Sally Foster provides advice for employers and recent graduates

For WalletHub's article, "2023's Best & Worst Places to Start a Career," Assistant Dean for Student Engagement and Center for Personal Development Director Sally Foster shared her perspectives.

What can city policymakers and corporations do to attract and retain recent graduates?

Signing bonuses can attract new graduates to commit to positions. The costs associated with moving and taking on additional adult responsibilities are often very overwhelming for young professionals. Bonuses can also be offered at various milestones of employment. If an employee successfully meets expectations and remains committed, a bonus can be awarded after a year or two of continued service.

Companies can also offer tuition assistance by helping new graduates pay down school loans upon completion of specific time spans or performance metrics. Offering tuition assistance for continued education or credentialing is also an appealing benefit for professionals who want to make professional advancements.

Affinity groups within a corporation help build community among employees. When new hires build mentoring and social connections at work, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and increased commitment to their employer. Examples of affinity groups include LGBTQ employees and allies, Hispanic professionals, and young professionals.

City policymakers can consider a city tax break for recent graduates to incentivize their commitments to the area. Any meaningful gesture which seeks to empathize and support new graduates can go a long way as students emerge into the real world.

Do you have any tips for turning an entry-level job into a long, successful career?

Steadily build a network by setting goals. Perhaps a new employee strives to have casual lunch or coffee conversations twice a month with coworkers in a variety of divisions within the company. From there, the new employee can begin to build a network within the industry by attending industry meetings or conferences. Utilize LinkedIn to engage with leaders within the field of work. Gaining work experience is an obvious marker of continuing to do good work, but having a powerful network is what makes upward mobility more achievable.

What is the biggest career mistake that young people make?

The pandemic robbed our new graduates of key experiences during which they build social and professional skills. The students graduating this spring had one to two years of college experience where shadowing, interning, and professional networking was at a standstill. As a career counselor, I at times sit across from students who lack confidence in making phone calls and building a network by reaching out to professionals outside of their personal acquaintances. Many graduates are entering remote work environments where it is even more challenging to get to know coworkers. The biggest mistake young people can make is being silent. Instead of asking questions or offering ideas in meetings, they timidly shy away from verbal communication. They become anxious with the idea of building their network and therefore avoid finding mentors and professionals that can help them develop. Young people could benefit from taking more risks which will in turn build confidence and help them be more successful in the long run.

In choosing a city to start a career, what are the top 5 indicators?

Chamber of Commerce Young Professional Engagement

Look into the chamber organizations which build community and engagement among industries based in the city. Many chambers of commerce organizations offer leadership development programs that help professionals expand their networks and knowledge of local stakeholders and trends. These experiences can help set a candidate apart during the promotion or hiring process.

College town

Research the educational institutions based in the city. Career progression is often tied to expanding credentials. Perhaps an advanced degree, graduate certificate program, or skills-based coursework can provide the support needed to nurture professional growth. While a web-based curriculum is readily available regardless of your location, developing personal contacts on the ground with faculty and fellow students in the same city you live in has advantages.

Industry representation

Does the city host a variety of industries among the employers? What industries are unique to the city? Career progression can happen within the same company or between industries. For example, Lexington, Kentucky is a mid-sized city that offers a unique blend of industries. In addition to being a college town by way of the University of Kentucky and several private liberal arts institutions, it hosts leading companies in the following sectors: thoroughbred horse racing, bourbon distilleries, healthcare, banking, and consumer product headquarters like Tempur-Sealy, Valvoline, and Alltech.

Affordable housing

Housing inventories in many cities are quite low in the current economy. Check into the rental market to see if affordable and appealing options are available. As one progresses in their career, so does the capacity for upgrading housing. Looking into the variety of neighborhoods and the average price points can inform decisions to stay in a geographic location long term.

Economic Growth

Look to see if a city is poised to grow economically. By doing quick research online, one can get a sense of the levels of private-sector investment and job creation. Review state government websites related to employment, labor, and economic development to gain a perspective on a city’s economic status.

What will the entry-level job market look like in 2023?

As a career counselor within higher education, the gold standard for college recruiting trends is monitored and published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The NACE Job Outlook 2023 Spring Update shares projections that employers surveyed plan to hire 3.9% more new graduates than they did last year at this time. This modest increase is tempered by the decline in hiring within the technology and utilities sectors. New graduates will find opportunities are expanded within industries like transportation and chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing. New graduates need to understand that most job functions (like accounting, human resources, and marketing) are available in virtually any industry. Job candidates can be creative by mixing and matching job functions and industries to expand their options.