Welcome to Young Alumni Career Development at Holy Cross. No matter where you are in your career journey, Holy Cross is here to help! These articles have been written with a specific focus on the needs of young alumni around topics that typically resonate with graduates who've been out of school for 10 years or less. Read them all or just one. Enjoy!
Would you like to see more articles? Please share additional article topic ideas with alumnicareers@holycross.edu. Let us know if you would like to author an article yourself!
By: Pam Ahearn, Young Alumni Career Coach at Holy Cross
You've got the diploma, the cap, and the gown – and officially, an undergraduate degree in hand. The world sees you as an adult, even if you don't always feel like one. That's totally normal!
"Adulting" is a journey, not a destination. It comes with new challenges, responsibilities, and endless possibilities. Ready to tackle this exciting new chapter? We've got practical tips and insights to help you confidently navigate this "adult" space and truly own your post-grad life.
Dive in and discover how to thrive as you step into your next big adventure! (Read more)
By: Pam Ahearn, Young Alumni Career Coach at Holy Cross
With over a billion members across 200+ countries, LinkedIn is the ultimate professional networking platform. It's not just a digital resume; it's your gateway to engaging with industry leaders, exploring diverse roles, and staying ahead of current trends.
And here's the best part for Holy Cross alumni: our network is incredibly strong! Holy Cross graduates are renowned for their commitment to "paying it forward," eagerly connecting with fellow alumni and offering invaluable career insights.
Ready to leverage this incredible resource and expand your professional horizons? Discover how to make LinkedIn work for you! (Read more)
By: Pam Ahearn, Young Alumni Career Coach at Holy Cross
Been in your first or second job for a while and feeling that itch for something new? It's a common feeling, and knowing when and how to make your next move can be tricky.
This article is your guide to figuring out what's next. We'll give you practical tips and strategies to assess your current situation, explore new possibilities, and take your best next steps toward a fulfilling career change.
Ready to explore what's beyond your current role? (Read more)
By: Pam Ahearn, Young Alumni Career Coach at Holy Cross
“Your position is being eliminated” is a phrase you never expect to hear. After all, you did everything right. You have performed well at your job. You’ve come in early and stayed late, you’ve raised your hand to take on extra projects to benefit the team, you’ve participated in additional training, and gone above and beyond to be a good team player. Your performance reviews have been stellar. It just isn’t fair.
If you find yourself unexpectedly unemployed, here are some action items to consider. (Read more)
By: Ashley Alebiosu '12, Senior Manager, Strategic Events at Salesforce
Feeling stuck in a rut at work? Craving a new challenge or a fresh start? We all set goals, from daily to-dos to major life ambitions. This article will show you how to effectively set and achieve those goals, helping you move beyond just "making it through the day" and toward the career—and life—you truly desire. It's time to reignite your drive and unlock your full potential! (Read more)
By: Jackie Smith Norton '15 , AVP Customer Success at Spekit
One of the most powerful things you can do for your career isn’t waiting for a promotion, a new role, or external validation. It’s learning how to advocate for what you need in the role you’re already in. But here’s the catch: you can’t advocate for what you haven’t defined. (Read more)
By: Pam Ahearn, Young Alumni Career Coach at Holy Cross
Networking. The word itself can feel powerful and, let's be honest, a little intimidating. Yet, it's one of the most vital skills you'll develop, offering a roadmap to navigate the professional world for years to come.
The good news? At Holy Cross, you're part of an incredible legacy. Our alumni are renowned for their unwavering commitment to the College and their genuine desire to "pay it forward." This means you have a built-in network of successful, supportive professionals eager to help you along your journey. (Read more)
By: Pam Ahearn, Young Alumni Career Coach at Holy Cross
Stuck in interview limbo? You're landing interviews, but job offers remain out of reach. It's time to sharpen your interview skills! Discover expert tips and strategies to impress potential employers and finally land that dream job. (Read more)
By: Pam Ahearn, Young Alumni Career Coach at Holy Cross
A job search isn't a one-way street. While employers are definitely sizing you up, it's just as crucial for you to evaluate them as a potential fit. This is your career, after all!
We'll show you how to confidently assess companies, their culture, and their potential to help you thrive. Learn what questions to ask, what red flags to look for, and how to determine if an employer truly aligns with your goals and values.
Ready to find more than just a job – to find the right job? (Read more)
By: Nick Lazzaro '23, Assistant Director for Young Alumni Engagement at Holy Cross
The job search can be brutal, especially when you're not even landing interviews. It's easy for your self-confidence to take a hit when rejection after rejection piles up.
Read about one alum's candid experience facing the ups and downs of the job hunt and discover how he handled rejection to ultimately find success. His story might be just what you need to reignite your own search! (Read more)
By: Nick Lazzaro '23, Assistant Director for Young Alumni Engagement at Holy Cross
Starting a business is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding adventure. It's not about instant success, but about building something meaningful step by step. Our philosophy centers on three key pillars that will empower you to thrive. (Read more)
By: Jenelle Verrochi Young '11, Stay at Home Mom
"Being a stay-at-home mom is much more difficult than any of the jobs I’ve had before (even my 'Devil Wears Prada'-like first executive assistant role)." If this resonates with you, you're not alone. The decision to step away from the traditional workforce, whether to raise a family, care for loved ones, or pursue a different path, brings its own unique set of demands and rewards. (Read more)
By: Danielle Dimond '13, Realtor at Senne
Buying your first home is a monumental step, a true sign of independence and investment in your future. We know that right now, the journey can feel daunting. With limited inventory, rising home prices, and higher interest rates, the path to homeownership seems more challenging than ever.
But don't let that deter you! With the right knowledge, preparation, and a smart strategy, you absolutely can unlock the door to your first home. We'll show you how to confidently navigate today's market, understand your options, and achieve your homeownership goals.
Ready to turn the "overwhelming" into "overjoyed"? Let's make your homeownership dreams a reality! (Read more)