Welcome to RoadMap!

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

🎬 Did you know? On July 29th, 2016, the Netflix original series "Stranger Things" premiered, becoming an instant hit and a cultural phenomenon among Gen Z.

Just as "Stranger Things" captured the imagination of millions, RoadMap is here to help you capture your dream career and navigate the professional world 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! 🙌

Top Job Market Trends

Navigating the job market as a recent graduate can be daunting, but knowing what's in demand can make all the difference. Currently, tech roles like software development and data analysis are among the hottest positions, while retail and hospitality sectors are experiencing slower growth.

• Hot🔥: Tech careers, healthcare, sustainable energy

• Not❄️: Brick-and-mortar retail, hospitality, old-school media

Employers are prioritizing skills like digital literacy, adaptability, and problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on remote work capabilities.

• In Demand📈: Tech-savviness, flexibility, critical thinking

• Less Focus📉: Practical labor, face-to-face communication, office skills

Networking is vital for landing your first job. Leveraging LinkedIn, attending virtual career fairs, and seeking mentorship can give you a significant edge.

• Do✅: Build connections, join online communities, seek coaching

• Don't❌: Rely on job boards, ignore digital footprint, skip networking

Stay informed and adaptable as the job market evolves. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends will keep you competitive and ready for new opportunities. If unsure where to start, join a professional networking community today!

New Workplace Lingo 💬

Gen Z is transforming the workplace by rejecting corporate jargon and outdated habits.

Prioritizing work-life balance and embracing terms like "lazy girl jobs," young professionals are moving away from traditional corporate language, as reported by Business Insider. This shift reflects a desire for a more relaxed and authentic work environment.

A 2023 LinkedIn and Duolingo survey found that 48% of Gen Z felt excluded by jargon like "blue sky thinking." Recruiter Emily Durham, cited in the Business Insider article, attributes this aversion to corporate speak to witnessing the impact of layoffs on their parents, leading to a more skeptical and pragmatic view of corporate promises.

Durham highlights that Gen Z's casual approach includes mocking the "corporate accent" on TikTok. She sees this trend as positive, making workplaces more inclusive for newcomers and reducing unnecessary formalities.

Despite potential friction with older managers, Durham notes that young professionals view work as an accessory, not an identity. This fresh perspective could lead to a more authentic and inclusive workplace culture, fostering genuine connections and reducing stress.

Shop 'n Scroll 🛍️

Social media shopping is surging.

A new survey by Walmart and Morning Consult shows that 55% of Gen Z shoppers have bought something online while browsing social media in the past six months. This is a big jump from 38% of all shoppers, highlighting social media's strong influence on shopping habits, according to RetailDive.

The survey also found that 44% of Gen Z shoppers start with online searches, 42% browse in stores, 40% use retailer apps or websites, and 38% begin on social media. This mix of digital and physical shopping is changing retail.

Walmart's report highlights the need for personalized shopping. Suresh Kumar, Walmart’s Global CTO, says, “Retailers must predict shoppers’ needs and offer highly personal experiences.” This means tailored suggestions and seamless shopping options.

To meet these needs, Walmart is rolling out digital shopping experiences like Walmart Realm and a platform on Roblox. They’re also launching Gen Z-focused brands such as Clean Age and Plus Ultra. These efforts have led to a 63% increase in Gen Z memberships at Sam’s Club over the past two years, showing the impact of catering to younger shoppers.