Best Companies to Work for in the New River Valley for Young Professionals
If you are a young professional exploring job opportunities in Virginia, the New River Valley could be a perfect place to begin your career. This region combines a growing economy with respected employers and a high quality of life.
The best companies to work for in the New River Valley invest in internships and early-career development. That makes it a great place for young professionals to launch their careers.
This post highlights companies that stand out to young professionals seeking clear advancement and meaningful work.
New River Valley Real Estate Market Watch
As of November 2025, the median home sales price in Blacksburg is $490,000. However, NRV real estate trends are always changing. Contact The Louise Baker Team for help buying or selling a home in Virginia’s New River Valley.
10 Best Companies to Work for in the New River Valley
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is one of the region’s most influential employers. While many think of it as an academic institution, the university’s workforce is diverse.
Roles span research labs, information technology, student life, facilities management, administrative services, communications, and more. The wide range of departments creates frequent openings for young professionals seeking stability and variety in their work.
If you appreciate education, innovation, research, or community impact, Virginia Tech offers a great environment. Its research strengths in engineering, biotechnology, information systems, and data science continue to create opportunities year after year.
Carilion Clinic & Carilion New River Valley Medical Center
Healthcare anchors much of the region’s economic activity, and Carilion Clinic plays a significant role in it. From clinical care to administrative operations, IT, finance, logistics, and patient services, Carilion offers opportunities for diverse career paths.
Young professionals who want mission-driven work often find that healthcare offers steady growth. Whether you pursue clinical certification or prefer a supportive operational role, Carilion provides an entry point into a respected, community-focused organization.
Brown Edwards
Brown Edwards is a nationally-ranked accounting and advisory firm with a strong presence in the New River Valley. With more than 350 professionals across its locations, the firm offers structured internships and clear early-career pathways.
Students and new graduates in accounting, finance, business, and tax services often begin with an internship that transitions into full-time employment. Because Brown Edwards works with many regional businesses and institutions, young professionals gain early exposure to a wide range of industries.
Branch Group
Branch Group is one of the most recognized construction and infrastructure companies in the area. It recently earned recognition as one of the top NRV employers for interns in 2025.
Young professionals interested in construction management, civil engineering, field operations, and project coordination will find opportunities here. The company emphasizes project-based learning, making it an appealing choice if you want meaningful responsibility early on.
Corning Incorporated
Corning, another employer honored in the 2025 internship awards, plays a major role in advanced manufacturing. Its operations in materials science support global demand in telecommunications, life sciences, and industrial applications.
For early-career engineers, technicians, and science-focused professionals, Corning provides access to sophisticated manufacturing processes and industrial innovation. Stable demand and a global footprint offer strong long-term career potential from right here in the New River Valley.
Regal Rexnord
Regal Rexnord also appears on the 2025 Top Virginia Employers for Interns list. The company specializes in motion control solutions, automation, and industrial technologies.
Jobs span production, engineering, operations, and maintenance, which makes the company a good fit for professionals seeking applied, technical work. Many roles involve working directly with modern equipment and systems, giving early-career individuals hands-on experience from day one.
Inmotion US
Inmotion US also has a reputation as one of the NRV’s leading employers for interns in 2025. The company focuses on motion technology and electric motor systems that support multiple industrial applications.
If you studied mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or technical operations, Inmotion offers an opportunity to join a growing industry. Its engineering-oriented teams give young professionals valuable exposure to applied problem-solving and product development.
CytoRecovery
CytoRecovery brings a biotech focus to the New River Valley. Recognized as a top internship employer in 2025, the company develops technologies related to cell separation and biomedical research.
For students and graduates in biology, biotechnology, or life sciences, CytoRecovery provides a great opportunity to work in a research-oriented environment. Smaller team structures often mean faster learning, broader responsibility, and closer collaboration with senior scientists.
Montgomery County Department of Social Services
Public service plays a meaningful role in regional employment. The Montgomery County Department of Social Services is another one of NRV’s top employers for interns in 2025.
Young professionals drawn to community work, human services, family support, or local government will find stable, purpose-driven roles here. The department supports families across the county, giving early-career workers a chance to contribute directly to community well-being.
Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce rounds out the list as another organization recognized for its internship programs in 2025. It helps local businesses grow, connect, and engage with the community. That creates opportunities for young professionals interested in business development, communications, community engagement, marketing, and regional networking.
What the Regional Economy Means for Your Career
The New River Valley’s economy is in a period of healthy expansion. In 2023, the combined New River and Roanoke valleys recorded a 3.7 percent GDP growth rate, the second highest in Virginia.
For young professionals, this is an encouraging sign. You are stepping into a market where employers are hiring, industries are evolving, and multiple organizations invest in early-career talent.
Questions Young Professionals Often Ask About Working and Living in the New River Valley
Is the New River Valley a good place for young professionals to start their careers?
Yes. The NRV offers a mix of employers across education, healthcare, manufacturing, biotech, and public service. Many companies offer internships and early-career programs, creating direct pathways into stable jobs.
What industries are growing the fastest in the New River Valley?
Advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, research, and professional services continue to expand. These sectors drive strong hiring for early-career workers and support long-term regional growth.
Do most NRV employers offer relocation or housing support?
Some larger employers and internship programs offer relocation assistance or temporary housing. While not universal, these benefits are more common at organizations focused on early-career recruitment.
What is the cost of living like for young professionals in the NRV?
The NRV offers a lower cost of living compared with many metropolitan areas. Young professionals often find that their salaries stretch further here, especially when balancing housing, transportation, and lifestyle costs.
Which NRV towns are most popular for young professionals?
Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Radford attract many early-career workers. These areas offer access to employers, short commutes, and community events that appeal to young adults starting their careers.
Are remote or hybrid jobs common in the New River Valley?
Remote and hybrid roles exist, especially in technology, research, and professional services. Many young professionals combine on-site work with remote flexibility, depending on the employer.
Take the Next Step with NRV Homes
If your career plan includes living and working in the New River Valley, finding the right home matters. Our team helps young professionals explore homes near major employers and community amenities.
Contact NRV Homes to find properties near top employers in the region and begin your next chapter with confidence.
