NIU Professors and Business Professionals Offer Advice to New MBAs

Congratulation to the Northern Illinois University School of Business Class of 2015. The following thoughts were shared on the school’s website by NIU Business alumni, guest speakers, and professors to act as words of wisdom and encouragement to any b-school grad looking to make a splash in the business world.“Build your friends and keep them close. You need people who you love, people who you trust. Know that you have enough already to get started on your dream. Don’t give up too much of yourself—remember that saying ‘no’ is often saying ‘yes’ to yourself.  See as many sides as possible: collaborate, cooperate, self-protect, take risks. See what is missing in a project and identify what you can bring to the project better than anyone else.” – Stacy Ratner, Founder of Open Books, Keynoter at the Spring 2015 NIU Social Impact Summit

“Do not be afraid to fail. What I’ve learned in the past year is that living with the fear of failing is miserable and holds you back from potential career advancement. Instead of living in fear, live fearlessly and strive to give everything your best shot.” – Lexi Wozny, Marketing alumnus, Retail Leadership Development Program at Verizon Wireless.

“Find your passion; set lofty goals; do a little bit each day to learn and grow.” – Amanda Ferguson, Assistant Professor of Management

“My advice is to work hard, enjoy what you do and remember if you don’t promote yourself no one else will!”  – NIU Business alumnus Audrey Southard, Retired Vice President, Instructor

“Don’t allow your career to overshadow your friends and family.  If you have a career setback, you will overcome it. Slighting those that care about you can do irreparable damage.  Do everything in life like you will never have the opportunity to do it again.  Take on challenges before you think you are ready, and you will stretch into them.  Be honest in all you do.  If you don’t know something, say so.  If you make promises and people rely on you, make sure you deliver.  Each day is a precious gift.  Treat it as such. Surround yourself with people who bring you up.  Avoid those that (intentionally or not) pull you down.  Remember those who have helped you get to where you are and go out of your way to thank them–it will cost you nothing and pay big (and non-taxable) dividends.” – James M. Johnson, Presidential Teaching Professor, NIU Department of Finance

“Doing what you love doesn’t need to be complicated. Challenging? Yes. Perfect? No.  The key is to articulate YOUR purpose.  Find out what’s meaningful to you, what speaks to you.  Actively seek out character building situations.  In other words, learn about the world.  Step out of your comfort zone.  Make sure you Live a Life…not a resume.”  – Elly Rohrer, Founder of Human Connections, closing presenter at NIU’s 2015 Social Impact Summit.

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