Career Advice

For recent college graduates looking to make a large social impact so early in their careers, few opportunities match teaching at an organization like Success Academy, the highest-performing network of public charter schools in New York City.

If you’re struggling to find a great internship or entry-level job today, you are not alone. In fact, we believe that the current job search process is broken, and applying to a bunch of opportunities and ‘getting ghosted’ shouldn’t be the norm. It’s therefore no surprise that in our latest survey of Gen Z internship and full-time job seekers, we found that candidates today are losing confidence in their job searches — and are applying to upwards of 50 opportunities before they hear back about one that fits both their skills and passions.

Whether you're a student applying for an internship or a recent graduate seeking a full-time job, interviews can be nerve-wracking — which is completely normal. In fact, 93% of Americans experience anxiety related to job interviews. But while you may not be alone with your pre-interview butterflies, sweaty palms, and general feelings of dread, you are also not powerless to take control of your situation and enter interviews more confidently.

As a college student or recent graduate, a strong professional network can jumpstart your career — from helping you discover new opportunities and career paths, to landing you an internship or job. In fact, in a recent LinkedIn survey, 73% of job seekers credited networking for helping them to get hired.

Whether you are a student, intern, or even well into your first (or second) job, managing your time and meeting deadlines can be very challenging. At the same time, it's a skill you’ll need to master to achieve your professional goals and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Every major can prepare you for a career after college, but some majors have more structured career paths. If you majored in civil engineering or agriculture, for example, there’s a good chance you’re going to enter one of those fields. But if your major gave you the freedom to explore different career paths – maybe you majored in business management, English, or general studies – you might be left feeling unsure exactly where you fit and what you want to do after graduation.

Before the big, in-person interview with your (potential) future boss in your (potential) future office, you have to get through the screening interview. Usually taking place over the phone, though occasionally over video or in-person, a screening interview allows a recruiter or hiring manager to find out more about you and if you could be a good fit for the job.

Internships are a great way to gain professional experience, meet mentors, and learn about a career path that you're interested in. In fact, they've become a central component of many college and graduate programs, with an average of 60% of students participating in an internship or co-op at some point during their higher education.

Women have come a long way in the workplace — now more than ever they are demanding more from their employers, taking on more leadership roles and responsibility, and serving as advocates for equality in the labor market. At the same time, they continue to face challenges at work, being more susceptible than their male colleagues to harmful microaggressions, and having their opinions questioned and judgement challenged. Plus, women still earn an average of 82 cents for every dollar earned by men.