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Posted on August 28, 2015 under Career & Work
Congratulations to the Class of 2015! An exciting journey of career discovery awaits the many thousands of recent university graduates.
Back in 2006, it was a big deal for me to decide to return to school for my MBA. I was blatantly told that I was too old – an ancient age of 35! – and I knew it would take me 4 years of night school to finish. No “MBA ROI Calculator” indicated it was a good idea; but it was my dream, so I did it.
24 courses, the GMAT, a trip to China, and $90K later, I was a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Fordham University Gabelli School of Business. Here I am below accepting my diploma from university president Reverend Joseph M. McShane, S.J. during the May 2011 commencement ceremony.
Earning a Masters degree is a bit different than studying as an undergraduate. In general, our lives are more complicated by jobs, spouses, children, and other demands. I certainly had a LOT more fun and friends at Villanova; where I learned the true meaning of community and leadership.
At Fordham, I still remember running with my rolling suitcase from my LaGuardia via Chicago flight into my Economics final with only five minutes to spare. There are similar stories a-plenty from my dedicated classmates. As crazy as it got, it was worth it, and I'll forever be proud of my academics.
But there's one thing that remains the same: DRUMROLL, PLEASE
It's Over AND It's Just Beginning!
That's what Commencement (hint, hint) is all about – the ritual of recognizing a job well done with a supercharged send off into the “real world”.
We get the pep talk from friends, family, and a fancy schmancy speaker about “getting out there”. Yet, after all the hoopla, we find ourselves trying to cash in that impressive piece of paper for one with a regular bank signature.
I distinctly recall how confusing the future seemed after finishing my 4-year Villanova experience. I moved back home from Philadelphia to Boston with Mom and Dad amidst the mid-90's recession. Talk about depressing.
The biggest shock was that somehow we all graduated without any guidance or skills on how to actually function in the world of work. I had a BA in two majors, and lived abroad, but I didn't even know how to use Word/Microsoft 3.X nor had I ever seen the Internet via Netscape (yes, I'm dating myself).
I asked, “Why didn't anyone tell me the real deal? You know, the sh*t that was practical and edgy?” Like, if you're going to work in Boston, it's going to be the fields of Technology, Healthcare, Education or Nothing. This to me was the biggest rip-off ever. I was angry.
So, I had a lot of fits and starts with different kinds of jobs. It wasn't until a few years later that I committed 100% to the field of public relations and then I got on a solid track of rapid promotion and success to suit me.
It would have been a whole heck of a lot easier if someone had taken me by the hand and said “Listen up girl, you're smart and talented but that ain't enough in this world. You've gotta get a plan together, but you have to make it your own and you need to believe in it with all your heart.”
My career coaching program True Work is dedicated to the graduates of every year who need a clear plan NOW, and all the in-the-trenches professionals who have never intentionally created a career path that is sustainable and profitable.
I'm truly blessed to be the one who guides earnest men and women towards their chosen vocation. There's nothing better than the news of “I got the JOB!” with a huge smile on my client's face.
Are you ready to cut out the grief and kickstart your career with a proven method to discover your calling and seek your dream job?
Let's talk about your career or that of a young adult whom you love.
As a Happy Graduation gift, I invite you to schedule a 15-minute complimentary True Work consult with me during the month of June.
We'll get clear on what you want, what's standing in the way, what you want instead, and how to get there. Don't let graduation season slip away…
Congratulations!
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