[The Profiles Baltimore team at an Orioles Game]
One of the biggest challenges I’ve had this year as a recruiter is finding the digital talent in Baltimore – specifically UX Designers.
I get it; you’re in Palo Alto working for a start-up or for Zuckerberg. Or you’re in Austin, Boston, NYC or Seattle. So in addition to promoting my clients’ company and their remarkable job opportunities, I’ve had to “sell” Baltimore. In meeting with stakeholders and decision-makers for our clients (who are all looking to expand their mobile and responsive design presence) we realize that Baltimore is in a serious talent drought.
I don’t know how to get the techies to consider this area (stop watching “The Wire”!) but I will tell you this town is full of great opportunities.
Here’s why I love Baltimore, and you should too!
Location, Location Location
Baltimore is really the epicenter of the East Coast. It’s about a 90-minute drive to Philadelphia, under an hour from Washington, DC and just three hours from NYC. And if you’re not up for the drive or don’t have a car, there are train lines like Amtrak, and affordable buses like Bolt and Mega Bus to get you straight into mid-town Manhattan.
National & International Corporate Headquarters
There are dozens of Baltimore-based companies on the rise: Johns Hopkins employs over 30,000 people (and growing),T. Rowe Price, Under Armour, Adveristing.com/AOL, Millennial Media, Constellation Energy, Legg Mason, Laureate Education, Sylvan Learning & Morgan Stanley. All of these companies are growing rapidly, and continue to look for talented designers and developers to build out their web and mobile platforms.
Affordability & Job Opportunity for Recent Graduates
The US economy is still struggling, and young adults are still encountering difficult times as they enter the job market, but Baltimore has improved greatly in the past few years. Maryland’s Unemployment Rate is 6.7% (as of October 2012). This is lower than the National Unemployment Rate of 7.9%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Earlier this year “Charm City” was ranked in the 10 Best Cities for New College Grads [i]. Why? It’s young city, it’s a growing city and it’s a city where young professional can afford to live (and still go out to happy hour)!
There’s so much to do!
I realize this is a pretty broad statement, so allow me to elaborate:
Into live music? (I am!) There are lots of music venues in Baltimore like Rams Head Live, 8×10, and OttoBar. Plus, you’re just an hour from 9:30 Club, Constitution Hall and the Verizon Center in Washington, DC.
Sport fanatic? Walk down to Camden Yards for an O’s game or check out the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Stadium.
Foodie? Best Maryland blue crabs and crab cakes around. Also, some of Baltimore’s best local spots have been recently featured on “Diners, Drive Ins & Dives”, “Man Vs. Food”, and “Ace of Cakes”. And the nightlife is great here – areas like Fells Point, Harbor East & Federal Hill are filled with bars and restaurants that all attract young professionals.
I don’t expect every seasoned UX Designer & Mobile App Developer to move to Baltimore. However, if you’re a recent grad, young professional, or starting a family and realizing a mortgage and baby in Manhattan is an overwhelming thought, then scout out an affordable, young and growing city. Baltimore is worth consideration. Have more questions about the job market? Reach out to Profiles to learn more!
About Profiles
Profiles is a unique staffing firm specializing in Marketing employment, Creative, and Web & IT jobs. Since 1998, we have served the needs of our Clients and Talent by matching the best candidates with the best companies in the Mid-Atlantic region: Baltimore, MD, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, PA and Richmond, VA.
Author Name – Meryl Ratzman
Title – Account Manager
Location – Baltimore, MD
Twitter – @merylratzman
Byline – Meryl has been recruiting for a year with Profiles and has 8+ years in the marketing and creative space. When she’s not recruiting and networking with interactive peeps, she’s eating gummy candy, listening to new indie rock bands or watching bad reality TV.
