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 September 16, 2002, The Sims franchise released its first expansion pack, The Sims: Unleashed, letting players add pets to their virtual lives. It opened up endless new ways to play and customize their world.

Just like The Sims gave players more freedom to create, RoadMap gives you the tools to build and customize your career path.

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.

Turn Anxiety into Strength

Starting out in a new job can be daunting, especially for recent graduates who struggle with public speaking anxiety. Although public speaking might seem like a hurdle, it can also provide valuable opportunities for personal growth and professional development.

Graduates who experience public speaking anxiety are known to more frequently put in extra effort to prepare. This preparation — aka extensive research and rehearsals — often results in more polished and confident presentations. As a result, these individuals tend to perform well in interviews and networking events, distinguishing themselves from other candidates.

Moreover, grappling with public speaking anxiety can enhance one's ability to empathize and connect with others. Those who understand the pressures of public speaking often become more supportive and considerate colleagues. This empathy not only improves teamwork but also strengthens leadership skills, making them more effective in collaborative environments.

To effectively manage and reduce public speaking anxiety, consider the following strategies:

• Practice Deep Breathing: Engage in slow, deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves before and during your presentation.

• Rehearse Regularly: Familiarize yourself with your material through repeated practice to build confidence and ease anxiety.

• Visualize Success: Imagine yourself succeeding in your presentation to boost your confidence and reduce nervousness.

• Seek Feedback: Present your material to friends or mentors to receive constructive feedback and refine your approach.

While public speaking anxiety can initially appear to be a barrier, it also offers unique benefits. By embracing thorough preparation, becoming empathetic, and building resilience, recent graduates can transform their anxiety into a valuable skill, paving the way for a successful start to their careers.

Social Media Pays Off

Social media isn’t only for fun — it can be a powerful tool for turning your skills into financial success.

With over a third of recent grads struggling to break into the corporate world, according to an Intuit Credit Karma study, many are turning to social media for extra income through side gigs.

Social media has become a crucial income source for this generation, with 45% of young professionals involved in digital side gigs and over 10% earning directly from these platforms. It's no wonder many are harnessing their skills and passions through content creation, according to reporting by AOL.

For example, some are sharing their workout routines on TikTok or promoting products on Instagram and generating significant income. With 61% of Gen Z feeling their salaries lag behind living costs, these social media ventures offer a practical solution for earning extra cash.

The Credit Karma survey also shows that 13% of Gen Z have turned side hustles into six-figure incomes, while others use their increased side earnings to save, build emergency funds, and pay off debt.

So, social media can be more than just endless scrolling — it can become a lucrative opportunity with a bit of hustle and creativity.

Upgrade Your Rental Now

Many young people are making their rental feel more like home.

According to Real Simple and Zillow, many young professionals are finding creative ways to invest in affordable upgrades that personalize their apartments without stretching their budgets.

Simple changes, such as swapping out cabinet hardware for matte black finishes, can significantly boost the appeal of a rental. This upgrade can make a big difference in how smaller spaces are perceived. Adding open shelving is another cost-effective enhancement that provides extra storage and adds style, helping to create a more functional and visually appealing environment.

Plants and window boxes are also popular among renters. They bring a touch of nature into the space, brightening up rooms and enhancing overall appeal. These green additions are not only aesthetically pleasing but also help improve the mood and ambiance of a rental.

Finally, upgrading to smart lights is a smart way to brighten your space and cut energy costs. With minimal installation expenses, these lights offer energy efficiency and customizable settings, allowing you to adjust brightness and color to match your mood and time of day.