Should San Diego Graduates Stay or Leave the City for Work?

Just because you attend school in a particular city doesn’t mean you have to stay there for work. Sometimes it’s even a better idea to leave than to stay, depending on the city.

The San Diego Union-Tribune decided to put the question to rest for San Diego graduates by speaking to professors from each major San Diego University to see what they thought. The question was simple, “Considering San Diego’s job prospects and salary rates, should college grads stay local or move elsewhere for work?”

San Diego State University

David Ely, associate dean and professor of finance, recommends that students stay for work. According to him, the job market in San Diego is healthy, and plenty of employment opportunities exist. However, he did offer a warning about the cost of living versus starting salaries. “Graduates entering sectors with lower compensation levels do have a strong incentive to look for work outside California in regions with lower housing costs,” he said.

University of San Diego

Alan Gin, associate professor of economics, encourages graduates to leave. He says that the economy is doing well, but that San Diego isn’t the best place for jobs in finance, corporate consulting or management. He also warns that salaries tend to be lower and that the region lacks corporate headquarters. However, he did have good news for students in STEM. “Students with a STEM background should stay local, as those areas are doing really well,” he said.

UC San Diego

James Hamilton, professor of economics, didn’t encourage graduates to either stay or leave San Diego. His advice is to go where you find the best opportunity. He states that San Diego is a great place to live with a variety of jobs, but you shouldn’t turn down an attractive opportunity just to stay in the city. He also warns that the cost of living is high.

Point Loma Nazarene University

Lynn Reaser, chief economist, encourages students to stay in the city. She claims that the job market is expanding significantly faster than the national average. She also says that students can expect wages to rise as unemployment continues to fall. “Graduates who decide to stay will pay a larger share of their earnings for housing but have the advantages of San Diego’s lifestyle, weather, congeniality, cultural activities and outdoor sports,” she said.

regions: San Diego

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