Surviving "The Great Stay": Should You Keep Your Job or Risk It?

Stop Sending Cringe LinkedIn DMs: The Script-Free Guide to Networking

Have you ever stared at a blank message to a total stranger, feeling completely paralyzed? You're not alone! Landing your first real job can feel like trying to break into a locked building where you don't have a badge. In today's episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast, we’re keeping things upbeat, a little goofy, and totally practical as we tackle the awkward world of networking. We're breaking down how to stop sending those stiff, copy-pasted messages that scream "please just give me a job" and usually end up straight in the archive folder. We explore why the secret to getting a reply isn't finding the perfect template, but showing up with genuine curiosity. We dive into game-changing strategies like the "alumni advantage," where reaching out to a fellow grad from your school instantly lowers defenses and builds trust. We also break down the "10-person plan"—a stress-free method where you reach out to 10 people for quick, 15-minute chats just to learn about their paths, taking the pressure off them and you. Remember, it’s all about asking for perspective, not a paycheck! This entire episode is based on an article on College Recruiter, a job search site built on the belief that every student and recent graduate deserves a great career. If you want to dive deeper into all fourteen field-tested ways to warm up your networking game, you have to read, "Cold outreach that doesn’t feel cold: A script-free guide for recent grads [https://www.collegerecruiter.com/blog/2026/03/05/cold-outreach-that-doesnt-feel-cold-a-script-free-guide-for-recent-grads]".

Surviving "The Great Stay": Should You Keep Your Job or Risk It?

Are you glued to your office chair out of sheer panic? You're not alone! Today we're diving into the massive 2026 workplace trend known as "The Great Stay." With job market jitters and layoff fears looming, a staggering 32% of employees are terrified of losing their jobs this year, causing many young professionals to prioritize safety over taking a leap. But sticking around when you're burnt out or unfulfilled might just be a total career buzzkill. We're keeping things upbeat as we explore why staying in a draining role can actually compound your exhaustion, putting you in a zombie-like "preservation mode" instead of helping you reach your full potential. Hanging onto a job just because it feels "safe" can also seriously slow your roll when it comes to cash and career growth. Did you know 41% of workers haven't seen a meaningful raise in the last two years? That is a major roadblock if you are trying to pay off student loans or save up for your dream life! We chat about how to tell if your current gig is actually helping you level up, and why tapping into your network is your ultimate secret weapon—especially since 54% of workers land their next big thing through a connection. This conversation is completely inspired by the awesome article "Should you stay or should you go? What the 'great stay' means for your career [https://www.collegerecruiter.com/blog/2026/02/23/should-you-stay-or-should-you-go-what-the-great-stay-means-for-your-career]" featured on College Recruiter, a site that fundamentally believes every student and recent grad deserves a great career. Whether you're plotting a grand exit strategy or figuring out how to intentionally build skills right where you are, we'll help you make sure fear isn't the only thing driving your career decisions!

Job References 101: 3 Steps to Secure Your Hype Man

Your resume is perfect, but will your references ghost you? Learn how to pick advocates who actually help you get hired, not hurt your chances. Resume? Check. Cover letter? Check. But don't let a bad reference ruin your job search. In this episode, Alex and Sam breakdown advice from career expert Vicki Salemi on how to build a squad of professional advocates. We discuss avoiding the dreaded "HR Vault," how to properly ask for permission, and why you need to send a "tip sheet" to help your former bosses sell your skills. Key Takeaways: * Who Counts: Why professors and volunteer leads can be just as strong as former bosses. * The "No Surprise" Rule: Why you must clear it with your contacts before listing them. * The Tip Sheet: How to refresh their memory with a list of your recent wins. * Maintenance: Why staying in touch is crucial for future opportunities. Read the full article at College Recruiter. [https://www.collegerecruiter.com/blog/2026/01/12/the-power-of-references-how-to-identify-and-build-relationships]

Week One Checklist: 6 Steps to Kickstart Your Internship Search

Start your summer internship search strong! Don't waste syllabus week. We break down the ultimate Week One Checklist to help you get hired fast. In this episode of From Dorms to Desks, discover how to beat the panic with six essential tasks. Learn to optimize your resume, leverage career services, and master digital networking before classes get heavy. Tune in to learn how to: * Update your resume with fall grades and save it correctly as a PDF. * Set job alerts on College Recruiter and school platforms like Handshake. * Target your "Top 10" dream companies directly via their careers pages. * Ask career advisors exactly which employers recruit at your school. * Send a 3-sentence networking message to alumni for an informational interview. Read the full article at College Recruiter. [https://www.collegerecruiter.com/blog/2026/01/13/week-one-checklist-for-students-starting-their-search-for-a-summer-internship]

Is Your Boss Watching? 3 Tips to Handle Workplace Surveillance

Is your boss tracking your keystrokes? Workplace surveillance is on the rise, and 1 in 9 workers have quit because of it. In this episode of From Dorms to Desks, we dive into the gritty reality of "Bossware" and digital monitoring. As remote work grows, so does "productivity anxiety." Managers are increasingly using technology to watch employees, but research shows this often leads to "Productivity Theater" rather than real results. We discuss why this kills autonomy and how you can protect your career while navigating these digital eyes. Tune in to learn: * The specific tools employers use to track screen time, keystrokes, and even sentiment. * Why surveillance often backfires by destroying trust, creativity, and mental health. * The one question you must ask in interviews: "How do you monitor performance?". * Strategies to advocate for ethical monitoring and separate your "Dorms" life from your "Desks" life. Read the full article at College Recruiter. [https://www.collegerecruiter.com/blog/2026/01/19/workplace-monitoring-what-to-know-about-surveillance-at-work]