As graduation season rolls around again, advice is everywhere. It’s handed out like free cake — and just as eagerly avoided by the people it is meant for. Most new graduates don’t want to hear it. Not yet, anyway.
But, eventually, things don’t go exactly as planned. At that point, every graduate faces a choice to blame everyone else or ask for advice. If we are being honest, most of us tried both — usually in that order. Sometimes the difficult way is the only way that sticks.
Graduation matters for a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest is that it proves you can finish something. That turns out to be a pretty useful skill. With that in mind, here are a few tips:
Get a full-time job. Yes, an actual one. The kind with a schedule, responsibilities and, ideally, benefits. Jobs are out there, and many are paying more than ever. Take advantage. Part-time gigs and “figuring things out” are not long-term financial strategies. And once you land a job, try not to treat it like a trial subscription. Staying put for a few years won’t hurt you. It might even help.
Learn to adapt. You have been told to stand out, be different and embrace what makes you unique. That’s great — sometimes. But the workplace is not a talent show. Being able to adapt, fit in and work with others (even when it feels unnatural) is a skill that pays off far more often than standing out for the wrong reasons.
Don’t announce generational differences. Yes, they exist. And, yes, at some point you will be absolutely certain that older people just don’t get it. Even so, saying, “My generation doesn’t…” rarely improves the situation. It mostly guarantees eye rolls — and not in your favor.
Be on time. This one sounds simple because it is. Deadlines, meetings and responsibilities don’t adjust themselves around your schedule. If you are consistently late, people will notice — and not in a good way. Show up on time. Better yet, show up early. It is one of the easiest ways to look like you have your act together, even if you are still working on that part.
Dress for success. You don’t need a runway wardrobe, but you do need to look like you understand where you are. A good rule is to dress like the successful people around you. Early in my career, a very honest customer told me I was an adult and needed to start dressing like one. He also meant I should start acting like one. It was annoying advice at the time but proved to be accurate advice in hindsight.
Soon-to-be graduates, you will make mistakes. Plenty of them. That is expected. Just try not to make the same ones over and over — and maybe listen to a little advice along the way. Even if you pretend you are not.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707