How to Explore Career Paths After College

So you’re graduating from college and about to start your job search. What metric should you focus on to ensure you’re on the right track? First, the context. Your parents' job search playbook is officially obsolete. Gone are the days when a university degree guaranteed a quick hire into a stable career track. Here’s today’s reality: AI is making employers rethink entry-level jobs, federal cuts are shrinking opportunities, and many companies are second-guessing their hiring plans in an uncertain economy. Job seekers might be tempted to think the way to beat the odds is to apply to more jobs. If ten applications don’t succeed, why not try hundreds or even thousands? Particularly with AI tools, mass job applications are possible like never before. But that’s unlikely to work when everyone is doing the same thing. The most important thing is to stand out. And the way to do that is to show a potential employer that you understand what they actually need and can give it to them. So forget the application portal and start talking to people — people with jobs and networks. Pick up the phone, ask to visit them in their office, request a quick coffee. Don’t track how many jobs you apply to, track how many people you talk to everyday. Use these conversations to learn about what their organization — and others like it — are facing today. What are their operational challenges?  What problems keep coming up that nobody seems to know how to solve?  Who else can they suggest you speak to? These talks are a chance to learn and build relationships. The more you do, the more ideas and expertise you’ll be able to show. You're not asking for a job — you're positioning yourself as someone who is genuinely curious and can think strategically about their world. When you can discuss their industry's pressure points and future challenges intelligently, you transform yourself from a desperate job-seeker to a valuable thinking partner. That's when opportunities start finding you. Eventually someone you talk with might tell you to apply to a particular job, and now you have a leg up over the army of online appliers. And to the leaders in my network watching this — one simple thing you can do to help: when you get a request to talk from a recent grad, say yes. Sometimes I need to keep these chats to as little as 5 or 10 minutes, but even then I’ve always enjoyed doing it. You will too. #Job #Networking #CareerAdvice #JobSearch

The old playbook—pick a career path, climb the ladder, retire—doesn’t always fit the world we’re living in. We’re navigating: ✅ Mass layoffs and hiring freezes ✅ A global trade crisis disrupting entire industries ✅AI transforming job roles faster than companies can adapt ✅ And a deeper realization that life’s too short to stay stuck in the wrong role That’s why non-linear careers aren’t just more common—they’re necessary. And if you’re in the middle of a pivot, your next opportunity is probably not through a LinkedIn job post. (Although that strategy is great for interview practice!) According to Harvard Business Review, the “hidden job market” is real—and growing 📈 And while up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking, many job seekers aren’t taught how to navigate that world effectively. Here are a few ways to access the “hidden job market” in a real, results-driven way: 1️⃣ Ask for referrals If you see a role at a company where you know someone, reach out. Let them know why you’re excited about it, how you can add value, and ask if they’d feel comfortable referring you. Referred candidates are 4x more likely to be hired. 2️⃣ Request targeted informational interviews. Reach out to people in roles or industries you’re exploring. Ask for 15–20 minutes to learn about their journey to where they are today—not to pitch yourself. These conversations build trust, surface insights, and can lead to opportunities you’d never see on a job board. 3️⃣ Be the kind of connector you’re hoping to meet. Share useful leads. Make introductions. Offer encouragement. Strong networks aren’t just built by asking for help—they’re built by being helpful. 4️⃣ Tap into alumni and industry-specific networks. These groups can support you with job leads, mentorship, and warm intros. Most people want to help someone who shares their background, mission and/or values. Worth a look! 5️⃣ Show up consistently. Comment on posts. Share insights. Reflect out loud. More importantly, always be networking—not just when you need a job. Visibility builds trust and trust can lead to opportunity. —— Regardless of your situation, focus on what’s working for you. Own your story and at the very least, stay true to what’s most important to you. The average person spends 90,000 hours of their lives working—make them count ✨ What strategies have helped you develop your network or uncover unseen opportunities? #jobseekers #careertransition #careerpivot #hiddenjobmarket #networking

Unhappy at work? Hold off on quitting—for now. Here’s what to do instead 👇 Leaving your role is a big move. Use these 5 steps to land a position that feels right: 1️⃣ Run an honest self-assessment: ↳ Reflect on your strengths, values, and long-term goals. ↳ Clarify what you must have in your next role. ↳ Keep a journal tracking what energizes and drains you each day. 2️⃣ Explore fresh career paths: ↳ Search for roles that align with your skills and passions. ↳ Tap online tools to uncover options you hadn’t considered. ↳ Check out sectors and jobs that resonate with your core values. 3️⃣ Sharpen your skill set: ↳ Spot the gaps between where you are and where you want to be. ↳ Enroll in courses, earn certifications, or volunteer for stretch projects. ↳ Added expertise makes you stand out in the market. 4️⃣ Network with intention: ↳ Grow relationships inside your target field. ↳ Attend meetups, join associations, and schedule informational chats. ↳ Warm connections often open hidden doors. 5️⃣ Refresh your personal brand: ↳ Update your résumé and LinkedIn to mirror your new direction. ↳ Showcase transferable wins and measurable results. ↳ Craft a clear narrative that explains your pivot. Career transitions require patience and grit. Stay positive, stay curious, and lean on mentors or coaches for guidance. Follow these steps and your next move will be a confident one. ♻️ Repost so others can rest easy tonight. 👋 New insights drop daily at 9:30 AM EST—follow me (Dr. Chris Mullen) so you never miss a tip.