5 Tips for New Grads: Finding the Best Job and City for You!

In the latest edition of the Forbes Careers newsletter, they talked about some exciting stuff. Firstly, John Mackey discussed going into semi-retirement and also touched on which generation is the trickiest to work with.

Let’s shift gears a bit. With Memorial Day weekend behind us, it unofficially marks the beginning of summer. But for many recent college grads, it’s more than just a time for barbecues and beach trips.

It’s when they start their new jobs. You’ve probably heard a lot about how tough it is for the class of 2024 to find job opportunities, whether internships or full-time gigs and what they want from their future bosses. But there’s some good news, too!

Forbes just dropped its list of the “Best Employers for New Graduates.” They looked at companies with over 1,000 employees and ranked them based on pay, perks, and work environment. Some familiar names cut, from Delta Air Lines to Chanel.

If you’re more concerned about where you’ll live, Checkr, a background check company, ranked the best cities for new grads based on job openings and living costs.

And surprise, surprise places like Fargo, North Dakota, and Lincoln, Nebraska, made the list. University towns aren’t just great for studying and partying—they also offer solid entry-level job opportunities.

Sam Radbil, a research strategist at Checkr, pointed out that these cities are shaking things up. They’re making housing affordable and opening doors to jobs in various industries, not just the big cities like New York or San Francisco.

And get this—some of the top employers for new grads aren’t big corporations; they’re universities like the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Knoxville ranks pretty high on the list of good cities for new grads.

Now, for suggestions:

  1. Explore Beyond Big Cities: Don’t limit your job search to major metropolitan areas. Consider looking in smaller cities or university towns with less competition and more affordable living options.
  2. Check Company Rankings: Look into lists like Forbes’ “Best Employers for New Graduates” to understand which companies offer the best perks, pay, and working conditions for new grads.
  3. Consider Industry Opportunities: Consider industries beyond your major. Sometimes, unexpected sectors or roles offer significant entry-level positions and room for growth.
  4. Network, Network, Network: Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Reach out to alums, attend career fairs, and connect with professionals in your desired field to uncover hidden job opportunities.
  5. Stay Flexible: Be open to different opportunities and locations. Your dream job might not be exactly where or what you initially imagined, but it could still lead to exciting experiences and career growth.

In conclusion, entering the workforce as a new grad can feel daunting, but with the right approach, you can find success.

Explore beyond big cities, check out company rankings, consider different industries, network like a pro, and stay flexible.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to landing the perfect job and kickstarting your career journey on the right foot. Good luck out there!

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