Why you should consider taking a job outside of Colorado
Did you know that Katharine Lee Bates wrote “America the Beautiful” after being inspired by the view from Pikes Peak? Or that Denver is the self-proclaimed home of the cheeseburger? How about that Colorado plays host to one of the largest rodeos in the world? Yes, Colorado seems to have it all— beautiful scenery, cheeseburgers and cowboys. What more could you ask for?
How about a job that you love? To be sure, compared to many other states in the country the economy in Colorado is thriving. However, just because you may be able to secure employment in Colorado doesn’t necessarily mean you should feel obliged to do so. By taking the time to explore professional opportunities both in and out of Colorado, you can find a career that suits your interests and experience.
Aside from the experiential benefits associated with living in a new location, there are a number of reasons to consider professional opportunities outside of Colorado. For instance, you may be able to dramatically increase your range of career options, salary and benefits. As well, exposure to different areas of the country can significantly increase the scope and diversity of your professional network. Without a doubt, having a broad and diverse network can prove extremely useful as you pursue new opportunities, or even as you look to advance within your own company.
In addition to growing your professional network, pursuing an opportunity out of state can broaden your horizons and demonstrate to employers your flexibility, commitment to the job and willingness to be challenged. As well, a diverse series of professional experiences can give you a leg up on some of your colleagues by providing you with a more nuanced perspective of your industry. As you advance in seniority, this broad industry perspective will become more important to your long-term success.
To be sure, there is nothing wrong with pursuing professional opportunities in Colorado. However, when weighing the options that are available to you, be sure to keep in mind the careers that may exist outside of the state. By keeping these options in mind, you can be more selective and find the career that is ultimately the best fit for you. Colorado isn’t going anywhere, and considering opportunities out of the state could set you on a successful long-term trajectory in a career you are passionate about.
Chris Hart is a Graduate Assistant at Daniels Career Services.