GUEST: Jack Barstad, Senior at University of Wisconsin, LacrosseTHE QUICK VERSION:AI is transforming the way we learn, work, and process information.A few interesting use cases mentioned are analyzing health and fitness tracking data from MyFitnessPal and WHOOP, gene sequencing, brainstorming, research and reading long documents.We stress the importance of being adaptable to AI and other new technologies in the workplace, because AI won't necessarily take your job, but someone using AI will.Employers are highly motivated to adopt AI and new technologies as it decreases their expenses (computers are cheaper than humans)It's beneficial to be constantly interacting with AI and testing new ways to use it in your life.It's critically important that you pay close attention to AI and how it's being utilized so that you can compete in the current job market. MORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HEREFOLLOW JETT ON TWITTERFOLLOW ALEX ON INSTAGRAM
THE QUICK VERSION:Jett and Alex discuss the challenges of navigating the tightjob market post-graduation, share insights on an AI website generator, interesting developments in electric vehicles, and reflect on Alex’s journey to securing a job in the biomedical field. WHAT WE LEARNED:Stay positive and committed during job searches,don’t panic.Interview experiences can vary dramatically, avoidbeing discouraged by a few that didn’t go as well as you’d hoped.Be open to a variety of job opportunities, evenif they aren’t exactly what you were looking for.Your first job doesn’t define your entire careerpath.Look inside your network for job opportunities.Maintain close relationships with past employersas they can lead to future opportunities.You’ll often find the most unexpected opportunitiesfrom those in your network.Have a plan in case you don’t have a job linedup right after school.Developing an intimate understanding of yourexpenses ahead of time will help you get through a break with no income.Gamma is an AI driven text-to-website and text-to-presentationgenerator.The electric vehicle market is rapidly evolvingand an interesting industry to pay attention to. MORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HEREFOLLOW JETT ON TWITTERFOLLOW ALEX ON INSTAGRAM
WHY WE MADE THIS EPISODE:Nick was an aspiring sports journalist who pivoted to corporate communications when he realized sports journalism wasn't the right fit for him. A perfect example of willing to be agile and dive head first into something new when things don't go as planned. Plus, we get to hear how Nick approaches mistakes, how he values keeping an open mind, and how he uses AI to increase his effectiveness at work.OUR TAKEAWAYS: Nick initially pursued sports journalism, but as he learned more he realized it wasn’t exactly what he had envisioned, so he kept an open mind an eventually found corporate communications. Corporate communications involves strategic messaging for internal audiences across large organizations. Success in corporate communications requires adaptability and the willingness to take on all sorts of tasks that may or may not be in the job description. Although Nick pivoted to corporate communications, sports journalism remains a passionate hobby. Mistakes in life and at work are some of the BEST learning opportunities. AI tools have significantly improved productivity in his role. Nick emphasizes the importance of continuously trying to learn new things. Nick is currently focused on strengthening his knowledgearound investing and improving his financial literacy.Find Nick HEREMore of Project Rookie HERE
WHY WE MADE THIS EPISODE:Every day, we are exposed to an overwhelming amount of data and information. One brain can’t possibly digest all this information. So, how do we design our information diet to prioritize the information we care about and minimize distractions? How do we design an information diet that gets us closer to achieving our goals? THE MAIN STUFF: 74 gigabytes of data enters the average brain everyday. Social Media is designed to get you addicted,and often triggers a dopamine release. Your information diet is the type and quality ofinformation you consume. We have a finite amount of attention, but seeminglyinfinite amounts of information. Being intentional with your information diet iscritically important. You can curate and influence your digitalenvironment to create better outcomes. Taking breaks from this overwhelming influx ofinformation is essential. It’s time to throw away the idea of ‘Keeping Up’—that’s impossible, don’t try. Reflect on your information diet periodically, makeadjustments if it’s not productive in helping you reach your goals.MORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HERE
Welcome to the FIRST episode of ROOKIE TALK! A relaxed conversation between Jett & Alex where they explore the most interesting things they’ve seen or heard recently. The world through the lens of two ROOKIES.IN THIS EPISODE: Insights from our experience as youngprofessionals Update on Alex’s job search and career fair The role of personal branding in your job search Jett’s project on Soft Skills The positive impacts of being genuine and likablein professional settings Understanding the role of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) in the hiring process Leveraging technology in your job search Why you should love feedback The short and long-term impacts of jealousy The future of the Project Rookie PodcastMORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HERE
WELCOME TO THE SEASON 2 ROOKIE RECAP! (Episodes 12-20)-----------------------------------------------------------EPISODES WE COVERED:[#12] Harnessing your Attention[#14] Jack Barstad: The College Wake-Up Call[#15] I’m Graduating and Don’t Have a Job[#16] Anwar Ahmed: The 13-Year-Old Entrepreneur[#17] THE INTERN PLAYBOOK[#18] Shane Skaar: Building a Business in College, Personal Brand, and STREIGNTH[#19] Alex went to an INDUSTRY EVENT![#20] ZACH GIBSON: The Door-to-Door Panel Slinger-----------------------------------------------------------CHAT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
THE MAIN STUFF: Zach Gibson started his career as a financialanalyst but felt complacent and wanted a new challenge. He now works for Sunrun in the Fusiondepartment, which focuses on direct-to-home sales of solar panels. Zach emphasizes the importance of finding a jobthat excites and motivates you, even if it means leaving a stable and structured career path. Staying motivated and maintaining a positivemindset is critical, especially on tough days. Focus on principles and personal growth ratherthan a specific career path. Don’t forget to step back and take moments toenjoy the journey, although every day might not feel like it, the work you’re doing today will pay off in the long term. Challenge yourself to learn and improve, beinguncomfortable is a sign that you’re making progress.FIND ZACH HEREMORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HERE
THE MAIN STUFF: Attending industry events when you're a student is a HUGE advantage Industry events provide access to TONS of professionals and the opportunity to LEARN about cutting-edge industry topics and technology. Being exposed to the latest trends and tech in the industry as a student can give you a competitive edge in the job market. Building relationships with PROS at these events WILL OPEN DOORS! PROS LOVE TALKING TO STUDENTS The BEST networking and conversation tends to happen outside conference sessions - THE COFFEE LINE and AFTER PARTIES. If you need help finding an industry event to attend, REACH OUT :)MORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HEREFIND ALEX HEREFIND JETT HERE
Shane’s company, Streignth, is a fitness and lifestyle brandthat focuses on empowering individuals to take control of their mind, body, and spirit. As part of the Project Rookie Community, you can use code “projectrookie” for a discount on your order at https://streignth.com/THE MAIN STUFF: Starting a business requires delayed gratification and the ability to overcome insecurities. Growing a business requires great discipline and alaser-focus on what you want to achieve. Having the right mentors and role models can greatly impact personal growth and success. Building a strong brand identity and creating a community of like-minded individuals have been instrumental in Streignth’s success. Managing your energy and not letting other people's opinions define you is crucial. Take ownership of your actions and focus on what you CAN control. Continuous improvement and learning from mistakes are essential for growth. Meditation can help clear the mind, improve focus, and set a positive tone for the day. Entertaining other people’s view of your insecurities is letting THEM WIN, don’t let them win. College provides you with the opportunity to re-invent yourself, take advantage of this!Follow STREIGNTH HERETry the STREIGNTH Challenge HEREMore of Shane Skaar HEREMore of Project Rookie HERE
THE MAIN STUFF: The primary goal of an internship is to break into the professional world and get some basic experience that will help you become more attractive to employers. Taking notes is ESSENTIAL for retaining information, and it makes a VERY positive impression. Internships can be overwhelming with the amount of new information you’re exposed to, but don’t stress, you can manage this by taking notes, askingquestions, and recognizing that nobody is expecting you to know everything. Balancing effort and responsibility is crucial to avoid burnout and maintain a positive learning experience for yourself. Making a positive impression and building professional relationships can lead to future opportunities. Remember that your expectations may not line up with what you experience on day one and that’s okay. Build relationships with colleagues and take FULL advantage of networking opportunities. Go above and beyond your job description to stand out to company leaders and expand the amount of different things you learn. Ask thoughtful questions and seek out opportunities that aren’t specifically handed out to you. Make yourself memorable and leave a positive impression on everyone at the company. YOU’VE GOT THIS!!!!!MORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HERE
The Main Stuff: There are two things you can control, the skills you choose to acquire, and the level of effort you're willing to put in. Focus on the things you can control. The transition from college to a full-time job comes with different challenges and requires adapting to a new work environment. Participating in career-specific programs at school can provide valuable hands-on experience early. Because things in the world change so fast, it is critical to be agile, adaptable, and ALWAYS have a plan B. Planning for the future and being prepared for potential changes or challenges in your career is extremely important. Early entrepreneurial ventures can provide valuable skills and experiences that may shape your future career decisions. Continuously learning and building new skills is essential for staying sharp and competitive. Networking and maintaining relationships can open doors to new opportunities and provide support in navigating career transitions. Engaging in challenging hobbies and learning outside of one's career field can enhance creativity, discipline, and overall personal growth. Overcome imposter syndrome by being self-aware of your personality and aligning your career choices accordingly.More of Project Rookie HEREFind Anwar HERE
What you'll learn: Be proactive and intentional in your job search Consider moving back home to reduce financial burden and distractions Reach out to professors, mentors, and alumni for guidance and networking opportunities Tailor your resume to specific job requirements Attend career fairs and take advantage of school events and resources Identify and fill skill gaps to make yourself more marketable Attending industry events and networking with professionals can lead to valuable connections and mentorship opportunities. Working for free can provide valuable experience and increase the chances of being hired by the company. Financial planning and understanding one's financial situation is important during the job search process. Being adaptable and open to different opportunities can lead to unexpected career paths and growth. Taking initiative, being proactive, and asking for opportunities are key to finding success in the job search process.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Overview03:00 Moving Home and Reducing Financial Burden09:10 Networking and Reaching Out to Mentors12:10 Crafting a Strong and Tailored Resume25:50 Identifying and Filling Skill Gaps36:25 Networking and Industry Events41:10 Working for Free45:15 Financial Planning and Understanding Your Situation50:00 Adaptability57:00 Taking Initiative and Asking for OpportunitiesMore of Project Rookie Here !!
What you'll learn: Consider factors like cost, location, and programcredibility when choosing a college. Be open to exploring different majors, clubs, and activities,and be willing to change if you're not passionate about your initial choice. Develop good study habits and be eager to learn to make themost of your college experience. Take FULL advantage of the opportunities and resourcesavailable in college, such as networking events and building relationships withprofessors. Be intentional with your time and prioritize tasks tobalance your social life with your academic and career goals. When revising your resume, focus on quantifying your impactand highlighting results-oriented achievements. When applying for a job, focus on MARKETING yourself as the bestcandidate by highlighting your IMPACT and QUANTIFYING your achievements. Networking and building relationships is crucial for careersuccess. Attend networking events, engage with professionals, and learn fromtheir experiences. FIND a challenging hobby outside of school or work todevelop new skills and enhance your personal growth. Chapters00:00 Introduction and College Decision-Making16:14 Balancing Social Life and Academic Goals34:47 Resume Writing and Marketing Yourself41:29 Leveraging Multiple Internship Offers53:12 Getting Involved in College59:48 Building Relationships and Networking01:08:46 Career Aspirations: Finance and AnalyticsMore of PROJECT ROOKIE:Project Rookie PodcastReferenced in the Show:Never Split the Difference
Our Key Takeaways: Be mindful of how you spend your attention and consider the concept of attention units. Understand the difference between focused attention and rote activity and strive for a state of flow in tasks that are important to you. Recognize the impact of switch costs and the importance of reducing distractions to improve attention and productivity. Conduct an attention audit to identify areas of wasted attention and find ways to be more efficient with your attention. Prioritize sleep and self-care to optimize your attention and mental energy. Performing an attention audit can help identify where attention is being wasted and prioritize what truly matters. Saying yes to everything can lead to a lack of focus and productivity, so it's important to make choices based on what is truly important. Outsourcing tasks can free up attention units and allow for more efficient use of time. Multitasking can be both a stressor and a hindrance to productivity, so it's important to find the right balance. Writing down ideas and using tools to optimize productivity can help manage attention effectively.Chapters:00:00 Attention Units and the Importance of Efficient Attention03:22 Understanding Flow: The Optimal State of Attention10:25 Switch Costs: Reducing the Time and Energy Required to Switch Between Tasks11:52 Conducting an Attention Audit: Identifying Areas of Wasted Attention14:53 The Relationship Between Attention and Productivity38:37 Managing Attention Units40:29 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Tasks45:39 Having Conversations with Yourself49:39 Expanding Attention Units through Outsourcing54:51 The Pitfalls of Multitasking01:02:23 The Power of Tools and Technology01:07:00 Being Prepared and Self-AwareMore of Project Rookie:ProjectRookieReferenced in the Show:Why our attention spans are shrinking, with Gloria Mark, PhD (apa.org)Owen Kattenbraker (@okatt_fitness) • Instagram photos and videos
In this episode, Alex and Jett sift through episodes 1-10 to grab the most important takeaways and slam them all into one, value-packed show.First Impressions Matter[#1] First Impressions Matterhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/7JqdxtUcvhRgcTsPAKXaBU?si=ebf0b4ba0fe443b1 [#2] LinkedInhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5l7KOtY4G5iL8SgtTWSOOL?si=950db68ad888430d[#3] Getting Noticedhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0ZpXSoJtH8k9mn7lz74Bme?si=47158575ff6e4d09[#4] This is Project Rookiehttps://open.spotify.com/episode/076xJbh7TH5uaUU6B72nPL?si=fed3625488834b7a[#5] Eddie Makar - JuCo Baseball to Networking All-Starhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5N2cAvyIo17PjyhT4Qye4v?si=11ede46fa1214885[#6] GROUP work only works when YOU dohttps://open.spotify.com/episode/4k9QZ0RdMB0vEo7Z6AvqiU?si=9fe487f9f8424221[#7] Nick Rubino - Data Analytics Engineerhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/2yEYYHSBOttMg7S5AALLkP?si=5d5890028156409a[#8] Hannah Gettman - Moving Across the World and Seizing Opportunitieshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/72ecHN8p0wmF7NJmXI2175?si=4bd8140b2884487b[#9] Owen Katten Braker: Small Wins, Big Resultshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0W5IuThppHJmna7RXdzWXx?si=af7716e0333b43fb[#10] Alec Jarmain - Tiktok Ventures and Getting Involvedhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0S8A6Q76J8sOIt9mH68F8r?si=f217c46eae214472
Alec Jarmain, a sophomore at Marquette University studying Accelerating Ingenuity in Markets (AIM), Finance, and information systems, shares his experiences studying abroad in London and the classes he is taking there. He discusses the cultural diversity and opportunities in London, as well as his classes in business law, international finance, and Spanish. Alec also talks about his involvement in school, including being a teaching assistant, a member of a business fraternity, and the chess club. He shares his experiences as a marketing intern and his entrepreneurial endeavor called Toss and Found, which aimed to help people find lost disc golf discs, while participating in a business competition. Alec emphasizes the importance of recognizing opportunities and taking action. Alec then shares his journey of starting Marshland Bounce Rentals and how he applied his learnings from school to strategize and grow his business, from pricing models to supply and demand. Alec also discusses the origins of his passion for entrepreneurship, which was influenced by his father's entrepreneurial ventures. He concludes with strategies for managing a busy workload and discusses his long-term career goal of becoming an investment banker.Check out Alec's Business: Marshland Bounce Rentals LLCMore of Project Rookie Here:https://beacons.ai/projectrookie
Owen Kattenbraker shares his journey from choosing a college to starting his own fitness coaching business. He discusses the factors that led him to choose Marquette University and emphasizes the importance of feeling comfortable and passionate about the field of study. He also highlights the value of alumni connections in his career. Owen shares his experience of starting his own business and the importance of taking small steps and building sustainable habits. This episode explores the themes of small wins, setting goals, creating daily to-do lists, focusing on the most important tasks, making work more fun and gamified, balancing healthy habits in a sedentary job, reevaluating career choices, and asking the right questions in job interviews. It also emphasizes the importance of utilizing mentors and alumni networks for guidance and support.Key Takeaways When choosing a college, consider the personal connections and opportunities available, as well as the comfort and personal attention offered by the institution. Take advantage of resources like assessments and online research to explore different fields of study and career paths. Starting a business requires taking small steps and building sustainable habits. Focus on acquiring consistent wins and gradually expanding your efforts. Passion and fulfillment in work come from finding something you enjoy doing and staying committed to it, even when faced with challenges. Develop daily habits and routines that align with your goals and help you stay focused and productive. Small wins can have a significant impact on personal and professional growth. Setting goals and achieving them can lead to happiness and success. Creating daily to-do lists helps prioritize tasks and stay organized. Focusing on the most important tasks reduces overwhelm and increases productivity. Making work more fun and gamified can increase motivation and engagement. Balancing healthy habits in a sedentary job is crucial for overall well-being. Reevaluating career choices is important to ensure alignment with personal values and goals. Asking the right questions in job interviews provides valuable insights and helps make informed decisions. Utilizing mentors and alumni networks can provide guidance and support in career development.OKATT FITNESS:Instagram: Owen Kattenbraker (@okatt_fitness) • Instagram photos and videosApply Here: Online Coaching Application (google.com)MORE OF PROJECT ROOKIE HERE:projectrookie - Link in Bio & Creator Tools | BeaconsIMPORTANT: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not reflect the official policies or positions of their respective employers. Individuals on this podcast are not licensed financial or investment advisors, and its contents should not be used as investment advice.
In This Episode:Joining us from London, she moved across the world in the middle of high school, and seizes every opportunity she's presented with. Hannah is an extremely bright and highly driven business student at the University of Michigan, and will be pursuing her second internship with PwC this upcoming summer in New York City.Ladies and Gentlemen, Hannah Gettman.Key Takeaways:- Taking opportunities and stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to valuable experiences and personal growth.- Researching and networking with professionals in a desired field can help in finding unique opportunities.- Impact investing involves investing with the purpose of changing ESG metrics (environmental, social, and governance) and supporting initiatives that benefit society.- When preparing for interviews, it is important to extract skills and stories from past experiences that demonstrate one's abilities and personal growth.- Adding an additional section to a resume with fun facts about oneself can help create a personal connection with interviewers. Networking and forming connections with professionals in the industry can give you an advantage in the recruitment process.- Maintaining relationships requires finding a balance between staying in touch and not being too pushy.- Exploring different areas of finance through conferences and internships can help you determine your interests and career path.- Consider the work-life balance and lifestyle of different roles in the finance industry when making career decisions.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background01:08Moving to Abu Dhabi04:35Transitioning to University of Michigan10:18Living in London11:26Choosing University of Michigan16:40Internship in Abu Dhabi19:54Becoming President of Michigan Impact26:09Impact Investing and ESG37:27Internship at PWC39:06Extracting Skills from Experiences42:34Preparing for Interviews45:09Society of Women in Finance49:25Maintaining Relationships55:32Forte Conference and Exploring Finance58:31Work-Life Balance in Finance01:03:20Future Plans and PwC
Ever heard of a Data Analytics Engineer?In this episode, we're joined by Nick Rubino, a 23-year-old Data Analytics Engineer. Nick graduated North Central College with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering.Nick shares an insider perspective on his role as a Data Analytics Engineer, his experience as the team captain of his college lacrosse team, takeaways from his early internship, and his strategies for early career success.MORE CONTENT HERE:Instagram: Project Rookie (@projectxrookie) X: PROJECT ROOKIE (@projectxrookie)
Working in teams is part of life, and at first, the majority enough don't enjoy it. In this episode, Jett and Alex will dive into their thoughts, experiences, and strategies they feel have helped them learn to embrace and appreciate working in teams. After listening to this episode, we hope that you'll be a more effective and positively contributing team member for your next project. MORE CONTENT HERE:Instagram: Project Rookie (@projectxrookie) X: PROJECT ROOKIE (@projectxrookie)