Congratulations on your recent graduation!
This is an exciting time in your life, and you may be wondering where to start your job search. One state you should consider is Florida, where the job market is hot right now. There are many great benefits to living in the Sunshine State, so here are just a few for you to consider!
Why Florida Is a Great Place to Start Your Job Search
Florida has a diverse economy with several top hiring industries like healthcare, hospitality and tourism, finance, and technology. The healthcare industry is one of the largest employers in Florida, with over 300,000 healthcare workers employed across 300 hospitals. The state is home to several major healthcare providers, including Baptist Health South Florida, BayCare Health System, and Florida Hospital.
The hospitality and tourism industry is also thriving in Florida, with theme parks, resorts, and beaches that attract millions of visitors each year. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the leisure and hospitality industry added the most jobs in Florida in 2021, with 49,900 new jobs.
Even more notably, the finance and technology industries are also growing in Florida, with companies like JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup, and Microsoft expanding their operations in the state.
Look out for Top Hiring Employers
Business in Florida is booming, with some start-ups and long-established companies hiring more than most. Top hirers include Publix Super Markets, Baptist Health South Florida, BayCare Health System, and Walt Disney World.
Publix Super Markets is a grocery store chain that is consistently ranked as one of the best employers in the country. And, of course, Disney World is a major employer in Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry. Disney World has so many opportunities for graduates of many disciplines, offering jobs in areas like hospitality, customer service, and entertainment.
More top employers in Florida include companies like American Airlines, Carnival Corporation, and NextEra Energy.
Find Jobs with Entry Level Training Opportunities
Many employers in Florida offer training programs for entry-level employees. For example, Publix Super Markets offers a comprehensive training program for new employees, including on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Baptist Health South Florida offers a nursing residency program for new graduates, which provides support and training for new nurses as they transition into the workforce.
Walt Disney World offers the Disney College Program, which allows college students to gain hands-on experience in the hospitality and tourism industry.
The state of Florida also offers training programs for job seekers, including the Florida Ready to Work program and the Employ Florida Marketplace. These programs provide job training, job placement assistance, and other resources for job seekers.
On-the-job training can be a major boon to recent grads because you not only gain experience but also the extra training necessary to excel in your role. Future hirers will recognize past experience with companies who offer training programs and see this as a value-add to your credentials.
What to Expect with Housing Availability and Price in Florida
Florida is known for having a favorable tax climate with no personal income tax. In fact, Florida actually ranks as one of the states with the lowest tax burden in the country.
As a result, Florida also has a lower cost of living compared to many other states. The cost of living in Miami, Florida, is 19% lower than living in New York City.
Living in a state like Florida means being able to stretch your budget further, and that leads to a higher quality of life overall. However, it’s also worth noting that prices in urban centers are always going to be a little bit higher than in the rest of the state.
But while you’re just getting started, you might want to consider co-living facilities like X Social. X Social is perfect for recent grads because it provides fully furnished apartments, community events, and networking opportunities. A setup like this can make it so that building a new community and making friends will be much easier, and (hopefully) you won’t have to worry about being lonely or homesick.
So if you’re a recent graduate looking for entry-level jobs, Florida should be on your list of potential places to search. For even better odds, try signing up with a career-matching service like KangarooStar, which can ensure you land on your feet with your dream job wherever you end up!