Regardless of one's approach to life after college, I have some advice for them. Actually, I do not have advice but rather went straight to a valuable source of career insights: Some of my former students. These young professionals are on the front lines daily, each one building an impressive career. So I put a question to people who not that long ago were taking their walk across the stage at Commencement. I asked them to give the Class of 2015 advice that would help in their transition from college to career. The question was:
What is one thing that you know now that you wished you would have known when you began your business career?
Six young professionals weighed in with a response. I think you will find their advice usable whether you are at the start of your career or are a seasoned professional. Two themes came through loud and clear as I read their thoughts: Accountability and adaptability.
Be Accountable
"One thing I wish someone would have passed onto me is to not make excuses but make solutions. It is very easy to do, but an excuse only makes people mad. If you take the time to find a solution it will not only help further your expertise but can help mend a relationship with your client."
Nick Akin, Search Engine Specialist, Local Search Masters, Class of 2013
"It's totally acceptable to say "I don't know." Even 5-years into my career I run into situations where I have no idea what the best approach is. Doing a good job isn't about knowing the answer-- it's about leveraging every resource around you to get to the best answer. I would have saved myself several mistakes and several embarrassing moments if I had known that from the beginning."
Landin King, Senior Manager of Public Relations, Tapad, Class of 2010
Brett Smalley, Brett Smalley State Farm, Class of 2009
"Read "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Then read it again. Business is about relationships and your success in business is dependent upon your performance, but also very much so by how you are viewed. I thought in business if you sell or perform, you advance... But I saw a lot of high performers that treated others poorly never advance. How you treat others and act in times of stress sets you apart from the crowd. Reading this book will help you in your new career to build better relationships, and it will help you immensely in everyday life with family, friends and everyone you come across."
Be Adaptable
"There are two things that I wished I'd known:
- How important numbers, math and data are
- How to be comfortable presenting in front of chief officers, presidents, vice presidents, etc.
Well, and maybe a third one - that I would be perfectly okay in front of these folks once I learned my role and the material I would be presenting."
Andrea Jacobs, Marketing Manager, O’Charley’s, Class of 2010
"Just because you have your degree in a certain area, doesn't always mean you will have a job/career in that area. I have worked with a wide variety of people and in getting to know my coworkers and clients, I have learned that not all of them are in the fields they first set out in. For example, one of my clients has a degree in industrial engineering. He has been his company's CIO for the past 5 years. He told me before that he never thought he would be doing anything related to the IT/IS world, but he wouldn't change any of it because he enjoys it.
I encourage all of the graduates to go after what they think they want to do. Once in the workforce, you will quickly learn what you like and dislike. Build off of that. Just because your major is "x" doesn't mean you always have to do "x". Continue to learn and grow yourself into the position you want, don't limit yourself based on your major/degree."
Roy Adcock, Commercial National Accounts Coordinator, SERVPRO Industries Inc., Class of 2006
"I would say that one thing I wished I would have known before I began my business career is to be prepared for the learning curve! You will not know everything in the beginning and good things take time. You will get there! You just have to take as much knowledge in as you possible can but also give yourself the time required to actual perfect your new career. Be extremely coachable and stay optimistic for the potential of how good you can be at this career."
Rebekah McGuire, Director of Campus Recruitment and Selection, Northwestern Mutual, Class of 2014
More to Come
If you liked the advice shared by Nick, Landin, Brett, Andrea, Roy, and Rebekah, stay tuned. My next post will share their thoughts on what new college graduates should do for a great start to their professional careers.
Congratulations to the Class of 2015!
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