Dr. Allison McWilliams, Assistant VP of Mentoring and Alumni Personal & Career Development at Wake Forest University, shares her journey and the evolution of Wake Forest’s innovative approach to career services. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, intentional career planning, and holistic development for students and alumni.

This episode includes:

Thoughts from her book Five For Your First Five, Allison outlines five essential areas for early career success:

• Doing Work Well: Show up, be reliable, and learn how to succeed in a professional setting.
• Building a Life: Manage time, finances, health, and hobbies—especially important for graduates used to structured schedules.
• Creating Community: Find mentors, sponsors, and peers who align with your values.
• Practicing Reflection: Seek and respond to feedback; treat every experience as data for growth.
• Planning What’s Next: Use what you’ve learned to make informed career moves—not perfect ones, but intentional ones.

Allison talks about Values-Driven Decision Making

• Graduates are encouraged to reflect on what matters most to them and align their work and life accordingly.
• Allison cautions against pressure to “find your passion” immediately, noting the privilege and complexity behind that narrative.

Permission to Be Happy

• It’s okay to stay in a job you love, even if it’s been years.
• Career paths are individual, and success should be defined by personal fulfillment, not external timelines.

Allison’s advice helps graduates navigate uncertainty, build confidence, and make intentional choices.

Her framework offers a practical roadmap for the first five years after college, blending career strategy with emotional intelligence.