The usually blaring and loud atmosphere of the Roxy nightclub was turned into a sober, formal setting as BostonWorks, a job listing and recruiting organization owned and operated by The Boston Globe, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce teamed up to hold a job fair for college graduates and seniors Monday.
BostonWorks President Peter Newton said the event was important not only for companies hoping to hire Boston-based employees but also for the city and its economy.
“The ability to capitalize on an educated workforce already living in Boston can be a key differentiator for the city,” he said. “As the economy improves and the need for knowledge-based workers increases, it is critical to retain these graduates and ensure Boston can offer a competitive workforce to area employers.”
But a 2003 study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group on behalf of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and The Boston Foundation determined that half of greater Boston’s college graduates leave the area after receiving their degrees. The study also reported that 80 percent of the departures are avoidable and that job availability remains a critical factor in helping to retain graduates.
The study concluded that as the economy rebounds, Boston’s “brain-drain” could have serious implications for the area’s knowledge-based economy.
Several companies at the job fair disagreed with the Boston Consulting Group study. Verizon Wireless and G.T. Reilly and Company both encountered people at the job fair from out of state and who hoped to move to Boston to work.
More than 20 companies were represented at the event, including Verizon Wireless, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare and Citizens Bank.
Sue Ann Fox, of Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, said she hoped the event would make it easier for students to find jobs and alleviate some of the pressure they feel as graduation approaches.
“It’s really very hard [to find a job],” she said. “We’re here to support the community and help some of these recent graduates find entry-level jobs.”
“The job fair is designed as a vehicle to connect graduates and seniors with companies in Boston,” said Erin Murphy of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
But some college graduates in attendance were not so optimistic.
Steve Powers, a recent graduate, said finding a job has been difficult and the job fair did not help.
“I’ve been out [of college] since December, and it’s been brutal,” he said. “This is your usual lineup of companies. You can get most of these jobs without an event like this.”
Although the event was designed for entry-level positions, several more qualified people were among the hopefuls.
Lishu Qu said she just got her master’s degree in computer science from the University of Missouri and moved to Boston because she wanted to work here.
“Although I have a master’s degree and four years work experience, the only jobs I can find here are entry-level positions,” she said.
In addition to help finding a job, the event provided information and help with housing, popular destinations and proper dress for the workplace so graduates will be able to make a successful transition into the workplace.
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