Living and working in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is right up there in the United States rankings. Opportunities for young professionals, young couples and families, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts are plentiful.

So, what’s so great about Pennsylvania, and why should you move there? And what are the career choices in the US?

A potted history

William Penn, a Quaker from England, arrived in 1682. He founded Pennsylvania hoping that people from all cultures would settle in peace and live free lives. The keystone state is one of the thirteen original colonies in the USA.

It’s home to Gettysburg, where George G. Meade stopped the northern confederacy invasion and was one of the first states to adopt and sign the US constitution. People are drawn to Pennsylvania for its diverse and exciting history and the many monuments commemorating significant events.

Pennsylvania is a founding state known for its pioneer spirit. In 1781, Alexander Hamilton opened the first national bank in the USA in Philadelphia. These days Pennsylvania is bang up to date with new technology and offers exciting opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

The renewable energy sector saw some of Pennsylvania's fastest job growth over the past few years. Increasingly, with legislation eradicating greenhouse gas emissions, industries across the board are prioritising the substitution of their power source to clean, renewable forms. By 2030, electric utilities aim to get 55% of their power from renewables. As a result, renewable energy via solar, wind, and hydropower features prominently in all industries, specifically, construction, transport, and corporates.

With communities from Eastern and Central Europe, Africa, South America, and the UK, Pennsylvania is culturally rich.

Location, location, location

Pennsylvania is a thriving state linking the Southern states, Atlantic seaboard, and Midwest with the Northeast. Major metropolitan areas, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, and Scranton, underpin the commerce and manufacturing industries while being surrounded by scenic beauty.

Pennsylvania’s modern lifestyle promotes a relaxed lifestyle, with its attractive small villages and different cultures steeped in history.

Job prospects

Today Pennsylvania is listed at no 43 and rising on the list depicting financial stability within the states in the USA. Other fiscally stable states are Alaska, South Dakota and Tennessee. While a predominantly rural state, it is home to several Fortune 500 companies and is the US Financial and Insurance hub.

Nationally, Pennsylvania is a leader in the life sciences industry and employs 112,000 people . A collaboration between biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics, and research promotes financial strength in the state.

Life Science Pennsylvania has introduced a new model of the life science industry linking scientists, policymakers, funding programs, and entrepreneurs to solutions and policies that will expand and sustain the innovation infrastructure. New companies and job creation are natural offshoots of this initiative, significantly impacting human health globally.

Things to do and see

Pennsylvania is a treasure trove of sights, sounds, customs, and flavours. A blend of old and new ensures there is something for everyone to do.

Philadelphia, packed with history, is home to treasures such as the Liberty Bell, a 268-year-old symbol of freedom. A few steps away is the Independence Hall, host of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then you’ll be happy to know you have Hershey Park on your doorstep. Hershey, home to the well-known chocolate factory, is a town founded by Milton Hershey in 1907.

Pittsburgh, another major city in Pennsylvania, is known as ‘the Steel City,’ home to over three hundred steel-related businesses and the ‘City of Bridges’ for its 446 bridges. The city, built on the junction of three rivers, offers residents an urban-suburban feel with parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.

Emphasising a healthy work-life balance, Pennsylvanians have ample opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, hobbies, and healthy pursuits. Escape the exciting culture-filled cities easily and enjoy beautifully diverse rural areas that provide hiking trails over mountains and through forests.

Explore an exciting new career in Pennsylvania with Quanta

If you are considering a career move to Pennsylvania, we’d love to help you. View our latest jobs in the US to get started.