If you’ve ever felt like entering the workforce as a Gen Z professional is a game with constantly changing rules, you’re not wrong. Between a shaky economy, AI reshaping industries, and navigating offices filled with multiple generations, starting your career today can feel like trying to build a house in a storm.
That’s exactly why I joined Rosie Zilinskas on the No Woman Left Behind podcast to break down how you can stand out, build real confidence, and thrive in your first job (and every one after that).
In our conversation, we unpacked how emotional intelligence (EQ) is your superpower...the key to getting hired, getting noticed, and getting ahead.
At The Independence Lab, I teach what I call the “3Cs” — the pillars every young woman needs to build a solid foundation:
Career: Learning how to land the right role, make an impact in your first 90 days, and grow into leadership.
Cash: Building early financial literacy from budgeting to investing so you don’t just earn money, you keep and grow it.
Confidence: Developing the mindset and routines that help you trust yourself, speak up, and stay grounded even when life feels uncertain.
Each pillar feeds the others. When you feel confident, you show up stronger in interviews. When you earn more, you have the freedom to make career choices aligned with your values. It’s all connected, and you have the power to build each one.
You’ve probably heard that “soft skills” are the secret to career success, but they’re not soft at all. They’re strategic.
In the episode, I shared my EQ5 Success Method, a framework to help you master the five key areas of emotional intelligence:
Self-Awareness: Know your triggers and strengths. Before an interview, ask yourself: What makes me nervous? Where do I shine?
Self-Regulation: Learn to calm your nerves. In my very first interview, I didn’t know an answer and simply asked to revisit the question later. That pause landed me the internship and literally changed my life.
Empathy: Understand what the hiring manager needs. You’re not just answering questions; you’re showing how you solve their problems.
Communication: Don’t rattle off buzzwords. Tell stories. Share moments that reveal who you are and what you’ve learned.
Social Skills: Build relationships early. Ask questions. Follow up. Add value.
When you focus on EQ, you stand out not just as a candidate, but as a teammate, a problem solver, and a leader in the making.
You’ve likely heard the stereotypes: “Gen Z is entitled.” “They job-hop.” “They don’t want to work hard.”
But here’s the real story:
You’re entering the workforce during one of the most complex times in history. Wages haven’t kept up with costs, AI is reshaping roles, and traditional career paths are shifting. Asking for fair pay or seeking growth isn’t entitlement. It’s survival, and it’s smart strategy.
You’re not behind. You’re building something new. And that requires courage, clarity, and the confidence to question outdated rules.
If you’re job hunting right now, you’re competing with countless applicants using AI-optimized resumes. But the one thing AI can’t replicate is your story.
Here’s how to stand out:
Getting the job is step one. Thriving in it is where the magic happens.
In those early months, focus on:
And remember, your first role is a launchpad, not a finish line.
Your career isn’t about checking boxes or following a perfect path. It’s about growing into the woman you’re becoming one decision, one opportunity, one act of courage at a time.
If you’re navigating this season, you don’t have to do it alone. That’s why I built The Independence Lab, to give you the tools, stories, and support you need to stand tall in your career, your finances, and your confidence.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation on No Woman Left Behind