Tips for a Successful College-to-Career Transition

A few tips for graduating students getting ready to ramp up their job search this semester: 1. Create different variations of your resumes for the different role profiles (engineering, product, finance, etc) you’re interested in and organize them in a resume folder in Drive/in your files. This will help you apply to a wider range of roles faster and will help ease the barrier of applying (it’s a draining process!) 2. A valuable and productive day of job searching doesn’t always include submitting applications. As mentioned above, the search process can be exhausting, so it’s important to safeguard your energy while keeping momentum. Spend a few hours just researching companies and different roles with no expectation that you’ll be submitting an application. This will help you consider and discover opportunities you haven’t in the past and will also continue propelling your search without requiring all that much effort 3. Networking events and careers fairs can be the worst, especially when it’s close to graduation and there’s a lot of pressure to land a job. To help make these experiences more tolerable and productive, it can be helpful to go into them with a concrete plan and clear goals. Example—I want to talk to 3 companies I’m interested in, 2 companies I don’t know much about, and establish an email connection/intro with at least 3 recruiters. Accomplishing these smaller goals will help you focus and leave you feeling fulfilled after what can be draining events 4. Parallel network! Your peers are just as (if not more) valuable to you in your job search as recruiters/mentors. Ask around your college/orgs to get more intel on which companies are hiring and how to best navigate desired applications. We’ve all sent cold reach-outs to recruiters and professionals to ask a few questions—don’t be afraid to do the same with your peers! 5. Finally, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. The job search is just one of many priorities in your life and all of it together is grueling. Make time every day, even if it’s just a little, for wellness and self-care

If you are currently looking for a job… I understand how hard it is. I understand how difficult the market can be. And I definitely understand how unrewarding it can feel. When I was a sophomore in college, I remember running around the career fair, trying to get my resume noticed in any way possible. Since then I’ve transitioned to working full-time at multiple corporate companies, and I’ve picked up a few lessons along the way. So, if I were a current job-seeker here’s what I would do: 𝟏. 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 Now that there are more and more people applying through the Internet, it can be incredibly tricky to even get an interview or get your resume seen due to the sheer volume of applicants online. You need to be able to stand out. Reach out to people in the role you’re interested in or the hiring manager and have conversations with them. This can help you increase your odds in understanding the role and tailoring your resume/interview for the job description. I’d recommend reaching out to personal connections, alumni, and attending in-person events to meet people. Aim to set up 1-2+ coffee chats per week with professionals who are in the field you want to be in. 𝟐. 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 Now, more than ever, candidates with specialized skills are being sought after. If you’re stuck in a rut, this is a perfect time to refresh your skills. Be sure to take advantage of online courses, certifications, and build personal projects to make yourself shine. 𝟑. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐱. Now this is a bit more vague, but spending time thinking about how you can strategically put yourself in unique positions can be very beneficial. For example, I used to show up super early at career fairs (literally when people were still setting up their booths) and managed to land interviews before the career fair even started. You could also look to cold emailing founders, creating creative decks or websites to showcase, and the list goes on. Don’t limit yourself to doing what everyone else is doing. Good luck and feel free to message me if you have questions :) #Jobsearch #Internships #Jobs #career #careergrowth

As numerous college graduations unfold, I'm reminded of my post-graduation days, filled with the urgent quest for a meaningful job. Drawing from years in business, I'd like to share some advice with new graduates about navigating the early stages of their careers. First, don't fixate on your first job title. What matters more is that the role (hopefully) aligns with your field and that you give it your all. My journey began in Geneva, Switzerland, as a graduate student eager to become a journalist. I wanted to work as a researcher at the 1986 Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev. Instead, I was offered the "Head of Food Catering" position at the hotel housing our NBC team. I was initially disappointed, as I had set my sights on research. Nonetheless, I embraced the role with dedication, running the catering operations seamlessly and building relationships with all the NBC anchors and producers. (A bonus for me was that I had food service experience: my dad owned a diner where I had worked!). My efforts did not go unnoticed; my NBC boss, who later became my mentor, assured me that I was destined to be a globe-trotting producer. Only later did I learn that the usual head of catering, a VP of Operations at NBC, was on maternity leave, and they specifically wanted me to step in. This experience taught me that sometimes the full story isn't immediately apparent, and allowing the universe to guide your path can lead to unexpected opportunities. Here's the takeaway: excel in whatever role you find yourself in. Approach each day with enthusiasm and leave with a sense of achievement. Be the reason others smile. Streamline processes, innovate systems, and make a tangible difference. If your role isn't quite what you envisioned, communicate your aspirations to those you impress along the way. Your dedication can pave the way for future opportunities. Remember, every position you hold is a stepping stone toward your ultimate career goals. Commit to making a stellar impression and seize the opportunities that come your way. #mentorship #careeradvice #careertips #jobtips #firstjob #newgraduates #worktips #successmindset

Dear 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘀, many of you will 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲 with post-college life (as I did). Here are 10 proven tips to help you THRIVE... 𝟭) 𝗕𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵. You can't hang out with everyone so choose those people wisely. Some friends will fall off and that's okay. Surround yourself with those that push you up not tear you down. 𝟮) 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘇𝘆, 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆. Have 5 people in your network that would hire you today if your current job was impacted. 𝟯) 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱. The feeling of being a beginner builds confidence. For example, I joined a climbing gym, started doing yoga with friends (got my headstand recently), and wake-surfed for the first time. 𝟰) 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸. In school, you have so much free time. But post grad life is different (no designated "breaks" like summer break). For example, plan dinners with friends, host a hand roll sushi night at your apartment, etc. 𝟱) 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸. For me, I recently biked 100 miles (how fun). 𝟲) 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀. Pursue passion projects or side businesses that align with your interests. For example, podcast, youtube channel, writing a newsletter, ecom business, career coaching, yoga instructing, etc. 𝟳) 𝗦𝗮𝘆 𝗡𝗢 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗬𝗘𝗦 As time is more limited post-grad, ask yourself if whatever you are saying yes to is going to help or hurt you as it relates to your goals. 𝟴) 𝗠𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀. I can't stress this one enough. You will learn to CHERISH your 2 days off each week. Make them count. For example, go on small road trips, plan beach picnics, etc. 𝟵) 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. If your job is remote, I challenge you to move to an entirely new location and rebuild your community (hello from Austin, Texas). 𝟭𝟬) 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗧𝗢. Burnout is not "cool". Take your PTO every few weeks. Don't build it up and not take it since you think it will help you get promoted. 💬 What # above is your favorite? 💬 Are there any tips you would add to help new grads? Y'all got this... now go crush the post-grad life✌️ ♻ Repost to help more new grads *** 🔔 If you found this helpful, you would love my other work/life content - be sure to follow me AJ Eckstein

Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self? Its “back to school” week for most universities across the country.  Many students are entering their final year of studies, and will soon need to make weighty decisions for post-graduate life that will shape their careers for years to come. Here’s what I would tell my 21 year old self at this unique crossroads… 1️⃣ Follow your passions and curiosity For many of us on LinkedIn, “follow your passions” seems as ‘well, duh’ as it seems cliché, but for most college students, following one’s passions and curiosity is an after-thought in the existential race to find a safe, prestigious job. I know firsthand that even with a safe, prestigious job, you can never really excel and feel a lifelong sense of fulfillment if you don’t actually love the work you're doing. The converse is where it’s at - find a career you love. Not only will you excel, but also ‘never feel like you’re working’. 2️⃣ Tune out the herd mentality Herd mentality develops at universities and tempts everyone to join in the pursuit of a popular career track.  It's understandable why this happens, especially among groups of people who are so young and suggestible.  We’re hard-wired to find safety in numbers. If we see most people are pursuing a certain track, then it must be the “right” thing to do. To the extend a soon-to-be grad is still choosing among career tracks, tuning out the herd will be much more helpful than taking cues from it. 3️⃣ Choose your first city strategically Every industry has its top nexus or “hub” of activity.  Silicon Valley for IT. Boston for Biotech. NYC for Adtech, Fintech, and Fashion, and so on.  If given the opportunity, choosing your first job in the hub that best matches your industry will help “create more luck” in your career.  You are more likely to find more future job opportunities, more mentors, and more serendipitous helpful connections when you are actually living in one of these hubs. 4️⃣ Plan some work-life balance One’s first years in “the real world” post-graduation are a uniquely wonderful time to pursue personal development.  There’s so much more to life than just work, though many Type A’s out there don’t realize that yet.  You can’t make progress on the big personal questions in life if you’re working 80 hour weeks and never taking a vacation. Traveling, reading, and volunteering can give you invaluable perspectives beyond just your career.  So, plan for some balance. That’s all I got. What would you tell your younger self? #backtoschool #motivation #adviceforsuccess

A 21-year old college grad recently messaged me for career advice. Here’s the 10 insights I shared 👇 ——— 1️⃣ Your 20s are all about experiences. Focus less on the destination and more on the journey. • Try different things • Say yes to opportunities • Consider starting a company Take some risks and find what you’re truly passionate about. ——— 2️⃣ Prioritize learning over titles Your 20s are for learning—not chasing titles. Focus on building a bunch of complimentary skills. • Choose challenging roles on purpose  • Consider startups to get more responsibility Learn as much as you can, as fast as you can.  ——— 3️⃣ Build relationships, not numbers Forget follower counts.  And focus more on meaningful, genuine connections. Especially with people that are ahead of you in their career. • Get on their radar • Figure out how to help / offer value • Be consistent & dependable Go deep, not wide. ——— 4️⃣ Find your 'Why' No one likes their job 100% of the time. But if you have a strong core purpose… You’ll get through the tough times better than most. • Write down your 'why'  • Post it somewhere visible.  • Re-evaluate every couple years ——— 5️⃣ Take pride in your work No matter what you do… Dive in with precision and take pride in the details. • Hone your skills • Seek feedback and iterate • Be known for high quality Tip: Watch ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’ for extra inspiration. ——— 6️⃣ Life’s a Negotiation There’s not much that can’t be negotiated. • Job scope • Compensation  • Benefits Go for it. You don’t get what you don’t ask for. ——— 7️⃣ Listen More, Talk Less My first boss told me… ‘You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room.’ What he meant was: Rather than shouting answers… I should try listening & absorbing more first. • Actively take notes  • Listen to other perspectives • Absorb, consider, then speak. ——— 8️⃣ ’Be Fierce with the Fierce’ This motto is from my Scottish last name…  But its relevant and means: • Don’t get pushed around.  • Stick up for yourself.  • Don’t give up. Growth happens at the edge of discomfort. Push yourself. ——— 9️⃣ Don’t be a “quiet quitter” An unfortunate trend with Gen Z… But, no one wins when you do the bare minimum. Optimize for job happiness: • Align personal passions with job roles • Ensure your job reflects your personal values Otherwise you’ll waste precious years of growth. ——— 🔟 Find great mentors In real life, or through books, podcasts, etc. Absorb knowledge from: • Leaders  • Entrepreneurs • Philosophers Find people who inspire you in various aspects of life. And go all in. 🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️ **Thanks for reading!** If you enjoyed this, you'll love my free newsletter on *leadership & startups*. Signup link is in my bio.