October 23, 2009

50 Jobs for 50 States

Come along on a few of Daniel Seddiqui's employment adventures

By Kavitha Davidson

During the past year, Daniel Seddiqui has traveled across the country, working for a week at a time in each of the 50 states. In each state, he chose a job that was representative of the state's leading industries. Seddiqui worked as a logger in Oregon, an auto mechanic in Michigan and a park ranger in Wyoming. His goal was to learn how different people make a living, and he hopes to inspire others to try new careers. Here are some of his adventures:

Daniel Seddiqui cuts a tree down to size in Oregon.

Week 12
Oregon
Capital: Salem
Population: 3,790,060
Job: Logger
Almost half of the state of Oregon is covered in trees. Oregon was the first state to pass a Forest Practices Act, in 1971, which requires the replanting of trees after harvesting. Seddiqui's advice to job seekers: "Never be scared to try something out of your comfort zone!"

Week 16
Kansas
Capital: Topeka
Population: 2,802,134
Job: Meatpacker
"Home on the Range" is the state's official song and describes Kansas as "a home where the buffalo roam." The state ranks second in the nation in cattle production, with 6,650,000 total head. "I wanted to do a job that you can't do in California," Seddiqui said.

Week 23
Wisconsin
Capital: Madison
Population: 5,627,967
Job: Cheese maker
Not surprisingly, Wisconsin's state beverage is milk; 90% of the state's dairy production is used to make cheese.

Week 25
Michigan
Capital: Lansing
Population: 10,003,422
Job: Auto mechanic
Founded in Dearborn in 1902, the Ford Motor Company produced the Model T, the first affordable automobile which popularized the idea that any American could own a car.

What's the weather? Seddiqui explains the weather in Ohio.

Week 26
Ohio
Capital: Columbus
Population: 11,485,910
Job: Weather forecaster
Located on the edge of Lake Erie, Ohio boasts the nation's most unpredictable weather. The state is at risk for tornadoes, snowstorms and heavy rains. Seddiqui's job came in handy: "A tornado hit Cleveland when I was there," he said.

In Florida, Seddiqui dons stilts and entertains a crowd at Universal Studios.

Week 33
Florida
Capital: Tallahassee
Population: 18,328,340
Job: Park entertainer
Universal Studios, Seaworld and Disney World are just a few of the theme parks that are located in Florida. Tourism is the state's biggest industry, raking in $57 billion per year. "I feel that I can do anything and everything," Seddiqui said. "I've proven that to myself."

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