GUEST: Jack Barstad, Senior at University of Wisconsin, Lacrosse

THE QUICK VERSION:

• AI is transforming the way we learn, work, and process information.
• A few interesting use cases mentioned are analyzing health and fitness tracking data from MyFitnessPal and WHOOP, gene sequencing, brainstorming, research and reading long documents.
• We stress the importance of being adaptable to AI and other new technologies in the workplace, because AI won't necessarily take your job, but someone using AI will.
• Employers are highly motivated to adopt AI and new technologies as it decreases their expenses (computers are cheaper than humans)
• It's beneficial to be constantly interacting with AI and testing new ways to use it in your life.
• It's critically important that you pay close attention to AI and how it's being utilized so that you can compete in the current job market.

⁠MORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HERE⁠

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THE QUICK VERSION:

Jett and Alex discuss the challenges of navigating the tightjob market post-graduation, share insights on an AI website generator, interesting developments in electric vehicles, and reflect on Alex’s journey to securing a job in the biomedical field.

WHAT WE LEARNED:

• Stay positive and committed during job searches,don’t panic.
• Interview experiences can vary dramatically, avoidbeing discouraged by a few that didn’t go as well as you’d hoped.
• Be open to a variety of job opportunities, evenif they aren’t exactly what you were looking for.
• Your first job doesn’t define your entire careerpath.
• Look inside your network for job opportunities.
• Maintain close relationships with past employersas they can lead to future opportunities.
• You’ll often find the most unexpected opportunitiesfrom those in your network.
• Have a plan in case you don’t have a job linedup right after school.
• Developing an intimate understanding of yourexpenses ahead of time will help you get through a break with no income.
• Gamma is an AI driven text-to-website and text-to-presentationgenerator.
• The electric vehicle market is rapidly evolvingand an interesting industry to pay attention to.

MORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HERE

FOLLOW JETT ON TWITTER

FOLLOW ALEX ON INSTAGRAM

WHY WE MADE THIS EPISODE:

Nick was an aspiring sports journalist who pivoted to corporate communications when he realized sports journalism wasn't the right fit for him. A perfect example of willing to be agile and dive head first into something new when things don't go as planned. Plus, we get to hear how Nick approaches mistakes, how he values keeping an open mind, and how he uses AI to increase his effectiveness at work.

OUR TAKEAWAYS:

• Nick initially pursued sports journalism, but as he learned more he realized it wasn’t exactly what he had envisioned, so he kept an open mind an eventually found corporate communications.

• Corporate communications involves strategic messaging for internal audiences across large organizations.
• Success in corporate communications requires adaptability and the willingness to take on all sorts of tasks that may or may not be in the job description.
• Although Nick pivoted to corporate communications, sports journalism remains a passionate hobby.
• Mistakes in life and at work are some of the BEST learning opportunities.
• AI tools have significantly improved productivity in his role.
• Nick emphasizes the importance of continuously trying to learn new things.
• Nick is currently focused on strengthening his knowledgearound investing and improving his financial literacy.

Find Nick HERE

More of Project Rookie HERE

WHY WE MADE THIS EPISODE:

Every day, we are exposed to an overwhelming amount of data and information. One brain can’t possibly digest all this information. So, how do we design our information diet to prioritize the information we care about and minimize distractions? How do we design an information diet that gets us closer to achieving our goals?

THE MAIN STUFF:

• 74 gigabytes of data enters the average brain everyday.
• Social Media is designed to get you addicted,and often triggers a dopamine release.
• Your information diet is the type and quality ofinformation you consume.
• We have a finite amount of attention, but seeminglyinfinite amounts of information.
• Being intentional with your information diet iscritically important.
• You can curate and influence your digitalenvironment to create better outcomes.
• Taking breaks from this overwhelming influx ofinformation is essential.
• It’s time to throw away the idea of ‘Keeping Up’—that’s impossible, don’t try.
• Reflect on your information diet periodically, makeadjustments if it’s not productive in helping you reach your goals.

MORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HERE

Welcome to the FIRST episode of ROOKIE TALK! A relaxed conversation between Jett & Alex where they explore the most interesting things they’ve seen or heard recently. The world through the lens of two ROOKIES.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Insights from our experience as youngprofessionals
• Update on Alex’s job search and career fair
• The role of personal branding in your job search
• Jett’s project on Soft Skills
• The positive impacts of being genuine and likablein professional settings
• Understanding the role of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) in the hiring process
• Leveraging technology in your job search
• Why you should love feedback
• The short and long-term impacts of jealousy
• The future of the Project Rookie Podcast

MORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HERE

WELCOME TO THE SEASON 2 ROOKIE RECAP! (Episodes 12-20)

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EPISODES WE COVERED:

[#12] Harnessing your Attention

[#14] Jack Barstad: The College Wake-Up Call

[#15] I’m Graduating and Don’t Have a Job

[#16] Anwar Ahmed: The 13-Year-Old Entrepreneur

[#17] THE INTERN PLAYBOOK

[#18] Shane Skaar: Building a Business in College, Personal Brand, and STREIGNTH

[#19] Alex went to an INDUSTRY EVENT!

[#20] ZACH GIBSON: The Door-to-Door Panel Slinger

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CHAT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAIN STUFF:

• Zach Gibson started his career as a financialanalyst but felt complacent and wanted a new challenge.

• He now works for Sunrun in the Fusiondepartment, which focuses on direct-to-home sales of solar panels.

• Zach emphasizes the importance of finding a jobthat excites and motivates you, even if it means leaving a stable and structured career path.

• Staying motivated and maintaining a positivemindset is critical, especially on tough days.

• Focus on principles and personal growth ratherthan a specific career path.

• Don’t forget to step back and take moments toenjoy the journey, although every day might not feel like it, the work you’re doing today will pay off in the long term.

• Challenge yourself to learn and improve, beinguncomfortable is a sign that you’re making progress.

FIND ZACH HERE

MORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HERE

THE MAIN STUFF:

• Attending industry events when you're a student is a HUGE advantage
• Industry events provide access to TONS of professionals and the opportunity to LEARN about cutting-edge industry topics and technology.
• Being exposed to the latest trends and tech in the industry as a student can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
• Building relationships with PROS at these events WILL OPEN DOORS!
• PROS LOVE TALKING TO STUDENTS
• The BEST networking and conversation tends to happen outside conference sessions - THE COFFEE LINE and AFTER PARTIES.
• If you need help finding an industry event to attend, REACH OUT :)

MORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HERE

FIND ALEX HERE

FIND JETT HERE