Giving Thanks…To Your Network

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on the people who’ve supported your professional journey. Beyond a thank-you note, consider pairing your gratitude with a small, thoughtful gift to make a lasting impression.

Step 1: Identify Key Supporters

Think of mentors, colleagues, or friends who’ve opened doors, shared wisdom, or provided opportunities. Personalizing your appreciation makes it more impactful.

Step 2: Craft the Perfect Thank-You Note

• Be Personal: Mention specific advice or actions they took.

• Share Updates: Let them know how their help influenced your growth.

• Keep it Brief: A concise message is more effective.

Step 3: Pair Notes with Thoughtful Gifts

• For Mentors: A high-quality journal, a personalized pen, or coffee gift card.

• For Colleagues: A tea sampler, custom desk accessories, or a fun office gadget.

• For Long-Distance Contacts: An e-gift card, a digital subscription, or a heartfelt video message.

Thoughtful gestures like these build goodwill and strengthen professional connections. As your career evolves, maintaining authentic relationships is key—and a heartfelt "thank you" is the perfect place to start.

Collect Student Discounts—After Graduation

Graduation may have put an end to your classes, but your student ID can still keep working for you—if you’re clever about it. Many places only give your card a cursory glance, meaning your "expired" ID could still unlock discounts on streaming services, clothing, and even museum tickets.

Start by checking if your favorite student discounts require verification. Some online services, like Spotify Premium Student or Amazon Prime Student, use third-party verifiers like SheerID. Others just ask for a .edu email address—so keep that inbox alive for as long as possible!

For in-person deals, always flash your card confidently. Whether you’re buying movie tickets or scoring a cheap coffee, most employees won’t inspect it too closely. If your ID looks particularly "class of 2015," consider ordering a replacement before you graduate—it’s a tiny investment with a huge payoff. Milk those perks while you still can!

Fight for Fair Pay Online

Social media isn’t just for memes—it’s your secret weapon for demanding financial fairness. Here’s how you can use it to make sure you’re paid what you’re worth.

• Follow Salary Transparency Accounts: TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter are full of creators breaking down salaries, sharing negotiation tips, and exposing unfair pay practices. Search hashtags like #SalaryTransparency and #PayMeWhatImWorth to stay in the loop.

• Share Your Story: If you’re comfortable, posting about your salary or job offer can inspire others to share too. It’s how unfair practices get called out and fixed. Plus, your experience could help someone else get paid more. And you can always find ways to stay anonymous.

• Crowdsource Info: Join communities on Reddit, Discord, or LinkedIn where people share salary data and workplace tips. These groups are gold for comparing job offers and knowing what to ask for in your next negotiation.

With the right moves, you can turn your feed into a tool for financial fairness—and help others do the same.