Jill On Money: Career advice for college grads
It’s college graduation season, and new grads are facing a murky labor market. To help, I crowdsourced career advice from workers in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. I then followed up these pearls of wisdom with an Aunt Jill (“AJ”) coda.
Advice from ages 25-35:
Corporate attorney: Do as many practice interviews with your career center as you can, especially tailored to each type of position you’re interested in.
Small business owner: Your first job doesn’t have to be your identity or dream job! Benefits are a big deal. Health insurance and a 401k sound great.
Consultant: Your first years don’t define your career — this is a long game.
Social media marketing manager: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there in a competitive environment. Cold-messaging recruiters on LinkedIn has gotten my application advanced to the next stage even when I didn’t have a connection at the organization.
Recruiter: The path is not linear. You may think that you are destined for a specific course, and it could feel great for a few years, but that path could change and THAT IS OK. Don’t panic if that happens.
AJ: I am a career zig-zagger: A commodities trader-turned financial planner-turned media talking head – and therefore, can attest to the idea that there are many paths available to you. Notably, the Labor Department found that baby boomers held an average of 12.7 jobs from ages 18 to 56 — and that number is only likely to increase for younger workers. My two cents is to try to take something away from each experience (even the bad ones) that will help you thrive in the next one.
Advice from ages 35-45:
Non-profit development professional: As someone who graduated in a bleak economic moment (2009), my advice is to take any job in your field or at an organization you admire: Getting a foot in the door (and getting your resume started) is more important than a glamorous or perfect first role.
Television producer: Say yes to opportunities that come your way — you might end up learning valuable new skills and meeting mentors who help you down the line.
Educator: In a world full of AI-generated everything, your greatest asset is still your authentic self.
AJ: Yes, to saying yes! The advent of AI reminds me of the introduction of spreadsheets, which some thought would kill the accounting profession, which didn’t happen. Instead of fearing new technology, dive in and figure out how it can enhance what you do.
Advice from ages 45-60:
Financial planner: Talk to people whose work you find interesting; ask about their own paths and how they got where they are. They may not be in a position to hire you, but they may be able to make introductions that will lead to real opportunities.
Radio anchor: Follow up with your introductions…writing a thank you note to someone who has gone out of their way for you can make a difference.
AJ: I may be old-fashioned (who, moi?), but it is vitally important to follow up with anyone who has helped you out on your career journey. A thank you note is better than a LinkedIn note to show your gratitude – it’s also a great way to build your own network.
Finally, this bit of wisdom is appropriate for everyone in the labor force. Most of the time your job is simply a place that provides you money — it gives you the means to live. But your purpose doesn’t have to come from your job. When you find fulfillment outside of work, you’ll enjoy your career a lot more.
Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is a CBS News business analyst. A former options trader and CIO of an investment advisory firm, she welcomes comments and questions at askjill@jillonmoney.com. Check her website at www.jillonmoney.com.