New Grad - should I commute to my first "real" job

[hoosierEE]

Hi all,

I graduate this December with an engineering bachelor's, and really want to work within biking distance, but the jobs in my town generally require 5+ years of experience.

There are lots of entry-level jobs in a bigger city about 55 miles away.  They also tend to pay slightly better, about 10% higher on average.

Finally, my wife has a good job and we love our town, so we don't want to move.


My question is: should I commute for 1-2 years to get just enough experience for a local job, or take a local job which is less likely to help my career?

Are there outside of the box alternative solutions that I haven't considered?

Thanks,
Alex

[Reepekg]

Why would a job far away help your career if you don't ever want to move? The contacts you make will all be in that city, and a local company won't get to know you.

Get a local job as long as it is engineering. You'll work your way up fast enough if you're good.

[hoosierEE]

Good points, thanks.

I think I was just starting to get discouraged since I am getting more responses from the non-local companies.  I'm going to redouble my efforts to find a local job.  I haven't tried just cold-calling or walking into places to introduce myself, mostly so far I've been applying online.

[jcandoitbig]

i would try and work your alumni network....I am at my second job since graduating in 2012, and both of my managers thus far have been UCSB grads :)

[gooki]

It easier to find work once you have a job. Take what you can get, and keep looking local.

[hoosierEE]

Unfortunately my school is in the same "commute" city so most of my school contacts are there as well.  I know some people who are in hiring positions at some local places, but have been hesitant to ask about engineering jobs because they're not really in that field.  I suppose it doesn't hurt to ask around though.

I have been really fortunate with my employment while I've been going to school.  Flexible schedule, good benefits, great people.  The only drawbacks are that the money for my position depends on grants and is unlikely to last much longer, and the pay is about half of what I hope to make with my degree.