New Orleans is a major porting city in the United States with a post-Katrina population of 273,000. New Orleans is one of the oldest cities in the country with a long history of astounding architecture, cultures, cuisines, and music (birthplace of Jazz). The city has an amazing history ready to be explored by recent college grads and students interested in learning more or living there.

New Orleans' unique style dates back to 1718 when it was founded by the French Mississippi Company. The city was known as La Nouvelle-Orleans, named after Phillippe II, Duke of Orleans, and a Regent of France. New Orleans was conquered by the Spanish Empire and remained under its control for 40 years. The surviving architecture of the French Quarter is still visible and survives the Spanish ruling. By the 1830s, New Orleans became one of the wealthiest and most populated cities in the US. The ports were used for slave trade between merchants which doubled the city's population. New Orleans remained a popular city until the Union conquered it and released slaves. The city was very successful for many years until the beginning of the 20th century when scientists realized its lower elevation made New Orleans vulnerable.

Hurricane Betsy was one small taste of what could happen to the city - dozens of residents died but the inland remained dry. That experience brought numerous engineers in to learn and study the weakness of the levees. Changes did not occur fast enough as nothing could have harmed the city more than Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Hurricane Katrina displaced many residents across the nation leading the largest evacuation in American history. Now, the city is in need of reconstruction, drainage, and population growth. Volunteers from all over the US have been to the city to help remove debris from Hurricane Katrina. Recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in engineering can gain tremendous experience while helping residents rebuild their city.

There is still fun, excitement and a taste of the New Orleans culture tourists can dig in at Bourbon Street and the French Quarters in downtown. American tourists love to travel up and down these streets embedding themselves into the lifestyles of the Big Easy. Other tourists attractions include Magazine Street (historical shops), and the St. Charles Avenue (historic Pontchartrain Hotel). Families and students interested in art can visit the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the Contemporary Arts Center, Aquarium of Americas, and the Nanchez steam boat.

Interested in pursuing a degree in New Orleans? Attend one of the many universities still available:

Dillard University - most popular degrees are in Computer Science, English, Nursing (RN), Social Work, Biology, Finance/Banking, Communications/Rhetoric, and Education (General).

Loyola University New Orleans - offers degrees are in Business/Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Social Sciences, Psychology, Visual and Performing Arts, Biology, English, and Security and Protective Services.

Southeastern Louisiana University - with over 13,000 students in attendance, SLU's most popular degrees are in Computer Science, Marketing Management, Biology, Industrial Technology, History (General), Psychology (General), and Criminal Justice Studies.

Southern University at New Orleans - most popular degrees are in English, Physics, Real Estate, Psychology (General), Social Work, Economics, Computer System Analysis, and Arts (General).

University of New Orleans - with over 9,000 students in attendance, UNO's most popular degrees are in Management Information Systems, Business/Managerial Economics, Marketing Management, General Studies, Communications/Rhetoric, Computer Science, Education, and Engineering.

Nicholls State University - students can pursue an Associates or Bachelors degree. NSU's most popular degrees are in Finance/Banking, Business Administration/Management, Nursing (RN), History (General), and Emergency Medical Technician.

Xavier University of Louisiana - most popular degrees are in Biology, Microbiology, Psychology (General), Management Science, Accounting, Marketing Management, Political Science/Government, and Philosophy.

New Orleans offers higher education in an array of degrees offered by its many colleges and universities. Recent college graduates and students interested in pursuing their interests can attend:

Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge School of Computers
Blue Cliff College: Houma
Blue Cliff College: Metairie
Camelot College
Delgado Community College
Gretna Career College
Herzing College
ITI Technical College
ITT Technical Institute: St. Rose
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Lousiana State University Health Sciences Center
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary: Leavell College
Nunez Community College
Our Lady of Holy Cross College
Our Lady of the Lake College
Remington College: Baton Rouge
River Parishes Community College
School of Urban Missions: New Orleans
Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
St. Joseph Seminary College
Tulane University
Xavier University of Louisiana

Recent college graduates and students interested in internships and entry level positions in New Orleans can apply for one of the many opportunities available at these corporations:

Entergy Oil Company - an electric power productions and retail distribution operations provider with over 14,000 employees nationwide offers numerous internships and entry level employment opportunities. Recent college graduates and students interested in nuclear engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering.

Capitol One Financial Corporation - a national banking and financial service provider specializing in auto loans, home loans, credit cards, and savings products. Recent college graduates and students interested in internships and entry level positions in banking, finance, credit repair, and mortgage originators.

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) - a leading multinational computer technology and consultation corporation offers internships and entry level positions for software engineers, computer science, marketing, distributions, and sales.

AT&T - the largest provider of local and long distance telephone services, wireless, and DSL internet access provider. Recent college graduates and students interested in internships and entry level employment opportunities can apply for one of the many openings in computer science, information technology, and marketing.

New Orleans reconstruction after Hurricane Katrina has taken some time, but the hope is still alive. Recent college graduates and students interested in living in this city will have a great deal of experience in rebuilding a major tourist destination. Internships and entry level employment is inevitable because business owners need employees to help them revive the soul New Orleans once had. Major construction, engineering, and high tech firms are coming to New Orleans to support all volunteers as well as residents.

*Source: http://www.cityofno.com
*Statistics courtesy of Census 2006 Population Statistics (August 2007 estimates)- US Census.