Since my last post, I’ve been preoccupied with getting ready for my four new spring semester classes. We’ve completed the first week now, so things will begin to settle down.
I’ve got good classes. All four are filled with bright, interesting people, and I look forward to working with them. I instructed all four classes to read my two posts below, the one on 2009 and “What exactly do you want?” They serve to set the stage for some serious, disciplined learning in the coming weeks.
The timing is right. The economy continues to deteriorate. Job prospects for December 2008 and May 2009 graduates look grim. The economy moves in cycles, and we are in a down cycle right now and will be for months to come. I believe the best thing that recent and soon-to-be graduates can do is prepare themselves for job opportunities, methodically and thoughtfully pursue leads for viable opportunities, and stay positive. Things will get better.
For 35 years, I earned a living doing what I now teach. I have been through recessions and corporate layoffs and all the pain that accompanies economic cycles. You simply have to tough it out. There is always something positive you can do to help your situation.
If I have learned anything from the life events I’ve faced, I’ve learned that it is not so much what happens to you, but what you think about what happens to you, that really matters. For example, whining and moaning about what happens — economic turbulence, job loss, short-term diminished employment prospects, etc. — is a waste of time. You simply have to assess the situation, revisit your goals, and adjust your strategy to keep on track to goal attainment.
There will be setbacks in life. I broke my back in a traffic accident when I was 29 years old. As a result, I became paralyzed and a wheelchair user. I certainly did not plan that. The accident changed a great many things in my life, but not the essence of who I am and what I wish to accomplish. For example, I was still a husband and father and a dedicated and ambitious integrated marketing communication professional. I wanted to live a meaningful life and accomplish many things. The fact that I could no longer walk made it more difficult to do some of the things I wanted to do, but I learned to focus on what I could do, not on what I could not do. That saved my life.
In life, we face many challenges. No matter what, you can overcome them. I do it, and so will you. Life is so precious. Every day is a blessing, a gift. Our job here and now is to make the most and the best of this precious gift. That means dealing with setbacks and hurts and unforeseen situations while working toward our goals.
This post could not have come at a better time. In the past week, I have been thinking a lot about my future and it has really stressed me out. At the end of my junior year (this spring semester) I will have 117 credits and will only have to take Research to graduate. The decision on whether or not to graduate during a time of economic crisis has placed a huge burden on the start of the new semester. I love Towson, but it would be waste for me to pay for another year’s out-of-state tuition when I have completed my degree. With that said, would you advise students like myself to consider graduate school?
Thanks Les for all your advice. Your positive attitude about life in general has really radiated out to your students and we are extremely grateful for it!
Sincerely,
The biggest Philly fan
Lauren,
I understand your concern about graduating “in a time of economic crisis.” But you graduate when you are finished with your studies. It does not make good sense for you to continue paying high tuition because the economy is bad. I say this to you because you are an excellent student, Lauren, one who has excelled in every way. You have bright employment prospects because you have a terrific academic record of achievement, and you will get top recommendations from faculty and internship supervisors, etc. Employers are always looking for high achievers like you.
Graduate school can be a good choice to wait out a bad economy, but I believe you should only consider graduate school if you want a graduate degree. Grad school is a lot of work and commitment. I KNOW you would excel, but don’t enroll unless you are serious about earning a graduate degree. A Master’s does give you a competitive advantage, so I do endorse it as a way to differentiate yourself.
But what degree? If you are interested, I blogged about the decision to go to graduate school and in what area of study and specialization, such as a Master’s in Communication or an MBA. The information is still current and useful. You can track it down in the search feature.
Finally, thank you for your kind words. YOU are the reason I do this with so much passion and dedication. Working with people like you makes it wonderful.
Les
In times like this, Les, being purposeful about managing your brand and leveraging every opportunity beats the heck out of waiting for things to happen. The bright, motivated, energetic grads who understand this will get the jobs…the rest will just whine.
I imagine that you do a great job of creating the former, and driving it out of the latter.
Keep it up, my friend!
-Mark
Wise words, Brand Warrior. As one of my toughest, but most instructive, bosses once told me, “you need to happen to things, not let things happen to you.”
That’s an awesome line…it’s going into my next presentation…with credit, of course. Who was it?
-Mark
Mark, that line was from one of the most important mentors/bosses I ever had, a man named David Hogan. He was brilliant, driven, and had an amazing capacity for accomplishing work. I learned so much from him. He died in a climbing accident a number of years ago at far too young an age. I miss him still.
Les
Lauren and Mark, following up on the line David Hogan provided Les, I provide you this as well. Things do not fall in people’s laps. Whether you knew it or not, those people were moving their laps where things were falling. You should do the same. Lauren, don’t hide from entering the work world because it’s a scary place. It will always be that place in one form or another…if you let it.
As with everything, the work world and your career will be what you put into it. Do the research that you about to learn more about, Lauren, on the companies and industries in which you have even a twinkling of an interest. Find out everything there is to know about the job types and roles they provide for entry level AND beyond. Then pursue them. Start by talking to the people doing those jobs and be up front with them about your interest in doing their jobs. Get them talking about how they got there.
You’ll find that the more you learn, the less scary the work world becomes. You’ll also find (little secret here) that the entry level jobs are not going to be given to people with more experience. They’ll be given to first timers. Experienced people taking roles for which they are overqualified expect to be paid more nonetheless and are soon dissatisfied and can become troublesome employees. Employers know this.
I agree with the very sage Les…consider that graduate degree, but perhaps spend some time in the work force defining the career and getting a better sense for which graduate degree will deliver the most value for that career you’re building.
For what it’s worth, I’m 45 (as of last week) and I’m considering going back for an MBA because I’m finding at this point in my career the business management is what’s needed for advancement above and beyond the straight corporate communication work I’m doing. Probably long overdue, but never too late.
Best of luck to you, Lauren. You could not possibly have a better launching pad than the classroom of Professor Potter.
michael
Les!
First of all, the title for this was just great! Ah, made me laugh! It’s a good one =)
I cannot begin to explain how this post truely touched me. Just like Lauren said, this post couldn’t have come at a better time. As you know, i expressed my worries about getting hired in class today haha. But you’re right, nothing is given to us, nothing is for free; we work hard and we make things happen.
Sometimes it is so easy to loose sight of how precious our lives really are. Everyone now a days is always so stressed out about the economy and market and yada yada, if its not this, its something else. This post really helped me to not be stressed with what i haven’t done, but to focus on what I can do. Like today in class, you gave me a bunch of ideas that have alleviated a whole bunch of stress for me! So, thank you!
Well, I’m off with my regained positive attitude; things will get better for me, because I’m gonna make it happen!
Goodnight,
Regina
Michael, I was 46 years old when I got my MBA. I launched Les Potter Incorporated, my consulting firm, shortly after. Based on my experience, I think you will love working on your MBA at this stage of your career. You have so much experience from which to draw. Your writing skills will make it easier for you to produce the papers, and your employer might even have a good tuition reimbursement program to help defray the costs. Go for it. Your thinking is correct on this, in my opinion.
Les
Regina, you prove why you are one of my superstars. I remain extremely proud of you. I KNOW you will succeed.
Les
As always, my wise brother, this post and the ensuing comments are right on the mark. Thank you for reminding me, too, of an important truth. Yes, this is a difficult time, but we will survive.
I, too had experienced some major setbacks in my life time and I’ve seen the rise and fall of the economy during the years. I’ve been in the workforce for over twenty five years and I can count on one hand the jobs I really liked. I’ve motivated myself by going back to school in hopes to find a career that I would love and not feel trapped in a job that I hated. This weekend, I attended a job fair at Harford Community College and I was shocked to see the enormous amounts of people there! I came prepared with an updated resume, but somehow I felt that the employers expected more from me. Many of them asked about my credentials before I could hand them a copy of my resume. Many of the employers there would not accept my resume in person but referred me to a website where I could submit my transcript, resume and application on line at once. It felt odd, but I can see how job hunting has become more creative and competitive. Employers are looking for people that stand out above the rest. So all, focus on the positive and not dwell on the negative. I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments and all that want to better themselves should go for it. I am an optimist and I believe anyone can achieve and do whatever he/she wants to accomplish. Thank you Professor Potter for another great article.
I constantly find myself revisiting this post and suggesting others to read it. My parents are constantly giving my number to those who are trying to decide to go out into the job market or venture into graduate school. I never had a definite answer for them, and use to respond with an “I don’t’ know”. But after reading this blog I not only received timely advice, but I’m now able to give others a better response. I often hear in my ad campaigns class that the most important part of the campaign is research. That holds true to life. We have to research our options and weigh the results. Some may find that they’re able to work and go to graduate school. Others may find that their career choice doesn’t require a master’s degree, or they may find a job that will pay for their education. There are options out there waiting for us. We have to stop complaining and become proactive.
With my move to Baltimore, I have decided to become completely independent from my parents (well more like 97%). I’m putting myself through graduate school and paying all my bills; while going to school full-time and working part-time. People often tell me, life must be horrible for you right now. My only response is I can’t and won’t complain. No I don’t have a dream job or a full-time job, but I have a job. That’s a blessing in itself. Being able to receive financial aid for school is amazing. I have an automobile to drive to and from work. I have a roof over my head. What could I really complain about? My needs, wants, and desires are always met. I just have to remember my 2 P’s, Pray and Plan.
So the economy is rotten, job market stinks, and my internet keeps cutting off. But life is great. It may be a little uneasy to get to, but I’m always able to make it through the day. When I think about it, things could be so much worse.
I more than agree with those statements. Life happens. We all go thorough ups and downs with ourselves and the world around us. But it’s important that we remain focused and on track to keep going forth. I see it as a domino effect. You worry about one thing and then you fall behind on other things. Don’t dwell on things that you can control. I know it can be upsetting to know that the job market may be grim when you graduate, but don’t let that stop you from accomplishing what you want to accomplish. I have always lived life nonchalant with exceptions. It’s the best way really. There’s no reason why you should make life harder than it already is. I recently have been dealing with medical problems that has put a serious damper on my life. I have learned to appreciate things more and enjoy the great people that surround me. As a matter of fact, my parents and I have grown closer to each other due to my recent condition. I’ts a great feeling. I tell myelf that this is just a rough patch in my life but I know I will get through it. You only live once. “Go confidently in the direction of your dream. Live the life you imagined.”