As 2026 unfolds, many professionals and recent graduates are reassessing how to stay competitive in a labor market shaped by automation, AI, globalization, and economic uncertainty. Graduate school, once seen mainly as an academic path, is increasingly viewed as a strategic investment in long-term career resilience. With data showing growing wage gaps, rising skill requirements, and structural changes in employment, this moment may be one of the most practical times in decades to consider an ad
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The artificial intelligence revolution is reshaping the global economy, generating demand for AI talent at every level. While high-paying roles like AI researchers and machine learning scientists often require advanced degrees, top tech leaders — including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang — say you don’t need a PhD to build a lucrative AI career. Instead, success in the AI era increasingly revolves around practical skills, adaptability, and strategic positioning.
This article breaks down how “normal peop
Asking for a raise or a promotion is one of the most important conversations in your career — and also one of the most nerve-wracking. Do it too early, and you risk being seen as impatient; wait too long, and you could be leaving money and opportunity on the table. The good news? There are optimal timing strategies, backed by data and organizational behavior research, that can help you make your case confidently and get results.
This article breaks down when to ask and how to prepare based on
In a competitive job market, it’s easy to believe that higher pay equals better career decisions. But according to Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors in history, focusing too heavily on salary early in your career can be a costly mistake. His advice challenges a common assumption about success and offers a more sustainable approach to building a fulfilling, resilient career.
Buffett’s perspective is especially relevant as professionals navigate shifting job markets, evolving sk
Layoffs create shockwaves across organizations. Even for employees who remain, the aftermath often brings uncertainty, heavier workloads, and a lingering question: Is it still appropriate to ask for a raise? The short answer is yes—sometimes. A rocky job market doesn’t automatically eliminate the possibility of a compensation conversation. But how and when you approach it matters more than ever.
Understanding the Post-Layoff Reality
After layoffs, companies are typically balancing multiple pres
Understanding how companies determine compensation can help you negotiate more effectively and evaluate job opportunities with clarity. Salary offers are carefully structured decisions built to reflect the role, the market, and the value an individual brings.
1. Market Research and Competitive Benchmarking
Organizations begin by analyzing current pay data for similar roles by industry, location, and experience level. The goal is to offer compensation that attracts strong talent while remaining
Latina Equal Pay Day, observed this year on Wednesday, October 8, represents how far into the new year Latinas must work to earn what white, non-Hispanic men made in the previous year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), Latinas working full-time year-round earn just 57 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men. When part-time and seasonal workers are included, that figure drops to 52 cents.
Over a 40-year career, that gap adds up to a loss
Join us for an empowering evening of insight, connection, and celebration at the 4th Annual Uplift Latina Forum on Latina Equal Pay Day, Wednesday, October 8, at Azul Chicago. Experience a distinguished lineup of Latina leaders and allies who are driving impact, shaping change, and inspiring the next generation.
Presented in partnership with NBC/Telemundo Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Illinois Tech, and Today’s Inspired Latina, this signature forum brings together community, cultur
Accepting a new job is one of the most important career decisions you can make. The right role can accelerate your professional growth, expand your network, and bring financial security. The wrong role can lead to burnout, stalled development, or regret. Before you say yes, it’s worth taking the time to evaluate the offer thoroughly and make sure it aligns with your career goals and personal needs.
1. Salary and Total Compensation
The salary is often the first thing people look at, but it’s jus
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The decision to ask for a raise has never felt more complex. On one hand, inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of salaries, with the U.S. inflation rate still hovering above historical norms. On the other, many companies are balancing tighter budgets, cautious hiring, and uncertainty in global markets. Despite these pressures, wages in many industries have risen steadily since the pandemic, as employers compete for talent and aim to retain experienced workers.
If you’re like a lot of people, you might have gone your entire career without ever asking for a raise. It’s surprisingly common for workers, particularly women, to wait for their employer to dole out raises rather than proactively requesting one.READ MORE AT NEW YORK MAGAZINE