It’s almost that time again—when the flood gates open and another graduating class is released into the world. Our young people need all the advice they can get. But because wise words from mom and dad often can fall on deaf ears, we asked successful St. Louisans to share their wisdom.
There is so much coming at you—information is everywhere. Sorting through the static is difficult and necessary. You need to begin to figure out who you might be. You need to embrace your passion for something—and you don’t have to share that with everyone, but let what fires you up the most become a guidepost for the future. You’ll mess things up for sure, but push through the clutter and embrace who you are and want to be. You need to please yourself first. And look up! Staring at your phone gets in the way of you seeing, searching, discovering, feeling, connecting.
~Steve Woolf, artistic director
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
When you graduate, it seems like you should be ready to do anything, face anything, know anything. And you should feel that way after such a huge accomplishment! But an important lesson I’ve learned is that no one expects you to know everything. In fact, they don’t want you to. Ask questions and use those who have more experience as resources (they appreciate being asked!). It’s hard to remember, but there is never a point when you will have it all figured out. You will keep learning and practicing. After all, life is a marathon, not a sprint!
~Mona Langenberg, president
GO! St. Louis
Follow your passion and make a career of it. During the interview process, convey your goals to make sure they align with the company and hiring manager. This will help establish a successful career path. It’s also important to take as many internships as possible. New experiences may lead to new opportunities and also make you more marketable in the process.
~Alper Oztok, general manager
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis
Graduates today are facing a globalized society—a workplace that is much different from the one their parents discovered. Regardless of the external environment, some core truths remain: find what you love to do and what the world needs. When your deep joy meets the world’s deep joy, that’s your purpose. Remember: set out to have fun and be of service—to humanity, a cause, our world—and you’ll have a great life. If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.
~Jill Butler, owner
RedKey Realty
Find lessons and inspiration in the success of others. Never be the smartest person at the table, and if you are, pull up more chairs and invite smarter people. Embrace challenges and surround yourself with people who know more than you and can help you grow personally and professionally. Successful people all have one thing in common—they don’t just settle for being average in their field, they strive to be the best by continuing to learn and grow their abilities. Quick tips: Ask questions, get involved, do the research, ask for input, respect other opinions even when you disagree, have fun and love what you do!
~Tonya Page, founding partner
Page Law
Don’t stress hunting for that unicorn job that aligns perfectly with your ideal vision of a career, your major or your parents’ expectations. Seek the job that will challenge you and stretch you the most; seek managers and peers who are invested in your development. Once you’ve stopped growing, move on. Five years from now you will be a much more valuable asset to any company than your peers who chose a more comfortable path. The opportunities will find you.
~ Erin Steinbruegge, chief operating officer
OneSpace
Here are a few thoughts your folks already may have told you: ‘please,’ ‘thank you’ and ‘you’re welcome’ are great words, and handwritten thank you notes go a long way. Wake up happyevery day: it’s all in your control.
~Nancy Friedman, keynote speaker
Telephone Doctor
It’s important to believe in what you’re doing. I’ve often said I didn’t try to save the world, but two zip codes are better off now because of Schlafly Beer. It’s hard to overstate the satisfaction of doing a job that makes a difference, whether in the community or the world at large. If you don’t like what you’re doing, you’ll make yourself miserable and your performance on the job will suffer. Be open to change. I had been practicing law 14 years before Schlafly Beer opened for business. Think of your career as largely improvised, like jazz, as opposed to being carefully orchestrated like a symphony.
~Tom Schlafly, co-founder, Schlafly Brewing Co.
