Latest news with #newgrads
Geek Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Geek Wire
How to land a tech job in the AI era: Founders, recruiters, professors share advice for grads
From top left, clockwise: Wendy Hellar, COO at Prime Team Partners; Kirby Winfield, founding general partner at Ascend; Magdalena Balazinska, director of the UW computer science school; Prem Kumar, CEO at Humanly; Erik Moor, professor at Seattle University; Milena Marinova, CVP at Microsoft; Steve Krenzel, CEO at Logic; and Suresh Kotha, professor at the UW business school. For college graduates walking across the stage and into the workforce, recent headlines may spark concern. SF Standard: Sorry, grads: Entry-level tech jobs are getting wiped out New York Times: I'm a LinkedIn Executive. I See the Bottom Rung of the Career Ladder Breaking. Wall Street Journal: The 'Great Hesitation' That's Making It Harder to Get a Tech Job AI is changing what it means to get a foot in the door in tech. But while the ground is shifting, new grads may be uniquely positioned to adapt. That's one takeaway from investors, professors, and tech execs we spoke with this month to gather advice for the Class of 2025. Their insights offer a roadmap for young tech workers — and anyone trying to navigate today's AI-driven job market. Prem Kumar, CEO at Seattle recruiting startup Humanly Everyone is trying to figure out how to use AI in real-time — and Kumar says this gives new grads an edge. 'You can experiment, build, and push boundaries in ways many people with more experience might not.' Kumar suggests tools such as (for resumes and interview prep) and ChatGPT (to organize your experiences into a searchable reference doc). Non-AI tip: Focus on critical thinking skills. 'In a world where content is infinite and creation is frictionless, the ability to distinguish signal from noise and truth from hype is what will set you apart,' he said. Kirby Winfield, founding general partner at Seattle VC firm Ascend Non-technical grads who want to work at a startup should be bring something concrete — like sales leads — to the table. 'Quick prompting on ChatGPT can build a good lead list,' Winfield said. 'LinkedIn can provide individual points of contact. Showing initiative and the ability to use basic generative AI to help startups grow is a powerful combination.' Magdalena Balazinska, professor and director, University of Washington Allen School of Computer Science Apply broadly — across size and industry — and then choose a job that offers the most learning. 'It's important to optimize for learning and for growth, especially early on in one's career,' she said. Balazinska said companies want strong analytical thinkers with coding and communication skills. She also recommends getting experience with AI to learn its potential — and limitations. 'I recommend learning whatever tools they can put their hands on and, if possible, learn a variety of tools,' she said. Wendy Hellar, COO at Seattle-based recruiting firm Prime Team Partners Hiring managers now expect candidates to be actively using AI. But be careful using them during an interview. 'It's obvious to us when candidates are reading answers and they are not speaking for themselves,' Hellar said. 'AI-generated resumes are also easy to spot — so make sure there is key data and personalized language that reflects the individual.' To stand out: prioritize networking and be open to working in-person, Hellar said. Suresh Kotha, professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at the University of Washington Foster School of Business Use AI to amplify your skills and become more productive. 'You become kind of a bionic person with AI,' Kotha said. 'I'm telling my students to learn to use AI and show [companies] that you can improve your productivity with AI and you can go forward, and you can work with this technology and master this technology.' Steve Krenzel, CEO at Seattle enterprise software startup Logic Krenzel said his advice hasn't changed since a decade ago: 'Master the fundamentals, explore every tool you can (both old and new), and build a lot of things,' he said. Building helps clarify your thinking and improves communication, he said. Milena Marinova, corporate vice president at Microsoft Use free or low-cost training to get hands-on experience with AI tools. But remember that timeless skills are still valuable. Overall bias for action, risk-taking, and thinking of out-of-the-box are rewarded, whether you're a new worker or a senior leader. Critical thinking, problem solving, and having a growth mindset are also important, Marinova said. Erik Moore, cybersecurity program director and professor at Seattle University Understanding the privacy and security risks of AI can get you ahead and provide value.
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
LinkedIn's 2025 Grad Guide: How To Get Hired Fast And Launch A Great Career
New grads discover how to make smart career choices that lead to long-term success and happiness. As exciting as it was to walk across the stage and accept your hard-earned diploma, the reality soon sets in that you don't have a job. It's overwhelming to think about. When people ask you 'what do you want to do' – it's scary when you don't have an answer. You may have a degree with an applicable major such as engineering, marketing, computer science, or accounting, but in today's economy, getting hired is challenging. Many new graduates are stumped because the job market is tough. As a career counselor who helps new grads land a position, I repeatedly hear, "I just want to get a job." Yet, this is the wrong way to launch your future. Having advised numerous students on career choices, which industries to enter, and where to find a good position, and helped them secure it, my perspective is different. I want to launch a career. That means the new graduate begins a job with a bright future in an industry that is growing. When making these important career choices, there are four pillars on which to build your career foundation. They are your skills, strengths, interests, and available opportunities. Do some self-analysis, and ask yourself: What are my interests? What are my skills? My strengths? What are my most important values? Then add to that the most critical factor -- WHO is hiring now? Nest, consider the employment and opportunity picture. Enter LinkedIn News's 2025 Grad's Guide created by the LinkedIn's data science team's analysis of the career paths of millions of professionals highlighting the first position that students secured after graduation. This key information identified the fastest-growing jobs, which industries have better options, and where 20-somethings are moving to that offer affordable living with plenty of job openings. Fastest-growing jobs Whatever your major, the road ahead will take several turns and pivots as you go through life. New jobs that don't even exist now will come on the horizon, and you may find yourself in a great role you never conceived of. You always want to be open-minded. As of today, LinkedIn's data identified 10 jobs it sees as having bright futures. These fastest-growing jobs include some tech roles, as well as others. AI Engineer - no surprise there. And there will be a wide array of future jobs connected to the AI revolution – most of these job titles have not been created yet. Law Clerk - for people seeking to start a legal career. Data Center Technician – troubleshoots hardware and networking systems and maintains smooth operations. Systems Engineer – designs, integrates, and manages complex IT systems. Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist – also known as a Financial Analyst. Business Development Representative – part of the sales team handling prospecting. Administrative Analyst – focused on evaluating administrative processes, systems, procedures, and data analysis to make operational improvements. Product Associate – support the development and launch of new or improved products. Service Desk Specialist – IT support and help desk job Clinician – Doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals. Fastest-growing industries With tech hiring declining, you may need to shift where you look. Broaden your net and consider these industries that will offer good opportunities now and in the future. Best places to move to The 20-somethings seem enamored with heading to the big cities they can't afford. Based on what they tell me, my unofficial survey shows that the popular cities to move to are New York (which tops the list), Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, and Boston. Denver is moderately expensive; the others have the highest living costs in the country. LinkedIn's research showed that upon graduation, people are moving to these affordable cities that offer solid job opportunities to launch their careers. Another plus is that some are in states like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee, with no state income tax. The fastest-growing cities where grads are moving to are: - Tucson AZ - Savannah GA - Tallahassee FL - Chattanooga TN - Virginia Beach VA - Tulsa OK - Knoxville TN - Dallas TX - San Antonio TX - Houston TX Decision-making advice Nothing is written in concrete, but mistakes can be disheartening and expensive. Too many people rush off with a dream, like students who move to LA, planning to get into the film industry, only to see that option never materialize. Dreams are important – they make life exciting and can push you forward to achieve your goal. However, having a backup plan, or even a Plan C, is a wise strategy too. You want to avoid making expensive mistakes, such as moving somewhere new and not liking it, or investing a lot of time in a field you find unrewarding or very different from what you thought. To prevent some of this from happening, do your homework. – Research and investigate the job duties to see if they align with the kind of work you'd enjoy. Use ChatGPT or , both are good resources for this kind of insightful career information. – Talk to people who are doing the job. Target individuals fresh out of college with no more than 2-3 years of experience. They can provide you with actual inside information, giving you a realistic picture of what performing the job is like. – Visit before you move. Stay awhile. Check to see if you or your friends, relatives, or classmates know anyone in the new town you can talk to. You want to get an accurate picture before you relocate. Be sure to check out some apartments during your visit. Location is paramount, so be close to work. Look at a few apartments for a realistic estimate of the monthly rent and utilities costs. Priority #1 – get good experience Salary should not be your driver -- getting good training and mentorship to learn as much as possible is a better objective. You want to work for a terrific employer under a great manager who will foster your professional development and guide you on the ins and outs of working within the company. Ideally, you want to be hired by an employer who will enhance and expand your skills, ensuring that you are not underutilized. You can't put a price on happiness Nothing will ruin your life more than working at a job you hate, one that is making you miserable. There is one strategy that doesn't work and it is the old, outdated cliché, 'I just want to get a foot in the door no matter what the role is.' This approach will lead to significant frustration when it takes you a few years to gain enough internal experience and the opportunity to move into a better job may never materialize. Being paid well is important, but money can't be the only driver. Consider these key factors that have a direct impact on your daily life. - Would you like that company? - Will you be excited to go to work there every day? - Will the boss be a great manager? - Can you get promoted? Yes, there is much to consider to make a wise choice. Conducting thorough research, investigation, and digging beneath the surface will enable you to set yourself up for a successful and happy future.
Reuters
18-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Money 101 for new college graduates
NEW YORK, May 15 - This was originally published in the On The Money newsletter, where we share U.S. personal finance tips and insights every other week. Sign up here to receive it for free. My social media feeds are filled with Class of 2025 college graduation photos, so I figured this would be a good time to offer up a few key money tips for new grads who are just entering the workforce. Shikha Narula, who is head of consumer and small business product strategy, transformation and rewards at Bank of America (yes, that is her actual title!), suggests new grads follow a 50/30/20 budget, opens new tab. Here is how it works: 50% of your earnings should be used to cover 'needs' – basic essentials like rent, student and credit card debt along with car payments. Put 30% of your paycheck into the 'wants' bucket to cover things you would like but don't necessarily need, such as travel and dining out. And the remaining 20% should be set aside for savings and investments – this money can be used for buying a home or retirement. In addition, start directing money into a separate emergency fund, which can tide you over during a layoff or another major financial disruption. It may take a while to build up an emergency fund to cover one year's worth of expenses, ideally. Your employer might even help. 'It is okay to build toward that. It won't happen right away,' Narula says. The hardest part is to stay disciplined, particularly when it comes to socking away money. 'It's easy to ignore the savings component,' Narula says. Be sure to take advantage of employer-sponsored savings plans, such as a 401(k), opens new tab retirement plan and maximize any savings matches. Student loans make up the second-highest form of household debt after mortgages, totaling more than$1.6 trillion, opens new tab. That works out to about $38,000 per borrower. Indeed, paying off those loans can be a huge burden, which is why new grads should be sure to fully understand their loan requirements, interest rates and monthly payment dates. If possible, automate your student loan payments, so you can set it and forget it. This information is most helpful for anyone who has an income. But, incidentally, the top post-graduation fear among students is not finding a job (44%), followed by student loan debt (33%) and credit card debt (18%), according to a new study from WalletHub, opens new tab. If you don't have a job yet, a budget is even more important! When you don't have money coming in and still have bills to pay, you need to obtain near-term funds at the lowest rate possible, Narula says. 'Prioritize student loans and credit card debt, and stay within your means,' she adds. What other money advice do you have to share for recent college graduates? Write to me at READ, WATCH AND LISTEN Retailers rush to save US summer shopping season I polluted the minds of 8,679 college graduates, opens new tab (WSJ) Luxury sector faces more gloom as Bain cuts sales forecast US SEC chair says agency plans to create new rules for crypto tokens Amazon signs up FedEx for residential deliveries These investors cashed in by holding firm when markets slumped, opens new tab (WSJ) Trump vs. Ivy League nest eggs, university research and student access Your summer travel guide for 2025, opens new tab (Washington Post) Walmart warns of higher prices due to tariffs, holds off on second-quarter guidance My friends and I are rethinking our spending because of economic anxiety, opens new tab (WSJ) Summer could be about to get a lot more expensive, thanks to tariffs, opens new tab (Washington Post) Market rally shows 'worst outcomes' off table Remarrying in retirement? It can make money management tricky, opens new tab (NYT) FIVE THINGS I LEARNED READING REUTERS THIS WEEK A$K LAUREN Are you trying to build an emergency fund? Do you need to find a financial adviser? Send your personal finance questions to
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Graduated? Here's How To Make Smart Financial Moves From Day One
Just graduated? Learn how to evaluate job offers, tackle student loans, build credit and create a ... More budget—so you can start your financial life with confidence. Your graduation cap might not be the only thing up in the air after receiving your college diploma. What about your financial plans? A recent study from Handshake, a career services platform, shows that nearly two-thirds of the class of 2025 with concerns about their careers cite a shaky job market and low starting salaries as the culprits. With job openings on the decline, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many graduates are worried about whether their first job will provide enough income—and stability—to support their future. Amid these concerns, your post-graduation financial plans should reflect the realities of a tougher job market and volatile economic conditions. From evaluating job offers to managing student loans and building credit, here are the most important money moves new grads should consider. The post-grad job search is tough. If you're lucky enough to have multiple offers, it's tempting to look at just the salary—but your paycheck is just one piece of your overall compensation package. The list of benefits employers might offer continues to grow, including: These are offered in addition to your monthly paycheck—sometimes at a small cost of your pre-tax dollars—but in the long run can save and grow your money. Though it might be hard now to imagine retirement, the sooner you start saving for it, the better. Life expectancies are rising, according to the CDC, so you'll want to get a head start on your retirement planning now to live comfortably during your later years. One of the best ways to maximize your retirement savings is to work for an employer that makes contributions to your retirement plan, typically by matching a percentage of your contributions to a 401(k). The average employer contribution is a match of around 4.6%, according to 2024 Vanguard research. But just because your employer matches your contributions doesn't mean the matching money is automatically yours. Many 401(k)s come with a vesting period—a set amount of time you must work at a company before you're entitled to keeping its contributions. Once you're fully vested, the employer contributions are 100% yours, even if you leave the company. If you leave before the full vesting period, you may lose a portion, or all, of the money the company contributed on your behalf. There are a variety of different vesting schedules which an employer may use, including immediate vesting or laddered investing, meaning you may receive a percentage for each year of service with the employer, or after a defined amount of service, which could be multiple years. Even if you're planning to stay on your parents' plan until you're 26, it's worth reviewing what health insurance options your employer offers. Those years can sneak up on you before you know it, so understanding what's included in your policy now can help you prepare for when that time comes. In 2024, approximately 46% of private and non-federal public companies didn't offer health benefits to their employees, according to KFF, an independent health policy research organization. Some companies fully cover your monthly premium or at least a portion of it, in which case the difference comes out of your pre-tax salary. Having health insurance through an employer is important to consider because the average cost of a health insurance plan on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace is $590 per month, without subsidies. That's a big bite out of your budget, should you have to get health insurance on your own. Other benefits to consider are life insurance or disability coverage. Disability insurance provides a financial safety net in case an illness or injury prevents you from being able to work. Life insurance provides financial protection for anyone who relies on your income (beneficiaries) if you pass away. Some employers offer student loan repayment programs, with up to $5,250 annually as a tax-free benefit. Similarly, they could offer the same amount if you're planning on continuing your education or offer other financial coaching services. According to the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, about 14% of employers offered student loan assistance as a benefit in 2024, and another 18% are considering offering this benefit in the future. In some cases, you may have to work at a company for a set period of time to be eligible for this benefit. The payment terms—whether your employer makes payments directly or reimburses you later—can also vary. One of the biggest financial commitments you'll likely face after graduation is student loan repayments. The average federal student loan debt balance in the U.S. is $38,375, according to the Education Data Initiative, and this number is higher for borrowers with private loan debt. Moreover, a 2024 study by EBSCO found that 85% of borrowers expect student loan repayment to cause financial hardship. Paying off your student loans can feel intimidating, but the best way to combat that feeling? 'Educate yourself,' says Betsy Mayotte, president and founder of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, a nonprofit that provides student loan borrowers with access to free loan advice and resolution assistance. Here are four steps to take with your student loans once you graduate. Determine what you owe and where you owe it. 'I run into a remarkable number of people that just don't even know what kind of loans they have and what their options are around those loans,' Mayotte explains. This is crucial because you don't want to have any late payments, and without knowing the details, you can't make an informed strategy for repayment or relief. This information is sent in the mail once you graduate, but you can also check or your credit report to find the name of your servicer. Next, you need to decide how you'll pay your student loans in a way that best suits your current financial situation. There are a variety of repayment plan options for federal student loans that span different time frames and come at different costs, including: IBR, for example, makes your debt more manageable by basing your monthly payments on your income and family size, rather than your balance. Borrowers on this plan can have their remaining balance forgiven after 20 to 25 years of qualifying payments, depending on when you took out your loans. Student loan repayment has gotten caught in political crosshairs, resulting in some proposed changes and uncertainty about the future of the plans. And while there are bill drafts proposing to change some repayment plans—and eliminate others—nothing has been passed into law yet. If your plans change along the way, be sure to reevaluate your repayment accordingly. 'The right payment plan for you today might not be the right payment plan for you five years from now,' Mayotte points out. She suggests evaluating your strategy once a year, preferably around tax time, as you will have the necessary information in front of you to determine if any financial changes are needed. If you have federal student loans, you may be eligible for forgiveness in some cases, meaning you won't have to pay back all of your loans after making payments for a set period of time. Those programs include: To check your eligibility for a specific forgiveness program, visit or speak with a financial advisor. On March 7, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order attempting to change the eligibility requirements for the PSLF by excluding 'organizations that harm American values and the public interest.' However, the executive order offers limited details on exactly which organizations it specifically targets. Jennifer Prosise, a certified student loan professional and certified financial planner, notes that the PSLF program was enacted by Congress in 2007; therefore, it is legally protected and would require another congressional vote to repeal it. As of right now, there are no immediate changes to the PSLF, and borrowers don't need to take any action, according to Another option to make your student loan repayments more manageable is to consolidate them. There are some pros and cons to this approach worth considering. Consolidation involves combining all your loans into a single, larger loan, resulting in one monthly payment. This can simplify the payment process and, in some cases, reduce your interest rate. You can consolidate both private and federal student loans. However, consolidating federal student loans could result in losing credit for payments toward forgiveness, depending on your loan. In some cases, consolidation may also mean paying for a longer period, which could mean paying more interest in the long run. Consolidating private student loans is typically referred to as refinancing, meaning a private lender pays off your student loans and issues you one new loan, and there are typically strict eligibility requirements. Consolidating federal loans into private loans also runs the risk of losing any repayment assistance plans depending on your financial situation. A key priority to include on your to-do list as a recent graduate is to start building your credit. Aside from qualifying for a credit card, your credit score is also used to determine your eligibility for a multitude of financial products, including auto loans, insurance and mortgages. One easy way to build credit straight out of college is by making on-time student loan payments. Since payment history is 35% of your FICO score, automated payments can help you stay on track. If you have direct federal loans, signing up for autopay can reduce your interest rate by 0.25%. Missing any type of credit payment is a big deal. For federal student loans, the first day your payment is past due, it's considered delinquent. If the payment is delinquent for 90 days or more, your loan servicer will report it to the national credit bureaus, negatively affecting your credit score. If you miss student loan payments for 270 days (or less for private loans), you're at risk of your loan going into default. Defaulting on student loans has serious consequences: Your full balance becomes immediately due, your credit takes a hit, wages may be garnished and tax refunds or federal benefits can be withheld. You also lose eligibility for repayment plans, deferment, and in some cases, your loan servicer can take legal action against you. The Department of Education paused collections on defaulted loans in March 2020, but resumed the process May 5, 2025. To recover, you can repay a defaulted loan in full, consolidate, or rehabilitate the loan. Loan rehabilitation is a longer process, but it offers benefits that aren't available through consolidation. In some cases, depending on your income, your monthly payment could be as low as $5. If you face financial difficulties or become delinquent, contact your loan servicer to discuss your options. You may be able to switch repayment plans to lower your monthly payment, change your payment due date or get a deferment or forbearance. Another tactic to increase your score is to add one of the best beginner credit cards to your wallet. Use this card to make everyday purchases you would make with cash, such as groceries or gas. When the bill arrives each month, ensure that you pay it in full and on time. 'You don't want to pay extra money in interest and flush your money down the toilet,' Prosise explains. Additionally, avoid swiping your card too often, as your credit utilization accounts for approximately 30% of your credit score. Credit utilization is the percentage of available credit you're currently using; in other words, the amount you owe divided by your total limit. You generally want to keep it below 30% if possible to improve your score. Last, create a realistic budget and strive to adhere to it as closely as possible. One way to simplify this is by downloading one of the best budgeting apps. This makes it easy to track your spending, set goals or automate your savings. One last reminder: You can negotiate more than just your salary. Ask for better benefits, signing bonuses, more PTO, stock options or relocation support—especially if you bring in multiple offers or have special skills. Graduating can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to have your financial future figured out as soon as you receive your diploma. 'I always say it's that old expression, 'How do you eat an elephant?'' says Mayotte. 'One bite at a time.'
