Maybe you've got your sights set on being the next big disruptor in the tech industry. Maybe you got an offer you just couldn't refuse. Or maybe you're just tired of snow and sub-zero temperatures. According to the Society of Human Resources Management, Americans relocate most often for career-related reasons. In a survey of those who had moved in the past year for a career, 48 percent saw an opportunity for skill-building and 43 percent did it for increased compensation. Millennials are most likely to be driven to a new location by long-term career prospects. Whatever the reason, anyone who has packed up all of their possessions and moved to a new city to pursue a new career opportunity knows how scary it is. What if the job isn't what you'd expected, or you just don't fit with the office culture? And then there's being alone in an unfamiliar city, faced with the daunting prospect of making new friends and establishing a new professional network. If things don't work out, it's an expensive mistake. It's essential to do your research and make sure you know what you're getting into before the move. We recently asked the members of the ALM Young Professionals network to share their best tips* for moving to a new city and getting established. (Check them out in the slideshow above or read them below) Whether you're actively considering a location change and hesitant to make the leap, still struggling to find their footing in a new city, or maybe just want to keep this bookmarked for a day down the road, we hope you find some inspiration in these tips from your peers. (Or maybe you're on the other end: you're a hiring manager trying to convince your perfect candidate to make the move. Just send them this list!) |

1. "Networking is always important and allows you to sell your personality as well as experience. I think using LinkedIn as a resource to connect with other professionals in the area prior to making your move and allows for information sharing." --Hector Diaz, recruitment assistant, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
2. "If you don't have people you already know in the city you're moving to that is unfamiliar, it takes researching where social clubs would be, maybe finding a church home, or finding a place to volunteer on a regular basis to find your fit." --Cameron Alford, ARM, insurance specialist, Evonik

3. "The most important thing to remember here is that you should always seek out that adventure. If you think it's time for you to make a move, I would always say go for it! What do you have to lose?" --Emma Maksimovic, director, ELM Content Consultancy

4. "This one requires a little pre-planning: Before I move, I tend to find those in my network who are located in those areas or reach out to my network who have lived in that area before and ask if they could help connect me to some of their friends and network in the city. Then, I set up individualized coffees or lunches to meet those people once I move." Jessica Aries, law firm executive, Leadership & Career Strategist

5. "As much as you love the place are, find something or someone to love in your new venue. There's nowhere in the U.S. that has nothing to love." --Louie Castoria, mediator, CastoriaDisputeResolution.com

6. "Leverage your alumni network. Most have a database where you can complete targeted searches based on location, title, even degree type." --Benjamin Roberts, head of growth, SquarePlan

7. "Unplug and go outside.Check out your surroundings by going for a walk or taking a hike. Nothing feels more empowering than climbing up a mountain and getting a top level view of your new city. Experience what your new location has to offer outdoors." --Sarah Brandt, chief marketing officer, Environmental Risk Professionals

8. "Whenever I travel to a new city, the first thing I do is find a Bikram yoga studio! Because Bikram is the same 26 postures, it doesn't matter what language you take the class in. 1) It helps me with jet lag, 2) I meet people who are usually local and can give me tips/advice of where to go and what to do, 3) we already have some something in common to start a conversation." --Morgan Collins, project manager, PSA Creative

9. "Meetups are a great way to connect with people when you relocate. You can find a group that fits your interests and you may make new lifelong friends as well as find acquaintances you can just have a meal or see a movie with." --Rosalie Donlon, editor in chief, Insurance and Tax publications, ALM Media LLC 
10. Participating in my local bar association and joining a committee in the association helped me feel more grounded to my current local community. It also allowed me to meet many attorneys with whom I have built great professional relationships. --Jessika Pineda, Esq.

*Responses have been edited for grammar and length.

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