Build a Career in Pennsylvania
Hear from three Keystone State residents who love their jobs.
Job hunting? Pause your search and focus on Pennsylvania, as this state has more than enough jobs to meet your skills and interests – and the jobs available are pretty cool. While opportunities can be found in industries across the board, the state is known for its successful advanced manufacturing, energy production and transition, life sciences and medical technology, and aerospace and defense sectors. Read on to learn about three individuals who love the cool jobs they landed in Pennsylvania.
Corey Larson
Immunology Supervisor, Quest Diagnostics
Corey Larson, who works at Quest Diagnostics’ full-service laboratory in Pittsburgh, was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Growing up south of Pittsburgh and attending college at Penn State University, Larson says he is glad he’s remained in the state to build a life and career.
“I studied biology in school and always liked the lab portion. I knew I wanted to work in a laboratory environment,” Larson says. “I never thought about clinical lab work, but I came across Quest Diagnostics, and after investigating, I applied as a pre-analytical assistant.”
Soon thereafter, Larson assumed the role of medical laboratory scientist, which allowed him to run samples and verify results, and recently, he moved into a supervisory role for his department, where he works with a team to improve daily activities, deliver patient results and help with instrumentation issues.
“I love my job because it gives me purpose,” he says. “We’re helping people and promoting a healthier world. I’m learning something new daily, and there are many opportunities to grow in this field.”
Larson says the most attractive thing about living and working in Pennsylvania is the comfortable cost of living and available career opportunities.
“Pennsylvania offers many world-class health care facilities, especially Quest Diagnostics, which offers a health care career without working in a hospital,” he says. “It offers all the luxuries of a big city without the cost of one. It makes working here an ideal location.”
James Eckard
PMO Manager, Astrobotic Technology
Eckard was born and raised in Hollidaysburg, about 90 miles east of Pittsburgh, and attended Penn State University to study nuclear engineering. He spent a decade working in the nuclear engineering industry and recently transitioned to Astrobotic Technology, a Pittsburgh-based space robotics company, which allowed him to combine his passion for space exploration with engineering.
“Astrobotic was growing when I was looking for a new career,” Eckard says. “I am a huge space nerd and love everything about the history of the space race and technologies that came out of it.”
As the project management organization manager for the lunar surface systems division, he manages customers’ projects and schedules as well as how the company’s teams communicate and interact.
In addition to enjoying the industry he is in, Eckard loves that his job allows for innovation.
“When you’re working in an environment that is so extreme (like space), you’re forced to become innovative,” Eckard says. “We’re solving those challenges, and the solutions trickle into everyday life. I love being a part of the team that’s driving and pushing humanity forward.”
Living and growing his career in Pennsylvania is a dream come true for Eckard.
“I am a Pennsylvania boy, born and raised,” he says.” I love the outdoors and that we have all four seasons. I’ve traveled all over the U.S., but something about here has always drawn me home. My roots are here, and I love that I found a job so closely linked to my passions and can work in what I consider my home doing something I truly love.”
Clay Beltran
Vice President of Manufacturing and Operations, iDEAL Semiconductor
Originally from California, Beltran relocated to Pennsylvania two years ago to join Bethlehem-based iDEAL Semiconductor, which develops next-generation silicon power devices.
“At previous companies I worked for, iDEAL Semiconductor was a competitor,” says Beltran. “I respected the competition and was interested in taking a chance on this startup once I learned who the team was.”
While Beltran is in manufacturing now, it is not where he started his career. After graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles, he completed a tour in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer. After active duty, he was placed in a management position at a Silicon Valley company and fell in love with the experience.
“From there, I progressively accepted more challenging positions,” Beltran says.
In his current role, Beltran oversees iDEAL Semiconductor’s quality of devices, the groups that complete the work and the company’s cost responsibility from a make standpoint (anything that touches the product and associate costs).
What he loves most about his career is the ability to lead and oversee brilliant people.
“We have every aspect of experience and education here, and working with smart people is fun,” Beltran says. “I also enjoy when the plans come together and we deliver a helpful product.”
Outside of work, Beltran also appreciates Pennsylvania’s diversity and quality of life. And while adjusting to the weather took time, he encourages those from milder climates not to worry.
“The community and infrastructure can handle that kind of weather – that is something you’re always concerned about if you’re from the West Coast or a place it doesn’t snow,” Beltran says. “The weather here also offers many great outdoor activities, which I love.”
This article was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
