Welcome to RoadMap!

RoadMap is a private network for recent college grads embarking on their job search and early career journey.

Discover how RoadMap can help you navigate your ideal career path by visiting our website today!

Personal Branding 101

In a world where employers often Google applicants before reading resumes, a strong personal brand is crucial to professional success. It’s something we talk about in detail on RoadMap—but as a refresher, here’s how you can start building a memorable, authentic brand that stands out in a crowded digital landscape.

1. Level Up Your LinkedIn Headline
Your LinkedIn headline is like your digital first impression—make it count! Instead of just listing your job title, highlight your unique strengths, like “Creative Marketer | Data-Driven Storyteller.” This not only catches attention but also improves your chances of showing up in LinkedIn searches.

2. Pick A Content Theme
Choose a few topics to focus on, like industry trends, career insights, or personal projects, and stick with them. Sticking to a theme keeps your content familiar, and helps people remember you as an expert in those areas.

3. Share Your Go-To Tools
Post about the apps, tools, or sites that help you work smarter. Sharing resources not only gives your audience something useful but also positions you as informed and resourceful, qualities employers value.

Building a personal brand doesn’t have to be complex—small, strategic actions can make a big difference. With consistency and authenticity, you can create an online presence that opens doors and helps you stand out.

2025’s Travel Trends

Expedia’s 2025 travel trends report reveals that next year is all about unique experiences, detours, and viral discoveries. With insights from 25,000 travelers, here’s what they predict is up next:

Retail Retreats: Travelers are now planning entire trips around viral must-haves, like Dubai’s trending chocolate bars or South Korea’s top skincare products. According to Expedia, 39% of people visit grocery stores when abroad, while 44% hunt for local finds they can’t get at home.

Detour Destinations: In 2025, travelers aren’t skipping the classics; they’re adding exciting day-trip detours. Trending detours include spots like Reims, France (near Paris), and Cozumel, Mexico (near Cancun). 63% of people say they’ll tack on a “detour destination” next time they travel.

Awe-Inspiring Adventures: Nature’s spectacular events are luring travelers like never before. Expedia’s list of must-see natural phenomena includes the Northern Lights in Finland, firefly season in Tennessee, and bioluminescent plankton in Florida.

Set-Jetting: If you’re dreaming of traveling like your favorite TV characters, you’re not alone. Two-thirds of travelers say movies and TV shows now guide their destination choices—it could be called The White Lotus effect. Reality shows like The Real Housewives of Dubai and The Traitors in Scotland are giving rise to the next big destinations.

No-Spend Challenge

The "no-spend" challenge is the ultimate test of willpower: go a set time (like a week or month) without spending on anything that isn’t essential. No drinks, no fancy dinners, no impulse buys—just the basics, like rent and groceries. It’s a trend that’s been making waves with young employees due to economic uncertainty and increased financial literacy, according to data from CNBC.

Many people take on the challenge to save for a specific goal, pay down debt, or simply break the cycle of mindless spending.

The no-spend challenge can help cut back on non-essentials, but it has some downsides. For one, it can lead to “rebound spending” where participants splurge after the challenge ends. Social situations can also get tricky, creating stress and isolation if your friends don’t participate.

Plus, overly strict no-spend rules can make budgeting feel like deprivation, causing negative attitudes toward money management. Ultimately, balance and personalization are key for anyone trying the challenge to ensure lasting financial improvement.