It's Your Business: Local roadmap for graduates, job-seekers unlocks opportunities

Are you (or someone you know) graduating soon, seeking a new job or looking for career advancement? It’s a great time to look locally. Hundreds of jobs are open across Bloomington, Ellettsville, Monroe County and the broader region. This is a hub for anyone seeking opportunities to advance while accessing a high-quality of life.

Consider the array of opportunities

Healthcare and life sciences: Bloomington offers careers to improve health outcomes and advance medical innovation, from pharmaceuticals to medical devices and healthcare. Simtra (formerly Baxter) recently announced plans to hire 130 staff in the coming years. Companies including Cook Medical, which is globally headquartered here; Singota Solutions in Bloomington; and Boston Scientific in Spencer are the types of employers that hire for positions ranging from R&D to manufacturing and business roles. IU Health Bloomington Hospital offers roles ranging from patient support, to nurses, therapists, techs, administrative positions and more.

Advanced manufacturing: We are a community of makers. Beyond life sciences manufacturing, PHOENIX recently announced plans for new jobs at its high tech facility. TASUS, with its North American headquarters based in Bloomington, and Proveli also continue to hire locally in manufacturing and engineering.

Technology and innovation: Bloomington's growing tech ecosystem has opportunities for aspiring professionals, innovators, and makers in dynamic and well-paying roles. NHanced Semiconductors recently announced plans to hire 250 staff in the coming years, while Ivy Tech will offer training for this growing field. Startups and established companies in software development, data analytics and IT services seek great talent on the Bloomington Tech Partnership job board. And The Mill’s CODE/IT Academy offers training in coding for those who wish to skill up for careers in tech.

Defense: Bloomington's defense sector boasts a range of opportunities for individuals passionate about serving their country and contributing to national security efforts, while earning competitive salaries. Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane), located south of Bloomington, is a prominent employer in the region with positions in engineering, R&D, cybersecurity, business operations and more. Defense contractors like TriStar and others operate throughout the region. Other federal government opportunities, including remote positions, can be found on USAJOBS.

Entrepreneurship: For entrepreneurial-minded individuals, there’s a supportive ecosystem for launching startups and small businesses. Organizations including The Mill and Indiana Small Business Development Center through the Gayle & Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship at Ivy Tech provide resources and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs succeed.

Higher education: work and upskill: If you are passionate about education, you can work or study at Indiana University and Ivy Tech. The Next Level Jobs program covers the tuition cost for eligible students looking to earn a degree in a variety of fields, including many that can be earned in 1 year or less. And don’t forget about the Monroe County Community School Corp. and Edgewood Schools for jobs that serve local youth.

Browse options and get additional support Not sure where to start? Peruse local employers among Bloomington Economic Development Corp. members, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce job board, Greater Ellettsville Area Chamber of Commerce members, and Indeed.com. The regional Indiana Uplands Job Board and career videos, plus the statewide One Stop to Start workforce hub are additional resources. Work is available in everything from the trades to banking, utilities, local government, real estate, the arts, and more. Finally, if you need additional support, the BEDC’s resource booklet and WorkOne provide information access to resources, including for urgent needs tied to unemployment.

Whatever your path, do not miss out on local opportunities to advance. We look forward to working alongside you in this community.

Jennifer Pearl is president of the Bloomington Economic Development Corp.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington 'roadmap' for graduates, job-seekers unlocks opportunities