In today’s digital age, it seems like everyone has a platform. Thanks to social media, a new breed of career influencers has emerged—people in their early 20s, offering career advice, job search tips, and motivational content to thousands, if not millions, of followers. They share wisdom on everything from resume hacks to how to land your dream job, all while their followers look up to them for guidance.

But here’s the catch: many of these influencers, despite their vast following, haven’t yet experienced the trials and responsibilities that come with running a team, such as hiring, firing, or navigating the complex challenges of leadership. So, the question is: what does it mean when these career influencers (who are often still navigating the early stages of their own careers) become the go-to source for career advice?

The Career Influence Phenomenon

Social media platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram have allowed young professionals to carve out a space where they share tips, hacks, and advice on everything from acing interviews to mastering work-life balance. The appeal of these influencers is simple: they appear accessible, relatable, and they present their career journeys in a way that resonates with younger generations who are navigating the same struggles.

These influencers often boast significant followings, sometimes reaching millions, offering everything from micro-advice on how to write a LinkedIn bio to more comprehensive strategies on career growth. For many, these young influencers are the face of career advice. Their videos rack up millions of views, and their content is shared by job seekers and professionals alike.

But here’s the rub: Many of these career influencers have yet to step into the shoes of those responsible for hiring, managing, or leading teams. They haven’t experienced the full scope of leadership, something that typically doesn’t come until one’s 30s, or even later in a traditional career trajectory.

The Rise of the 'Non-Hiring' Career Influencer

The idea of hiring and firing may feel distant when you're just a few years into your career. And, for many young professionals, these concepts remain abstract. However, as more career influencers in their early 20s rise to prominence, we must consider the impact of offering career advice without having been in positions where the stakes of hiring, firing, or managing teams are at play.

In some ways, this could be seen as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s empowering that these influencers are able to create content that resonates with their audience and encourages others to pursue their goals. Their authenticity and relatability can make career advice feel attainable. After all, they’re “just like us”, young professionals figuring things out, but succeeding at the same time.

On the other hand, there’s a danger in offering advice that lacks the real-world depth that comes from navigating complex team dynamics and business decisions. The reality of leadership and management goes far beyond the glossy, filtered stories we see online. It involves making tough calls, dealing with conflict, and learning to build, fire, and scale teams.

Why This Matters: The Missing Leadership Perspective

Career advice from someone who hasn’t yet had to make the difficult decision of letting someone go (or the experience of hiring someone who can change the trajectory of a team) may lack important nuance. Leadership doesn’t just involve managing up or learning how to ace an interview—it’s about managing people with different skill sets, personalities, and communication styles. It’s about making decisions that affect lives and careers in ways that simply aren’t visible to an early-career influencer.

While advice from someone who has "been there" (but not yet "done that") can be valuable for those just starting their careers, it’s essential to acknowledge that leadership and management are learned over time. The decisions that come with running a team or navigating high-stakes hiring/firing processes require a deep understanding of people, strategy, and company culture—things that can’t be distilled into a TikTok video or Instagram post.

Is This the Future of Career Advice?

As we continue to see the rise of young career influencers, it’s important for audiences to have a clear understanding of the type of advice they’re receiving. For those just starting their careers, the advice may be inspirational and useful, but it’s also important to seek perspectives from those who have navigated the full spectrum of career growth, including the challenges that come with leadership.

There’s a place for advice that helps job seekers refine their resumes, improve their interview skills, and boost their confidence. But as these influencers continue to rise, they should consider embracing more in-depth conversations about what it means to lead, hire, and fire—not just because it’s valuable to their followers, but because it adds another layer of richness to the narrative they’re sharing.

Ultimately, the rise of the early 20s career influencer shows just how much power young professionals have in shaping the career advice landscape. But it also highlights the importance of seeking advice that comes from a variety of experiences. Because as much as we value advice from someone who’s just a few steps ahead, we also need to make room for those who have been through the thick of leadership decisions—people who have hired, fired, and led teams, and can share that valuable insight.

As these career influencers continue to shape the career narrative, let’s also encourage more holistic discussions that combine the energy and relatability of early-career professionals with the depth and wisdom that only comes from real leadership experience.

Trusting Us: We Have the Street Cred

At Odyseek, we’ve got more than just advice, we’ve got experience. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in hiring, firing, and leading teams, we understand the real-world challenges of the job market that go beyond resume tips and interview prep. We've been in the room where tough hiring decisions are made and understand exactly what hiring managers are looking for. Our approach isn’t just about helping you land a job, it’s about preparing you for the long-term success that comes with making the right connections and presenting your true value. When we guide you, we bring a level of street cred to the table that comes from years of understanding what employers actually need and how to navigate the complexities of leadership and team-building. So when we say we know how to help you shine in a competitive job market, you can trust that our advice is grounded in real-world expertise.