Beyond the Diploma: What My Daughter’s Graduation Taught Me About Today’s Market
The blue and orange gear is out! This week, our family is heading up to Boise State University to watch our youngest daughter, Makenna, walk across the stage. It’s a huge milestone for any parent—the final kid getting their degree and officially entering the workforce.
However, the bigger story isn’t just the graduation; it’s how she prepared for it.
The Market Reality
We hear it all the time: “The market is weird right now.” Whether people are talking about the job market or the housing market, there is a lot of hesitation. But Makenna’s experience offers a massive dose of hope. She has already accepted her first post-college position.
This didn’t happen by accident or by “luck.” It happened because she treated her job search with the same intensity she treated her degree.
Why You Can’t Rely on Online Portals
I recently spoke with a close friend who is a veteran recruiter. He has placed thousands of people in jobs, and his advice was blunt: stop just firing off applications into employment portals. You can send 500 resumes and never get a bite.
Makenna took a different route. She focused on:
- Networking: Building real connections.
- LinkedIn: She’s been more active on the platform than many seasoned professionals.
- Creativity: Finding the “angle” that gets you noticed.
A Lesson for Real Estate and Beyond
There is a parallel here to the real estate world. When the market feels “wonky,” the people who succeed are the ones who don’t just sit back and wait for an algorithm to find them a deal. Success comes to those who put in the “elbow grease,” work their network, and stay creative.
To all the 2026 graduates out there: the jobs are there. To the parents: there is plenty of reason for hope.
Congratulations, Makenna. We are so proud of you. Welcome to the workforce—you’re going to kick some serious butt!
Are you looking for a mortgage professional who takes a creative, long-term view of your financial success? Reach out to me at Franklin Loan Center today.
Bill is happy to run the numbers for you, with no pressure.
