<p>In this episode, I’m joined by my co-host Carly Malatskey to share the early-career playbook most people <em>wish</em> 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.</p><p>–</p><p><strong>Key topics</strong></p><p>• Why your first job should feel like a sprint, not a stroll</p><p>• How to tell if your job is setting you up — or holding you back</p><p>• The truth about internships (they matter more than your degree)</p><p>• How to stand out when applying — and why “spray and pray” fails</p><p>• Why it’s okay (even smart) to view your first job as a stepping stone</p><p>• Red flags and green flags once you’re hired</p><p>• How to network in a way that doesn’t feel transactional</p><p>• The mindset shift that separates top performers early in career</p><p>• Why working in-person still gives you an edge</p><p>• How to take real risks when you have the least to lose</p><p>–</p><p><strong>Where to find Nikhyl:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/nikhyl">Twitter/X</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhyl/">LinkedIn</a></p><p>–</p><p><strong>Where to find Carly:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlymalatskey">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.sheleadspod.com/">She Leads Podcast</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/carlymalatskey">Twitter/X</a></p><p>–</p><p><strong>Join The Skip:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://skip.coach/">Skip Coach</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://skip.community/">Skip Community</a></p><p>–</p><p><strong>Find The Skip:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.skip.community/">Website</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://theskip.substack.com/">Substack</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@theskippodcast">YouTube</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4oT2rxMsRP64h9NXuA11DJ">Spotify</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-skip-podcast/id1663529202">Apple Podcasts</a></p><p>–</p><p>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 <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/nikhyl">[email protected]</a></p><p>–</p><p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p><p>(00:00) Why most grads feel lost — and what to do about it</p><p>(01:44) How to navigate the 2025 job market</p><p>(03:29) Why hustle still wins (yes, even now)</p><p>(08:24) What to <em>really</em> look for in your first job</p><p>(15:03) Why seeking feedback is a career unlock</p><p>(17:30) Choose your boss — not the logo</p><p>(20:02) Why taking risks early pays off later</p><p>(28:35) How to tell a compelling career story</p><p>(32:15) Job hunting that actually works</p><p>(37:38) Making the leap from college to career</p><p>(42:18) Why you should work while studying</p><p>(46:13) How to maintain a network</p><p>(55:10) Green flags and red flags once you’re hired</p><p>(58:55) Your first job is a launchpad — not a life sentence</p><p>(63:12) Final advice we wish we heard at 21</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://theskip.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">theskip.substack.com</a>