Expanding Career Horizons

This Gen Z candidate walked away from a six-figure offer and even I was surprised why. The reason? The company didn’t offer flexibility or genuine mental health support. Yes, you read that right. Here’s what she told the panel: “I appreciate the salary, but I’m looking for a role that provides growth, flexibility, and truly prioritizes mental health. I want a career that’s sustainable, not just impressive.” After coaching 2 lakh+ candidates, here’s what I’ve learned about Gen Z’s priorities: ✅ They dig deep into what learning and growth actually look like within a company. ✅ They value time off and personal wellbeing as much as the paycheck. ✅ They openly discuss mental health and expect authentic support. ✅ They want flexibility not because they’re lazy but because they care about quality work and quality life. Maybe it’s not entitlement. Maybe it’s clarity. If you’re job hunting, remember: don’t trade your values for a paycheck. Ask the hard questions: ❓ Where will this company take me in 5 years? ❓ How do they actually support mental health not just in words but in actions? ❓ Is flexibility a core part of their culture, or just a marketing slogan? Don’t just settle for the offer letter — seek growth, wellbeing, and alignment with your values. Because saying “no” to what doesn’t fit... Is how you say “yes” to the future you truly deserve. Would you have made the same choice? Drop your thoughts below ⬇️ #genzworkplace #interviewcoach #careerchoices #mentalhealthmatters #jobsearch #genz

Younger workers may be changing what it means to work in an elite job – and even de-emphasizing its importance entirely. How Gen Z are disrupting the definition of ‘prestigious’ jobs... from BBC and Meredith Turits. Some younger workers do still report making money is prestigious, especially as cost of living rises; and working for certain firms or in specific industries can make a career. But many are also emphasizing other elements, such as: - corporate values - flexibility - autonomy and freedom from the long-hours, high-octane grind This may include a position that enables a worker to - live the lifestyle they want ; whether that’s being an entrepreneur, working in an industry that aligns with their values and passion or securing a job that enables them to build their personal brand on the side. Some data indicates that Gen Z are indeed shifting towards more meaningful work. April 2023 data from LinkedIn of more than 7,000 global workers, reviewed by BBC Worklife, shows 64% of Gen Zers in the UK, France, Germany and Ireland now consider it important to work for companies that are aligned with their values. The data also shows these young workers highlight work-life balance and career growth as top draws for potential workplaces. Along with Gen Z’s shifting attitudes, embrace of entrepreneurship and emphasis on values, this mindset shift may be in part because mechanisms behind finding jobs and seeing potential alternative career paths are changing, says Josh Graff managing director of EMEA and LATAM at LinkedIn.   With a greater number of jobs being posted online, “people have so much more access to information today than we did when we were applying for a job 20-plus years ago … This allows you to have much better visibility into a wealth of roles”, he says. “That shift in the workplace, in the workforce … is leading people to understand there's a broader array of options out there.”   Molly Johnson-Jones, suggests the changing definition of prestigious work is also trickling up to older generations, including millennials, like herself. She believes older workers are expressing sentiments similar to Gen Z’s, also having a reckoning with what defines an elite job; they’re similarly re-defining the term as careers that enable better lifestyles. Read more below: #newjobopportunities #generationz #values #meaningfulwork #prestigious #disruptingthefuture #purposefulwork #redefiningsuccess #careerdevelopment #changingcareers #talentstrategy #peopleandculture https://lnkd.in/eyvZJzfh

A Recovering Lawyer's Guide to LegalTech As April arrives, my inbox fills with messages from attorneys exploring career pivots. "How do I break into LegalTech?" "Do I need coding skills?" These questions echo my own journey from practicing at one of India's largest firms to now leading Digital & Innovation team and building the Indian LegalTech Network (ILTN). Here are 5 Steps to Successfully Navigate Your Transition 1. Build your LegalTech network Attend LegalGeek, ILTA events, or local Legal Hackers chapters. While running The Blue Pencil in law school, I discovered the LegalTech community is refreshingly approachable—people genuinely enjoy what they do, making connections more authentic than traditional legal networking. 2. Find technology opportunities in your current role Don't wait for a formal transition. Speak to your IT or innovation teams about joining projects. Volunteer for internal committees focused on process improvement. These experiences develop relevant skills while testing your interest without commitment. 3. Develop adjacent skills beyond legal knowledge Abandon self-limiting beliefs like "I cannot do tech." Master advanced features in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Google Workspace. Learn design thinking, process mapping, and product management fundamentals—far more valuable in most LegalTech roles than coding. 4. Build something concrete Today's no-code tools enable anyone to create functional applications. Identify a problem in your practice, map the process, and build a prototype using Bubble, Bryter, or Microsoft Power Automate. Demonstrating this initiative speaks volumes to potential employers. 5. Choose hands-on experience over theoretical training While LegalTech programs proliferate, practical experience typically provides better value. If pursuing further education, prioritize programs offering real-world projects over purely academic approaches. Where Legal Expertise Creates Value! Most LegalTech roles don't require coding—they need people who identify the right problems and bring together solutions. Key positions include: -Legal Solutions Architect -Legal Project Manager -Practice Development -Legal Operations Manager Resources That Made the Difference 1. Richard Susskind's "Tomorrow's Lawyers" 2. Communities like Legal Hackers, International Legal Technology Association (ILTA), Indian LegalTech Network (ILTN) 3. Practical skills in design thinking and process mapping Start Today - Start Where You Are Become your team's tech power user. Volunteer with LegalTech startups. Approach this transition with genuine curiosity rather than career desperation—successful legal innovators see problems as opportunities, not obstacles. (and as always Projects/Solutions you built > > Certificate courses) The pictures from the amazing International Legal Technology Association (ILTA)'s ILTACON 2024!

I've spent years in the finance trenches, and I can't emphasize enough how pressing this question is for our industry's future. Let's dive in. Traditional learning and development programs won't cut it for Gen Z. We should offer access to a constant stream of bite-sized, impactful learning modules that can be integrated into daily workflows. Gen Z grew up with smartphones in hand, so let's do away with archaic systems. Imagine embedding gamification into stock analysis or forecasting tools to make the learning curve less steep and a lot more fun. To say Gen Z is concerned about ethical implications is an understatement. My recommendation? Open up channels where new hires can actively contribute to ESG initiatives from day one. Make ethics part of the everyday conversation. Having had the pleasure (or pain!) of working from multiple continents, I know remote work is more than a pandemic-era stopgap. Our firms should be as boundaryless as the markets we operate in, allowing young talent to explore the world as they explore their careers. Please look for hidden talents that aren't immediately apparent from a resume. For instance, someone whiz at Python could revolutionize how you process data—even if their degree isn't strictly 'financial.' In my experience, offering sandbox environments where younger employees can experiment with zero risk can be a game-changer. This isn't just good for innovation; it's great for morale. Professional development should be relational, not transactional. Forget networking. Focus on community building within your organization. The finance industry has never been a one-size-fits-all kind of field. If we aim to lure the crème de la crème of Gen Z talent, we need to think beyond the paycheck and offer a holistic package as dynamic, diverse, and future-ready as they are. #GenZ #Finance #FutureOfWork #Ethics #RemoteWork #LifelongLearning

Looking to pivot an industry?  You’re not alone. I started with a summer job in retail, then started my career in law, continued in hospitality management, pivoted to consulting and landed in healthcare. All while hopping two continents and four countries. Some facts: 🔄 𝟳𝟳% 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. 🔄 𝟱𝟳% 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝗦 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰. 🔄 𝟳𝟴% 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝟰𝟬 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰.  The pandemic didn’t just shift routines. It shifted priorities, values, how we look at work. The impact is ongoing. If you’ve successfully pivoted before, you’ve already proven your ability to adapt, learn, and excel in new environments. Here’s how to approach it:  𝟭. 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀.   What have you mastered that transcends industries?   Leadership, communication, change mgt, problem-solving - these are gold everywhere.  𝟮. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.   If you’ve pivoted before, showcase it. Success in new settings proves your adaptability and resilience.  𝟯. 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗽.   Learn about your target industry.   Volunteer, take courses, join webinars, find a mentor to sharpen your knowledge.  𝟰. 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆.   Align your CV, LinkedIn, and interview pitch to the industry you’re targeting.   Be clear about the value you bring - both for yourself and your audience.  𝟱. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆.   Connect with professionals in your desired field.   Join groups, attend events, and start meaningful conversations.  𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Be crystal clear on your WHY. PS What`s the biggest pivot you`ve made?

📢 To everyone in the job market: You’re more than a resume. Searching for jobs is exhausting. The waiting, the rejections, the self-doubt… it can wear you down. But I want to remind you that your value is not measured by how many interviews you land. You bring experience, creativity, resilience, and a unique perspective that no job posting can fully capture. If you feel stuck in your job search, consider stepping outside the traditional apply-and-wait approach. Here are some out-of-the-box, creative ways to stand out: 🔷 Show, Don’t Just Tell  Instead of just listing skills, create something to showcase your expertise. A case study, a mock strategy, a personal website, or even a short video introduction can leave a lasting impression. Visual storytelling is powerful. 🔷 Engage, Don’t Just Apply  Comment on industry leaders’ posts, share insights on LinkedIn, or write about trends in your field. Thoughtful engagement can get you noticed before you apply. 🔷 Pitch Yourself Differently  Consider an interactive presentation, a short project proposal, or a creative storytelling approach that aligns with the company’s mission. Don’t just rely on a traditional cover letter. 🔷 Network Beyond the Obvious  Attend niche virtual meetups, contribute to industry online groups, or start your own professional roundtable discussions. Many opportunities arise from conversations, not job boards. 🔷 Reverse-Engineer Opportunities Identify companies you admire, research their challenges, and reach out with tailored ideas on how you can add value. Use design thinking and product management principles. Initiative speaks volumes, and you don’t have to wait for job postings. 🔷 Reverse Mentorship Offer to mentor someone within your target company, in an area where you have unique expertise. It builds relationships and positions you as a valuable contributor before you're even hired. 🔷 Personalized Impact Reports Instead of just a resume, create a short report outlining the impact you could have on a company based on your skills and research. Quantify your potential contributions. 🔷 Tell an Impactful Story You are not just looking for a job. You are looking for your next opportunity to create impact. Use the STAR method to tell your story about your great work and impact with a clear format about the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Most importantly, keep going. With this intentional approach beyond what's on your resume, you're expanding your surface area of possibilities. New places, new people, an expanded network, a stronger brand about your work ethic and growth mindset... they all increase the likelihood of opportunities. And you’re more likely to find the right role where your skills, passions, and purpose align. What unique strategies have helped you stand out in your career journey? Share below and with someone in your network who is in the job market.

Lawyers, feeling stuck in the wrong practise area? A recent career consultation of mine involved speaking with a lawyer who spent years in litigation but never really felt at home. He wanted to explore corporate law but was worried it was “too late” to switch, especially after 3 years of practise. Sound familiar? The truth is - many lawyers find themselves in practice areas that don’t align with their passions or strengths. Like many of my mentees, maybe you followed the crowd after law school, took the first opportunity that came your way, or simply didn’t know what suited you best at the time. And that's completely okay. Let me give you a real life example. A mentee of mine started his career in litigation but always had an interest in corporate transactions. Through a combination of impactful job search strategies, a powerful resume, and a strong LinkedIn presence, he was able to land a role in a boutique corporate law firm. It wasn’t an easy journey, but with persistence and the right guidance, he made it happen. If you're considering a shift, here’s what can help: 📍 Identify transferable skills – Your legal research, drafting, and analytical skills are valuable across practice areas. 📍 Go beyond the usual job search – Just applying to posted vacancies is not enough, and that is exactly what I teach in my 1:1 sessions. 📍 Build your network – Its been said many times, but there is a reason why majority of my mentees get their opportunities after the roadmap I create for them. 📍 Be flexible – The more your restrictions, the more difficulty you will face in finding a job. Being open to new opportunities is the key! And if you're unsure where to start, let’s figure it out together. #career #mentorship #jobsearch #lawyer Neeti Shastra | Campaigns by Neeti Shastra ________________________________________ 📍 I help lawyers secure their dream jobs. 📍 I assist lawyers and firms in generating high paying leads.

Covid has boosted the possibilities of #WorkingFromHome – how does that change locality choices? Has the restriction of living near to the workplace become less binding? Are jobs further away now more relevant? For answering that, Sena Coskun, Wolfgang Dauth, Hermann Gartner, Michael Stops and I combined large administrative data on #employment biographies in Germany and a new working from home potential indicator based on comprehensive data on working conditions across occupations. We find that working from home has changed the rules of the game: - In the wake of the pandemic, the distance between workplace and residence has increased more strongly for workers in occupations that can be done from home: The association of working from home potential and work-home distance has increased significantly since 2021 as compared to a stable pattern before. - The effect is much larger for new jobs, suggesting that people match to jobs with high working from home potential that are further away than before the pandemic. - Most of this effect stems from jobs in big cities, which indicates that working from home alleviates constraints by tight housing markets. - Some individuals who retained their jobs have also chosen to relocate their place of residence to more distant places. In sum, individuals can reach better fitting jobs even if they are located farther away and firms increase their catchment areas and are able to draw from a larger pool of applicants. Working from home involves potentials not only for individual working conditions, but also for improving the matching on the #labour market! Available as: IZA Discussion Paper No. 16855, CEPR Discussion Paper No. 18914

Gone are the days of a linear career path. Not long ago, the idea of a successful career followed a simple formula: Choose a study field > land a job > climb the ladder > retire. But today, career paths are anything but linear. More professionals are weaving between industries, blending their passions and redefining success. I went from climbing the corporate ladder as an Accountant, to taking a leap into tech and creativity — aligning my career with my passions and purpose. At school, I gravitated towards structure and logic, which led me to study accounting. It seemed like a practical and stable choice — one that promised job security and a clear trajectory. But at the same time, I craved the creativity I found through studying art, IT and photography. So I decided to pursue a double degree in business and design. While studying at uni I kickstarted my career at an accounting firm, getting a head start in the corporate world. Meanwhile on the design side, a Fine Arts assignment led me to launch my photography side hustle. I soon found myself fitting creativity into the margins of my finance career and defying the belief that Accountants couldn’t be creative. I knew I had more to give beyond a traditional corporate career, but I wasn’t sure how to blend my skills and passions in a way that felt authentic. Then came the opportunity to work at Canva. This was one of those sliding doors moments. I found my sweet spot at a company that is values-driven and where I could contribute to doing good in the world, while seamlessly merging my analytical and creative skillsets. The transition from corporate to tech was huge, but it unlocked a whole new level of growth. I now apply my financial expertise while being surrounded by creativity, innovation and a culture that encourages out-of-the-box thinking. If you’re feeling stuck or considering a career pivot, here is some advice: — Your passions matter. If you feel pulled in multiple directions, explore your intuition. Unexpected opportunities may follow. — Skills are transferable.  The analytical thinking I developed in public practice helped me thrive in tech, just as my creative background has shaped my approach to problem-solving. — Side hustles can open doors.  My photography business isn’t just a creative outlet — it has built entrepreneurial skills, connections, and confidence. — Growth happens outside your comfort zone.  The world of tech was unknown, but taking the leap led to profound learning and career development. — You don’t have to have it all figured out.  Each challenge offers learning and adds to your story. You know I love a unique personal brand! Your career doesn’t have to fit into a box — there’s value in taking the unconventional path. If you’re currently navigating a career change or thinking about one, I’d love to hear your story and help unblock your next step. Photo taken on my third day at Canva — which seems like a lifetime ago!

A new study finds that only 6% of Gen Z workers say their primary career goal is to reach a leadership position. HR leaders should rethink how they define and communicate career advancement. Instead of relying solely on traditional hierarchical paths, organizations should offer diverse development opportunities that align with Gen Z’s values, such as skill-building, meaningful work, flexibility, and personal growth. HR should create career frameworks highlighting multiple ways to grow within the company, including lateral moves, project-based roles, and opportunities to lead without formal titles. By adapting development strategies to reflect Gen Z’s motivations better, HR can boost engagement, retention, and long-term talent readiness. https://lnkd.in/edKZEnPj