Tips to Support New Graduates

I was just on CNN talking about the reality new graduates face in the job market. Here are five things I'd tell every new grad walking across that stage this month: 🎯 Your first job is not your forever job — it's your first data point. Stop agonizing over finding "the one." Take the role that gives you reps, exposure, and a manager who will actually teach you something. 🎯 Learn the business, not just your job description. The fastest way to become indispensable is to understand how your company makes money. Read the earnings call. Know the competitive landscape. 🎯 Build your network before you need it. The people who get ahead aren't smarter — they're better connected to information and opportunity. Send the cold DM. Show up to the event. Follow up within 48 hours. 🎯 Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Your first year will be full of moments where you feel out of your depth. That's not a sign you don't belong — it's a sign you're growing. 🎯 Your reputation is being built right now — whether you're managing it or not. Every Slack message, every meeting, every deadline you hit or miss is sending a signal. Be intentional; the early years, reliability IS your brand. The job market is tough. The economy is shifting. But MOST of the fundamentals haven't changed — the people who are curious, connectable, and consistent still win. Full CNN clip below 👇

New B-school grads get plenty of advice, but it is the insights from those finishing their crucial 1st year at corporate that are often overlooked. These one-on-one experiences must be shared with those starting out. Firstly, ensure you have a clear understanding of expectations – both your own and those of your employer. Clarify your responsibilities, goals, and the metrics by which your performance will be evaluated. Aligning on these fronts from the onset prevents misunderstandings and lays a strong foundation. This initial year presents an opportune moment to build relationships and expand your network within the organization. Attend company events, volunteer for cross-functional initiatives, and foster connections across teams. A robust professional network provides invaluable insights, support, and prospects. Proactively seek opportunities to showcase your skills and add value. Identify areas for potential impact, propose solutions, and pursue high-visibility projects. Quantify your achievements to construct a compelling case for future advancement. Approach this year with a growth mindset.  Accept that mistakes are inevitable and view them as learning experiences. Actively solicit feedback from your manager, mentors, and colleagues, using it to cultivate a plan for continuous professional development. Lastly, maintain a healthy work-life balance. The demands of this first year can be intense, but prioritizing self-care and establishing boundaries are crucial for sustained high performance and well-being.

Early Lessons That Make a Difference Occasionally, I have the privilege of speaking with new graduates or employees who have just started their first job. The question they most often ask me is, "If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?" I never have enough time to answer this question fully, and I always leave thinking of things I forgot to mention. With that in mind, I wrote down a few pieces of advice that would have made a difference in my career. - Speak up! Don't let being new stop you. The fact that you are new gives you a unique and valuable perspective. Even if something seems obvious, don't hesitate to call it out and voice your opinion. Having a voice at work will strengthen your influence and get you noticed. - Don't prioritize work over your health. You might feel pressured to skip exercise and sleep to complete more work. This is a lousy tradeoff that will ultimately negatively impact your productivity, work quality, and well-being. Well-rested, healthy people perform better. - If you find yourself stuck, step away and return to it later. Taking a break can help refresh your perspective and give your brain a chance to work on the issue subconsciously. It may seem counterintuitive, but doing something else might be the quickest way to solve your problem. - Talk to everyone you can. Now is the time to invest in building your network. The people at the desks next to you are tomorrow's CEOs and industry leaders. It's easy to do. Most people like it when you are curious about their work and are more than happy to converse. - Your teammates are invaluable resources. Get to know the folks around you. Wisdom abounds, so learn from them. Understanding what has worked and not worked for others can be a big career shortcut. - Start making decisions, and try not to introduce new ones. Only ask if you know you have to. "Can I do x?" introduces a new decision, and you risk getting blocked. Instead, do it. Take ownership. It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission, but always weigh the risks. - The best way to learn (from someone) is to offer help. Find someone you want to learn from and be useful to them. People are more inclined to invest in you if you offer them something in return. - Talk to the executives. As a junior engineer, I felt nervous speaking to senior leaders. As a senior, I notice people are nervous to engage with me. Those who do stand out, and we often have the best conversations where we both learn new things. So, be bold and make high-level connections. - Set clear goals. Having a waypoint on which to focus your career will help clarify what you need to do. The more specific your goals are, the better your chances of achieving them. - Success is a team sport. It's hard to be successful without the support of others. That means it's essential for you to be a good teammate. Listen to what others say, try to make others successful, and most importantly–don't be a jerk.

A quarter a century ago I was a fresh graduate looking for my first job. Since then, I’ve recruited hundreds of people across companies and sectors. Here are the 10 lessons I wish every fresh grad knew: 1. Choose your circle wisely. Friends and mentors shape your vision, ambition, and actions. Pick them carefully. 2. Keep knocking. Apply tirelessly. Show up again and again—nothing resists perseverance. 3. Be sincere and be yourself. Honesty stands out—even over experience. 4. Think career, not job. Study options and trends, know yourself, and choose your first role for learning and trajectory, not brand or comfort. Challenge your limits, don’t limit your challenges. 5. If you don’t find a role, create it. Entrepreneurship is a real path—many started right out of school (or during). 6. Run your job search like a project. Clear objectives, action plan, stakeholders, risks, budget, and time. Be proactive. 7. When stuck, pivot. Change country, language, or industry. Lower expectations temporarily to jump farther later. 8. Prepare years in advance. What you read, learn, and do (and with whom) defines your interviews. Fill spare time with learning, freelancing, and volunteering. Passion and motivation are your best assets. 9. Every job has trade-offs—plan for them. Low salary? Add a side activity. Lacking challenge? Pursue training and certifications. 10. You own your future. A recruiter doesn’t define it—you do. Rejections aren’t endings; they build resilience. Keep a fighter mindset. As long as you give your best, you will reach your goals. It’s always your choice. 👉 What would you add for today’s fresh graduates? #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #EarlyCareer #Recruitment #Mentorship #Mindset #Perseverance #Learning #Growth #Entrepreneurship

Dear May 2025 Grads especially international students, Graduated now.. Excited? Nervous? Wondering how to land a job in the U.S. as visa deadlines loom? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Let’s talk real job search strategy. Here are some out-of-the-box networking + time management tips that worked for me and many others because the "just apply online" route? It’s not enough anymore. Networking tip #1: Become a connector, not a collector Don’t just collect LinkedIn connections. Engage. After every virtual or in-person event, send a thoughtful message: “Hey [Name], I loved your take on [topic]. Would love to stay in touch and learn from your journey.” Then follow their content, leave a meaningful comment weekly. Not just "Great post"—say why it resonated. Real Example? I did this with a speaker from a conference. A week later, they referred me to a role I didn’t know existed. Networking tip #2: DM like a human Cold messaging can work if it’s warm in tone. No one likes “Hi, can you refer me?”. Try this: “Hi [Name], I’m a May 2025 grad, exploring roles in [your field]. Your path at [Company] is inspiring! What advice would you give someone starting out?” You’re not asking for a job— You’re building trust. Jobs often follow. Networking tip #3: Start your own thing No industry events? Create one. Host a 20-minute Zoom chat with peers and invite 1 professional. Call it “Something Creative.” Record it, post snippets on LinkedIn. Now you’re no longer chasing people— They come to you. Time Tip #1: Pick 3 buckets daily Job search feels endless—so make it finite. Every day, pick only 3 things: 10 application 10 follow-up 1-2 learning or networking action Then rest. Your brain needs consistent progress, not burnout. Time Tip #2: Theme your week Mon: Research companies Tue: Tailor resume + apply Wed: Networking messages Thu: Interview prep Fri: Personal branding Sat: Review progress Sun: Rest or reflect Theme = clarity. Clarity = momentum. Bonus Tip: Show your work in public Share your job search journey online. Post about projects, learnings, even rejections. One classmate posted his weekly job goals + learnings. He got a DM from a hiring manager who was watching silently. You never know who’s watching. International students—this road is hard, but it’s not impossible. You just need to play it smart, support each other, and show up consistently. If you’re on this journey, You’ve got this. #May2025Grads #InternationalStudents #JobSearchTips #Networking #TimeManagement #F1VisaJobs #OPT #CPT #CareerGrowth #LevelUp

Throughout my professional career as former NFL Director of Player Health and Performance, Professional and Division I Collegiate Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, and Co-founder and CEO of a substantially sized physical therapy healthcare company that annually acquires literally hundreds of affiliate healthcare students from across the country, has brought about numerous conversations on many diverse topics. My experiences with these students, new graduates, and less experienced professionals in the specialized fields of physical therapy, athletic training, strength and conditioning, sports science, etc., who aspire to work with low to high level athletes, or with a specific population of their choice, has prompted the following recommendations: 1. Don’t accept your first career employment opportunity based upon the highest salary – As the cost of education and living isn’t inexpensive, your initial employment should offer a fair salary, but more importantly, provide opportunities such as mentorship, enhancing knowledge and skillset, as well as the prospect to work with athletes (or other preferred clientele) at various levels of competition. Future professional (and financial) advancement will be based upon knowledge, skillset, reputation, experience, and outcomes. 2. Find an exceptional mentor(s) - A mentor will assist to enhance both knowledge and skillset, provide sound advice, introduce additional and exceptional professional relationships, and assist in the achievement of your desired professional goals. 3. Have some humility – As a young professional you are teeing off at the 1st hole of your career. Respect those that have already played the course. 4. Perform the jobs, tasks, and work hours that your professional peers won't. As job prospects are not going to be just handed to you, your efforts will be remembered at the time of future career opportunities. 5. Keep learning and honing your skills throughout your professional career. Every profession has a top 10% of professionals as well as a bottom 10%. A commonality between these two 10% groups is that both groups likely don’t know more than they actually do know. Make the efforts to advance your knowledge to close that “don’t know-do know” gap. 6. Don’t ever be intimidated or uncomfortable to ask a question(s). When your contributions are correct both knowledge and confidence are reinforced. If contributions are flawed, appropriate knowledge is obtained. It’s a win-win. 7. Don’t ever let anyone convince you that you cannot achieve your professional dreams and goals. Those who try to dissuade you likely lacked the courage, confidence, and drive to follow theirs. Work hard, learn much, stay calm, and be patient. 8. Don’t focus upon the finish line of your career, enjoy the journey. The finish line may appear distant, but will arrive sooner than you anticipated. When all is said and done you’ll want to look back and appreciate a brilliant career while having few regrets. 

Long post alert - I don’t care if it gets zero engagement because I wrote it specifically for one person. 💌 Dear Oluwanifemi Ayodele, Grad school is hard. But for a self-sponsored international student, it’s a different kind of hard. It’s balancing 20+ hours of work a week with a full academic load, juggling research deadlines while worrying about rent, tuition, and visa restrictions. It’s the exhaustion of knowing there’s no safety net—just you, your resilience, and the determination to make it through. ↳ Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate this challenging journey: 1). Master the Art of Financial Planning: ➜ Break down your tuition and living expenses early so you know exactly how much you need each semester. ➜ Look for assistantships, scholarships, and emergency grants—some schools have hidden funding pools you won’t know about unless you ask. 2). Find Work That Works for You: ➜ Prioritize jobs that align with your career goals & interests so you gain experience while earning. ➜ Network with professors—they often have short-term projects or funding opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised. 3. Optimize Time Like a Pro: ➜ Set clear boundaries—dedicate specific hours for work, study, and rest to avoid burnout. ➜ Learn to say no. Every commitment outside of work and academics should add value to your growth or well-being. 4). Build a Support System: ➜ Don’t isolate yourself. Even if it feels like no one understands your struggle, connecting with peers in similar situations will make a huge difference. ➜ Join student organizations or communities that support international students—they often share insider tips on jobs, funding, and mental health resources. ➜ Find mentors—professors, professionals, or alumni who have walked this path can offer invaluable guidance. 5). Take Care of Your Mind & Body: ➜ Sleep is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Poor health can cost you more than any paycheck will cover. ➜ Use campus mental health resources. Many international students struggle in silence—don’t be one of them. ➜ Schedule downtime, even if it’s just a walk, a hobby, or a phone call home. A reset can boost productivity and motivation. ↳ You’re Not Alone in This! Self-sponsoring grad school as an international student is a test of endurance, but it’s also a testament to your resilience. The skills you’re building—time management, adaptability, financial discipline—are shaping you into a powerhouse. I am rooting for you! Yours in Faith and Determination, Amaka Ifeduba, Ph.D. Feel free to repost ♻️ to help other international students in this situation. #elevateyourprofessionalpresencewith_Amaka

There’s a big difference between being kind to someone while they’re unemployed… and actually moving the needle for their situation. Here are some support moves that really matter when someone in your network is searching for work: 1. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 If you’ve worked with them before, write a public recommendation. It’s free, takes 5 minutes, and can dramatically increase their credibility during a search. 2. 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Think of 1–2 people who might be helpful (a hiring manager, recruiter, or someone in their field). Even a short intro can go a long way. 3. 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 A fresh set of eyes might catch what they’ve been overlooking. You don’t need to be a pro at this, just someone who cares. 4. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧, 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧 No tips. No “Have you tried…” advice. Just, “Thinking about you. Can I take you out for coffee next week?” 5. 𝐁𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 Instead of “Let me know how I can help,” try: “I know a few folks at X company — want me to ask if they’re hiring?” or “Want to practice interview questions together this week?” 6. 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 Offer to mock interview them. Review a cover letter. Or just send them dinner on a weeknight. Support doesn’t always have to be career-shaped to matter. A lot of people say, “Let me know how I can help.” But job seekers are often too tired to figure that out. 😕 So take the first step. Be specific. Be generous. Be the friend you’d want if you were job searching.

🚫 What NOT to Ask a Recent PhD (and What to Do Instead) In my last post, I shared insights on navigating the job market post-PhD. Since then, I’ve been reflecting on this process and wanted to dive deeper into what not to ask a recent PhD graduate—and what you can do instead. While many job seekers face similar challenges, the job hunt for PhDs can feel uniquely difficult due to the nature of academia and the transition into the workforce. If you have a recent PhD around you, here’s how you can be supportive: ❌ Question 1: "So, what’s next?" If they knew, they’d likely be shouting it from the rooftops. 🏔️ ✅ Instead, try this: 🎉 Congratulate them on their years of hard work and perseverance. Offer a listening ear 👂 if they’re open to talking about how they feel post-PhD. ❌ Question 2: "How’s the job search going? Any updates?" Trust me, they’d tell you if they had updates. If you’ve navigated the job market yourself, did you want to talk about how your search was going until you really had something to look forward to? I suppose not. The same goes for them 🤷🏻♀️ ✅ Instead, try this: Give them space. Talk about things unrelated to jobs—because job searching is likely consuming their every thought. If you’ve been through a similar process, offer practical help like reviewing their CV 📄 or cover letter ✍️, that shows far more care and consideration. ❌ Question 3: "Are you hearing back from anywhere?" They’re already overthinking every step of the process, and this question only adds pressure. ✅ Instead, try this: Gauge whether they even want to discuss the job hunt. If they do, shift the conversation toward understanding the types of roles they’re interested in, and offer to pass along any relevant opportunities 🔗. This shows that you truly want to help than simply wanting to know updates. Most people ask these questions out of genuine care and concern ❤️, but it's important to recognize that intentions don't always land the way we hope. You can be supportive without being direct or pressing for answers. Aim to be resourceful, not just curious. 💡 For those searching jobs, hang in there🌻