Reunion Reflections

3) Give back.  After 35 years, it becomes clear that “it’s not all about you”.  Most of us have spent quite a bit of time on charitable and social activities and hope to expand that involvement as we head into “retirement.”  We’ve recognised that we have skills, relationships and financial resources that can help address a whole host of issues ranging from poverty alleviation to pre-school education.  The skills and energy that led to success in our careers can be easily transferred to the social sector and help transform the lives of millions.  What’s more, the rewards of seeing our involvement come to fruition can far outweigh the financial rewards of our “regular” jobs.  I would encourage you to find a cause that is important to you and to get involved early.  That might mean serving as a volunteer, providing financial support, offering business advice or serving on the board.  Whatever your involvement, you’ll find that it’s a great complement to your “day job”, provides a very different kind of satisfaction and helps you maintain a healthy, balanced world view. 

 

4) Define your own success.  Although many of us who go to business school tend to think of success in terms of money, prestige and responsibility, by the time you get to be my age, you’ll often have a very different view of success.  Family, personal fulfilment, accomplishments outside of work, and service all round out the traditional career-oriented definitions of success.  Among my classmates, there are some who are internationally known for their career successes and those whose careers have been much lower profile.  However, there wasn’t a significant difference in how they viewed themselves and their success in life.  What was clear was that those who had a strong sense of self and who were doing what they wanted to do (as opposed to what they felt they “should” do) were the most pleased with how their careers had turned out.  Those that chased the money or a particular firm or tried to follow someone else’s path were much less satisfied with both their careers and life in general. 

 

5) Leave a legacy.  Although it’s been 35 years, and some of us are beginning to think of retirement, we really aren’t all that old.  Most of us are right around 60 and still have a lot to contribute.  However, we have also begun to think about what we are leaving behind.  What impact have we had?  How have we made a difference?  We all want to be remembered for something – whether it’s the creation of a successful business or the development of a happy, well-adjusted family.  However, leaving a legacy takes planning and forethought.  What’s important to you?  Where do you want to have impact?  Where can your skills and experience generate the greatest impact?  These are questions you should begin to think about now.  Thinking about how you want to be remembered is the first step in making that legacy a reality. 

 

So, as you begin your business school career I encourage you to conduct a simple thought experiment.  Imagine you are at your own 35th reunion.  Who will you meet?  What have you accomplished? What’s next for you and your classmates?  What impact have you had on your organisation, society or family?  How do you want to be viewed by your classmates?  Then, think of what you need to do between now and then to make that imaginary reunion a reality.  

 

 

This article appeared in Education Post as Reunion Reflections