Brianne | Your Post-Grad Guide
@briannerush.bsky.social
💜 Career. Cash. Confidence.
🎓 VP sharing insider moves students and grads rarely get access to
👇 Don’t miss the weekly glow-up
TheIndependenceLab.com/Subscribe
🎓 VP sharing insider moves students and grads rarely get access to
👇 Don’t miss the weekly glow-up
TheIndependenceLab.com/Subscribe
Your life won’t get better from one big break, it will get better from 10 small decisions you repeat in your 20s.
These are the ones I wish someone had handed me on graduation day
👇
These are the ones I wish someone had handed me on graduation day
👇
January 16, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Your life won’t get better from one big break, it will get better from 10 small decisions you repeat in your 20s.
These are the ones I wish someone had handed me on graduation day
👇
These are the ones I wish someone had handed me on graduation day
👇
My dream job in NYC nearly broke me.
I hit the ER from stress and realized I was living a life I didn't want anymore.
The best thing I learned: it’s OK to change your mind, your path, your dream.
You’re not behind. You’re growing.
💜 Follow for more clarity in your 20s.
I hit the ER from stress and realized I was living a life I didn't want anymore.
The best thing I learned: it’s OK to change your mind, your path, your dream.
You’re not behind. You’re growing.
💜 Follow for more clarity in your 20s.
January 15, 2026 at 4:14 PM
My dream job in NYC nearly broke me.
I hit the ER from stress and realized I was living a life I didn't want anymore.
The best thing I learned: it’s OK to change your mind, your path, your dream.
You’re not behind. You’re growing.
💜 Follow for more clarity in your 20s.
I hit the ER from stress and realized I was living a life I didn't want anymore.
The best thing I learned: it’s OK to change your mind, your path, your dream.
You’re not behind. You’re growing.
💜 Follow for more clarity in your 20s.
I’ve been interviewing and hiring for 12 years. Here’s what most candidates get wrong: they think the interviewer is against them.
They’re not. They’re busy, understaffed, and looking for someone who makes life easier.
Show how you think, learn, and contribute. That’s what gets you hired.
They’re not. They’re busy, understaffed, and looking for someone who makes life easier.
Show how you think, learn, and contribute. That’s what gets you hired.
January 14, 2026 at 2:40 PM
I’ve been interviewing and hiring for 12 years. Here’s what most candidates get wrong: they think the interviewer is against them.
They’re not. They’re busy, understaffed, and looking for someone who makes life easier.
Show how you think, learn, and contribute. That’s what gets you hired.
They’re not. They’re busy, understaffed, and looking for someone who makes life easier.
Show how you think, learn, and contribute. That’s what gets you hired.
If you’re in the meeting, you’re meant to contribute.
Silence makes you invisible.
Ask one thoughtful question, volunteer for a small task, show curiosity.
It signals capability every time.
Silence makes you invisible.
Ask one thoughtful question, volunteer for a small task, show curiosity.
It signals capability every time.
January 13, 2026 at 4:08 PM
If you’re in the meeting, you’re meant to contribute.
Silence makes you invisible.
Ask one thoughtful question, volunteer for a small task, show curiosity.
It signals capability every time.
Silence makes you invisible.
Ask one thoughtful question, volunteer for a small task, show curiosity.
It signals capability every time.
I learned this the hard way: Most people have no idea how often their language is sabotaging their money mindset.
I didn’t either, until I ran straight into this list.
Here are the phrases to watch out for, according to Jen Sincero who wrote "You're a Badass at Making Money":
I didn’t either, until I ran straight into this list.
Here are the phrases to watch out for, according to Jen Sincero who wrote "You're a Badass at Making Money":
January 12, 2026 at 4:35 PM
I learned this the hard way: Most people have no idea how often their language is sabotaging their money mindset.
I didn’t either, until I ran straight into this list.
Here are the phrases to watch out for, according to Jen Sincero who wrote "You're a Badass at Making Money":
I didn’t either, until I ran straight into this list.
Here are the phrases to watch out for, according to Jen Sincero who wrote "You're a Badass at Making Money":
There’s a moment senior year when the future feels urgent.
Everyone’s talking offers and interviews. You’re wondering: am I doing enough? Am I too late?
Listen to Pilar Khawaja, an Ohio State grad now in NYC banking, share what actually mattered post-grad.
theindependencelab.com/blog/post-gr...
Everyone’s talking offers and interviews. You’re wondering: am I doing enough? Am I too late?
Listen to Pilar Khawaja, an Ohio State grad now in NYC banking, share what actually mattered post-grad.
theindependencelab.com/blog/post-gr...
From College to Wall Street: Post-Grad Lessons from Banking Analyst Pilar Khawaja
Learn how Ohio State grad Pilar Khawaja landed an investment banking job in NYC as she shares post-grad networking tips, internships, budgeting, and career advice for young women.
theindependencelab.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:26 PM
There’s a moment senior year when the future feels urgent.
Everyone’s talking offers and interviews. You’re wondering: am I doing enough? Am I too late?
Listen to Pilar Khawaja, an Ohio State grad now in NYC banking, share what actually mattered post-grad.
theindependencelab.com/blog/post-gr...
Everyone’s talking offers and interviews. You’re wondering: am I doing enough? Am I too late?
Listen to Pilar Khawaja, an Ohio State grad now in NYC banking, share what actually mattered post-grad.
theindependencelab.com/blog/post-gr...
Working nonstop isn’t a strategy.
Jenna learned confidence comes from knowing your value, not proving you can suffer the most.
Curiosity and emotional intelligence get noticed more than overworking.
Full interview at theindependencelab.com/blog/how-to-...
Jenna learned confidence comes from knowing your value, not proving you can suffer the most.
Curiosity and emotional intelligence get noticed more than overworking.
Full interview at theindependencelab.com/blog/how-to-...
How to Build a Career That Lasts: Lessons from Jenna Hagerich on Confidence, Connection, and Curiosity
Now a Senior Brand Manager at Campbell’s, Jenna Hagerich’s story is a masterclass in staying grounded, confident, and curious through every season of your career.
theindependencelab.com
January 8, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Working nonstop isn’t a strategy.
Jenna learned confidence comes from knowing your value, not proving you can suffer the most.
Curiosity and emotional intelligence get noticed more than overworking.
Full interview at theindependencelab.com/blog/how-to-...
Jenna learned confidence comes from knowing your value, not proving you can suffer the most.
Curiosity and emotional intelligence get noticed more than overworking.
Full interview at theindependencelab.com/blog/how-to-...
I reached a point where I was so sick of comparison and overthinking, so I tried something new:
I started keeping small promises to myself: the workout, the budget, the early bedtime.
Every time you follow through, your brain learns: I can trust myself.
That’s real confidence.
I started keeping small promises to myself: the workout, the budget, the early bedtime.
Every time you follow through, your brain learns: I can trust myself.
That’s real confidence.
January 7, 2026 at 4:29 PM
I reached a point where I was so sick of comparison and overthinking, so I tried something new:
I started keeping small promises to myself: the workout, the budget, the early bedtime.
Every time you follow through, your brain learns: I can trust myself.
That’s real confidence.
I started keeping small promises to myself: the workout, the budget, the early bedtime.
Every time you follow through, your brain learns: I can trust myself.
That’s real confidence.
When qualified candidates don’t get offers after interviews, it isn’t about talent.
It’s communication.
With AI, companies want people who can connect, explain ideas clearly, and collaborate.
But this is a skill you can build.
Here are 3 ways to show your communication strength in interviews:
It’s communication.
With AI, companies want people who can connect, explain ideas clearly, and collaborate.
But this is a skill you can build.
Here are 3 ways to show your communication strength in interviews:
January 6, 2026 at 3:44 PM
When qualified candidates don’t get offers after interviews, it isn’t about talent.
It’s communication.
With AI, companies want people who can connect, explain ideas clearly, and collaborate.
But this is a skill you can build.
Here are 3 ways to show your communication strength in interviews:
It’s communication.
With AI, companies want people who can connect, explain ideas clearly, and collaborate.
But this is a skill you can build.
Here are 3 ways to show your communication strength in interviews:
I’ve been interviewing and hiring people for 12 years.
Here are 3 mistakes I see smart candidates make all the time:
Here are 3 mistakes I see smart candidates make all the time:
January 5, 2026 at 2:37 PM
I’ve been interviewing and hiring people for 12 years.
Here are 3 mistakes I see smart candidates make all the time:
Here are 3 mistakes I see smart candidates make all the time:
I love this quote by Sara Blakely, CEO of Spanx, because it is so true.
“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.”
Don’t forget, you bring value that only you can offer.
Keep going.
“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.”
Don’t forget, you bring value that only you can offer.
Keep going.
January 2, 2026 at 2:39 PM
I love this quote by Sara Blakely, CEO of Spanx, because it is so true.
“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.”
Don’t forget, you bring value that only you can offer.
Keep going.
“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.”
Don’t forget, you bring value that only you can offer.
Keep going.
If you wait to network until you need something, you’re already behind.
Build relationships early.
Make a list of 10 people you admire and connect with one each month.
No asks. Just connection.
Build relationships early.
Make a list of 10 people you admire and connect with one each month.
No asks. Just connection.
December 31, 2025 at 2:50 PM
If you wait to network until you need something, you’re already behind.
Build relationships early.
Make a list of 10 people you admire and connect with one each month.
No asks. Just connection.
Build relationships early.
Make a list of 10 people you admire and connect with one each month.
No asks. Just connection.
Most grads don’t know how success is measured, which is why the first 90 days feel confusing.
Instead, ask: “How do you measure success in this role?”
Align your work to that and you’ll stand out instantly.
Instead, ask: “How do you measure success in this role?”
Align your work to that and you’ll stand out instantly.
December 30, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Most grads don’t know how success is measured, which is why the first 90 days feel confusing.
Instead, ask: “How do you measure success in this role?”
Align your work to that and you’ll stand out instantly.
Instead, ask: “How do you measure success in this role?”
Align your work to that and you’ll stand out instantly.
Relocation isn’t “find an apartment.”
It’s a financial plan. Here's what to do:
Double the rent for deposits, save 2–3 months of expenses, budget for the boring stuff like laundry, and get income rolling early.
Decide your non-negotiables so you don’t break your budget. Then live your life!
It’s a financial plan. Here's what to do:
Double the rent for deposits, save 2–3 months of expenses, budget for the boring stuff like laundry, and get income rolling early.
Decide your non-negotiables so you don’t break your budget. Then live your life!
December 29, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Relocation isn’t “find an apartment.”
It’s a financial plan. Here's what to do:
Double the rent for deposits, save 2–3 months of expenses, budget for the boring stuff like laundry, and get income rolling early.
Decide your non-negotiables so you don’t break your budget. Then live your life!
It’s a financial plan. Here's what to do:
Double the rent for deposits, save 2–3 months of expenses, budget for the boring stuff like laundry, and get income rolling early.
Decide your non-negotiables so you don’t break your budget. Then live your life!
College seniors aren’t scared of building careers.
They’re scared of losing friends, losing structure, falling behind, and making the “wrong” choice.
Instead, start building routines, planning your path, and defining your own timeline.
Post-grad is easier when you name the fears. 💜
They’re scared of losing friends, losing structure, falling behind, and making the “wrong” choice.
Instead, start building routines, planning your path, and defining your own timeline.
Post-grad is easier when you name the fears. 💜
December 23, 2025 at 3:08 PM
College seniors aren’t scared of building careers.
They’re scared of losing friends, losing structure, falling behind, and making the “wrong” choice.
Instead, start building routines, planning your path, and defining your own timeline.
Post-grad is easier when you name the fears. 💜
They’re scared of losing friends, losing structure, falling behind, and making the “wrong” choice.
Instead, start building routines, planning your path, and defining your own timeline.
Post-grad is easier when you name the fears. 💜
Your life expands or shrinks based on the goals you set.
“I hope someone hires me” isn’t a goal.
Aim for a role, a city, a timeline. Then build habits that match it.
Lead now, show up now.
Your identity gets to evolve bigger than your major or GPA. 💜
“I hope someone hires me” isn’t a goal.
Aim for a role, a city, a timeline. Then build habits that match it.
Lead now, show up now.
Your identity gets to evolve bigger than your major or GPA. 💜
December 22, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Your life expands or shrinks based on the goals you set.
“I hope someone hires me” isn’t a goal.
Aim for a role, a city, a timeline. Then build habits that match it.
Lead now, show up now.
Your identity gets to evolve bigger than your major or GPA. 💜
“I hope someone hires me” isn’t a goal.
Aim for a role, a city, a timeline. Then build habits that match it.
Lead now, show up now.
Your identity gets to evolve bigger than your major or GPA. 💜
Post-grad hits harder than anyone warns you.
Start prepping before you move out.
Your routine will disappear, you’ll spend more time alone, and comparison will get loud.
Get curious, not scared.
Do this now and you’ll step into post-grad steadier than most. 💜
Start prepping before you move out.
Your routine will disappear, you’ll spend more time alone, and comparison will get loud.
Get curious, not scared.
Do this now and you’ll step into post-grad steadier than most. 💜
December 19, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Post-grad hits harder than anyone warns you.
Start prepping before you move out.
Your routine will disappear, you’ll spend more time alone, and comparison will get loud.
Get curious, not scared.
Do this now and you’ll step into post-grad steadier than most. 💜
Start prepping before you move out.
Your routine will disappear, you’ll spend more time alone, and comparison will get loud.
Get curious, not scared.
Do this now and you’ll step into post-grad steadier than most. 💜
Job searches are brutal right now. A friend proved they’re not hopeless.
He targeted companies, upskilled in AI, adapted fast, and took bold action before he felt ready.
16 interviews later, he landed an SDR role at Allego.
Your yes isn’t gone. Keep going.
He targeted companies, upskilled in AI, adapted fast, and took bold action before he felt ready.
16 interviews later, he landed an SDR role at Allego.
Your yes isn’t gone. Keep going.
December 18, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Job searches are brutal right now. A friend proved they’re not hopeless.
He targeted companies, upskilled in AI, adapted fast, and took bold action before he felt ready.
16 interviews later, he landed an SDR role at Allego.
Your yes isn’t gone. Keep going.
He targeted companies, upskilled in AI, adapted fast, and took bold action before he felt ready.
16 interviews later, he landed an SDR role at Allego.
Your yes isn’t gone. Keep going.
5 uncommon tips I wish every college student knew before post-grad:
Start your job search early.
Build communication skills.
Practice self-reflection.
Budget for post-grad life.
Learn how your gut talks to you.
Bonus that can change everything: interview people in your dream role and share it.
Start your job search early.
Build communication skills.
Practice self-reflection.
Budget for post-grad life.
Learn how your gut talks to you.
Bonus that can change everything: interview people in your dream role and share it.
December 17, 2025 at 3:45 PM
5 uncommon tips I wish every college student knew before post-grad:
Start your job search early.
Build communication skills.
Practice self-reflection.
Budget for post-grad life.
Learn how your gut talks to you.
Bonus that can change everything: interview people in your dream role and share it.
Start your job search early.
Build communication skills.
Practice self-reflection.
Budget for post-grad life.
Learn how your gut talks to you.
Bonus that can change everything: interview people in your dream role and share it.
Feeling drained or scattered?
Do a mental declutter, say no once without defending it, and plan one thing just for you.
Protect your peace. Refocus. Clarity starts inside.
Do a mental declutter, say no once without defending it, and plan one thing just for you.
Protect your peace. Refocus. Clarity starts inside.
December 16, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Feeling drained or scattered?
Do a mental declutter, say no once without defending it, and plan one thing just for you.
Protect your peace. Refocus. Clarity starts inside.
Do a mental declutter, say no once without defending it, and plan one thing just for you.
Protect your peace. Refocus. Clarity starts inside.
Rick Rubin wrote, “Failure is the information you need to get where you’re going.”
Early in your career, failure feels fatal.
It’s not. It’s data.
Every rejection or wrong turn points you somewhere better.
Early in your career, failure feels fatal.
It’s not. It’s data.
Every rejection or wrong turn points you somewhere better.
December 15, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Rick Rubin wrote, “Failure is the information you need to get where you’re going.”
Early in your career, failure feels fatal.
It’s not. It’s data.
Every rejection or wrong turn points you somewhere better.
Early in your career, failure feels fatal.
It’s not. It’s data.
Every rejection or wrong turn points you somewhere better.
Early-career mistakes that taught me everything:
• I didn’t prep for interviews
• I waited to invest
• I let stress wreck my health
Your 20s feel chaotic, but growth comes from learning.
If you want real stories and guidance, my weekly newsletter is in my bio.
• I didn’t prep for interviews
• I waited to invest
• I let stress wreck my health
Your 20s feel chaotic, but growth comes from learning.
If you want real stories and guidance, my weekly newsletter is in my bio.
December 12, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Early-career mistakes that taught me everything:
• I didn’t prep for interviews
• I waited to invest
• I let stress wreck my health
Your 20s feel chaotic, but growth comes from learning.
If you want real stories and guidance, my weekly newsletter is in my bio.
• I didn’t prep for interviews
• I waited to invest
• I let stress wreck my health
Your 20s feel chaotic, but growth comes from learning.
If you want real stories and guidance, my weekly newsletter is in my bio.
Terrible interview advice: memorize answers, “be confident,” say what they want to hear.
Please stop.
Prep stories, not scripts. Show growth, not perfection. Show up polished, not plastic.
That’s how interviewers remember you.
Please stop.
Prep stories, not scripts. Show growth, not perfection. Show up polished, not plastic.
That’s how interviewers remember you.
December 11, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Terrible interview advice: memorize answers, “be confident,” say what they want to hear.
Please stop.
Prep stories, not scripts. Show growth, not perfection. Show up polished, not plastic.
That’s how interviewers remember you.
Please stop.
Prep stories, not scripts. Show growth, not perfection. Show up polished, not plastic.
That’s how interviewers remember you.
If interview prep stresses you out, you’re probably memorizing answers instead of prepping stories.
Think wins, lessons, growth. Match them to themes like ownership, curiosity, teamwork.
Know your stories and you’ll match any question thrown your way.
Think wins, lessons, growth. Match them to themes like ownership, curiosity, teamwork.
Know your stories and you’ll match any question thrown your way.
December 10, 2025 at 1:27 PM
If interview prep stresses you out, you’re probably memorizing answers instead of prepping stories.
Think wins, lessons, growth. Match them to themes like ownership, curiosity, teamwork.
Know your stories and you’ll match any question thrown your way.
Think wins, lessons, growth. Match them to themes like ownership, curiosity, teamwork.
Know your stories and you’ll match any question thrown your way.
Interviewers aren’t rooting against you.
They’re exhausted and hoping you’re THE ONE who solves their problem.
When you stop performing and start connecting, everything changes.
Walk in knowing they want you to win.
They’re exhausted and hoping you’re THE ONE who solves their problem.
When you stop performing and start connecting, everything changes.
Walk in knowing they want you to win.
December 9, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Interviewers aren’t rooting against you.
They’re exhausted and hoping you’re THE ONE who solves their problem.
When you stop performing and start connecting, everything changes.
Walk in knowing they want you to win.
They’re exhausted and hoping you’re THE ONE who solves their problem.
When you stop performing and start connecting, everything changes.
Walk in knowing they want you to win.