Birmingham is the 13th largest city in the U.S. with a population of 242, 820 in 2000, but has declined to 231, 485 according to the 2005 estimate. Birmingham offers a variety of entry level positions and universities for students seeking quality educations. Nicknamed, ‘The Pittsburgh of The South’ and ‘Magic City’, explains the city’s growth from manufacturing in the 20th century. Now, the city has developed stature in banking, biotechnology, publishing, insurance, and medicine.

There is more to Birmingham than a thriving economy; its city has landmarks to illustrate its drive throughout its existence. The Vulcan Park, Vulcan tower, and Oak Mountain State Park hold history of a fighting city. Even more, Birmingham’s track record of success dates back to its founding in 1871.

Birmingham was founded on June 1, 1871. The real estate promoters used this lot to build the first business near the planned crossroads of Alabama & Chattanooga as well as the North & South railroads. The railroads were close to the coal, iron ore, and limestone in the city’s land. Birmingham’s steel industry was planned from the first moment lots were sold by the real estate promoters. Industrialists used these minerals – coal, iron ore, and limestone – to generate the push in Birmingham’s dominance in early 1900s.

The Civil War and Wall Street crash created problems for Birmingham as it modernized its cities. These weakening experiences strengthened the city’s return to prosperity during the post-war years. The U.S.’s demands for steel during the Rebuilding period helped Birmingham improve its economy. Birmingham experienced my exposure as African Americans began their Civil Rights movements with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. leading non-violent protests. The city was nicknamed, “Bombingham”, because of the racially motivated bombings occurring around the city. The bombings ended around 1970s as the city focused on the development of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

University of Alabama at Birmingham – as the first university of Birmingham, it’s most popular degrees are business and marketing, health professions, Psychology, and Biology. Eighty-eight percent of its applicants are admitted into their chosen program and 11, 284 undergrads currently attend.

Another sought-after university is Samford University – this private university has 2, 882 degree-seeking undergrads. Students can attend for an Associate’s to Doctoral within its degree programs. Samford University’s most popular degrees include its Associates in Education and its Bachelor’s degrees in Business/Marketing, Health Professions, and Visual and Performing Arts.

Birmingham’s other universities and colleges include:

Andrew Jackson University
Birmingham-Southern College
University of Montevallo
Birmingham School of Law
Miles College
Miles Law School
Jefferson State Community College
Bessemer State Technical College
Bevill State Community College
Southeastern Bible College
Virginia College of Birmingham

Birmingham’s renewal efforts catalyzed the forward thinking of its environment as it increases one hundred percent per capita income since 1990. This positive cash flow shows how determined Birmingham’s economy is compared to the other major US cities. Entry level employment opportunities are available at their large corporations such as:

Regions Financial Corporation – a leading financial center in the Birmingham area provides commercial and retail banking, securities brokerage, insurance products, and services.

SunTrust – another leading banking center offers entry level positions in finance, banking, and insurance.

AT&T – this leading telecommunications giant offers positions in human resources, engineering, communications, and IT.

Birmingham has more to offer than tall skyscrapers, parks, colleges, and financial services. Birmingham offers a warm, welcoming place to raise a family or start a promising career. You will fall in love with the southern hospitality Birmingham has to offer.

*Statistics courtesy of the US Census Bureau – Census 2000.
Source: www.informationbirmingham.com