For decades, the playbook to success for young professionals was pretty straightforward: Go to college, land an entry-level position, gain experience and climb the corporate ladder. But in today’s sluggish labor market where artificial intelligence is reshaping many entry-level roles, that playbook is quickly being rewritten.

Whether you’ve been fortunate to land your first full-time role or you’re still looking for one, success in the first year of your career requires more than just a degree nowadays. With overall hiring down 20% from pre-pandemic levels, hiring managers and experts have told me time and time again that young professionals today need to be resilient, adaptable and open to opportunities that may not initially feel like the traditional first step of their career path.

From going into the office in order to strengthen workplace relationships, to building up your network and being open to contract work if needed, young workers must be receptive to stepping outside the box in order to thrive in today’s economy.

Read here to learn more about the seven new rules workplace leaders say young professionals should follow to get their career off to a strong start.

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