05/15/2025

‘Sponsorship’—Not Mentorship—Will Help You Land a Job Out of College

For those asking 'what's next,' relationships have extreme importance

As graduation ceremonies start rolling out across the country, graduates (and parents) are asking themselves: What's next? This year's graduates are entering the workforce in arguably one of the most challenging job markets since the COVID-19 pandemic. Combine this with the many former federal workers who are also suddenly looking for jobs, and it’s likely that this year’s college graduates will find themselves facing even fiercer competition.

So, what predicts who is underemployed versus employed out of college?

No matter who you are—someone looking for an internship, a new job or even to keep a current job—the difference between staying employed or finding a new position often isn’t just about talent. It’s about who is advocating for you behind closed doors. When companies make tough decisions, they don’t just look at resumes; they rely on trusted voices to vouch for employees' or job candidates’ value. Their decisions are swayed by sponsors, not mentors.

Please select this link to read the complete article from TIME.