Posted by: John S Kiernan

Deciding where to lay the foundation for a long and prosperous career can be a daunting task, especially for recent graduates entering the job market for the first time. After all, there are numerous factors — job-market saturation, housing affordability and commuter-friendliness, for instance — to consider about each prospective area.

But the process needn’t be that difficult or intimidating. WalletHub’s data team compared the relative market strength and overall livability of the 150 largest U.S. cities to help recent college graduates find the best cradles for their burgeoning careers. We examined each city based on 23 key metrics that range from the availability of entry-level jobs to monthly average starting salary to workforce diversity. A complete breakdown of our findings, a detailed methodology and expert career advice can be found below.

1. Main Findings
2. Ask The Experts
3. Methodology

Main Findings

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Best Places to Start a Career

Overall Rank	City	Total Score	‘Professional Opportunities’ Rank	‘Quality of Life’ Rank
1	Salt Lake City, UT	68.72	1	1
2	Orlando, FL	63.50	5	4
3	Austin, TX	62.21	6	6
4	Grand Rapids, MI	62.06	3	19
5	Tempe, AZ	60.58	19	3
6	Atlanta, GA	60.50	8	10
7	Miami, FL	59.94	2	84
8	Denver, CO	59.19	12	14
9	Irving, TX	58.78	4	64
10	Madison, WI	57.92	44	2
11	Minneapolis, MN	57.58	32	7
12	Sioux Falls, SD	57.05	28	13
13	Boston, MA	56.95	13	37
14	San Francisco, CA	56.80	11	44
15	Durham, NC	56.59	22	27
16	Raleigh, NC	56.46	35	11
17	Knoxville, TN	56.40	18	34
18	Scottsdale, AZ	56.38	48	5
19	Tampa, FL	56.27	20	35
20	Colorado Springs, CO	56.22	24	32
21	Grand Prairie, TX	55.85	7	96
22	Seattle, WA	55.73	43	12
23	Pittsburgh, PA	55.20	52	9
24	Fort Lauderdale, FL	55.02	25	47
25	Riverside, CA	54.82	10	92
26	Dallas, TX	54.82	15	70
27	San Antonio, TX	54.63	21	59
28	Charlotte, NC	54.36	36	31
29	Reno, NV	54.22	30	43
30	Fort Worth, TX	54.20	9	109
31	Plano, TX	54.16	47	21
32	Washington, DC	53.81	38	36
33	Amarillo, TX	53.74	23	78
34	Boise, ID	53.72	71	8
35	St. Louis, MO	53.43	39	38
36	Tallahassee, FL	53.43	57	18
37	Nashville, TN	53.32	40	40
38	Corpus Christi, TX	53.32	14	103
39	Lincoln, NE	52.77	60	20
40	Chandler, AZ	52.74	69	17
41	San Diego, CA	52.62	45	48
42	Houston, TX	52.52	33	69
43	Des Moines, IA	52.47	59	26
44	Tulsa, OK	52.44	31	79
45	Santa Rosa, CA	52.37	34	71
46	Omaha, NE	52.35	64	22
47	Springfield, MO	52.33	42	55
48	Portland, OR	52.11	55	33
49	Aurora, CO	51.95	27	91
50	El Paso, TX	51.94	16	125
51	Oakland, CA	51.59	26	102
52	Tacoma, WA	51.57	46	65
53	Arlington, TX	51.38	37	83
54	St. Petersburg, FL	51.32	49	56
55	Laredo, TX	51.12	17	128
56	Lubbock, TX	51.02	51	62
57	San Jose, CA	50.63	41	97
58	Oklahoma City, OK	50.50	54	58
59	Sacramento, CA	50.49	56	57
60	Overland Park, KS	50.30	94	16
61	St. Paul, MN	50.27	98	15
62	Kansas City, MO	50.11	63	53
63	Irvine, CA	49.66	90	23
64	Mesa, AZ	49.60	67	63
65	Louisville, KY	49.06	79	46
66	Anchorage, AK	49.01	76	52
67	Cincinnati, OH	48.88	95	30
68	Columbus, OH	48.66	101	25
69	Los Angeles, CA	48.64	29	142
70	Lexington-Fayette, KY	48.60	99	28
71	Garland, TX	48.20	58	107
72	Worcester, MA	48.12	77	72
73	Ontario, CA	47.89	53	119
74	Richmond, VA	47.86	108	24
75	Fremont, CA	47.83	72	88
76	Anaheim, CA	47.61	65	106
77	Gilbert, AZ	47.54	100	42
78	Cape Coral, FL	47.51	66	108
79	Honolulu, HI	47.17	85	73
80	Spokane, WA	47.11	102	45
80	Chattanooga, TN	47.11	74	94
82	Las Vegas, NV	47.06	93	60
83	Peoria, AZ	46.96	82	81
84	Baton Rouge, LA	46.93	89	67
85	New Orleans, LA	46.88	103	50
86	Brownsville, TX	46.87	50	134
87	Glendale, AZ	46.87	78	90
88	Little Rock, AR	46.79	80	87
89	Fayetteville, NC	46.77	73	105
90	Jacksonville, FL	46.56	68	121
91	Huntington Beach, CA	46.55	92	75
92	Virginia Beach, VA	46.54	122	29
93	Vancouver, WA	46.29	104	61
94	Bakersfield, CA	46.27	70	122
95	Phoenix, AZ	46.26	81	95
96	Huntsville, AL	45.99	117	41
97	Fontana, CA	45.94	62	132
98	San Bernardino, CA	45.92	87	93
99	Rochester, NY	45.78	110	54
100	Birmingham, AL	45.76	75	124
101	Tucson, AZ	45.70	106	68
102	Jersey City, NJ	45.49	116	49
103	Buffalo, NY	45.09	121	51
104	Oceanside, CA	45.00	83	118
105	Pembroke Pines, FL	44.96	86	116
106	Rancho Cucamonga, CA	44.93	113	66
107	Greensboro, NC	44.70	112	77
108	Moreno Valley, CA	44.68	61	146
109	Fort Wayne, IN	44.49	96	112
110	Chula Vista, CA	44.03	84	129
111	Winston-Salem, NC	43.94	107	104
112	Garden Grove, CA	43.69	115	89
113	Providence, RI	43.63	138	39
114	Aurora, IL	43.41	111	101
115	Henderson, NV	43.29	123	85
116	Glendale, CA	43.25	114	98
117	Chicago, IL	43.02	124	86
118	Wichita, KS	42.71	132	74
119	Long Beach, CA	42.69	97	133
120	Indianapolis, IN	42.67	129	80
121	Norfolk, VA	42.14	134	76
122	Port St. Lucie, FL	42.11	88	145
123	Santa Ana, CA	42.02	120	115
124	Modesto, CA	41.49	126	111
125	Milwaukee, WI	41.42	130	99
126	Memphis, TN	41.22	128	113
127	Philadelphia, PA	41.01	127	117
128	Santa Clarita, CA	40.95	109	140
129	New York, NY	40.46	105	147
130	Mobile, AL	40.33	119	137
131	Oxnard, CA	40.23	118	141
132	Fresno, CA	40.13	125	131
133	Columbus, GA	39.91	131	126
134	Hialeah, FL	39.68	91	150
135	Stockton, CA	39.51	135	123
136	Albuquerque, NM	39.41	148	82
137	Baltimore, MD	38.91	136	130
138	North Las Vegas, NV	38.76	139	127
139	Newport News, VA	38.40	147	100
140	Akron, OH	38.20	143	114
141	Jackson, MS	38.05	137	138
142	Chesapeake, VA	37.88	149	110
143	Shreveport, LA	37.06	141	136
144	Detroit, MI	37.05	133	149
145	Yonkers, NY	36.79	140	144
146	Toledo, OH	36.73	142	135
147	Montgomery, AL	36.24	145	139
148	Augusta, GA	36.03	144	143
149	Cleveland, OH	35.22	150	120
150	Newark, NJ	35.06	146	148

Ask The Experts

Choosing a career path can be just as challenging as finding a place in which to put down roots. To help job seekers with such decisions, we turned to a panel of experts for their thoughts on the following key questions:

1. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city?
2. What can city policy makers and corporations do to attract and retain recent graduates?
3. Do you have any tips for turning an entry-level job into a long, successful career?
4. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make?
5. In choosing a city to start a career, what are the top five indicators?

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• Russ Coughenour Assistant Vice President for Career Services at University of South Florida
• Robin Marks Associate Director of Career Counseling & Programming in the Career Services Center at University of Delaware
• Brianna Koucos Director of the Career Resource Center at Westminster College
• Donna Crow Executive Director of Career Services & Student Services Assessment at Utah State University
• James J. Tarbox Executive Director for Career Development and Services at San Diego State University
• David M. Tirpak Assistant Director of Career and Employment Counseling at Howard Community College
• Emily Calderone Interim Director of Student Career Development and Special Advisor to the Dean of Academic and Student Services at Johns Hopkins University
• Lisa Jane Laird Career Services Manager at Snow College
• Kelley Bishop Director of the Career Center & The President's Promise at University of Maryland
• Christine Routzahn Director of the Career Center at University of Maryland – Baltimore County
• Lisa Hinkley Associate Vice President for Career & Professional Development at Lake Forest College
• Sarah Schanck Director of Career Development at Wesleyan College
• Bridgette Coble Director of Career Services at Metropolitan State University of Denver
• Shelly L. Robinson Director of Career Services & Senior Development Officer for the Master of Arts in the Social Sciences at University of Chicago
• Lorie Logan-Bennett Director of the Career Center at Towson University
• Darrell Sawyer Assistant Vice President for Student Development in the Career & Professional Development Center at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

Russ Coughenour Assistant Vice President for Career Services at University of South Florida How important is the city one chooses to start a career? For the most part, I think it is extremely important. But I think it’s the city’s vibrancy that is probably the most important. People starting careers should ask the following questions: Is the occupation that I am entering well represented in my city of choice? If my employer is the “only game in town” and I decide to switch employers, a re-location will be necessary or I will feel trapped. Re-location might be okay for the very young but as a person’s career (and family) develops, re-locations become less and less desirable. Is my city growing commercially and from a population perspective? Does the state my city is in have incentives for business and industry to start businesses or relocate there? As cities grow and population rises, new business and industry typically follows, giving an employee options (see: rust belt employers moving south). Being in a city that is growing brings new business and industry and, with it, employment opportunity and options for the careerist. It simply makes re-location less necessary and that is usually well received. Is my city known for multiple industries? People starting careers would be smart to start in areas that are less prone to recession and downturns in the economy. When a city has four to five vibrant industries represented, the city becomes less susceptible to downturns in the economy. Is it a vacation destination? Being a vacation destination brings money and visitors to a city and significantly benefits the tax base even during slow economic periods. It also encourages new business and growth in general, that in turn creates jobs and employment options. Many millennials want to live and work in areas that provide them a vibrant life outside of work. Access to mountains, beaches, whitewater, hiking, biking, professional sports, college sports, sun, golf, etc., I believe, give certain cities/areas an advantage over others. Do I have affordable and convenient access to further my education and/or training? People starting careers want to know they have options should the employer or career they are starting get derailed. Most people don’t want to go through a lot of re-locations in their professional life. Being able to advance education through access to higher education options is a benefit. This has been reduced somewhat with online education options but many employers view online education as less credible than more traditional schooling. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? Do your research and know what the cost of living is in the city where you are looking to re-locate. Sometimes a $75,000 salary in city “A” provides more disposable income than a $95,000 salary in city “B” depending on the cost of living. It’s also nice to have even a minimal support system in the city you are moving to. Friends and/or relatives provide a real advantage to a newcomer to a city. If you have visited the city many times before, it can be very beneficial as well. One tip: When trying to relocate to a city, it can be helpful if you can use a local address (through a friend or relative) to make it look like you already live in the area. Depending on the level of the position within the company, some employers won’t pursue out of town applicants unless they cannot find qualified candidates locally. What can city policy makers and corporations do to attract and retain recent graduates? Make their city “cool”. Know what Millennials want from a city and pursue those things. Many cities are going through downtown “renaissances” to bring a younger, hipper vibe to their inner cities. Many young people today want to get off work and have things within walking/biking distance. Dog and pet friendly communities that are diverse and laid back with plenty of recreational options seem to do very well. Young people today want other young people to “envy” where they live. If your city is not living up to the “cool” quotient, city leaders need to identify “why” and address it. Their Chambers of Commerce can create a 23-30 year old advisory board to make recommendations on such things. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Be patient. The Millennial generation has the numbers on their side. Massive numbers of Baby Boomers are leaving the work place each year (some are not) and employers are trying to figure out how to strengthen their bench with the younger generation. Today’s generation is more technologically capable, more diverse and culturally accepting than any prior generation. Many employers are even gutting their existing facilities and making them more “Google-like” to attract the very brightest of today’s grads. Millennials do complain that things aren’t happening fast enough for them, but it’s really a bisect between them not working hard enough to prepare for and secure interviews and the sheer timeframe it takes employers to make decisions about candidates. Remember, Millennials are used to getting immediate feedback concerning their endeavors and the hiring process is typically very deliberate. Millennials need to apply, apply and then apply some more. They can use their social media skills to find alumni, friends and others to assist them in their job search. They just have to realize that nobody owes them anything, their parents aren’t going to do it for them (okay, maybe they will) and they have to “own it”. Do you have any tips for turning an entry-level job into a long, successful career? First things first. Do the job you were hired to do and do it to 110% of your ability. If you do that, your employer will want to give you more. Continue to do the job you are employed to do better than the last person did and opportunity (and money) will take care of itself. What happens today is that workers do their jobs to 75% of their ability because they think they are “above” the job they are currently in. Then, they don’t do that job to 110 % of their capability and expect to be promoted anyway because of their education or their connections or that they “have potential”. But when an employer is only getting 75% of your capabilities, they are reluctant to give you more. This is a common workplace issue happening all across America each day. Also I would advise the new professional to bring their best attitude and enthusiasm to work each day. Employers can train you on skills you lack, but attitude and enthusiasm are hard to create if it’s not there. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? Not giving or committing 110% and then expecting promotions, not being respectful of elders and their accomplishments (i.e., anything that came before them), not understanding the political landscape of an employment workplace, not being patient and overreacting to constructive criticism. Robin Marks Associate Director of Career Counseling & Programming in the Career Services Center at University of Delaware How important is the city one chooses to start a career? I think this is less important if one is trying to transition from a big market (e.g., New York) to a smaller market (e.g., Phoenix). I have found that it can be important when trying to do the reverse, although certainly possible. We live in a very mobile society, so I think this is becoming less important as long as an individual is building a national network through professional organizations, local contacts, etc. Note: There are some instances where this might be very important (e.g., for a job that requires a state license, as the license might not be recognized across state boarders). What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? Talk to individuals in your network to see who they know. Get involved in national professional organizations for name recognition and build your brand on social media platforms. Use LinkedIn. Look for university or organization alumni associations in the area to which you are moving and get involved. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Don’t sleep on the importance of gaining experience through student professional organizations and leadership roles as well as internship and volunteer opportunities. These experiences will distinguish you as a candidate, as you are competing against many other graduates with great grades from good schools. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? There are two that come to my mind:

1. Professional Communication: So many people have lost sight of how to do this effectively. The message you communicate through writing (e-mail), phone (voicemail, tone of voice, when you answer the phone, etc.), social media brand and dress are someone’s first impression of you. If negative, you might not have the opportunity to alter their perception.
2. Build Relationships & Connections Across Industries: Just because someone is not in your industry does not mean that they do not know a key influencer in their field of interest. Do not lose sight of the importance of building relationships with people, even if they aren’t the obvious people (in your industry) with whom you should be building relationships.

Brianna Koucos Director of the Career Resource Center at Westminster College How important is the city one chooses to start a career? There are a couple of factors in answering this question. The first is the industry that the person chooses. For example, if they are interested in investment banking, the city is going to be incredibly important. Access to career options is going to increase in some cities vs. others. So, a lot of it will depend on the industry and where there are opportunities. If someone is looking to have a long-term successful career in the technology field, they would want to look at cities and evaluate where they could live to maximize opportunities for growth in that field. The other factor is their personal life. That is where the city becomes incredibly important. If the person finds an ideal job, but hates where they live, that can create some obstacles for success. Happy people make happy employees. If you don’t love the city where you live, working isn’t going to fulfill you, no matter how much you love the job. Family is another factor. If you are relocating for a position that is a great career opportunity but your significant other and/or children won’t have connections, schools they love or career options themselves - that can create challenges. Many of the large firms I have worked with will want to include the partner in the interview process so that they can learn about the city/state, see neighborhoods and get a sense for whether or not this will be a good fit. If the family isn’t happy somewhere, it can also turn a great career opportunity a little sour and shorten the time span of that job/career. So, the city can be incredibly important, based on the opportunity that exists as well as how it meets the needs of the individuals on a personal level. For example, I have seen students come to Westminster from out of state with the full intention of returning home. After they experience the quality of life and outdoor offerings, in addition to positive career opportunities, they end up staying here to start their career. 86% of our 2015 graduates are employed in Utah. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? Start early. Figure out who is in your network and start connecting, reconnecting, or introducing yourself to people now. It takes time to build connections and many jobs and career opportunities are presented through referrals, especially long-distance opportunities. Make sure that you have some relationships in place, where people know you and your skillset before you start asking them for help with referrals. At Westminster College, we have an incredible network of alumni and friends who are willing to support current students and recent graduates. There are many programs in place to establish those connections like Master Track, Take a Griffin to Lunch, Tuesday Talks and Westmixer. These are all opportunities to help students create connections. For some of the events, alumni will travel from out of state to attend. Many living in Utah are still in touch with friends who have moved to other cities. If you are attending a college or university, similar programs exist. Take advantage of them! Start building genuine relationships in the areas where you are interested. If you can’t start early, then focus on relationships that already exist and see about possible referrals through people who already know you. If you have gone to college, check with your Career Center and make sure to explore your connections on LinkedIn. If you can, travel to the area and try to set up visits with people who live there. They will know you are serious about relocating and perhaps feel more comfortable helping you. If it’s possible and financially feasible, move there and continue your search. If you intend on living in that city, don’t wait to have the job to move there. Many jobs and opportunities will be easier to access if you are already moving to a city. Some companies and organizations hesitate to pay for relocation so if you are living there already, the options increase dramatically. If you move there and are worried about finances, find a local temp agency and develop a relationship with them. They can help set you up with temporary opportunities and, who knows, maybe they can help you identify full time options that will be a fit. Staffing agencies are free for the job seeker, so there is no financial burden associated with that process. Many won’t work with you, however, unless you are living and working in the area. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Know themselves and their skills and be able to articulate them to those they meet. I meet with so many students who come in to develop their resumes and say, “I have no experience”. After a lot of questions and conversation I learn that, in fact, that is not true at all. They simply perceive what they have done to hold no value. Take time to know what you have done and how it could benefit a future employer. Be aware of what is going on in your industry and what skills will be valuable to them. Figure out ways to develop those skills through coursework, internships, co-ops or campus activities. The degree will hold value but what an employer wants to know is what skills did you developed and master while pursuing that degree. Young job applicants should work with their Career Center to figure out how to develop and then articulate those skills and experiences on a resume. Then, figure out the most effective way to talk about them with their network, or in an interview. Do you have any tips for turning an entry-level job into a long, successful career? Be patient and be willing to learn. Typically, you won’t come out of school with a 6 figure salary and you won’t be CEO right off the bat. Your career is a journey with many roads, detours, highs and lows. Take this time in your entry level role to really understand the company and the job. Learn the foundation of the role and get really, really good at what you are doing. Then, meet others. Look around and find people at your organization who are successful. Try to meet them and ask them if you can meet with them to learn more about what they do. People want to work with colleagues who are good at what they do and establish strong relationships. This will not happen overnight. We live in a fast-paced world where we expect an immediate return on our investment. Your career will show you small returns over time but your huge returns are going to come after struggle, failure, recovering from failure, learning and developing. It will take time. You will go further in your career if you can take the time to master the fundamentals, observe other people’s success and look for ways you can contribute. After accomplishing those things, more often than not, the opportunities will find you. Donna Crow Executive Director of Career Services & Student Services Assessment at Utah State University How important is the city one chooses to start a career? For a number of students, the city they begin their career in can become the city they stay in to grow their careers and contribute to those communities. It helps to head to a city that is doing well with growth in a range of industries to allow for changing and shifting trends in your field. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? If at all possible, I recommend moving to the city you’re especially interested in living while launching your career. Your move gives you greater confidence as you approach employers. Having said that, our graduates are very adept at networking and building relationships that lead to offers from anywhere in the country. Be flexible and willing to launch in a town or region you never considered. What can city policy makers and corporations do to attract and retain recent graduates? I know many corporations, some tech companies in Utah especially, that spend a great deal of time assessing and adapting what their new, young workforce needs in the way of: training, recreation, corporate culture etc. — all to retain quality graduates and attract others. Cities can look at housing costs, recreation, and transportation as methods to attract young professionals. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Come with practical experiences in your field and the base line skills necessary, but win over your new employer with your: flexibility, adaptability, work ethic, and a love of ambiguity. Don’t expect a syllabus for your new career position! Do you have any tips for turning an entry-level job into a long, successful career? Stay engaged and when opportunities arise to volunteer for special projects, take every one of those chances to grow and become more confident in your contributions. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? As an experience career counselor, I have two observations that repeatedly cause problems for young students and graduates. First, choosing a path that someone else sees for you can be a problem. Can you fall into a career that might be absolutely perfect for you, sure, but it is risky. If you don’t know yet, ‘what you want to be when you grow up’ let that go, and work in the best environment to allow you to continue to build skills while investigating other options in that career/industry. Second, that first position after college may or may not be as impactful on your lifelong career success as you think it will. There are a lot of paths to success; give yourself a little time to find yours, both while in college and after you graduate. James J. Tarbox Executive Director for Career Development and Services at San Diego State University How important is the city one chooses to start a career? The city that one chooses to start a career is important because the city's / region's economy should support the industry and occupation that a person seeks to enter. That is, will there be enough of an economic basis to support the career field that the person seeks to enter. Similarly, the city is important because its location will determine if the person is near to family and / or has the basis to build a community of friends to allow for quality of life. Finally, the city and its surrounding region are important in that they determine the range of options for having a life outside of work -- civic involvement, hobbies and climate. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? This reply depends on where the person is in their career and their financial means: If the job seeker is new and has limited financial means and is just graduating from college, use LinkedIn (especially to identify alumni from their institution). Also, review local area, online sources for job posting and job / regional economy information. It's good to know the regional landscape for employment opportunities and for what is going on / or about to occur in a region. It would also be wise to check out local chapters of regional professional associations. That is, if the person is looking for employment in Human Resources, research the local chapter of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and determine if they have a job board, a student member rate, and how often they meet. Be sure to look at the leadership and where they are employed. Research the local chambers, and how to get involved. Again, see who the leaders are and their affiliation with local / regional business. Once in the city, follow up on the online resources / research, and get involved in the professional association. If there are meetings and mixers (especially for entry-level professionals), attend these and network. What can city policy makers and corporations do to attract and retain recent graduates? City policy makers can really impact the region by looking at how investments are being made to encourage entry into the region by new businesses and growth of current businesses. Similarly, consider what efforts are being made to create an urban space for entry-level professionals and their families. Also, is the city actively inviting new professionals and addressing these people's needs with housing, retail and public spaces? Also, what is being done to ensure that the city is safe for its citizens and how is safety being promoted as a benefit to citizens / potential citizens? Is information readily available via an inviting web site or user-friendly app? What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Job applicants can take many basic steps to develop an "edge." One simple step is to research a region, its leaders, its economic trends and to integrate these into the job search -- to leverage in networking, to integrate into cover letters and interviews for jobs, and for engaging civic / professional leaders. Practice being able to articulate how their undergraduate degree is relevant to the needs of the position, industry and region where they seek employment and the opportunity to live. Also, as applicants develop core career documents like resumes and cover letters, they need to also upgrade their email addresses, make sure the greeting on their answering systems are professional, secure solid referrals for employment recommendations, and to review their social media presence and assess if their presence reflects more who they were (e.g., student) or are becoming (professional). Do you have any tips for turning an entry-level job into a long, successful career? Here are a few tips:

1. Be flexible and open to learning from an entry-level position. Accept that a first job within an organization is an opportunity to gain skills in ways that one might not have expected and, more importantly, to build credibility and make the case that advancement within the organization is a wise choice for the organization's leadership.
2. Build a network of colleagues within the organization, and via related civic and professional groups. This expanded network allows for those who may be connected to an organization, say as a client, to support advancement of one's career.
3. Develop and sustain a good attitude. Avoid gossip, avoid criticism. Frame your experiences as an opportunity to learn.

What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? There are many mistakes that we all make in our careers. Here are a few to avoid early on:

1. "Burning bridges" - just because you are upset, don't sabotage a relationship.
2. Not researching before acting / deciding. A good tip: pause and think about potential outcomes of a decision and ask yourself, "Do I still want to do this?"
3. Viewing failure as final. Everyone has set backs. Understand that your set back is likely temporary, and if you approach it as a learning opportunity, you can use what you learn as you stay engaged in your career development.

David M. Tirpak Assistant Director of Career and Employment Counseling at Howard Community College How important is the city one chooses to start a career? There are many important factors to consider when choosing a location to begin your career. From a financial standpoint, the cost of living is unquestionably an important factor. Considering your quality of life; it is also important to consider one’s proximity to family, friends, and other sources of support. During your search, you will also want to consider the resources and economic outlook in your city of interest. For example, if you are considering a career in the field of cybersecurity, it would make sense to be stationed near the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area, given the high demand for occupations in this rapidly expanding field. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? Build your network on LinkedIn by connecting with employees in your intended area. Check for locally-focused LinkedIn groups and also search through your LinkedIn connections’ connections to see who and what opportunities are in close proximity to your desired location. It is also important to create opportunities for yourself for face-to-face networking. Specifically, be sure to connect with any local resources for job search or employment assistance, including community colleges, One-Stop Career Centers, and get involved with your city’s chamber of commerce to attend important events, such as networking engagements, conferences, and other important meetings. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Young job applicants can “get an edge” by developing, owning, and clearing articulately the unique forte that they can offer an organization. Organizations want to know about the “value” you can bring and how it fits within their organization. Consider the classes you have taken, the organizations that you have been a part of, as well as any hobbies or special interests and begin to notice any themes that emerge. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? The biggest career mistake that young people make is thinking that everything will work out in the future, without taking any steps to further one’s career development. It is unrealistic to think that someone can unerringly plan their career path. There are many unexpected, chance opportunities that will arise that will affect one’s career journey. Nevertheless, it is critical to take advantage of planned and unplanned opportunities and engage in tasks that will help you to confirm or challenge your thoughts and perceptions about a given career. Many young people believe that if they go through school and get good grades, they will automatically find a satisfying job. However, because the majority of people have this mindset, it is even more important to do something different to set yourself apart. Never underestimate the value of performing internships, shadowing professionals, volunteering, and doing things that will build your resume – even if it might be in an area that you never considered exploring before. Emily Calderone Interim Director of Student Career Development and Special Advisor to the Dean of Academic and Student Services at Johns Hopkins University How important is the city one chooses to start a career? A city is just one factor for any person to consider when starting a career. Other important factors to weigh include whether or not the position and company fits the individual’s current and future career goals, personal values and if it can serve as a launching pad for future upward career mobility. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? Leverage your network while actively building a new one in the city to which you are moving. Talk to everyone you know about your move, because it’s impossible to know who may have a second-degree connection that could prove valuable to you, especially in your chosen field. This includes LinkedIn and reaching out to 2nd and 3rd degree connections (no more than once if they don’t respond) to ask for advice and resources. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Young applicants should do advance research on the company and its people. Consider why you are interested in the company, beyond a big salary or name recognition. Do your research on the people you would be working for, either the people themselves or their role in the company. There is no such thing as being successful if you are “winging” a job interview. Perfecting your pitch, giving yourself time to answer without rushing into a long, drawn-out answer that doesn’t really answer the question is typically what the average candidate does. The ability to set yourself apart rests on a candidate’s poise, maturity and understanding of the job and organization. Do you have any tips for turning an entry-level job into a long, successful career? The tip that I most often give is that an entry-level job is an audition for a future, greater role in the company. Don’t consider any task in the office beneath you in your first job – whether it is making copies, taking notes in a staff meeting, or data-entry, all of this is a chance for you to show your willingness to contribute at the smallest level to the overall goals of the organization. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? It’s underestimating the importance of learning how to navigate not only the corporate culture of the company you are working for but also not taking time to learn how to manage up and work successfully in a team. Understanding group dynamics, how to not only anticipate but also handle a supervisor’s requests, along with making an effort to fit into the culture of the company makes a big difference in a person’s effectiveness in the work environment – regardless of intelligence and experience. Lisa Jane Laird Career Services Manager at Snow College How important is the city one chooses to start a career? Most people tend to stick to their comfort zone, so it is important to choose a city that is a “right fit” rather than simply on salaries or “hot job market.” It is important to view your city as a community or a collection of neighborhoods. Vet your new community and ensure that it has the housing, access to services and transportation, the right access to retail, nightlife or outdoor recreation, and any other items on your personal “litmus test” to make sure the place is a match to you. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? Use the mentoring or matching services provided by your college Career Center or Alumni Office about a year before you graduate. Alumni are always gratified when you approach them for advice and tips on the job market or the culture and activities in their location. Most schools offer a matching service that will allow you to reach out to Alumni based on geographic location, major, industry, and more. Remember you are using this service for connecting and not directly begging for a job. Ask your alumni contacts about best job sites, ways to connect and network, or for job search and resume advice. The job may come later through your new Alumni friends and their connections. What can city policy makers and corporations do to attract and retain recent graduates? Young job seekers appreciate cities that offer an entire package that caters to their demographic needs:

• Downtown mixed use district that includes affordable housing, corporate offices, start up space, artists’ space, and retail and green spaces;
• Nightlife, plenty of cafes and restaurants, and good niche retail shops;
• Public transportation;
• Parks, recreation and outdoor spaces.

Smaller cities like Ogden or Salt Lake City succeed because they offer a good quality of life in their downtown areas that focus on a mix of the housing, art space, work space, niche retail, nightlife, access to recreation, and more. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Build career equity by securing that first internship or job related to your long-term career goals very early in your college years. Students can build experience and gain skills in their future career in that first-year campus job or entry-level hourly position. Each job is a stepping stone to more skills and more responsibility until you are ready for your first professional position. Do you have any tips for turning an entry-level job into a long, successful career? Seek out jobs that relate to your future career goals, even if it is marginally related. It will build your skill sets toward that first professional job and it may even lead you to a supervisor who is willing to mentor you and give you increasing levels of responsibilities to build your knowledge and abilities. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? Forgetting that they can start “paying their dues” through the campus jobs, hourly wage positions, or summer jobs they choose now when they are young. If a young job seeker can show on their resume that they’ve continually grown, built skills and gained new abilities related to their future professional position, it gives them a leg up on the other applicants. Even that summer job working in customer service gave you skills in ensuring customer satisfaction, conflict resolution, and problem-solving. Kelley Bishop Director of the Career Center & The President's Promise at University of Maryland How important is the city one chooses to start a career? It really depends on the industry or profession one chooses, and where one is in the job search. Someone hoping to climb the ranks in investment banking will probably need to locate in a major city, with New York as perhaps the ultimate destination. Similarly, there are many more job openings with advertising agencies in Chicago than in a small Midwestern town, and it’s not coincidental that many of the hottest tech start-ups were spawned in Silicon Valley. But job seekers shouldn’t begin with an assumption that all good jobs are in big cities. A lot of great opportunities with brand-name companies — particularly those in the manufacturing sector — exist in seemingly out-of-the-way places. And there are plenty of small towns that experience rapid job growth due to an emerging trend or revitalization of the economy. The cost of living should be factored in to where one intends to live. Salaries in major metropolitan areas are indeed higher, but so is the rent. And if securing affordable housing requires adding on a long commute, there is a transportation cost, not to mention a chunk of time out of one’s waking hours. As a practice, most career advisors tell students to not start a job search with location as the priority, but instead with the field of interest. Let the work you genuinely want to do guide you to the location. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter someone that’s adamant about putting place before the job, either because of family or personal ties, or a sense that a specific location is the only place they will be happy. If that’s the case, it’s imperative to help them adopt a workable strategy. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? It’s important to conduct as much of the search in the targeted location as possible. Networks still prevail as the primary way people get hired. The only way to truly infiltrate some of those networks is to be physically in the same place. While a lot of the research and groundwork can be done from a distance, a job seeker should expect to travel several times to the city, especially before casting themselves as a job applicant. One strategy often recommended when networking is to indicate an imminent visit. “In two weeks I’ll be in town on personal business. Would it be OK if I stop by your office for a quick chat? I would be happy to buy you a cup of coffee while I pick your brain.” Job seekers can learn much more in person than virtually, and the serendipity of being at the right place at the right time is more likely to come into play. Job seekers should also keep in mind that an employer may be reluctant to put someone in a final candidate pool if it means paying to fly them a long distance for an interview. If a choice opportunity is developing, it’s a good idea to indicate that you were already planning to relocate to the city. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Young applicants should attempt to really know the employer in depth. That means doing more than reading the job description and the official website. Do a full-fledged Google search and find out every significant mention of what’s transpired with the organization during the last six months. Connect with current and former employees via social media and get their insight. Be a true “student” of the industry or field and know the major competitors and trends affecting their business. If possible, get involved with a professional association affiliated with the job. Getting acquainted with potential co-workers at a conference completely changes an applicant’s prospects. They become known to the organization in a personal rather than a transactional way. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? Many young people fail to demonstrate an interest in the employer beyond the scope of their job. An employer regards a new hire as an investment. They want someone who will be a team player and demonstrate flexibility, someone that can contribute across the organization and take on increasing responsibility. Just showing up for the required hours and completing assigned tasks isn’t enough. One difference between having a job and having a career is perspective. A new hire needs to see their job in the context of the organization so they understand how it makes a difference. That means paying attention beyond the boundaries of their own position. Think of work as a relationship with the organization, not just with one’s job. A good way to do this is to shadow someone higher up in the company (hint: start with the supervisor). Or, get a mentor who is in a different part of the organization and can advise about how to learn more. Consider volunteering for a project that will interact with other parts of the company and expand horizons. And, when appropriate, seek extra training to acquire new skills. Employers notice this kind of effort as a sign of genuine interest, and it often leads to an increased investment in the employee. Christine Routzahn Director of the Career Center at University of Maryland – Baltimore County How important is the city one chooses to start a career? There are a number of factors to consider when starting a career and location is one of those considerations. You should be sure that the work you plan to pursue is in demand for the area you want to reside in. Be sure to do your research. Most states such as Maryland publish both occupation and industry projections. I would encourage job seekers to also go outside of their comfort zone. Location is an important consideration but should not be the only factor when deciding on a career. Moving to a new city or area could be a great learning experience. Many organizations are looking for job seekers who are willing to relocate and/or travel as part of their position. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? The importance of using your network can not be over emphasized. As most job seekers know, LinkedIn could be a valuable tool in this process. Identify alumni from your institution who currently reside in the area for informational interviews along with conducting your job search. Also, develop a targeted list of potential organizations in the specific city/region to follow for job leads. Be sure to research local professional associations, networking opportunities, and career fairs in the area. If possible, try to set-up informational interviews. Face to face opportunities are ideal in making the best connections. The more people you tell about your interest in moving to a specific city for your career the better. A valuable connection can come from a family member, friend, professor and even neighbor. What can city policy makers and corporations do to attract and retain recent graduates? Recent graduates want to live in vibrant and safe cities with career and social opportunities. Facilitating these connections for students before and after they graduate are important in both attracting and retaining our next generation of leaders. Organizations like the Baltimore Collegetown Network are deeply involved in these efforts along with many other stakeholders. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Job applicants can get an edge by being prepared. It is extremely important to connect with your Career Center. You can obtain professional advice on your search, feedback on your resume/CV and professional correspondence along with training on how to put your best self forward in job interviews. Most importantly, your Career Center hosts a number of career fairs and networking opportunities with employers specifically interested in recruiting students and alumni from your institution. Being prepared also means having experience. I highly recommend that all job applicants engage in internships, research, co-ops, service and/or student leadership before they graduate. These opportunities develop your skills, confidence, network, and many times lead to full-time employment. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? Making mistakes along your career journey is normal. It happens to all of us. In fact, these mistakes are all great learning opportunities. It is important to own your mistakes and grow from them. Take initiative, listen and learn from others, understand the importance of a team, build your network and never stop learning. Lisa Hinkley Associate Vice President for Career & Professional Development at Lake Forest College How important is the city one chooses to start a career? When choosing a city, graduates should consider their goals for work and life. If a graduate wants to be among the top performers in their field, they need to understand where those people congregate and go there. You can succeed in finance anywhere, but there will be different opportunities in New York, London, and Chicago than other places. Particularly early in one’s career, developing a broad and deep network of contacts is important. A strong network isn’t just about helping you find the right job; it’s also about surrounding yourself with people able to help you continue growing and exploring. None of us will be in one job our entire lives and knowing the landscape allows for easier course changes over time. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? When looking for jobs in another city, don’t simply spend your job search time applying to online postings. Get to know real people. If possible, plan to visit your target cities to attend networking events and schedule informational interviews. Research where you want to live and how that might influence places you would be willing to commute. You are choosing to make a radical lifestyle choice when you move to a new city, and you need to prepare for those changes, both to present yourself as a viable candidate and to be ready to move quickly when you get the right offer. What can city policy makers and corporations do to attract and retain recent graduates? Today’s graduates tend to focus more on how to build a good life, not just on getting a good job. They tend to be more conscientious about how they will spend their leisure time outside of work and ways to positively influence their communities. Policy makers and corporations should enhance the perks that will resonate with young professionals. Consider providing flexibility to volunteer for local organizations, easing commutes with public transportation, and publicizing social and arts activities. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Employers around the country continue to express shock that most candidates fail to do any meaningful research and reflection about their interest in specific organizations or industries. It’s better for candidates to conduct a focused, informed search than to send a resume to every position remotely related to their interests. A targeted search strategy is more efficient and enables candidates to be confident that they’ve made a good choice once they accept an offer. Do you have any tips for turning an entry-level job into a long, successful career? To turn an entry-level job into a successful career, it’s essential to demonstrate the communication, collaboration, and continuous learning capabilities that employers need, while also developing a strong support network to facilitate continued growth in challenging times. Be the person people want to work with and help your colleagues solve problems. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? There’s no syllabus for professional jobs. Even great supervisors won’t chart every move for their staff members. Graduates need to learn to accept ambiguity and take initiative to define their roles. It can be helpful to hone a growth-mindset to see missteps as feedback not failure. Building a career takes patience and persistence. Sarah Schanck Director of Career Development at Wesleyan College How important is the city one chooses to start a career? For new graduates, choosing your geographic location is very important. Not quite as important as finding a great job, but it is up there. Fit is something I talk about with students and grads all the time. That can be interpreted in a multitude of different ways. When it comes to choosing a city, a recent graduate needs to evaluate that as their future home, both for the short and potentially the long term. Can they visualize themselves in that city? Eating at those restaurants, networking with other young professionals, attending those cultural, recreational and sporting events? For every person, what makes them feel at home is going to be completely different. It is necessary to assess and rank what your priorities are in a new location and look at that very closely. You will interact with your new environment both at work and outside of it, so you need to feel comfortable doing so. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? Do your research. Understand what that city has to offer. Assess what balance is important to you and where you are willing to make trade-offs. Are you comfortable moving to a location that you don't love as much if the job offer is one that you do? Or vice versa? You have to know yourself going into these big life decisions. Once you have narrowed down locations that are of interest, research what regional online venues might exist for job seekers. For example, does that city have its own chapter of your industry's professional association? That could be a great way to find city-specific job postings for your industry or even to find a great networking event to attend. I am also known as a bit of a LinkedIn geek, so I can't advocate enough how great LinkedIn can be in a situation like this. Firstly, I think the LinkedIn job search function needs to be a top priority in every recent grad's search strategy. It is phenomenal, especially for job searching in new regions. It can help you identify companies that are outside of the "name-brands" everyone thinks of. Secondly, LinkedIn has greatly improved their alumni tool; it is so useful and easy to use to elevate your personal networking. Use the tool as an opportunity to see alumni from your institution who are living and working in your city of interest. What industries and companies are they connected with? Reach out to those alumni (especially young professionals) and ask them about the area and what pros and cons they have experienced starting their professional life in that locale. Huge resource. What can city policy makers and corporations do to attract and retain recent graduates? Policy makers need to understand what this generation of college graduates is fulfilled by. Many of today's graduates want both careers and personal lives that are meaningful in some way. I hear recent grads say that they want to live somewhere where they can find community and a network. What this means can differ greatly though: social and cultural opportunities, professional networking, volunteer opportunities, strong civic organizations, the list goes on. Communities can be smart by assessing their available offerings in these and other areas. Look at where there may be gaps and whether those gaps are detrimental to attracting this appealing demographic. After that, it's all about the marketing. Package marketing efforts specifically to the young professional. Students and recent grads definitely pay attention to these types of advertising appeals. For many new graduates in this generation, beginning a life in a new city can be daunting. Cities can get an edge in attracting millennials by showing how their city can become home. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? Settling for the status quo and thinking that learning stops once they get that degree. The workplace has changed and moves very quickly. As the economy recovers, companies are looking for advancement and growth within their own ranks. Every day is a chance to show that you are the type of employee that they want to keep and to develop. With that first job, or even with an internship, college students and grads need to understand that life is a learning experience. You can go to work, do your job, and go home. Or you can go to work, soak in opportunities for growth, ask questions, and show yourself as eager and ready to learn. Those employees get new opportunities and promotions. Taking initiative, growing your skill set… that's what sets apart a job from a career. You may not love every aspect of your position. That's okay. You are still learning valuable skills. Use that knowledge to refine your future plans and help you move in your career journey into positions where what you love overwhelmingly outweighs what you don't. It is worth investing in your own growth. Don't just settle for "this is how it is." If you are not satisfied, find the good and use it to empower you towards your next step. Bridgette Coble Director of Career Services at Metropolitan State University of Denver How important is the city one chooses to start a career? I think the importance of the city is dependent on the type of work one does. For some people, the city plays a key role in whether or not job opportunities for their profession will be available. Labor market trends for a region can provide information on the availability and future projections for particular types of employment. For others, the city choice may not be a major factor. This can be true for employees who have the option of working from home or whose job involves a great deal of travel and their actual home location has very little impact on their ability to do their job. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? Ideally, a visit to the city of interest is encouraged. This visit can help the job seeker learn about housing options, neighborhoods, school districts, public transportation, etc. It also provides an opportunity to engage in some networking or face-to-face contact with employers. If a visit is not feasible, networking can still occur through social media (LinkedIn) and professional associations and conferences. If you know anyone who lives in the city, be sure to inform them of your interest to relocate and see if they can help you get connected. I would also recommend the job seeker indicate their interest in relocating on their marketing materials (cover letter, resumes, networking cards, etc.). This reminds people you meet of your interest in a new location. Of course it is always important to visit websites of employers located in the city of interest and apply to jobs through their employment opportunities link. What can city policy makers and corporations do to attract and retain recent graduates? Make it easy for recent graduates to learn about career opportunities. Participate in campus recruiting programs at colleges and universities. Publicize benefits and highlights of your city to college students and graduates. Partner with colleges and universities to organize trips for college students to visit your city and participate in job shadowing with local employers. Provide internship opportunities that not only pay a wage, but help cover travel expenses and housing for the summer. Have a mentor or ambassador from your city or company who works to build relationships with students and make relocation appealing. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Develop critical skills and gain professional work experience while they are in college. Internships, part-time jobs, volunteerism, student and professional organizations, all can support skill building. Utilize your college career center to learn more about professional image and networking. Take classes in computer databases, statistics, research/data analysis even if it’s not required for your major. These areas can be helpful in any profession. Do you have any tips for turning an entry-level job into a long, successful career? Be amazing at whatever you are hired to do. If you are hired to answer phones and schedule appointments, give it 100%. Your hard work will be noticed. Seek out opportunities to learn more and develop additional skills. It shows that you are willing to learn and take initiative, plus it increases your knowledge and competency. Seek out a mentor. Someone who is working in a higher level position with more experience can help connect you to key people. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? Assume that the college degree is the only credential needed to secure professional employment after graduation. Many graduate without professional experience, leadership skills or networks. Young people also often wait too long to engage in career planning and have very little knowledge of what it really takes to prepare for a career. Shelly L. Robinson Director of Career Services & Senior Development Officer for the Master of Arts in the Social Sciences at University of Chicago How important is the city one chooses to start a career? Knowing the long term trajectory or goals for your career should be a primary consideration when choosing location. Not to say that you can’t move at any point in your career, but taking a job in Denver when you want to be in DC could make a move at a later point more difficult and could impact the ease of next steps. Graduates should consider where they would like to be in five or ten years and, if they have the means, consider starting in that city. This allows them to build their network from the beginning. Once settled, getting involved in networking groups and professional organizations is recommended. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? Recent graduates should be aware of differences in the cost of living from location to location. $50K in one city may go further than in another. Additionally, it is important to know who will be paying for relocation expenses. Depending on the company and the position, there may or may not be funds for relocation in the offer. Negotiating terms for some positions is acceptable and expected, but for entry-level positions with large corporations, this may not be a standard practice, especially if they have similar positions around the country. What can city policy makers and corporations do to attract and retain recent graduates? Lifestyle and compensation as a whole definitely impact the choices of savvy jobseekers. Understanding what is important and appreciated by each generation is necessary to stay in touch and retain a diverse and talented workforce. Today’s recent graduates value work/life balance. Alternate work schedules, the opportunity to work from home, finding meaningfulness in their work, focusing on outcomes and results rather than hours in the office, dedication to professional development and training, ensuring diverse and inclusive culture, providing access to resources and services, and more should be at the top of the list for policy makers and corporations hoping to recruit and retain the best and the brightest. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Making yourself standout from the pack is always the challenge for young job applicants. The job search should have started months in advance and included informational interviewing and more to solidify their career choices. Very often, even entry-level jobs are seeking experience. Prior to the crash of 2008, this would not have been an issue. An entry-level position would naturally go to a recent graduate. Today, these jobs may go to a 2014 graduate who has been interning at a few different locations to gain that edge in comparison to their classmates; we often refer to this group as the underemployed. So, to be clear, today’s job seekers are competing with previous graduates who have been building their “experience" through post-graduate internships (or the underemployed) and are now seeking that next step in their career. Getting experience, paid or unpaid, and knowing how to market your personal brand will help recent graduates gain a competitive advantage when compared to their peers who are not thinking in this entrepreneurial way. The building of their brand may include beefing up their social media presence on LinkedIn or sanitizing it in on Facebook, updating their resume and electronic portfolios, and capitalizing on their personal networks. It is always helpful to utilize alumni associations, career services, family and friends, and other resources that allow for a more personalized entry into an organization. Do you have any tips for turning an entry-level job into a long, successful career? Asking the right questions in the initial interviews before accepting the offer is essential in turning an entry-level job into a long and successful career. These questions should draw out organizational practices that expose the culture of the organization. For example, do they promote from within? Are there opportunities to move up in the organization? How do they define success? Do they embrace initiative and the implementation of new ideas? Do they provide professional development and encourage lifelong learning? These insights about organizational culture and job expectations can be very telling as to whether you will be committed to staying with an organization or move on in the next few years. It is also important to note that not all job seekers aspire to move up or on, some will be very content to find secure and stable positions with organizations. My recommendation for those people is to remain marketable and knowledgeable in their craft by diversifying their skills. This is important because what is secure and stable today, may not be in five years. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? The biggest mistake young people make is that they often do not value what they bring to the table. Someone with influence in their lives has unintentionally diminished the value of their experiences and convinced them that volunteerism, service learning, study abroad, or non-related work doesn't really count. In my role, I hear over and over that young job seekers have made choices to leave things off their resume because they feel it is not relevant, and that is a big mistake! Although it is true we often have to make choices about how to present and sell ourselves, past experiences can be very telling for hiring managers. Employers can read between the lines and see your passions, commitment level, and transferable skills through experiences they may have left off their resume. Self-reflection of skills and learning to embrace and value their personal work history will make them more confident. This confidence will also be more desirable to those evaluating their skills. Preparing concrete examples of key job qualifications and identifying how they made contributions to past positions at a macro level will help them to move beyond seeing work as task-oriented to mission-driven. Lorie Logan-Bennett Director of the Career Center at Towson University How important is the city one chooses to start a career? Geographic location can dictate the number and quality of employment opportunities, extent and level of candidate competition, and pay range. Location can also have an impact on one’s life outside of work as it relates to access to social support networks and leisure-time activities. It’s always recommended that candidates who are considering relocating, research geographic-specific cost of living, salary averages, and job outlook, as well as the cultural, social and educational intuitions and opportunities housed in their prospective city. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? Start early! Use the “Find Alumni” function in LinkedIn to identify and connect with alumni working in your prospective city. Build your network by identifying professionals in your field and prospective geographic area via relevant professional associations; check out the membership directories and/or join the regional or local chapters of relevant professional associations. Identify key employers in your desired industry (Book of Lists are published for cities around the country) and proactively investigate current openings. For entry-level candidates, find out which organizations regularly recruit college students by viewing the lists of employers who have attended recent job fairs hosted by schools in your prospective location. And throughout your search, be clear with employers regarding your intention to relocate to their area. What can city policy makers and corporations do to attract and retain recent graduates? To successfully recruit and retain today’s college grads, corporations need to understand and adjust to what millennials want in the workplace. GEN Y’s demands include collaborative work environments, flexible work schedules, work-life integration, multiple routes and timeframes to leadership, recognition, and support for their growth and career success. While currently millennials are the largest share of the American workforce, organizations need to also prepare for Gen Z, which is on the precipice of emerging into the workplace. This youngest population of soon-to-be professionals will demand and embrace diversity, want control, and seek connection to values and social causes. Both Gen Y and Gen Z have an entrepreneurial spirit, so municipalities and organizations that support entrepreneurship will be attractive to these young professionals. Initiatives such as the Baltimore Collegetown Network can be effective in promoting a city and its social and employment opportunities to a new college grad audience. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? First and foremost, college students looking to enter the workforce need to know what their target employer base wants. Across the board, regardless of job function and industry, employers want candidates with experience. Students looking to gain an edge will want to pursue internships and other applied experiences – and do this early and often during their college career. Employers also demand a wide range of career readiness competencies from their entry-level candidates. These have been identified by the National Association of Colleges and employers and include: critical thinking/problem solving, oral/written communications, teamwork/collaboration, information technology application, leadership, professionalism/work ethic, and career management. Students should be intentional about developing these skills (via in- and out-of-classroom experiences) and make a concerted effort to communicate and prove their obtainment of these key competency areas. Do you have any tips for turning an entry-level job into a long, successful career? Most new hires will not spend their entire career with their first employer, but there are many ways to be strategic about capitalizing on the opportunities that the entry-level job presents. Proactively build and maintain your professional network with your colleagues and supervisors. Earn a (good!) reputation by working hard, taking initiative, following through, and exceeding expectations. Find a mentor and do a lot of listening. Don’t stop learning now that you’ve graduated; take advantage of every opportunity to develop professionally and broaden and/or deepen your skills sets. When (typically, not if) there is a transition out of that first company, these actions will set the stage for prolonged career success wherever one lands. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? Assuming that a college degree alone is the golden ticket to career success. Not all degree holders are created equal, and it’s important to know that while the bachelor’s degree is a critical credential, it’s no guarantee. Self-reflection, applied experience, broad skill development, an early start to career action, and conscious development of a network, are all elements that increase the odds of professional success (and satisfaction!). Darrell Sawyer Assistant Vice President for Student Development in the Career & Professional Development Center at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology How important is the city one chooses to start a career? Where a job is located can have a big impact on a person’s overall satisfaction with their job and their life outside of work! If both the job and the city are a “good fit”, that individual is more likely to be retained by the employer. What tips do you have for job seekers who are applying for jobs in a different city? Before accepting a job in a certain location, check out the culture and environment of the city to see if one’s interests outside of work can be met, whatever those priorities might be –outdoor recreation, arts and music, nightlife, restaurants, etc. What can city policy makers and corporations do to attract and retain recent graduates? In addition to affordable housing and low crime, city policy makers and corporations should pay attention to the outside-of-work interests of recent college graduates – nightlife, outdoor recreation, bike paths, parks, etc. What can young job applicants do to get an edge? Demonstrate that they are well-rounded individuals in addition to having expertise in their subject area and also exhibit the skills of an emerging professional in areas such as communication, leadership, teamwork, openness to diverse cultures, integrity, and involvement in community service. In addition, a strong work ethic and a positive “can-do” attitude will set them apart from other applicants. Do you have any tips for turning an entry-level job into a long, successful career? Demonstrating the characteristics that I mentioned in the previous question – work ethic, positive attitude, leadership, openness to diverse cultures, etc. What is the biggest career mistake that young people make? Thinking that it’s all about them and not taking into consideration the bigger picture sometimes.

Methodology

In order to determine the best cities in which to launch a career, WalletHub’s data analysts compared the 150 most populated U.S. cities across two key dimensions, “Professional Opportunities” and “Quality of Life.” Our sample considers only city proper in each case and excludes cities in the surrounding metro area.

We evaluated the two dimensions using 23 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for job-market entrants.

We then calculated the total score for each city based on its weighted average across all metrics and used the resulting scores to construct our final ranking.

Professional Opportunities – Total Points: 70

• Availability of Entry-Level Jobs: Full Weight (~6.36 Points)Note: This metric measures the number of entry-level jobs per 100,000 residents aged 16 and older.
• Monthly Average Starting Salary: Full Weight (~6.36 Points)Note: This metric was adjusted for the cost of living.
• Annual Job Growth Rate: Full Weight (~6.36 Points)Note: This metric was adjusted for population growth.
• Median-Income Growth Rate: Full Weight (~6.36 Points)
• Economic Mobility: Full Weight (~6.36 Points)
• Workforce Diversity: Full Weight (~6.36 Points)
• Unemployment Rate: Full Weight (~6.36 Points)
• Underemployment Rate: Full Weight (~6.36 Points)
• Job Security: Full Weight (~6.36 Points)Note: This metric was calculated as follows: (Total Workers in 2016 – Total Workers in 2015) / Total Workers in 2015
• Job Satisfaction: Full Weight (~6.36 Points)Note: This metric is based on The Indeed Job Happiness Index 2016.
• Entrepreneur-Friendliness: Full Weight (~6.36 Points)Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s Best Large Cities to Start a Business ranking.

Quality of Life – Total Points: 30

• Median Annual Income: Full Weight (~2.73 Points)Note: This metric was adjusted for the cost of living.
• Average Length of Work Week (in Hours): Half Weight (~1.36 Points)
• Commuter-Friendly Jobs: Full Weight (~2.73 Points)Note: This metric measures the number of jobs accessible by a 30-minute transit ride per total civilian employed population.
• Average Commute Time (in Minutes): Half Weight (~1.36 Points)
• Share of Population Aged 25 to 34: Full Weight (~2.73 Points)
• Strength of Social Ties: Full Weight (~2.73 Points)Note: This metric is based on responses to Sharecare’s RealAge® Test and was used in our analysis to highlight the places where relationships with family and friends are strongest and therefore likely to result in a positive effect on a person’s social life.
• Share of Adults Aged 25 & Older with at Least a Bachelor’s Degree: Full Weight (~2.73 Points)
• Projected Population Growth (2044 vs. 2014): Full Weight (~2.73 Points)
• Housing Affordability: Full Weight (~2.73 Points)
• Fun-Friendliness: Full Weight (~2.73 Points)Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s Most Fun Cities in America ranking.
• Family-Friendliness: Full Weight (~2.73 Points)Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s Best & Worst Cities for Families ranking.
• Singles-Friendliness: Full Weight (~2.73 Points)Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s Best & Worst Cities for Singles ranking.

 Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Sharecare, Indeed.com, Equality of Opportunity Project, Council for Community & Economic Research, United States Conference of Mayors, Chmura Economics & Analytics, Center for Neighborhood Technology and WalletHub research.

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