Advice from recent grads

What is the best way to build a network?

• It only takes one person to get you plugged in. Seek out one individual who can be your champion.
• Get involved with special interest groups like CSU alumni groups, and with organizations within your industry and company. Both will help you build a solid network around your interests and profession.
• The hardest part is taking that first step to get involved. It takes one time going to a meeting by yourself, but in most cases, you will be welcomed with open arms and can then start building your network.

Grad school and your undergraduate GPA, does it really matter?

• Admissions understand that your undergrad GPA doesn’t typically dictate how well you will perform in grad school. If your GPA is low, be sure to have extracurricular activities and experience to show that you can be successful in grad school.

How was it making the transition from undergrad to law school?

• Don’t get worked up during your first year. Law school is hard work. Just get through your first year, and things will get easier. If they don’t and you hate it, get out. I have too many friends who stuck it out just to finish the degree. They are unhappy and buried under a mountain of debt.
• Remember that your peers had lives before they came to law school. Build friendships based on your interests outside of law school.
• Law school isn’t as mentally challenging as brain surgery, but it is a lot of work.

What was the most challenging change you faced after graduation?

• Making the transition from a flexible class schedule to an 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. work day.
• Facing the “first day of school” fear of not knowing anyone. You might show up on your first day and only know the person with whom you interviewed. Hopefully, one of your colleagues will reach out and take you under his/her wing. Just make the effort to get to know people and things will fall into place.
• “Ageism” – facing discrimination or preconceived notions from coworkers and clients that your youth is a hindrance to your ability to perform effectively.  I struggle daily with people not respecting me due to my youthful appearance and young age.
• No reinforcement. There isn’t anyone who gives you feedback, good or constructive, like when you’re in school. No gold stars. 
• Professional training. Get ready to learn on your feet.
• One thing that helped me was having a mentor. Find someone within your company who will teach you and accommodate you.
• Find something your passionate about. Make your avocation your vocation.
• Try not to get discouraged. Keep your eye on where you want to go.

How do you negotiate salary?

• Talking about money is awkward, but always try to negotiate. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
• Put it in terms of what you’ll bring to the company and your expectations for yourself.
• Ask the company: “What do you expect me to do for you?” and “Where do you see me going?”
• Don’t compare yourself to others. Do your research, though. It is okay to ask other candidates or other industry players what would be a fair salary offer. This is where your network can come in. Ask other CSU alums.
• Be your biggest champion. Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn. No one else will do it for you.
• Tell them how you add value.
• Make it look like you value yourself and in turn show them that they should value you too.
• Get advocates within the company to go to bat for you.
• Think about the benefits package as well, not just the dollar figure.

How do you manage money after college?

• Learn how to manage your debt. Pay off your credit cards first. Your student loans have a lower interest rate than credit cards.
• It’s easy to educate yourself. There’s no reason to be afraid of or intimidated by personal finance. Just pick up a finance book and you’re set.
• SAVE! Max out your retirement contributions. Treat it like a bill. Consider it money you never had.
• Set a budget and stick to it.
• Watch your credit score and have a healthy debt-to-income ratio.
• Open a Roth IRA.

What do you miss most about CSU?

• Spring, flip-flops, Friday afternoons, the feeling of freedom after you finish a test.
• The Ramskellar.
• The people; it’s just comfortable here.
• Summers off and the Pickle Barrel.
• Breaks.
• Time to think – time to explore. Don’t stop exploring!
• The people and an amazing support system.