Grads: Stay open to possibilities; Stay in Indiana for opportunities
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Graduations of all shapes and sizes – kindergarten, middle school, high school, certificate programs, and universities have just happened, leading students to their next chapter in life. Regardless of your age, I wonder if you knew exactly what you wanted to do when you graduated from high school or even what you want to do right now. Or, if you have the exact job tied to exactly what you studied.
Well, if it’s like when I went to college many years ago, what you thought you might do and what you’re now doing might be worlds apart.
And, that’s a great thing! Because if there is one piece of advice, I’m giving my own son and daughter it is that: as you look ahead to your future, it’s to have a really open mind and think broadly about your profession and career. It will serve you well, as it has me.
Too many people think that once they earn their degree, they need to know precisely what job they will be in now, in the near future and even down the road. And if you are that person and you do know that and do that, that’s wonderful.
But for most people, so much can change and keeping an open mind and thinking broadly about what the future holds can make all the difference in the world.
Today, I am the CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, a unique organization that brings together CEOs and presidents from corporate, academic and philanthropy to drive economic growth in Indiana. Prior to that, I was a vice president and an officer at a global Fortune 250 company, Cummins; and earlier in my career, I worked at a law firm and then later was Deputy Mayor for the City of Indianapolis.
And I can tell you when I entered college, and even by graduation, I had never heard of most of those types of roles. Central Indiana Corporate Partnership? Nope. Deputy Mayor? Nope. Officer at a Fortune 250 company – well, maybe I had an idea of it, but didn’t really know or appreciate what that even meant. I grew up in a restaurant family. So, I knew a lot about wiping tables and serving people food.
The possibilities to do all kinds of things in the future – many that you would never even dream of today are pretty limitless, and that’s really exciting.
It’s inspiring because it’s a reminder of all that’s ahead – what you may never dreamed, or even heard of, before – for each of you.
If you are one of those people who may not have the crystal-clear road map of all that you have ahead and feel a little uncertain of the future, let me be the first to say that being uncertain is good. It opens your mind to all kinds of possibilities.
I’m living proof.
Keep your mind open about what’s ahead and don’t let it scare you, no matter where you are in your education or career.
Just a few other basic principles that encourage success:
- Working hard
- Treating others with respect and care
- Being curious and learn in everything you do
- And giving back to the community where possible – it’s good for the soul and good for connecting with others, too, which is important.
If you do that, the rest will fall into place.
Indiana is a place where you can make an impact; where you can dive in and get involved and make a difference. I have been fortunate to do just that – and you can, too.
Where else can you volunteer for the NBA All-Star Game or the Indy 500; help make a cancer-fighting drug; build 200 mph race cars; walk in the footsteps of trailblazers like Madam C.J. Walker; or start your own company focused on a virtual solution to mental health needs of college students? ONLY Indiana.
I encourage you to stay here – live, work, play and learn here, and make your mark on our community.
Melina Kennedy is the CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP).
