I am interested in reading the entries for this week because, to be honest, I am on the lookout for this kind of advice myself. Many may not know this but I am currently an undergraduate in her semi-finals pursuing a nursing degree and as such, I am still very much in the midst of my academic journey. Nevertheless, I’ll be sharing advice and reflections gathered from conversations with the many graduates I've been fortunate enough to meet and learn from.
One very striking theme that is usually the basis of such conversation is that graduation does not mark the end but the beginning of a new and exciting chapter of lifelong learning. Leaving school can be both exhilarating and daunting but it is also an avenue for self-discovery.
Many graduates have in one way or another mentioned that it is important to explore interests with an open mind. This is because rewarding opportunities arise when one keeps an open mind and is brave enough to try new and unfamiliar things.
A senior colleague once mentioned the importance of skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, adaptability and communication, regardless of my field of study. Irrespective of where, when or how we learn these skills, they apply to all aspects of life. For instance, a nurse requires strong interpersonal and adaptability skills to be able to deliver quality patient care but one doesn't just use these skills at work.
Still on the topic of developing skills, I like how well the people around me are thriving with the skills they took time to learn. Some people even go as far as learning over two or three skills and somehow this always keeps them afloat, monetarily and otherwise. This only goes to show that investing time in developing foundational skills, whether tangible or not, can serve a graduate very well.
Another piece of advice that comes to the surface time and again is the value of networking and mentorship. Many people believe that they can breeze through life without mentorship or at the very least without a network of people. But, this isn't always the case. The importance of relationships; both personal and professional, cannot be overstated. Reaching out to others, seeking guidance and being open to different perspectives often leads to opportunities and insights that you may never discover on your own.
This reminds me of a friend, an accounting graduate, who got the golden opportunity to attend a seminar meant for high ranking auditors and accountants, for free! Simply because he was open-minded and embraced guidance whole-heartedly.
Finally, the most reassuring advice I have heard is that it's perfectly alright not to have everything figured out. This goes to those who have a knack for perfection. Many successful people have stories of how unpredictable their paths have been and how failure is an essential part of their growth. As a fresh graduate, there is time to make mistakes, learn from the mistakes and celebrate small and big wins. One doesn't always have to have everything figured out. The most important thing is that they keep moving….forward.
Leaving school is both an achievement and an opportunity to discover one's self. It is always best to remain curious, resilient and open minded. The next chapter may be unknown, but it is full of possibilities and this in itself is something to look forward to.
This post is written in response to the #iucontest prompt for the week. Do well to check it out and drop your valuable insights.
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