...you wanted to stay..?

That's the quandary I find myself in as I write this penultimate blog from here in the USA.  Now that I'm contemplating returning home at the end of next week, I'm kind of thinking - I don't actually want to leave?

This point was discussed in some detail at an event I attended this week.  Hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank and the Boston Chamber of commerce, it brought together some 300 summer interns and their hosts to discuss a looming problem for the Boston area.  How to retain the high-calibre students who come here to study - but then move away to find work.  Sounds all too familiar in the context of Scotland.  Retention is considered with such seriousness here, that they feel it might well stifle the future performance of high-growth companies based in Massachusetts.

What are the lessons and what is being done about it?  Well they are tackling the issue on a couple of levels.  

First  - they recognize the importance of summer internships.  Given the current economic climate, securing one has become highly competitive. Hence those students who are successful are considered extremely special indeed. So there is a drive to ensure, as far as possible, that those valuable individuals currently undertaking internships are subsequently converted into full-time employment.  Building on that tried and tested approach of "try before you buy."  And everybody wins:  employers gain a pipeline of highly-educated resources, students gain experience and ease of entry into great jobs, and the state manages to retain a talented (and potentially high tax dollar) workforce.

Second - they are actively promoting Boston as a great place to work, stay and play.  Harnessing the uniqueness of it's anchor tenant companies that are based here and the opportunities to grow and develop careers, highlighting that although costly - it is not as expensive as say the San Francisco or New York areas, and promoting the wealth of recreational opportunities close by - the Cape, the lakes & mountains and of course the Red Sox, Bruins and beloved Boston Celtics.  All against of backdrop of not being able to tackle one of the main reasons people do leave - THE WEATHER..!!!!

But aside from the weather, there is one interesting component that has also been recognized as just as important in keeping people rooted to this great city.  Boston is apparently a great place to fall in love...

So yes, while I too have fallen in love with this fantastic city (so much so that I don't want to leave it)...It's the love of my wife and my three little children which will ultimately take me away.  In which case maybe we should take a similar approach for Scotland - that other great place to fall in love (just as I did)... At the very least - we've got the same great weather...