It’s one of the classic career cliches: “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” There is a lot wrong with this idea. This adage is intimidating AF. It insinuates that if we feel like we are working, we don’t love our careers. Work is work. I enjoy my job, but it certainly can feel like work. A lot of people don’t like their jobs and most certainly do not love their job. In fact, according to a 2022 research summary conducted by Zippa, data analysts found that in the wake of the great resignation/migration (depending who you ask) and a shaken economy, only 20% of Americans describe being truly passionate about their work. Does that mean that most of the population should feel pressure or shame that they aren’t fulfilling their idea of a “dream job?” 

I’ve watched my older friends don the traditional regalia, diploma in hand, smiling as they pose for photographs capturing the day they worked for after 3, 4, 5, or more years. I never imagined my own 5-year college experience would end so quickly. My friends, gorgeous and handsome in those photos capturing their momentous accomplishment and their own transitions also over time showed me how post-grad, although rightly celebrated, is not always what it seems. What happens after the robe and cords come off, and Monday rolls around? What about when there is no class to attend, no online Zoom to log onto, and you’ve moved away from friends and environments that have been familiar for so many years? The “normal” becomes completely new and many are forced into feeling a little lost. Change is inevitable, but as I am now about to dawn those robes myself and take those photos, I understand that the hard part about post-grad isn’t really the change at all, more so, the waiting game. 

New Podcast Episode with childhood friends Liz Cook and Gigi Kitei, who launched their business in the middle of COVID, is live! The mission of their company is to create ultra-comfortable wardrobe essentials that celebrate a woman’s natural beauty, fit her active lifestyle and make her every day better. Free Reign is a line of ultra-comfortable wardrobe essentials for women who are tired of wearing uncomfortable bras. Hear their full story available on all standard streaming platforms now!

There is no playbook for how to maintain connections as one is about to graduate from college. Frankly, no one really talks about the transition. Although exciting, it can be scary, especially in the job market we are currently facing with a year of pandemic and Zoom exhaustion looming over so many. I found no helpful tips in my search, so I decided to write my own. Here are 6 Things I think you should do in your final semester before you graduate from college.

Back to school is a time of excitement, nervousness, anxiousness, and new beginnings for students and teachers alike. Let’s face it, back to school is busy and challenging enough. Throw a pandemic and completely novel landscape for learning and you have, well, 2020. We talked to 8 outstanding teachers ranging in position, experience, school type, and grade level about why they chose teaching as their profession. We’re highlighting their tenacity teaching through what is definitely, not what they imagined. Read about their experiences below! 

Academia meets entrepreneurship. No, I'm not talking about the mission of This Blonde Means Business (although I could be). I'm talking about the theme of this month's Student Story Feature of my talented and outstanding Drexel peer, Nina Kapoor, and her newest venture, KapTutor. I sat down to talk to her about her passion for education, starting KapTutor, and her business' future.

In the midst of a global pandemic, students have persevered and pushed their professional aspirations further by gaining relevant experience with noteworthy companies. In this article, we’re profiling 28 of those tenacious and talented students below talking about their internship experiences across real estate, aviation, nursing, tech, finance, and more. Keep reading to get their advice and learn their key takeaways from working this summer! 

The uncertainty of a global pandemic has affected so many in so many ways. For me, the theme of these times has been adaptability. We all, individuals and businesses, adapt around guidelines and restrictions that juxtapose "Business as usual." …because a global pandemic is anything but that.

How can you adopt adaptability to your career? How can you shift your business now to sustain it for a post-COVID economic landscape? Being adaptable isn't just a business strength; it's one that can improve our everyday lives.

Tons of tables. Tons of employers. Tons of students vying for the same thing: a job opportunity. How do you make the most of a career fair? Here are some tips to confidently work the room like a pro, maximize your time, and ultimately, network to make meaningful connections and land that future job.

I recently visited the Universal Sphere at the Comcast Center HQ in Philadelphia, PA and was inspired by its exploration of the power of ideas. Between that, and a lot of recent sit-downs I've been having with entrepreneurs, I'm curious about the motivation of creatives and entrepreneurial people. As a college student and soon-to-be-graduate, I'm specifically interested in examining the glamour of the idea of "starting something" met with the lack of acceptance or support for unconventional ideas from society. Let's talk about it.

Do you have a special #someone in your life? Are you looking for that perfect, personal, unique gift for him/her for Valentines Day? Look no further! 

This #whotowatchwednesday, I’m featuring my good friend, Dhillon Welsh. Dhillon and I go waaaaaay back, like Freshman year of college in the Business Learning Community, back, which means I ride for his new venture, DesignsbyDhillon. Let me tell you a little bit about why you should, too. 

So, your work BFF got the promotion* over you. The one that you "knew you were getting." Sh*t. After letting your feelings out, perhaps having one, two, or an entire bottle of Pinot Grigio to drown your sorrows, get back on your grind. Realize that everything happens for a reason. This opportunity was not meant for you. The "failure" only means that something else is coming, so be patient. And in the meantime, work to be 10x the employee your friend was when he or she got that promotion. Be so skilled and specialized in your work that your supervisors can't ignore you. Be the best on your team and your best version of yourself. Of course, that stems from passion.

He’s young, hungry (in more ways than one), and rapidly transforming the way food trucks do business. He’s Nick Nanakos, CEO & Founder of TruckBux. Screw your co-worker, Jane! This app just became your new lunchtime BFF. 

Nanakos’ revolutionary app, Truckbux, allows food truck fanatics everywhere to easily view truck hours, locations, ratings, cuisines, and photos. Even more convenient, the app enables users to discover nearby food trucks and order ahead for pickup and delivery. The BEST part? Your taste buds will never miss out due to not having cash. You can pay using Venmo, Apple Pay, or card at food trucks everywhere. 

Diversity is not a problem. It's not a bad word, nor a negative conversation. Our apprehension to engage in productive, respectful discussions, our failure to talk with one another -  that's where we fall short. In terms of diversity, it's not just a matter of the physical diversity of the individual. It's not merely about race or gender, as most assume. It's equally as important to consider the variance of skills, talents, and attributes of individuals within an organization to make the smartest teams, the most productive departments, the most "diverse" and inclusive companies. 

Brown Sugar Brown Butter Brownie. Okay, now you’ve stopped reading because that heading made you salivate and you’re already halfway to your nearest grocery store or Wawa to get some ice cream. Brown Sugar Brown Butter Brownie is just one example of the unique flavors coming to Philadelphia from entrepreneur Amy Wilson’s kitchen turned ice cream startup, Milk Jawn. We sat down to talk with Amy about her new business, background, and what inspired her to “just go for it” and make Milk Jawn a real jawn.

What experience are you enjoying that is influencing you to become more? Is it pushing you to think bigger? Inspiring you to cultivate and expand your professional and personal dreams? I took a significant pay hit in deciding to do what was best for me, but opened myself up to a WORLD of new opportunities, fresh perspectives, and an incredible network of diverse individuals. When you are young, and especially in school, THIS should be the focus, not how much you are earning hourly.

When she’s not in classes, find her presenting to over 600 employees at the Hershey Company’s National Sales Meeting, giving a TEDx talk at a local high school, running a Board meeting, or participating as a member of the inaugural #AExMECouncil with international clothing brand, American Eagle. A 21-year-old Music Industry major at Drexel University, Gabby Frost might seem like your typical college student, but what many don’t realize is that in addition to her schoolwork and somewhat ordinary college life, Gabby is a successful entrepreneur of her six year old non-profit, Buddy Project.

Recently, I was selected to give a TEDx talk at my university’s business school. They assigned two professional mentors to help me develop my talk and act as resources in creating my content, Raquel Arredondo and Caitlin Mahon A week after my talk, I can’t help but think about and reflect on all of the incredible mentors who have been and continue to be such a large part of my professional journey. It’s also made me think about why mentorship is so important in the business world and how I can be one to others. Here’s how to be a good mentor even if you don’t think you’re mentor material.

I understand interviewers and professors ask the “What is your five year plan?” question to get a general sense of what your future goals are and to encourage you to ask yourself what you want for your future. What’s not commonly emphasized is that it’s okay to not stick to that plan. Your 5 Year Plan should serve as your rough draft, not table of contents. Although I get the concept, I can’t get behind it.

HERE ARE MY FIVE REASONS WHY I BELIEVE THE FIVE YEAR PLAN IS COMPLETE B.S.!