College grads seem increasingly willing to relocate for employment, and locals attribute the wanderlust to technology changes and a lean job market.
The survey, conducted by Apartment Guide earlier this year, found that about eight in 10 students would be willing to move for a job after college. Sixty-one percent of respondents said the price of the apartment was their deciding factor in whether they would make the move.
Kelli Munn, a local public relations firm owner, said she thinks some of the anxiety about moving has eased because of the rapid growth in communication through technology.
“Back when I was in school, connection was expensive. I remember writing my brother letters in college,” she said. “Now, we can FaceTime and Skype. I think probably feeling that connection makes us feel less vulnerable about moving away from friends and family.”
Lizzy Stagliano, a 19-year-old Santa Fe College sports management sophomore, said she plans to move after she graduates because of better opportunities elsewhere.
“Florida doesn’t have a great sports market compared to New York or Boston, so for what I want to do, I have to move,” she said.
However, Carla Larson, a 23-year-old UF health and human performance alumna, moved back to her hometown after turning her tassel. She said she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love where I live, and I love my family,” she said.
A version of this story ran on page 1 on 10/24/2013 under the headline "Will move for work: Grads relocate for jobs"
