Bridgeport, Connecticut is the fifth largest city in New England with a population of 137,912. Its history of success dates back to the American Revolution where it was the city of privateering. Entrepreneurs and businessmen found Bridgeport to be the best location to build a solid foundation in fishing and farming.

Fishing and farming was a prosperous business venture during the early years of Bridgeport because it is located in deep Newfield Harbor. Industrious men took on whaling and ship building during the mid 19th Century as Bridgeport's population quickly grew. The whaling industry was a large source of revenue for the city until the late 19th Century when the famous Bridgeport Mill opened. Bridgeport Mill's manufacturing of sewing machines, carriages, saddles, ammunition, brass fittings, milling machine, and brassieres increased the city's importance in New England.

The success rendered in the late 19th Century grew into a more prominent role by 1930 when Bridgeport had over 500 factories within its city. Its prominence dragged between the 1970s and 1980s as its deindustrialization caused high unemployment and loss of population. Residents experienced a draw back in progress because the factories were closing, drug problems arose, and pollution created expensive environmental damage. Bridgeport could not afford to repair the problems as the city suffered lost of interests by the rest of Connecticut. The unemployment left some part of the area abandoned and very few were considered 'ghost towns' because no form of population existed.

Bridgeport continues to rebound from the unfortunate fate in the 1980s. The transition from unemployment entices many recent college graduates and students interested in internships in the new city. Bridgeport's cost of living is fairly low, renovations are in progress for residential and retail suites being built down town, and it offers an opportunity to work with new business owners. The expansion of the business district ensures a number of new jobs offered for current residents. Students interested in moving to Bridgeport can contact these businesses for more information regarding employment.

Students with families or sports interests will find Bridgeport a recreational delight with all of its parks, playgrounds, beaches, and attractions within the city. The most notable beach is Pleasure beach where tourists or residents can lease lodges on its peninsula. More interesting, Bridgeport's Kennedy Stadium remains as the home for community sports for minor or youth activities. Students interested in pursuing a higher education in Bridgeport can attend one of the many colleges and universities:

Fairfield University - with only 4,000 students in attendance, Fairfield's most popular degrees are in Management Information Systems, Business Administration/Management, International Business, Political Science/Government, Economics, and International Relations. Aside from its Bachelors program, Fairfield also offers Associates and Master degrees.

Post University - most popular degrees are in Business Administration/Management, Finance/Banking, Computer/Information Sciences, Early Childhood Education, English, Pre-law, Psychology, Sociology, and Human Services.

Wesleyan University - the most popular degrees are Economics, Anthropology,
Politics, Government, Archeology, Drama Arts, Theater Arts, Film Studies, Fine Arts, Studio Arts, Molecular Biology, and Computer/Information Sciences.

University of Bridgeport - most popular degrees are in Marketing Management, Finance/Banking, International Business, Liberal Arts & Sciences, International Relations, Religion Studies, Industrial Design, Illustration, Graphic Design, and Mass Communications/Media Studies.

University of Hartford - known for its renowned Visual and Performing Arts program, Hartford offers more than the next creative generation but also business leaders for Bridgeport's organizations. Other popular programs include the Business, Marketing, & Management, Biology, Communication/Rhetoric, and Engineering Technologies.

University of New Haven - UNH offers a successful Security & Protective Services program for aspiring Firefighters, Law Enforcement, and Security Guards. Other popular degrees are in Political Science/Government, Chemistry, International Business, Business/Managerial Economics, and Marketing Management.

Yale University - one of the US top universities, Yale offers an array of degrees within its rigorous curriculums. The most popular degrees are in Anthropology, Economics, History (General), Cognitive Science, and Engineering.

Bridgeport is also home of:

Albertus Magnus College
Briarwood College
Capital Community College
Central Connecticut State University
Charter Oak State College
Gateway Community College
Gibbs College: Farmington
Gibbs College: Norwalk
Holy Apostles College and Seminary
Housatonic Community College
Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
Middlesex Community College
Naugatuck Valley Community College
Norwalk Community College
Paier College of Art
Quinnipiac University
Sacred Heart University
Southern Connecticut State University
St. Joseph College
Trinity College
Tunix Community College
Western Connecticut State University

Recent college graduates and students interested in internships and entry level jobs can find a position at:

Bridgeport Hospital - a community hospital in Bridgeport with satellite locations all over Connecticut. Recent graduates and students interested in internships and entry level job opportunities in health care, medical sciences, management, computer networking, and information technologies.

St. Vincent's Medical Center - a Catholic hospital controlled by Ascension Health and offers an array of internships and entry level positions in healthcare. Biology, pre-med, biotechnology, and biochemistry majors may find this Medical Center to be their dream start in their medical careers.

Interested in working in Bridgeport, Connecticut? Contact local employers for more information regarding internships and entry level employment. Due to the transition, recent graduates and students can find a home in the new businesses and residential organizations. Bridgeport is the best location for low cost living expenses, students wanting to own a home, and employment opportunities with guaranteed advancement from committed employees. The community offers more than just low living costs - it offers a home for those who want to live freely.

*Source: http://www.ci.bridgeport.ct.us
*Statistics courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau - 2000 Census.