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The Reasons Recent College Grads Haven't Been Successful at Work
Plus: Gig Economy 'Side Quests' & Cringe Marketing Works?
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Stand Out, Take Charge
Recent grads are feeling the heat from employers as a significant majority of business leaders report dissatisfaction with many new hires, citing a lack of motivation and initiative.
A new survey from Intelligent.com found that 75% of companies think their recent hires aren’t measuring up. That means that if you’re starting your first job, standing out means being proactive and showing you're ready to learn and grow.
One challenge for young professionals is communication. Many new grads struggle with in-person interactions after spending so much time online (duh, the pandemic).
But here’s the thing — developing your communication skills can be a game-changer. It’s about being present, really listening, and knowing how to express your ideas clearly in meetings or even casual conversations at work.
If you want to buck this trend and make an impact in your first job, try these tactics:
Ask for feedback: Show that you're committed to improving by regularly asking your boss how you’re doing and what you can work on.
Get face-to-face: Whenever possible, have real conversations with colleagues instead of relying on emails or messages. It builds trust and shows you’re engaged.
Take ownership: Don’t wait around for someone to hand you tasks — look for ways you can help or take the lead on projects that matter.
Keep learning: Sign up for a course or learn new skills that will make you more valuable at work. Always be improving, and people will notice.
The job market is tough, but by being intentional and taking control of your growth, you can set yourself apart and thrive in your first role.
‘Side Quest’ Jobs
For young people, weekend plans are changing.
Instead of going out, some are turning to “side quests” to stay busy and earn extra cash, according to Newsweek. Platforms like Airtasker make it easy to take on quick jobs — and have fun doing it.
Take Charlotte Cussell, in a TikTok with 1.8 million views, shared how she and her friend spent a Saturday night picking up a desk from IKEA. What started as a simple task turned into a fun adventure, and by the next morning, they were potting plants for $150.
These “side quests” can offer young professionals an easy way to make money while having fun. It’s a shift toward the gig economy, where flexibility and spontaneity are the perks.
However, changes in labor laws may soon affect how these gigs operate, potentially impacting the freedom that many enjoy. For now, though, the “side quest” trend is growing fast.
Cringe Content Works?
More and more brands are hopping onto viral trends, but the results can be hit or miss, according to Fast Company.
In some cases, middle-aged employees are awkwardly spouting Gen Z slang in TikTok videos — think “main character energy” and “no cap” — all in an effort to stay relevant.
Sometimes it works, but often it feels forced. The generational gap between who’s writing the script and who’s delivering it is painfully clear, leaving viewers split between finding it funny or cringey.
Still, trend-based marketing is on the rise, with 77% of marketers planning to push even more of it. Despite the awkwardness, these campaigns seem to be connecting with audiences, generating millions of views and sparking conversations online.
It’s a reminder that even when content feels out of place or a bit off, the ability of these trends to capture attention and engagement is surprisingly effective.