Career
You don't need a perfect career plan. You need a good enough direction and a way to test it.
Most career decisions made at 22 are reversible. Move, observe, adjust.
Explore First
Before applying for anything, spend time understanding what different careers actually look like day-to-day. Job titles are misleading. Ask people.
Informational Interviews
An informational interview is a 20-minute call where you ask someone about their career — not ask for a job. Most people are willing to talk.
- Email or LinkedIn message: short, specific, friendly
- Ask: What does a typical week look like? How did you get here? What would you do differently?
- Follow up with a thank you
Resource: How to do informational interviews — Harvard OCS
Career Exploration Tools
- 80,000 Hours — research-backed guide to high-impact career paths
- O*NET OnLine — detailed breakdowns of hundreds of occupations
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook — job growth and salary data
- Day in the Life — YouTube — search any career + "day in the life"
Networking
Networking is just talking to people who do interesting things. It doesn't need to feel transactional.
- Start with your existing network: professors, former classmates, family connections
- Go to local meetups in your industry of interest
- Contribute online in communities related to your field
Resources:
- LinkedIn Learning — Networking foundations (free with many library cards)
- Lunchclub — automated 1:1 meetups
Job Search Basics
When you're ready to apply:
- Tailor your resume to each job description
- Apply directly to company websites, not just aggregators
- Follow up after applying when you can find a contact
- Track your applications in a simple spreadsheet
Job boards worth using:
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Indeed
- Wellfound — startup jobs
- We Work Remotely — remote jobs
- Idealist — nonprofit and social impact
You don't need the perfect job. You need the next job — one that moves you forward and teaches you something.
Sign in to track assignments and earn XP.