Who do I need to know? (Baltimore: job market, school, universities)

[JulyBaby1982]

I am looking to relocate to the Baltimore-DC-NoVA Metro area. I am currently in the South but am dying to leave (no cultural outlets, not diverse enough, too slow of a pace). It's everyone's own cup of tea, but I need the hustle and bustle of a city. Long story short, I have a Masters in Higher Education Administration and am looking to work at a university in the area. I find it impossible to believe that none of the major ones are hiring in my area (Student Affairs), but believe positions are being filled by who you know. If you could be of any help, I'd greatly appreciate it and would be more than willing to pass along my resume for legitimate opportunities.

[Kensington]

You will find a job search much easier if you move to the area and start doing networking activities and informational interviews. This area does have a very strong job market, and quite a few universities and colleges, but it is also very competitive. Master's degrees are a dime a dozen here.

[sundaze]

I don't know exactly what you mean about jobs being filled by "you know who" but you should be aware that this entire area is very diverse and you need to be comfortable with that. My advice -- make sure your resume is just perfect, the best you can do on good quality paper. (Only one page long). Be sure to emphasize your skills and experience, not just your education. Research each school to which you want to apply and write a cover letter with your resume telling exactly why you are a good fit for the school, your willingness and availability to come for an interview, etc. This can be a hard area to get into because I think a lot of universities do hire their own graduates for this type of position.

[JulyBaby1982]

Sundaze,

Two things about your post are funny:

1. My comment about positions being filled by "who you know" have nothing to do with diversity. The way you put it (positions being filled by some elusive "you know who") takes on a totally different meaning.

2. You gave some basic advice (one page resumes don't really work in higher ed.) that ended in the exact problem I say I'm running into..."a lot of universities do hire their own graduates for this type of position."

Thanks anyway.

[sundaze]

July, I apologize. For some reason I read "you know who" and not "who you know".
My bad.

[Njrover0216]

Maryland has a great deal of highly educated people here. Most jobs you get into it is all about who you know.