In this episode, I’m joined by my co-host Carly Malatskey to share the early-career playbook most people wish they had at 21. Whether you're fresh out of college, navigating your first job, or advising someone who is — this episode is for you.

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Key topics

• Why your first job should feel like a sprint, not a stroll

• How to tell if your job is setting you up — or holding you back

• The truth about internships (they matter more than your degree)

• How to stand out when applying — and why “spray and pray” fails

• Why it’s okay (even smart) to view your first job as a stepping stone

• Red flags and green flags once you’re hired

• How to network in a way that doesn’t feel transactional

• The mindset shift that separates top performers early in career

• Why working in-person still gives you an edge

• How to take real risks when you have the least to lose

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Where to find Nikhyl:

Twitter/X

LinkedIn

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Where to find Carly:

LinkedIn

She Leads Podcast

Twitter/X

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Join The Skip:

Skip Coach

Skip Community

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Find The Skip:

Website

Substack

YouTube

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

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Don't forget to subscribe to The Skip to hear me coach you through timely career lessons. If you’re interested in joining me on a future call, send me a note on LinkedIn, Threads, or Twitter. You can also email me at [email protected]

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Timestamps

(00:00) Why most grads feel lost — and what to do about it

(01:44) How to navigate the 2025 job market

(03:29) Why hustle still wins (yes, even now)

(08:24) What to really look for in your first job

(15:03) Why seeking feedback is a career unlock

(17:30) Choose your boss — not the logo

(20:02) Why taking risks early pays off later

(28:35) How to tell a compelling career story

(32:15) Job hunting that actually works

(37:38) Making the leap from college to career

(42:18) Why you should work while studying

(46:13) How to maintain a network

(55:10) Green flags and red flags once you’re hired

(58:55) Your first job is a launchpad — not a life sentence

(63:12) Final advice we wish we heard at 21

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theskip.substack.com