The Importance of Learning From Others

Career services professionals meet students at some of the most uncertain moments of their lives, helping them prepare to step into the world with the skills, confidence, and clarity needed to succeed. While we do our best to send students forward feeling capable and hopeful, we also know that life rarely unfolds exactly as planned. That reality is precisely why we developed this lesson for life after college.

When things go according to plan, careers can feel exciting and affirming, but when students encounter unexpected challenges, the ability to draw on trusted guidance becomes invaluable. When we introduce students to this concept and invite them to engage with it intentionally, the benefits extend far beyond their immediate job search. This lesson pays dividends throughout their professional lives.

Why This Matters Now

A generation ago, many professionals built their careers at one or two organizations. Institutional mentorship was often embedded within those systems.

That world no longer exists.

Changes in corporate structures, the rise of the gig economy, and increased workforce mobility have reshaped how careers unfold. Today’s professionals are likely to experience multiple distinct careers—not simply job changes but fundamental pivots. People are working longer and careers that extend to 50 years might become the norm. This could translate to 10 or more different roles. Each transition requires new skills, fresh networks, and renewed support.

This reality makes one thing clear: Students need a reliable group of people they can turn to for guidance. We encourage students to build what we call a personal executive board, which is is a small, intentional group of trusted individuals who can provide perspective, challenge assumptions, and help them create a roadmap toward their goals.

This approach is especially important given the competitive labor market, the rapid integration of automation and artificial intelligence, and the growing reliance on contract and project-based work.

A Simple Metaphor Students Understand

We often explain this concept to students using a simple analogy: Building a career is like baking a cake. Most people start with a recipe or by asking someone whose cake they loved for advice. Yet many students believe they must figure out their careers entirely on their own because their journey feels “unique.”

While each path is personal, going it alone can be overwhelming. Reminding students that others have navigated similar decisions, faced comparable challenges, and learned lessons worth sharing can be helpful when suggesting they assemble a personal “executive board” to offer insights, guide them through tough situations, and move forward with greater confidence.

Helping Students Ask for Help

As career professionals, we know that asking for help is not a weakness—it is a key to long-term success. Students may not immediately know who should serve in each role on their personal executive board, and that is okay. With reflection and guidance, they can begin to identify individuals who are well suited to support them in specific ways.

Ideally, each role is filled by one person. While it may be tempting for students to assign multiple roles to a single advisor, doing so often dilutes the value of the relationship. Focus allows advisors to provide clearer, more effective guidance.

We also encourage students to be thoughtful about who they invite into these roles. Parents, while well-meaning, may have perspectives or agendas that are not aligned with a student’s best professional interests, particularly if they lack current industry experience. Peers are important, but we recommend limiting peer representation to one role, with the remaining positions filled by more experienced professionals.

Gender diversity and varied backgrounds matter as well. Different perspectives challenge students’ assumptions and deepen their thinking. The goal is not affirmation alone but also growth. Advisors may offer hard truths, but those insights are grounded in care and experience.

Key Roles on a Personal Executive Board

Mentor
This individual can offer experience, guidance, and consistent support. Rather than providing answers, a mentor typically helps students think critically and navigate decisions. The relationship should be built on trust, mutual respect, and commitment. A strong mentor challenges students to grow while empowering them to own their journey.

Connector
This person is someone who naturally builds relationships and opens doors. This helps students expand their professional network by making introductions and increasing visibility within a chosen field. Connectors help students move beyond their immediate circle and into broader professional communities.

Critic
The critic provides honest, unfiltered feedback. While this input may feel uncomfortable at times, it is essential for growth. This role is not about discouragement but about sharpening decision-making, reframing perspectives, and building resilience. A strong critic knows the student well and challenges them constructively.

Cheerleader
Every student need someone who believes in them, especially during moments of doubt. The cheerleader provides encouragement, motivation, and emotional support. This person reminds students of their strengths and helps sustain confidence when progress feels slow or setbacks occur.

Expert
The expert offers deep, current knowledge within a specific field or industry. This individual accelerates learning by providing strategic insight, technical expertise, and informed advice. Experts help students understand industry norms, expectations, and emerging trends.

Mental Health or Spiritual Coach
This role provides a safe, nonjudgmental space for reflection. Whether focused on mental health, spirituality, or overall well-being, this individual helps students maintain perspective and balance. They support not just achievement, but thriving—reminding students of what truly matters.

Peer
Even with experienced advisors, students benefit from having one peer on their board. This person offers shared experiences, empathy, and healthy accountability. Peers often navigate similar life stages and can provide relatable insight and encouragement.

Building and Sustaining the Board

Students often already have most of their board within their existing network. After all, most people know hundreds of individuals to some degree, and many of those contacts can suggest others who may be a strong fit. We recommend students approach this process as a series of informational conversations rather than formal requests.

Importantly, this board is not a one-time assembly. Students should return to their board when considering new opportunities, facing challenges, contemplating career pivots, or recovering from setbacks. Over time, some members will remain constant while others rotate as goals and circumstances change.

There are no truly “self-made” professionals. Every successful career is supported by guidance, mentorship, and community. Purposeful careers are built with help.

From Stranger to Trusted Advisor

Strong advisory relationships require intentional effort. Many potential board members are busy and selective about how they invest their time. Relationships often begin through conferences, alumni networks, professional associations, volunteer work, or online communities. To deepen those connections, students should clearly articulate the role they are asking someone to play and what kind of support they are seeking.

These relationships must be reciprocal. Students should take time to learn about their advisors, show appreciation for their time, and demonstrate follow-through.

Encourage students to position themselves where potential advisors naturally gather. Rather than asking for help immediately, they should focus on asking thoughtful questions and building rapport. Sharing relevant articles, following up on book or podcast recommendations, offering assistance on projects, or making introductions are all ways to add value.

Consistent, genuine engagement builds credibility and trust.

Making the Ask—and Following Through

After each interaction, a thoughtful thank-you note goes a long way. Students should reference specific takeaways, act on advice given, and report back on progress. This follow-through signals respect and commitment, increasing the likelihood of long-term support.

The ultimate goal is to help students get somewhere on purpose authentically, intentionally, and with support. As the proverb reminds us: “Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach them to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.”

To the advisors who serve on our own personal executive boards: your words, guidance, and belief in us have mattered more than you will ever know.