Career transitions can be complicated, whether you’re pivoting into tech, landing your first management role, or taking on new challenges in your current job.
And if you’ve followed a nontraditional career path? Sometimes things get even trickier.
At Next Shift Learning, we work with lots of first-generation college students and other underrepresented professionals who may not have had the same opportunities as many of their peers. We’ve seen how these learners become major powerhouses for their companies when they’re given a chance to succeed.
Here, we’re sharing our best resources for supercharging your career, from identifying the most in-demand skills to nailing that job interview.
✨ What You’ll Find in This Career Hub:
- The top soft skills employers want—and how to show them off
- How to stand out in job interviews (even without a traditional background)
- Salary negotiation tools that actually work
- Free courses and upskilling programs you can start today
- Inspiring career stories from people who’ve been in your shoes
Take a Quick Self-Assessment
Are You Ready for Your Next Career Step?
Ask Yourself:
- Am I clear on the kinds of roles or companies I’m seeking out?
- Do I know which skills I need to grow right now?
- Do I have tools I can use to level up?
If you answered “no” to any of these, don’t worry—we’ve got you! This hub includes our best resources to help you take your career to the next level.
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Supercharge Your Career: Learn the Skills Hiring Managers Want
As tech evolves, soft skills—what we call human skills—are more in demand than ever. These resources can help you identify the right skills to hone and how to show them off with confidence.
Top 6 Skills Tech Employers Look for Beyond Coding
Human skills like adaptability and collaboration are now more valuable than ever.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report
Get data on the fastest-growing skills across 1,000 top employers. Hint: analytical thinking is key.
Stay ahead of the curve with real-time trends from employers and job seekers alike.
Bookmark this section for when you need to refocus your skill-building. 💪
Nail the Job Search: From Resumes to Salary Talks
Looking for a new job? It can be overwhelming. These tools will help you focus your search, write stronger applications, and navigate negotiations with confidence.
Decide Where to Apply
Work, Life, and Balance Newsletter from Better With Phoebe
Learn how to choose the right roles, not just any roles.
Write a Stand-Out Cover Letter
How to Highlight Soft Skills in Your Cover Letter
Practical examples that get past the bots—and get you noticed.
Prep Like a Pro for Interviews
Why You?: 101 Interview Questions You'll Never Fear Again
The book every job seeker should have on their desk.
Use AI Tools like Perplexity or ChatGPT
Paste in a job description and generate custom interview questions. Practice makes you confident!
Get Ready to Negotiate 📈
Discover what people really earn—and how to ask for what you deserve.
Keep Leveling Up: Growth Resources for Early Career Professionals
Whether you’re searching for a job or looking to keep growing in your current role, it pays (often literally) to continue developing your skills. Here are a few ways to get started!
Learn From the Best
Google, Pinterest, Lyft and More Offer Tech Apprenticeships to Help You Forge Your Career Path
This list offers 18 hand-picked apprenticeships to help you pivot into the tech industry.
Google, TikTok, Snap & More Offer Free Courses to Upskill Early Career Marketers
Looking to advance (or kick off) your marketing career? These free courses, curated by our team at Next Shift Learning, are a great place to start.
Online Learning Platforms
Get certified or test-drive a new skill for free.
Free Online Courses at Harvard
Learn on your schedule, with topics like Resilient Leadership and Salary Negotiation.
This is our virtual course for early-career tech talent, which helps you build and refine your leadership skills. We focus on the most in-demand and impactful skills, like adaptability and emotional intelligence. Get on our waitlist to make sure you’re in the know about the next cohort!
Real Stories, Real Success: How Our Community Leads With Heart
You don’t have to fit the mold to be a leader. In fact, your unique story might be your biggest strength. Meet two of our founders and see how their nontraditional paths shaped their careers and our mission.
Embracing Change: Tina’s Journey to Leadership
Growing up undocumented and as a first-gen student, Tina honed emotional intelligence early—and it’s now one of her biggest leadership assets.
From Weekend Jobs to Stanford: Sergio’s Story
Sergio’s resilience came from helping his dad with weekend jobs, and it’s helped him build teams, navigate Stanford, and launch Next Shift Learning.
Bonus: These posts also feature some adorable founder kid photos—just saying!
Let’s Stay Connected
Your career is a journey—and we’re here for every step. Whether you’re applying for your first role or your fifth, we’re always creating new, practical tools to help you grow.
Don’t miss out:
- Join the Emerging Leaders waitlist.
- Follow us on LinkedIn.
- Sign up for our newsletter. (We only send the good stuff!)
You’ve got what it takes to shift into success!
