SUNY Oswego Director of Career Services Gary Morris offers his outlook on what students should expect come graduation time
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
If you’re receiving a diploma this spring, wouldn’t it be great to see what awaits you?
We recently spoke with Gary Morris, director of Career Services at SUNY Oswego, for his outlook on what to expect.
Q: What is your outlook for spring 2027?
A: I think the outlook for the Class of 2027 is encouraging, especially here in Central New York. The regional economy is changing in exciting ways and what I find most encouraging is that these opportunities aren’t limited to engineering or computer science majors. Virtually every academic discipline has a place in the growth we’re seeing.
Q: How about technology?
A: If you are studying engineering, computer science, cybersecurity or information technology, this is an especially exciting time. Major investments from companies like Micron, TTM Technologies, JMA Wireless, Lockheed Martin, ONSEMI and Hidden Level are creating demand for engineers, software developers, cybersecurity professionals, electronics specialists and data analysts. At the center of that growth is Micron’s $100 billion investment, which is expected to create 9,000 direct jobs and another 40,000 spin-off jobs throughout Central New York over the next two decades.
Q: So, will Micron be the only major employer because of their investment?
A: Those additional jobs won’t just be at Micron — they’ll be created by suppliers, contractors, healthcare organizations, retailers, logistics companies and countless other employers that support a growing regional economy. What many students don’t realize: these same companies also hire business majors, accountants, economists, marketers, supply chain professionals, human resources specialists, communications professionals and project managers. A company like Micron isn’t just building computer chips — it’s building an entire organization that needs professionals in finance, operations, purchasing, recruiting, training, communications and public relations. The same is true for companies like TTM Technologies, JMA Wireless, Lockheed Martin, and many others expanding throughout Central New York.
Q: What are other areas that are growing?
A: If you’re studying healthcare or one of the helping professions, demand continues to be strong. Organizations like Upstate Medical University, Crouse Health, St. Joseph’s Health, Oswego Health and Drakos Urgent Care continue to expand services across the region. While nurses and physicians are certainly in demand, these organizations also employ graduates in psychology, public health, business, communications, finance, information technology and human resources. Healthcare remains one of the region’s most diverse employment sectors.
If you’re studying construction management, engineering technology, environmental studies or one of the skilled trades, you’re entering the workforce at an ideal time. The $2.25 billion Interstate 81 reconstruction project, the Inner Harbor Aquarium, Micron’s new semiconductor campus and continued commercial development across Central New York are creating sustained demand for construction managers, project managers, electricians, HVAC specialists, engineers, environmental professionals and logistics experts. These aren’t short-term opportunities — they’re projects expected to fuel hiring across the region for years to come.
We’re also seeing significant momentum in clean energy and sustainability. Central New York is now home to 24,476 green jobs and employers posted 4,557 job openings from 663 employers in just one year, with an average advertised salary of $64,400. Growth in renewable energy, electrification, infrastructure improvements and advanced manufacturing is creating opportunities for engineers, environmental professionals, manufacturing specialists, HVAC technicians, project managers and many business-related roles that support these industries.
If you’re studying English, communication studies, history, political science, psychology or another liberal arts discipline, you should feel optimistic as well. Every growing organization needs talented people who can write well, communicate effectively, solve problems, analyze information, supervise teams, train employees and build relationships with customers and community partners. Those are exactly the kinds of skills employers consistently tell us they’re looking for. Whether it’s a hospital, manufacturer, nonprofit, government agency or technology company, employers are looking for graduates who can think critically, collaborate effectively and communicate with confidence.
Bottom line, in Central New York right now: it’s not simply that one industry is growing — it’s that multiple industries are expanding at the same time. Manufacturing, healthcare, defense, clean energy, logistics, construction, education and technology are all creating opportunities, and together they need graduates from virtually every major. The students who will have the greatest success won’t necessarily be those with the “right” major — they’ll be the ones who can demonstrate how their education, experiences and skills help solve problems for employers.
