Catherine Fisher on LinkedIn’s 2026 Guide for Graduates Entering the Job Market

There’s been a lot of conversation lately about how AI is shaping the job market, especially for those just starting out. For recent grads, it can feel unclear where the opportunities are or even where to begin. To help make sense of it, Catherine Fisher, VP of Communications and Career Expert, joins Elizabeth Ames to talk about LinkedIn’s Grad’s Guide. The guide is based on data from LinkedIn as well as information gleaned from conversations with new grads across different roles and industries, as well as those who've taken less traditional routes. The guide arms entry-level professionals with the data and insights on the fastest-growing jobs, industries and locations for entry-level job opportunities. In a challenging job market, the Grad’s Guide helps anyone entering their first full-time role with insights on the entry-level job market, showcasing where opportunity is growing and how to approach their job search more strategically. 00:00 Welcome and LinkedIn Research 03:02 Why the Grads Guide Exists 05:21 A Tougher Job Market Now 07:39 Rethinking Entry Level Paths 10:42 Storytelling Your Experience 14:21 AI and Adaptability Advantage 15:53 Report Highlights Industries Jobs Cities 18:15 Creative Skill Building Alternatives 22:10 Networking That Actually Works 26:22 Ask Specific Favors 27:14 Fifteen Minute Outreach 28:26 Industry Events Strategy 29:37 Networking Into Jobs 31:05 Strategic Job Applying 33:14 LinkedIn Jobs Match 34:12 Getting Interview Feedback 38:02 Practice And Nerves 40:18 New Grad Playbook 42:28 LinkedIn Gym Mindset 44:42 Final Thanks And Links 📚Resources: - LinkedIn’s Grad’s Guide 2026 - How Graduates Can Find the Best Job Opportunities in 2026 - Never Search Alone 🌟 Where to find Catherine: - On LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinefisherlinkedin/ Where to find our hosts: - Shannon Peaveyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/spmad/ - Elizabeth Ames https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethames/ 🙋🏻‍♀️Where to find Women in Product: - On LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-product/posts/ - Website https://womenpm.org/ - Join the Community https://womenpm.org/wip-community/ <!--THE END--> - Product Rising on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/product-rising/id1584224561 <!--THE END--> - Product Rising on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7bcyVhpdhw0hbiRr6O4h1U <!--THE END--> - Product Rising on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLijcNLDj\QE2ge6Wqeh0MLx\qMKwot--9