According to the MassBiotech 2010 report, more than 280 biotech companies operate in Massachusetts. Roughly 230 of these firms were founded locally. Out of state companies are drawn to the Boston area because of the regions combination of top financial and research institutions. The economic effect from biotech has filtered down to other business. Commercial construction, office suppliers, legal and financial institutions, and restaurants and retail businesses have all benefited from the growth of Biotech. The Mass Council of Biotechnology (web site www.massbio.org ) is a valuable resource for those seeking a career in this vital, and rapidly growing industry.

The 495 Networking Support Group is a nonprofit organization for the hi-tech industry. With more than 600 members, this support group provides aid through networking, guidance for career transition, and many other services for hi-tech industry workers along the Routes 128 and 495 corridors. The 495 NSG is a free recruitment resource as access to its database is free to members.

The Business to Business Yellow Pages and its web site lists 456 employment agencies in greater Boston. The agencies are indexed both alphabetically and by category. The listings provide maps and directions, plus the individual agencies can post their e-mail addresses and links to their web sites.

In addition to the employment sections in Boston's' daily newspapers, their web sites; The Boston Globe's BostonWorks.com, and the Boston Herald's jobfind.com, add further detailed information and resources. Both sites list jobs by title, region, employer, and by industry. There are also sections for help in resume preparation, educational and training sources, and company profiles. Articles regarding employment news, calendars of events such as job fairs and open houses, help to aid in the job search. BostonWorks.com lists the top 25 job types available, and has a section devoted to the hi-tech industry which it designates, "a cornerstone of the Massachusetts economy." Jobfind.com has a the 'Jobs of the Week' section which lists the top current opening in a diverse range of occupations, plus a weekly 'Featured Employer' link which profiles a prominent company.

The Boston Private Industry Council is a non profit organization that acts as an intermediary between private companies, schools, and public agencies. Their mission is to provide access for education and training for adults and young people, and to help employers find candidates who can develop into productive members of the workforce. The Boston PIC has educational and work programs for the the city's high school students. Working with industry they are helping students get experience with opportunities for summer internships. There is also classroom help for students who need to pass the MCAS exam. A visit to the web site www.Bostonpic.org or contact by phone at (617) 423-3755 can provide additional information regarding the councils programs and events.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the City of Boston have agencies and service resources for citizens looking for work in both the public and private sectors. Access to these bureaus can be found in telephone books, or on-line at the official web sites for the city and state. Some of the services the government provides are, help in resume writing, relocation services for out of towners, and aid for the handicapped and disabled in finding jobs or receiving benefits. The Massachusetts Department of Employment and Training has training programs, employment counseling, unemployment insurance, and has partnerships with many state, and federal bureaus. Many cities and towns in the Commonwealth have adult education programs for their residents who might be looking for a career change, or for advanced training.

Boston offers tremendous career possibilities in a wide assortment of professions and industries. With its international student population, and graduates from local colleges and medical centers, the region is empowered with a remarkably qualified work force for today and for the future. Whether you are seeking a career in nursing, biotech research, construction, or you need a part-time job to help pay the bills, the internet, the newspapers, and phone directories are good places to start the search for the resources you will need to reach your career goals and aspirations.

By David Banner

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