Graduation is just days away here at UNL. It’s a bittersweet time. We’re saying goodbye to some of our talented students, but we’re also celebrating this momentous achievement in their lives.
My advice for them is simple.
It almost goes without saying, but work hard, regardless of where you land first. You never know where it could pay off down the road.
Secondly, follow your passions. It’s much easier to work hard at something if it’s something you love. Your first job doesn’t have to be the job you’re going to have the rest of your life. On the other hand, you shouldn’t just do anything.
Be open to new possibilities. This is true especially for liberal arts graduates because they enter the job market with a highly versatile and marketable skill set that opens up so many new opportunities.
Lastly, be willing to take a risk every so often. Yes, you don’t know how it’s going to pay off, but you don’t know unless you try.
We can point to so many examples of our alumni who’ve found success and I hope that is encouraging to those who will be receiving diplomas later this week. Just two days ago I was in Denver meeting with an alum of the college. He runs a successful bank. He said his liberal arts education combined with an MBA was the best education he could have gotten because he can learn anything new and he has to every day in his business.
I predict the Class of 2011 will find many great opportunities to use their talents and continue the cycle of success stories. Join me in congratulating them and wishing them all the best on their new journey.
