by C.J. Gustafson
ComputerSchools.com Contributing Writer
June 13, 2005
In 1642 Samuel Gorton purchased land from Narragansett Indian Chief, Sachem Miantonomi and founded a town called Shawomett. The town was granted a charter in 1648 by the "Govenour in Chiefe for the Colonies," Robert Rich. Rich was the Earl of Warwicke, and the town's name was changed in his honor. The city has the distinction of being the location of the first shot fired in the American Revolution, and was the home of Nathaniel Greene, George Washington's second in command.
Playground for the Wealthy
After the war, the area emerged as a leader in textile manufacturing, with Fruit of the Loom establishing operations on the Pawtuxet River. In addition, the beaches, beautiful scenery, and central location drew hundreds of wealthy residents who purchased summer homes in Warwick and the surrounding area prior to the Great Depression. Drawing on its popularity and prosperity, Warwick was incorporated as a city in 1931.
The textile mills eventually gave way to farming, and more recently to retail shopping malls. The city boasts more retail stores than any other city in Rhode Island. It also has more marinas, boat slips, and mooring than any other municipality in Rhode Island, making commercial boating an important industry for employment and recreation.
Economy & Employment
Today, the city of Warwick, which is located five miles south of Providence, is Rhode Island's second largest city with a population of nearly 86,000 residents. It is bordered by the city of Cranston to the north, the town of East Greenwich to the south, Narragansett Bay on the east, and West Warwick to the west. The city is comprised of over 30 distinct small villages, giving it the feel of a city/state. The area boasts 39 miles of coastline and numerous beach areas. Narragansett Bay is the largest saltwater estuary in the northern part of the country, and plays an important role in the city's economy.
Because Rhode Island is a small state, residents of Warwick have access to the employment sectors of other communities, including those across state borders. Boston is approximately 50 miles away, making it within reach of those who don't mind commuting. In nearby Providence, there are a number of major companies as well as numerous mid-sized and smaller organizations with career opportunities for those with training in computer-related fields.
One of the most significant economic engines driving Rhode Island's economy is financial services. Directly related to this industry are companies such as Bank of America, FM Global, and MetLife. Healthcare and hospitals are another driving force in Warwick's economy. Both of these industries require people with knowledge of computer technology, including networking and support.
Other large employers in the area include Verizon, and Cox Communications.
Organizations directly involved in information technology and other computer
related fields include Racion, EMC, Computer Sciences Corporation, and Unicom.
These businesses provide internship and employment opportunities for students as well.
Educational Network
Being such a close neighbor to Providence, Warwick has many educational and
training options for those interested in computer careers. Colleges include
New
England Institute of Technology, Brown
University, Department of Computer Science, Johnson
& Wales University, School of Technology, Providence
College, Computer Science Program, Roger
Williams University-Center for Professional Development, and Rhode
Island College, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. In addition,
learning facilities with locations nation-wide, such as Gibbs
College, have campuses in or around Warwick.
In addition to Computer Science degrees, areas of study include Computer-Aided
Design (CAD), Computer Animation/Computer Graphics, Web Design and Development,
Information Technology, Computer Programming and Security, Networking, Computer
Repair and other computer-related fields. They can also prepare for Microsoft
certifications.
More To Life Than Studying
According to Steven Kitchin, Vice President for Corporate Education and Training
at the New England Institute of Technology, Warwick is very receptive to students.
He explained that because of the close-knit atmosphere in the city, elected
officials have first-hand knowledge of educational concerns and strive to support
the educational community. In addition, Mr. Kitchin pointed out that, "Warwick
offers a dichotomy of lifestyle. It is a wonderful city with an urban setting,
yet ten or fifteen minutes away you can be fishing." He added that the close
proximity of several larger cities, as well as the ocean, beaches, wilderness
areas and top golf courses create a setting where "students have every opportunity
to participate in a milieu of events and activities."
Warwick's ideal location, strong economy, and well-respected educational facilities are just some of the reasons computer technology students choose this city as their place to live and learn.
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