Words from the Wise

“Never believe the landlord when he says that living next to the ‘el’ train is an ‘urban experience.'”

Life After Vanderbilt is a new guide written for new graduates by recent graduates–a collection of advice that the Alumni Association will present as a graduation gift to each member of the Class of 2008. With tips about moving, money, first jobs, networking and life changes, this manual has something for everyone, plus words of wisdom from Vanderbilt Chapter presidents and final thoughts from the Vanderbilt Career Center.

The advice ranges from the practical (“If you don’t have the money, don’t buy it. The $150 purse really isn’t worth the pain of being in debt.”) to the playful (“Never believe the landlord when he says that living next to the ‘el’ train is an ‘urban experience.'”) to the comforting (“At my first job, I had no clue what I was doing for the first few months. This is normal! Everyone is clueless at first, but thankfully, it gets better with time.”).

“Only young alumni from five years out were solicited for submissions, making it genuine, warm, real and recent,” says Kate Stuart, program coordinator for alumni relations.

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