If you’ve ever dreamed of building something from the ground up, you’re not alone. For many graduates and alumni, entrepreneurship is more than just a career option.  It’s a chance to turn big ideas into real impact. But before you dive headfirst into starting a business, let’s break down what you should know to set yourself up for success.

As has been documented many times in NACE survey research, fewer than half of students actually visit the career center, even though the ones who do find career services to be super helpful. Some don’t realize these services exist. Others don’t know they’re free. And for online or part-time students, it can be easy to miss out altogether.

It’s easy to stick with what you know. Applying for the same types of jobs with familiar responsibilities feels safe. After all, employers want candidates with direct experience, right?

Yes, but limiting your search to roles you’ve already done can box you in. Your transferable skills might actually be valuable in entirely different industries or roles. When you consider how your experience applies beyond the obvious, you unlock more opportunities than you might expect.

Here are three key questions to ask yourself to rebuild confidence and apply for jobs that excite you — not just the ones that feel comfortable.

There was a time when artificial intelligence (AI) was the domain of software engineers and data scientists. Not anymore. Today, AI is influencing every industry and every role, from HR and education to marketing, healthcare, and finance.

Even if you don’t have “technical” in your job title, you’re still working with technology. Every email, meeting, project, and decision is increasingly touched by AI tools. Whether it’s a chatbot handling customer service, an AI assistant summarizing a report, or predictive data shaping your next marketing campaign, AI is increasingly a component of the process loop.

That means the question is no longer: “Do I need to learn AI?”
The question is: “Am I learning AI fast enough to keep up?”

Below are five essential AI skills every modern professional should develop.

Industries like technology, consulting services, and startups move fast and shape the world in exciting ways. Working in these fields can be invigorating.  Breaking into them can feel daunting, however. Employers are more selective, expecting employees to work smarter and faster. A traditional job search approach often isn’t enough.

If you’re aiming to transition into a highly competitive industry, or if you are pursuing a role at a desirable employer, here are three strategies that will help you stand out:

Landing your first professional job or corporate internship can feel overwhelming, but AI can make the process smoother and more effective. Generative AI tools, like ChatGPT or Claude, are powerful allies for streamlining research, improving your application materials, and helping you prepare with confidence. Think of AI as a trusted advisor:  an excellent editor and brainstorming partner that enhances your work, but doesn’t replace your unique voice or experience.

Whether you are a recent college graduate or simply looking to find a new job, no one really enjoys the job search. Even when the opportunity pops up to apply to your dream job, there’s still some reluctance. The truth is, no one wants to face the question, “What am I actually qualified for?”

If you’re like most job seekers, you skim the bulleted list of qualifications, including the skills you need to perform the role and how experienced they expect a top contender to be. These lists can be daunting and may deter you from applying for jobs you think you are underqualified for.

I’m here to tell you times have changed and so should how you look at job descriptions.  Here are three reasons to apply for that dream job, even when you don’t meet all the listed requirements:

Nearly everyone, at some point in their career, will have to decide if they want to pursue a leadership role. However, many people focus their consideration on the wrong factors. Yes, leadership positions come with pay bumps, extra perks, and more prestigious titles. But to be a successful leader, you need to be honest with yourself. Are you ready, and is this the kind of role you want?

Moving into managerial or other types of leadership roles is a big responsibility. It impacts more than just your career. It could either greatly improve or hurt your entire company in some way, and as a people manager, it can certainly impact the lives of those on your team.  The choice is also complicated by the fact that a leadership role will, undoubtedly, be very different than your previous positions. The required skills are not likely strengths you’ve regularly been using. The position could even reveal weaknesses, so if you’re not ready, the transition can be jarring for your career.

Before jumping at that promotion, ask yourself the following questions to see if it’s truly time to take the next step and become a leader: