"Be sure to know what kind of working environment you like. Whether it's working in an area where you're able to collaborate with colleagues or somewhere with less interaction. It can even be something like morning time–if you're not a morning person, make sure where you work can accommodate to that. Be honest with yourself about your requirements and write up a list."
"I want to make sure students feel supported."
"My life outside of high school [like getting jobs, internships, and exploring volunteering options] gave me an opportunity to learn about the world in a way high school didn't [e.g, classes]."
"There's something very comforting about staying close to a career path or subject that you really love."
Private Middle School Teacher
"In today's world, as a teacher, you have to be flexible, change plans, and be able to think outside the box."
"I really can't picture myself anywhere else."
Special Education and Middle School Teacher
"Follow your heart, and be smart about it."
"Plan for retirement as soon as you start working."
"Be a really good listener."
"Sometimes you need to put your hair up in a bun and wear old lady clothes to show those kids who's boss. And it works!"
Elementary Music Teacher at a Public School
"Studying music is a lot of work and can be stressful."
"You have to learn that as a new teacher, you're going to make mistakes. It is really important to reflect on that and see what you can do better. I think it can be really easy to get discouraged if your class isn't listening to you. So try new things and see what works."
Entrepreneurial Manager in Education
"I feel very confident going into any industry due to my managerial skills...Being a manager of anything is really a way of thinking."
"Try to become a critical thinker––read the news, listen to podcasts."
Career Development Coach, Content Marketer, and Graphic Designer
"If you want to be a businessperson, you have to learn a few things which I think are key pillars to any business. You have to learn marketing, sales, leadership skills, how to price and negotiate with people, and how to operate/be a good leader."
"You can learn the design part, but you have to learn the business part too––you have to be bilingual!"
"Do the things that you're afraid of. You have to put yourself out there. Do the public speaking, get out of your comfort zone."
"Not going to an Ivy League just means that you don't have a head start."
