Episodios

  • How to negotiate your first job's salary so you're not underpaid throughout your career
    Dec 2 2025
    Negotiating a job offer can feel daunting, but it's a crucial step that sets the tone for your financial future. Failing to negotiate your initial salary can have a significant compounding effect, potentially costing you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your career. On today's episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast, we discuss why it's essential to do your homework before you even receive an offer. Research industry salary trends for your role, location, and experience level. Understand your "walk-away" number—the minimum you need to cover expenses and meet your goals. When you receive an offer, always take time to review the entire compensation package, not just the base salary. Perks like extra vacation days, remote work options, professional development funds, and better benefits can add significant value. When you're ready to make a counteroffer, express enthusiasm for the role and clearly articulate the value you bring. Focus the conversation on your skills and market value, not your previous salary. Remember, negotiation is a collaborative process, not a confrontation. By approaching it with confidence and preparation, you can secure an offer that truly reflects your worth and sets you up for long-term success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    44 m
  • How to layoff proof your first job
    Nov 25 2025
    On today's episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast, we dive deep into what it takes to not just get a job, but to excel in your career and become an indispensable member of your team. We’ll explore the fifteen critical traits of top performers, from being action-oriented and solutions-focused to having infectious enthusiasm and a commitment to continuous learning. Beyond these traits, we’ll discuss how to build strong, positive relationships at work, which are crucial for job satisfaction and creating a supportive, collaborative environment. Finally, we'll cover practical strategies to make yourself "layoff-proof." This involves aligning your work with company goals, seeking mentorship, and consistently upskilling. By focusing on these key areas—personal attributes, professional relationships, and strategic career management—you can build a reputation that makes you a true asset to any organization. Tune in to learn how to cultivate these qualities and secure your career success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 3 m
  • What to put onto your resume or CV if you have no experience
    Nov 18 2025
    Crafting the perfect resume and cover letter is a crucial first step toward landing your dream job. On today's episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast, we discuss how a strong resume acts as your personal marketing tool, offering a brief, informative summary of your relevant abilities, education, and experience. It's essential to tailor your resume for each position, using active language and quantifying your accomplishments to highlight your impact. Avoid common mistakes like spelling errors, passive language, and failing to include contact information. For those with limited formal work history, such as students or recent graduates, showcasing academic, volunteer, or personal projects is key. These experiences demonstrate valuable transferable skills and initiative. Your cover letter complements your resume by telling your story, connecting your specific skills to the employer's needs, and expressing genuine interest in the role. Together, these documents should present a consistent, professional, and compelling case for why you are the ideal candidate for an interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    58 m
  • AI's impact on the early career job market
    Nov 11 2025
    While many worry about AI replacing jobs, the reality is more complex. On this episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast, we discuss how AI is transforming industries by automating tasks, which requires professionals to adapt, rather than replacing humans entirely. The key to future-proofing your career is to embrace lifelong learning and focus on uniquely human skills like creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. Recent studies show that entry-level roles, particularly in fields like software development, have seen a decline as AI handles routine tasks once performed by junior employees. This has made the job market tougher for recent graduates. However, this shift is also creating new, in-demand careers focused on human-AI collaboration, such as prompt engineering, AI ethics, and AI maintenance. To stay relevant, workers should focus on upskilling, learning to use AI as a tool to enhance their capabilities, and evolving with the changing technological landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Launch your career: Goals, growth, and mentorship
    Nov 4 2025
    Graduating from college is an exciting milestone, but it also brings the daunting question of "what's next?" On this episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast, we discuss how planning for your post-graduation life is essential for a successful transition into the professional world. This involves setting clear, actionable goals for both your career and personal life. Creating a roadmap, like a five-year plan, can transform vague aspirations into concrete steps, providing clarity and motivation. Key elements for success include continuous learning and upskilling to stay competitive, as well as networking to uncover opportunities. Finding a mentor can provide invaluable guidance and support as you navigate early career challenges. Remember to also focus on financial planning by creating a budget and managing debt wisely. While career growth is important, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and taking care of your mental well-being are crucial for long-term fulfillment. With careful planning, a growth mindset, and a strong support system, you can confidently navigate the post-graduation journey and build a successful future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 12 m
  • Why internships matter
    Oct 28 2025
    In this episode of "From Dorms to Desks," we explore why internships are a critical building block for your career. In today's competitive job market, a degree alone isn't enough; hands-on experience is what sets you apart. We discuss how internships serve as a bridge from the classroom to the professional world, allowing you to develop essential skills, build a professional network, and gain clarity on your career path. Internships are also a low-risk way for professionals of any age to "test drive" a new career before making a full commitment. We tackle the important debate around unpaid internships, outlining your rights and why paid opportunities often lead to better outcomes. Finally, we cover the evolution of internships—including remote, part-time, and Micro-Internships—that provide flexible, accessible options for everyone, from student-athletes to working parents. Tune in to learn how to make the most of these invaluable opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    38 m
  • How can I get experience if no one will hire me?
    Oct 21 2025
    This episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast tackles the longstanding dilemma of needing experience to secure a job, while often needing a job to gain that very experience. Our hosts delve into a crucial shift in the 2025 job market, revealing that employers are increasingly valuing skills, potential, and adaptability over traditional work history. You will discover that everyone, including those with no formal work history, already possesses valuable experience through diverse life circumstances. The key lies in recognizing and articulating these experiences effectively. The discussion emphasizes that your job is to inventory your existing skills, identify those relevant to potential employers, and then market them expertly. This means actively gaining experience through various avenues such as paid work, volunteering, academic projects, and even personal initiatives. For instance, seemingly ordinary experiences like "watching your little cousins" can be transformed into demonstrable skills like "planning events, handling logistics, and leading a team" for your resume. The hosts illustrate how to highlight transferable skills, whether they stem from volunteer efforts, classwork, or casual jobs like babysitting, focusing on their applicability to a professional setting. Learn to showcase vital interpersonal skills such as teamwork, effective communication, initiative, and follow-through, alongside digital literacy and problem-solving abilities, which are highly sought after by today's employers. The episode provides practical advice on how to strategically tailor your resume and cover letter for each specific position. This involves emphasizing your potential and passion through accomplishment-oriented descriptions and by mirroring the language used in job descriptions to navigate automated hiring tools. You will also gain insights on confidently approaching interviews, where telling compelling stories that demonstrate your initiative, reliability, and coachability can be far more impactful than a traditional work history. Remember, your education, extracurricular activities, and self-initiated projects are powerful indicators of your capabilities. Beyond refining application materials, the podcast highlights the critical role of networking and continuous learning. Building a strong professional network, engaging with alumni, and attending industry events can lead to invaluable mentorship opportunities and job leads, often revealing "hidden" positions. Furthermore, pursuing additional training or short-term certifications can address any skill gaps, especially in rapidly evolving fields such as Artificial Intelligence or the Green Economy, which are increasingly accessible to newcomers due to their focus on up-to-date skills and aptitude. This proactive approach ensures you are continuously developing the competencies most valued by employers in today's dynamic job market. This encouraging and practical episode will empower you to objectively assess the skills you've developed, effectively communicate them to employers, and strategically acquire any missing ones. It underscores that your lack of conventional work experience is no longer the barrier it once was, as approximately seventy percent of job listings now either omit experience requirements or actively welcome candidates with none. By implementing these strategies, focusing on your potential, adaptability, and demonstrable skills, you can confidently navigate the current job market and successfully launch your career, even if you are a first-time job seeker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    53 m
  • How to read between the lines of a job posting ad
    Oct 14 2025
    This week, the From Dorms to Desks Podcast helps students and recent grads navigate the murky waters of job descriptions because, let's face it, they often hide more than they reveal. Our cohosts walk you through developing your bullsh*t radar so you can stop swiping right on the wrong job and find a role that truly aligns with you. First, we decode the buzzwords. "Fast-paced environment" often means tight deadlines, constant changes, and multitasking, potentially signaling a chaotic, disorganized workplace with an expectation of long hours. A "self-starter" implies you'll act without much direction, which can be a red flag for a lack of support or resources. A "dynamic team player" might hint at high turnover and an expectation that you'll take on multiple roles without extra pay. "Innovative thinking" could mean they want you to do all the creative heavy lifting, while "results-oriented" often points to unrealistic expectations. When a job emphasizes "attention to detail," it might be a subtle warning of tedious work or a micromanaging boss. And "excellent communication skills"? That could mean the company has rigid expectations for how you speak and interact. Beyond these, keep an eye out for other red flags. "We work hard, we play hard" often translates to a demanding environment where token perks mask the grind. If they claim to be "like a family," be wary of an abusive work dynamic where boundaries are nonexistent. For sales roles touting "OTE/uncapped commission," be realistic; these figures are often inflated. A "competitive salary" is frequently code for below-average pay, and while "unlimited PTO" sounds fantastic, it can guilt employees into taking very little time off. Lastly, "other duties as assigned" allows management to hand you any task, and if a company is "always hiring," it could be a sign of high turnover rather than growth. Here’s how to research companies and unmask these postings. Start by scrutinizing the company's website, looking for insights into their mission and values. Then, head to social media like LinkedIn and TikTok to observe their tone and personality. Glassdoor is your best friend for unfiltered reviews from current and former employees that expose the true workplace environment. The most powerful tool is speaking to current employees. Leverage your network, attend career fairs, or reach out to alumni. Don't be afraid to drill down with specific questions during interviews. If "fast-paced" is mentioned, ask, "When was the last time the team had to work weekends?" or "How many people are working after hours?" Inquire about work-life balance, performance metrics, and professional support—these details shouldn't be a mystery. By taking these proactive steps and asking the right questions, you'll be better equipped to determine if a job is truly the right fit, sparing yourself from unwelcome surprises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m