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Updated: April 1, 2025 How to

How to inspire young Mainers to build their careers here

By Katie Shorey, Live + Work in Maine

Maine’s aging workforce and declining youth retention present a critical challenge for our state’s economy. While we tout Maine’s quality of life, natural beauty and strong sense of community, too many young people leave for opportunities elsewhere.

Katie Shorey of Live + Work in Maine
Photo / Provided
Katie Shorey of Live + Work in Maine

Businesses across the state struggle to find talent, and employers often ask: How can we encourage more young Mainers to stay and build their careers here?
 
The good news is that each of us — business owners, community and nonprofit leaders and professionals — can take small but meaningful steps to inspire and connect with Maine’s young people. 

You don’t need a big budget or a complex program. Sometimes, just an hour of your time can make a difference.

Here are five simple ways to engage with the next generation and show them that opportunity exists right here in Maine.

Bring a high school student to a conference

Exposure is everything. If you’re attending a professional conference or industry summit, consider bringing a high school student along. This firsthand experience allows them to see career pathways, meet professionals and gain insight into industries they may not have considered.

For many students, seeing a thriving professional environment can be the spark that keeps them thinking about a future in Maine. Don’t know a high school student? Someone in your network does. Make it an initiative or goal in your workplace.

Volunteer with Junior Achievement of Maine

One hour of volunteering with Junior Achievement can introduce students to real-world business and financial concepts. These programs connect professionals with classrooms, helping young people understand career opportunities, entrepreneurship and the skills needed to succeed.

Your insights and experiences could be the encouragement a student needs to see a future for themselves in Maine’s workforce.

Visit a high school classroom to share your career story

Students often have little exposure to the variety of careers available to them. Take an hour to visit a high school class and share your career journey. Talk about your industry, the skills you use daily and what you love about working in Maine.

Personal stories resonate and can make career possibilities feel real and attainable. If you’re a graduate from Maine, I implore you to reach out to your high school and offer an hour of your time.

Host an internship or ‘shadow for a day’ program

Hands-on experience is one of the best ways to keep young talent engaged. Even if your organization can’t support a full internship program, offering a "shadow for a day" (or week) experience can provide invaluable exposure to the working world. This simple initiative can help students see what it’s like to work in Maine and build connections with professionals in their fields of interest. 

Teachers and career counselors want to hear from Maine businesses, so reach out to a nearby school. If you don’t have an internship program, no worries — opt your intern into the Maine Career Catalyst program. They’ll meet other young people, learn from business leaders from across the state and build a network they can easily plug into once they graduate or finish their apprenticeship.

Sign up for the Maine Career Exploration program 

Employers looking to make a lasting impact can participate in the Maine Career Exploration program, which connects businesses with students for job shadows, internships and career talks. This structured initiative makes it easy for businesses to engage with students and showcase the opportunities available in our state.

Signing up is a small commitment that can have a lasting impact on a young person’s career path.

Lean in 

Each of these actions requires minimal time but can have a profound effect on a young person’s outlook on their future in Maine. If we want to retain talent and strengthen our workforce, we all need to lean in. 

By investing just an hour here and there, we can show Maine’s young people that they don’t need to leave to find opportunity — they can build their futures right here. The question is: What will you do to be part of the solution?
 

About the author

Katie Shorey, a Mainebiz 40 Under 40 honoree in 2023, is the director of engagement at Live + Work in Maine. She can be reached at katie@liveworkmaine.com.

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