It’s a tough time to be entering the workforce. Economic uncertainty is slowing hiring; a talent gap persists between candidates' skills and evolving market demands; and AI's rapid ascent is displacing routine tasks, making traditional entry-level pathways less certain. As another batch of high school and college seniors throw their proverbial hats — or more accurately, mortarboards — into the employment ring, many will face unprecedented challenges in charting a career path.

Fortunately, some grads received valuable guidance from the CEOs, entrepreneurs, writers and celebrities who gave 2025 commencement speeches. Here's some of the best advice:

• At UC Berkeley, KIND Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky counseled students to take advantage of their youth, because it’s “made up of grit, fearlessness, creativity, love and forgiveness,” key skills for career progress and success.
• George Mason graduates heard from Martina Cheung, president and CEO of S&P Global, who directed them to “collect experiences over promotions. Those often come in lateral moves, changing industries or organizations, or even taking on extra work. ... Different roles can make you a better leader.”
• Jessica Livingston, cofounder of Y-Combinator, urged Bucknell seniors to “find the people you think are interesting and ask them what they’re working on.” She added that we all have the power to reinvent ourselves and explore. The key is to connect with interesting people to reveal new passions and ambitions.
• At Georgetown, Michael Psaros, cofounder and managing partner of KPS Capital Partners, stressed the importance of having a passion, purpose and mission in life.  His remarks highlighted how these foundational elements are critical for professional advancement and fulfillment.  
• Another speaker who believes in purpose is Jason Gay of The Wall Street Journal. He offered the following words of wisdom to UW-Madison grads: “Life is a series of choices, experiments, setbacks, misdirection, detours, breakthroughs, good luck, back luck, failures, successes, happenstance, heartbreak and celebration.” He concluded by stressing the importance of purpose for providing essential landmarks when navigating the inevitable twists and turns of a professional journey.

Research proves professional success

And speaking of purpose, all of us in supply chain know this is a field that combines financial success with personal fulfillment. Time and again, research confirms industry professionals enjoy both strong salaries and significant career satisfaction. It’s also a career path with straightforward, consistent and meaningful advancement opportunities.

These findings and many more are highlighted in the brand-new 2025 ASCM Supply Chain Salary and Career Report, a compilation of responses from more than 3,500 supply chain professionals around the world. Plus, ASCM members can get an insider’s look at the research from a supply chain recruiter in an upcoming webinar. To access this and numerous other member benefits, join ASCM for just $10 a month. My best advice for this year’s graduates? Start your career in supply chain with ASCM!