Advice for MBA Graduates (2023 Version)

It is graduation time here at the Crummer Graduate School of Business.?I can’t say enough about all the amazing talent and personalities who have graced our hallways over the last two years…truly resilient people who will deliver huge impact in their businesses and in the community.?Though you are the ones leaving with new degrees, know that all of us here at the school have grown and learned through all of our interactions. For me, it was a privilege to work with you, whether I had you in our Crummer Innovative Leader Series, in the Family Business class, one of the many consulting projects through our capstone, or through general interactions in the hallway...you all have an amazing but challenging future before you.

As this is a time of reflection, I want to share some of my own thoughts for what can bring you success in the future.?Maybe there’s one or two that you might find handy.

1 – Be ready and accepting of change.?Leadership changes, companies are acquired, disruptors are always entering the market, pandemics hit…don’t hold on to the past.?Be on the lookout and embrace new opportunities…leaders find ways to contribute to making the change successful, not fighting it at every turn.

2 – Strive to see the big picture.?Some like rifle shot precision in their work…a specialization. I always want to know and operate around the big picture.?This is what your MBA experience has brought you, the skill to scan the entire environment and to make smart, strategic decisions (and to watch for feedback and adjust accordingly).?Understand the perspective of others…..show empathy.

3 – Be a connector.?Don’t operate in a silo, join people together!?When networking, LISTEN…then think about who you know and how you can put people together. Your value grows as you make others successful. I make countless connections for people almost every day...nothing brings me more joy. Plus, when I need to make an ask of someone they never hesitate to offer the help I might need.

4 – Build (and protect) your personal brand.?I once walked away from a lucrative CFO role because I did not want to damage my personal brand…the years I spent building and operating around the MBA Oath, so easy to lose.?Others pick up on that personal brand quickly, so like a company has a mission statement, understand what yours is and then do pay attention to how you’re operating under it.?If you haven’t been in one of my Strategic Use of LinkedIn classes, do be on the lookout for one.

5 – Develop others.?You can learn and take on more opportunities when you back-fill. Make sure your team is always growing professionally and that they also embrace continuous learning. I was able to quickly grow from a manager to a VP role through demonstrating that those who worked on my team were always ready to take on my job. (It is never a good idea to keep what you do a secret sauce…look to share with others so that you can grow.)

6 – Today could be your last day on this job…always be ready.?As I’ve coached others (particularly technologists) in their careers I'm always amazed with how many put zero consideration into the possibility that they might suddenly be thrust into the job market.?Networking and learning new skills were never on their radar.?Don’t let that be you.?Early on I left a very easy job at a defense contractor and threw myself into an intense Wall Street brokerage…I didn’t want to have the easy job and to become too complacent. I wanted to be challenged.?Always be networking, always keep your eye on your personal brand, update your LinkedIn profile and stay current with technologies, your connections, and the marketplace.

?7 – Give back….pay it forward.?Think of all of the guest speakers and companies who came into the classroom to engage with you or provided an internship or consulting opportunity.?Consider how fortunate you were to have the alums who mentored you and enthusiastically agreed to have coffee with you to talk about their career path and provide encouragement.?You also were maybe lucky enough to participate with a nonprofit who offered you the opportunity to work on their boards alongside some of the top players in Central Florida. Now it is your privilege to have the same, rewarding opportunities…to share your experiences with new students, to make introductions, to provide an internship.?Your time is such a precious resource for students…and it is so rewarding when you have a platform to offer it! We're here for you and when you can, you’ll find that there are many ways for you to create impact….the $50 donation, being a guest speaker in the classroom, providing an internship or consulting project, mentoring...all of this is what keeps the Crummer family growing and thriving.

8 -?Say Thank You. We all had moments in the classroom (I'm thinking back to my own EMBA experience in 2005) where faculty shared something that will have an impact on our lives forever. Similarly, there were members of the staff (e.g., someone from Career Resources or maybe someone from one of the centers of excellence) who worked closely with you over the years and took a special interest in helping you be successful. Write them a note to say THANK YOU...tell them about the impact they've had and how much you appreciate them. The same goes for mentors, your classmates, your co-workers, your supervisors, everyone who will cross your path in the future...this is a special, priceless gift. Most importantly, do show appreciation to your family and your friends who supported you during your journey.

9 -?Learn something new every day.?You own your career and your development...no one else does. Make it a priority to read, to be curious, to try new things...set goals to develop new skills and explore new hobbies. Look for bigger learning interventions....and certainly, come back to audit a class.

10 -?The Pandemic. You obviously had a very unique experience during the last two years. It taught you resilience, how to work on virtual teams and utilize collaboration tools, and how to operate in an environment that is growing more divided. All of these dynamics will give you an edge in a world that is rapidly changing. Reflect back on your experiences navigating these last two years and appreciate what makes you unique and valuable to employers.

We all couldn’t be prouder as we watch you all cross the stage.?We can’t wait to hear about the big things you’ll be doing! Reach out to me for anything you might need (including connections).

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Michael Kazazis, an executive with experience in technology, finance, and operations, was co-founder of?Censeo Corporation, a leading SaaS provider of assessment technologies / consulting services in the HR marketplace. In October 2011, he successfully negotiated the sale of the firm to Mercer / Marsh McLennan where it has now become Talent Assessment Solutions.?In 2011, Michael was named CFO of the Year by the Orlando Business Journal. He has an MBA from Rollins College and?now is Director of Business Development and Partner Relations for the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College.