From making us aware of quiet quitting (doing the bare minimum) to rage applying (hastily applying for a new job when you’re feeling frustrated by your current one), TikTok has become the birthplace of the workplace trend.
The app is also frequently used to illuminate the uninitiated about what it’s really like to work in big tech. “Day in the life” style videos, depicting what a job at Google, Meta and Amazon entails (spoiler alert: complimentary meals and snacks) have proven to be particularly popular on the social media platform.
However, with mass layoffs shaking tech to its core—so far this year 513 tech companies have let go of 150,518 employees—glowing tech testimonials have taken a sour turn. Laid-off staff have been venting their anger via “day in my life getting laid off” content instead (spoiler alert: they’re taking their snacks with them).
So is TikTok the right place to get work advice? While it’s always prudent to take any information gleaned from social media with a proverbial pinch of salt, TikTok does house vast amounts of conventional career subject matter via its #careeradvice and #careertok hashtags.
Below are three accounts that are particularly useful for college students or recent graduates entering the job market.
1. Rawan @rawantheplug
Former Meta employee Rawan, whose account is @rawantheplug, offers practical advice about breaking into a career in tech, interview tips and the professional certificates that add weight to your resume. She is also committed to fostering diversity in the workplace, and as such creates content specifically for underrepresented communities. You can also contact her directly by submitting a request here.
2. Darci @careercoachdarci
Whether you have a big interview coming up or keep getting rejected from jobs you know you’re qualified for, Darci, aka @careercoachdarci, has a TikTok to help you. She also gives advice around how to tackle workplace conflicts, how to ask for a raise and workplace benefits, and has created resume and cover letter templates that are free to access. You can also book one-on-one coaching sessions if you want Darci to tailor a plan to your individual needs.
3. Kelly @holistic_career_chica
A self-described “Latina in tech”, Kelly aka @holistic_career_chica is a particularly useful resource for undergraduates as she has created several TikToks about advice she wishes she could give her younger self, along with the best advice she’s received along the way. She also details how she handles being a Latinx woman in tech, how to advocate for yourself in the workplace and how to handle performance reviews.
Ready to put their advice to the test? The Study International Job Board has thousands of internship and entry-level opportunities in companies that are hiring, like the three below.
Graduate Program, Wavemaker for bpost HQ, VLG
If you have a new Master’s degree, or you are graduating this summer, and you’re looking for a job packed with opportunities in the field of operations world, supply chain, logistics and transport, the Graduate Program could be for you. A two year rotational program, it will begin in September 2023 and you will be working on three projects; each will take eight months. You will be taking on different projects or different existing roles in three teams in the core of the business. To apply, you will need a maximum of one year of work experience, you want a job with contacts, to deal with people and not work behind a screen all day long and you are passionate about supply chain, logistics, the world of operations. Get full information here.
Marketing Intern, nuEra, Chicago
nuEra is seeking an enthusiastic and professional summer Marketing Intern to support its family of six retail dispensaries across the IL market. You’ll assist the marketing team in all aspects of nuEra retail marketing initiatives including creating or sourcing original, engaging, and shareable content for various marketing campaigns and platforms, work with the marketing assistant on social media marketing campaigns, manage the nuEra social media content calendar and stay current with all nuEra Social platforms. Among other responsibilities, you’ll also plan and execute various hyperlocal community-engagement initiatives and events to build brand awareness at all locations. You’ll need to be pursuing a master’s or bachelor’s degree in marketing and be a self-starter who can take initiative and see projects to completion. Apply for the role here.
Video Intern, Sporting Kansas City, Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City is seeking a Video Intern to be a key contributor to the marketing team. You will gain valuable experience working with the marketing team, collaborating in an environment full of learning opportunities designed to help you evolve your capabilities, challenge your strengths, and reach your fullest potential. You’ll assist the video operations team by developing and executing creative concepts, ensuring the organization is consistent, and communicating a cohesive message through all channels organizational and public-facing entities. Required skills and experience include Adobe Bridge, Photoshop, and Lightroom experience. You’lll be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Calendar, and can organize work effectively, conceptualizing and prioritizing objectives, and exercising independent judgment based on understanding organizational policies and activities. Find the full job description here.
Start your career journey today via the Study International Job Board