The University of Hartford lies only minutes away from our capitol city. A recent study by the Atlantic named Hartford the eighth best metro area for college students seeking jobs.

John Kniering, Director of Career Services, said, “Hartford has, probably more than the other areas of Connecticut, a collection of industries that require college educated graduates. Which include of course many of the technologies but certainly the financial services industry.”

According to the Hartford Courant, the top three largest employers in Hartford are the United Technologies Corporation, Hartford Financial Services Group Incorporated, and Aetna Incorporated.

Kniering also said, “What’s occurring, I think, is this perfect storm where all of the information about what actually happens with patients and the insurance companies and the hospitals are meeting the research needs of biotechnology companies and creating this little bloomlet around the Hartford area.”

With so many great opportunities right down the road, we asked Kniering what he thought was the best advice for seniors approaching the end of their college careers.

“I would say take yourself seriously, and get good advice. Learn how to network even if you’re a little shy and introverted. Use LinkedIn, use our office and alumni services, come talk to the likes of me and our staff here in career services.”

For more information and resources, the link to Career Services is http://www.hartford.edu/career_services/