How to inspire college grads to choose Maine — again

Each year, Maine’s colleges and universities graduate thousands of bright, talented individuals. But all too often, these young adults pack their bags and head elsewhere — seeking higher salaries, bigger cities and broader opportunities.

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Katie Shorey

For decades, Maine has struggled to retain its young talent. The trend is well-known. Graduates leave for other cities. Years later, sometimes with kids in tow, they "boomerang" back in search of community, affordability and quality of life.

Today, we have a unique opportunity to change that pattern. Young people are rethinking what matters. They’re choosing lifestyle, purpose and connection over long commutes and 60-hour workweeks. Maine can be the answer to that equation — but only if we help make the case early and often.

So how do we, as employers, educators, community leaders — and yes, parents — help recent grads see a future in Maine? Here are five practical ways we can all help inspire young people to choose Maine again, and sooner.

Tell a new story — and back it up with opportunity

Maine’s brand is strong: Natural beauty, close-knit communities and work-life balance. But that’s not enough. Young talent also needs to see professional opportunity here — real jobs, meaningful career growth and innovative work.

Businesses should highlight career pathways, mentorship opportunities and employee success stories. This goes beyond job postings. It’s about narrative: What does a five-year path in your company or your region look like?

Let’s also retire the myth that Maine lacks exciting industries. From biotech to a forest tech hub, to innovations in manufacturing, we’re growing — and it’s ambitious and passionate people that are making this happen. We have ample professional communities to plug into.

Connect early and often with college grads

Retention starts with relationships. Employers who engage students before graduation — through internships, job shadows, mentorships or guest lectures — build familiarity and trust. Those connections matter when a grad is weighing whether to stay or go. Offer paid internships. Show up on campus. Partner with career services and alumni networks.

And don’t overlook the “boomerang potential” of students who come from other states. If they have a positive Maine experience during college, they’re more likely to return in the future. Plant the seed now.

Use alumni as ambassadors

Maine colleges and high schools have loyal alumni who now live across the country. Many want to come back but don’t know how. Others might be open to remote work from Maine or joining a growing local firm. Tap into this network. Encourage alumni to speak with current students about their career paths — and how Maine fits in.

Create soft landing programs for returners. Normalize the idea of leaving and coming back with new skills and fresh perspective.

Invest in community and belonging

It’s not just about jobs — it’s about life. Grads want to feel like they belong. That includes access to the arts, inclusive communities and spaces to meet peers. Employers can help by supporting young professionals’ networks, sponsoring events or offering relocation support.

Municipalities can create welcoming initiatives for newcomers, such as such as Uplift LA’s “Newcomer night” in Lewiston/Auburn.

Make 'boomerang' paths visible and viable

Let’s stop treating returning to Maine as a fallback plan and start treating it as a smart, strategic move.

Share success stories of Mainers who returned after time away. Offer flexible options for mid-career talent seeking a new chapter. Outside experience is an asset, but let’s make it clear we need their skillsets in the Pine Tree State.

If we want to grow Maine’s economy, we need to grow our people — and keep them here.

That means shifting our mindset from hoping young people stay, to actively showing them why they should. It’s about building relationships, telling better stories and creating communities where young professionals can thrive. For many, the love for Maine never went away. They just need a “welcome home."

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