If you are heading into your last semester or last year of college this fall, you are probably beginning to worry about your career after college. Will companies hire you? How exactly will you use your degree? What should you be looking for in a company? What will they look for in you as a new hire?
Among the questions you should be asking yourself are: Where do you want to work? Best Colleges recently surveyed recent graduates to ask what they considered when choosing where to live after college. In order of importance, the graduates considered:
- Cost of living. A beginning salary may not match the cost of living in the area of your choice. You may need to consider a roommate or returning home until you save enough or have enough income to strike out on your own.
- Career opportunities. If you try for a career in marine biology in Nevada, you are likely to be disappointed.
- Safety. Some careers—such as first responders or hang glider instructors or prison guards—have more challenges in regard to keeping safe. You may also know of parts of cities or towns that are considered “unsafe” and where you may not choose to live or work.
- Proximity to family and friends. Social connections are important for your health, but you should also consider that your friends are likely to disperse after college and that you will make new friends at a new location, including friends at work. With family, carefully calculate what proximity will feel comfortable and balance that against career opportunities and affordability.
Affordability might also include the cost of moving to a new location. If you decide to search for a job outside your current geographical area, your company may offer a moving allowance (relocation reimbursement) or signing bonus. In 2022, moving allowances varied from $2,000 to $100,000, depending on many factors, including your role. Signing bonuses may be given in a lump sum or may be paid out over time, so the funds may not be available to finance your move.
When you have decided on the physical location where you want to start your search, the company will have to decide if they want to hire someone outside their immediate location, even for remote work. The company’s location requirements may appear in the job posting or advertisement.
Robin’s Resumes® will help you construct a resume that meets the location or relocation criteria for your career after college. There are several ways to do that, and we will work with you to find the best way for your situation. Contact us today.