Mass. Exodus - Is it Only Massachusetts?

Scott Kirsner published an article in The Boston Globe today that focused on a couple of key topics near and dear to my heart. The first is something that’s been written about for the last 10 years, the exodus of talented college graduates to other states after they receive their degree from a Massachusetts-based college or university. The second point is what the state and industry can do to change it

There are a lot of variables that have contributed to the decline of the 25-34 year old population in Mass. including the out-of-control cost of living and the completely inflated housing market. That along with lousy weather and long suffering Boston drivers make me wonder why I still live here. That said, the cost of living and housing markets are even worse in California which continues to grow in population.

Scott suggests campaigning college students to keep them where they are after college.

“Every year, students at local business schools fly west for the annual "Tech Trek." They visit companies like Genentech, Google, Apple, Boeing, and Starbucks, getting tours of the headquarters and an opportunity to question senior executives about strategy. Amazingly, only the Sloan School of Management at MIT organizes a tech trek of Massachusetts companies, visiting businesses like Bose Corp., Boston Scientific, and Zipcar. Why don't student groups, profs, local companies, and trade associations get their acts together to create opportunities to drop in on Massachusetts businesses, either during a single concentrated week, or throughout the academic year?”

I agree with Scott that the state needs to do more but I also think employers and schools in Mass. (and nationwide) can be doing more as well. Employers need creative recruitment practices give students the opportunity to experience the company brand, facilities, culture and more in real-time. If that sounds like too much, remember it can be a one-day event or once-a-quarter event. Also, if you have the budget to travel to on-campus events or post nationwide job listings than you can probably relocate some of it to educate great candidates in your community on what you do and why they should join your company.

Schools should be working with employers to drive these programs on campus. It won’t cost them anything to do it and will only help their student base find amazing internships, work-studies and jobs.

My soon-to-be husband is a Texan who stayed in Mass. after graduating from Northeastern because of a girl (not this girl). It didn’t work out with the girl but it worked out with Mass. and he stayed long enough for us to meet. (I lucked out :) However, you can’t count on love to retain great candidates. State government, employers and schools should all be doing there part to keep great candidates in state after graduation.

Some will leave anyway but many will stay if they are given solid reasons for doing so.
As for me, despite that I'm New Englander (born and raised) I may leave eventually because I’m still not used to the weather!