By Taylor Morgan
LOLA / @l0l4x on Pinterest
Whether you are a first-semester freshman or a soon-to-be-graduated senior, thoughts of what post-graduate life will look like are always looming overhead. The motivations pulling students across the country after college can stem from various reasons. Some have dreamed their entire lives of leaving their small hometowns for big city life, others are following careers to cities with the best job markets, and some simply end up wherever they find opportunities. All in all, it cannot be ignored that certain major cities in the United States host the most recent college graduates: New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Boston. Data from Handshake, a job-finding website, confirmed that these four cities receive the most job applications from graduating college students annually.
New York City, New York
If moving to New York City and becoming the ultimate urban dweller intrigues you, the following information may help. First, while New York City certainly has job opportunities in various markets, finance, media, and food services have the most openings. Another factor to consider when moving after college is the people; New York City has a large young population, which is ideal for newcomers looking to make friends and meet new people. Overall, New York City is suited for those who thrive in fast-paced environments, are ambitious about their careers, have an interest in arts and culture, are always seeking new activities, and do not mind starting out in a tiny studio apartment.
Washington, District of Columbia
Next, Washington, D.C., is a great city to consider if you are looking for a job in the federal government, private sector, or tech industry. Additionally, D.C. is known for having a consistent and stable job market, making it an excellent place for young professionals just out of college. Washington, D.C., is suited for those who have a passion for history and culture, an interest in politics, and a desire to experience a diverse set of cultures. Furthermore, D.C. has a slightly lower cost of living compared to New York City.
Chicago, Illinois
This city has one of the most diverse job markets, with growth in industries such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and professional services. Taking that into consideration, Chicago is a good city for post-grad students who may not fully know what they want to do yet; it provides flexibility within the job market. Often described as a more manageable alternative to New York City, Chicago could serve as the perfect post-grad destination for people who enjoy city life, seek a more affordable living option, desire a vibrant nightlife, and have an interest in its rich sports and food culture.
Boston, Massachusetts
Being the city with the smallest population on this last, at a whopping 676,000 residents, Boston may be a good fit for post grads looking for a mid-sized major city. The job market in Boston is thriving with an impressively low unemployment rate and a high median income for graduates, specifically Boston’s largest employers are health care, finance, insurance and higher education. With its New England charm, this coastal city would be best suited for people who are interested in history, prefer access to the water, have a high appreciation for arts and culture and are looking for a city with many other young professionals.
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