We’re in the thick of application szn as we are seeing the wave of internships, jobs, graduate programs, fellowships, TikTok creator houses (hey, it’s 2025, anything goes) emerge and be discussed.
And whether you're building your LinkedIn presence, prepping for a pitch, or trying to survive your fifth Zoom interview of the week, here’s a reminder:
Know your value. Own it. Protect it. Promote it.
Too many students (and let’s be honest, professors and professionals too) undersell what they bring to the table. They treat themselves like an add-on when they’re actually the main course. So let’s fix that.
I had a few conversations this week with current and former students - some are looking for new opportunities to spread their wings - while others are preparing for what is a chaotic and energetic profession after graduation. The stress - of not knowing where you will end up or even when you will get the job you want - is huge.
Trust me - I know! I remember as a graduate student applying for jobs as I was working on my little paper (aka dissertation) - and sat through multiple interviews, campus visits, and drafts of applications in 2010/2011. It all works out in the end, but it is indeed a journey.
Remind yourself of this: you are not a clearance item marked 70% off and buried under a pile of last season’s leftovers.
You’re the Birkin bag, the limited-edition collab, the sold-out drop people line up for. Your skills, ideas, and energy? That’s high-value inventory. So, treat your worth accordingly.
Too often, students and early professionals walk into opportunities trying to be “affordable” or “low-maintenance,” hoping that humility will open doors. But here’s the truth: undervaluing yourself doesn’t make you more desirable - instead, it makes people question what you’re actually offering.
In other words when you think of your value, think of yourself like a brand.
Would Nike discount every pair of Jordans just to get attention? Would Beyoncé drop a surprise album and market it like a garage sale? Exactly.
You don’t have to scream “I’m the best!” However, you do need to show up knowing your worth, with receipts to back it up.
Luxury never begs. It just waits for the right buyer.
So whether you’re applying for a job, presenting an idea, or advocating for a raise, channel that same energy: polished, intentional, and unapologetically premium.
Let’s have a KareFre Conversation about this.
The Value Equation (Yes, You Have One)
Okay, we are going to do some math today - and it involves calculating what value you can bring to the table.
I had a chat with a good friend of mine this week about the importance of knowing your value, and making sure you do not compromise your value to please a brand, company, or team at the risk of decreasing your value. If you are not valued, you need to revaluate your situation and see what can be done. It’s important to take note of this as everyone should feel they are valued and appreciated where they are professionally.
So, here’s the formula of what you need to consider here:
Value = (Skills + Perspective + Work Ethic) × Confidence
You may be asking - Karen, this is cool, but how do we determine what value you can bring to the table?!!
That’s totally fine! Let’s break this down:
Skills
These are your hard and soft abilities—what you can do and how you do it. Whether it's Adobe, Excel, storytelling, or reading the room like a human analytics dashboard, your skills are your toolbox. But here’s the kicker: even “basic” skills like time management or writing a solid email matter, especially when done consistently well.
Start cataloging your skills in categories: technical (ex: Adobe, Canva, Lightroom, Meltwate/Hootsuite/Agorapulse/Truescope, social analytics), communication (ex: pitching, writing), and leadership (ex: delegation, problem-solving). It helps you articulate your strengths clearly and confidently.
Perspective
This is your secret sauce. It’s how you see the world—shaped by your background, experiences, challenges, and passions. What you bring to the table isn't just execution; it's insight. Maybe you grew up bilingual and understand cultural nuance.
Maybe you're the first in your family to go to college. Maybe you've worked three part-time jobs and know how to juggle priorities like a Cirque du Soleil pro. Use your perspective to differentiate yourself. Employers need fresh eyes, not clones. Your POV is your power.
Work Ethic
This is about how you show up. Are you the first one to test a new tool? The person who triple-checks a doc before sending?
The one who follows up without being asked? Reliability and grit are currency in any field. Work ethic doesn’t mean working 24/7. It means showing you’re dependable, coachable, and committed to results—not just optics.
Confidence (the multiplier)
Confidence isn’t arrogance. It’s clarity. It’s knowing you can figure things out even if you don’t have all the answers. It’s showing up to the table not asking for permission—but offering a solution.
And here’s where most people miss the mark: confidence amplifies everything else. You can have incredible skills and a unique lens, but if you present yourself like you’re unsure of your value, others will pick up on that. Multiply your efforts by owning what you bring.
Practice saying out loud what you’re good at. Sounds cheesy? Maybe. But if you can’t pitch yourself in the mirror, you won’t pitch yourself in the interview.
But when you add it all up (skills + perspective + work ethic) and back it with confidence? You become undeniable.
And don’t wait for someone else to assign your value.
Declare it, define it, and then show up like it’s fact.
Because it is.
Best Practices (That Don’t Get Talked About Enough)
Here are some less-common but highly effective ways to show you know your worth:
Don’t just apply for an opportunity - pitch.
If you love a brand, agency, or project, you need to send a one-pager or video pitch explaining how you’d contribute. Show them you’re not just another applicant; you’re already thinking like you’re on the team.
Track your wins like an athlete.
Did you increase engagement on a class project’s IG page? Lead a team to deliver a campaign? Start keeping a personal “W portfolio.” Confidence isn’t built on vibes, but rather it’s built on receipts. Show what you have done and why you can make a difference and impact. Evidence is KEY!
Be uncomfortably specific.
Generic statements (“I’m a hard worker”) are forgettable. Instead: “I helped grow TikTok engagement 60% in 3 weeks with zero ad budget.” Let your data do the talking.
Create a “Why You Should Hire Me” slide deck.
Not for every job, but for that job? The one you really want? Show up with a tailored deck that highlights your unique value.
Know your narrative.
Your story is your brand. It’s what sets you apart from every other communication major, business student, or creative out there. If you’ve overcome adversity, switched paths, built something cool - SAY it. People hire people, not bullet points.
Summary
So, let’s recap on this message and remember the following points as you are looking perhaps for your next chapter, or first big industry job after graduation:
Your voice matters. Speak up, even when it’s scary.
Your experiences are valuable, even if they didn’t come with a title or paycheck.
Don’t shrink to fit someone else’s idea of “ready.” Sometimes you’re overqualified and they just don’t see it yet.
Never apologize for being ambitious, prepared, or excited. Those are superpowers.
Thank you for having a KareFre Conversation!