Looking for Advice? 'Do What you Love'

Recently, most columnists, mentors and professors have focused on the typical advice for college graduates: network, hone your interview skills, and find a job. (It's not always so easy, but you understand my point). Rarely do many 'adults' focus on the heart of the matter - make sure you are doing what you love.

When I graduated college in 2005, Steve Jobs gave the commencement address at Stanford University. One of the more memorable parts of his speech was when he told graduates that, "You've got to find what you love." At the time, I didn't think much of this statement. After all, it was Steve Jobs who has had a successful career. Six years later, I realize his advice was better than most other things I have heard since.

I don't want to suggest that finding a great job and building great networking relationships are not desirable; they certainly are. However, I want to impart on each of you that happiness is an important component of your life, post-college. I often hear young people discuss that there is no work-life balance or that work has drained interest for their career.

I looked up expert advice on the subject. Steve Strauss' article focuses on what graduates can do in the interim period between graduation and a first job. Though it's not always smart to trust what other people have to say, Strauss makes some good arguments. He suggests that students put off attending more school and begin to travel since the opportunity for 'freedom' is rare. I think this statement makes a great deal of sense - there is never a more uncertain time than when one graduates school without a "game plan," but it is also an opportunity to explore the exciting world that is out there waiting.

What are you going to do now that you have graduated college? Let me know in the comments.

Amy M worked in corporate public relations for three years before returning to graduate school to become an English teacher. She is also a freelance writer for CollegeJobBank.Com. Her strengths include: drafting speeches, writing talking points for media interviews, making corporate presentations, and writing for publications. Read more of her blogs at collegejobbankblog.com. Find jobs and other information at Nexxt.