While looking through my Facebook account recently, the Communications Department at Otterbein University posted a question for alumni. The question was what advice you have for those who are graduating from college and I couldn't help but think back to when I walked across the commencement stage three years ago to earn my degree. I thought I knew a lot at that time but didn't quite expect what it would be like to leave college and enter the so-called "real world."
I've learned a lot in the three years since I graduated college and here is the advice I would give to any college graduate:
1) Learn to Network - The connections you make and the relationships you build will pave the path for you down the road. Take the time to network as a young professional, develop relationships with others and build a business foundation. You will never know what opportunities can arise from keeping in touch with these contacts and where your career will go from there
2) Take Time To Meet New People- This might sound obvious but if you are moving back home from being away for a while or moving to a new city, it might be a little lonelier then you anticipated. When I moved back to the Cleveland area after living in Columbus for my four years of college, it was a bit lonely for me at times mainly because my foundation of friends was no longer there and I hadn't spent that much time in the area during college. What helped me was taking time to join some of the local young professional business groups, networking, the Cleveland Hockey Boosters and even Match.com to meet new people. Some other friends of mine have utilized Meetup.com to meet new people and others have joined local sports leagues or gone onto Craigslist to find opportunities to meet new people. No matter where you end up, take time to meet new people and build friendships from that
3) No Matter How Far You Go, Don't Forget Those Who Have Helped You Along The Way - Take time to keep in touch with old college professors, friends and others that helped you reach this point in your life. Continue to maintain those relationships and staying in touch will be meaningful to the other person
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