Graduation

Many of you will have started (or at least should) the search for employment before you graduate. The race is on so there is no need to sit idle.

When graduation day does come, you should shut everything off. This is the greatest day of your academic career. Think about what you have accomplished and what you wish to do in the future. But most of all, bask in the moment.

Valedictorian Speech

Graduation is not like getting drafted in sports it is like the Heisman trophy race. Finding work is like declaring your availability for the entry draft.

If you are in the running for class valedictorian, consider it an opportunity and challenge. Just keep in mind that often, the decision has been made before you go in to make your case. Regardless, not seizing the opportunity is a sign of a lack of confidence and a lack of drive. You will often be the underdog in business, so get used to it. The worst that could happen is that you do not become valedictorian: at least you took a shot and did not look back.

Not everyone has a smooth ride. Others are served life on a silver platter. The bottom line though is that hard work is a great equalizer. Bank One's Jamie Dimon said it best: ''Winning isn't about patents or your IQ. It's about how much you want it.''