Welcome to RoadMap!

RoadMap is the membership community recent college grads lean on to find their first job and launch their careers.

Discover more about the RoadMap community and find your dream job today by visiting our website.

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn and Instagram for daily content, tips, advice, events, and more.

Let’s go!

Etiquette Edge: Office Edition

Preparing to enter the workplace? There are exciting times ahead! Here’s your ultimate cheat sheet on professional do’s and don’ts:

• 👍 Do Dress to Impress: Nail that first impression! Dress smartly to match your company’s vibe, whether it’s laid-back or more formal. Remember, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

• 🚫 Don’t Be Fashionably Late: Time is money! Show up on time for meetings and tasks — it’s a sign of respect and reliability. If you’re running late, give a heads-up — it shows you value everyone’s time.

• 👍 Do Speak Clearly: Communication is key! Whether you’re chatting with colleagues or sending emails, be clear, polite, and attentive. Active listening goes a long way in understanding expectations and building strong relationships.

• 🚫 Don’t Overshare Online: Keep it professional! Your social media should reflect your best self — what you post matters for your career. Avoid sharing sensitive work information or posting controversial content that could reflect poorly on you or your employer.

Remember, mastering workplace etiquette takes practice, but with these basics down, you’re already on your way to success.

Navigating the Job Market

As Gen Z enters the workforce, economic realities are shaping their priorities, with most focused on financial security.

🌟 Insights for Gen Z Recent Graduates

An ADP survey reveals that 75% of Gen Z prioritize salary and career advancement over daily job enjoyment, contrasting with older generations who looked for more fulfillment (Source: Fortune).

🌍 Regional Trends

In Europe, job satisfaction ranks higher, while in the United States, economic uncertainties have prompted a focus on job security and increased pay.

💼 Work-Life Balance

Financial constraints are reshaping priorities, emphasizing purpose and engagement over materialism in North America (Source: Thriving Center of Psychology). Gen Z is valuing more career progression, highlighting the importance of clear work standards, especially in remote roles.

⚖️ Balancing Priorities

Dr. Nela Richardson of ADP emphasizes that for Gen Z, flexibility and career advancement are crucial. Clear communication of work expectations is essential for building trust and maximizing productivity.

Hair Trends Part Generations

Millennials and Gen Z might clash on many things, but perhaps none so passionately as hair trends!

According to a viral video by Natalie O'Neill, shared on her @natalie_oneillll TikTok account, the generations have vastly different hair approaches. (Source: Newsweek)

O'Neill's video zooms in on a major Gen Z hair trend: the slicked-back, middle-parted look that's all the rage in 2024. This style, favored by celebs like the Kardashians and Sofia Richie Grainge, marks a stark departure from the voluminous hairdos beloved by Millennials.

For Gen Y, born between 1982 and 1996, who fondly recall the era of sky-high hairdos, O'Neill's demonstration of the classic 'pouf' technique evoked both nostalgic laughs and cringes.

The internet, as always, had mixed feelings. While some clamored for a '00s comeback, others hoped the pouf would stay buried in the past. Whether you're team slick or team pouf, one thing's for sure: hair trends, like fashion itself, always come full circle.