This past Friday Michael Meara came to speak with our group about succeding after colllege. Michael Meara is a Certified Financial Planner and Registered Investment Advisor who provides fee-only financial planning and investment management services for small business owners and individuals. Michael is also a successful entrepreneur, small business advocate, advisor and radio personality. He recently hired a UCSC graduate and is very happy with the new addition to his team. Based on his experience hiring a recent grad, and his professional and life experiences, Michael provided some helpful tips to our student group.
Employers will likely look at your ability to be creative/adaptable: The success in your career path will be dependent on your ability to find solutions to problems. Our entire lives are comprised of many problems with many solutions to each one. Mike encourage our group to look for solutions instead of being told what to do. Those who are successful do not give up when they come across difficulties. Life rewards those who carve their own path around the tough times.
Perseverance is key: Finding solutions isn’t sufficient alone to be successful. Mike described the many challenges in his life and encouraged our students to persevere. It is one thing to come up with a good idea, but it is entirely different making that dream into a reality.
Communicate these traits and provide real life examples: In college take as many opportunities as you can to learn and gain experience. When you go to an interview, the employer will look to see that you can provide examples of your perseverance and creativity. The best way to have something to talk about is to do something.
Get out there and do something.