Author name: firstrealjob

Your First Real Job is brought to you by Rise Consulting LLC. a trusted resource for students and recent graduates, offering personalized support, to those entering the workforce. We started the First Real Job blog to provide all future leaders the resources they need to land their first real job, launch a successful career and leverage their early experiences for future success. The rise from entry-level employee to c-suite leader is not easy, but we've done it and want to pay it forward.

weekend routine for new professionals
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Weekend Routine for New Professionals

Adjusting to a full-time job is not easy, especially after years of student life. Weekends are a valuable chance to unwind, but they’re also a prime opportunity to organize yourself for the week ahead. The weekend routine for new professionals must include a mix of relaxation, catch up and preparation. But if you do weekends […]

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Career Maze
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Career Mapping

Your Journey from Entry Level to C-Suite What does the path from entry-level position to C-suite executive look like? How do you know if you are progressing in the right direction? While each professional journey is unique, successful transitions to executive leadership often share common elements: a clear vision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of

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Election Outcomes On Entry-Level Jobs
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2024 Election Impact on the Entry-Level Job Market

Regardless of how you voted, the 2024 election will bring significant shifts in the U.S. political landscape, with Donald Trump’s return to office and Republicans securing control of Congress. These changes will influence many aspects of the economy, including the entry-level job market. Regardless of political beliefs, understanding these shifts can help you to effectively

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career research
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Resources for Career Research

Salary, Education, Job Outlook and More All your life, you’ve wondered, ‘What will I be when I grow up?’ Now, as you enter the job market, you’ll want to consider purpose, passion—and practicality. What work will you find meaningful? Which roles are you qualified for today? What industries offer career paths that excite you? And,

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furstrated at work
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Life After College: 10 Brutal Truths

So there you are, fresh diploma in hand, ready to conquer life after college with your carefully crafted resume and that one suit you bought for graduation. You spent the last four (or let’s be real, five) years preparing for this moment. You’ve pulled all-nighters, mastered the art of BS-ing through presentations, and somehow convinced

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Association Meeting
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The Ultimate Guide to Professional Associations

Fast-Tracking Your Career with Professional Associations Becoming involved with professional associations can provide invaluable networking opportunities, resources, and support that significantly accelerate your career. These organizations connect you with peers, mentors, and industry leaders, opening doors to hidden job opportunities and career insights. By attending events, workshops, and conferences, you can build relationships that may

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October 2024 Employment Situation
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The Employment Situation — October 2024 Report

As you step into the professional world, the job market is facing some unique challenges. Unanticipated factors like strikes in manufacturing/aerospace and storms in the Southeast, particularly Hurricane Milton, have stalled some hiring, while the unemployment rate remains steady at 4.1%. The October 2024 employment situation report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

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Awards and Recognition in the workplace
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Building a Positive Culture from Day 1

Starting your first job can feel a bit like the first day of high school or college—new faces, team meetings, and tons of new information. And while there’s no set “term” or schedule for fitting in, one thing’s certain: every workplace has a culture, and you have the opportunity to play an essential role in

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In a crowd of applicants, stand out to hiring managers
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15 Creative Ways to Connect with Hiring Managers

Don’t Be Another Applicant— Make a Connection How many applications have you sent out? 10? 50? 100? 200+? The quest to find a job can be frustrating and even depressing. Many jobs receive more than 200 applications for a single role. So how do you stand out in this virtual mountain of resumes? You’ve likely

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Job Interview
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Using AI to Practice for your Job Interview

Practice Makes Perfect As a college student or recent graduate stepping into the job market, preparing for interviews can be a daunting task. Practice makes perfect, but it can be challenging to practice and find someone with the expertise and candor to give you honest feedback. Thanks to the advancement of artificial intelligence, tools like

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