Graduating and entering the workforce is a defining moment. New grads want more than a job, they want clarity, growth, and purpose. For organisations, how you engage them now determines whether you're building tomorrow's leaders... Or losing them altogether.

Why Early Career Engagement Matters

Gallup’s research shows younger workers are struggling to connect post-pandemic. Engagement among Gen Z and younger Millennials dropped from 40% in early 2020 to 35% by late 2023, while disengagement rose.

The message is clear: if new graduates don’t feel supported or see a future with you, they’ll move on quickly.

What Do We Mean by Early Career Employees?

Early career employees are individuals at the beginning of their professional journey, often with less than three years of full-time experience. They might be recent graduates, interns, or apprentices, and are typically hired into structured entry-level roles designed to accelerate their development.

Key characteristics:

  • Limited Experience – Often fresh from education, with little or no professional background in their field.
  • High Potential – While inexperienced, they are seen as a growth investment for the organisation’s future.
  • Structured Entry – Usually part of graduate schemes, internships, or apprenticeships that provide clear progression routes.
  • Younger Demographics – Typically recent undergraduates or postgraduates, though the term also applies to career changers entering a new field.

» READ MORE: Managing five generations in one workforce

Inspirational Speakers Who Hit Home

The best way to engage graduates is to give them role models who understand their challenges and ambitions. At PepTalk, we recommend the following inspirational speakers for both in-persons and virtual events:

  • Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis – Founders of Amazing If, an award-winning company on a mission to make squiggly careers better for everyone. Together they are the authors of two Sunday Times bestsellers, The Squiggly Career and You Coach You, and hosts of the award-winning Squiggly Careers podcast. Their sessions help graduates embrace uncertainty, build confidence, and design careers that fit them.‍
  • Paul Redmond – A leading expert on generational differences and the future of work. Paul helps organisations understand what motivates Gen Z and Millennials and equips graduates with the tools to navigate early careers with confidence.
  • ‍Holly Ransom – Named one of Australia’s 100 Women of Influence, Holly is a dynamic speaker who shows young professionals how to embrace disruption, lead change, and create impact early in their careers.
  • Adam Mendler – Creator and host of the Thirty Minute Mentors podcast, Adam distils lessons from over 500 of America’s most accomplished leaders. As an educator in leadership at UCLA and founder of multiple businesses, he helps early careers understand what drives great leadership and how to develop it themselves.
  • Danny Goldberg – A celebrated business strategist and advisor, Danny specialises in unlocking potential in individuals and teams. His sessions equip graduates with practical skills in resilience, communication, and career agility—helping them thrive in fast-changing workplaces.
  • Other PepTalk voices – From wellbeing specialists who tackle stress and burnout, to diversity champions who ensure every graduate feels seen, PepTalk curates experts who make early careers both inspiring and practical.

» EXPLORE: Generational speakers

Career Podcasts Worth Sharing

Podcasts are a powerful way for graduates to continue learning on the go. Here are some of the best resources to recommend:

Making Early Career Engagement Real

Engagement isn’t about welcome packs or coffee perks. It’s about building clarity, confidence, and community:

  • Give graduates access to role models who are relatable and inspiring.
  • Share resources like podcasts that address generational questions and dilemmas.
  • Back words with action: offer mentoring, meaningful projects, and genuine inclusion.

💡 PepTalk Fact: Organisations that invest in graduate engagement and career development see higher retention and faster progression into leadership roles.

👉 Ready to inspire your graduate intake or early careers crew? Book an expert speaker with PepTalk and give your future leaders the best possible start. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US).

Written by Amber Parkin
Amber is PepTalk's Director of People Science and Learning. She has 20 years of global experience in the creative industries, including as a copywriter and Head of Customer Experience in the music industry, using storytelling to drive behaviour change. Amber holds an MA in Digital Management and an MSc in Organisational Psychology and is always looking for inspiration.