Even though my college graduation was a few years, ahem, decades, ago, I still remember the day. We were on a football field, wearing black robes, sitting in the unfiltered sun, ready to expire from heat stroke!
Of course we had a speaker, although I could not tell you who or what he/she said. Undoubtedly the person put great thought and effort into their oratory, but it wasn’t memorable. Nor was the speaker at the other three graduations I have attended for advanced degrees.
Today is commencement on our campus and I wouldn’t be surprised if our graduates have the same experience with the speaker. But what a thrill it would be to be asked to deliver the address.
Chicago Tribune workplace columnist Rex Huppke had these three wise nuggets to share:
1. Don’t hold out for a dream job; just find someone who will pay you to do stuff. That’s how you learn; that’s how you build.
2. Be a decent human being. Be nice, hard working, willing to chip in when needed and pleasant to be around.
3. Be humble. It’s a long game and you’re just getting started.
What would you say if you were asked to be the graduation speaker at a college? What words of wisdom would you want to impart to the young leadership descending upon the work world?
Don’t wait until you’re behind a podium to help a new graduate grow. Chances are, they’ll remember what you say one-to-one much more anyway.
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Source: Words of wisdom for recent graduates by Rex Huppke for the Chicago Tribune in the Telegraph Herald, July 21, 2013