Congratulations to the Class of 2022! You have now joined the proud ranks of Eureka College alumni – 9,155 strong and growing. Eureka College wants to leave you with some quick tips on how to fully take advantage of your new status as an alum. In no particular order, here are the 10 things every new Eureka College grad should know.

           1. Don’t be a stranger

Homecoming 2022 is set for September 24, 2022. Don’t let Homecoming be the only time you visit campus each year. Come back to visit any time, and stop at the Alumni office first to meet the Alumni Engagement staff and get the latest info on campus events.

            2. Looking for a job?

Eureka College Career Services isn’t just for students. Career Services offers various services to alumni to provide you with additional job-hunting help.

For more information contact, David Speiser, Director of Career Development at dspeiser@eureka.edu or call

(309) 467-6431.

               3. Always learn.

Learning creates knowledge. Knowledge creates expertise. Expertise creates value. You don’t always need a teacher. Read a ton and ask smart people hard questions. There are two things people love: 1) being asked for their opinions, and 2) surrounding themselves with people who want to grow.

          4. Your network is vital.

Who you know is important. Who you matter to is even more important. Create lasting relationships by helping others, who will eventually help you. Organize those connections (LinkedIn), and work to maintain the relationships. When you need them, they will be there for you.

         5. Don’t confuse what makes you good with what makes you special

What stands out on your résumé? Are there extracurricular activities, hobbies or volunteer work that you’re passionate about? Do you have life experiences that set you apart?

Highlight the traits that differentiate you, and if you don’t have them yet, start working on them now. It’s never too late to purposefully shape your personal brand, threading together the strands that make your life different and your value proposition unique.

         6. Be a good mentee

At this stage, when you are first cultivating mentors, it’s important to practice the art of being a good mentee.

Be respectful of people’s time, and approach mentoring sessions with humility and vulnerability. Always prepare for the meeting and come with one or two thoughtful questions. Be open to feedback, learning, and criticism, and, no matter what, always follow up with a handwritten ‘thank you’ card.

          7. Your critics are your best friends

Receiving feedback – whether it’s from mentors, bosses or during a performance review – is an acquired skill. The most natural reaction to negative feedback is to become defensive for your actions. Instead, see this kind of feedback as a gift.

         8. Pay yourself first…Now!

No matter how much or little money you make, starting today, set aside 10% to invest or save long term. Most of us ignore disciplined saving until it’s too late. Start now and do it automatically, each time you make a bank deposit. Even small amounts can grow into fortunes when compound interest is applied.

         9. It’s all for something – even the waiting.

Life can be tough after graduation. It’s easy to feel like you’re stuck in between who you once were and who you want to be. You could drive yourself crazy wondering why everyone else is moving forward in the things that matter most while you’re standing still. What you learn in time is that it all makes sense…someday. Today is perfectly setting you up for someday. Stay eager and expectant, but patient and content. It’s all for something – even the waiting.

Reference links: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brentbeshore/2012/09/10/9-things-every-graduate-should-know/?sh=683819678bad

https://www.siliconrepublic.com/advice/advice-for-graduates-anita-sands