by C.J. Gustafson
ComputerSchools.com Contributing Writer
June 13, 2005
The city of Miami was first populated over 10,000 years ago by Paleo-Indians. In more recent history, Tequesta Indians and other native inhabitants resided in the region at the time the Spanish arrived in 1513. Over the following two centuries, this indigenous population was nearly wiped out by disease and war. With the exception of a twenty-year period of British rule, Florida remained in Spanish hands until it was sold to the United States in 1821. It became a territory one year later, but the dense tropical climate kept settlers to a minimum and the area that is now Miami had only a handful of residents until the late 1800s.
Growing Pains
In 1895, a record freeze in the northern areas of Florida turned vacationer's and investor's eyes to the south and the area began experiencing an influx of people. The city was incorporated in 1896 and the Everglades Reclamation led to a real estate boom that lasted several decades and brought the city's population to over 100,000 people by 1925. In the decades that followed, Miami experienced devastating hurricanes, wartime blackouts, an influx of immigrants from Cuba and other Latin countries, race riots, prominent problems with drug dealers, and other difficulties that led to the city gaining a reputation as an exotic and dangerous city.
A City Remade
Many of those difficulties began to turn around in the 1980s. The popular
TV show Miami Vice depicted the efforts law enforcement were making to
crack down on crime and narcotics. The show also depicted the glamorous lifestyle
available in the Miami Beach area, and soon the rich and famous began to flock
to the city. With its warm climate and location on the Atlantic Ocean, it did
not take long for Miami to become a favorite with the general public as well.
Today Miami has a population of 362,470 and is one of the most popular tourist
destinations in the world.
The influx of people from Latin America has continued over the years, resulting
in a diverse population that includes Cubans, Nicaraguans, Colombians, Venezuelans,
Puerto Ricans, Argentineans, Ecuadorians, Brazilians, Dominicans, Haitians,
and Mexicans. According to the 2000 U.S. census, the city has a 60 percent Hispanic
population. African-Americans make up just over 22 percent of the
population and nearly 12 percent are white/non-hispanic. The remainder of
the population is comprised of small groups mostly from Asian countries.
Mass Appeal
The Latin influence is present in nearly all aspects of life in the city, including
business. During 2003, over 1,000 multinational corporations were established
in the South Florida area, which includes Miami. Miami is also an international
banking and finance center. Healthcare and biomedical technology are also large
industries. Greater Miami is part of an area known as the "Computer Coast of
Florida", and its growing technologies include computers and Internet businesses.
According to an article on the Financial Times
website entitled "Lifestyle Incubates Net Economy," there are several reasons
for the city's appeal, especially with technology industries and particularly
Internet companies. "First, since the early 1980s Miami Beach has become a fashionable
place to base media and other creative industries. Its bars, restaurants, hotels
and cinemas, as well as the beach itself, make it an ideal place to live for
the workers which staff internet companies."
The article goes on to say that, "In addition, however, the region as a whole provides substantial telecommunications and internet infrastructure, with dozens of companies able to supply back-up services and thousands of skilled workers."
Education & Training
A large number of quality colleges and training centers help to prepare students to work in Internet businesses and other computer technology fields. Some of the schools students can choose from include the College of Business and Technology, Miami International University of Art & Design, Academy of South Florida - Miami/Dade, Florida International University, School of Computer Science, Florida Memorial College, Division of Computer Information Sciences and Mathematics, Miami University, Computer Engineering Program, University of Miami, Department of Computer Science.
DeVry University, ITT Technical Institute, and The Art Institutes also have campuses in Miami.
Students at these schools can prepare for Microsoft certifications and earn degrees in Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer Animation/Computer Graphics, Web Design and Development, Computer Programming and Security, Networking, Information Technology, Computer Repair and other computer science fields.
Training centers such as FastTrain
also offer hands-on training and certification opportunities.
Miami is a glamorous city with a Latin influence - and a computer and technology industry that is becoming recognized around the world. It is a popular choice for computer students and graduates looking for a big city with warm weather, beaches, and unique cultural opportunities.
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