I know that reading and the further pursuit of academic interests is not what a new graduate wants to hear, but in my opinion those who achieve success and happiness in their careers are those individuals who stay engaged in lifelong learning.Have a curious attitude towards life and maintain an active interest in learning, reading and listening. I am always surprised how few individuals in my industry read. Read daily and monthly publications related to your career, but also try to read fiction and current affairs. I occasionally assign book reports to my direct reports on books related to management and leadership, just to keep them active in learning.

Mr. Eddy Ariail, '82 MBA
President, Habersham Bank, Clarkesville, Georgia
UGA Alumni Association Board Member

Set goals for yourself. Decide which path you want to take and develop both long-term and short-term goals necessary to achieve what you desire. If you decide, at some point, that you wish to change your path, don't be afraid to change direction and reinvent yourself. Even if it means taking a few steps back in order to move forward, do it. You'll come out ahead in the long run.

Leslie Younts Brown, '82 BSHE, Fashion Merchandising
Director of Marketing, Cingular Wireless, Atlanta, Georgia

"Wherever you are, be all there." We all make the mistake of wishing away our life or even just a few hours instead of focusing on who we're with and the task at hand. Learn to be mentally where you are physically. Learn to listen well and understand before jumping to conclusions. And, if you can learn the art of getting people to talk about themselves instead of talking about yourself, you'll be successful because you'll build relationships. And, remember that success has best been defined as "those that know you best, love you most."

Paul Chambers, '81
Northeast Georgia District Manager, BellSouth, Athens, Georgia
UGA Alumni Association Board Member

Every time you begin something new, like a new school or a new job, you naturally feel anxious and unsure of yourself... uncomfortable, and through a combination of hard work and the passage of time, you eventually feel more at ease and confident. As you begin your professional career - your first job out of college, the same cycle will repeat itself. Here comes the advice. As soon as you feel the anxiety fading and the comfort level rising, enjoy the moment but only for a moment. Quickly figure out how to get out of your comfort zone... ask for a new assignment, change jobs, take on something new that you aren't quite sure you are qualified for. That's the best way to keep your edge, to discover new career opportunities and to learn faster than everyone around you.

Mr. Carlton L. Curtis, '72 ABJ, Public Relations
Vice President, Industry Affairs, Foodservice & Hospitality Division
Coca-Cola North American, The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, Georgia
Past President of the UGA Alumni Association

Don't work for someone- work for your purpose.
Bring a strong work ethic- dependability, discipline, punctuality, initiative, enthusiasm, honesty, and a willingness to learn and be challenged.
Give a full day's work doing your best.
Never keep a job you hate but never decide you hate a job based on a single day's events - on any given day are periods when you will hate your job.
Work to your preference not just your capabilities.
Be intentional about your work - it's not the job you have but the work you do.
Know your core values - all three of them! Find your true north.
"We are what we do, especially what we do to change what we are." Eduardo Galeano
Place yourself where you can make the greatest contribution.
Know your strengths - your gifts and talents - to know where you belong.
"The soul would rather fail at its own life than succeed at another's life." David Whyte
Vocation is the intersection of the world's great need with your own deep gladness.
"Strive not for perfection but for progress." Jim Shannon
Take time for renewal - turn off the outside noise so you can hear what's inside.
Chaos and void birth creativity; failure creates learning. Embrace them!
Be gracious and grateful - honor the work of others by expressing appreciation.
At the end of the day can you say you have been worthy?
Have a sense of humor.
Share, smile, laugh!

Mayor Heidi Davison,'75 BSED, Elementary Ed, '79 MED, Middle School Ed
The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Athens, Georgia

Pursue your dreams. Don't let anyone ever tell you that you cannot accomplish what you set your mind to. With proper planning and a lot of hard work, the sky is the limit of what you can do. This is important because there is no better way to live your life than by doing something that you love. By figuring out what you enjoy doing and then finding a job in a similar field, your reward will be a job that you enjoy doing. There is no better feeling than waking up in the morning eager to go to work at a job that you love. Remember, you can reach any goal with a good plan and plenty of hard work.

Senator Brian P. Kemp, '87 BSA
State Senator, Georgia General Assembly, Athens, Georgia

Remember that "It's not who you know - it's who you get to know." Starting out, you may not have an extensive network of contacts in your chosen career field. That doesn't mean you can't build one. The more people you're plugged into, the more people who are aware of you and what you have to offer, the more opportunities will come your way. This assumes, of course, that they like you. Building that goodwill isn't so difficult - be courteous, be gracious, be alert for chances to help others. And be persistent: if they slam the front door on you, try the back door. If that is closed, check the windows and, if necessary, skylights and air ducts. You get the idea. You can find a way to reach any decision-maker if you're determined enough. Just be ready for the meeting when you get it!

Dan McGirt, '89 BA, '92 JD Law
Senior Speechwriter, Office of the Governor, Atlanta, Georgia

My single most important piece of career advice for you is to quote Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "The talent of success is nothing more than doing that you can do well, and doing well whatever you can do."

Matt Beasley, '90 BSED, Social Science Education
Mayor of Hartwell, Hartwell, Georgia

Be Focused, be Fast, be Flexible, be Friendly and have Fun. Always pay yourself (save and invest). Let time be your best friend.

Mr. Jeff Bell, '84 BBA Information Management Systems
Director, Legal Department, BellSouth Corporation, Norcross, Georgia
Former UGA Alumni Association Board Member

Pay attention to what you love and put your energy into the most important things. It's no good to have a fabulous salary or title if you hate your job. If you do what you love, you'll be able to manage on the money you earn. If you're chasing the dollars, you'll never make enough!

Ms. Myra Blackmon, '72 ABJ, Public Relations
CEO, Holland, Blackmon & Associates, Inc., Athens, Georgia

Whether you are an entry level employee or the CEO, to a great degree your success will depend on your ability to interact with a variety of people, often with differing personalities, values, and objectives. Seek to understand the wants and desires of others, then identify ways you can help others realize their objectives. In so doing, you will create a following of people invested in helping you accomplish the things that are important to you.

James M. "Bucky" Cook, '77 BBA, General Business
Former President and COO, Heavenly Ham, Roswell, Georgia

Make the most of your career experience wherever you are. More specifically, I would encourage you to treat others with respect and kindness because you never know where the path of life may take you, and it is always better to leave a good, lasting impression on those with whom you have worked. Where you are isn't as important as who you are.

Danae Roberts Gambill, '00 AB, Political Science
VP of Governmental Affairs, Georgia Chamber of Commerce

Be passionate about what you do. "Those who do not have fire in themselves cannot warm others" - Shakespeare

Pamela Martinson Landwirth,'73 AB, History
President, Give Kids The World

Spend as much time as possible volunteering for your community. Beyond the obvious benefits to society, volunteering will help you build important professional skills. Many times, non-profit organizations are eager to let volunteers hone their skills working on a wide variety of projects. In addition, volunteering is the best way I know of to meet a lot of people. Networking through volunteer projects builds friendships and professional contacts that are invaluable as you start a career.

Sandi Turner, '94 AB, English
Public Information Director, The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County

Put family first. Prioritize everyday. Be on time. Never explain and never complain (John Fitzgerald Kennedy). Do not be afraid to follow your dreams. Support the University after you graduate. And, most importantly, never quit a job until you have another one.

Ms. Pam Avery Yielding ('72 ABJ Public Relations)
Owner, Crossroads Enterprises, Author
Former UGA Alumni Association Board Member