When I joined Bob Gerst on his People in Transition podcast, we talked about the messy, exciting, sometimes confusing in-between moments of building a career...the kind that happen after you walk across the graduation stage and realize there’s no syllabus for what comes next.
Through the Independence Lab, I’ve spent years helping ambitious grads find clarity after college and confidence in their next steps. But this conversation dug into something deeper, how to navigate every transition in your career with more curiosity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways from our conversation you can put to use during your job search.
Too many job seekers spend hours polishing resumes and obsessing over templates, when employers are really looking for alignment. The key is understanding what matters most to the company and positioning your story around that. When your value is clear, your application stands out.
The workplace is evolving faster than ever (think AI, automation, shifting roles) and the best way to future-proof your career is to show growth. Demonstrate that you’re learning new tools, exploring new ideas, and staying curious. Employers hire people who evolve.
You already have stories that show your impact, you just might not recognize them yet. Whether it’s a group project, part-time job, or volunteer role, ask yourself:
Those answers can become powerful stories in an interview.
Hard skills might get you the interview, but EQ helps you grow once you’re there. Navigating feedback, conflict, and collaboration with self-awareness and empathy sets you apart. When you can read a room, manage your emotions, and adapt, you lead, no matter your title.
Most candidates rehearse cookie-cutter answers. Instead, connect your story to who you are and how you think. Employers remember insight, not memorization. Authenticity shows confidence and clarity.
Networking isn’t a numbers game; it’s a relationship game. Engage with people who share your interests or values. Comment on their posts, share a thoughtful note, offer something of value. Even a kind follow-up counts. Consistency matters more than mass outreach.
No one has all the answers, especially in your first few years out of school. The trick is to stay curious enough to keep learning and confident enough to take action anyway. That combination creates momentum, the kind that carries you through every stage of your career.
Whether you’re a recent grad, a few years into your career, or facing a major pivot, the lessons from this episode apply. Transitions are uncomfortable, but they’re also where growth happens. The goal isn’t to avoid them. It’s to navigate them with intention.
If you lead or mentor early-career talent, this is also a reminder that what matters most in young professionals isn’t the perfect resume. It’s curiosity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, the skills that make them lifelong learners and leaders.
Here are a few of my favorite takeaways from the episode
You can listen to the full episode of People in Transition with Bob Gerst here on Apple Podcasts.