Life Advice for College Graduates and Freshman

You will never learn anything you won’t regret.

Here's five things I would tell my college freshman or graduate-self if I had to do it all over again.

1. Don’t snub at those entrepreneur courses in college.

And that’s a mistake.

Here’s why:

No matter your field of study, every college student should discover his or her entrepreneurial potential. Even if it doesn’t happen right away you had some exposure. Woulda, coulda, shoulda.

ME: You know what is even worse? Back in my day these courses were viewed as an easy credit. For the last five years, I am taking the real life course, but I wonder about what I missed.

2. After crossing the stage at graduation, take a long haul trip to another continent and consider not coming back for months.

The best part?

Travel changes you.

Forever.

It’s addictive, starting with the beaches (personal fave), food, culture, history, customs, language, and people. There’s a treasure chest of life lessons.

ME: I opted to work during the summer instead.

3. If you decide to opt out of #2 and head into the workforce, focus and specialize in one industry whether it’s finance, IT, consumer goods, or social media. Spread your wings and become a warranted subject matter expert (SME). ME: I became that SME.

Risk averse?

I got your back too.

Use up all the training and education money your employer has to offer. Get smarter on someone else’s dime every time.

ME: Best advice I got from my boss was to turnup on the training dollars and take my sh*t to the next level.

4. After you graduate, DON’T work for anybody.

Sounds ridiculous, right?

Right… But explore your passions now when you have minimal to no responsibilities. Test the waters. Create a company, apply for an LLC, get an accountant to lead and guide you, and sign up for a LinkedIn account.

ME: Took me 20 years+ and I dove in head first.

BONUS: Yes, you have no experience. Whether you choose to work for someone or be an entrepreneur, all the more reason to go for high risk/high reward opportunities. Don’t play by other’s rules. Stop being the background noise and make yourself memorable.

Well…You can!

ConGradulations!

Do you have a nugget that you would like to pay forward? If you like this post, I’d love to hear about the best advice you received. Caring is sharing.

Nina Babel

Founder of NIBA Management Group