Welcome to RoadMap!

RoadMap is your go-to private network for recent college grads embarking on their job search and early career journey.

🚀 Fun Fact: On July 25th, 2020, NASA's Mars Rover, Perseverance, was launched to explore the Red Planet and search for signs of ancient life.

Just as Perseverance is on a mission to uncover new frontiers, RoadMap is here to help you navigate your career journey and achieve your goals with confidence.

Explore how RoadMap can guide you towards your ideal career path by visiting our website today. 💪

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn and Instagram for today's insights, tips, and exclusive events designed to boost your career.

Let’s go! 🙌

Ace Virtual Interviews

In today's digital age, virtual interviews are becoming the norm, offering both convenience and new challenges for recent grads. Mastering this format is crucial, as it requires a blend of technical skills and traditional interview etiquette.

First, ensure your technology is reliable. Test your internet connection, webcam, and microphone beforehand to avoid any technical glitches during the interview. A quiet, well-lit space can help present you in the best possible light, literally and figuratively.

• 📶 Confirm your internet speed is adequate

• 🎥 Ensure your camera is clear

• 🎙️ Verify your microphone works well

• 📍 Set up in a tidy, professional-looking area - Use a virtual background if needed

Second, dress professionally from head to toe. Even though the interviewer will see only your upper half, dressing fully in professional attire helps you feel more confident and poised. Additionally, practice common interview questions to deliver concise and impactful answers.

• 👔 Choose business attire

• 🧍‍♀️ Dress completely to set the tone

• ❓ Rehearse typical interview questions

Finally, show enthusiasm and engagement throughout the interview. Make eye contact through the camera, listen attentively, and ask insightful questions. Your goal is to leave a lasting impression, demonstrating both your qualifications and your genuine interest in the role.

Work Culture: Redefined

Turning on an out-of-office message is a routine task for many, but for Gen Z workers, it's a way to add personality to the workplace.

These playful and witty OOO messages, like "On vacation. Hoping to win the lottery and never return," blend work and personal style, signaling a shift in workplace norms, according to reporting by The Guardian.

Young professionals are also transforming office culture with their communication styles and emphasis on work-life balance. They prefer video calls over in-person meetings and set firm boundaries around work hours.

Companies like Zenif embrace this trend, with staff sending humorous emails that start with, "I hope this email doesn’t find you well," showcasing a relaxed work culture. Their focus on mental health and well-being is pushing companies to adopt more supportive policies.

As recent grads become a larger part of the workforce, their influence will continue to reshape workplace norms and create even more dynamic environments.

Skincare Revolution

In a groundbreaking shift, more than half of U.S. men now use facial skincare products, with a remarkable 68% increase from 2022, according to research from Mintel. This surge is primarily driven by Gen Z, who are setting new trends in the skincare industry.

Facial skincare is particularly popular among Gen Z men, with 68% of them using these products in 2024, compared to just 42% in 2022. Additionally, more men are investing in higher-end skincare products, with over two-fifths of men aged 18-34 opting for premium facial moisturizers, according to reporting by Fashion Network.

This trend is opening up opportunities for brands to connect with younger consumers. By focusing on clean, non-toxic ingredients brands are winning over skincare-savvy consumers.

As younger men continue to prioritize quality and clean ingredients, brands that emphasize safe, high-end products are building trust and loyalty, ensuring they remain relevant in an evolving market.