Congratulations on your recent graduation! All those years of hard work have paid off and have prepared you for the journey ahead. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve accomplished, and I hope you are excited for what lies ahead.
I remember the mix of emotions: the excitement of stepping into something new, the fear of the unknown, and the deep hope that I’d somehow make an impact. Decades later, those same emotions are still relevant. And if I could go back in time and say a few words to the Kim who stood in her graduation robe, here’s what I’d say:
1. Reject the myth of instant gratification
The highlight reels you see on social media and the stories of overnight successes will undoubtedly tempt you to look for shortcuts. Don’t take the bait.
What appears to be instantaneous success is often built on years of hidden struggle. Success isn’t viral. It’s cumulative. It’s built on tenacity, late nights, and years of quiet persistence. One of the most critical lessons I learned, and one that consistently sets individuals apart, is the unwavering commitment to hard work — especially when no one is watching.
Your degree is a fantastic achievement, but it’s just the start. To truly excel, you must show up every day, both mentally and physically. Take on the unglamorous tasks, master the fundamentals, and keep doing the work, even if you are not getting immediate recognition.
Don’t misunderstand; this isn’t about being a workaholic. It’s about understanding that competence, professional and personal growth, and lasting success are forged through consistent, dedicated effort over time. If you chase shortcuts or expect quick wins, you will ultimately be disappointed. Instead, always strive to deliver more than what’s expected.
2. Don’t just seek opportunities, create them
There are very few golden tickets in this world, and if you’re waiting for a great opportunity to land in your lap, you might find yourself waiting for a long time.
Your education has provided you with a foundation — now it’s your responsibility to build upon it.
The most significant leaps in my career often came from identifying a gap or a need and then raising my hand to fill it, even if it meant stepping outside my job description. If you uncover a problem, bring forward a solution. Take the initiative and volunteer for projects in addition to your day-to-day responsibilities. You might just discover new areas of interest or open the door to work with different teams that can ultimately propel your career forward.
3. Embrace the ‘failure as fuel’ philosophy
Coming off an academic career, the term “failure” can be triggering. As students, we often fear failure more than anything. But the truth is that you will fail, and that’s OK. In fact, it’s a given. But failure, when used as a learning opportunity, is a jumping off point — not the end point.
Every misstep, every “no,” every project that does go as planned is not a sign of your inadequacy, but a data point. Think of it as your best instructor. An experiment that reveals what doesn’t work brings you closer to the solution that does. The only real failure in life is giving up, or worse, not trying at all.
When faced with a major setback, you have a choice: Get stuck or grow stronger. Take accountability but choose growth. If you can figure out how to convert setbacks into stepping stones, it can be your most potent superpower.
4. Never stop learning
You’re just getting started, and that’s exciting! Your degree is a testament to your ability to learn. But your degree represents only a starting point. In fact, many of you won’t end or even start your careers in the exact area you studied.
The pace of change in every industry is accelerating, and skills that are valuable today might be obsolete tomorrow, so you must constantly learn and stay current with advancements. AI is a powerful example. Those who spend the time to learn how to leverage AI to work smarter will thrive. Those who do not will be passed up. This is a fact for those starting their career as well as those decades in.
One of the most powerful sources of learning in my career has come from the many informal mentors I’ve had throughout my life. Build a network of good, smart people at all stages in their careers and invest in those relationships. You can learn just as much from someone only a few steps ahead of you as from someone with decades more experience.
5. Take risks
Comfort zones are cozy, but they are also dangerously limiting. Some of the best moves I’ve ever made started as risks that scared but also exhilarated me. But they were calculated risks, well thought through, and aligned with where I knew I could make a positive impact.
Don’t leap without a plan, but don’t freeze in fear either. The magic often lives on the other side of uncertainty. For what it’s worth, the biggest regrets usually come from the risks not taken. Opportunities rarely present themselves without an element of uncertainty. Your job is to discern which uncertainties are worth embracing.
Own your future, one bold move at a time
The recent college graduates I am blessed to know are some of the brightest, hardest working, most curious, ambitious, and wonderful people (yes, Emma, I am talking about you and all your amazing friends!) You all control your destiny. Your path will not be linear, but it will be yours. Own it. Shape it. And never stop evolving.
And most importantly, remember the wise words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!”
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