Life > November 1, 2007

By Mary Beth Ballard | Senior columnist

While unpacking from a weekend spent in D.C., I did a little contemplating on events past as one does when routinely rearranging inanimate objects such as clothes, shampoo and toothpaste.

I could only think of one thing. The city. Any city, really.

Ah, yes, I am the proverbial small town girl raised on a farm with big city lights gleaming in her eyes.

The excitement of knowing I could do a million things all in one place and never be bored is a lifestyle I crave.

Well, that lifestyle is fast approaching, not only for me, but for many students in various capacities.

Much like you treated your college search before deciding on Wake (hopefully you shopped around a little bit), it’s also wise to engage in a “city search.”

This search doesn’t just apply to seniors who are looking to land their first job or grad school location, but underclassmen too, can benefit from some first-hand exploration.

Before settling on an internship for the summer, you might want to think about the environment you’ll be working and playing in.

I’ve come up with a few questions to get you started: Do I want to use public transportation or use my car?

What sort of climate am I comfortable with?

Do I want to be able to easily walk everywhere I’ll want to go?

How diverse do I want my city to be? Are the arts, music and entertainment a big factor for my free time?

How does the cost of living compare to other options?

Sure, New York, sounds fabulous for a few months, but if you honestly don’t think you can afford rent, eating out occasionally and taking advantage of some incredible entertainment (i.e. theatre, concerts, clubs and bars), then I’d suggest looking elsewhere so you’re not breaking the bank.

Those of us looking for job offers are probably solely focusing on a company and potential position rather than a specific city.

There’s nothing wrong with that, but do realize that you’ll be more than your job description.

Though a fresh College grad might be pulling 60 hour work weeks occasionally, spending the night in the office is unlikely and most weekends should be his or hers to enjoy.

Many companies aren’t looking for the workaholic who will suffer from stress and burn out easily. They want employees to enjoy their free time and keep high morale.

So if you like outdoor sports, you might consider somewhere in the Rockies. If you love cold weather and think you’re a history buff, then Boston could be calling your name?

Each city has a different personality and unique energy about it that you really can’t know until you visit.

Just like a college campus tour, walking around a downtown or a popular suburb will most likely provide a small slice of insight into what your life could be like there.

At least that’s what I was attempting to discover during my weekend in D.C. I took the metro solo a few times, ate lunch in Dupont Circle, walked around Arlington, visited the National Gallery, chilled in a bustling downtown Starbucks and basically just imagined myself as a local.

It helped too that I was staying in good friend’s apartment instead of a hotel. Overall, I’d say it was a fairly authentic weekend.

So whether you’re a soon-to-be grad or looking for that perfect internship or summer job, seriously consider your chosen city. It just might make or break your experience.

You’ll be glad in the long run that you put some time and thought into the selection. But of course, don’t worry about it too much – we aren’t trees, so in all actuality, if your city doesn’t fit, you can always pick up and move.