Is Boston a difficult city in which to find a white-collar job for those without a prestigious degree?

Question

I recently received a degree from a state university in the midwest, and I'm thinking about relocating to Boston. However, my concern is this: since there are multiple prestigious schools pumping out graduates in the Boston area, I'm wondering if people like me that went to "average" schools have extra difficulty establishing careers there.

Is there any validity to this concern of mine?

Answer 1

Yes, there is a certain degree of validity to this concern. Employers look more highly upon those with degrees from prestigious institutions. That is why there is a distinction between missouri state university and harvard university. It's only natural.

Now of course it puts you at a disadvantage, especially in a city like Boston, but don't think for a second that you can't easily get a decent job here. You will probably have to move your way up in the company, while some hot shot fresh out of yale might not have to. That is the perk of going to a top school. you will have to work harder to establish yourself.

The only drawback to this whole scenario is that Boston is definitely one of the most expensive cities to live in, especially when it comes to renting (as I assume you will doing initially). Make sure you have plenty of cash to fall back on and a job lined up before you head to Boston. That is crucical, but once you are there just work hard and after a few years you're degree will mean much less compared to your work experience and credentials.

Good luck and remember that boston is a great city. hit up the countless Irish bars, especially the authentic ones in South Boston.

People in Boston can intimidate outsiders especially from the midwest and the south, because midwesterners and southerners have this incorrect assumption that they are looked down upon by Bostonians. The only people that look down upon people because of geographical origin in Boston are the lunatic yuppies that are transplants themselves. These lunatics are few and far between unlike what is portrayed in the media, unless of course you head down to Jamaica Plain.

Also in the workforce don't dwell too much on where you went to school, because if you can perform like the next guy then does it really matter? That is what your employer will look for.

Answer 2

It will depend on what your career area is. I work in high tech in the Boston area. Right now we see few "American" kids coming out of school looking for work, there are a lot of international kids coming out of the schools, also looking for a company to sponsor their work visa. We tend to shy away from those because of the hassle factor.

Companies like Raytheon, because of the nature of the work they do can only hire Americans (natural born or naturalized). If your an American and I'd try Raytheon, I know they are hiring.

Also those prestigious degrees don't necessarily do much more than get someone an easy path to an interview. I've interviewed candidates with MIT degrees that I'm not sure could tie their shoes.

My degree is from Arizona, but I was recruited to my Boston job based on reputation. I had several years of experience working at a competitor to my current employer.

Biotechnology is huge in Boston right now, if your degree is in Biotech I doubt you will have trouble. Also look at a trade rag called Mass High Tech, this will give you feel for whats going on. Also consider southern NH, Portsmouth and Nashua are about 50 miles from downtown Boston. NH has no income tax or sales tax, I live in southern NH but work on the Rt128 high tech corridor.

http://masshightech.bizjournals.com/masshightech/

Answer 3

Yes. People with Master's Degrees end up working as motorcycle mechanics for $15 an hour! The competition for good jobs is unbelieveable.

Answer 4

They have lots of insurance companies there
And why not try the mass transit system.
Ex NJ person worked for mass transit. good pay not a hard job and will get one heck of pension one day