How to make my city eco-friendly?

How do you make the transition of being a college student to a professional in a big city?

• So I am graduating from college soon, and I've always had big dreams of moving to a huge city and landing a great career. However, I'm not sure how to go about that process. Currently I am not living in a large city nor did I attend college near one. I know that I don't want to settle and end up living a mediocre/average life, I want to make something out of myself, and it was always my goal to live in a big city. My question is, how do you make that transition? It seems like companies in cities hire people in the area, but I can't just move there without the good income. Rent is really expensive in cities. Some people say to just move there, but how am I supposed to pay for the rent in a large city without the good income of a professional job? Additionally it seems like most large cities hire people who live there? What steps do you take for this process? Should I just move there? Additionally the moving and everything takes time. I just want to live a big city and travel a lot, but it seems like moving is expensive and takes time, which is why they hire people in the area, they have plenty to choose from, so why hire someone a state away. I know I want to live in a large city and out of my home state though. What do I do?

• Answer:

  Firms tend to call "local candidates" for interviews because they don't have to pay for moving expenses or fly you in for interviews especially for entry-level jobs. (There is an exception when they come for campus interviews. So, take advantage of all campus interviews). Imagine this: Say, your big city of choice is Chicago. You apply for a position. So do twenty other applicants who are already in the Chicago area. Say, the hiring manager narrows down 5 candidates including you to call for interviews. It is much easier for the hiring manager to call the other 4 candidates for he/she doesn't have to pay for travel and can easily schedule a time for them on short notice. Given the logistical hurdles, your chances of getting called for an interview get much better if you move and search as a local candidate. Your worry about cost of living is a valid one. People generally work this out by a) choosing shared living to save expenses b) moving a bit out say an hour's commute away to save on the rent c) working some part time jobs while they are looking for a full time career position d) some people live with their friends or family until they get a job. Your point that moving takes time is not a valid one because the alternative question would be "what else are you doing with your time?" You could rather use the time to go live with a friend or family as a guest and get a feel for the place, the job markets, go to job fairs, check out some potential living arrangements rent, etc. Figuring these out is your full time job right now. The economy is in a severe recession. Recessions are generally tough times for job seekers. This recession is particularly severe. So, I would advice patience and plenty of caution to keep your expenses low until you actually find a job. Your job search strategy is key and it deserves a methodical and sustained effort until you succeed. Try to apply for internship or even if they don't have an official internship program, offer to work as an intern for a few months to give them an opportunity to see how things work out before hiring you full time. Good Luck.