the blog

By Rara Dzikrina IstifadahThere’s a version of success that AI is quietly selling us right now. It looks like independence. Speed. Polish. The ability to do everything yourself and do it well. You can draft the strategy, build the deck, refine your messaging, analyze the data, and execute. All in a fraction of the time […]

by Catherine Brine I had never been to a networking event in my life. Not one. So when I was invited to The Dot Signature Event last year, I felt equal parts honored and completely overwhelmed. Networking felt intimidating. I pictured perfectly polished women exchanging business cards with ease — and I wasn’t sure I […]

By Katie Blank So, you got invited to a networking event. Now what?  If you’re anything like me, you might find that attending networking events can come with a side of anxiety or uncertainty. Who should I be talking to? What sort of questions should I be asking? What if I can’t think of something […]

By: Grace Steinhagen (2025 Dot Ambassador) We spend a huge portion of our lives working. Some estimates say nearly a third of our lives, so we might as well make our work something that we love. Earlier this year, I hit a moment in my career where I knew my job was no longer serving […]

By: Emma Traun (2025 Ambassador) We’ve all experienced the notorious Sunday Scaries, talked our friend’s ear off about the latest work drama, and daydreamed about quitting our jobs to travel the world, right? Working isn’t always glamorous, but it is a necessary and important part of our lives and our society. Whether we utilize healthy […]

By: Allie Cole (Dot Board Member – 2025) Part 1: Maximizing Your Job Search: Tips for Professionals Working with a Recruiter and Things No One Tells You About Working with a Recruiter In today’s competitive job market, many professionals are turning to recruiters to help them land the right role. A good recruiter can be […]

By: Emma Traun (2025 Dot Ambassador) Spaghetti by Beyonce opens with a line that says, “Genres… they’re a funny little concept, aren’t they? In theory, they have a simple definition that’s easy to understand, but in practice, well, some may feel confined”.  Weirdly, this is what came to mind when asked how I balance personal […]

Why Buying a Home in Minnesota Might Be the Most Empowering Move You Make This Year By: Ellie Breitbach, 2025 Ambassador Hey friend, Ellie here! I’m a local mortgage loan officer in the Twin Cities and an ambassador for The Dot. I’ve helped a lot of people buy homes, and one thing I’m especially proud […]

By: Maura Koelsch (Ambassador 2025)  Becoming a parent is one of life’s most transformative experiences. It shifts priorities, redefines identity, and adds new layers of responsibility. Juggling career aspirations with the demands of raising children requires a reevaluation of what success and productivity look like, at home and in the workplace. I knew I wasn’t […]