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Each year some of Mizzou’s brightest strategic communication students participate in MOJO Ad – the premier student-staffed marketing agency as part of their culminating coursework capstone.
In the spring, the group takes on the release of their annual State of the YAYA report, a comprehensive case study analyzing the habits, mindsets and values of youth and young adults (YAYA’s) aged 18 to 24. The 2026 reports dive into the ailments of authenticity and the ways in which it affects the psyche of young adults.
Almost 63% of YAYA’s feel that posting on social media feels more like performing rather than intentional sharing and 1 in 5 say they feel anxiety over appearing “authentic.” It’s clear young people want to rid themselves of performative culture and find themselves again.
The desire for meaning and craving genuine connection translates into the workplace in ways you haven’t even thought of. You don’t have to be the traditional “corporate climber” to fit in. Moving past that way of thinking means building a purpose-driven path that feels authentic to you and your respective career goals.
Finding your purpose
MOJO Ad’s research reveals that around one-third of young adults generate and discover aspects of their personality through online trends and things circulating through their algorithm. Because of these micro trends and algorithmic influences, they are often led to opt for conformity over the pursuit of individuality. “You aren’t figuring out what authenticity means to you” when you only rely on the algorithm (Team Prisma).
Figuring out what your purpose is and identifying your career goals requires you to look inward. At the career center, you can align your internal values with viable career pathways using these self-assessment tools:
- CliftonStregnths Assessment: Identify your top natural talents that speak to what energizes you and makes you feel most confident in the work you’re doing.
- Focus 2: Evaluate your interests, personal values and components of your personality to find majors and career paths that reflect who you are.
- Major and career exploration: Come into the career center to speak with a career specialist to get some clarity on the type of work you’d succeed in.
Authenticity in networking
Networking…it’s a buzz word we know! It doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems. It doesn’t have to feel performative and manufactured. “It’s easier to make those connections if you effectively communicate as yourself and not try and project a persona,” (Team Prisma).
Authenticity in networking isn’t about pitching a fake exterior. Real networking is about expressing genuine curiosity and finding shared connections. Here are some of the integral pieces of building real relationships:
- Conducting informational interviews: Reach out to Mizzou alumni or people that are in positions you’d like to learn more about. These interviews are low-stakes and can be as short as 15 minutes. Ask real questions about workplace balance, what drew them to the industry and what they are passionate about.
- Define your career goals: Lay the groundwork for what you are interested in and how that can translate into a career. Ask yourself things like: Are internships beneficial for the work I want to do? What is the work-life balance like in this industry? Does this career path afford me creative freedom? Does this career path allow for ascension? Do I want to climb the “corporate ladder?” This will help drive the decisions you are making now.
- The self-introduction: The elevator pitch if you will, doesn’t have to be some drawn out speech about yourself. Start by expressing your professional background and interests, not just listing buzzwords. From there, dive into where you want to go from here and how you’re planning to get there. And if you don’t have all the details mapped out yet, be transparent about that too!
- Outreach: If you need more guidance, refer to structured message templates and guides to help you connect with former tigers on LinkedIn or Handshake. Reach out to people that may have had similar experiences as you and who you think you see a little bit of yourself in!
Defining who you are and what matters to you in a career should be about you and not someone you’re pretending to be. Embrace your real interests, not just short-lived trends or what you think you should be doing. The career center is a great place to start if you’re still trying to figure out what success in a career looks like to you. We’re here to help you curate a future that aligns with your purpose and feels authentic to you.
By Raigan Clay