Grad Student Pursuing Electrical Engineering in LA Metro-Area

[hammertime]

I'm currently a grad student studying Electrical Engineering and I'm kind of interested in working and living in the Los Angeles metro-area.

I'm originally from NorCal (Silicon Valley, to be precise), and proud of it. In fact, I went to UCLA and got into plenty of playful NorCal vs. SoCal arguments. I love NorCal, but I still want to get away from it. I want to go back to Los Angeles because I felt a certain sense of freedom there that I just don't feel in the Bay Area.

So is it possible for me to get a job in computer engineering, VLSI, analog circuitry, digital signal processing, or imaging and image processing in the LA area?

Also, am I wrong for caring about the location of my employment? Some people I've spoken to have said that I shouldn't care about where the job is, as long as I have a well-paying job. But I keep trying to stay motivated by telling myself that, if I do well enough in grad school, I'll essentially be able to choose where I work instead of having to take the first job offered to me. Am I being naive?

 

[Mépris]

If you don't feel like you'll be productive/effective in X environment, who are we to say you will or should be?

Good luck with your job search. By the way, are you doing an MS or a PhD?

 

[CheckMate]

It's harder to get a job when you're looking for a specific region, a limited range of job positions and with no job experience.

 

[hammertime]

But if I were to do some research, write a thesis, get some relevant coursework done and do well enough academically, would I then be able to essentially choose where I work?

Also, when I go to career/internship fairs, should I tell employers that I'd like to work in Southern California, or would that look bad?

 

[Matrix0]

I completely understand your desire to pursue a career in a specific location. Many factors, such as personal preferences and opportunities, can influence where we choose to live and work. And as a grad student in Electrical Engineering, you have the skills and knowledge to excel in a variety of industries, including computer engineering, VLSI, analog circuitry, digital signal processing, and imaging and image processing, making it possible for you to find a job in the Los Angeles metro-area in one of these fields.

It is not wrong to prioritize the location of your employment, as long as you are also considering other important factors such as job satisfaction and growth opportunities. It is important to find a balance between your personal preferences and career goals. And as you mentioned, excelling in grad school can open up more options for you to choose from in terms of job opportunities and location. So, keep working hard and staying motivated, and I believe you will be able to find a job in the LA area that aligns with your interests and goals.