Young Alumni - HindSight 20/20

2009-03-05T14:39:00.002-05:00

"I would take charge of my own financial independence after graduation by seeking a knowledgeable financial advisor to educate me on smart ways to approach money – from credit cards to 401Ks, taxes to investing in real estate. Growing up in a generation where money was flowing freely, I regret that it has taken 3 years in the “working” independent world to learn the hard way to save, invest, and balance the cost of living with beginning to grow wealth."

Anna Ball Hodge ('06)
Chi Omega
Women's Track

2009-03-05T14:31:00.002-05:00

"I am very happy with my life after Wake. I spent the summer following graduation working at a children's camp in Maine. It was a great experience, and allowed me to decompress after a hectic 4 years of coursework. Now I am working an internship in sports marketing, gaining valuable experience for my future. My advice would be to network as much as possible, and participate in as many activities on campus as your schedule allows."

Nick Newcomb ('08)
President's Aid
Men's Club Tennis
Harbinger Corp
Intramurals
Calloway Student Board

2009-03-05T14:26:00.003-05:00

1. Travel abroad – I highly recommend going. Whether you decide to go for a semester or a summer, just do it. You will come back with a whole new perspective on the world. It also looks good in the workplace.

2. Visit your teachers during office hours – get to know some of your professors outside the classroom, you might actually learn something.

3. Pay your own bills – learn how to manage your own finances and make a budget, it will serve you well later. Plus, you should develop your own credit.

4. Check the alumni database – it’s important to network with alums, especially in this job market.

5. Enjoy your spring breaks – go somewhere that puts umbrellas in your drinks.

6. You don't have to be in Calloway to work in Finance; this is coming from a Political-Science major who now works in banking.

7. Get involved – whether it is in a fraternity or sorority, student government, or a student organization…find something you like and take a leadership role.

8. Give back –to your community or the University now or in the future, people need your support.

9. Learn how to write properly – writing skills and proper grammar are important in the workplace.

10. Learn a language or musical instrument.

Oh yeah...and go out on off nights, you will meet cooler people.

William Sinclair ('07)
Kappa Alpha

2009-03-04T09:40:00.004-05:00

"Looking back, I would have focused more on networking. Not until attending graduate business school did I realize the importance networking plays in a job search. On a small campus like Wake, taking the opportunity to network with alumni, parents, and recruiters through school sponsored activities is critical. Even my close friends who went directly into the workforce after undergrad proved to be a valuable resource as I was searching for a job during grad school."

Matt James ('07, MA'08)
BA in History
MA in Management
Activities (undergrad): Pi Kappa Alpha (multiple executive positions); Interfraternity Council; L.E.A.D.; Brian Piccolo Cancer Fundraisers
Activities (Babcock): Investment Club (Co-founder); Consulting Club

2009-03-04T09:24:00.005-05:00

"I would have interviewed for more jobs. The interview process is always stressful, but will get easier with experience. I would have networked with Wake Forest alumni that have careers or companies I was interested in. It helps you narrow down your interests and build future connections. And finally, I would have actually created the 30-second elevator pitch, because you will meet important people when you least expect it. When you do, you will want to be memorable and differentiate yourself from the pack."

Kelly Mullen ('08)
Delta Delta Delta
Women's Dance Team

Welcome to Young Alumni

2009-03-03T13:41:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Young Alumni - Hindsight 20/20. This blog will serve to inform current students and potential graduates from Wake Forest University about how an independent life is outside the bubble.