Navigating Life After University

This past week I had the privilege of watching my oldest graduate from University. He now starts his next phase of life. As I watched the thousands in his class on campus heading out into the market, there are some non-negotiables that I would prescribe for all taking this next step: -             See how hard, long, and focused that you can work. Set an early pace, because it will be hard to pick up your pace, even in just a few years. Others will put limits on themselves, and there is where the distance between you and the competition becomes massive. -             Commit 30 minutes per day to reading or audio books. Your drive to work, in the gym, your drive home. Start the path to being a life-long learner. Most commit the error of abbreviating their learning after graduating. -             Be fearless with taking on tasks and activities that you are not good at. You once sucked at everything you are good at today. -             Read autobiographies. Not as gospel, but as guidance for the way people thought, acted and recovered. Success leaves clues. -             Bodyweight or resistance training 4x per week. Whitepaper after whitepaper shows anaerobic training increases blood flow to the brain and increases cognitive capabilities as well as fights off later in life mental acuity degradation. -              Food is fuel. A majority of your daily feedings should be to fuel your vessel, not to simply consume something. Not all consumption is the same. Enjoying a meal is a different activity than fueling the thing that carries your brain and determines your performance. -             Discipline beats motivation. Commit to whatever you do. No exceptions. If it is important, time-block it off on your calendar. Lists of “to-do’s’” get negotiated, time-blocks do not. -             Commit to 30 minutes of writing per week. Read current events, articles, op-eds, and write about your chosen profession and the economic, social, political, and international activities that may be influencing it. It will increase your knowledge in daily conversations and allow you to see the horizon before your competition. -             Believe in the power of compounding. As a minimum, do all the above every day, week, month, and year for the rest of your life and you will have the freedom that most will not. Lets compare notes in 20 years :)

How I built a 6 figure (non-tech) career in less than 5 years after graduation. A lot of people are obsessed with the linear path of climbing the ladder, one role at a time. ➕ Associate ➕ Senior Associate ➕ Manager ➕ Sr. Manager ➕ Director ➕ Sr. Director/Principal ➕ VP/GM “I’m going to find a good company and work my way up. I’ll put in 60-70 hour weeks to show my work ethic and value. They’ll see I’m a contributor… and I’ll get promoted”. Yep. Slowly. And you'll probably be exhausted. I believe the best careers are built like an artist builds a collection of work. The goal is to build a career portfolio. Here's how I did that the first 5 years after graduation: I worked in different... ✅ Industries ✅ Roles ✅ Sizes of companies (start-ups and corporations) ✅ Cultures I also got experience under different leaders. I ended up with a diverse set of skills and experiences in a short space of time, and quickly become more marketable as a candidate. You can accomplish something similar, and you don’t have to be a recent graduate or intern for this to work for you. Here are the steps to take: ⚡ 1. Embrace learning over a linear path: Focus on continuous learning and personal development. Seek out opportunities that challenge you, even if they seem unrelated to your current role. ⚡ 2. Emphasize skill accumulation: In a rapidly changing job market, the value of a broad, transferable skill set cannot be overstated. Cultivate expertise in diverse areas, investing time and effort in building skills that are in high demand across industries. ⚡ 3. Embrace Varied Experiences: Breaking away from a linear mindset means seeking out diverse experiences, even if they deviate from the traditional career trajectory. Consider taking on side projects, pursuing passion projects, or volunteering in areas that interest you. I believe in you -- go build your portfolio, friend! ____ Enjoy this? I'll be expanding on this in Sunday's Elevate newsletter 🚀 Click the link below to subscribe 🤘

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

So What Comes Next After Graduation? ( an International Students perspective) Graduation is a monumental milestone, but what comes next can be daunting, especially for international students. Here’s a strategic approach to life after graduation: 1️⃣ Evaluate Your Career Goals 👉Reflect on your long-term professional aspirations. ✔️ Identify your passion and desired industry. ✔️Set clear, achievable career objectives. 2️⃣ Understand Visa and Work Authorization Options 🔹Research pathways like Optional Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B visas. 🔹Consult your university’s international student office for guidance. 🔹Stay informed about country-specific work permits and regulations. 3️⃣ Network Actively 🔹Leverage connections with professors, advisors, and alums. 🔹 Attend industry events, seminars, and webinars. 🔹Engage on platforms like LinkedIn to build professional relationships. 4️⃣ Tailor Your Job Search 🔹Craft a strong resume 🔹Write personalized cover letters for each application. 🔹Prepare thoroughly for interviews by practicing common questions. 5️⃣ Consider Further Education or Certifications 🔹Explore opportunities for additional degrees or specialized certifications. 🔹Evaluate how further education aligns with your career goals. 6️⃣ Plan for the Long Term 🔹Decide whether to stay in your host country, return home, or explore other options. 🔹Weigh the pros and cons of each choice carefully. 7️⃣ Stay connected with friends and family. What are your plans after graduation? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! 🔄 Repost to help a friend :) #GraduateSchool #InternationalStudents #CareerPlanning #PostGraduation #Networking

Its Graduation Season and navigating the job market as a recent grad can be tough, especially with increased competition from both peers and experienced professionals. Here are some strategies to help you stand out: 1. Leverage internships, co-ops, volunteer opportunities, and part-time jobs to gain practical experience and expand your network both during your time in school and after graduation. Employers highly value real-world exposure, even if it's not directly aligned with your desired career path. Taking any job, regardless of its relevance to your degree, demonstrates your initiative to navigate the professional world, making you more appealing to hiring managers. Additionally, volunteering with non-profits in your field of interest, whether in #finance, #accounting, #HR, #marketing, or other areas, offers invaluable hands-on experience. Non-profits consistently welcome assistance, providing ample opportunities for skill development and networking. 2. Network strategically: Attend career fairs, industry events, and networking mixers to meet professionals in your field. Utilize LinkedIn to connect with alumni and professionals who can provide insights and potentially refer you for job opportunities. 3. Develop your personal brand: In a competitive job market, distinguishing yourself from other candidates is more crucial than ever. This is where personal branding comes into play, acting as a game-changer in your job search. Personal branding isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a strategic approach to presenting yourself as the ideal candidate. For more tips/tricks on personal branding be sure to check out our blog linked below. 4. Showcase your soft skills: Highlight your communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability skills on your social profiles, resume and during interviews. Employers are increasingly valuing these qualities in candidates. 5. Be proactive: Don't wait for job postings to appear. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for, even if they're not actively hiring. Find an executive recruiter within your desired field and make that connection. Express your enthusiasm for their work, the industry and inquire about potential opportunities. 6. Stay resilient: Rejection is part of the job search process, but don't let it discourage you. With each rejection, use it as an opportunity to grow, learn, develop and network. Keep refining your approach, seeking feedback, and staying persistent. The right opportunity will come along with perseverance and determination. #GetStarted https://lnkd.in/gGdPfWWq

Today, I would like to share a personal reflection that I believe resonates with many of you navigating the twists and turns of your professional journey as an early-career job seeker. I vividly remember those days when I, too, stepped into the job market, armed with passion and dreams but lacking that essential professional experience. It felt like standing at the base of a mountain, eager to climb, yet uncertain about the path ahead. One key realization that changed my perspective was understanding that self-confidence is not a magic potion but a continuous journey of self-discovery. It's about acknowledging the butterflies in your stomach before an interview, the uncertainty about your abilities, and the fear of the unknown. So, how can you build that unwavering self-confidence? Start by embracing your unique journey and valuing the skills you've honed outside the traditional workspace. Whether it's leading a project at university, tackling complex problems during internships, or even managing a side hustle – these experiences are your secret weapons! Networking became my compass during this journey. Connect with professionals in your desired field, seek mentorship, and don't shy away from expressing your eagerness to learn. Trust me, the insights and encouragement you gain from those who've walked the path before you are priceless. Rejections? They're not roadblocks but stepping stones. Each 'no' is a chance to refine your approach, learn, and grow. Remember, even the most successful individuals faced setbacks – it's all part of the success narrative. Lastly, celebrate small victories. Completing a challenging project, gaining a new skill, or even acing a phone interview – these are your milestones. Confidence isn't built overnight; it's a mosaic of achievements that mold you into the professional you aspire to become. So, to all the amazing job seekers out there, embrace your journey, value your unique experiences, and know that confidence is not a destination but a continuous expedition. You've got this! ON A MISSION TO EMPOWER 1️⃣ MILLION CAREERS & 1️⃣ MILLION DREAMS - Swagatam Ghosh 🕵️♂️♂️ #careerjourney #jobseeker #professionaldevelopment #earlycareer #selfconfidence #careergrowth #careeradvice #careerreflection #jobsearch #professionalpath #successnarrative #mentoring #networking #learningjourney #jobmarket #jobseeking #grow #growtogether #letshelp #opportunity #marketing #digitalmarketing #lessons #motivation #personaldevelopment #success #productivity #teams #leadership #coaching #networking #hr #follow #performance #linkedinnetworking #linkedinconnections #opentonewconnections #letsconnect #letsgrowtogether #increaseyournetwork #opentoconnect #connections #connect #hiring #hr #socialnetworking #growyournetwork #recruiters #jobseekers #connectivity #network #connecting #connection #growtogether #makeconnections #selfdiscovery #skillbuilding #sidehustle #internshipexperience #milestones #celebratesuccess #jobsearchtips

If you're graduating from college this month, it can feel like you have to figure out what to do with your LIFE. But if you look at the data today — - The average millennial changed jobs 4x in the 10 years post grad. - The World Economic Forum estimates that the average American today will have between 5 and 7 totally different career paths in their lifetime. - And anecdotally, if you survey people who really love what they do, you will find that ~95% of them didn't pick that thing in college and keep doing it until today — they've gone through iterations, made pivots, and taken chances that they could have never predicted when graduating college. So instead of asking yourself — What do I want to do with my life? Or what should I do with my life? It can be a lot more manageable and rational to ask — What do I want to do NEXT in life? What am I inspired to try NEXT in life? People who love what they do — who wake up excited, do work they care about, and make a good living — didn't have it all planned out. If you try something you are genuinely excited about, and keep taking steps over these next 10 years toward roles and environments that bring you even more happiness and meaning — you will end up in a career you love. Just keep taking those steps. And enjoy the pursuit! #collegestudents #jobsearch #careeradvice #happinessofthepursuit

Are you a college senior heading into the fall semester still looking for a full-time role? It can often be difficult to cope with career uncertainty and job search stress. Don't let this put a damper on enjoying your senior year. Below are 5 ways, to help you find a role without completely stressing yourself out. - Break down your career goals into smaller, achievable steps to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Identify skills from your college experiences that can be applied to various roles and industries. - Use Career Services for guidance, resume building, and interview preparation. Be open to exploring unexpected career paths and consider part-time or freelance work while searching for a full-time job. Connect with mentors, professors, or professionals in your network who can offer advice and insights. - Create a structured routine that includes dedicated time for job searching, networking, skill development, as well as studying, extracurricular involvement, and fun. - Stay Positive. Focus on your accomplishments and strengths and remind yourself that career paths are rarely linear, you're improving a little each day. Embrace setbacks as learning experiences and stay persistent in your job search efforts. - Manage your Expectations. Understand that finding the perfect job might take time. Keep up to date with industry trends, job market conditions, and changes that may affect your career prospects in the meantime. Remember that career paths can be unpredictable, and it's okay to feel uncertain. By taking proactive steps and prioritizing your well-being, you can navigate this transitional phase more effectively. #campustocorporate #selfcare #internshipsuccess #mindfulness

Feeling lost about life after college? Tired of scrolling through job sites? Here is advice from Dr. Robert Cialdini that'll make employers see you as a must-have asset. 🔑 1. Be a Giver, Not Just a Taker Ever held the door for someone and they did the same for you later? That's Reciprocity. Share your skills and knowledge freely. Help a classmate with a project, or volunteer. You'll become the person people want to help in return. 📝 Action Step: Share a helpful article or tool with your network this week. You give value, they get value. Win-win! 🔑 2. Small Steps Lead to Big Leaps Ever notice how one episode on Netflix turns into a binge? That's Commitment & Consistency. Start by connecting with professionals in your field. Then, maybe ask for an informational interview. Small commitments lead to big opportunities. 📝 Action Step: Follow 5 thought leaders in an area of interest to you this week on LinkedIn. Leave thoughtful comments. 🔑 3. Show, Don't Just Tell You trust a restaurant more if your friends say it's good, right? That's Social Proof. Gather testimonials from professors, internship supervisors, or group project members. 📝 Action Step: Ask one professor for a LinkedIn recommendation. 🔑 4. Be the Expert You Already Are You don't need a Ph.D. to be an authority. Got a class project you aced? Share it! That's how you Build Authority. 📝 Action Step: Write a LinkedIn article about a project or subject you're passionate about. 🔑 5. Be Relatable People vibe with people they like. Be yourself, share your journey, and you'll attract the right opportunities and people. That's Affection. 📝 Action Step: Share a personal story or lesson learned this month. 🔑 6. Act Now, Not Later Ever snagged something because it was the "last one left"? That's Scarcity. Use this principle when reaching out for job opportunities. Let them know you're considering multiple options. 📝 Action Step: In your next job application, subtly indicate you're actively exploring various opportunities. 🚀 Summary: Stop stressing about job hunting. Focus on these principles and you'll not only find a job but also become an asset that companies will fight over. So, ready to be the next big thing employers can't ignore? #CollegeLife #CareerAdvice #Influence #RobertCialdini #JobHunting #LifeAfterCollege