Recent MBA graduate looking for work in Southern California?

Question

I just finished up my MBA from a top 15 school and am looking to move with my fiance to southern california for better opportunities. Unfortunately, it is very hard to get a job offer without actually already living there. I do not require relocation assistance, but am extremely hesitant to move from Louisville to (say San Diego), without already having an offer.

I am 25 and am wanting to move soon as it will be harder for me to leave as I my salary increases here. I currently make the equivalent of $65,000 in San Diego. Does anyone out that way have any connections or advice on specific companies who hire more non-residents than others? Any help would be greatly appreciated. It could be life changing advice and I would be forever greatful. I just need an opportunity. Thanks everyone.

Answer 1

Get in touch with a headhunter

Answer 2

I was going to say a head hunter too. BUT someone else beat me to it!

You could start calling all your friends and contacts from your 4 year school and from wherever you got your Masters.  You should have made a lot of business connections and you need to start maximizing that now.

What about relocating within the company you currently work for? Is this an option?

Do you have family out here? Friends that live out here? Call them too for ideas.

Did you do an internship when you got your MBA? Can you contact people there and see if they can give you any direct contacts.

If you can't relocate with the company that you work for .... how about some of the companies that you directly deal with THROUGH the company that you work for? Do you have any contacts that can give you a heads up for So Cal? I know it can be hard to do that without compromising your plan... but if you have a great relationship with a vendor or someone... you could think about that too.

Can you talk to your professor as the college you just graduated from? Maybe they have some contacts for you?

Does your school have a resource center and job placement within your program? I don't know if that would even exist at a top 15 school... but thought I'd through that out there.

What about your fiance..... utilize the above contacts with her as well...

It's definitely easier to get a job when you know someone or know someone who knows someone...

Good luck!