Western’s graduating students may not have to move far for employment.

The national economy has not been thriving, but Bowling Green’s job market has been increasing over the past few years.

According to Career Preparations Specialist Becky Bennet students studying accounting, finance, nursing and hospitality will find an easy time getting a job in the area.

Warren County unemployment rates remain the lowest in south-central Kentucky, according to the City of Commerce’s Web site. The area is seeing some job growth at a slow rate, the Web site said.

Warren County’s hiring projection for 2006 has increased by more than 14 percent and southern Kentucky’s projection has increased 17.6 percent for recruiting and hiring, Bennett said. The latest figures for Warren County’s unemployment rate are 4.2 percent.

New industries are also opening in town, said Brenda Word, city benefits/risks manager.

Health Care positions for nurses are in big demand as well as state and local government services, Word said.

Bennett said there are shortages in trade, transportation, utilities and manufacturing in the Bowling Green area. She said students consider these areas of work after graduation.

Bennett said the Career Center sits down with students and goes over their major and future plans. Together, they figure out what would be best for them in the economy.

Louisville senior Phillip Carney is graduating in December and is not worried about the job market. But he said he will start looking for a job in Louisville after he interns in a field of sociology.

“To me, Bowling Green doesn’t have much to offer outside the university,” he said. “I wouldn’t consider looking around here for a job.”

Bennett said Career Services Center employees encourage Western students to make appointments to plan for their career futures in Bowling Green and the rest of the country.

Reach Mackenzie Erd at news@wkuherald.com.