Three tips of success, for our students, from someone who knows and cares (479 hits)
Making money is part of living. Even back in biblical times people earned a living, paid taxes and dealt with consumerism. Knowing how to effectively position yourself in an increasing global environment is critical to financial stability. I plan on discussing some common sense approaches to ensure an easy integration from school to career or from old career to new career.
If you had read my earlier blogs you know a little about where I come from, where I have been and what I am doing know. I may not have accomplished the world but I have made major accomplishments in myself. Overcoming insurmountable obsticles and continuing to deal with the facets of life that we all from time to time deal with. Life was never promised to be easy, however we can be comfortable. If we have the right amount of self esteem, pride in our work, character and self concept you will be amazed how far it will take you. Like Tupac we all need to understand that it is ok to be ourselves no matter what there's just a time and place for everything. Each circumstance calls for a specific reaction. Be wise and never allow anyone to force you to do what you believe is not characteristic of who you are.
With that said starting fresh out of school can be a little scary. I remember graduating I had no idea where my career was going to go. I knew what I wanted to do, had a plan on how I was going to do it, but I was wise enough to know that life can always throw you fast balls that you may or may not see coming. God tells us that we should always allign ourselves with people of all kinds so that when the hour of trying comes we have help. He knows the importance of networking and having the right people in your corner. He also tells us to make peace when we can and when its impossible for us to let the person be and walk away otherwise you will invite constant misery into your life.
Sometimes not aligning yourself with people who have been there done that and moving on can be a detriment that can cause your failure. So my first suggestion would be for you to seek out experts in your field. While in school, before I began my intership, I began requesting informational interviews with as many CPA's as I could. They offered me a wealth of ideas and suggestions. Some I took to heart others I ignored. But nonetheless they provided me with a base knowledge of what the field was about and allowed me to see realty outside of the confides of college. People love to talk and you would be amazed at how effective this informal meeting can be in showcasing yourself as an upcoming and future professional to the people you one day will be joining.
Knowledge is something that is earned and can never be taken away. Understanding your field by researching it through formal and informal networks is essential to building your professional repetoire. My second suggestion is to google, read books, essays and research compositions about your field. The internet is a powerul tool and a quick and easy way to find information. You can google articles, e-books, essays, research and even personal testimonies concerning your field. Go to the library. I have always loved the library and even today me and my girls will go there and spend a whole day just enjoying the atmosphere and the wealth of material there.
Having a fresh perspective is key to success. No one like a grouch who is stuck in there ways thinking that everyone who doesn't agree with them is obviously stupid. Our nation is really trying to rid its past and right its wrong. But it is up to us to actively participate. Part of this participation includes us not practicing and upholding beliefs that cause seperation and segregation of ideas, feelings and individuals. My third and final suggestion would be for you to keep your mind open for others suggestions but stay firm with your own convictions. I am a huge Tupac fan. He was often hailed and criticized at the same time. Why because he chose to look at life through his own lense. He realized that life is full of various dynamics and we all have our different sides. We wouldn't treat our children like we treat our parents. We wouldn't treat our boss the way we treat our friend. Life is the same way. This situation may cause you to stand back and observe whereas another may cause you to actively participate. Be perceptive to others. Professionals that are called to participate in interdepartmental projects or hired for specific needs are oftentimes those that are willing to listen to others. Offer an opinion without belittling or talking down to others. It takes only one for the process to stop. I remember I was called to participate in a think tank for a new system that our company was about to implement. I wasn't going to use the system and it had no bearing on anything I did however, because I have the ability to listen, analyze and disseminate managers felt that I was valuable enough to keep ideas flowing. There was one person however who felt that I shouldn't be there. There criticism made others feel uncomfortable and before long no one was able to concentrate. They were immediately taken off the project. With them gone we were able to get back at task and I wound up helping them see some major defiencies that would have cost millions to correct if we had implemented the system with them. You never know where your help may come. Don't ever look down on someone or think they have nothing to offer unless they show you that.
