Advice for the Class of 2006
from the Michigan alumni family

We asked alumni for the best advice they had for the Class of 2006. What do they wish they known when they graduated? What did someone tell that that made a big impact on them? Here's what they had to say:

If I had any wisdom to share with the class of 2006, it would be this - it is perfectly fine to change your mind! Your career choice now may not be your career choice later, and that is not unusual. Be flexible and open to new opportunities, because sooner or later life will throw you something you didn't expect.

—Kerry Dittenber Smith, '93

I wish I had asked more questions about career planning, internships and the like when I was a sophomore and junior. Waiting until your senior year is too late. I had no idea of the depth of resources available, and it didn't occur to me to start early asking for help and direction from the counseling and career planning staff. Take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to them while they're still undergrads.

—Mary Jane Johnson

Michigan is a state in need of your skills, life experience and creativity. The economy as defined by dollars is not what matters but rather how to use your skills of technology to create a new economy. Stay for the long term and know that in the short term you will lead the creation of new economy for Michigan. An economy that is based on technology that connects Michigan's intellectual assets with its production capabilities and your creativity. Stay, lead, contribute. Go to work for a Michigan-based business, not for profit agency, government agency or start your own company.

Many of you are Michigan sons and daughters and as such stand as graduates on the shoulders of folks who worked in the paper mills and the ore mines of the Upper Peninsula, the lumber mills, farms, the Internet businesses and the tourist attractions of the Northern Lower Peninsula and the companies of Automation Alley, the automotive research facilities and the manufacturing plants of the of the southern lower Peninsula. Maya Angelou defines success as pulling someone up behind you as you go up. Help Michigan by pulling it up as you climb up to success by staying at home.

—Gloria J. Jeff, '74, MSE'76, MUP'76
Director, Michigan Department of Transportation

Perhaps the most important thing I learned during my four years at the University of Michigan (1954-1958) was not taught in any class. Rather the words were on a banner which hung on the wall of the Women's Gym where, twice each year in those long-ago pre-computer days, we spent hours each semester registering for next semester's classes. The banner read "When all else fails, read and follow directions." Served me well then and throughout my life!

—Doris Wolin, '58

Early in my first job after U-M graduation in 1954 (BBA, actuarial science major), I noticed that my boss had a message under the glass plate on his desktop. (Yeah, desks did have glass plates on top in those days.) The message said simply:

"There will always be a place in this company for a person who knows how, but the person who knows why will be his boss."

Ever after, I made sure I always knew why even when how would have been "good enough." Eventually, I rose to the position of senior vice president and chief actuary, though not at that company.

—Myles Gray, '54

Don't be afraid to talk to people you know or your parents know to get help finding a job–networking is a great way to get your foot in the door.

—Jessica Zebracki, '05, a program assistant on the New Product and Development Team at the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan

Here are some tips that I suggest to the Class of 2006:

• When preparing for an interview–dress professionally, read the company's Web site and act like you want the job.
• I wish someone would have told me how important it was to be detail-oriented, when writing an email–knowing that would have saved me a lot of time.
• Never write and send an email when you are angry.
• Never write or send an email that you would not want the contents made public.
• Don't expect a promotion or raise the first year.
• Have a great attitude at work, even doing the tasks you dislike.
• Follow through on tasks you are given; if you say you are going to do something, do it.
• Expect to have to do more than your job to prove yourself; the compensation will come later.
• Start putting money into a retirement fund immediately–don't wait until you are older.