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One of the greatest and truest ironies of life is that only after a long and arduous journey are we able to turn around and see how we may have avoided the trips and tumbles and crooked byways to our destination. We are also able to see things we never knew were there: straighter paths, opportunities hiding in the bushes and shortcuts waiting for us if we had just explored a little deeper.
While these new insights may conjure pangs of regret, our experiences can always be used to light the way for others. In this manner I hope to share with you three lessons I wish I’d learned in school now that I am a few months from college graduation.
The Power of Connections
There’s an old saying about the power of connections: “it’s not what you know but who you know.” This may be an exaggeration, but the power of connections cannot be downplayed. The people you know cushion your life in a myriad of ways. They may snag you to a great job at their company, put in a good word to an attractive friend, give advice or even a couch to sleep on in desperate times. The bottom line is that the people you know are precious resources. The more people on your side, the greater the pool of your support.
Of course those with an individualist spirit and can-do attitude can rise to the top by their own sweat and blood, but knowing people and having support makes everything you do a lot easier. Why climb up when you can use the elevator? This does not imply you should use people in anticipation of reward. Exploitation of others is a very poor way to live life, and in the end will leave you with more enemies then friends.
My advice is to simply recognize the gift friends can be in all areas of life, especially in times of need. It is always a good practice to build strong and caring relationships in your life and to get to know a wide variety of people. Each and every person has something to share with you, and the more diverse people you know, the more vibrant your life will be.
School and college are great places to meet a lot of interesting and intelligent people. A good way to make friends in a new place (like college) is to join clubs based on your areas of interest. You’ll be able to relate with the people there and may end taking similar paths in life.
Just remember, connections are like a cushion when you crash into the real world. Try to gather as many good people in your life as possible, and they will make the little trips and tumbles much easier to bear.
Embrace Technology
We are truly living in the age of technology. Almost every single person is affected by technology every day. The technological landscape is still evolving and seemingly faster then ever. Cell phones, cameras and even toothbrushes continue to assume more high-tech characteristics by the day, while the Internet has fundamentally shifted how information is shared and business is practiced. The world has changed and is changing, and those who can keep on top of it are going to inherit this new age and all its potential.
It is important to recognize how seamlessly technology has burrowed into the fabric of everyday life and how essential it is to retain a strong command of its many faucets. This isn’t to say that you should be able to build a computer by scratch, but simply recognize that technology touches almost every part of our lives and is now integral in almost every job sphere. Employers don’t require basic computer literacy anymore they expect it.
Despite the obvious need, many schools do not require students to complete a computer course. Those that do rarely push their students beyond a basic computer understanding. A college grad can easily reach a diploma without every having taken a single computer class. They will soon find out, however, that they are at a disadvantage in their career and life. My advice is to learn as much as you can and realize the potential technology holds. The Internet has created a unique format for communication, business, music sharing and so much more. Things we never thought possible are being done every day.
Technology can also make your life a lot easier and more efficient. Programs like Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel are almost indispensable in the business world and QuickBooks makes the tangled world of your finances much easier to chart and understand. The market is flooded with new technology and programs that can help you do your job better, keep track of your information or just make life a little easier. Keep an open mind and allow for new technology to become a part of your life.
Also recognize how much technology has changed the current job market. Whole industries are shifting from an industrial base to a technological one. Almost all high level jobs require Internet and computer proficiency.
My advice is to take as many technology classes as you can. Do a little research and learn what types of computer programs are most often used in your area of interest. Learn how to create and maintain a website. Explore the Internet and take the plunge into hi-tech gadgets so you can develop a comfort with them. Simply take advantage of the wonderful new tools around us. It might take some time to learn, and you may have to endure initial confusion, but it’s worth it. Technology is all around us. Those who recognize this simple fact will have a huge advantage over those who don’t.
Understand the Financial World
Countless studies and surveys show that more schooling usually leads to a higher paycheck. Why then don’t most schools and colleges require their students to take a basic money management course?
Money, they say, makes the world go round, but there’s a lot more to it then getting a paycheck and buying groceries. Living a middle class life inevitably requires car payments, loans, down payments, interest rates, a slew of credit cards and more. Workers have to think about retirement funds, 401Ks and select from a variety of pension plans if they’re offered. Did I mention health, car, house and life insurance as well? And, in case you have anything left over, there’s always the portfolio to think about: stocks, bonds, mutual funds and money managers happy to explain it all to you for a fee.
Confused? You have every right to be. Money is complicated and as much as it helps to have, it can also lead to a lot of trouble. We all want to make smart financial decisions, but it is all too easy to fall into money traps that can hurt or even permanently damage our lives. Even a little irresponsible spending can saddle you with credit card debt and high interest payments. Missing any of these payments can lead to a low credit rating, which in turn can make it impossible to get loans for a car or house. You might not be able to save adequately for retirement, which could force you to work long into old age. I’m telling you this not to scare you, but hopefully to show you the importance of money literacy.
Most colleges do offer courses in many areas of money (though they’re rarely required outside of business and accounting majors), and there are a lot of great books on the subject. The important thing is to learn the most you can in order to make sound financial decisions. Understand where your money is going and what it is doing if your chose to invest. Developing good spending, saving and investing habits will keep your life simple, enjoyable and much wealthier. Smart money choices will make it easier to do the things you want and achieve many of your major goals.
Making our way into the world is a scary prospect, but we are never alone. We have family and friends to support us, and most importantly, we have ourselves. Looking back on my years at school, I wish I’d reached out to more people, created those connections that could help me now more than ever. I wish I felt surer of my technological and financial knowledge, but the great thing about life is as much as it hurts to look back and see what we missed, education doesn’t stop with school. We are always able to learn and improve our lives. Whatever stage you’re in, whether you’re just beginning your education or have been out of school for decades, there’s always time to learn more. Hopefully my advice will benefit you and help you see new opportunities just ahead of you on your journey. Good luck!
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