Five Ways to Thrive in Today’s Changing Workplace

Every week, I hear from Smithies across industries and experience levels looking for guidance in today’s turbulent job market. It’s undeniably tough, with concerns about AI, economic policy shifts, and geopolitical instability complicating traditional pathways of hiring and advancement.

But I also know that Smithies have a powerful edge thanks to our Alum Career Program (ACP)—which offers coaching, webinars, workshops, networking events, and more—and the 54,000-member alum community behind it. For every alum seeking support, another offers mentorship, connections, and advice.

I turned to five wise Smithies—all coaches with the ACP or members of Smith’s Industry Leaders Council—to help make sense of the current work landscape. Here are their strategies for navigating change and pursuing sustainable, fulfilling careers.

While many professionals are worried about being replaced by AI, Martha Galley ’79, a seasoned executive and advocate for women’s advancement in tech, says AI can also offer job security.

“Being good at things that AI can’t do is an employment continuation strategy,” she explains. “The people who understand how they uniquely or substantially contribute to their current or target company don't have all that much trouble keeping or finding work.”

“Really assess the skills you bring to the table in the cold light of day, and then communicate them clearly.” Don’t be vague or generic. Your career progression will be a direct function of what value you add, she says.

What I appreciate about Jamie Lee ’04’s take is that she grounds her insights in an evidence-based neuroplasticity approach. We might not be able to change the fluctuating job market, but we can shift how we react to it—and ultimately what we decide to do about it.

In fact, Lee sees this moment as a time for Smithies to take more control of their lives and careers. “We’ve been conditioned by this patriarchal society to second guess ourselves, to diminish our voices, and to take up as little space as possible,” she says. “So when you vote for yourself, it’s countercultural.”

Lee suggests asking yourself, “What am I avoiding because I don't yet fully trust that I'll be okay on the other side if I took this action?”—whether that action is quitting, pivoting, starting a business, or something else.

When you truly trust yourself, Lee says, the possibilities are endless. “Smith alums are so well positioned for knowledge work. If you can hone your expertise and stay authentic, real, and human, the opportunities are really big.”

I always learn something when I read Helen Krug von Nidda ’90’s blog posts, and this passage resonates about women and visibility in the workplace at a time when women—and especially women of color—are still underrepresented in the corporate pipeline:

“The head down, hard work approach is not enough—especially in hybrid workplaces. Do not wait for credit to find you. Put your hand up and let people know where you can add value. Exposure is not pushy. It is participation.”

She often hears from people who are unsure how to increase visibility. “I’m teaching women to stay in the spotlight at work through empathy, listening, and genuine presence. You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to be heard.”

This concept of visibility carries into how she talks about networking. ”Nobody really wants to network, but it’s people who will help you get a job, not processes,” she says. “A text might feel easier, but showing up to events, meeting people face to face, picking up the phone—that’s what actually builds the connection.” (Reaching out through the Smith Network can be your first step!)

Embarking on a search can be daunting, especially with ghost job postings and a six-week average hiring timeline. But Emily Frank ’93 suggests a concrete way to lessen the pain: “Break your search into small, manageable steps.”

Take a task like updating a LinkedIn profile. “List what needs updating. Then research peers’ profiles. Edit one section at a time. That momentum helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence.” It also gives you a sense of control. “There are so many parts of a job search that can make you feel disempowered, especially because you’re sending off applications and just waiting. Taking action steps gives structure to your day so you don’t feel overwhelmed and end up watching thirty videos about meerkats instead.”

Katrina McGhee ’01 acknowledges that the market is competitive, but says employees have more leverage than they think. “Sabbaticals get created overnight,” she says. “Unpaid leave, part-time arrangements, remote work—if you’re a high performer, companies will work to keep you.”

But do you want to keep the company, or even continue working at the same pace or in the same role? As you consider these existential questions, McGhee’s tip for Smithies is to take a career break if financial resources allow.

“Taking a break isn’t necessarily escaping your job or your life; it’s about re-energizing your life,” she explains. “When you’re feeling burnt out, misaligned, or a deep calling to pursue an important part of your life that is not your work, taking a break can actually be like jet fuel.”

It also creates space for reflection and realignment. “Be it lack of good boundaries, perfectionism, or feeling like your productivity and achievement are tied inherently to your self-worth, it’s important to understand why you burned out so you don’t repeat the cycle again.”

The time away doesn’t have to be spent lounging on a beach—although that may be just what you need. McGhee says you can also use it to take courses or expand your skill set. “It can be an incubator for growth,” she says.

As you’re navigating your career, whether you’re on a job hunt or strengthening your visibility, I urge you to look to your network—and look back to Smith and the resources of the Alum Career Program. We’re here for you.

Christie Kennedy ’10 leads the Alum Career Program, helping Smithies thrive and reach their goals.