Deciding on a career path is probably the biggest single decision a person will make. It could determine where you live, how much you make, who you marry and where your kids go to school. Yes, it’s a big decision.
In my case, while I was in the Air Force working to pay for college, I started thinking about my future and desired lifestyle. I wanted to earn a good living without having to work nights and weekends.
I was pretty certain I didn’t have the discipline (or the smarts) to be a doctor, lawyer or engineer. So, I chose busines- to-business sales because it played to my strengths, allowed me the earnings to support my desired lifestyle and provided flexibility. Then, I focused my education with that end in mind. Even before my first day at the University of North Dakota, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. That focus allowed me to finish in two and a half years with a bachelor’s degree in business. I didn’t realize back then how significant this decision was and how it would play out.
If my two kids were graduating from high school today, I would give them these three pieces of advice:
- You need to know how to count.
No matter the career you choose, if you want to be a leader, you actually do need to understand the numbers – don’t underestimate this. I didn’t consider myself a numbers guy, but I’ve become one. Early in my career I realized that I probably should have taken more math and accounting classes in high school and college. I wish I had recognized the importance of “bean counting” back then. If you are unsure of what you want to do, I would highly recommend pursuing a degree (or at least a minor) in finance or accounting. You will never regret it, regardless of your career choice. No one has ever told me knowing too much about the numbers was a problem.
- You need to know how to write.
Writing is different today. For decades, people dictated letters and memos to assistants who made sure it sounded right and followed all the grammar and spelling rules. They probably made us look better than we were. Today, we communicate in real-time and we’re personally writing more than we ever have. As a result, poor writing skills really stand out. Writing effectively and understanding both your tone and your audience are skills all professionals need to have.
- You need to know how to talk.
Knowing how to present is probably the most valuable skill you can have. It will differentiate you when competing for a job, in business, and career advancement opportunities. A well written resume can get you to the top of the pile, but your presentation skills are more likely to get you the job. Don’t avoid those speech classes, in fact take more. Yes, it’s uncomfortable to stand in front of a group and speak. But the better presenter you are, the more opportunities you will create for yourself.
“Reading, writing and arithmetic” do really matter. Don’t let your kids dodge the finance, writing and speaking courses in college. Challenge them to seek those courses out and take them as electives so they can hone their skills in the classroom – rather than in the conference room. Whether you’re a recent college graduate or someone who has been in the workforce for a while, you will always need to know how to count, talk and write. I personally work on my writing skills with every blog. I hope you’ll give me a passing grade.
