Connecticut is one of the smallest states in the country, but it is also one of the major economic powerhouses of the New England region. The state is home to some of the largest players in the international insurance industry, and it is a major aerospace and shipping center. Beyond this, the manufacturing industry has a major presence in CT, particularly buoyed by the presence of defense contractors (including subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin and UTC), as well as the shipping divisions of companies like General Electric. If you are looking for a new career and you live in or around the CT area, there are numerous skills you can learn to help establish a foothold in a professional environment.
Insurance: The insurance industry is one of the leading employers in Connecticut, accounting for nearly a sixth of all jobs in the state (when combined with its sister industry in finance). This includes significant employers like Aetna, MassMutual, and Cigna, and smaller, local insurance and banking firms. These industries rely on IT professionals, cybersecurity experts, data analysts, and other computer scientists to build and maintain the systems that generate, store, and protect consumer data. They also rely on professional analysts who specialize in actuarial work, since it is important that insurers have an accurate and useful understanding of the level of risk that any given policy might entail.
Finance: In addition to insurance, CT has a thriving financial sector that relies on many of the same professional data analysts and computer scientists to function. Banks, trusts, and investors need to document a massive amount of consumer and investor data, and these systems need to be protected from hostile action, meaning IT and cybersecurity experts are in high demand in the field. Beyond this, as machine learning becomes more and more common in the field, machine learning engineers are being hired to create and train dedicated AI applications and algorithms that can assist in the trading and investing processes.
Aerospace: CT is home to some of the largest players in the international aerospace manufacturing industry, including subsidiaries of companies like UTC and the aerospace division of companies like Lockheed Martin. This industry is a major pillar of the state economy, and its presence ensures that there are high-paying manufacturing and design jobs available to skilled professionals. Designers and managers are necessary for the creation of new aerospace innovations, particularly on the logistical and manufacturing side of the equation. In addition, professional data scientists and analysts are employed to make sure that every stage of the development and design process is completed with the maximum attention to detail and the best data output possible, to ensure that every aspect of the finished product is as safe and effective as possible.
Shipping: CT is also home to some of the largest shipping companies in the country, particularly those focused on Atlantic shipping routes. This means that it is home to companies that handle the process of shipping goods and design and manufacturing firms that build the ships that are used to transport unimaginable amounts of goods across the ocean. The shipping industry itself requires immense amounts of data to function at peak efficiency, so scientists and analysts are brought in to make this massive amount of information manageable and to help streamline the supply chain for the benefit of virtually all industries.
Defense: Unsurprisingly, since the ship manufacturing and aerospace industries have a significant presence in CT, so too does the defense contractor industry. They hire many of the same professionals as aerospace and shipping, since the goals of the three industries are closely intertwined, particularly as it relates to the production and analysis of data and the design and manufacturing process. In addition, they are likely to hire significantly more skilled cybersecurity experts who are focused on ensuring that the data that they are producing is kept safe from prying eyes.
Tourism: Like many states on the Atlantic coast, CT is a tourist destination for anyone looking to enjoy wonderful beach weather, delicious seafood, or American historical landmarks (among many other tourist attractions). Tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, and the whole of the associated industry rely heavily on graphic design and digital marketing practices to make their presence known and to drum up interest from visitors who have the whole of the state to choose from (as well as several surrounding states, since driving from Hartford to Providence only takes about 90 minutes). This means that there is a sizable demand for professionals who can help advertise tourist attractions and businesses of all sizes across the state.
Salaries for professionals in CT are competitive with other states that have a similar economic standing, meaning that you are likely to find good work at wages that are significantly above the cost of living, though they may lag behind major cities and commerce centers like NYC or Boston. Here are a few of the significant jobs offered in the major CT industries and their mean annual salaries:
If you are looking to learn any of these skills in CT, there are a few options available to you. The most straightforward way is to enroll in an in-person training course offered in the state, whether that is through a private training center or a college or university (CT is no slouch when it comes to educational options). These classes will vary based on things like the time of year and the location of the training provider, so you will want to keep an eye on your options (most will be offered through local schools and community centers).
The other major option that is available to you is through online training providers, particularly those that offer career-focused, immersive alternatives for students looking to start new careers. These courses, which are often taught in live, online settings, offer students a chance to get practical, focused, real-world experience working on a variety of different professional projects focused on getting them career-ready in the field of their choice. Whether you are training to become a professional Data Analyst, Graphic Designer, or Digital Marketer, live online courses might be the right choice for you, especially if you are looking for a specific kind of course that isn’t offered in the area near you.