That may be true for students looking to get into graduate schools, but for graduates looking for work after a Masters or PhD I think it can have an influence. For example getting state or federal agency jobs. It is true for University jobs too - if your record shows you to be a competent professional working in environments familiar to the committee that has to help. Social capitol and local biological knowledge mean a lot even though in theory these skills are largely transferable, e.g. demonstrable proficiency in using a plant key, quantitative skills, collaboration ability, effective networking etc. A quick familiarity with local plant and animal communities and species, or important local issues suggests people will quickly become productive at the desired level for field work. Also familiarity with agencies and people - provides the search committees with the ability to check your skills and reputation by talking to people they know. Its something to consider when setting up your projects or choosing your mentors. Also every positive contact and project seen through to completion is an opportunity and a blessing in itself. Its all about the narrative you can tell when seeking out an opportunity. Hopefully that narrative has a enough weight to combat any tendencies toward favoring local candidates.
Just my thoughts Chris Buddenhagen Chris Buddenhagen [email protected] On Mon, Feb 22, 2016 at 2:08 PM, Culley, Theresa (culleyt) < [email protected]> wrote: > Angela, > > John is correct - I think you received some inaccurate advice. I've seen > quite the opposite. Often grad programs like to attract non-local students > because it enhances their reputation on the national stage. In addition, > many advisors recommend that their undergrads go elsewhere for grad school > (if they are able) to experience a wider breadth of experience. So I would > recommend that you keep trying. > > Sincerely, > Theresa Culley > Professor > Dept. Biological Sciences > University of Cincinnati > > > On Feb 22, 2016, at 12:36 PM, Long, John A <[email protected]> wrote: > > Hi Angela, > > > > I think you have heard wrong. Most places that I’m familiar with have > little issue with students being out of state. This might be more of an > issue for out-of country applicants when funding is designated for > nationals. > > > > John A. Long, PhD > > Assistant Professor, Computational Biology > > Northern State University > > Aberdeen, SD 57401 > > 605-626-2629 > > > > *From:* Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [ > mailto:[email protected] <[email protected]>] *On Behalf > Of *Angela Trenkle > *Sent:* Monday, February 22, 2016 9:35 AM > *To:* [email protected] > *Subject:* Overcoming the Location Hump for Out of State Jobs/Graduate > Studies > > > > Hello everyone, > > I am looking into employment/graduate school out of state. I was > wondering if anyone had any suggestions/words of advice on how to overcome > the location hump (I have heard that a lot of places will dismiss you > immediately upon seeing that you are not a local). Is it impossible? How > can it be done? Thanks! > > -Angela > >
