Advice for Graduates

Posted on June 10th, 2008 by Keith Ferrazzi

It's that time of the year, so here's one from the Tip of the Week vaults:

I've had so many parents tell me Never Eat Alone was the best graduation gift for their new grads, I thought I'd offer a few specific tips you can send (along with a copy of the book!) to all the young people you know who are finishing up high school or college and moving on to the next phase in their lives.

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Congratulations, graduates! Now your real education begins. Here are three of the most important secrets to success in real life that they didn't teach you in school.

(1) - You can't get there alone. Start strengthening your relationships now, before you really need them later.

In the classroom it was mostly about your individual performance. But even if you graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Ivy League, success in real life will require relationships. Who you know determines how effectively you can apply what you know.

So stay in touch. This is a perfect time to send an email to everyone that you and your family know to update them on your accomplishments, what your goals are for the future, and what kind of help you could use.

(2) - There's more than one valedictorian in real life. You'll succeed by helping others succeed, too.

In school everyone's striving for the same honor. But with so many different paths available in real life, you'll get further by helping others achieve their dreams, too, rather than trying to outdo them.

If you're starting college, look for ways to help your classmates succeed in your new surroundings. Form study groups. Share your research on potential career paths. If you're starting your first job, maybe you could help your new boss's child with college admissions advice.

(3) - Advisors will not be assigned to you. You should actively seek your own mentors.

Your college may have provided an academic advisor from the time you first set foot on campus. However, once you step off campus, it's your responsibility to find the guidance you need. Start connecting with people you respect who can help you get a leg up in each aspect of your life, personal and professional. Make it as
easy and convenient as possible for them to talk with you, and always look for ways to contribute to their success, too.

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2 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

  1. Subathra Sampath says:
    July 9, 2008 at 5:35 am
    Reply

    Great! Very good advice. Found this helpful. Kudos!

  2. As a recent college graduate I find this post very helpful. In addition, I have another resource for your readers that may complement your blog post. I just finished reading the book, â??Your Name Here: Guide to Lifeâ? by author Michael Rosenbaum. I do not remember the last time I read a book so motivational, helpful and inspiring. It was easy to read and I formed many connections with the book. Please check out: http://www.networldingblog.com/2009/08/01/great-new-book-your-name-here-guide-to-life-interview-with-mike-rosenbaum/
    it was the funniest interview I read in a while. Also check out the reviews on Amazon for more reasons to get your hands on the book!

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