For most of my life, I have heard how important it is to land a secure job after graduation. The ideal situation is to go to college, graduate with your degree in ______, and immediately get a job and start saving money for the rest of your life. However, according to Ryan Healy, that might not be the best or wisest choice for Gen- Y college graduates, and I can’t say that I disagree. So what should people in their twenties be concerned about? It is simple, according to Healy: learning and discovery.
“Friedman says that professionals today need to think of themselves as a startup. I love this analogy because when successful startups first get off the ground, they are obsessed with learning and discovery while they try to find a business model – just like a young professional needs to be obsessed with learning and discovery while they try to find a career path.”
The same old 9-5 secure career that worked for our parents doesn’t necessarily apply to our generation. Companies aren’t looking for people who can simply go through the motions. They want people who have something unique to offer, something that machines aren’t capable of producing. They aren’t looking for an average person who produces average results. They want a linchpin…someone they can’t live without. And how do we become a linchpin? By not accepting the 9-5 job right out of graduation and instead taking the time to learn your strengths/weakness, likes/dislikes, and what makes you thrive as a creative individual.
I highly recommend you read the article in its entirety and head Healy’s advice. You can find the article here: http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2011/08/08/why-you-need-to-stop-worrying-about-saving-money/
Jill Pantano