Young adults are graduating college at a slower pace than before.
What used to take an average of four years to earn a college degree is now taking some students five, six, or even some on the seven-year plan.
It’s not like today’s college kids are dumber than college kids before, but there is something to be said for staying in school and learning more while you can – especially in today’s job market where there is cutthroat competition for work.
They Don’t Teach Corporate in College:
A Twenty-Something’s Guide to the Business World
So what are some things that YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR BUSINESS CAREER THAT YOU WOULD ADVISE COLLEGE KIDS TO KNOW EARLY IN THEIR OWN?
Forbes put together a quick list of THINGS 20-YEAR-OLDS DON’T GET which is a great starting point for those heavy conversations. Web Watch has found that the biggest problem with getting a 20-year-old to listen to you is that they may not be open to hearing practical DO THIS, DON’T DO THAT advice at all, but would prefer to strike out on their own (and succeed or fail on their own merits).
Some of the tips from Forbes include:
- Social media is not a career. It’s a tool that you can use in your actual job – let’s say, “communications”, “PR”, or “Customer Service”.
- Work harder than everyone else around you. Don’t be that slacker that everyone else has to cover.
- Work for someone that demands excellence and pushes you to be your best every day. Don’t run away from this type of manager, as they will make you better.
- Get a mentor… or two… or three. Having a mentor can help you get to where you want to be.
- Save at least 25% of what you make at all times, no matter what. Having a cushion of money to fall back on when you need it — or a bankroll to rely upon at retirement — will allow you the flexibility to make hard decisions that can benefit you later on.
Reading the full text of the Forbes article, one can walk away with one thought: it’s not just career advice for college kids. These are things that job-seekers (and those in jobs currently) can take and run with, no matter how old they are). Everyone should have a mentor. Everyone should be saving money.
Sometimes, the best advice you can give to others is the advice you should give to yourself.
What are some other career-building tips you’d offer today’s college grads? Tell us in the comments below.