Here’s some great advice for graduates

A few weeks ago, I celebrated 41 years since graduating from the University of Dayton.

It is hard to believe how quickly time passes. Along the way I’ve learned many lessons about life, business, success and failure. In addition, I received great advice from some extraordinary business people and leaders, throughout my career.

To pay it forward, I reached out to a cross section of Northeast Ohio leaders and several of my fellow 1979 UD graduates, asking them to share their advice to the 2020 graduates. I think you will find all of their thoughts insightful, genuine and inspirational.

“I believe that it is very important to give back to the community with volunteer service and do so with an attitude of gratitude for the people that have supported you.” — Nancy Brown, president, Ladies and Gentlemen Salons/ Brown Aveda Institutes.

“Build your life around your passions and you’ll never need a job.” — Judie Crockett, owner, The Crocket Team of Howard Hanna.

“Follow your passion. If you are only worried about money or pleasing someone else, you will always be unhappy, but if you follow your heart, you will receive great rewards!”— Judy Burr, executive director, Project Hope for the Homeless.

“Embrace the freedom of your journey to succeed AND fail.” — Mitch Kroll, CEO, Findaway.

“You will receive much advice about what job or career path you should take; remember, there are many paths to career success and life fulfillment, but only you can live your life – be sure you follow your heart, passions and stay true to who you are.” — Tom Tomasula, chief human resources officer, Bettcher Industries,

Inc.

“How you measure success is a personal journey that changes course many times in your adult life, and the most successful people that I know focus on furthering their personal relationships and how they positively impact others.” — John Bernatovicz, president and founder, Willory.

“Work hard, be truthful, accept criticism with grace, treat others with respect, and take responsibility for your own actions (good or bad). College degrees and/or careers are not entitlements, they are opportunities. The way to achieve success in life is to be confident and always strive to exceed expectations.” — Alyson Scott, president, Fredon Corp.

“Think of your failures as condiments for the great taste of your success.” — Bill Wills, morning host, WTAM 1100 Radio.

“You are going to make mistakes, expect them and learn from them; they will improve upon your life’s journey.” — Bonnie J Matthew, president/ owner, Food for Thought Caterers.

“Choose a career and direction in life that you are passionate about. You never want to wake up and not like where you are going to work!” — Timothy A. Dimoff, CEO/president, SACS Consulting and Investigative Services, Inc.

“If you can figure out what you really love to do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. So use those first few jobs after graduation to figure that out.” — Bruce Hennes, CEO, Hennes Communications.

“Networking is the key to building strong relationships which leads to career growth.” — Christine Weber-Bresky, president & CEO, Mentor Area

Chamber of Commerce.

“Learn to manage your time rather than time managing you. Make your health and well-being priority number one - without it, you cannot accomplish all your other priorities in life.” — Dr. Roy Buchinsky, director of Wellness & Corporate Health, University Hospitals.

“Be responsive, responsible, and reliable. Never underestimate the importance and significance of getting back to people who rely on you. You would want the same.” — Kevin D. Malecek, director of economic development and international trade, City of Mentor.

“Vote in every election, we need your voice, energy & effort in this country!” — Mike Matoney, CEO, Crossroads & Beacon Health.

“Keep your values high and continuously take on challenges — you will grow in ways that you never thought were possible.” — Kelly Keefe, president, ERC.

“I would encourage you to work hard and remain curious; the momentum, knowledge and relationships you create early in your life and career will set the stage for your future.” — John Gallagher, human resources manager, Component Repair Technologies.

“At every stage of life take the time to celebrate your accomplishments, reflect on your past and build on your experiences, for to truly make a difference and leave your mark on this world you must develop your own plan, based on your faith, morals and a strong work ethic.” — John Forbes, principal, HW & Co.

“Develop a strong personal brand that makes you stand out from the crowd. Link that personal brand strongly to why you are considering that company, considering that job and why me. If you can do those three things well, you will be in the top 20% of candidates.” — Kevin Tarrant, former CHRO Westinghouse AirBrake Company and retained executive search partner for Pierce Consulting Partners.

“If you had one rule to live by, to manage your career by, it would be to always seek to do the right thing. Everything else will take care of itself after that.” — Dave Pauldine, former president Devry University.

“Your education should not stop with your current diploma. Take advantage of employer-provided internal and external education, training and other advancement opportunities. Improve your employment qualifications outside of your employer with an advance degree, certification or designation.” — Rick Shanks, former financial advisor.

“Success is not measured by ‘how much money will I make,’ or ‘what my work title will be,’ or ‘how famous I will be,’ or how many times ‘I win’ at some others’ expense, rather ‘will my life vocation be in service to others even in small or not always publicly recognized ways.’” — Paul Soskey, vice president of scientific affairs, Svelte Medical Systems.

If you are a 2020 graduate, you may want to save these quotes and refer to them often.

All of these people have achieved tremendous success in their lives and their thoughts may provide you great advice along your journey.

Best of luck, success and health in the future and congratulations on your graduation!