This years graduates are enjoying a healthy economy, a growing job market and rising wages.
The vestiges of the hard and deep recession that hit more than 10 years ago are finally fading into history. That means most graduates will have a smoother start to their careers than those who went before them.
Still, most of those earning diplomas this year will find that their work and their life will not go as planned. More than a few surprises some good, some bad await them on the road ahead. Heres advice I picked up from colleagues, family and friends that aided me along uncertain paths.
Its not about you
We live in the Selfie Age. Everywhere, everyone seems intent on feeling special and admired or at least the focus of attention.
But if youre looking to make a difference instead of a splash, the best course of action is put others first. Consider what they need, rather than what you need. Figure out what can you do for your boss, your colleagues and your customers.
Im not suggesting that you become a doormat or a yes-man. I am suggesting that you can accomplish a lot more if you focus on what you can do for others, rather than what they can do for you.
Pick your yardstick
carefully
In measuring success, most of us think about how much money we make.
Having enough to pay the bills is important, but it shouldnt be how you define your worth or your contribution to society.
After all, a so-so college football coach in this country gets paid about a hundred times more than the doctors who have done the most to slow and halt the plague of AIDS. Similar glaring disparities will often mar your view of the world.
Its worthwhile to draw attention to how wacky such socio-economic values are, but its counterproductive to apply them to our own lives.
Be accountable
In virtually every job I had, nothing irked me more than colleagues, bosses or subordinates who made sure they got credit for every victory, award or achievement, but who ducked responsibility for any problem.
All of us make mistakes. We misjudge, we make assumptions, we misunderstand. The ways in which we can go wrong are numerous. True, we need continually work on ways to reduce our mistakes. But that doesnt mean denying them.
