Written by: Carly McCarthy
Starting a new career is stressful, but moving to a new city at the same time can be just as stressful, if not more.
When it comes to choosing how you want to start your career – and where – it is important to weigh all of your options and put effort into making the best decision.
Each year, 60+ recent college graduates move to Indianapolis from all over the country to experience the unique 2-year package of career, community, and continued learning that Orr Fellowship provides.
Whether Fellows grow up as Hoosiers or travel to Indy from out of state, the resounding sentiment from each incoming class is that the city is unequivocally quick to welcome young professionals into the community.
The people, professional opportunities, and the places in Indianapolis make the city a fantastic place to kickstart your career.
1. The people – Genuinely invested in others
Ask any second year fellow what they love about Orr, and many will tell you the people in the Orr community and its company network is one of their favorite aspects of the program and the city of Indianapolis at large.
As one second-year Fellow put it, “the Orr community made Indy feel like home way faster than any other city I would have moved to.” There is a humble nature to Hoosiers that invites newcomers to become fast friends with locals.
Even some of the most illustrious members of the Indianapolis business community are actively invested in the development of young professionals, and Orr Fellows are uniquely positioned to reap the most out of the city’s welcoming nature and intentionally connected culture.
2. The professional opportunities – Ideal for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs
Indianapolis ranks within the top 10 cities to launch your career due to its affordability and job market. Unlike New York City and Chicago, where the crippling cost of living can potentially affect both young people’s personal and professional lives, Indianapolis provides unparalleled job opportunities AND the assuring ability to live comfortably on a starting salary. Even more, Forbes just named Indiana the top ranked state to start a business in. Talk about an environment for entrepreneurs to thrive!
Within the Indianapolis economy, the tech scene has garnered a great deal of attention in recent years for its growth and potential. In recent years, Zillow has ranked Indianapolis among the top ten “up-and-coming tech markets,” and Indy has also been deemed one of the best places to work in tech.
Regardless of your technological skills, the city has a way to plug you into its tech subculture, even if it is just through learning from the tech community on everything from startups to Salesforce.
3. The places – So much to do, see, and explore!
Indy is a hub for sporting events and conventions, with the Pacers, Colts, and NCAA calling Indy their home, and the Indianapolis Convention Center marking one of the largest convention centers in the country (VisitIndy).
Aside from sports and spectacles, there are a plethora of other places to visit and things to do in and around Indianapolis. Our fellows curated this map with some of their favorite spots from hidden gems to hiking locations and beyond!
Thinking about how you could jump-start your career in Indianapolis? Get started on Orr Fellowship’s 2024 application!
Thinking about how you could jump-start your career in Indianapolis?
Orr Fellowship’s 2023 application is open!
