The 4 Realities of Success During and After College: For College Students, Recent Grads and Young Adults

By Bob Roth

People are more successful in life when they get off to a great start. You will have an early advantage over the competition when you follow the principles within this practical book and apply them with enthusiasm, self-confidence and a positive attitude. Many highly intelligent young adults fall short of their potential because they dont address The 4 Realities: You Can Be More Successful In College It Takes An Effective Job Search To Land The Job You Want You Can Be More Effective In Your Fist Job Life On Your Own Shouldnt Be A Rude AwakeningMost students would like to do their best in college but receive little guidance and are left to their own devices. Well show you how to develop and carry out a plan of action that will boost your grades, greatly expand your resume and make you more attractive to potential employers and Graduate Schools.Finding a job is an experience for which most students are unprepared. They dont know what to do, how to do it, when to do it, how to differentiate themselves from other students and dont know how to prepare. This book has the answers to the questions that every student must ask and answer if he/she plans to conduct an effective job search. The way you perform in your first job can positively or negatively affect your career. Making a good first impression and knowing exactly what your employer wants from you can make all of the difference. If you want to get ahead of the learning curve and stay there, you will find some great advice and suggestions in this section.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 24, 2005
• ISBN: 9781463493448

Bob Roth

Bob Roth is one of the most experienced and sought-after meditation teachers in the world. Over the past fifty years, Bob has taught Transcendental Meditation to many thousands of people, including billionaire CEOs, Hollywood celebrities, combat-scarred veterans, and inner-city youth. He currently serves as the CEO of the David Lynch Foundation, and also directs the Center for Leadership Performance. Bob is the host of the SiriusXM radio show, Success Without Stress, and speaks frequently about the science of meditation to industry leaders at such gatherings as Google Zeitgeist, Aspen Ideas Festival, Wisdom2.0, and Summit. He is the author of Strength in Stillness.

Book preview

THE 4 REALITIES OF SUCCESS

DURING AND AFTER COLLEGE

For College Students, Recent Grads and Young Adults

By Bob Roth

Title_Page_Logo.ai

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book.

© 2005 Bob Roth. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 09/16/05

ISBN: 1-4208-4470-9 (sc)

ISBN: 1-4208-4471-7 (dj)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-9344-8 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2005902887

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

Contents

Reality One

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Commencement

Reality Two

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Reality Three

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Reality Four

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

Appendix - F

Appendix - G

Bibliography

About the Author

Reality 1

– You Can Be More Successful In College.

Reality 2

– It Takes An Effective Job Search To Land The Job You Want.

Reality 3

– You Can Be More Effective In Your First Job.

Reality 4

– Going Out On Your Own Shouldn’t Be A Rude Awakening.

For Kathleen, Patricia and Eileen

The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it.

- James Bryce, 1st Viscount

British Historian, Statesman & Diplomat

Introduction

There is no single proven path that we follow in life. It is up to each of us to find our way, to create our own special path, one that will take us where we want to go in life, one that will enable us to achieve our potential. This does not mean that we ignore the paths taken by others, those paths that made them successful. As we find our way, we may carve new paths or move from one existing path to another and use them as we need them, the paths that will make our journey more pleasant, easier, faster and more effective. If we only choose to carve our own path throughout our entire lifetime, we will have failed to learn and benefit from those who have preceded us.

College graduates often follow a path such as this one, as they pursue their dreams.

- Graduate High School

- Attend College

- Graduate from College or Graduate School

- Conduct a Search for Employment

- Launch their Career

- Leave Home and Go Out On Their Own

If you plan to pursue one or more of these goals, this book will serve as a guiding light, one that will illuminate the knowledge, thinking, strategies and activities that will effectively move you through this sequence of steps; steps that will enable you to achieve your personal goals. You can utilize The 4 Realities described in this book individually, as you need them, or together to give you a better picture of the entire process.

Successful people have learned to utilize the signs, markings and paths left by others in order to make the world easier to navigate. I will show you some of the paths that have been successful for others, as they navigated the same six to eight year period of their lives. If you pay close attention, you will encounter and recognize the opportunities and experiences that will propel you closer to your goals and provide the foundation needed to pursue your potential. Specifically, this book will help you:

- Succeed in your coursework

- Participate in vital college activities

- Build the experiences employers look for

- Prepare an exceptional resume

- Compete more effectively during the interview process

- Conduct a vigorous and effective search for employment

- Land a job that is suited to you and suited to your career

- Gain a significant edge in the working world

- Understand how employers judge performance

- Provide your employer with reasons to recognize your value

- Prepare you for life on your own

- Thrive in your first apartment

- Achieve a positive independent life experience

- Avoid the pitfalls that have caused others to falter

Throughout The 4 Realities, I have inserted pertinent reality statements, quotes and stories to help clarify and emphasize the salient points. They are intended to stimulate thoughts and add depth to your perspective. I hope you enjoy them.

Most people attend college to gain knowledge. Although that is important, it is not enough. As you move forward in life, you will see that the knowledge alone is not what is all important, but rather the effective application of that knowledge. Success is built on the application of knowledge. You achieve success by building on that knowledge, achieving positive outcomes, sharing your techniques with others and helping them reach their potential.

Reality: If you know what to do but don’t do it, you have failed to add value. Everyone values the person who recognizes an opportunity, takes the appropriate action and gets results.

Additionally, employers value people who are able to establish strong relationships with other people throughout the organization, in the community and in other businesses. Your ability to establish and maintain relationships may be the one thing that truly gives you an edge. In the end, the work gets done through people.

Reality: The more good relationships you build, the easier it will be to get things done.

The transition from college to your first job requires knowledge and planning. The better you understand what is needed and what options you have, the better you can make adjustments and do the things that will get you where you want to go. This book will guide you through your transition to the world of work and point out some of the realities of life. Most importantly, it will give you the edge that you need and help you avoid the missteps frequently made by college students, college grads and young adults.

Students and employees who are the most successful tend to exhibit similar traits. These students and employees:

-   Are good at something.

-    Know where they want to go. (Have a clear goal.)

-    Are focused on their goal.

-    Have a plan of action that will take them to their goal.

-    Have strong work ethics.

-    Are creative, optimistic and self-confident.

-    Try new things and participate in new activities. (Take risks.)

-    Make plenty of friends and build relationships.

-    Overcome obstacles, mistakes and disappointments.

-    Achieve results.

-    Help others reach their potential

Some people demonstrate these traits long before they enter college, but; most of us develop and strengthen these traits as we grow and mature. If your goal is to maximize your potential, you must work to strengthen these traits, enthusiastically apply your knowledge, stretch yourself to the limits of your ability, lead others in worthwhile pursuits and bring about the positive and the beneficial changes of which only you are capable.

Everyone has missteps, makes mistakes and experiences failures along the way. Nobody can be successful each and every time, in everything they do. Nowadays, the only people who walk on water are the ones who know where the rocks are. Therefore, if you don’t like getting wet, it would be prudent to learn from someone, who knows the best location to cross, tells you where the rocks are located and warns you about the hazards.

This book will keep you out of the water most of the time and will show you where many of the rocks are located. However, you will come to understand that your personal success will depend on you. You are the one who must seek out the signs and markings, notice the paths others have traveled, learn from their experiences, apply that knowledge, decide on your own path, walk on the rocks, peer into the unknown and light the way for others.

Only after you have gained the knowledge, are adept in the application and accept your role as a beacon of light for others, can you reach your full potential.

What Are You Becoming?

There is a giant asleep within every man.

When the giant awakes, miracles happen.

- Frederick Faust, (Pseud. of Max Brand)

Prolific American Author

If we did all the things we are capable of doing,

we would literally astonish ourselves.

- Thomas A. Edison,

American Inventor

There are no secrets to success.

It is the result of preparation,

hard work and learning from failure.

- Colin Powell,

Former U. S. Secretary of State & General

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

- Frank Outlaw,

American Film Maker

The important thing is this:

To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.

- Charles DuBois,

French Author

A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimension.

- Oliver Wendell Holmes,

American Poet, Humorist & Physician

If you are to achieve your potential in life, you must push hard against the boundaries that you encounter and search out the known and unknown paths to future happiness and success, the paths that will lead you to be what you know you should be. And as the previously unknown paths become familiar to you, leave signs and markings to light the way for those who will follow.

- Bob Roth

Though you can not go back

and make a brand new start

my friend,

anyone can start from now

and make a brand new end.

- John C. Maxwell, Author & Clergyman

A poem from his childhood

Reality One

You Can Be More Successful In College

College degrees are extremely important. That is because, for many employers, college degrees have become commonplace and expected. Although nobody will offer you a good paying job just because you have a college degree, the majority of employers will not even consider you for the best jobs if you don’t have a degree.

As you know, there is a great deal of competition, among college students and recent college graduates, for the jobs that are available. To be successful in this competition, you will have to carefully plan your college courses, participate in selected activities, obtain relevant work experience and develop your presentation skills. With careful preparation and a good understanding of the things recruiters look for, you will be ready to answer this question:

Why should an employer select you over other qualified candidates?

In reality, this is the only question you will need to answer. If you have carried out an effective plan while in college and can communicate your accomplishments with intelligence, enthusiasm and confidence, you are ready to face the recruiters. However, if you have taken too many shortcuts and failed to prepare adequately for this critical moment, everyone will be painfully aware of your shortcomings.

Reality: With regard to preparation, shortcuts usually lead to shortcomings.

When you follow the guidelines and suggestions in Reality One, you will know exactly how to prepare yourself, so you can address that crucial question with confidence. You must come to understand that you have a great deal of control over the way an employer will view you and your college experience. Your job is to:

1. Determine your goals. (Put them on paper.)

~   Where are you trying to go?

~   What are you trying to accomplish?

~   How will you know you are successful?

~   Why are you going to college?

2. Develop a Plan of Action and carry it out.

~   What steps are needed to achieve your goals?

   (What do you want?)

~   What steps are needed to impress future employers?

   (What do they want?)

3. Identify desirable college experiences that will support your goals.

4. Pursue and participate in as many supportive experiences as possible.

5. Package and present these experiences effectively to employers.

All of this requires planning and preparation. It also requires a great deal of hard work. However, if you don’t have a plan, it will be much more difficult to reach your goal. You will have to face an unnecessary obstacle. So, I will provide you with a plan that works well.

It takes twenty years of hard work to become an overnight success.

- Diana Rankin,

Poet, Author, Teacher & Storyteller

Chapter 1

Start Your College Planning Early

College planning should start early and continue throughout high school. It is important for you to realize that preparation for your graduation from college actually begins while you are in high school.

Prior To High School

-   Begin to save money for college. (Starts at Birth)

-   Where will the rest of the money come from?

   (Ongoing Question)

-   Achieve good grades. (This increases your choices and

   opportunities.)

-   Participate in high school activities. (Discover your likes and

   strengths.)

-   Gain work experience. (Save some money for college.)

-   Perform community service and participate in Community

Activities.

-   Talk with people in fields of interest (professionals, teachers,

   counselors, parents and adult friends)

-   What do you like most? What are you good at?

-   Evaluate your strengths.

-   Realistically assess your potential in your areas of interest.

-   Select a tentative major. (As you learn about yourself.)

-   Investigate colleges that offer programs in your tentative major.

-   Prepare an outstanding essay for each college application.

-   Apply (Early) to the best college choices for you.

-   Visit and revisit the colleges that are of interest.

-   Make the final college selection from your acceptances.

-   Agree on your overall plan of action.

   (See the 11 step plan in Chapter 4)

-   Create a separate plan of action for each year of college.

Important Behavior, Skills, Abilities, Traits And Knowledge

To be successful in college and beyond, you will need the following behaviors, skills, abilities, traits and knowledge. Constantly work to make improvements in each of the following areas:

- Reading            - Writing

- Grammar         - Punctuation

- Speaking         - Presentation skills

- Maturity            - Vocabulary

- Word selection         - Study habits & skills

- Note taking         - Phone skills

- Message taking         - Listening

- Risk taking         - Confidence

- Motivation         - Overcome Fear

- Procrastination         - Organization

- Memory             - Computer usage

- Information gathering      - Character

Crisis doesn’t develop character; crisis reveals character.

- Originator Unknown

-    Decision making      - Footnotes & citations

-    Library usage         - Internet skills

-    Time management      - Goal setting

-    Relationship Building      - Drive

-    Perseverance         - Curiosity

-    Enthusiasm         - Logic

-    Critical thinking         - Flexibility

-    Creativity         - Results

-    Attitude            - Research

-    Participation         - Teamwork

-    Leadership         - Deadlines

Reality: If you ignore the items on this list, you are shooting yourself in the foot.

In each example, doing is more important than knowing. It is not the definition or complete understanding that is important, but rather the application of these skills, abilities, traits and knowledge. Learn by doing. Learn from your mistakes.

Make a special effort to understand which skills, abilities, traits and knowledge are required for the direction you are pursuing. Then, work hard to obtain and improve them. People who do not demonstrate these important requirements and do not work towards attaining or improving them will limit their potential for success.

You can research and read information about them. You can take classes that explain them and require their usage. Or, you can be tutored in these areas. But mostly, you get better at these things by doing them. Look for opportunities to utilize and develop the skills, abilities, traits and knowledge you will need to be more successful in your field.

If you think that education is expensive, try ignorance.

- Derek Bok,

Former President of Harvard

Chapter 2

Choose The Right College For You

If possible, identify several colleges that are known and respected in the areas that interest you. You will want the school that you attend to be an asset when you begin to look for a job. For example, if you intend to be a business major, it is to your advantage to attend a college that is well respected by the business community.

Even the name of the school can sometimes be an asset.

Story - I attended Syracuse University but was not fortunate enough to have received an attractive job offer before graduation. However, the interviewer from my first employer was a huge sports enthusiast. The fact that I attended Syracuse was a big plus in his mind. We talked sports for hours. I gave him what he wanted. He gave me a good job.

Ask these questions:

-   What schools will be most valuable to you after graduation?

-   What schools have the best reputation in the areas that interest you?

-   What schools meet your needs?

   (Size, cost, attention, distance, guidance)

Things to do:

-   Do the research - The Internet, Publications, Counselors

-   Visit the schools of interest. See what they are like.

-   Talk to students, professors and career services.

   Listen to their opinions.

-   Ask the hard questions when you visit career services.

   Gather the facts.

~   In your field, what companies interview here for graduates?

~   What percentage of students, in your major, got jobs in that field?

~   What kinds of jobs did they get? Ask for examples.

   Talk about them.

~   What was the average starting salary for graduates with your major?

~   What other kinds of jobs did people with your major end up with?

~   How many students got jobs through on-campus interviewing?

The Quality Of Your College Education

(The rating, ranking and reputation of your school)

There are many publications and organizations that rate and rank colleges. You can easily find them on the internet. Therefore, it is to your benefit to at least be familiar with the ratings and rankings of the colleges you place on your list for consideration. Publications include:

The Princeton Review

Peterson’s Guide

U. S. News and World Report

If you graduate from a college near the top of the rankings, it is very likely that more recruiters will visit your college than one ranked at the 50th percentile. It is also more likely that higher ranked colleges will be better known as you get further away or to other States. A good reputation is helpful because people will make beneficial assumptions about you and your education.

Your College Application

Your application, transcript, SAT or ACT scores and references are all they have. A powerful application and essay will work in your favor.

-   Check the application over carefully before you submit it to the college (No errors).

-   Polish up or expand your essay. Make it work in your favor, not against you.

-   Present a good picture of what you’re like, what you want and where you’re going.

-   Give examples of your accomplishments. Show that you are proud of them.

-   If you’ve done many things and have numerous accomplishments, attach a resume.

-   Apply early rather than late. Colleges can be more selective near the end.

-   Select 7 colleges (2 stretch schools, 2 ideal schools, 2 solid choices and one slam dunk)

Prepare to be interviewed. Some schools interview every candidate. Others interview applicants who are on the edge. They look at presentation (dress), communication skills, goals, energy, successes, commitment, strengths, potential and usually prefer well rounded applicants.

The College Transfer Option

-   The College Transfer Option

If money is a problem or if you are completely confused about your career direction, you may want to consider the transfer option.

You can save money by attending a well respected two year community college (or a good, but less expensive, four year college) and then transferring to the four year college of your choice. Important: Investigate the transfer policy and grade requirements of your target colleges to ensure that you do not lose too many credits when you transfer. Also make certain that you do keep your grades up. The best colleges will not accept a transfer student with mediocre grades.

Story - In my case, money was a big problem. I began my education at Jamestown Community College and transferred to Syracuse University. This option saved a great deal of money for me during my first two years of college. It enabled me to save enough money from part-time and summer jobs to completely pay for my first year at Syracuse.

This option also works for students who are confused about their career direction. It makes sense to investigate your options at a less expensive college and then transfer when you are more certain of your personal goals and career direction. There is nothing wrong with exploration, but; you should try to avoid taking five or six years to figure it out. College is expensive, especially the best colleges. Few students have the financial resources to remain in college indefinitely.

Chapter 3

Why Are You Going To College?

Your Parents Want Me To Say This

In case it is