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Feeling stuck because your industry is dead and recruiters reject your "transferable skills"? Learn how to career pivot effectively and efficiently.

In January 2003, NASA engineers saw that a suitcase-sized chunk of foam had struck the Columbia shuttle’s wing during launch. Rodney Rocha and others warned of “grave hazards” and asked for satellite images to inspect the damage. Management declined, insisting there was “no safety of flight issue.” Seventeen days later, Columbia disintegrated on reentry. It’s a stark lesson: listen to the voices below you.

Effective leadership of new hires and early career professionals requires clear communication. Avoid micromanaging with these 7 frameworks.

Stop talking about tasks and start focusing on metrics that matter. Use Gorick's 5-step framework to define your "mandate," articulate your impact, and beat imposter syndrome.

In 2004, hedge fund analyst Sal Khan began tutoring his cousin online after work. To help her review, he posted short math videos on YouTube. Strangers watched. Teachers used the videos. The channel exploded. For three years, Khan built Khan Academy in his spare time before quitting his job and turning his side hustle into his main hustle. Today, Khan Academy reaches 180 million learners annually—proving that big things can start small and grow quietly on the side.

Spotting red flags at your new corporate job? From a chaotic CEO to acquisition fears, here’s a 5-step plan for how and when to start building a 'lifeboat' if the future of your role is uncertain.

Many dream of becoming K-pop idols—imagining the music videos, fans, and world tours. But behind the spotlight is a decade of training, strict diets, and 13-hour days, often without knowing if you’ll ever debut. The same is true in many careers: the highlight reel hides the grind. Before you commit years, talk to someone living it, trace their journey from start to now, test it in a small way, and decide if you can love it on its hardest days.

Trying to choose between going to grad school and pursuing a higher-paying job? Gorick Ng breaks down the 5 crucial criteria to determine if a Master's degree is truly worth the financial investment and career pause.

Learn the powerful lesson from Taylor Swift's move to Nashville. We reveal the WalletHub 2025 ranking of the best cities to start or accelerate your career based on opportunity.

Stop guessing how billion-dollar companies are built. This AMA cuts through the "innovation" jargon plaguing San Francisco and reveals the 8 predictable, repeatable models of Silicon Valley. Essential reading for aspiring founders and early career professionals.

In 1467, 15-year-old Leonardo da Vinci became an apprentice at a famous Italian artists’ studio. He started with chores, but soon mastered anatomy, mechanics, and light before becoming known for pieces like “The Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper.” His training shows that mastery often begins in someone else’s workshop.

Is your extra work getting you promoted? Find out why taking on more tasks often leads to a heavier workload, not a raise. Get a new strategy for getting recognized and advancing your career.

In 2013, a surge of orders during a Stanford football game left DoorDash customers waiting 90 minutes for their food. Despite the “technical issues,” founder Tony Xu refunded every order, wrote personal apologies, and delivered fresh-baked cookies at dawn. That act of accountability turned frustration into lasting customer loyalty, proving the value of taking ownership and going the extra mile.

Learn how to get on a recruiter's radar and build long-term relationships, even when you aren't actively looking for a job. Get a proven strategy for connecting with recruiters in a way that provides value for both parties.

In the early 2000s, researchers ran a study with smokers who wanted to quit. Some got encouragement. Others got a plan: “If I feel like smoking, then I’ll chew gum.” That one shift doubled their success rate. It’s a reminder that lasting change doesn’t always come from trying harder—it comes from planning smarter.

Feel like a generalist in a world of specialists? With the rise of AI, you might be wondering if your career has a future. Discover why generalists are more important than ever and how to become a subject matter expert.

In today’s crowded grocery aisles, most stores overwhelm shoppers with dozens of options per item. But private labels like Kirkland flipped the script: fewer choices, clearer picks, faster decisions. It’s a strategy reshaping how people shop—and it works at work, too. Make yourself the obvious pick.

Ageism is no longer an issue just for older adults. For mid-career professionals over 40, age-related discrimination is a real challenge. Learn a new, three-part strategy to navigate the job market and land your next role.

In 1970s London, Charlie Mullins was a teenage apprentice in a trade known for being scruffy and unreliable. When he started his own business, he did the opposite—and invested in clean vans, smart uniforms, and professional service. That commitment to presentation helped him build a multimillion-pound plumbing company. It’s a lesson in how you present your work matters just as much as the work itself.

Morris Chang was rejected over and over again while applying for PhD programs and promotions. Decades into his career, he created TSMC, the world’s largest semiconductor foundry.

Worried about finding work as an older professional? Learn practical strategies to overcome ageism, stand out in online applications, and unlock career opportunities—no matter your age.

Leaving your internship but want to keep the door open? Learn how to stay in touch with your summer manager and colleagues—plus thank-you templates and LinkedIn tips to keep relationships alive.

Got a rescinded offer or strained a professional relationship? Learn how to repair a burnt bridge with empathy, strategy, and Gorick’s 6-step email formula—plus why your current role might be your biggest advantage.

A Michelin Star is awarded based on defined standards—but chefs and insiders know there’s more to it. Spotless kitchens, intuitive service, and dishes that reflect the chef’s personality all seem to matter, even if they’re not officially listed. The lesson? Behind every prestigious award is a hidden set of expectations.

In 1961, Temple Grandin spent a summer on her aunt’s ranch and saw what others missed: the cattle they thought were stubborn were actually scared. Her insight led to a system redesign now used in over half of North American cattle ranches. It’s a lesson in slowing down, observing closely, and questioning assumptions.

Is your internship wrapping up soon? Here’s what to say—and ask—when your manager wants to talk about “next steps” or a return offer. Includes a simple framework for any outcome.

In 2014, economist Richard Tol mapped the academic family trees of 727 Nobel winners—and found that 696 were part of one big mentorship network. Another study found protégés of laureates are over three times as likely to win themselves. The lesson? The fastest way to grow is to learn directly from someone who's already been there.

Struggling with new hires who wait for directions instead of taking initiative? Learn two simple techniques that help early-career employees grow from passive task-doers into confident, proactive contributors.

In the 1950s, Henry Sy visited the U.S. and saw something new: air-conditioned malls that served as hubs for shopping, dining, and community life. He brought the concept home to the Philippines—and changed the way Filipinos gather and socialize.

3 ways to do effective outreach on LinkedIn, whether you’re looking to land a coffee chat about a job opportunity or trying to get some career advice from a potential mentor.

In the late ’90s, 17-year-old Kat Cole was a hostess at Hooters, just trying to pay for school. When the kitchen staff quit, she jumped in to cook. When the bartender left, she learned to bartend too. By 19, she could run the place—so no surprise that when corporate asked for candidates to fill an international role, her manager said, “Kat.” It’s a lesson in stepping up and being ready before anyone asks.

Struggling with a manager who just doesn't get it? Discover Gorick Ng’s actionable framework for working with short-sighted bosses—whether they’re stuck in survival mode or just plain stubborn. Learn how to adapt, align, or move on.

In 2001, George Hu joined Salesforce when it was just a 170-person startup. Because it was still small, he had direct access to leadership. So, when he had an insight, he cold emailed the CEO. That single message kicked off a 13-year rise to Chief Operating Officer. It’s a reminder that small teams often offer the biggest opportunities—if you get in early and speak up.

From haircuts to beards to tattoos, how much does your appearance shape how you’re seen at work? In this edition of Ask Gorick Anything, Harvard career advisor Gorick Ng breaks down the unspoken rules of being authentic while maintaining a professional image.

In 2010, Reshma Saujani ran for Congress and lost. But along the way, she noticed something: computer labs full of boys, not girls. That observation led her to start Girls Who Code, now reaching over 500,000 girls. It’s a reminder that changing your goals can lead you to your true purpose.

Thinking about leaving your corporate job to start a business? In this edition of Ask Gorick Anything, discover 10 practical steps—from finding your niche to choosing the right tech stack—that can help you launch and grow your solopreneur journey. Includes advice on pricing, getting your first clients, and more.

It took two decades for Nutella to go from a simple paste to the chocolate hazelnut spread known and loved today. There’s an important career lesson in its founding story: innovation doesn’t happen quickly—it takes years of refining for an idea to stick.

How do you know if you’re being tested at your internship and what do you do if you are? In this edition of Ask Gorick Anything, a subscriber asks what to do when higher-ups expect interns to go into the office but don’t do the same.

Most of us know of Thomas Edison as a prolific inventor, but few know that many of his inventions didn’t come from him alone—but from his team. This story explores how effective delegation was the key to Edison’s success.

Some sources say that job hopping is the best way to gain experience and increase your salary quickly. Others say it can make future potential employers question your resume. Gorick shares his advice.

In 2003, LEGO nearly went bankrupt. What happened next? Jørgen Vig Knudstorp used data to uncover a hidden pattern—and then acted on it.

“Speak up!” is common career advice. But what happens when speaking up lands the wrong way in a roomful of important people? Gorick shares how to “read the room” at work and how to bring up your new ideas to leadership without getting shut down.

Over three decades, Karen Kaplan rose through the ranks of advertising agency Hill Holliday from receptionist to CEO. Her story is a reminder: You can’t be what you can’t see

AI is reshaping the job market. It’s replacing routine jobs but creating new opportunities, too. Learn how to assess your current job and career and start building the skills that will help you thrive in this AI-driven world.

Jan Koum had a breakthrough idea for a messaging app, but he needed a partner to make it soar. So, he reached out to Brian Acton, a friend and former colleague. Together, they turned WhatsApp into a global sensation. This story reveals how staying connected with the right people from your past can open unexpected doors to success.

Thinking of making a career change? Consider the Battleship Method—a strategic way to figure out just how hard your career pivot might be.

Feeling stuck in a job you’ve outgrown? Gorick shares how to analyze the “why” behind your career change and how to break it down into manageable steps, no matter your age or experience level.

Before she directed Oscar-nominated film Selma, Ava DuVernay wasn’t a Hollywood insider. She didn’t even attend film school. But what she lacked in credentials, she made up for via the most important ingredient: a strong endorsement from someone on the inside who had worked with her previously

Worried AI might take your future job? In this edition of Ask Gorick Anything, Gorick breaks down how early career professionals can stay ahead in a world where AI threatens entry-level roles—and why learning to decide may be your biggest edge.

In 2007, Domino’s Pizza was $1.7 billion in debt. The company turned around thanks to its embrace of technology and became a case study for successful company turnarounds.

Your boss asks where to eat—what now? Learn how a simple question can be a subtle career test, and how to respond in a way that shows your Three C’s of competence, commitment, and compatibility.

Mark Carney didn’t become Prime Minister of Canada by luck alone. He became “the crisis guy”—and used that narrative to build his career from finance to politics. Here’s how you can shape your own story to build the life you want.

Returning to work after a leave of absence for medical, parental, or personal reasons? In this edition of Ask Gorick Anything, Wall Street Journal bestselling author Gorick Ng shares a 4-stage framework for leaving and reentering the workplace, as well as common pitfalls to avoid.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg graduated at the top of her class from Columbia Law, yet no one would hire her. Why? Because she was a woman, a mother, and Jewish. But one professor saw her potential and made a bold offer to a federal judge. This story reveals how the right connections can open doors for you in ways that no degree can.

Thinking of returning to work after years away? Learn how to navigate ageism, stand out in the job market, and assess company culture before saying yes to the job.

In 2008, Tata Motors set out to revolutionize India’s auto industry with the Tata Nano—the world’s cheapest car. But instead of being a success, it became one of the company’s biggest commercial failures. The problem? People don’t just buy products; they buy perception. Learn how knowing your value proposition can impact career success.

In this edition, Harvard career advisor Gorick Ng shares a personal experience of rejection and how the experience helped him land a dream job, write a bestselling book, and bounce back stronger.

In 2015, a simple photo of a dress sparked millions of arguments online. Was it blue and black, or white and gold? Discover what this viral moment reveals about “reality conflicts” at work—and how to avoid miscommunication before it derails your career.

Feeling stuck in a satellite office while others get the spotlight? Harvard career advisor Gorick Ng shares how to take off—or show off—to earn the same opportunities as your HQ peers. Learn the unspoken rules for getting noticed and pulled in.

Most CEOs rise through business or operational roles—Julie Sweet took a different path. This newsletter explores how she went from General Counsel to CEO of Accenture—and how you can use the same strategy to fast-track your career.

Struggling to land a job even after getting interviews? Learn why you're not getting past the interview stage—and what to say and do differently—straight from Harvard career advisor Gorick Ng.

Jonah Alben found ways to get around limitations while on Stanford’s rowing team. He took that mindset to Nvidia, where he leads high-performance chip or GPU development.

Job hunting after a tough exit? In this Ask Gorick Anything edition, career expert Gorick Ng shares how to rebuild confidence and stay strong after a layoff. Learn practical tips to overcome self-doubt and bounce back stronger.

From part-time security guard to 2-time Fortune 500 CEO, Marvin Ellison’s journey shows how being seen and heard can help you get out of a dead-end job.

Want to serve on a board but don’t know how people get picked? In this edition of Gorick Ng’s Ask Gorick Anything series, he breaks down what it really takes to get appointed to a corporate or nonprofit board—plus how to build the relationships and reputation to get there.

Is Keanu Reeves a "nepo baby"? His Hollywood connections might surprise you. Discover what Keanu, industry leaders, and research say about networking, and how you can use these strategies in your own career.

Looking for a high-paying job but want to avoid too much human interaction? In Part 2 of this AMA, Gorick Ng explores when you can stay unnoticed at work, the trade-offs of avoiding visibility, and what career paths are realistically attainable.

Dyslexia made reading and writing a challenge for Charles Schwab, but he found a way to succeed anyway. Discover how managing struggles and harnessing your superpower can change your career.

Looking for a high-paying job with minimal human interaction? In this edition of Ask Gorick Anything, Gorick breaks down what truly counts as "high paying," the trade-offs of avoiding people at work, and the hidden risks of staying unnoticed.

Ina Garten wasn’t always a celebrity chef—she was a nuclear energy analyst. Discover how following her instincts led her from government work to building a culinary empire.

Is an MBA worth it for a career pivot? Gorick Ng breaks down the real value of an MBA, how to assess if a program is a 'feeder' to your dream job, and what to consider before investing in grad school.

The Oscars favor late-year films—but does timing shape success beyond Hollywood? Gorick explores the Academy’s recency bias, Dune: Part Two’s Oscar snub, and how to stay relevant in your career.

Looking to switch careers? In this edition of Ask Gorick Anything, Harvard career advisor and WSJ bestselling author Gorick Ng breaks down career transitions and networking strategies. Read now for actionable career advice!

Take control of your career by mastering The 3 C’s of competence, commitment, and compatibility. This framework will help you build trust, unlock opportunities, and get closer to achieving your career goals.

Andy Weir’s The Martian didn’t start as a bestseller—it started as a blog. Learn how small, consistent steps led to a book deal, a Hollywood movie, and a global success story.

My company is doing frequent layoffs. I am in active search mode. But what do I do if I get an offer that's much lower pay than my job today? Take it and resign with the hope of at least having something in case I’m laid off?

Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada are surging at the polls. This is an example of the “rally ‘round the flag effect.”

How to stay in touch with someone in your professional network.

Ken Frazier went from first-gen to lawyer to CEO of Merck Pharmaceuticals.

How much bluffing can I do on my resume and interview? Employers lie ALL the time to candidates and employees.

How DeepSeek AI got Silicon Valley’s attention and why making things more efficient is a proven way of getting promoted.

OpenAI is having a very real employee retention crisis right now.

Demi Moore received her first major acting award 45 years into her career.

How Manmohan Singh, the late Prime Minister of India, rose to prominence.

How to succeed in a new job, get promoted, change careers, find a mentor, overcome a setback, leave a lasting legacy, be more focused, be more productive, become a better leader, and more.

How Orangetheory, the billion-dollar fitness franchise, got started and 3 key things you should focus on when you get laid off.

Learn how to wow the people who matter so you can achieve your goals with a fraction of the effort.

The fashion retailer ZARA was founded by a poor middle school dropout.

Peggy Cherng, co-founder of Panda Express, used her experience in battlefield tech to build one of America’s most successful fast-food restaurants.

Elections are won by persuading swing voters and mobilizing core supporters.

None of Elon Musk’s companies were started by Musk alone. They all took a dedicated team of subject matter experts.

Thanks to 30 years of self-promotion, the song “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey streams 1 million+ times daily each holiday season.

A soon-to-be dad’s mission to connect with his immigrant parents led to a cooking channel with millions of subscribers and two James Beard Awards.

"Tiffany Blue®" and "Minions Yellow™" are always the same shade no matter where you see them, thanks to the part-time employee who invented the Pantone Color Matching System.

Mary Barra held 13 roles at the Fortune 500 company General Motors before becoming its CEO.

Ramin Djawadi went from being an assistant to composing HBO’s Game of Thrones soundtrack.

IKEA would have never become the king of “build-it-yourself” furniture had its employee #4 not suggested the idea.

LVMH (which owns the most valuable luxury brands from Louis Vuitton to Dior) created its own definition of success.