What Actions Should Early Career Take
- Lisa Askins
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A practical guide for navigation.
I’ve talked with students and professionals at different stages to understand why the early career job market is so challenging.
The answer is pretty clear. The way people start their careers is changing. The current job market is different because:
Some coordination tasks are now automated.
AI and new systems are speeding up how work gets done.
There are fewer entry-level jobs, and they’re harder to get.
Many of our traditional entry pathways no longer work the same way. That means early-career professionals need to approach the market differently.
Here are 5 things I’d encourage early-career professionals to do right now:
1. Stop applying broadly without direction
The market is becoming harder for “general entry-level candidates.” The people getting traction are increasingly able to explain:
how they think
how they solve problems
where they create value
2. Learn how to translate your experience
A lot of graduates and early career people underestimate the value of the work they’ve already done. Examples:
customer service → client communication + operational coordination
campus leadership → project coordination + stakeholder management
logistics work → workflow management + execution under pressure
The way you frame your experience matters.
3. Study job descriptions before applying
Don’t just search for jobs. Study the market. Look for:
repeated skills by job function
How companies describe what matters to them
How functional responsibilities differ across industries
This helps you recognize patterns and align more intentionally.
4. Start networking before you need something
This doesn’t mean asking for jobs. It means taking a more informational approach:
talking with alumni
connecting with people in roles you’re exploring
asking thoughtful questions
learning how different industries actually work
5. Make the most of the resources around you
Career centers.
University alumni networks.
Certifications.
Projects.
LinkedIn Learning.
Professional communities.
You don’t have to figure out this job market by yourself.
Things are tough right now. We’re going through big changes in how careers work, but that also means there will be new opportunities.
The key is to rethink how you position your capabilities. We’ll need people who can work cross-functionally, manage systems and processes, evaluate risk, and problem-solve when something breaks.
Career navigation today is becoming less about chasing titles and more about understanding where human capability creates the greatest value.
Let’s talk. You don’t have to navigate changing work environments alone. If you’re exploring what comes next, trying to better position your experience, or looking for more clarity about where you fit in a changing market, I’d be happy to connect.