My Top Ten Pieces of Advice for Graduates
Posted: Thursday, May 21, 2009
by Dianne Lehmann
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- Listen to what everyone has to say, but chose only what feels right to you.
- Ha
rd work does not automatically pay off well in the end. Consider how hard it is to dig a deep hole in the sand.
- Make wise goals. A goal that is impossible to attain will never really motivate you to attain it.
- Do something you like to do every day. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to work for payment at something you like, although that is the ideal. Just that you take pleasure from at least one thing at least once a day.
- Don't be surprised if the job you thought your education was preparing you for is not the job you end up acquiring.
- Never, ever look a gift horse in the mouth. If someone wants to give you something, take it and express thanks no matter how out of fashion, behind the technology or downright ugly it might be. You never know what might come in handy (sometimes others have a better idea of what you need than you do) and if it never does, just pass it on.
- In job interviews, it is best to be completely honest. Puff yourself up too much and you could find yourself way over your head regarding your employer's expectations of you.
- On a job interview, you are not the only one being interviewed. Find out from your potential employer exactly what they will be expecting from you, what they will offer and what the benefits to working for them are.
- Don't expect a pat on the back for every little thing you do. I'm sorry, but it just won't happen. Do your work for the pleasure of contributing.
- No matter what, just be you. Be true to yourself. Making yourself into what you think others want you to be is a no-win situation. It compromises your ability to do a good job and in the end will cause you to lose respect for yourself.
- Always give just a little bit more than was expected. It won't always be rewarded, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing you did more than was asked of you. Besides, sooner or later (usually later) someone will notice.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Hi Dianne, Excellent advice! Where were you when I was graduating?Hugs, TeresaHi Teresa.Not nearly so old or wise. :)Thanks for reading.Hugs,Dianneoksay, so maybe we are too close in age :-)Hi Teresa.Oh no, it's not that. It's just that the wisdom has been slow in coming (very slow), the age ... not so much. :) By the way, I graduated high school in 1970 and got my bachelors in 1976 (don't ask why it took me six years). When did you graduate high school? Or shouldn't I ask (wink, wink)?Love ya'DianneHi girlie,I graduated in 1985 by the skin of my teeth and don't feel bad, I'm still waiting for my bachelor--ha! :-)I hate to say it, but I quit college after 3 weeks. Just didn't matter at the time. I hated my pyschology class and I was already married. Dumb - not the marriage, but the quiting. Sigh.That would be my advice! Don't quit college, no matter what!Have a fabulous weekend!
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