Career Center > Career Advice From An Alumna
Some career advice from Mary Watkins '73, managing director of J.P. Morgan:
 Saddle Your Own Horse
Don't wait for others to take care of you. Don't expect the "dream job" to just come along. Never wait! You're in charge of your life and your career. Get proactive and make it happen.
Like What You Do
Note: I didn't say, "Do what you like." There's a big difference. Liking what you do means you know how to make the most of opportunities. Look for the positives in every situation. Play the hand you're dealt, make it a winner.
Turn On A Dime
Change is part of life -- and it is hard for many people -- don't let it be hard for you! Become a speed demon at changing directions. Embrace new opportunities and ideas. Don't just adapt and survive...adapt and thrive...because changes will just keep coming.
Stay Connected
Develop and nurture relationships. Find mentors and reach out to them. And over time reach out to those who might want to learn from you and become a mentor.
Think Before You Act ...or React
It's not the stimulus that counts -- it's the response! Success is easy. In comparison, the harder thing is to act or react well in failure or tough situations? If someone attacks you, how do you respond? How fast can you come back from hurt, disappointments, and defeat? That is the real test of you and the character you are building.
Get Over It
Don't dwell on the past. Don't take things that happen in business personally and don't be a victim. Tough decisions have to be made and you may not like them. That's part of the real world. You will make mistakes -- count on it. Fix them and move on.
Develop Your Funny Bone
You cannot survive -- in business or in life -- without a sense of humor. Lighten up, loosen up, and laugh -- at yourself and the situations you find yourself in. This is a critical success factor...No one wants to work with a stiff!
Strengthen Your Back Bone
Do the right thing even when it's not easy or popular. Your character is yours to shape -- it is your foundation as an individual. Your integrity is a guiding value -- something you should shape carefully and be proud of. It is something that can never be taken away.
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