Latest Stories from Dan
How do I build a career when every entry level role wants experience?
For young people trying to break into work, the biggest contradiction of all is being told you need experience to get a job, while being denied the very opportunities that would let you build it. I don’t suppose it’s much consolation, but this isn’t a new problem. One of the earliest references I can find is the 1978 book Want a job? Get some experience. Want experience? Get a job...
Is chasing a passion job financially irresponsible in 2026?
Is chasing a passion job financially irresponsible in 2026, or is there a way to do so without throwing caution to the wind? ‘Follow your passion’ is common, well-meant piece of careers advice that careers professionals often criticise for a few reasons: It’s hard to know what your passion is, especially when you’re young. It’s often something that emerges over time. It’s often not practical advice. Passions can be hard...
Should I keep my side hustle a secret from management?
‘Should I tell my manager about my creative side hustle, or will they assume I’m not focused on my main job?’ It’s a good question, and one that’s ever more relevant as folks take on side-hustles. I think there’s a three-step process to assessing if telling your line manager is a good idea or not. Common sense Firstly, apply a bit of common sense. Are you fishing for the same clients as...
How to stay motivated and set professional goals for the year ahead?
Staying motivated can be tough at work. When you’re in education there's regular feedback, fresh objectives, a higher purpose (your development) and an end in sight (graduation). You have a ready-made community (your friends) and people around you who really care about your success (teachers, lecturers, parents). All of this is motivating, and some workplaces and professions do a good job of replicating this, especially in the early years of your...
Will AI change the value of human mentorship?
As AI automates entry-level work, the way we learn on the job is shifting. Mentorship won't vanish, but its purpose is evolving into something far more human. I won't be out of a job, probably. AI won’t replace mentorship, but it will redefine it There’s a lot of talk about how AI will reshape entry-level work. But one thing feels clear to me: the more AI we use, the more human...
Gen Zers must get AI literate for CVs and LinkedIn
How should Gen Z navigate the pressure to appear 'AI-literate' on CVs or LinkedIn when many still feel under trained or unsure where to start? The pressure to appear "AI-literate" on your CV and LinkedIn is real, but actually very few people are truly experts yet. The technology is so new that everyone, from seasoned professionals to recent grads, is still figuring it out. So don’t be scared to start! That...
Do Gen Z employers need a management style refresh?
Employers will have no choice but to update management styles to help Gen Z reach their full potential. As my colleague Dr. Naeema Pasha points out in her work, Gen Z are used to instant communication. They’ve been given continuous feedback during their education, with regular testing, followed by rewards for passing. Their parents and teachers have been very involved in their lives, and decision-making is a shared-activity. And...
How can Gen Z be transparent about use of AI in the workplace
How Can Gen Z Discuss Their Use of AI Tools with Managers to Ensure Transparency and Trust at Work? I love the intention behind this question: recognizing that using AI could be a concern and that the best way to address it is through open discussion. First, don’t assume your manager is against AI. Many leaders I talk to are open to exploring how it can be used as a tool...
How can Gen Z employees use AI without losing critical thinking skills?
How can Gen Z employees use AI to their advantage without losing or failing to develop critical thinking skills? This is a great question. I’ve seen first-hand how automation can boost efficiency - but also create skill gaps. Early in my career, my firm automated investment performance analysis, eliminating 80% of the manual work. But when complex issues arose, newer analysts like me - who had never done it manually -...
Are Gen Z really unprepared for the workforce?
Are Gen Z really as unprepared for the workforce as the media claims? If not, what can they do to prove they are not? ‘Often characterized as being lazy, arrogant, unreliable, and cynical, Generation X is considered to be anything but team-oriented.’ 1999 ‘Millennials have been dubbed the most ‘impatient generation’ in the workplace, with over 90 percent wanting ‘rapid career progression.’ Almost 70 percent of employers believe that this level...
