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Why Early Career Decisions Matter More Than You Think
At the Pace University commencement on May 19, Etsy CEO Josh Silverman offered a powerful message to new graduates: stop letting peer pressure dictate your career choices. Instead of following the herd, Silverman urged students to take a path aligned with their own skills and curiosity—two factors that, according to him, form the backbone of long-term success.

“Don’t pick a job because your friends are doing it,” Silverman said. “Choose a path where your passion and abilities intersect—and stay open to where that path may lead.”

Section 1: The Two Career Moves That Set You Apart

Silverman emphasized two specific career strategies that he believes make the difference between average and extraordinary outcomes:

1. Lean into what you're naturally good at and already enjoy.
2. Say yes to unexpected opportunities that challenge your comfort zone.

These simple principles helped Silverman build a wide-ranging and impressive resume—even if that journey didn’t follow a straight line.

Section 2: Josh Silverman’s Non-Linear Career Path

Silverman didn’t follow a typical executive trajectory. He started at Brown University studying theater but ended up graduating with a degree in public policy. His first job? Answering emails for U.S. Senator Bill Bradley. But rather than clocking in and out mechanically, he went beyond the job description—volunteering for side tasks, listening intently in meetings, and building relationships at the office water cooler.

“I was a sponge,” Silverman recalled. “I was determined to absorb every conversation and every challenge around me.”

Just three years later, that extra effort paid off. Bradley’s chief of staff invited him to join a new consulting venture, introducing him to the world of private business. From there, Silverman’s career snowballed: he led Evite, eBay’s Shopping.com, and Skype before taking the reins at Etsy in 2017. Today, Etsy has a market capitalization of $5.51 billion.

Section 3: Why Passion Alone Isn’t Enough

While Silverman champions pursuing something you love, he’s quick to point out that enjoying your field doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing.

“When I look back at the most rewarding times in my career, they weren’t fun,” he said. “They were exhausting, stressful—even discouraging. But they pushed me further than I thought I could go.”

His message: resilience often grows in tough, uncomfortable moments. And those very moments, he says, are what shape extraordinary careers.

Section 4: The Rise of Skills-Based Hiring

Silverman’s advice aligns with a broader trend in the job market: employers are increasingly focused on competencies rather than degrees. According to a 2023 ZipRecruiter survey, more companies are moving toward skills-based hiring—prioritizing abilities like time management, communication, and critical thinking over traditional qualifications.

LinkedIn’s 2024 workforce trends report forecasts a major shift: by 2030, up to 73% of job-related skills will change due to automation and AI. The most sought-after candidates will combine tech savvy—especially AI literacy—with soft skills like leadership and adaptability.

Section 5: What This Means for Today’s Graduates

The key takeaway from Silverman’s speech? Focus less on climbing a specific career ladder and more on becoming excellent at what you do—and open to reinvention. Every job, no matter how small or unexpected, can be a springboard if approached with enthusiasm and openness.

“Follow your interests. Be excellent. And don’t fear failure—it’s where your real growth lies,” he told graduates.

A Roadmap for a Resilient Career

Josh Silverman’s message isn’t just for college students—it’s a blueprint for anyone navigating a shifting job market. In an era defined by automation, economic uncertainty, and unconventional career paths, being curious, adaptable, and self-aware may be more valuable than any diploma.

Whether you’re just starting out or mid-pivot, his advice remains the same: Trust your gut, say yes to learning curves, and never underestimate the power of doing your current job well.