November 11, 2024
Career Advice for My Undergrad Self
It’s been more than 10 and less than 20 years since I was last an undergraduate student (I’ll keep the exact amount to myself). But the moment I stepped onto the University of Tampa campus recently to speak to a Foundations of Advertising class, I was instantly transported back to my time as a student – the energy of the students bustling to class, the unabashed eagerness to learn, the promise of a life that’s still mostly unexplored. It felt like coming home to a former version of myself that I had lost touch with along the way.
I got back in touch with that version of my younger self – and of my colleagues – to pull together our best advice to give to today’s generation of undergrad students.
Here’s what I asked: “What advice would you give your former college self as you were embarking on your career journey?”
And here are the answers I received – and, oh my goodness, are these good!
“Raise your hand – do not wait for the opportunity to be handed to you!”
LAURA RUDEN, STAKEHOLDER, DIRECTOR OF BRAND STRATEGY
“Don’t stay where you aren’t being fed – if you are no longer learning, growing, or loving the work you are doing, don’t be afraid to move on. Complacency kills growth.”
KIELA BENTLEY, BRAND MANAGER
“Become a lifelong learner! There is always something to learn no matter how long you are in a position or with a company!”
DEE MINUTOLO, ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST
“Life rewards action, not intelligence. Being smart doesn’t help very much without the courage to act.”
HUNTER TAYLOR, DIRECTOR OF BRAND STRATEGY
“Live constantly curious! Continue to ask another question – and another one – and another one! The more curious you are, the more you’ll learn.”
COLLEEN CHAPPELL, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
“Always follow your interests. Seek out opportunities that excite, intrigue, and challenge you – you won’t be disappointed with your journey.”
MORGAN BARUTH, ASSOCIATE MEDIA DIRECTOR
“Define your own success. Recognize failure as temporary. Redefine rejection as redemption. And at the end of every day, ask yourself and answer honestly, “Did I do the very best I could have done?”
BRANDON WINDISH, ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
“Ask yourself what 3 words best represent you and your personal brand. Write them down and put them on your mirror as a reminder to act in a way that is true to those traits.”
MEGAN FEDERICO, SENIOR BRAND MANAGER
“#1 – Raise your hand to do things and go places – try things outside of your role.
#2 – My dad’s practical advice: Don’t have more than two drinks at a business meeting – especially when you’re starting out.”
CHRISTINE TURNER, PRESIDENT AND CEO
“Don’t be afraid to mess up. If you fail or do something wrong, learn from the mistakes and move on.”
SHELBY WEININGER, BRAND MANAGER
“Give a sh*t – plain and simple.”
KATY PARSONS, DIRECTOR OF BRAND STRATEGY
We hope these tips spark a bit of inspiration to anyone traveling through their own career journey. Remember to embrace the uncertainty, stay curious, and find a path that excites and challenges you.
As we prepare to open new intern applications, we encourage you to apply for our Spring internship position.
