by Erin Hasinger
ComputerSchools.com Staff Writer
September 14, 2006
Well-known for its contributions in motion pictures and television, Los Angeles is also a dazzling city just miles from the Pacific Ocean. A pleasant climate with sunny skies and a diverse economy make for a high quality of living. Beyond the intrigue of Hollywood, the area offers miles of ocean shores, Disneyland, Universal Studios, arts, culture, and professional sports to keep visitors and residents widely entertained.
Employment
Technology accounts for over 200,000 jobs in Los Angeles County and is the fourth-largest industry in the metropolitan area. Other major industries include international trade and motion pictures/television, both of which rely heavily on information technology professionals.
Jobs are plentiful in the City of Angels, and the information technology market is growing. The entire computer and math industry is forecasted for an 18% increase through 2012, while computer support specialists are predicted to grow by 19%. Computer application engineering is another hot field, with 16% growth anticipated.
Job opportunities exist in a number of industries. One prospective employer is Northrop Grumman, which has a large information technology division. Fox Entertainment Group employs a number of computer graduates to perform multimedia and special effects tasks, among other jobs. Other possibilities exist with Boeing Corporation and Walt Disney Corporation, based in nearby Burbank.
Education
Students in Los Angeles benefit from the plethora of post-secondary educational options in the area. One such option is the University of California at Los Angeles, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science. The University of Phoenix features programs in computer and information technology, while American Intercontinental University offers game design, computer science, and multimedia. Platt College is another option for information technology, as is LA College for its computer science program.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
California Student Aid Commission oversees the CalGrant program, which provides funds for students that do not have to be repaid. There are several variations of the CalGrant awarded based on academic achievement and financial aid factors.
The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program provides as much as $1,500 annually to students with high academic merit.
Also, the ComputerSchools.com Scholarship Directory lists dozens of computer-related scholarships for students to consider.
Summary
Nearly all of Los Angles' economy depends heavily on the work of information technology professionals, and the educational options available ensure that a diverse IT workforce is continually prepared to meet the needs of the city. Great job prospects and exciting leisure activities make Los Angles an ideal place for a computer student to study and begin a career.
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