College & Career Insights

Today’s job market is competitive — and before a human even sees your resume, software likely does. Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for relevant keywords and qualifications. If your resume isn’t optimized, it may never reach a recruiter’s desk. Here’s how to stay competitive. 1. Tailor Your Resume for Every Job This is non-negotiable. Review the job description and identify: Required skills Preferred qualifications Repeated phrases If the p

If you’re in high school or college, you might be thinking: “I don’t have enough experience to put on a resume.” Here’s the good news — you probably do. Early-career resumes aren’t about long job histories. They’re about potential, transferable skills, and proof of responsibility. Let’s break it down. 1. Start With What You Do Have You can include: Part-time jobs Babysitting or tutoring Volunteer work School projects Clubs and leadership roles Athletics Academic achievements

Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now — and yes, it can absolutely help you write a stronger resume. But here’s the truth: AI is a tool, not a strategist. It can enhance your resume, but it shouldn’t replace your judgment. When used correctly, AI can save time, sharpen language, and help you see your experience from new angles. When used incorrectly, it can produce generic, robotic content that hiring managers spot immediately. Here’s how to use it wisely. 1. Start

For many students, networking feels intimidating — especially when you don’t have much experience yet. The good news? Networking isn’t about having the perfect background or a polished elevator pitch. It’s about learning how to communicate clearly, professionally, and confidently — even when it feels uncomfortable at first. Whether you’re emailing a recruiter, sending a LinkedIn message, or starting a conversation that feels awkward, these foundational career skills can make

Every year, students apply to dozens of internships and research roles… and hear nothing back. The problem usually isn’t motivation or intelligence — it’s strategy. From underestimating GPA requirements to making avoidable application mistakes, many students unknowingly hurt their chances before they ever land an interview. Here’s what actually matters when it comes to internships and research opportunities — and how to stand out from the start. Why GPA Matters More Than You

If you’re in the early stages of your career, you’ve done some work, you’ve grown a bit, and you’re starting to ask whether your current job, company, or even field is where you’ll stay. Here’s how to use this end-of-year moment not just to look back, but to set a meaningful goal for a potential switch — whether that’s moving to a new company or pivoting into a related (or new) career altogether. 1. Take stock: what actually happened this year? Start with some reflection, bu

It’s almost mid-December. The office is about to be quiet, with inboxes half-checked, and hiring probably slowing down… right? Not exactly. While it’s true that some companies pause formal interviews, plenty of recruiters and hiring managers are already planning for January. If you hit pause now, you might miss your best window to get ahead. Here’s why staying active through the holidays can pay off — and how to do it strategically. 1. Less competition = more visibility. Man

End-of-year reviews aren’t just about feedback — they’re your opportunity to steer the narrative about your performance, growth, and future potential. Whether you’re eyeing a raise, promotion, or simply more recognition, how you show up to this conversation can make a lasting impression. Start with evidence, not emotion. Don’t walk into your review hoping your manager remembers your wins — bring the receipts. Gather data and examples that show your impact. Think metrics, com

You’ve heard it before: “Employers check your online presence.” But what they’re really doing isn’t just scrolling for red flags — they’re scanning for proof. Proof that you’re credible, current, and serious about your career. Your résumé shows what you’ve done. Your online presence shows who you are in action — how you think, engage, and present yourself to the world. Together, they create your professional narrative. Lead with clarity, not uniformity. You don’t need iden

You’ve nailed the interview, the conversation flowed, and now it’s coming — the money talk. This moment can make even the most confident candidate second-guess what to say next. Should you bring up salary first? Wait it out? Here’s the move that keeps your value front and center. Step one: Let them go first. When possible, hold off on naming a number until the employer shares their range. It’s not about playing games — it’s about protecting your position. If you give a number

If your job search feels slower than expected, you’re not imagining it. The entry-level market in 2025 is tough — and AI is part of the reason. Job postings are down, applications are up, and many “starter” roles are being redefined or automated. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. It means you need a sharper strategy. Understand What’s Changing AI isn’t just taking jobs — it’s transforming them. Roles that previously involved data entry or fundamental analysis now requ

For decades, job seekers believed a college degree was the golden ticket. But today, the hiring world is changing — and fast. More employers are saying, “Show me what you can do,” not “Show me your diploma.” That’s what skills-based hiring is all about. So, What Does This Mean for You? Whether you majored in English or Engineering, what really matters now is your ability to demonstrate value. Can you solve real problems? Can you use tools and technologies relevant to the rol

If you’re a high school senior applying to college—or a parent helping your student through the process—you may already sense that something is different this year. And you’re right. The 2025–26 admissions cycle is being shaped by several key shifts that make planning and strategic decision-making more important than ever. Let’s break down what’s changed, why it matters, and how you can take smart action now. What’s changing Here are three major trends to know: 1. More compe

Every fall, this question makes a comeback — and in 2025, it’s getting trickier to answer: If a school is test-optional, should you still send your SAT or ACT scores? Here’s what’s new. A growing number of colleges are reinstating test requirements after dropping them during the COVID pandemic. Even at test-optional schools, a large chunk of admitted students still submitted scores — sometimes as many as 70–80%. And to make things even more interesting, the ACT changed format

Just when students finish the main Common App essay and start to relax, the supplemental prompts appear. These school-specific prompts...

When it comes to writing the main Common App personal statement, high school students often get stuck on one big question: How do I tell...

Preparing for a job interview? While every company and role is different, certain questions come up again and again. Hiring managers want...

Whether you’re applying to college, interviewing for internships, or attending a networking event, you need to be able to answer one...

When it comes to college applications, it’s not about checking every box—it’s about telling a clear, memorable story. Admissions officers...

Colleges don’t just want to know what you do in class—they care about what you do with your time beyond it. That’s where the Common App...