Electronics company flourishes in Utah

In 1979 Bourns Inc. of Riverside, Calif., opened an office in Ogden, Utah. Now, more than 20 years later, that branch continues to thrive, employing 900 of the company's 4,000 employees nationwide. Human Resources (HR) manager Michael Smith has been with Bourns, which makes electronic devices, for 22 years. He is responsible for all facets of the Ogden firm's HR process, including hiring, firing, benefits, safety training and compensation. Like most places throughout the United States, recruiting in Utah can be a difficult proposition. The northern part of the state, in particular, features a low unemployment rate. Smith says the company uses various means to attract candidates. "We have developed a great benefits package," he explains. "We put ads in papers and magazines. We also use recruiting firms, the Internet and word-of-mouth. The world is a pretty small place. People will go to trade shows and find out about a position."

The job outlook in the state is a positive one and Smith says it is a prime place to start a career. "The atmosphere is pretty robust," he states. "There are a lot of industries and a lot of opportunities. A lot of people move from out of the state into Utah." Some of the positions that Bourns would most like to fill include those in accounting and electrical and application engineering. Because of the types of jobs the company has open, Smith says he is mostly trying to hire people who have some working knowledge to offer. "We try to find people with some experience under their belts," he explains. "We don't have too many entry-level jobs." Smith has noticed that many of the people he interviews are looking to change careers.

Living in Utah can be paradise for people who love to be a part of nature. The state presents a plethora of opportunities to enjoy the open air, especially considering the area is not heavily populated. "A lot of our professional positions are occupied by people who like to be outdoors," Smith says. "They like hiking, camping, fishing and river rafting." These activities give employees the chance to have a dynamic life outside of work. Other benefits to living in the state include a low crime rate and various cultural events. "It's an interesting place," Smith says. This combination of active living and successful business helps make Utah a good place to call home.

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