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Wichita is the largest city located in Kansas with a population of 354,865 and it was established in 1870. Also known as the Air Capitol of the World, it is a major aircraft manufacturer in the United States. Recent college graduates and students interested in internships and entry level positions in aviation, manufacturing, and journalism will find Wichita to be fond of the city's offerings.

Founded in 1541 by Francisco Vasquez de Loronado, the merchants called the area 'cities of gold' as trades developed throughout the terrains. Vasquez de Loronado operated the trades between the Indians and French settlers. By 1863, Wichita Indians created the first permanent settlement along with many Spanish settlers who returned after the Civil War. Spanish settlers found themselves returning to Oklahoma City due to their Pro-Union ideals in which slavery was indeed, wrong. The population grew gradually as Wichita was officially incorporated in 1870. The liberal government allowed change within the city's vicinity.

The 1900s were a time of change within Wichita as the liberal appeal of Wichita helped the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) make a stand against alcohol in the downtown business district. Carrie Nation, a WCTU member, felt an urge to confront store owners regarding their alcohol policies. Between 1914 -1915, oil was discovered within the city's wells and Wichita became a major oil center within Kansas. Settlers and merchants moved to Wichita from all over the area in hopes of building an empire. Trades and revenue of increased the population within the city, but the biggest achievement was in 1917 when Cessna Comet, the first airplane, was built.

The first aircraft lead to the largest manufacturing age in the United States in 1920-1923. Entrepreneurs invested in the development of aircrafts for the United States military and large contracts created a strong dependence on Wichita's businesses. The 'Air City' continues to grow until today, but the most memorable years were between 1925 and 1947 as four major companies emerged: Swallows, Stearman Aircraft, Travel Air, and Beech Aircraft. The spread of aircraft manufacturers around the country gave its credits to Wichita.

Sports, culture, and fun is the best way to describe Wichita's attractions for young families and single adults. Wichita's professional sports teams such as the Wichita Thunder (Ice Hockey), Wichita Wild (Arena Football), and Wichita Barbarians (Rugby). For students or families fascinated with garden or botanical exhibitions will find the Botanica, The Wichita Gardens' 24 gardens an amazing gesture for your intellectual needs. This is not where the fun ends; Wichita has Joyland Amusement Park, Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology, Wichita Art Museum, Mid-America All-Indian Center, McConnell Air Force Base, and the Museum of World Treasures.

Students interested in pursuing a higher education can attend of the Wichita's colleges or universities:

Wichita State University - over 11,000 students in attendance, WSU's most popular degrees are Business Administration/Management, International Business, Elementary Education, Industrial Engineering, English, and Medical Staff Services Technology.

Kansas State University - with over 18,000 students in attendance, KSU's most popular degrees are Business (General), Mass Communications/Media Studies, Computer Programming (General), Architectural Engineering, Health Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences.

Baker University - most popular degrees are International Business, Web/Multimedia Design, English, Mathematics (General), Philosophy, Molecular Biology, and Information Sciences/Systems.

Friends University - most popular degrees are Health System Administration, Medical Radiologic Technology, Youth Ministries, Chemistry, English, Human Resource Management, and Accounting.

University of Kansas - with over 21,000 students in attendance, UK's most popular degrees are Management Information Systems, Microbiology, Journalism, Architecture, Computer/Information Science (General), History (General), and Music Therapy.

Washburn University - most popular degrees are Banking/Finance Services, Computer Systems Analysis, Early Childhood Education, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mathematics (General), and Natural Sciences.

Emporia State University - most popular degrees are Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Library Science, History (General), Information Resources Studies, and Psychology (General).

Fort Hays State University - most popular degrees are History (General), Communications/Rhetoric, Marketing Research, Criminal Justice Studies, and Philosophy.

Newman University - popular degrees are Nursing (RN), Medical Radiology Technology, Law Enforcement Administration, Pastoral Counseling, Industrial Radiological Technologies, and Biology.

University of St. Mary - a small, private university in Leavenworth, St. Mary's most popular degrees are Elementary Education, Child Development, Nursing (RN), Chemistry, Psychology, and Sociology.

Wichita is also home of:

Allen County Community College
Barclay College
Barton County Community College
Benedictine College
Bethany College
Bethel College
Brown Mackie College: Salina
Butler County Community College
Central Christian College of Kansas
Cloud County Community College
Coffeyville Community College
Cowley Country Community College
Dodge City Community College
Fort Scott Community College
Garden City Community College
Haskell Indian Nations University
Hesston College
Kansas Wesleyan University
Manhattan Area Technical College
Manhattan Christian College
McPherson College
Ottawa University
MidAmerica Nazarene University
University of Kansas Medical Center

Recent college graduates and students interested in internships and entry level employment can apply at one of these companies:

Wichita Magazine - a leading magazine in the Wichita area offers internships and entry level employment in journalism, communications, marketing, and sales.

Wichita Eagle - a leading newspaper in the Wichita area offers internships and entry level employment in communications, marketing, sales, editing, and graphic design.

Wichita Mid-Continent Airport - a major airport located in Wichita which offers internships and entry level employment in communications, marketing, sales, computer networking, and electrical engineering.

Wichita's simple, yet exciting atmosphere makes it a great place to live and study. Recent college graduates and students interested in internships and entry level positions can find great businesses to develop their careers. Wichita is not only a great place to live, but a great place to establish one's reputation in one's given field - especially aviation or mechanical engineers. Other industries such as media, marketing, and sales offer an array of opportunities for the right candidates.

*Source: www.wichita.gov
**Statistics courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau - 2000 Census.