Do people really need college in America?
Beth Hendler-Grunt was interviewed by Tom Llamas of Top Story on NBC News Now on 11/29/22. Many Americans see college as a path to a good career, but the student debt crisis leaves millions of grads borrowing nearly $30,000. And with the tight labor market, some...
Pass the gravy…have you found a job or internship yet?
This is the first year both my kids are away at college and grad school, and I can’t wait to have them home for Thanksgiving. I know they want to relax, and catch up on all the comforts of home. I want to enjoy my time with them… but I also want them to start planning...
Should college grads fake it until they make it?
I spoke with a recent college grad, Greg, from a top school with a major in data analytics. He has gotten interviews and even made it to the 2nd round for multiple companies… but no offer. He is not sure what is missing. I asked him if he received feedback from any...
Transforming Worry into Trust: Support Your New Grad’s Job Search without Driving Them Crazy
“I’m so worried.” Many of the calls I take from parents begin with this sentiment. Every day, I hear from parents whose children are having difficulty securing that first job or internship. Parents are concerned and looking for answers because their children aren’t...
How Do I Guide My New Grad to Land a Job?
The celebrations, the speeches, the excitement…that is the best part of enjoying college graduation. They come home, unload a ridiculous amount of stuff, and need a well-deserved break from the stress of school, exams, and dealing with the pandemic for the last few...
G McAuliffe
3 months ago
I am very satisfied with the Next Great Step program so far. The classes have been very insightful. Before starting the program I was struggling with making new connections. I felt like I had exhausted all of my “friends of friends” and I did not attend a large university so finding connection through there was difficult. Next Great Step program gave me the resources and some extra confidence to connect with almost anybody. This is what I needed most. I also loved that they compiled a huge list of common interview questions for students and gave us feedback on how to answer each one. I look forward to my individual sessions.
Stanley Zheng
4 months ago
This is an edit (downgrade) from my previous review. I am leaving my original critiques here and adding additional comment at the end.
I would have appreciated not being the only student still in college within my group. It made a huge difference in the focus and timing of the sessions, since everyone else is trying for a job and I'm trying for an internship. Additionally, the lessons are broad. Nothing specific to my field of study and no technical suggestions or help.
NEW: After returning to my university and interacting with their Career Center, I'm realizing that NGS just cannot compete with the resources and expertise of a decent school. The school has free advisors whose advice will last you beyond college, a network that lasts for a lifetime, and even standard university resume templates are significantly better than the very vague and mediocre advice my coach gave me ("looking good"). Not to mention that somehow, I'm paying a good many thousands of dollars to receive 6 hours of lessons total split with 5 other random students to receive even more vague advice than I would at school. Prorated, this is even more expensive than full private tuition!
R T
5 months ago
I've had two of my daughters go through the group coaching and just signed up the third daughter. Both of the previous daughters had jobs at the 8 week mark. The first daughter had struggled for 7 months to find a job when I happened upon Next Great Step. The personalized service on the resume, mock interviewing, and developing their networking skills was excellent. My daughters learned skills that they not only used to get their first professional jobs, but will also use for the rest of their lives. The coaching really helped them to understand and communicate what skills they had and in what role they could apply them. The program helped them to build self confidence which came through during the interview. The team at Next Great Step became very involved every time one of the daughters had a job lead which included reviewing the job description, helping customize a resume, and mock interviewing for the position. I've been very pleased with the program and I refer Next Great Step to everyone I know with a recent grad.
Edison Won
7 months ago
As a college student, I was struggling to figure out the process for job and internship searching. Next Great Step cleared that ambiguity extremely well. Their process has helped me become more successful in my applications and job interviews and I owe a lot of that to them.
Michael Fernandes
8 months ago
Our son, Lucas Fernandes, landed an internship at Berkeley Re in Stamford, CT, an underwriting manager operated by Berkley Insurance Company, which is part of the W.R. Berkley Corporation. He was one of over 500 college students considered for the position and he did it completely on his own with all that he learned through Next Great Thing. He had three rounds of interviews which culminated with an intense two hour interview with four members of the executive team at Berkeley Re- the Heads of Finance and Accounting, the Comptroller, and the Vice-President. He said with all the preparation and work he had put in his initial nervousness turned into a tranquil confidence and excitement. Thank you,
Michael Fernandes, Lucas’ dad
Wesley Coats
9 months ago
Next Great Steps definitely gave me practical tips on how to network and potentially land a job. I do personally wish there were more opportunities for practical job skills to build, but great program nonetheless.
Ryan Jahn
10 months ago
Before working with Next Great Step I struggled with interviews/hirevues and typically couldn't get past the first round.
After working with the group coaching program, I received helpful tips and resources like sample behavioral questions that often come up during interviews. I was able to write my answers out, receive feedback, and actually practice during sessions. The one-on-one sessions are also super helpful, as my coach Remy made some time a few hours before one of my interviews to do a mock interview and answer any last-minute questions I had. I am very grateful for all the help!
Sarah Tessler
11 months ago
Next Great Steps is a great program for recent college graduates. Their emphasis on networking and conveying skill stories helped me be more confident in my job search. I was able to find work within 6 months after my graduation thanks to the help of NGS!
Andrew Brown
12 months ago
Before I started working with Next Great Step, I found myself lacking confidence in the job search process as well as lacking validation on my resume and personal stories.
When working with them, I was able to talk to peers my age about similar issues, and from this process I gained confidence in my job search as well as reviewed and revised stories and experiences to improve my chances of getting hired. I'm still in the process of finding a job, but I have no doubt that the work with Next Great Step will help me land a job I'd be happy to have.
grant backhaus
12 months ago
Great experience! Was having a lot of trouble finding jobs that truly matched what my skills entailed and NGS helped a lot with that. The biggest takeaway for me were the connection tips and tricks to continue to network and grow my circle.
Matthew McQuillan
1 year ago
Before working with Next Great Step, I struggled to articulate what kind of job I wanted to pursue and was unsure of how to network. Brainstorming with Rachel helped me to identify which roles interest me the most and her guidance on email/LinkedIn outreach has been invaluable for forming connections. I feel much more equipped to navigate the job market after completing the program and would definitely recommend it to others.
Pamela Ambler
1 year ago
My son was a computer science grad and had been sending resumes out for months with no success. Although he was reluctant at first to sign up for the course, he actually enjoyed it. He told his sister, it’s all just common sense stuff, but I didn’t know how to do it. He found it much easier to reach out and make connections afterwards. It’s a well done class that should be a requirement to graduation in all colleges. So just think of it as a final college course that will help your student get that job they dreamed of.
Kyle Soni
1 year ago
I had a good experience with Next Great Step. Prior to the program, I felt pretty lost in the job search process, unsure of the best ways to secure an interview and unsure of how to act when I eventually got one. I haven't been able to secure an offer yet, but I'm more confident in communicating my skills and I have a few concrete strategies for applications that feel much less aimless. I think the accountability the program provides was the most important factor for this improvement, forcing me to practice talking about myself and to reach out to strangers in my alumni network. There's no cheat code to a difficult job market, but I think Next Great Step is definitely worth it if you need some direction for navigating the process.
Monie Wright
1 year ago
Before Next Great Step I struggled to understand how to network and tailor resumes. Now after my sessions with them I have the confidence and know how to navigate a complex job market. I have made connections and had coffee chats with my alumni network, slowly building up my networking skills. The coaching sessions and workbooks are perfect if you’re willing to put in the work. Thank you for everything!
Dante Deiro
2 years ago
Before working with Next Great Step, I struggled to make meaningful connections and rarely heard back from job applications. I felt stuck, unsure of how to stand out in a competitive job market. Through their guidance, I learned how to reach out to professionals with intent and approach applications strategically. The biggest difference was understanding that every application is a process. It’s not just about submitting a resume, but about making myself known. Their support gave me the tools to network effectively and position myself for success. Highly recommend for any recent graduate navigating the job search!
Maizie
2 years ago
Before going to Next Great Step, I felt lost because I didn't know what industry I wanted to pursue. Also, I felt defeated after months of no luck. However, after completing the first six weeks, I narrowed down my focus and used the skills I learned going forth into my job search. The most important aspect that I benefited the most was from shifting my mindset from focusing on myself to focusing on how my skills could be valuable to the company. Other than that, I feel like I gained a lot from the skill stories exercise which helped me better articulate my work and school experiences in a more effective way. During week four, I went through the interview process at a company I really wanted to work for and with the help from my coach Rachel, I got offered a job! I decided to do the group option and it was really nice to listen to other students and recent graduates going through the same steps. It made the job search process feel like I wasn't alone. I highly recommend Next Great Step to anyone who resonates with my feelings and I am grateful to Next Great Step for giving me the tools to be successful.
Jacob Aframian
2 years ago
Before I started using Next Great Step, I wasn't sure of how to fully utilize all of the resources on LinkedIn when it came to using the alumni features, the people tab. I didn't understand the importance of making connections with people from a company before applying for a job.
The results from doing Next Great Step are that now I feel like I am more equipped to get a job based on a lot of the skills that I have learned. Being in touch with my own skills, having plans for job interviews, and answering interview questions. What made the biggest difference for me was just having all of these guidelines available making me feel more prepared to plan out looking for jobs, interviews, and making connections.
Charles O'Brien
2 years ago
Prior to starting my program with Next Great Steps I struggled immensely with both identifying my desired career path and how to get started exploring that path further. My group coaching program with Next Great Steps provided me with the structure I desperately needed to take ownership of my job search. The first few sessions helped me to identify what I was actually interested in pursuing for a career and the subsequent sessions equipped me with skills to drive my job search and the confidence to take on every step of the process. I highly recommend Next Great Steps for any struggling in their career search.
Melissa Greenblatt
2 years ago
We sought out Next Great Step for our son, who was applying for jobs post college graduation. He seemed to be doing well networking and interviewing. However, once he started to work with Rachel weekly, he not only had a clearer idea of how to apply in a tough job market, but he also learned invaluable networking and interviewing skills/strategies that will serve him well throughout his career. Thank you Rachel and Next Great Step for this wonderful program!
Xavi Campbell
2 years ago
Bringing structure to a chaotic job search, my leader, Rachel, and my group was both supportive and constructive, offering quick and thorough feedback. Would recommend.
Hailey Smith
2 years ago
Next Great Step is an amazing experience and opportunity. The program is very structured which help make the process of searching for internships way less stressful!
Mason Stern
2 years ago
I had an internship for both semesters of my senior year at The Ohio State University. I spent so much time trying to go above and beyond to receive a return offer after graduation. When it came to time of graduating college, I began interviewing for the position. I did not get the return offer after several weeks of interviewing. I began applying to jobs online and had very little success. All of the jobs that I had an interview with did not excite me. This led me to Next Great Steps. They provided me with all the tools necessary to help me be confident, network with professionals, and prepared me properly for an interview to land a job in my desired field.
I am beginning and building my career in digital marketing. I saw that most jobs I wanted were 3-5 years of experience in order to be considered an ideal candidate. Next Great Steps allowed me to redirect my approach to the job search. They taught me how to network with family, friends, and alumni through a strategic game plan. In addition, they helped me build a better resume and gave me really great interview tips. As a result, I landed multiple interviews of jobs that I would have been “not qualified” for online. I got a similar digital marketing job that I wanted with my internship organization my senior year. I know that Great Next Steps can help you land the jobs of your dreams!
Ryan McKinney
2 years ago
Five months ago, I was worried sick over interviews and upset with my resume and work experience. Next Great Step changed that! With the program's structure and Rachel's insightful guidance, I remodeled my resume and built the skills necessary to tackle interviews with confidence. Specifically, the mock interview and subsequent feedback were immensely helpful. As a result of this process, I have landed a job in the museum industry! Next Great Step gave me the tools and confidence I needed to succeed in my field, and I would recommend them to anyone struggling to find their dream job!
Ian Dayan
2 years ago
Before starting my journey with Rachel at Next Great Step, I was having difficulty with my job search and finding my way in the sometimes exhausting process. I knew the basic steps of applying to jobs, but had no idea about the intricacies that came before and after. There is an exceptional amount of thinking and preparation that goes into it and Rachel exposed me to these steps to ensure I had the best chance possible. She helped me identify my career interests and core skills, improve my networking, custom-tailor my resume and cover letters, and more. I am extremely happy with the results and highly recommend Next Great Step for anyone looking to find their career.
Emma Geismar
2 years ago
Next Great Step has been a game-changer in my job search journey. They prepared me for the challenges of the current job market with exceptional support, from networking strategies to interview preparation. Their personalized assistance, invaluable resources, and workbooks provided me with the tools and confidence I needed to succeed. I truly owe my success to Next Great Step and highly recommend their services to anyone looking to excel in their job search!
Jonna McKitrick
2 years ago
This is certainly a helpful service, but it's overpriced for what it does, to be perfectly honest. Before I got their help, I'd been looking for a job for a year and a half, having applied to probably more than 1000 jobs, and having only landed 2 actual interviews and two screening phone calls. I had already used other paid services in an attempt to improve my chances of getting through to interview steps and spent countless hours on resumes, applications, and cover letters. This service does provide a good actual framework for going about the process that is far more in depth than others I have seem. It also teaches you a lot about professional networking, and helps give you the confidence to do it effectively. I'm still working on finding a job currently, but it feels a bit more hopeful now that I know how to network with professionals in my field of interest in a way that I had not previously had access to. I will say, however, that the structure is definitely more geared towards business, finance, entertainment, private legal, corporate type of positions. It is sort of an awkward fit for looking at government or regulatory, or science research, or consultative, or environmental type positions. It is also much more oriented towards recent graduates of undergraduate programs; it can feel a little reductive for someone who has already completed grad school or has already been in the workforce for a bit. It works well enough so far as I can tell, however. Again, haven't yet landed a job. I would consider it worth the few thousand dollar price tag if I'm able to land a job before the fall.
David P Scott
2 years ago
Prior to Next Great Step, I had done everything I thought I could do to prepare myself to get a job after graduation (very high GPA, internships, involved in clubs, letters of recommendation, study abroad, part time jobs, real world projects, etc.), but when it came time to apply for jobs I found I didn't know what to do besides just applying to jobs online that had the word "marketing" in the name. I had spent the entirety of my life having at least some structure of what I was suppose to do at a given time and without this structure I felt a bit lost and lost quite a bit of motivation.
However, throughout my time at Next Great Step, I was provided that structure. They gave me a process of how to apply to jobs from figuring out what my skills were to what jobs to apply for to networking to applying and then to interviewing. I felt like I had some structure again and it drastically boosted my motivation and gave me a clearer picture of what I needed to do again. Therefore, despite not getting that full-time job yet, I feel it is right around the corner and I am very thankful with how responsive and helpful my advisor at Next Great Step has been and continues to be.
Logan Levine
2 years ago
I had trouble applying and understanding the mindset before this program. After, I now have an externship.
Andrew Grinzayd
2 years ago
Overall, the program was a great opportunity to create structure and cohesion about approaching applying to various jobs and roles. The career coach was extremely helpful, and members of the program were incredibly nice and supportive.
Cora Downey
3 years ago
I came to NGS as a recent grad with a fine arts degree and unique needs for marketing myself to niche creative roles. The program really helped me define my concrete skills and grow confidence in what I have to offer. I have landed a great role that was only possible from the networking and interview practice I had in this course.
Lauren A.
3 years ago
Next Great Step taught me not only the importance of networking, but also how to successfully connect with people in my field of choice. I gained valuable interview skills that allowed me to ask industry-specific questions as an interviewer and impress companies with my newly acquired knowledge as an interviewee. Thanks to the Next Great Step team, I landed a fantastic job. Highly recommend!
Robert Craig
3 years ago
I truly enjoyed working with Next Great Steps for career coaching. The NGS Staff was extremely helpful recognizing my skills and helping me articulating those skills on paper. I also enjoyed practicing mock interviews to land my dream job. The feedback was very useful. Overall, I would recommend Next Great Steps for any college students looking for career coaching.
Shea Gallagher
3 years ago
Next Great Step really changed my outlook on how to approach looking for a job. Rachel and Beth were incredibly helpful in guiding me to realize my potential and gain confidence in my skills. I have been able to grow my network and create valuable professional relationships that will help me in my job search. Highly recommend!
Emily Kostolansky
3 years ago
After I graduated college, I struggled to navigate the job market with direction and confidence. I felt overwhelmed by the number of potential industries I could enter, and I went into interviews with a noticeable lack of industry knowledge and confidence in my abilities. Next Great Step helped me hone in on a key industry of interest, educate myself about the industry, and identify how my skillset would benefit specific companies within the industry. As a result of their guidance, I was able to demonstrate robust knowledge about the industry and communicate how I would add value to companies during interviews. I received two job offers, and Next Great Step helped me weigh the benefits and disadvantages of both. I’m now at a job that I truly enjoy, and I’m so grateful to Next Great Step for their support! I highly recommend their services for any college student or recent graduate who wants to gain the skills to land an internship or job offer.
Jared Simons
3 years ago
Rachel and Beth have been amazing guiding me through the application process, equipping me with skills and tools that I had struggling to organize prior to our sessions.
Before my time with NextGreatStep I had really been struggling to find organizations and connections to network with, how to properly answer interview questions, and how to prepare for an interview. However after this course I have been successfully been involved with more networking calls and have a strong sense of confidence heading into interviews.
Eric Rodriguez
3 years ago
Rachel from next great step has been instrumental in my career growth through her comprehensive career coaching services. She transformed my resume and cover letters, helping me get into graduate school, and helping me land my first and second professional internships in my chosen field of data science. We identified areas where I could improve my marketable skills while helping me highlight the skills I already have through “skills stories”. Furthermore, we focused a lot on networking strategies as well as interview prep, which were the key drivers in landing my second internship. Going from an unemployed college graduate, hoping to make an impact in healthcare but not knowing where to start, to being a healthcare data science professional who is confident in his abilities, Rachel didn’t miss any area when it comes to career growth.
Emma Geismar
3 years ago
Next Great Steps has not only prepared me for interviews, showed me how to use my connections in the workforce but also increased my confidence in my abilities and skills. I now feel confident to reach out to connections and ask all the right questions that will help me land the job!
Adrian Tritto
3 years ago
The Next Great Step, helped me substantially in giving me direction into the professional world. They have great coaches who give strong feedback and excellent structure while being coached. I highly recommend for anyone struggling for employment coming out of college.
Simon Ritter
3 years ago
Next Great Step was a great help! I was having trouble organizing my job search post-graduation, and they provided me with the support and the networking and interviewing skills necessary to succeed. I really appreciated the level of communication and the ability to stay in close contact with the coach for information between sessions. I also appreciated the range of the subjects themselves from presenting skills to preparing for interview questions to the planning the different aspects of networking calls. Since starting the program and systematizing my job search and networking processes, I've received a great job and I'm looking forward to future career prospects! Next Great Steps was an excellent, informative experience.
justin Polkowitz
3 years ago
Next Great Step helped me a lot. The Next Great Step program appealed to me because I had trouble communicating my value to employers during job interviews. Using "skills stories" to pinpoint my core skills and effectively communicate them was one of the ways this program helped me.They were always helpful, and I cannot thank them enough for their assistance. Thanks NGS!
Luke L
3 years ago
Next Great Step truly helped me. In the very large business world, I was lost as to what I wanted to do. Next great step helped me identify my own strengths, and pick a career path in line with those strengths. When given the opportunity to interview with little to no prep, the next great step program truly had me feeling prepared and confident. I know my confidence and ability to portray my value was what ultimately landed me my dream offer. I would recommend anyone who is feeling lost when trying to start or change careers to give Next Great Step a try, you won't regret it!
Giselle Candiotti
3 years ago
Next Great Step helped me put my skills and experiences into paper and I received great coaching lessons from Rachel. I would recommend them if you are having trouble putting together your resume, cover letter, or if you need helping polishing your interview skills.
Shelagh Wickey
4 years ago
I have recently completed the Fast Start Group Coaching program Next Great Step has. Going into this program I was really struggling with navigating the job search process and figuring out the right way to use LinkedIn and my network. Since starting and completing the program have gained a better understanding of how to use LinkedIn and my network but I have also learned how to better market myself to organizations. Having the group sessions allowed me to get feedback from peers which intern I was able to use to improve answers for interviews or networking calls. I also learned new techniques of how to grow my network and navigating networking calls that lead to long term connections rather than one and done calls. At the end having an opportunity to have 2 private sessions with my coach helped me get into the specifics of how to leave an impact on different opportunities I had. Overall I had a great experience with Next Great Step and feel significantly more confident continuing the job search process with the tools I have gained!
Rebecca S
4 years ago
I was stuck and unsure how to start looking for a job and to start my career in what I’ve studied years for, and Next Great Step really helped me feel confident and taught me so much about interview skills and starting the job search, and how to follow through with the job search. Thank you!
Jamie Shapiro
4 years ago
Before working with Next Great Step I felt overwhelmed and had low confidence when it came to the job search process. I was unsure of my core skills and how my past experiences can benefit a future employer. While working with NGS I was able to gain confidence in my capabilities and clearly define my skills along with a story to back them up. They provided and taught an effective framework as to how to go about landing a job that fits my aspirations. I learned valuable insights and knowledge on all parts of the process like resume building, LinkedIn profile and searching techniques, and interview prep. I would 10/10 recommend Next Great Step for anyone feeling lost and unsure while beginning the job search process.
Jeffrey Carp
4 years ago
Next Great Step was a huge help in jump starting my career after college. I recommend to any graduates who are confused about what they want to do or anyone who is struggling with the job search process. Achieving a job after obtaining an undergraduate degree can seem daunting and difficult and I was glad to have Next Great Steps help! They taught me the tools and appropriately trained me to win over hiring managers and attain a great job.
Alessandro Calame
4 years ago
I was unsure about how prepared I was for going into the professional world after graduating from college. I didn’t know how well my resume looked, and I wanted to get more advice on how to build my LinkedIn profile. After working with Next Great Step, my self confidence has increased and I feel great with how much I have learned. Beth and Rachel did an amazing job guiding myself and my group to unlocking our true potential.
Noah S.
4 years ago
Before working with Next Great Step, I was having difficulty recognizing and conveying my skills to employers. Working with Rachel helped me do a deep-dive into my experiences and derive examples of work-relevant skills and abilities I wasn’t even aware I possessed.
As a result of working with Rachel and Next Great Step, I felt confident going into interviews, ready to market myself as a skilled worker and demonstrate that I was suited for the position. The interview prep as well as resume work really made a big difference for me, and I can’t thank them enough!
Andrew Mannis
4 years ago
Before NGS, I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career, where to start, r how to land the starting position that got me to my dream job in the future. After the coaching and thorough curriculum, I felt so much more confident, self-aware, and ready for a professional life with a much more clear focus on what I can do, and what I want to do.
Rachel Wylie
4 years ago
I didn't even know where to start the job process post college and Next great step helped me gain more confidence while searching for a new job.
Bennett Phan
4 years ago
I came into this program a little skeptical, thinking, "Why would I need a program like this? I can handle the job search myself." However, this program provided me a level of structure to approach the processes I was weakest at, and provided constructive and supportive feedback on what I could do to improve. It's not a magic pill that will immediately get you a job, but it did give me more tools, skills, and confidence to stand out in the job market, which is arguably better in the long run. I recommend this program highly.
myahnicole
5 years ago
They were all so kind and helpful, I really appreciate all that I've learned within the span of six weeks.
Willie Williams
5 years ago
This was a truly great and insightful experience! They teach very useful skills for the future!
Everett Libby
5 years ago
Great experience. Made great connections with people in my group. Was able to develop my interview skills to a point where I am extremely confident when going into an interview. Most importantly developed skills that made the job search much easier and less stressful. I would highly recommend this program to recent college graduates and seniors in college.
Regan Anderson
5 years ago
I recently graduated college and lacked certain skills and this program allowed me to better understand the job search process. My coaches were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. I have since been able to network and better conduct my self in one-sided interviews and in person interviews. Highly recommend for college seniors and recent grads.
Jeff Rosenberg
5 years ago
A few things that I found myself really struggling with was networking and getting the most out of Linkedin. I also felt I needed a lot of work with just being able to confidently talk about myself both written and orally. I found that the Next Great Step Course was very helpful in helping with those things and also I found it just really helped with building general confidence about the job process and how to feel good about applying to jobs, networking with people, how to best format resumes, cover letters and interview practice as well. I definitely think this course would be a good idea for anybody who is a young professional looking to get some great practice and advice to get started in their career.
Evan Glotzer
5 years ago
I am in the process of looking for summer internships, and I was struggling with how to make myself stand out. The Next Great Step helped me understand what recruiters are looking for, and how to best position myself to land the internships I want. This program is essential for anyone looking to get a leg up on finding a job or internship!
Michele Cohen
5 years ago
The Next Great Step program was instrumental in teaching my son the skills necessary for a successful job search. As a parent it was hard to see him breeze through the initial screening but not make it past the next round. Next Great Step’s lessons focused on a different aspect of the job search process each week, from enhancing a resume and LinkedIn profile to refining interview skills and more. I watched him transform into a more confident candidate skilled at communicating his value to potential employers. As soon as he completed the course, he landed his dream internship.
Ryan Ciavatta
5 years ago
Before coming to Mrs. Grunt for help, I had no idea what I wanted to do and more importantly what I was even capable of. I was kind of pushing off the job search and everything else because I felt lost. I went to college for 4 years and almost felt as if it was a waste!
After taking the course offered by Beth and Rachel at Next Great Step, I felt way more at ease. First of all they taught me the process of finding myself and then finding a job. They really helped me find what I was capable of and then we transformed that into job skills. They taught me to be confident and showed me what to expect when it comes to the job search. Ultimately I learned skills that will be useful for years to come! 4 months later, I have a job and couldn’t be more thankful to NGS. Amazing program 10/10 recommend for anyone recently out of college or struggling with their job search!
Steven Wehde
5 years ago
My experience at Next Great Step was extremely helpful. I had the skills that employers are looking for. I just didn't know how to convey it on my resume, linked in profile, and cover letters. Their advise gave me more confidence in myself as well as prepared me for the stresses that came with interviewing. My advisors, Rachel and Beth, were always helpful and I couldn't thank them enough for the assistance they have given me. Thanks NGS!
Jon Fury
5 years ago
Extremely informative and helpful. Gave me a strategy for making professional connections and what to discuss with them. Also helped me make a far better resume and cover letter.
Alison C
5 years ago
I went an entire year after graduating from college without any prospects, feeling lost and incredibly frustrated because I couldn't even manage to get an interview. Within two months of completing the Next Great Step Group Coaching program I have received THREE full-time job offers from great companies as well as so much gained confidence and I owe it all to Beth, Lauren, and Rachel.
If you are thinking about doing an NGS program, I strongly recommend that you do it. I believe this program would be beneficial to any college student or recent graduate and the tools you learn will not only help you succeed in your current job search, but will be useful for the rest of your professional life.
Thank you for everything!
Matt Cohen
5 years ago
I chose to enter the Next Great Step program since I felt that I was having a hard time proving my value to employers during job interviews. This program helped me in a lot of ways, including using "skills stories" to help me narrow down my core skills and communicate them effectively. The program also helped a lot with building my LinkedIn network and adjusting my resume to show the results of my work. Overall, Next Great Step was very thorough and responsive in giving feedback on my progress, and I now feel much more confident in my job search.
Julia Eisele
5 years ago
I recently decided to quit my job so that I could explore different career path options and figure out if there were more fulfilling opportunities for me. I wanted to look at roles that were not directly correlated to my undergraduate degree, but I really had no idea where to begin. A friend suggested looking into job coaching, and that was when I discovered the Next Great Step. I hesitantly signed up for the group coaching class they offered, but can now say that I am so glad that I did. This course has taught me how to market myself, and how to tailor the description of my skill sets to the industries I am interested in. I went from being terrified of Linkedin to feeling confident in using the platform and creating many new connections through it. This course has ultimately given me much needed advice in the job hunting world, and has made me so much more comfortable with sending out my applications and approaching other professionals. I would definitely recommend this course to any soon to be or recent college graduate, regardless of if you think you're in need of help. The confidence I have gained alone will help me with applying to jobs at any point down the road, and I am grateful for the tools I was given and the skills I have now acquired.
Griffin Brooks
5 years ago
This was a really helpful program that provides helpful, up-to-date tips for finding a job. The personal approach provided guidance and focus for my job search, and gave me the tools to effectively contact alumni, ace interviews, and anything else I need to find my next job.
Pavan Reddy
5 years ago
Overall, Next Great Step was a terrific experience. I was having trouble deciding what the next step in my career should be. Additionally, I was unsure how to contact industry professionals and open a dialogue with them.
Next Great Step showed me how to properly sell myself and introduce myself to others in the same or even a different industry. Moreover, they hammered in the importance of LinkedIn as the invaluable networking tool it is. Beth and Rachel were also very encouraging and the feedback they provided was useful and insightful.
Cameron Allen
5 years ago
Having the opportunity to learn from Next Great Step is what pushed me to become more comfortable in the interview setting. From understanding your core skills and showcasing them to rehearsing mock interviews, NGS always delivered amazing feedback and provided me with communication skills I plan to use in the future. If you are determined and put your best energy into this program, good things will come!
Karla Lopez
6 years ago
Working with Rachel and Beth was an incredible experience. They enabled me to truly develop the perfect elevator pitch about who I am and what my strengths are. This elevator pitch helped me in all the interviews I have had for internships, as it enabled me to walk into the meeting knowing that I had a strong introduction demonstrating to the employer who I am and what I have to offer their company. In addition, they helped me improve my resume to the point that I can mold my resume and cover letters to meet what those companies are looking for.
Jake Tessler
6 years ago
Both coaches were really great in response time and helping out in different ways. Sometimes in the moment you may not realize how much you are learning until it is tested in an interview or networking. I was so much more prepared than I could have anticipated. For anyone else that is initially skeptical, I encourage you to give it a try.
Spence Scott
6 years ago
As a recent graduate, Next Great Step was an extremely valuable program for me. It helped me hone in on my skills and learn how to confidently speak about them. I definitely feel like I am now well equipped to start networking and applying to jobs with success. Would absolutely recommend for any recent graduates looking for guidance!
Daniel Lambert
6 years ago
I recommend the next great step for anyone who is struggling with interview confidence and job searching and networking in general. I personally had a lot of trouble figuring out what my story was, and the next great step really helped me get everything together and out in a very great way. Figuring out my skills and how I used them in a way that benefits me and my prospective employer is something that I benefited from the next great step.
Slater Sullivan
6 years ago
I was coming off losing my job due to covid and having to relocate. I didn't know where to look for work or even what I wanted to do. Next Great Step provided me with direction and helped me regain confidence in my core skills. The weekly regimented course work paired with the live group sessions has shown me that I'm not alone in this daunting process, and that I have a lot to offer in whichever career I choose.
Nicole Biegel
6 years ago
10/10 recommend this program! As a college junior, the job search process can feel lonely and isolating at times, but the small group coaching experience completely reshaped the way I view interviewing and growing my network! It was amazing to be able to receive constructive feedback on mock interviews, and collaborate on the strongest ways to answer tough interview questions. I will definitely be utilizing the resources provided by Beth and her team for the rest of my professional career.
KAITLYN GREENBERG
6 years ago
Next Great Step really helped me pinpoint my core skills and figure out how to convey them to employers. Beth and Rachel are super nice and wonderful to work with! They offer great support and feedback on resume writing, LinkedIn use, and interview practice. I'd recommend Next Great Step to any student or recent grad who wants to stand out as a strong candidate!
Ryan Bluestone
6 years ago
I thought this was a great program for college students preparing for the recruiting season. Going into this process there is a lot of uncertainty for students attempting to land their dream job. Working with the Next Great Step and their coaches allows students to have the tools and confidence in any type of interview. I would highly recommend this extremely professional team and all around great program.
Emily Borrello
6 years ago
Next Great Step helped me understand my strengths and how to talk about them in a competent manner. I had the pleasure of working with Rachel and she gave me valuable knowledge to help me grow professionally and gain more confidence in myself and my abilities. Before I started Next Great Step, I was unsure about my career path and afraid to reach out for help. Now I am prepared to take the necessary steps to advance my career. I cannot thank Rachel and Next Great Step enough for all their guidance!
Olivia Sammak
6 years ago
Before starting with Next Great Steps I was at a stand still with my job search. I felt unprepared for going on interviews. Since working with Next Great Steps, I now feel like I have the skills to confidently go out and interview for jobs. The team at Next Great Steps helped me to improve my resume, make connections on LinkedIn, and prepare me for interviews. They were great to work!
Matthew Dressler
6 years ago
I relied solely on internet sites for my job search. I found that my applications went unnoticed and never heard back from most companies. Next Great Step taught me how to network with alumni from my university. I learned how to identify core skills and how to emphasize those skills during interviews. We also had practice sessions doing mock interviews. Moving forward I feel more confident and prepared for my job search and interviews. I highly recommend Next Great Step.
Jason Alexander
7 years ago
This is an engaging and immersive process that helps recent glads learn how to both navigate looking for a job as well as making themselves appear more attractive to employers. It is taught by people who are very knowledgeable about what current employers are looking for in candidates as well as mistakes that young people often make.
George Karkazis
7 years ago
As a recent graduate I didn't know what to expect when starting this program, but Beth and Rachel blew me away. Their knowledge about this kind of stuff is second to none, and the advice they are able to give is unparalleled. Not only are they great at what they do, but they are also super nice and friendly and it make the entire experience that much better. I would recommend this program/service to anyone!
Olivia Olmos
7 years ago
Beth and Rachel gave me the confidence to jumpstart the job application process during my senior year of college. Their continuous support and encouragement provided me with lifelong tools. I learned valuable professional skills which I will carry with me through my future career.
Evan Mester
7 years ago
Before working with NGS, I was struggling with some of the interview related and organizational aspects of the job search process. In such a competitive job market, young grads like myself must present themselves to potential employers in the best way possible while ALSO meeting an employer's requirements. Working with Beth and the NGS team allowed me to learn the skills and knowledge required in order to put my best foot forward to prospective employers. The advice you learn along the course of this experience is truly invaluable. Highly recommend!
Jason silberman
7 years ago
Beth and Rachel really have this down to a T. As a recent graduate, it's really stressful to know what you want to do and Next Great Step helped with just that. They made me think deep and focus in on what my core skills are and where they can be applied. I recommend this for any recent grad, whether it be 1 year or even 5 years since college.
Lyle
7 years ago
I completed the Fast Start Group Coaching program. As a college student who was finding it difficult to get responses from online job boards, this class was really helpful. Beth and Rachel were very helpful in identifying and helping me fix issues in my networking, resume, and interview skills. I feel like this class was very useful in identifying and fixing many of my issues during the job hunting process and would highly recommend to anyone else in a similar situation.
david Weiss
7 years ago
Was a great help in my internship and job search. Really helped me hone in on my skills that best represented me. They provided lots of help with direct networking, including LinkedIn, as well as resume and cover letter help. I would definitely recommend this program to any college seniors, as well as recent graduates.
Gabriela Tanaka
7 years ago
With Next Great Step, I have learned how to communicate effectively about myself, which has given me confidence in my job search. Beth and Rachel were fantastic to work with and helped me clarify my direction. Thank you so much!
Kitty
7 years ago
A nice experience. Beth and Rachel covered different topics, and were very responsive and thorough after each class as well.
Jesse Ethan Levitt
7 years ago
Gives you direction and organized approach to a job search. You will be far more confident when taking interviews. Overall a great program for starting the right career.