April 2009 New Graduate: Toronto to Edmonton

[Raptors4Life]

Hello everyone, hope all is well.

I'm in need of some advice and hope the good members of this community can help me out, althought that seems to be the case because when i google searches about moving from Toronto to Edmonton this site always seems to pop up!

Okay, so here's my situation:

I'm currently finishing my year of university in Toronto with a graduation date of April 2009. I'm considering relocating to Edmonton because of the good market for my areas of studies (Business Management and Information Technology Management). As well, I have lots of family living in Edmonton which would ease the transition if i were to actually relocate (e.g. I'd have a place to stay with for my first couple of months or whatever, untill i get on my own two feet).

I guess the question I am asking is, how would you guys suggest I go about my job search? Should I look for a job in Edmonton now, or wait until after I have graduated? I actually applied to a bunch of Government of Alberta job openings located in the city of Edmonton, but they wanted me to take a computer/typing test in Edmonton (can't be done online) and they would not pay for my travel expenses. Obviously, since I am in school full time from Sept 08 - April 09 it would be hard for me just to travel to Edmonton, as it would have to be during christmas holidays and the one week I have off in Feb.

As well, do I state dates I am available to visit/scout Edmonton during the school year.... and do I state my intentions of relocating to edmonton... in my cover letter? Or another document?

If anyone can help me out, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

[cq358]

Edmonton is a manufacturing hub for Alberta. It is the biggest south of the Oil Sands Fort Mac. The city feels like Concord , Woodbridge and Milton (MFG dominate). Their arteries are consists of HWY7 type of highways such as Yellow Head Trials (East West) and 97th street (North south). Their residential area has a very Mississauga feels into it. They have traffic grid lock but not as bad as Calgary.

However, the house prices is 680 000 for a 3000sqft house or 350 000 for a 1300 sq ft single home (new).

On the other hand, Calgary looks like a downtown core /North York type of city. It is financial and service sectors based. It is also very close to Banff. House prices is looking around 480 000+ for a 1300sqft single new home. There is only 1 or 2 highway can go to the downtown core. No local access to the downtown core. Traffic is bad at rush hrs.

There is a city called Red Deer. That where most of the young people lived. It is the middle town between Edmonton and Calgary. However, you needed to drive 1.5-2 hr to either city. Houses in there is cheaper.

[Mgz]

What kind of job did you apply ?
I am June 2009 business management graduate too but I have very little experience in the field so I have absolutely have no idea what kind of job that a business management major can take :(

Edmonton is a manufacturing hub for Alberta. It is the biggest south of the Oil Sands Fort Mac. The city feels like Concord , Woodbridge and Milton (MFG dominate). Their arteries are consists of HWY7 type of highways such as Yellow Head Trials (East West) and 97th street (North south). Their residential area has a very Mississauga feels into it. They have traffic grid lock but not as bad as Calgary.

There is a city called Red Deer. That where most of the young people lived. It is the middle town between Edmonton and Calgary. However, you needed to drive 1.5-2 hr to either city. Houses in there is cheaper.

I lived in Red Deer for 2 years(<-- LTCHS grad lol) , beautiful small little city, lot of job opportunities, and quite convenient to go to Edmonton or Calgary.