As time passes, it’s important to stop and reflect on the opportunities and challenges we’ve faced. Apart from the continuation of the Great Resignation, there were numerous career-related themes and trends that emerged or rose to prominence over the past year.
Career experts Matthew Rodgers and Heather Hans joined us to discuss what captured their attention in 2022 and how that affected their students’ journeys.
Resilience in the face of adversity
When asked to name notable themes from the past year, the career experts had remarkably similar answers: resilience, consistency, and tenacity.
While pandemic fatigue lingered on in 2022, the already daunting job search process felt unusually heavy. As Hans explains, creating structure allowed her students to recognize wins and find the motivation to reach their immediate goals.
Rodgers agrees; he believes that mindset matters. The career experts recommend taking the necessary steps to build confidence and emotional resilience that will sustain you throughout your entire career. Watch as they explain:
The demand for remote work
During conversations with the experts, there was an undeniable emphasis on the ongoing demand for remote work.
While they both agreed on the popularity of remote work, they each had a unique perspective on the pursuit, value, and timing of it. Watch as they share more:
The upside of a competitive job market
Not less jobs, just more competition!
Now that we’ve addressed the desire for remote work, it’s important to tell the full story. While 2022 has seen a shift in the types of roles that companies are offering, the market is still full of many in-person or hybrid opportunities.
When competition is fierce, concessions must be made. “It’s not so great when everyone else wants what you want…” says Rodgers.
Though Rodgers has a point, there is a silver lining to this competitive environment: employers are going the extra mile to attract top talent. Watch as he elaborates:
On standing out
With a larger pool of candidates vying for open roles, we must recognize the importance of standing out. While polishing your materials is a useful first step, the career experts suggest that the real secret is doing the work that other candidates aren’t.
This is especially where resilience, consistency, and tenacity come in. Watch as the experts explain and provide more advice:
We hope this is a year of growth and exploration for you! The career experts encourage you to put some of their actionable tips to work in the new year, such as:
- Be open-minded about what your next career move could look like. By taking on new opportunities, you create the chance to grow professionally, personally, and educationally.
- When changing careers, work at a marathon’s pace, not a sprint. Don’t burn yourself out and become disenchanted by the process.
- Put your energy into standing out from the crowd: write follow up emails, research companies, and make connections on LinkedIn.
We look forward to bringing you new and relevant career content to support your journey in the years to come.
