Best companies to work for in Albuquerque?

What companies are fueling growth in Albuquerque? Why are they a great employer?

I just came out here from the Florida market. DO NOT MOVE OUT HERE! The people are horrible and there is no work worth your time unless you are like me, holding an MBA with a 18yr uper managment and sales background. You can get a job at IHop or min wage anywere. That is ot out here. I will do anything to get out of this God for saking town. TRUE ADVICE NO B*ULLS*HIT!

you said it....wish i never moved to this place...

You don't like it? Then leave! Your incessant whining is taking up valuable oxygen and making it worse for those of us who like it here.

I am a job developer working with Goodwill Industries of New Mexico. I can tell you from first hand experience that there is lots of opportunity here in Albuquerque. The question is what type of opportunity are you seeking? What type of skill sets do you have? What is your disposition during interviews? The more pay that you are seeking, the longer it takes to land a good (and the right) job.

Having said that, some of the old reliables here in town are definitely struggling. Intel, PNM and Sandia Labs which are three major employers are all considering or performing cutbacks and layoffs. That doesn't mean that there is no jobs -- you just have to look beyond the most major employers to find them.

I was hopping to work at a Hotel or Casino I do have a lot of experience it those job realated fields what would be your advice for New Mexico looking for work?????

The best jobs in Albuquerque are mainly found in defense and research, which mean Sandia National Labs. However, there are a few interesting companies such as Eclipse Aviation and White Star, a small electric car manufacturer. Yet, these companies tend to be doing more research than manufacturing at the moment. Fidelity plans to open a large operation here soon. Victoria Secrets, Citi, Wachovia, AOL, have call centers located here. To the surprise of many, Hollywood is setting up shop here as well. Two studios recently opened up, and a few films have been filmed in the surrounding areas—3:10 to YUMA and the Transformers. Many more are in production. Movie crews are always at work in downtown.
Albuquerque is a growing city. The population is 504,949. It has grown by 80,000 people in the last six years. Many who move here tend to come from California, New York, and Texas. Many love the big sky, the open spaces, the sunny climate, and the relaxed environment. Houses are still fairly inexpensive here when compared to the national average. Mass transportation systems are being created. The Albuquerque Public School system has much to be desired; however, most of the private schools, the Albuquerque Academy, Bosque Prep, and Sandia Prep , and a couple of charter schools, AIMS@UNM and Amy Bheil, tend to be good. Albuquerque is also home to the University of New Mexico.
There is a nice zoo, a botanical garden, an Aquarium, decent museums. There are lots of restaurants that serve every genre of cuisine. There are nice movie theaters.
If you are planning to move out here for work, I highly suggest that you visit first. The “high desert” isn’t for everyone; Albuquerque isn’t for everyone. Many love it, some hate it. Albuquerque is a city that tends to grow on you. It is different for everybody.

The best jobs in Albuquerque are mainly found in defense and research, which mean Sandia National Labs. However, there are a few interesting companies such as Eclipse Aviation and White Star, a small electric car manufacturer. Yet, these companies tend to be doing more research than manufacturing at the moment. Fidelity plans to open a large operation here soon. Victoria Secrets, Citi, Wachovia, AOL, have call centers located here. To the surprise of many, Hollywood is setting up shop here as well. Two studios recently opened up, and a few films have been filmed in the surrounding areas—3:10 to YUMA and the Transformers. Many more are in production. Movie crews are always at work in downtown.
Albuquerque is a growing city. The population is 504,949. It has grown by 80,000 people in the last six years. Many who move here tend to come from California, New York, and Texas. Many love the big sky, the open spaces, the sunny climate, and the relaxed environment. Houses are still fairly inexpensive here when compared to the national average. Mass transportation systems are being created. The Albuquerque Public School system has much to be desired; however, most of the private schools, the Albuquerque Academy, Bosque Prep, and Sandia Prep , and a couple of charter schools, AIMS@UNM and Amy Bheil, tend to be good. Albuquerque is also home to the University of New Mexico.
There is a nice zoo, a botanical garden, an Aquarium, decent museums. There are lots of restaurants that serve every genre of cuisine. There are nice movie theaters.
If you are planning to move out here for work, I highly suggest that you visit first. The “high desert” isn’t for everyone; Albuquerque isn’t for everyone. Many love it, some hate it. Albuquerque is a city that tends to grow on you. It is different for everybody.

Are there any good marketing jobs? If so, are there any good local websites?

I just moved to ABQ from Philadelphia. What can I say? this place is not only inspiring but absolutely mystical and beautiful. I'm at AWE every single morning at the incredible open sky sunrises and spectacular sunsets that take place before my eyes every single day. If you are in LOVE with the outdoors, this place is for you, if you are NOT.- forget it look elsewhere. People here are magnificent, no attitude, no east coast hard "edgeness" whatsoever. Polite, courteous and down to earth "what you see is what you get attitude" the Sandia Mountains surrounding the city are breathtaking.- no other way to describe them. That being said :) the employment situation here is NOT easy, few well paid jobs, slim pickings in terms of valuable opportunities. If you dont know anyone here (I dont) can be even more challenging to find a decent position. Hope my two cents helps

Dave in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I have an amazing job working at an automotive research and development facility here in Albuquerque. There are lots of cutting edge tech businesses in this town. I think the labs help promote that environment. Albuquerque is a pretty laid back town, so if you're lazy you can expect to be in good company. There is oppurtunity here if you're willing to work for it.
Bottom Line: As with anyplace else, if you're waiting for the good life to come to you, well get comfortable you're going to be waiting a long time.

will you tell me the company you are working for in ABQ?

James said: will you tell me the company you are working for in ABQ?

James, I work for the market research industry

reynaldo in Kansas City, Missouri said: I was hopping to work at a Hotel or Casino I do have a lot of experience it those job realated fields what would be your advice for New Mexico looking for work?????

Reynaldo, I've been job hunting here and have come accross an endless amount of jobs in the gaming industry. There are plenty of jobs in all of the casinos and you don't have to drive forever. Come on down man, you'll love it.

I work in the insurance industry in Florida and absolutely hate it. I want to work in the green industry, have a 4 yr degree and love the West. I miss the wide open spaces of Texas and want to live in a dog-friendly, diverse community. Albuquerque sounds perfect but I'm not sure if I could land a job in research with just a four year degree in psychology. I'm used to making decent money and wonder if anyone has some suggestions? I don't know anyone that lives there so I would be completely on my own.

Hi Stacy. I followed my partner here for a permanent move. We have been here for three months ago from Philadelphia and we absolutely love it. This place is wonderful. I'm stunned by the beautiful wide open spaces, amazing sunrises and sunsets and the countless biking, hiking, running trails that are here. New Mexicans are the nicest people I've ever met. Polite, friendly and easy going. Definitely A LOT MORE laid back in comparison with the East Coast - to-your-face edgy-ness.

I work from home for an CA based Co (sales) so i have not struggled with searching for an opportunity here. I have been out networking with people in the area via the Latino and ABQ Chamber of Commerce. Even though wages may not be as high as CA or the east Coast, I do believe you'll meet plenty of people if you join netwroking associations here. that's my two cents. Come here - you won't regret it

Johnny in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I just came out here from the Florida market. DO NOT MOVE OUT HERE! The people are horrible and there is no work worth your time unless you are like me, holding an MBA with a 18yr uper managment and sales background. You can get a job at IHop or min wage anywere. That is ot out here. I will do anything to get out of this God for saking town. TRUE ADVICE NO B*ULLS*HIT!

What a LOSER, people are horrible? really? - look at a mirror and let me know what you see. Maybe the horrible person is you. There is no work worth your time because you did not put the time and effort to find it, that goes to ANYWHERE you are at. With your "energy draining" negative ATTITUDE-no wonder you "can't get a job here" with an MBA I wouldn't hire you in a Million years. If you dont like it here, go back to Florida- you seem the type that will be unhappy no matter were you are at..

Johnny in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I just came out here from the Florida market. DO NOT MOVE OUT HERE! The people are horrible and there is no work worth your time unless you are like me, holding an MBA with a 18yr uper managment and sales background. You can get a job at IHop or min wage anywere. That is ot out here. I will do anything to get out of this God for saking town. TRUE ADVICE NO B*ULLS*HIT!

Life is hard for all of us trying to find work, and is just harder when a nice town has to put up with such negativity.
And it is "God forsaken town," nitwit. Maybe your potential employers notice when you misspeak, and have a good read on your attitude.

Bradley, no kidding. It is hard to keep a job when you have one let alone life sucks when unemployed. Good luck trying to find your next position - Abq might not be the best job market in the world, but you will find something. When unemployed in the past of perseverance is key, knocking on as many doors as possible, networking, joining the chambers of commerce, here etc. My advice: dont rely only on internet ads, it'll def be harder. At one point i grabbed my resume a few years ago and literally personally knocked on doors. Did not get a job, but hey I got two interviews. For all of you out there that "hate this town" if you can't see the amazing beauty and cultural diversity that this state has to offer, you gotta be blind. Please leave! those of us who moved here from out of state- truly love it

I am graduating from Ohio State by the end of June, 2009 with a bachelors degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. I've been considering living in the Southwest for the last four years. I have done some research and have found Albuquerque and Tuscon to be the two most promising locations. Although my major is in PR&T I've been considering doing something with homeland defense. With that in mind I've been considering joining the Army to get some training in the fields of Firefighting, Hazmat, or EMS. I guess my first question is are there any Army bases around Albuquerque? My second question is what are the opportunities like for positions in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism as well as Homeland Security, Firefighting, and EMS. I feel that I have something to start off with since I recently got my Wildfire Certification.

There are no Army bases in Albuquerque; however, Kirkland Air Force base is here. If you are interested in parks and recreation, New Mexico is a really good place to be. You might want to check with the National Parks Service for positions. The parks in New Mexico include the national forests, Chaco Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns. Check it out.

Michael E Allen in Lewis Center, Ohio said: I am graduating from Ohio State by the end of June, 2009 with a bachelors degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. I've been considering living in the Southwest for the last four years. I have done some research and have found Albuquerque and Tuscon to be the two most promising locations. Although my major is in PR&T I've been considering doing something with homeland defense. With that in mind I've been considering joining the Army to get some training in the fields of Firefighting, Hazmat, or EMS. I guess my first question is are there any Army bases around Albuquerque? My second question is what are the opportunities like for positions in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism as well as Homeland Security, Firefighting, and EMS. I feel that I have something to start off with since I recently got my Wildfire Certification.

Before you move here, make sure you come visit. Rent a car, drive around the different neighborhoods. This place is not for everyone. You are likely to love it here

Paul in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: Before you move here, make sure you come visit. Rent a car, drive around the different neighborhoods. This place is not for everyone. You are likely to love it here

I'm sure I will love it and aim to get there asap.

Louie in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: There are no Army bases in Albuquerque; however, Kirkland Air Force base is here. If you are interested in parks and recreation, New Mexico is a really good place to be. You might want to check with the National Parks Service for positions. The parks in New Mexico include the national forests, Chaco Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns. Check it out.

Since Fort Huachua is near Tucson that's why i still have questions about which place is better. Needless to say I desire outdoor opportunities, old west feel, native american/mexican culture, and ample employment opportunities. I'd like to put in work as a firefighter, emt, search & rescue worker, maybe in the long run working with department of homeland defense. I've never lived in the desert before but I know it's where I want to be right now. Thanks for the advice.

As a newcomer from the east coast,i've joined the Abq Chamber of Commerce and The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (among the most influential in the US) they both have monthly networking events and have met some really nice people. You may want to google them to learn more about them and maybe even joining before you even get here.

Johnny in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I just came out here from the Florida market. DO NOT MOVE OUT HERE! The people are horrible and there is no work worth your time unless you are like me, holding an MBA with a 18yr uper managment and sales background. You can get a job at IHop or min wage anywere. That is ot out here. I will do anything to get out of this God for saking town. TRUE ADVICE NO B*ULLS*HIT!

Really? You're having trouble finding a job? I would tend to think there would be endless opportunities for someone with your brobdingnagian writing skills, and absolute phantasmagoric use of the English language?

By the way...there are two "p's" in upper, as in "upper management." And...
It's "God forsaken," not "God for saking."
And..
Exactly which letters were you omitting with the use of the asterisk(*)in "B*ULLS*HIT"?

lisa in Rio Rancho, New Mexico said: you said it....wish i never moved to this place...

If you ended up in Rio Rancho, I can see why. You didn't do your homework.

I agree, a Google search or a visit to the area FIRST would of revealed that perhaps Rio Rancho is not the best place suited for you

How could this person be complaining about not being able to find a job with her MBA and 18 yrs management experience - when it is obviously evident he doesn't deserve more than an Ihop job with his TERRIBLE spelling and use of grammar

Does anyone know if there are oportunities for a multilingual secretary? I have 4 years degree in Political Sciences and Sociology, work as a PA in London, UK for many years, and my family will be moving to Albuquerque soon. By the way, I can speak French, Italian and Portuguese, on my way to improve my Spanish, because I am sure it will be helpful.

Any comments and/or guidance are much appreciated. Thanks.

I am in the process of moving out to Albuquerque with my Fiance...she is taking a position here. I am a little nervous about finding work myself, (something in the sales and Marketing world) but I'll keep focused. I do enjoy MTB, cycling, running etc, so the move in this respect is quite exciting. Do you know of any local or national recruiters that might be of assistance for thie area?

Thank you,

Guy

Vicky in London, United Kingdom said: Does anyone know if there are oportunities for a multilingual secretary? I have 4 years degree in Political Sciences and Sociology, work as a PA in London, UK for many years, and my family will be moving to Albuquerque soon. By the way, I can speak French, Italian and Portuguese, on my way to improve my Spanish, because I am sure it will be helpful.

Any comments and/or guidance are much appreciated. Thanks.

need a job

sbr2kona in Chicago, Illinois said: I am in the process of moving out to Albuquerque with my Fiance...she is taking a position here. I am a little nervous about finding work myself, (something in the sales and Marketing world) but I'll keep focused. I do enjoy MTB, cycling, running etc, so the move in this respect is quite exciting. Do you know of any local or national recruiters that might be of assistance for thie area?

Thank you,

Guy

Join the Abq and Latino chambers of commerce- strongly reccommend them, for networking purposes.

Bill Kesatie in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I am a job developer working with Goodwill Industries of New Mexico. I can tell you from first hand experience that there is lots of opportunity here in Albuquerque. The question is what type of opportunity are you seeking? What type of skill sets do you have? What is your disposition during interviews? The more pay that you are seeking, the longer it takes to land a good (and the right) job.

Having said that, some of the old reliables here in town are definitely struggling. Intel, PNM and Sandia Labs which are three major employers are all considering or performing cutbacks and layoffs. That doesn't mean that there is no jobs -- you just have to look beyond the most major employers to find them.

i want to be a job developer where do i apply and just what kind of exsperence do i need i have worked with developmental disabilites for over 16 years direct care looking for a change

Dear Johnny,
I will be the first to admit that the job market in New Mexico is tight. As a former recruiter if you are and have been in your previous jobs a stellar employee, you will not stay unemployed for long. It may take a few months, but I guarantee grade AAA employees will be snatched up quickly. I will give you some pointers to help you out. You need to learn how to spell, improve your grammar, and this last one is so important, CHANGE your attitude!

Hey guys, lets take it easy on Johnny. With all his experience and education, he is probably very frustrated that he can't land a non-entry level job. As far as hating on the people here, he might just be upset at the slower laid back speed that we operate on. Come this is the "Land of Manana", I moved here from Sacramento, were business operates at a much faster rate. The sense of urgency here in Albuquerque is much different.

I was out of work for months in Sacto and within a few days of searching here in Albuquerque I landed a decent entry level job. Not nearly what I am use to earning or any where near the upper level management job I held for 15 years, but at least I have my foot in the door of a large corporation. I just had to keep an open mind to whatever I could get and keep a good attitude.

I'll take Albuquerque's single digit unemployment rate over California's double digit rate, anytime!

I know it is hard being in a new state and let's face it a new culture, but if you keep an open mind and a good attitude, you WILL find employment here. It may not be what you are wanting or expecting but if you are as good as you say you are, you will advance.

We want to move to Albuquerque or Santa Fe areas in the near future. Very interested in the job market for multimedia design/development, veterinarian and personal training/security. Any advise?

And in response to several comments regarding the people in Albuquerque, we visited 2x in the past year and have simply fallen for the environment, quality of life, people (of all ages and gender)... exactly the reason we want to move there.

If you're more of a big city appeal, then ABQ is not a good fit and I would suggest the coastal states such as FL, CA, NY...etc

Just moved here with my fresh T20 law degree and I have found that the legal market is smaller, more casual, and more hostile to outsiders than it was in California. Does anyone have any advice for me as I search for legal jobs? I am currently studying for the NM Bar Exam, and I am feeling overwhelmed by the number of low-paying ma & pa law offices in this state. I am looking for work both in ABQ and Santa Fe, and am pretty open to different areas of law.

Thanks!

Moved here from the east coast over a year ago, and well welcome to reality :) YES, my impression has been that it is harder to break into the business environment here, i.e- smaller city, with more of a boys club mentality, difficult..but not impossible (i say) not that I have broken into it, but working on it! Become a member of The Chamber of Commerce and try to network in person as much as possible. Lower pay here in NM.- YES, believe me you will most likely earn less (estimate at least 20% less) and that is simply a fact here, smaller city with less business (thank God this is NOT LA, SF or NY)- that being said- it is significantly cheaper here than living in LA, NYC, SD i.e- you are going to get a lot more for your buck, specially when it comes to housing. Focus on what brought you here in the first place: beautiful surroundings, friendly people, awesome history, quirky state, etc etc sorry but you might have your cake and eat it too - but it usually doesn't work out that way, agree?

My wife is taking a job in albuquerque this summer. I'm looking for work as an engineer. I have an electrical engineer degree. I'ld take work doing any type of engineering. Any suggestions?

I lived in NM 23 years ago. I have been wanting to get back every since I left. I have been there in much worse times than these and have always found gainful work. Keep a good attitude and an open mind and you can find opportunity at every turn in NM!

NewtoABQ in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: I just moved to ABQ from Philadelphia. What can I say? this place is not only inspiring but absolutely mystical and beautiful. I'm at AWE every single morning at the incredible open sky sunrises and spectacular sunsets that take place before my eyes every single day. If you are in LOVE with the outdoors, this place is for you, if you are NOT.- forget it look elsewhere. People here are magnificent, no attitude, no east coast hard "edgeness" whatsoever. Polite, courteous and down to earth "what you see is what you get attitude" the Sandia Mountains surrounding the city are breathtaking.- no other way to describe them. That being said :) the employment situation here is NOT easy, few well paid jobs, slim pickings in terms of valuable opportunities. If you dont know anyone here (I dont) can be even more challenging to find a decent position. Hope my two cents helps

Hi, I am also looking into moving from Philly...how has it been for you so far?

Hi. My BF and I visited New Mexico twice and fell in love ~ it's not called the Land of Enchantment for nothing. We desperately want to leave NJ and move to NM, but we'd be doing so without jobs waiting for us. This is scary.My question is this: how is the climate from Administrative Assistants/or Editorial Assistant positions? I appreciate any input at all. Thanks.

ReadytoMove in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: Hi, I am also looking into moving from Philly...how has it been for you so far?

its been great, been here a year and a half - dont expect "big city" excitement, no cozy BYOB restaurants similar to Center City Philadelphia, sophistication, whatever that may mean to you, is mute here. Dont expect to make the same either, you'll make at least 25% less in comparison with the east coast.- BELIEVE ME. However, NMexicans are very nice people, NO cut throat, passive aggressive attitudes - the surroundings are truly unlikely anything you'll ever see, the moon (OMG, just about every night shines beautifully, the sky, the clouds, the mountains..the outdoors) is magnificent. follow me?

Aurora in Cherry Hill, New Jersey said: Hi. My BF and I visited New Mexico twice and fell in love ~ it's not called the Land of Enchantment for nothing. We desperately want to leave NJ and move to NM, but we'd be doing so without jobs waiting for us. This is scary.My question is this: how is the climate from Administrative Assistants/or Editorial Assistant positions? I appreciate any input at all. Thanks.

Remember moving here IS NOT for everyone. Make sure you know what you're getting into..before the fact..you'll thank me for it

NewtoABQ in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: Remember moving here IS NOT for everyone. Make sure you know what you're getting into..before the fact..you'll thank me for it

Hi ~ Are you thinking of anything in particular? I know moving there isn't a cure-all, but was drawn to its beauty and plethora of relatively inexpensive outdoor activities. Plus, the single digit unemployment numbers compared to NJ s numbers.The only thing that
terrified me is driving those highways!

From where did you move? Please, if there is something I'm not taking into consideration here, feel free to let me know,

aurorablue215 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey said: Hi ~ Are you thinking of anything in particular? I know moving there isn't a cure-all, but was drawn to its beauty and plethora of relatively inexpensive outdoor activities. Plus, the single digit unemployment numbers compared to NJ s numbers.The only thing that
terrified me is driving those highways!

From where did you move? Please, if there is something I'm not taking into consideration here, feel free to let me know,

Hi,
I live in cherry hill too and have been thinking of moving to ABQ. keep me posted on your plans.

NewtoABQ in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: its been great, been here a year and a half - dont expect "big city" excitement, no cozy BYOB restaurants similar to Center City Philadelphia, sophistication, whatever that may mean to you, is mute here. Dont expect to make the same either, you'll make at least 25% less in comparison with the east coast.- BELIEVE ME. However, NMexicans are very nice people, NO cut throat, passive aggressive attitudes - the surroundings are truly unlikely anything you'll ever see, the moon (OMG, just about every night shines beautifully, the sky, the clouds, the mountains..the outdoors) is magnificent. follow me?

do you miss anything about the NJ/NY/PA area??

I've got a job offer north of ABQ and will be leaving the Boston area for big sandia skies. I've been to the area many times in the last several months and am SO happy to be heading away from the congestion of Boston to the "congestion" of Albuquerque. The local people I have met are helpful, polite, mostly politically moderate or slightly right of center and i've yet to meet any head cases,(i'm sure a yankee fan will cross my path at some point). WYSIWYG was mentioned earlier in this thread and that has also been my experience. The only things i've had to avoid are brown recluses and rattlesnakes, and as it turns out, they really want to avoid people.
For those from the northeast, New England can almost fit twice in NM, and NM has 2.2M people compared to 14.5M in NE

I just finished my Masters in International Relations and after desperately trying to land a position in Philly and DC I've decided to move back to Albuquerque for the time being. Not only do I find the cost of living is cheaper, I also am an avid runner looking forward to using the opportunity to become a better marathoner. I'm a little uneasy about the job situation but after going from temp job to temp job in Philadelphia I don't think it will be any different, just cheaper. I'm wide open to options in the meantime, hoping to get settled soon enough so I can start my new life in Albuquerque. Any suggestions on what are the thriving businesses to work for. I currently am a temp Admin Asst with the HayGroup in Philadelphia, a Consulting firm.