The Sky is the Limit

In this month’s LinkedIn editorial series - #IfIwere22 - we look at advice for those just graduating college.

There is a reason that so many college graduates are gifted a copy of “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss.  It’s smart, inspirational and rings with truth.  It’s also bittersweet that the book many read as they start their careers was the final original book written by the good doctor.  As Seuss says it, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”  With him in mind, here is my counsel to the newly graduated…

Eliminate Boundaries

Too often, whether young or less young, we limit ourselves with perceived barriers. Don't let stereotypes, social norms, or other influences limit your potential right out of the gate. You are 22.  You can do nearly anything you want to do, as long as you believe it is possible!  For most, nothing is out of reach at this age. Raise the ceiling on your expectations and you will rise to reach them. 

Take Risks

When I was 22, I had a job as a management consultant that required me to relocate for every project.  I moved from project to project around the country living out of a suitcase and loving every minute of it.  I went skydiving in Memphis that year; I even convinced my future husband to go with me. This was an amazing period in my life that helped build the foundation of my career - and I did it at the best possible time in my life.  When you are young, you can take risks that really only impact yourself.  As you get older and you own a home, get married, have kids or care for an aging parent - taking risks becomes more complicated.  Now is the time to see if you can be happy moving around the world for a job or taking a position at an exciting start-up company or even starting a business yourself.  Now’s the time to go for it! 

Start Saving

So, you’ve just secured your first “real” job out of college.  Congrats, it’s time to think about retirement. Too many people start saving far too late.  Now is the time to start building the habit of saving for the future.  Practicing good financial discipline is an important lesson to learn when you are young.  A little saved in your 20's can grow to a very large sum over the next 40 years. This could make all the difference later in life - and it's an opportunity you can never get back.  Be smart with your money and if you need advice – find a financial advisor who can help explain your options. 

“You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!” – Dr. Seuss

Congratulations grads (and parents of graduates) and good luck out there!  I’m looking forward to seeing how YOU and your generation transform our world.

#GradAdvice