North Carolina is a state powered by innovation. During the past 20 years, it has transitioned from an economy driven by tobacco, furniture, and textiles to a global economy driven by knowledge-based enterprises including advanced manufacturing, software and information technology, bio-pharmaceuticals, financial services, and film and TV production. In fact, North Carolina is one of the top 10 US locations for video productions and Durham has served as host to various films and commercials.

Located in Durham, one of the oldest and largest science parks in the US is The Research Triangle Park (RTP), a 7,000-acre development that is home to more than 150 companies—from Fortune 100 multinational operations to university spin-outs and start-ups. Employers include the EPA, Credit Suisse, Lenovo, Cisco, Ericsson, IBM, and GlaxoSmithKline.

Some Fuqua alumni don't have to go far to find a successful career. The area offers a diverse job market and a great standard of living. In fact, just down the road in Cary, NC, is Fortune's 2010 best place to work, SAS Institute.

Get more info on what makes Durham a great place to work and play.