Puerto Rico universities face talent drain as graduates secure six-figure jobs in US

In a recent government meeting, the focus was on the urgent need to enhance Puerto Rico's educational rankings and retain its top graduates. Under President Ferrado's leadership, discussions highlighted the importance of improving the QS rankings, which reflect employer perceptions and peer evaluations of universities.

Key stakeholders emphasized the economic implications of conducting studies to better understand these rankings. There was a consensus that while Puerto Rico produces highly skilled professionals, many graduates are lured away by lucrative job offers in the United States, often before they even graduate. For instance, engineering and medical graduates are receiving six-figure salary offers, making it challenging to retain talent on the island.

The conversation also touched on the potential of the bio-pharmaceutical sector and the need to capitalize on technology transfer and intellectual property generated by local universities, particularly the University of Mayagüez. Despite the growth in these fields, there is a pressing concern that many graduates are leaving to pursue opportunities in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, which diminishes local investment returns.

Efforts are underway through initiatives like DiDiC to foster economic development in technology sectors, but the challenge remains significant. Participants acknowledged that while competitive salaries are crucial, factors such as quality of life, transportation, and housing opportunities also play a vital role in graduates' decisions to stay in Puerto Rico.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for local leaders to create an environment that not only attracts but also retains the island's talented youth, ensuring that Puerto Rico can benefit from its investment in education and innovation.