Padraic McConville, 25

The story of why, when, how you decided to move here (or stay here):
I grew up in the suburbs of Rochester. I graduated from Geneseo in 2004 and moved to Ireland with a one year working visa. I had prepared literally every component of the law school application process and was really just a click away from being a part of the fall 2005 class. I decided that I still needed more time away from school, and because I didn’t have the resources to find employment upon my return home, I quietly moved in with my parents in the summer of 2005 while I looked for a job, here or elsewhere. I ended up with a great opportunity to work in Rochester, so I decided to take it.

Where you went to undergraduate college / graduate school: SUNY Geneseo

Degree(s) you earned: BA Economics, English

Where you work now and your job title: DeltaPoint Capital Management – transitioning from analyst to associate

Where do you live? Off of park ave

What do you like about life in Rochester? There’s plenty to do if you look around.

What you do for fun? Bars, movies, concerts, restaurants

What you would tell a college student (who is trying to decide where to live after graduation) about what life is like here post-college? It’s one of the places that is what you make of it – there isn’t enough activity to usually just fall into a great situation, so you have to be outgoing and engaging, and be willing to take some risks.

What's the downside to living here? Downtown is a big disappointment. After years of failed development projects I think the city is finally getting the right idea with the loft renovations, commitment to jazz festival, etc. You have to bring the young people back to the city in order for it to thrive.

What's the best first step to making friends and finding your way around? Put yourself out there – you have to be willing to introduce yourself to new people and activities.