Career Myths Busted by GCMC Career Coaches: Common Misconceptions Grad Students Have About Their Futures
Starting graduate school is exciting but can quickly become overwhelming. Connecting with a GCMC Career Coach early offers students personalized support, helps them build key skills, and offers guidance to overcome challenges.
Oftentimes, students have some ideas about career development that aren’t always true. To help avoid common misconceptions, the GCMC’s Career Coaches share career myths they often hear from grad students, give the realities, and offer their best advice.
Coach Lindsey Plewa: Myth vs. Reality
Myth: “I’m an introvert, so I’m not good at networking.”
Reality: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to networking, and introverts often excel at it when they play to their strengths. At the GCMC, we host four networking meetups each semester where students can connect in person with alumni in their desired fields. These large events can feel overwhelming, especially if you prefer smaller, more structured conversations.
Advice from Coach Lindsey: You can network effectively in ways that match your personality. Introverts tend to shine when they:
Prepare ahead of time by researching people and companies.
Ask thoughtful questions that show genuine curiosity.
Listen deeply to understand, not just to respond.
Coach Jack Pullara: Myth vs. Reality
Myth: “No one reads cover letters.”
Reality: This idea isn’t just misleading; it could cost you a shot at your dream job. Some hiring managers read every word, some skim, and others skip it altogether, but you never know which one you’re applying to. Skipping the cover letter or submitting a generic one is a missed opportunity.
The Power of a Strong Cover Letter
A cover letter isn’t just a formality; it’s your chance to make a personal connection and tell your story in a way a resume can’t. Here’s what an impactful cover letter can do:
Explain Why You’re Interested in the Position
A cover letter lets you convey genuine enthusiasm for the role. Instead of relying on boilerplate phrases, you can highlight specific aspects of the job that excite you. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role at a sustainable fashion brand, you might mention your passion for eco-conscious branding and how the company’s mission aligns with your values. This shows you’ve done your homework and aren’t just blasting out applications.Show Why the Employer Should Hire You
Your resume lists your skills and experience, but a cover letter lets you connect the dots. You can highlight key accomplishments that make you a standout candidate and explain how your unique background fits the role. For instance, if you led a project that boosted your team’s productivity by 20%, your cover letter can provide context—say, how you overcame specific challenges—that makes your achievement even more compelling.Demonstrate Your Interest in the Company
Employers want to hire people who are excited about their organization, not just the paycheck. A cover letter gives you space to show you’ve researched the company’s culture, goals, or recent achievements. Mentioning a recent product launch or a company value that resonates with you signals that you’re invested in their success, not just your own.Address Potential Red Flags
A cover letter is your chance to tackle concerns head-on. Let’s say you’ve only been at your current job for a year and are already looking for a new role. Without context, a hiring manager might worry about your loyalty or performance. But in your cover letter, you can explain that your employer is relocating your position out of state or country, framing your job search as a strategic move rather than a red flag. This proactive approach can turn a potential weakness into a strength.
Crafting an Impactful Cover Letter
So, how do you write a cover letter that grabs attention? Here are a few tips to make yours stand out:
Personalize it: Address the letter to the hiring manager by name whenever possible. Generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” scream “copy-paste.” Use the job description, company website, or LinkedIn to find the right contact.
Tell a Story: Instead of rehashing your resume, share a brief anecdote that illustrates your skills or passion. For example, if you’re applying for a teaching role, you might describe a moment when you helped a struggling student succeed, tying it to the skills the employer values.
Be Concise and Specific: Keep your letter to one page (about 300–400 words). Focus on two or three key points—why you want the job, why you’re a great fit, and why the company excites you. Avoid vague buzzwords like “hardworking” or “team player”; instead, use concrete examples.
Address the Elephant in the Room: If you have a gap in employment, a career change, or another potential concern, briefly address it with confidence. For example, “After taking a year to care for a family member, I’m eager to bring my project management skills to your team.”
Close Strong: End with a clear call to action, like expressing your enthusiasm for an interview or your willingness to provide more information. A confident close leaves a lasting impression.
Why Does This Myth Persist?
It’s easy to see why this myth sticks around; job applications often feel impersonal, especially with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and automation playing a big role. Some recruiters even claim cover letters are outdated. The Truth is Cover letters still matter to many hiring managers. A thoughtful, well-written letter can bring your resume to life and help you stand out from the crowd. In fact, according to a 2023 survey by ResumeLab, 83% of hiring managers said a cover letter can influence their decision even when it’s optional.
Advice from Coach Jack: The myth that “no one reads cover letters” is a dangerous oversimplification. While it’s true that not every hiring manager will read your letter, many do, and those who take the time are often the ones making the final hiring decisions. A well-written cover letter offers you the chance to showcase your enthusiasm, address potential concerns, and demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the role. In today’s competitive job market, why skip an opportunity to stand out? The next time someone tells you cover letters don’t matter, take it with a grain of salt. Investing effort into crafting a thoughtful, tailored letter could be the key to landing your next interview.
Coach Ann Himmelsbach: Myth vs. Reality
Myth: “If I don’t get hired right away, I’m behind.”
Reality: It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when you see friends or classmates posting job acceptance announcements on LinkedIn. But the truth is, everyone’s career timeline is different, and the job search process varies widely by industry, role, and even season. For example, consulting and finance often hire months in advance through structured recruiting cycles, while tech, marketing, and non-profits tend to recruit on a rolling basis.
Advice from Coach Ann: Instead of comparing your progress to others, focus on what you can control for example your strategy, consistency, and mindset. Treat your job search like a project:
Create a structured plan. Outline weekly goals, such as reaching out to three new contacts and applying to two roles with tailored application materials.
Track your progress. Use a spreadsheet or job-tracking app to record where you’ve applied, who you’ve spoken to, and any follow-ups needed.
Celebrate small wins. Every informational interview, recruiter reply, or skills assessment completed is forward momentum. Recognizing these steps keeps motivation high and reduces burnout.
Don’t limit your search to only well-known brands. Smaller or lesser-known companies often offer incredible learning experiences, mentorship, and growth potential, on top of recruiting during “off-cycle” times. Remember: landing the right role isn’t a race, it’s a process of alignment between your skills, goals, and the right opportunity.
Coach Jennifer Seidman: Myth vs. Reality
Myth: “My degree alone will guarantee me a great job.”
Reality: Earning a graduate degree from Baruch is an incredible achievement that opens many doors—but it doesn’t automatically guarantee employment. Success in today’s job market requires combining your degree with proactive career planning, practical experience, and strong professional skills. Employers seek a well-rounded combination of technical expertise, real-world experience, and strong communication abilities. Your degree provides the foundation, but how you apply that knowledge and present your value makes all the difference.
Advice from Coach Jennifer: Make the most of Baruch’s Graduate Career Management Center (GCMC). At Baruch, the Graduate Career Management Center (GCMC) offers a wealth of resources to help you bridge the gap between education and employment. You can work one-on-one with a career coach to identify your strengths, preferences, and interpersonal style using tools like CliftonStrengths, MBTI, and FIRO-B. These assessments provide valuable insights into what energizes you, how you collaborate with others, and how to highlight your natural talents in your job search. The GCMC also provides resume and LinkedIn reviews, plus access to platforms such as JobScan and Quinncia to refine how you present yourself to employers. Take advantage of networking events, employer spotlights, and alumni panels to gain firsthand industry insights and expand your professional connections. To truly stand out, complement your coursework with internships, projects, competitions, or research that demonstrate applied learning. Practice showcasing transferable skills like teamwork, data analysis, problem-solving, and leadership during interviews and networking conversations. The GCMC’s mock interviews and coaching sessions can help you confidently communicate your unique story. In short, your Baruch degree is a powerful asset, but it’s even more effective when paired with proactive career development, hands-on experience, and the strategic use of the GCMC’s resources designed to help you succeed.
Need Help Navigating Your Career Path?
You don’t have to figure it out alone the GCMC team is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring career options, refining your goals, or actively job searching, our advisors can help you find clarity and confidence.
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Drop-In Office Hours — No Appointment Needed
Looking for quick support or guidance? Join our coaches during weekly drop-in hours from 4–5 PM. No appointment necessary, just stop by, ask questions, and get the help you need.
Whether you’re seeking feedback, advice, or a quick check-in, our team is here to help you make progress.
Weekly Schedule:
Mondays: Lindsey Plewa
Tuesdays: Jack Pullara (Hot Topics)
Wednesdays: Annie Himmelsbach
Thursdays: Jennifer Seidman
Want to learn more about these sessions? Check out the details in Handshake Events
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