DearReader,

My son finally got a job.

And I don't think I realized how much I was holding my breath for him until he did.

Rowan graduated from UCSB a year and a half ago with a degree in data science.

This is also a generation that went to college during COVID, when very little about college life was normal.

Then they graduated into another shift.

AI had taken off and the job market was changing.
And a degree in a field that had seemed full of opportunity didn't necessarily mean finding a job would be easy.

Rowan was fortunate to have contract work in AI, but he wanted a full-time opportunity that aligned with his degree.

For more than a year, I watched him send resume after resume into what often felt like a black hole.

And as a mom, that's hard to watch.

You want to help.
You also know they have to find their own way.

I introduced him to people in my network, and I am very grateful to everyone who took a call, offered advice or made an introduction.

I also gave him some of the same advice I give people about how they show up:

Pay attention to your personal brand.​
First impressions matter. How you show up online matters. And yes, that includes having a professional headshot that actually looks and feels like you.

Build relationships, not just a list of connections.​
Talk to people. Ask questions. Have informational conversations. Most people are happy to help when they can.

Get out from behind the screen.​
I dragged Rowan to a few in-person events. Not because I expected him to walk out with a job, but because getting comfortable talking to people you don't know is a skill.

Be yourself.​
You don't have to perform your way into an opportunity. The right people need to get a sense of who you actually are.

And don't forget the thank you.​
If someone gives you their time, makes an introduction or offers advice, acknowledge it. It's such a small thing, and people remember it.

Last week, Rowan started his new job.

And, of course, he needed a new headshot.

For once, having a professional photographer for a mom came in handy. :)

Even better?

He actually asked me to take it.

​You can see the photos and the story I shared about him on LinkedIn here.​

And if you're looking for a job right now, or watching someone you love go through it, I see you.

It's hard not knowing when the yes is coming.

And then one day, it does.

Alpana

PS. If this hits close to home, let me help. I'm offering five free LinkedIn audits for anyone job hunting or building a business. Hit reply and let me know you want one.