This summer, I suggest that new graduates do two things. Learn as much as possible about AI and how it relates to the work you are interested in and to showcase who you are and stand out from the crowd, build a personal website.
I frequently speak to university classes that use one of my books as required reading. Usually, it’s a quick Zoom meeting but I especially love speaking in-person to classes in the Boston area.
At some point in my talk, I bring up the fact that students are planning for the next phase of life, perhaps entering the working world, applying for a graduate degree program, or starting their own venture.
For any of these next steps, I suggest the two things they can do to stand out in a competitive environment for an entry level job, a spot in a university program, or an angel or VC investment.
Every field is affected by artificial intelligence, and the more a new graduate knows about AI the better. Spend some time learning, perhaps setting up an AI with your own content and playing around with AI agents.
For marketers, I suggest the best place to start is at the Marketing Artificial Intelligence Institute. They have tons of resources for how to be a next generation marketer, much of it free, including an introductory course, a weekly podcast, and an email newsletter.
If you have a unique name, buy the your name dot com URL right now!
If you’re like me, with a common name where the dot com URL is taken, consider using your middle name like I do or some other unique attribute so you can own an appropriate URL.
In my case, when I was setting up a website last century, I learned there is a David Scott who walked on the moon as commander of Apollo 15, a David Scott who is a six-time Iron Man Triathlon Champion and another David Scott who was a US Congressman. Good company indeed, but I chose to become unique among my fellow David Scotts, so in 1999 I started adding Meerman to my bio and by-line and got my URL.
Once you have a URL, create a personal website that showcases your passions, both personal and professional. Consider starting a blog or podcast or YouTube channel and hosting the content on your new website.
In a world of social media profiles owned by giant corporations, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Microsoft (LinkedIn), and Elon Musk (X), you don’t want to be beholden. Own your content real estate.
If you focus on these two strategies this summer, you will be set up for success during the application and interview process.
How cool will it be when you can educate your potential employer about AI in their industry. Or how amazing when a potential investor or a graduate school admissions officer Googles your name and finds your personal website. You will stand out in a sea of resumes and applications!
If you have somebody in your world who is graduating, please pass this on to them.
Image: I’m with Professor Jack Derby’s Entrepreneurial Marketing class at Tufts University.
Disclosure: I am an investor in the Marketing AI Institute.