Northeastern professors offer advice for new graduates
Faculty members from London to Boston to Oakland share their wisdom for students entering into the professional world.
Thousands of students will graduate from Northeastern University over the coming weeks and head off in many different directions. But the learning doesn’t stop just because they leave campus.
Northeastern Global News asked Northeastern professors what advice they’d give students preparing to graduate and enter the workforce. Here’s what advice faculty members from across the global network have for new graduates as they enter their next chapter. Remarks have been edited for length and clarity.
Hayat Bearat, associate clinical professor of law and director of the Domestic Violence Institute:
“It’s OK to make mistakes and pivot from what you thought would be a dream job. Dreams and goals change when reality sets in and you experience more of life.”
Elyse Watkins, associate clinical professor of medical science and associate program director of the doctor of medical science in healthcare leadership program:
“Be kind and network. You never know when someone you talk to has a connection that might help you down the road.”
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Craig Ferris, professor of psychology and pharmaceutical sciences and director of the Center for Translational NeuroImaging:
“The career landscape is in flux. … Stay optimistic, stay flexible and take chances outside your comfort zone.”
Yakov Bart, Patrick F. and Helen C. Walsh research professor, marketing, and Thomas E. Moore Faculty Fellow:
“Be deliberate about your digital reputation and data footprint. In an AI-mediated labor market, signals about your work will be continuously interpreted and reinterpreted. Focus your career on problems worth solving: the comparative advantage of humans today shifts from executing tasks to deciding which tasks matter.”
Kathryn Reiss, associate teaching professor of English, Northeastern Oakland:
“Make time for the arts (and) for hobbies and passions that are not your major or your work. Go to art museums, read novels for fun, learn to crochet, take a swing dance class or learn to waltz. Use all those music lessons your parents paid for over all those years to put together a chamber group or a rock band. And … always write thank you notes! Just like your grandmother told you to.”
Steve Granelli, teaching professor of communication studies:
“Stay in touch! Let us know what you’re up to and maintain the connections with faculty and your fellow students that you’ve fostered here. We want to be able to celebrate your accomplishments throughout your entire life, not just on graduation day.”
Edmund Neill, associate professor of modern history and head of history and art history at Northeastern London:
“Remember that the job you pick has to be one you’ll get up for on a cold, wet February morning, so choose something you really love and believe in.”
Ram Hariharan, associate teaching professor of information and software engineering and director of programs for the College of Engineering and data science faculty at Northeastern Seattle:
“Be sure to continue to surround yourself with motivated, smart people. Just like this amazing university, the environment you choose next will play a big part in shaping who you will become in the next five years.”
Laurent Lessard, associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering:
“The most valuable thing your engineering education gave you isn’t knowledge, it’s the ability to acquire knowledge. Critical thinking, problem-solving and technical assimilation, those are the durable skills. … You will spend most of your career working with tools that haven’t been invented yet.”
Andrew Mall, associate professor of music:
“Focus on investing in your local community, wherever you end up living. Meet your neighbors and greet them by name on the sidewalk or at the park. Know the small business owners, city councilors, state representatives and other community leaders. Buy produce at farmers’ markets or purchase a farm share. Visit local bakeries and butchers. If you drink, buy your beer and liquor from breweries and distilleries that you could actually drive to and visit. Get out to see local bands at small, independent venues. Go for a bike ride, a hike, or even just a walk. Join an anime club, play recreational soccer, take a pottery class. Talk to your bartenders, servers, baristas, bus drivers, and hairdressers.”
Darin Detwiler, associate teaching professor of global economics of food and agriculture, regulatory compliance and sustainability:
“Build your career with a clear sense of responsibility, not just ambition. The choices you make (what company you join, what risks you ignore, what standards you uphold) will shape not only your success, but the safety, trust and well-being of others. Early in your career, you may feel pressure to stay quiet or go along; resist that. Ask questions, speak up when something doesn’t feel right and remember that integrity is not a milestone…it’s a daily decision. Your credibility will be your most valuable asset, and once lost, it’s nearly impossible to regain.”
Leanne Chukoskie, associate professor in the departments of art and design and physical therapy, movement and rehabilitation:
“Shift your thinking from ‘networking’ to building communities of belonging. When you choose to be the person who invites others in and connects across differences, you create spaces where people can form authentic relationships. Teams grounded in psychological safety tend to be more innovative and effective.”
Katherine Simmonds, clinical nursing professor and associate director of health programs at the Roux Institute:
“Follow your passion(s) and bring your talents, skills and intelligence to people and places that need you. There is so much fixing and healing needed in the world right now. It’s waiting for you — (com)passionate, smart, thoughtful people — ready to show up, listen, dig in and do good.”
Lori Lefkovitz, Ruderman Professor of Jewish Studies, director of the Jewish Studies Program and professor of English:
“Be patient with yourself. Life can be a composition in many chapters, each one of which will contribute to who you become and what you do in ways that may surprise you. So, while you pursue your goals, stay open.”
