Although Syracuse University students typically look for jobs post-graduation in major metropolitan areas, a recent study may encourage students to stay local.

Bloomberg BusinessWeek included Syracuse in its list of 20 best places to launch a new career, published in late October. Syracuse, ranked No. 10, was noted as being a ‘hotbed for education and innovation’ and for having an expanding technology industry, according to the article.

‘With the way the economy is going, students are considering staying closer,’ said Jennifer Walters, the associate director for campus and employer engagement at SU Career Services. 

Major employers in Syracuse currently include Upstate Medical University Hospital, Syracuse University and St. Joseph’s Hospital, according to the BusinessWeek article. Twenty percent of Syracuse employers are planning to increase hiring in 2010’s fourth quarter, according to the article.

Washington, D.C., was ranked No. 1 because of the recent surge in government jobs.

Syracuse students typically look for jobs in cities such as New York, Boston and Philadelphia, Walters said. Some also apply for positions in upstate New York in cities like Rochester.

In 2009, 65 percent of the graduating class had obtained a job at least six months after graduation, with only 7 percent still seeking employment. In 2008, 76 percent of students had obtained full-time jobs six months after graduation, and only 2.9 percent were still engaged in the job search.

Employers hiring students look for the same qualities each year: students who can communicate well, have the ability to work with a team and have leadership skills, Walters said. Where students become employed depends on their field of interest, she said.

‘Most students are looking for full-time positions with good pay,’ Walter said. ‘Students get jobs that range anywhere from finance to the social media world. It depends on the major and students’ interests.’

Accepting a job in the local area could be a way to jumpstart students’ careers, Walters said. She said students also become more attracted to the area as they discover activities in the city, such as festivals or area events.

Students may not have their desired starting salary if they choose to work in Syracuse, Walters said. But a lower salary will be balanced by a lower cost of living when compared to large cities, and students will have the ability to settle down and put money away to pay off loans, she said.

‘I really don’t see any disadvantages. If you get a good opportunity, you should take it. It’s good not to have a large gap on your resume,’ Walters said. ‘But if it’s a place you don’t want to be, it can be a personal disadvantage.’

Staying in Syracuse post-graduation could be attractive to students because they already are familiar with the city, said Jessica Law, a senior public relations and marketing management major. There is also the attraction of being close to major cities on the East Coast, many of which can be reached within five hours.

But Law said she does not plan to actively pursue staying in Syracuse and did not think she or another senior would stay unless presented with a job with the right pay. Law said it is difficult for students to picture staying in Syracuse when job recruiting is happening outside the area. The area also lacks major corporations, Law said, which many students are looking for.

‘They also want a change of scenery after four years,’ Law said. ‘And they want to go somewhere that has a fast-paced environment.’ 

alquick@syr.edu

Published on December 1, 2010 at 12:00 pm