How Being Open to Moving Can Supercharge Your Career
Girl Scout alum Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority, attributes some of her success to being willing to move across the country when new opportunities presented themselves.
“Moving helps you learn more about yourself, creates a sense of independence, and builds your confidence. That’s important for women,” she explains. “Moving expands your mind and opens you up to learning from different people. It’s a great experience and I encourage women to do this—I don’t think women take as many risks as men do.”
Julie has advice for how women can use out-of-state opportunities to broaden their world views and fuel their careers.
1. Consider moving right out of college.
Julie grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and studied hospitality at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. But, instead of returning to her hometown for work, her first jobs out of school were with Hyatt Hotels in Ohio.
“Every city that I have moved to I’ve felt welcome and at home,” she recalls, adding that in Cincinnati her coworkers took the time to invite her to social events and help her meet people in town.
Julie says that she feels fortunate that working in the travel sector made acclimating easier.
“Our industry is really extending of helping you get settled and that’s how you find your place in town.”
2. Evaluate the opportunity.
Julie suggests looking at out-of-state job offers from both the personal and professional perspective—as well as the financial one—before making the decision.
“In Hyatt hotels, you’re a general manager of a hotel with 100 rooms, and then 600 rooms, and then 1000 rooms,” she said of the need to relocate in order to grow. “If you want to advance your career you’re encouraged to move.”
3. Explore your new city enthusiastically.
Setting up a new home and finding your way around a new town may feel disorienting when you first arrive. But you can get to know a new city in just months if you make the effort.
“Cities have different characteristics, vibes, and cultures,” she explains, adding that putting in the work to get to know your new neighborhood is important. “For the most part [when I move], it has taken me four to five months to find my favorite restaurant, or the person who does my nails, and to set up a personal network.”
4. Build a local professional network.
Julie moved to San Diego during the outbreak of COVID-19, so her efforts to meet people in person were delayed by the pandemic. However, she began to make connections right away by reaching out by phone to local chamber of commerce leaders.
“It isn’t comfortable to say: ‘Hi, I’m Julie! I’m the new CEO in town, and am trying to get to know San Diego better. Do you have 30 minutes to chit chat?’” she explains, “But you have got to make an effort.”
5. Take the time to seek out friends too.
Julie knows how powerful community can be—growing up her grandfather was a Baptist minister, and Julie herself ran track and was a Girl Scout. So, once she could, she went out of her way to meet people in person who share her interests in San Diego.
“My advice is to create your network through work, but also volunteer boards. From there, I met various people who connected me to others,” she explains.
Julie—who also found a local church to join and just signed up for a running group—believes that finding people who share your passions and hobbies instead of just your profession is key to making you feel at home.
“Whether it’s painting or poetry, having that network exposes you to others that you may not know,” she says. “It’s important for women to have a personal life; it shouldn’t just all be about work.”
6. Consider international opportunities as well.
While moving across the country can broaden your view, Julie believes that it is nothing compared to the growth you can experience from accepting a position in a foreign country.
“I don’t rule out living abroad,” she explains. “I think my secret to success is putting myself in uncomfortable situations. I have always trusted my gut and taken chances.”
