What I Would Offer To University Grads

I was asked today, what few words of wisdom I would offer to university grads at their graduation ceremonies this year, just before beginning life on their own. Here are three pieces of advice I would offer:

First, today you may be the most educated students of your university, but you are about to become the least educated members of the workforce. Those who you will begin working with have also had their own lifetimes of experience on the job - practical experience. Officially, theory stops today and practical implementation of your knowledge will be augmented with life experience and workplace challenges. Those you will be working with have already done most of what you are about to experience. Seek their counsel and listen carefully. It may save you a great deal of difficulty and disappointment.

Secondly, most university grads will never achieve a 6 or 7 figure paycheck, as much as they think they may deserve one. You are not entitled to a 6-figure paycheck by your graduation. What your diploma entitles you to is to compete with every other graduate who will be seeking the same job as you and want the same promotion as you. You are, however, by your graduation, entitled to continue to learn, to become a valuable member of your workplace and your community, to help those who can't help themselves and to serve people well. You are also entitled to be grateful and thankful for your education, a chance many didn't have or perhaps didn't take. You are entitled to be grateful to your parents who have helped in some way and you are also entitled to be a decent human being when you get out into the real world.

Lastly, you entered university to close the gap between what you knew and what you needed to know. Don't let that strategy be left at the door after today. You spent four years of learning, studying and testing to get to where you are today. The same rules apply in the real world. There will always be a gap between what you know and what you need to know. The only way to close that gap is to do what you have done here: read, learn, study, experiment and pass your tests. The real world that you about to enter, operates on the very same principles.

The truth is, after applying themselves for four or more years to acquire book-knowledge, some will end up believing they have been given their diploma in "knowing everything." They will ignore the wisdom of others and likely end up wallowing in a lifetime of mediocrity. Others, who have open minds, will achieve or experience some degree of greatness.

For those who paid attention to these meager offerings, good luck on your journey.

--
Kevin Burns - Corporate Attitude/Culture Strategist
Speaking Web Site http://www.kevburns.com

Creator of Filter-Free Fridays™
Creator of the 90-Day System To A Greatness Culture™

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