Words of Wisdom from Commencement Speeches of 2013

A great commencement speech has a way of encouraging people to reflect on where they are in the present moment as they embark on the future. Regardless if you are a recent graduate, a career changer, happily employed, or just in need of some inspiration after a long work week; here are some short snippets from the commencement speeches of 2013:

“You may learn sooner than most generations the hard lesson that you must always make the path for yourself...There is no secret society out there that will tap you on your shoulder one night and show you the way.”
Steve Colbert, Speech at Univ. of Virginia

“Believe that if you make courageous choices and bet on yourself and put yourself out there, that you will have an impact, as a result of what you do. And you don’t need to know now what that would be or how will it happen because no one ever does.”
Dick Costolo, Speech at Univ. of Michigan

“Throughout your career people will try to distract you. Some will scream at you, others will say things behind your back, and a few feral animals will literally try to throw their stiletto heel in in your lane and trip you. Keep your eyes straight ahead and just run your race.”
Sharyn Alfonsi, Speech at Univ. of Mississippi

“Changes are like obstacles on a speed course. They demand your attention and require you to be present. They are coming...they are here… and then they are gone. It's how life comes. Each moment is a procession from the future into the past and the sweet spot is always the present. Live in that sweet spot. Be present.”
Wynton Marsalis, Speech at University of Vermont

“There are many more jobs out there than you have ever heard of. Your dream job might not yet exist. If you had told College Me that I would become a professional YouTuber, I would’ve been like, “That is not a word, and it never should be.”
John Green, Speech at Butler University

“My hope is that you will try and go out and have more face-to-face conversations with people you disagree with. That you’ll have the courage to look them in the eye and hear their point of view.”
Oprah Winfrey, Speech at Harvard University

“And when you leave here I want you to never to forget for the rest of your life, in the good times and bad, that we live in an interdependent world and we’ve got to pull it together, Which means to be a good citizen you’ve got to something sometime for someone else because they are just like you are.”
Bill Clinton at Howard University

"Remember that while there will be plenty of signposts along your path directing you to make money and climb up the ladder, there will be very few signposts reminding you to stay connected to the essence of who you are, to take care of yourself along the way, to reach out to others, to pause to wonder, and to connect to that place from which everything is possible."
Arianna Huffington, Speech at Smith College

11 Job Search Commandments For College Grads

Here is a good article from Career Realism that offers job searching tips to new graduates. Check it out at: http://www.careerealism.com/job-search-commandments-college-grads/

Career planning during the summer

The summer is a great time to take a step back and relax. It gives people the chance to re-energize themselves when the spring semester is over. This time is important but don’t forget to work a little on your career planning. Here are some items to consider.

Work on developing or enhancing your resume, cover letter and reference documents. Make sure they are all updated and ready to go. Career Services is open this summer and staff will be happy to assist you with these documents.

Also, think about creating an online portfolio to showcase your skills, knowledge and experience. This is a great way to standout to an employer. Review our Portfolio guide on our website (www.gmc.edu, under Student Life and Career Services.)

Lastly, create or expand your LinkedIn profile. This social media site is one of the best ways to network and gain knowledge of your field. Take some time to connect with other professionals in your industry, join groups including GMC’s alumni page, and gather recommendations.

By doing some of this stuff during the summer it will give you a better chance of career success.

What do your habits say about you?

 

Some behaviors become so ingrained in our daily routine that we do not even realize what our bad habits are. However, you can be certain your co-workers notice and those habits may be reflecting poorly on you.  Self-awareness is key in identifying and changing behaviors that could be affecting your professional image.  Here is a list of some bad habits to watch out for:

Procrastination, Negativity, Tardiness, Poor e-mail communication, Bad body language habits, Lone wolf syndrome, and Lack of manners

While one bad habit alone may not get you fired, it certainly can alter how you are viewed in the workplace and hinder your success. Take the time to reflect on your behaviors and find ways to change bad habits and foster the good ones!

Read the full Forbes article at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/10/17/14-bad-habits-that-can-cost-you-your-job/

An Open Letter From a Graduate Assistant

Tomorrow marks my last day as a Graduate Assistant at Gwynedd-Mercy College.  While I am ready to move on and begin my professional career as an elementary school guidance counselor, I am sad to go.  I have formed so many friendships here, and have many memories that I know I will remember for years to come.  I feel so fortunate that I was given this opportunity and it was so worth it. 

As a Graduate Assistant, I worked with the Director, Associate Director, and Work Study student of Career Services.  Working with them has taught me so much about the value of hard work, collaboration, and office camaraderie.  I am so lucky that I was surrounded by positive people with incomparable work ethics while at my office. 

Finishing my Master’s degree and completing my time as the Graduate Assistant is bittersweet.  However, I know that I will be able to take the skills and knowledge I have acquired during my time here and apply it to my next professional position as a guidance counselor.

 As a veteran student on the brink of graduation, here is some advice to keep in mind as you progress through school and begin working in a professional environment.

-Conduct yourself as a professional at all times.  Have fun, but make sure that you don’t do anything that you might be embarrassed or ashamed of later.  Show your co-workers that you can act appropriately and are a mature professional. 

-Take advantage of working with others who are older or more experienced than you. Be receptive to their wisdom and take that opportunity to learn anything you can. 

-Produce the best version of your work.  If you don’t know how to do something, ask. 

I wish you nothing but the best as you work toward your personal and professional goals.  Most of all, enjoy the memories and the people you meet along the way. I know I did!