Playlist:
*This is a remix to a post I wrote a few years back. It’s been updated so you can get current value out of it.*
Ambassador Bruny wanted to send a special message to the seniors getting ready to hit the real world.
How many times have you heard, “You are the future?” It’s true, but you are not alone on the journey. A while back I swung by Queens College to share my presentation, “7 Hip Hop Affirmations to Change Your Life After College.” It was so well received I have to share some of the tips with you. Of course you’ll have to contact me for the full presentation if you want the rest of the story.
To book me as a speaker send an email to Succeed@HipHopAffirmations.com.
Here are 5 areas to focus on so you can hit the real world running.
1. Your Net-work
Affirmation: “I build powerful relationships”
Lyric: “First of All I want to thank my connect, the most important person with all due respect.” by Jay-Z (Song: Roc Boys)
Moves to Make:
- List the places you would like to work and find a connection: Go to their website in search of some kind of connection whether it be an alma mater, a club or a hometown. It can turn a cold connection into a warm one. I have leveraged my undergrad and graduate schools to do all kinds of wacky things from getting front row seats at a Jay-Z concert to getting an ESPN clip that was no longer available on the web for a men’s retreat I was running.
- Know that it is never too late to reconnect. Leverage Holidays and birthdays to reconnect with people you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Use tools like Contactually to set up reminders
- Join and be active on networking groups like Linkedin and Brazen Careerist.
2. Your Passion
Affirmation: “I pay attention to my instincts”
Lyric: “Umi said, shine your light on the world, shine your light for the world to see.” by Mos Def (Song: Umi Said)
Moves to Make:
- Take formal and informal assessments to help you get in touch with what you are passionate about. I like the Clifton StrengthFinder for figuring out your strengths.
- Pay attention to the subjects and activities that excite / excited you during your college years.
- Increase your exposure by being involved in a diverse list of things.
3. Your Money
Affirmation: “I understand how money works”
Lyric: Being broke is a joke, I never found it funny. That’s why I count my blessings as much as I count my money.” by Fabolous (song: Change Up)
Moves to Make: (courtesy of Kennedy Financial Group Online)
- Understand your debt.
- Set up a budget immediately
- Don’t wait to talk with a professional
4. Your Mentors
Affirmation: “I learn from those who have already done it”
Lyric: “I took him from coal to diamond; I molded his mind; enter the most phenomenal artist of any and all time.” ~Diddy (Song: It’s Been Said by The Notorious B.I.G)
Moves to Make:
- List 2 people you would like to learn from and ask for assistance
- Get a virtual mentor
- Complete the circle by finding someone else to mentor
5. Your Support
Affirmation: “I am energized by the company I keep”
Lyric: “I want to talk to GOD but I’m afraid because we ain’t spoke in so long.” ~ Kanye West (Song: Jesus Walks)
Moves to Make:
- Use a phrase like, “Pardon my ignorance” that will allow you to ask questions you are hesitant to ask.
- Find a safe place where you can get your questions answered.
- Break your social network friends into list based on why you reach out to them (e.g. work, entrepreneur, emotional, every & anything, etc).
That is a good list to get you going as your prepare for life after graduation.
Remember, no one else can make moves for you. Now go out there and make something happen.
You don’t have to do it alone oh new graduate. Need more tailored help to your situation? Ask me about group coaching options for Graduates Of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D).
Mike “Ambassador” Bruny is a speaker, author and certified life coach helping his clients reach their biggest goals in life and business. He is the author of ” Move the Crowd: 30 Days of Hip Hop Affirmations to Change Your Life.” and can be found on Twitter: @ambassadorbruny or @HipHopAffirms. Order the book here
