No one is going to give a damn about your résumé; they want to see what you have made with your own little fingers.
David Michael Carr was an American writer, columnist, and author of The Night of the Gun: A reporter investigates the darkest story of his life. His own. He wrote the Media Equation column and covered culture for The New York Times.
He offered 10 pieces of graduation advice to students before the 2014 graduating class at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. Here they are:
1.) Someone who is underestimated will be the one who changes the world. It’s not the person everyone expects. It might be you.
2.) “Do what is in front of you.” Focus on the small steps ahead of you.
3.) Don’t worry about achieving a master plan, about the plot to take over the world.
4.) Be a worker among workers. It’s more important that you fit in before you stick out.
5.) Follow the “Mom Rule.” Don’t do anything you couldn’t explain or justify to your mom.
6.)Don’t just do what you’re good at. Get outside of your comfort zone. Being a journalist is permission for lifetime learning.
7.) Be present. Don’t worry about documenting the moment with your smartphone. Experience it yourself.
8.) Take responsibility for the good and the bad. Learn to own your failures.
9.) Be honest, and be willing to have the difficult conversation.
10.) Don’t be afraid to be ambitious. It’s not a crime.
