for the highly competitive internship program.
Pigott is a student at the University of Southern Mississippi and is completing her internship in assurance services in the Ridgeland, Miss., office location. -
More than school board needs to be changed: Part 1
By Dr. Scott Alsobrooks/Guest Columnist
The Senate Education Committee passed Bill 2141 recently. The bill is championed by local Senator Tony Smith. While the bill would not affect Pearl River Central Schools, it would change the Picayune and Poplarville School Districts from a mix of appointed and elected board members, to all elected. An amendment was put in the bill to require board members to have at least one year of college. - More Business Headlines
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