First Job Tips I'd Follow If I Graduated Today — Taylor Prokes Take

A Real Game Plan for the Class of 2026

I’ve been talking to a lot of fresh grads and know the job market is TOUGH.

Good news for Class of 2026, I also know they have so much to offer that companies desperately need.

If I needed to get a job as a fresh graduate today, this is what I would do:

1. Target 5 companies you think could be doing a better job at something you know (get your foot in the door)

Lets use social media as an example because it is “easy”

Most companies are severely underperforming in this space. I think we can all name a few companies that are crushing… Duolingo, Poppy, Liquid Death, Rhode… otherwise there is a lot of opportunity to be had. That’s where you come in

Target 5 companies that you know you could increase engagement for. You can do this better than them ALREADY! So you can communicate your value.

2. Once targeted, come up with something specific that you could help them do better.

Make a couple sample TikToks or Reels for them. Show them how you would use Manychats, AI, take assets they already posted and redo them to be more engaging.

Show them what you know.

3. Find ways to contact the right people.

A lot of people check their DMs. Send them the free work you did and ask for a call about how you could help them

OR

A boldest move…  and probably what I would do, is make a reel about how the business could be doing better and get your friends to repost it.

"I love the Big A## Calendar, but here are 3 things they could do to sell 100,000 more calendars."

Companies will see this and it shows crazy intention and proves you know how to create buzz and drive engagement.

4. If the first time doesnt work, do it again.

Don’t give up, these companies don’t know you exist. It isn’t personal. Keep going till you get on their radar.

Keep going

5. Don’t lead with “I”, lead with value for THEM

I wouldn't go to companies and say: "I like you, I'll do anything to work with you." “I really want this opportunity” “I would have such a good time working for this brand”

I want you to show specific eagerness around ways you can help me. If you can give me a reason to hire a passionate person that can also solve a problem, I'm listening.

Don't worry so much about it yet.

People switch industries, move cities, freelance, start side projects, go back to school, quit jobs after six months, or completely change their minds in their late 20s. That’s more normal now than people admit.

Your first years after college are less about having the perfect career path and more about learning how you work, what motivates you and what drains you.

Gen Z workers are already redefining what career growth and work-life balance look like. A lot of people don’t want their entire identity to revolve around work anymore.

So if entering the workforce feels overwhelming or confusing sometimes… good. It means you’re growing.

Just focus on your next few moves and write them down on your Big A## Calendar.

Good Luck!