College Grads Build Their Careers in Pennsylvania
Find out why graduates are choosing to stay in the Keystone State.
Students can’t go wrong when choosing a higher education institution in Pennsylvania. The Keystone State is home to phenomenal schools such as the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Lehigh University, Penn State University, the University of Pittsburgh and Villanova University that are ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Once students have lived in the state for a few years, it’s not uncommon for them to want to stay. In fact, many graduates choose to build their careers in Pennsylvania.
Hear from two individuals – Matt Weiss and Eric Rhodes – who planted roots and started their careers in Pennsylvania after turning their tassels.
Tell me a bit about yourself and your career.
Weiss: I was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia. I moved to State College to attend school at Penn State. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 2014. Since then, I’ve been working at W.R. Grace & Co. (a chemical manufacturer) as a chemical process engineer. I’ve also had the opportunity to be president of the State College Young Professionals (SCYP) for the last two years. I got involved in the SCYP about a year after graduating. We provide opportunities for people to participate in volunteering, personal development, social networking, and sports and recreation in the immediate area.
Rhodes: I’m originally from the Philadelphia area, about 40 minutes from the city. For college, I came to the University of Pittsburgh in 2017, and I studied material science and engineering. I graduated with my master’s degree in December 2022, and in January 2022, I started my career at ExOne, a metal 3D-printing company. Recently, I started a new job at Metal Powder Works (a powder manufacturer) in Clinton, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh.
What contributed to your decision to stay in Pennsylvania after school?
Weiss: There are a lot of people here who are in my lane of life. Being in a college town is fun and interesting, but it’s great that there is an age group of people here that isn’t students but also isn’t quite settled down. Throughout the years, I met almost all of my current friends either directly or indirectly through the SCYP. I genuinely feel that the people I’ve met are a major reason as to why I’ve stayed in Pennsylvania through the years.
Rhodes: There were a lot of high-paying career opportunities post-graduation, even for my major, which is a bit niche. I had several options out of state too, but the cost of living was way more affordable in Pennsylvania. Plus, I had a lot of friends here, and I’d grown to really love all the unique neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. At some point, it started to feel like my home away from home.
What was your transition from school to career like?
Weiss: It was a pretty easy transition since I didn’t have to relocate. That shortened the runway for me. I knew the area already. In the first year, I was able to network with people from college and friends in the area, but after that, I had to put myself out there a little more. That’s how I found the SCYP. I immediately joined the board of directors and started attending events, which varied from happy hour socials to sports leagues.
Concerning my career, the industry I’m in brings in a lot of revenue, so it provides a lot of high paying jobs to match. The industry is also very stable, which means the jobs are generally stable. That eases the transition, as well.
Rhodes: I basically took a three-week break after graduation and then launched into my career. Pennsylvania’s manufacturing grants allow schools to partner with local companies, which makes it easy to jump into the workforce. The research that I did in grad school was for ExOne printers, so I already knew people at its headquarters.
They didn’t even have a job posting when I looked, but someone I knew from the lab at Pitt recommended me to her boss at ExOne, and he brought me in for an interview. That was basically it. I already had experience on their technology through the research I did at Pitt, and that was a huge advantage.
What advice would you give to a young professional looking to attend school or establish post-graduate roots in Pennsylvania?
Weiss: There’s a lot of diversity in the state. If you’re looking for the city scene, you have Pittsburgh and Philadelphia – two huge cities with a lot of interesting things to do. You also have smaller cities like Harrisburg, where it’s still easy to get out and find things you’re interested in.
After deciding to stay in the area, especially after college, I learned to appreciate the beauty of the region a little more. I appreciate the rural nature and the slower pace that can exist in Pennsylvania in addition to the city energy. I’ve always thought Pennsylvania was one of the most beautiful states, and I see that more now since traveling around a bit.
Rhodes: There are tons of opportunities, which combines nicely with the cost of living and renting. The state’s collaboration between universities and companies puts graduates in a really good position to find work and continue growing their career in Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh is especially great for manufacturing, but I have a couple friends who work for software or robotics companies, as well. There’s a diversity of options. Going to Pitt and working in a research lab there got my first job at ExOne, so be sure to take advantage of your connections.
This article was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
