Ep. 17 - AI Readiness Overcomes Entry-Level Fear

AI is raising the bar for everyone entering the workforce, and it’s also creating a lot of noise about what matters most. We recorded this conversation live from Heroes Coffee in Rogers, Arkansas to get grounded in the real question students are asking: how do I land my first role and thrive when the tools, titles, and expectations keep changing?I'm joined by Dr. Anne Velliquette from the University of Arkansas (Walton College of Business), Karson Feuerbacher (graduating senior and Hershey intern), Sarah White (omnichannel marketing at Nestlé), and Victoria Van Dusen (SVP at Mars United Commerce). Together, we unpack “AI readiness” without the hype. You’ll hear what hiring managers actually look for in entry-level talent, what great first 90 days behavior looks like, and why agency roles often start with foundational work before you earn client-facing responsibilities. We also talk about using AI responsibly, avoiding copy-paste mistakes, and keeping the human touch through curiosity, emotional intelligence, and relationship building.We get practical on how to stand out beyond GPA: internships, career fairs, side projects, personal brand, and transferable skills that prove you can execute in the retail media and retail commerce world. We even tackle the uncomfortable parts like managing up, professional polish, and how COVID still shows up in communication habits.Subscribe to Retail Media Vibes, share this with a student or new grad, and leave a review if it helps. What skill do you think will matter most when AI becomes the default tool at work?