By Dave Campbell ’09
Career Services recently held a panel discussion for graduating seniors about “Establishing Yourself as a Professional”. They asked me to share my perspective as a recent Middlebury grad. As I thought about the lessons I have learned and the best way to share them, I came up with a Top-10 List for Middlebury’s newest group of graduates.
1) To Give is to Receive
a) I have been lucky enough to have great mentors in my life. Whether it is time, money, a conversation, or community service, think about all of those who have helped you along the way and, with gratitude and humility, give back.
2) Thank You Notes
a) Write thank you notes when someone has given you something for which you are grateful (sharing time, a meal, advice, a meeting, a gift, or a phone call at the right time). Sometimes you should send a handwritten note, other times an e-mail is appropriate.
3) Be Prompt
a) This is for all things — communication, appointments, due dates, calls, meetings, dinners, dates, and parties. Show others that you value them and their time and be prompt. Tardiness happens and when it does, acknowledge it and apologize.
4) Be a Good Communicator and Stay in Touch
a) There are plenty of options to help you with this process: Facebook, chat, e-mail, phone calls, snail mail, grabbing a coffee. Reply quickly and initiate often.
5) Good Networking
a) There is always talk about “networking” and often people seem to think it is all about moving yourself forward. Good networking is about discovering how you can connect with someone, help them, and learn from them. The benefits of staying in touch, being interested, and helping each other out will come with time.
b) With good networking and communication, current friends could become lifelong friends and current acquaintances could become future business partners.
6) Proofread Your E-Mail
a) People do not like to read a poorly written document. Respect your recipient, your education, and yourself with a well written, properly punctuated, and grammatically correct e-mail. E-mail can be forwarded with incredible ease and they last forever.
7) Cleanup Your Facebook
a) Be prepared to “Friend” anyone at any time. It could be a friend, a family member, your boss, an alumni, or Ron Liebowitz. Think carefully about what you want to broadcast to the world. If you’re not ready to open up your profile to anyone, consider getting rid of your account.
8) Quickenonline.com
a) This is a free online banking program that helps you keep track of your finances. It automatically consolidates and updates all of your various accounts (banking, credit cards, and investments). Know where you’re holding your money, how you’re spending it, and how much you have.
b) Now is the time to invest. Find out what makes the most sense for you (ROTH IRA, 401K, stocks), start small, and continue to learn.
9) Travel
a) Traveling opens your eyes, keeps things in perspective, and gives you a better understanding of the world in which we live. Make the most of your weekends and vacation days and go explore the world.
10) Enjoy the Moment
a) Energy, optimism, and enthusiasm are all contagious. Enjoy the moment, live with humility, gratitude, and self-awareness and you will ensure that you are not compromising your future while thoroughly enjoying the ride.
Good luck!
Dave Campbell ‘09