Welcome to RoadMap!

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

🛒 Did You Know?: On August 28, 2017, Amazon closed its acquisition of Whole Foods, a move that redefined the grocery industry by blending e-commerce with brick-and-mortar shopping.

As a recent grad, you're stepping into a world where innovation and adaptability are key. With RoadMap by your side, you'll have the tools to navigate your career journey and redefine what's possible in your industry.

Explore how RoadMap can guide you towards your ideal 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.

Startups: A Career Hack

Looking to kickstart your career with a bang? A startup might be the perfect place to do it.

In a startup company, entry-level employees are given the ability to quickly develop a wide range of skills — the kind that might take years to acquire in a traditional setting. The fast-paced, hands-on culture immerses you in diverse projects, offering valuable experience that can set you apart from your peers.

Startups also offer a unique chance to learn across various business functions, providing a comprehensive view of how a company operates. With smaller teams, you’ll often step into roles beyond your job description, accelerating your professional growth. Here’s why startups are excellent for skill development:

• Broaden your expertise: Startups let you expand your skill set by contributing to projects across different business areas.

• Creative solutions: Startups present challenges that push you to think outside the box, a skill invaluable for career success.

• Lead with confidence: Startups offer young professionals early leadership roles, accelerating growth in decision-making and management.

Another key advantage is direct access to company leaders and founders, offering mentorship and insights that are rare in larger organizations. This exposure helps you build a solid foundation for future challenges, making a startup an ideal launchpad for your career.

Job Market Jitters

Recent grads are stepping into the job market with nerves of steel — and plenty of caffeine to keep them going.

A recent survey by Handshake found that 57% of the class of 2025 is feeling pessimistic about their career prospects, a noticeable increase from last year's already high 49%. The combined pressures of student loans, AI concerns, and a challenging job market are weighing heavily on their minds, as reported by Fortune.

In response to these challenges, many young professionals are recalibrating their priorities. Stability and purpose have become more important than the flexibility once prized by earlier cohorts. Despite applying to more jobs and spending more time on their search, recent grads remain cautiously optimistic, determined to find that first elusive job.

Yet, the fierce competition in the job market hasn’t dampened their resolve. Applications are pouring in, and while the race is intense, many are far from discouraged. They’re adapting and pressing on, fueled by the confidence that their college experience — credited by 88% as pivotal in shaping their careers — has equipped them for the longer, bumpier road ahead.

Sick Leave Surge

Gen Z is leading a major shift in workplace culture, marked by a 55% increase in sick leave taken in 2023 compared to 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed how young people approach health, with minor illnesses and mental health concerns prompting many to take more time off.

A recent Business Insider report shows that workers aged 22 to 26 are taking more sick days and mental health breaks than their older colleagues, reflecting a broader shift in workplace health priorities.

Experts note that rising depression rates among young people — affecting 42% — are significantly contributing to this trend, driving the increased need for time off.

As workplace dynamics evolve, the focus on health and well-being, especially among younger workers, is reshaping how companies manage sick leave and support employees.