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What's the most valuable lesson after you graduate college?
this could be in a more general sense, but I just want any answer, this could be more in a philosophical way.
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17 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I think for me it was how I learned to utilize resources.
What I discovered in my years of college is that the environment is a microcosm of what I would encounter in real life.
The fact is I learned how to use the resources on campus in order to be successful.
This included the computers to complete assignments, the library to complete research and to learn new concepts and ideas, the financial aid office to learn about budgeting, and registration to attain the academic goals I wanted to complete.
So, for me college was my training ground for goal attainment and a future successful career and occupation.
What I discovered in my years of college is that the environment is a microcosm of what I would encounter in real life.
The fact is I learned how to use the resources on campus in order to be successful.
This included the computers to complete assignments, the library to complete research and to learn new concepts and ideas, the financial aid office to learn about budgeting, and registration to attain the academic goals I wanted to complete.
So, for me college was my training ground for goal attainment and a future successful career and occupation.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Noah
Updated
Michael’s Answer
There were several valuable lessons I gained after graduating college:
The most important is being able to be flexible and find ways to incorporate the things you learned during your college experience. Of course, you'll always find ways to utilize the things you learned in class, but the most important, for me, were the things I learned about myself and my capabilities. Finding ways to morph those things you learned to be utilized in your post-college life is instrumental to your success as a college graduate and the beginning of your professional career.
Here are some of things I learned about myself during my time in college and what I was able to bring into my professional career after graduating:
1. Time management - Since you're taking multiple classes of different levels with different expectations and assignments, it requires you to build a schedule to manage your time on completing all the tasks and papers you're given.
2. Boundaries - You will always hear stories of students partying and engaging in other extracurricular activities, but the most important thing I learned during this time was the ability to say "No." This is instrumental in your own development, both from an educational, personal, and professional point of view. Understanding that it's okay to not take on extra burdens and know your limits is paramount to your success. It allows you to show up for the important things as the strongest you can be, and understand when you won't be able to provide that 100% if you're pointed in another direction to take on something additional.
3. Resilience - There will be many moments during your college career where you'll be pushed to your limit. Whether its the number of assignments, the difficulties of a class, or just overall stress of taking multiple classes at once, you'll need to find the strength deep down to continue to press forward. The only way for us to grow is to continue to push passed our boundaries, get uncomfortable, and grow our capabilities.
The most important is being able to be flexible and find ways to incorporate the things you learned during your college experience. Of course, you'll always find ways to utilize the things you learned in class, but the most important, for me, were the things I learned about myself and my capabilities. Finding ways to morph those things you learned to be utilized in your post-college life is instrumental to your success as a college graduate and the beginning of your professional career.
Here are some of things I learned about myself during my time in college and what I was able to bring into my professional career after graduating:
1. Time management - Since you're taking multiple classes of different levels with different expectations and assignments, it requires you to build a schedule to manage your time on completing all the tasks and papers you're given.
2. Boundaries - You will always hear stories of students partying and engaging in other extracurricular activities, but the most important thing I learned during this time was the ability to say "No." This is instrumental in your own development, both from an educational, personal, and professional point of view. Understanding that it's okay to not take on extra burdens and know your limits is paramount to your success. It allows you to show up for the important things as the strongest you can be, and understand when you won't be able to provide that 100% if you're pointed in another direction to take on something additional.
3. Resilience - There will be many moments during your college career where you'll be pushed to your limit. Whether its the number of assignments, the difficulties of a class, or just overall stress of taking multiple classes at once, you'll need to find the strength deep down to continue to press forward. The only way for us to grow is to continue to push passed our boundaries, get uncomfortable, and grow our capabilities.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Noah
Updated
Vitus’s Answer
Spend as much time and effort into being able to confidently answer what your purpose is and what impact you want to make
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Eileen’s Answer
Be flexible and persistent, and use every lead you have!!!!!
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Joe’s Answer
Try to focus and be persistent, in obtaining that which appeals to you.
Updated
Ching’s Answer
Written by a group of volunteers from HPE:
Hands-on experience is distinct from the theoretical knowledge we acquire in college. The journey to your desired destination may not always be linear. It's crucial to identify your interests or the fields you're passionate about and strive towards them. Recognize that discovering your true calling might take time, so stay open to various opportunities and challenges that come your way. Once you enter the professional world, you'll notice a significant increase in accountability and responsibility compared to your college years.
Hands-on experience is distinct from the theoretical knowledge we acquire in college. The journey to your desired destination may not always be linear. It's crucial to identify your interests or the fields you're passionate about and strive towards them. Recognize that discovering your true calling might take time, so stay open to various opportunities and challenges that come your way. Once you enter the professional world, you'll notice a significant increase in accountability and responsibility compared to your college years.
Updated
Haipeng’s Answer
There is no clear defined goals and success out there in life like I used to have in college for classes/GPAs. I kind of felt lost at first since there are so many directions you could go. You have to learn to define your own goals (both in the short term and long term) and what success means to you personally and then explore a path towards it.
Updated
Leïla’s Answer
Use what you learn and think broadly of where your skills can take you, even outside your major.
How you show up matters, your attitude is the first thing people notice.
Be always ready to learn new things to help you do your job
Don't be afraid to take risks, things will not go right all the time but keep the mindset
Find a mentor that will help you
written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE
How you show up matters, your attitude is the first thing people notice.
Be always ready to learn new things to help you do your job
Don't be afraid to take risks, things will not go right all the time but keep the mindset
Find a mentor that will help you
written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Written by a group of volunteers from HPE:
Coming from theoretical knowledge to practical knowledge, real-life. With independence. Learn how do-it-yourself home repairs. you never know which relationships in your life will be most important, keep in touch and invest in relationships.
Coming from theoretical knowledge to practical knowledge, real-life. With independence. Learn how do-it-yourself home repairs. you never know which relationships in your life will be most important, keep in touch and invest in relationships.
Updated
Geetanjali’s Answer
Be ready, prepared and open to learn, put in your hard work and get constructive feedback. The world has plethora of options be open to absorb.
Thanks for the help.
Noah
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hi Noah,
I think one of the most valuable life lessons, which is definitely relevant after college, is that you don’t get what you don’t ask for. When it comes to work, you always need to be your biggest advocate. If you want a raise or a promotion, you need to take the initiative to ask for it, and to make your case. Some people assume that after a certain number of years, they’ll just naturally move to the next level, but those are the people who most often get left behind. It’s the people who learn how to ask for what they want early on in their careers who tend to progress faster. This sentiment of asking for what you want/need also applies to getting help, whether you’re struggling with a task at work, an assignment at school, feeling overwhelmed at home, or struggling with mental health, it’s important to recognize when you could use some extra help and ask for it. You are your biggest advocate and should always make sure you are getting what you need, in all facets of your life.
I think one of the most valuable life lessons, which is definitely relevant after college, is that you don’t get what you don’t ask for. When it comes to work, you always need to be your biggest advocate. If you want a raise or a promotion, you need to take the initiative to ask for it, and to make your case. Some people assume that after a certain number of years, they’ll just naturally move to the next level, but those are the people who most often get left behind. It’s the people who learn how to ask for what they want early on in their careers who tend to progress faster. This sentiment of asking for what you want/need also applies to getting help, whether you’re struggling with a task at work, an assignment at school, feeling overwhelmed at home, or struggling with mental health, it’s important to recognize when you could use some extra help and ask for it. You are your biggest advocate and should always make sure you are getting what you need, in all facets of your life.
Thank you for the advice.
Noah
Updated
Vijay’s Answer
Noah
First you are thinking ahead as student what makes you successful and trying to learn from others valuable lesson in itself is good.
Answer from HPE Team is
1) There is difference between what one may know about work and what is reality is two different thing.
2) You are always held accountable in the work environment, you have to show up as promised, deliver on your task, there are no excuses.
3) Always know your strength and weakness, leverage strength and improve weaknesses.
4) Believe in yourself.
5) Your co-worker are important, develop relationships & people skills. Always look for win-0win solution.
6) Work environment keeps changing so always keep learning & improving.
7) Don't be afraid to ask for help or ask questions. Stay Curious, don't be complacent.
Thanks & Good Luck
First you are thinking ahead as student what makes you successful and trying to learn from others valuable lesson in itself is good.
Answer from HPE Team is
1) There is difference between what one may know about work and what is reality is two different thing.
2) You are always held accountable in the work environment, you have to show up as promised, deliver on your task, there are no excuses.
3) Always know your strength and weakness, leverage strength and improve weaknesses.
4) Believe in yourself.
5) Your co-worker are important, develop relationships & people skills. Always look for win-0win solution.
6) Work environment keeps changing so always keep learning & improving.
7) Don't be afraid to ask for help or ask questions. Stay Curious, don't be complacent.
Thanks & Good Luck
Updated
Ava’s Answer
The most valuable lesson that I've learned is that while school was a rigid system of classes and requirements that stipulated what you had to do and how you can advice year by year, life after that is completely open. You are free to decide what you want to do with your time. That has its own tradeoffs. While the freedom is refreshing, it can also be scary. I've found that setting goals for myself has helped. Where do I want to be in a year, two years, five years? How can I try to get there?
Rachael Boyer
Principal Marketing Manager, Web Strategy (content strategy and product owner)
4
Answers
Updated
Rachael’s Answer
The biggest lesson for me after graduating college was that I would have to keep learning and asking questions. College didn't actually prepare me for the jobs I've had, but it did give me a foundation of basics. It taught me how to learn and network. The technology I use and the job I have now didn't exist when I went to college. I've had to learn them along the way.
Updated
Alice’s Answer
Have a positive attitude. Willingness to learn new things and how to do them. Use the skills you learned in college, techniques to solve problems. Learn how to work with all types of people.
Updated
Gus’s Answer
The most valuable lesson is that hard work leads to opportunities. Persistence and focus may not always lead to success, but they will always lead to opportunities. The more opportunities that you have, the greater your chance of success.
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Noah, what I will suggest is that, after all of the training and education that you gain in college, there will be situations that you face wherein the answer or solution will not be readily available. You will need to rely on something beyond the education that you have received and that will often be found deep within you. You have gifts and talents that are unique to you and learning to tap into those will yield the greatest potential for success in both your career and your journey in life (spiritual, family, social, civic, etc.). The movie Gifted Hands - which highlights the life of renown neurosurgeon Ben Carson - eloquently portrays how many of the most difficult challenges in life and career require a solution that only can be found by relying on what is often locked deep within ourselves and learning to trust that intuitive answer. I wish you all the best in your life and your career.