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Oprah Winfrey delivers the commencement address during the Tennessee State University graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reservedIt’s graduation season. Whether you’ve attended your own, a friend’s or a family member’s, you know commencement addresses can be redundant. (I think I heard the phrase “it goes by quicker than you think” from every speaker at my brother’s high school graduation the other week).
But commencement speeches are a bit more captivating when Tom Hanks or Bill Gates is giving it. I took a look at seven graduation addresses from this year given by high-profile individuals and shared their career advice—which can apply to anyone at any point in their career, too.
The takeaways: Don’t let imposter syndrome get the best of you. Embrace change, even if it might be scary. And take that vacation, advised Gates, who has said he didn’t “believe in vacations” in Microsoft’s early days, because “there is more to life than work.” Find more advice below as well as the latest career news.
As always, I hope you have a great week, and that you have some time off planned for this summer—whether you’re 20 years into your career or just starting it. Like Gates said in his commencement speech, “you are not a slacker if you cut yourself some slack.”
WORK SMARTER
Practical insights and advice from Forbes contributors to help you succeed in your job, accelerate your career and lead smarter
Side hustles can often add to burnout. Here’s how to not let them add stress.
Starting your internship? Be sure to read these five tips.
If you’re one who hates networking, there are ways to face your fears and successfully network.
How far back should a resume go?
Sometimes enough is enough. A Forbes contributor provides 10 signs it's time to leave a toxic workplace.
FEATURED STORY
Brian Hill, then 23, picked the name Aritzia for his new store in part because it began with the letter A and would appear at the top of listings.
ARTIZIAHow 39-Year-Old Canadian Retailer Aritzia Suddenly Became A Fashion Icon And Made Its Founder A Near Billionaire
If you’re an Aritzia stan like me, you’ll find Jemima McEvoy’s story on the brand and its founder fascinating: Brian Hill opened the first Aritzia in a Vancouver mall when he was just 23 years old. The pandemic helped turn it into one of America’s fastest-growing fashion brands.
“I think we have to understand that the retail stores aren’t just for selling clothes. The e-commerce site is for that,” says Hill, who is Aritzia’s executive chairman. “It has to be an experience. There’s an option now, so you have to give people a reason to come back to your stores. It’s not easy, but if we can continue to do that, we’ll be successful.”
TOUCH BASE
News from the world of work
Forbes Future Of Work Summit: Did you tune in? Last week, Forbes—led by Senior Editor Jena McGregor—hosted its annual Future Of Work Summit where workplace leaders took the stage to talk about the gig economy, women’s health, Gen Z and more. Find the recap here.
Activision Blizzard CEO brushes off company’s harassment issues: In an interview with Variety, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick minimized toxic workforce claims that have surrounded his company for years, claiming the video game company did not ever have a “systemic issue with harassment” —despite it having paid out millions of dollars in settlements to resolve employee complaints.
How AI will impact the next generation workforce: New graduates are entering the labor market in an interesting time. As AI creates and impacts jobs, young talent knows change. “If workers can transition and develop a strategic set of skills, AI can be seen as an asset and the best thing to boost your career,” writes contributor Kalina Bryant.
When is it time to move on?: For those who feel like their career has stalled, contributor Caroline Ceniza-Levine provides five steps to take to determine how to advance.
Job satisfaction is increasing: Despite layoffs and cost cuts, job satisfaction is—surprisingly—at a 36-year peak. According to a poll by The Conference Board, 62% reported they are satisfied with their jobs. Contributor Tracy Brower offers advice on creating satisfaction.
CHECKLIST
Add these books and videos to your to-do list
- In The Search: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World, author Bruce Feiler creates a roadmap for finding purposeful work.
- If you’re curious to learn more about Ben & Jerry’s cofounder Ben Cohen and his career path, watch this video about his new venture: a cannabis company.
- In this video, Booking.com CEO Glenn Fogel gives his tips and tricks for traveling.
NUMBER TO NOTE
3.7%
That’s May’s unemployment rate, according to the latest jobs report.
The unemployment rate unexpectedly ticked up last month despite the labor market gaining more jobs than expected. Total employment increased by 339,000 in May. Between rising unemployment rates and declining worker confidence, the May jobs report paints a grim picture for new graduates entering the workforce and those looking for a raise.
QUIZ
As the latest high-level exit from Twitter and the second person in her position to leave since Elon Musk’s takeover of the company, which executive resigned from the social media company last week?
- Leslie Berland, CMO
- Jennifer Christie, CHRO
- Linda Yaccarino, incoming CEO
- Ella Irwin, head of trust and safety
Check if you got it right here.
