Pennsylvania Career Planning

Launch your career in Pennsylvania's diverse economy with strategic planning, industry connections, and comprehensive preparation for professional success.

Pennsylvania's Key Industries

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Leading medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms

+15%
Job Growth
$75,000+
Avg Salary

Major Employers:

Johnson & Johnson
Merck
Penn Medicine
UPMC

Key Skills:

Clinical experience
Research skills
Patient care
Medical technology
Financial Services

Banking, insurance, and investment firms centered in Philadelphia

+12%
Job Growth
$85,000+
Avg Salary

Major Employers:

Vanguard
Comcast
Lincoln Financial
PNC Bank

Key Skills:

Financial analysis
Risk management
Client relations
Regulatory knowledge
Manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing including steel, chemicals, and machinery

+8%
Job Growth
$65,000+
Avg Salary

Major Employers:

Boeing
GE
PPG Industries
Carpenter Technology

Key Skills:

Technical expertise
Quality control
Process improvement
Safety protocols
Technology

Growing tech sector including software, cybersecurity, and innovation

+20%
Job Growth
$90,000+
Avg Salary

Major Employers:

Comcast
Oracle
SAP
Bentley Systems

Key Skills:

Programming
Data analysis
Cybersecurity
Innovation mindset

Career Development Resources

Career Services Centers

Professional career guidance and job placement assistance

All Pennsylvania colleges
Resume review
Interview prep
Job fairs
Networking events
Internship Programs

Real-world experience with Pennsylvania employers

Major universities
Summer internships
Co-op programs
Research opportunities
Industry partnerships
Alumni Networks

Strong professional connections throughout Pennsylvania and beyond

All institutions
Mentorship programs
Job referrals
Industry insights
Professional connections
Entrepreneurship Support

Resources for students interested in starting their own businesses

Research universities
Business incubators
Startup competitions
Funding opportunities
Mentorship

Four-Year Career Preparation Timeline

Freshman Year

Exploration & Foundation

Discover interests and strengths

Key Activities:

Take career assessments
Explore majors
Join student organizations
Build basic skills
Sophomore Year

Skill Development

Develop relevant skills and connections

Key Activities:

Declare major
Seek leadership roles
Attend career fairs
Start networking
Junior Year

Experience & Applications

Gain practical experience and plan next steps

Key Activities:

Secure internships
Research graduate programs
Build portfolio
Strengthen resume
Senior Year

Launch & Transition

Successfully launch post-graduation plans

Key Activities:

Job applications
Graduate school apps
Interview preparation
Transition planning

Pennsylvania Career Outlook by Field

Engineering

$70,000 - $120,000
High Demand

Healthcare

$60,000 - $150,000
Very High Demand

Finance

$65,000 - $130,000
High Demand

Technology

$75,000 - $140,000
Very High Demand

Education

$45,000 - $80,000
Moderate Demand

Business

$55,000 - $110,000
High Demand

Ready to Launch Your Pennsylvania Career?

Use CollegeCompass to connect your college experience with career success in Pennsylvania's thriving economy.

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