When I noticed the "Big Head" statue in Canmore had been very tastefully decorated by the graduating class of Canmore Collegiate several thoughts went through my "head."
Where were you in 1967 when oft-remembered songs from the famed duo of Simon and Garfield emerged from the award winning movie The Graduate? Who can forget the guitar chords from such classics as Bridge over Troubled Water, The Boxer, Cecilia and of course Mrs Robinson!
Sounds of Silence
I can still remember the innocence of Ben Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) and Mrs Robinson (Anne Bancroft) as Ben said "Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me. Aren't you?"
Man, we were innocent when we came out of high school. I decided to travel and see the world. I left from my Toronto home and got as far as Montreal - some 500 km away and had the time of my life working for seven months at Expo 67. What a time to grow up - just a bit.
What are today's graduates thinking?
Our son Robb graduates next week with a degree in Political Science from the University of Alberta. Markets and housing prices are down. Manufacturers are closing their doors. Employers are not hiring. Do these young graduates know how to prepare for an employment interview and how to present themselves in a resume to get short listed for a personal interview?
Known as Generation Y, these graduates are ready to enter the workforce in unprecedented numbers. They are tech savvy having grown up with notebook computers and Blackberry's. This generation prefers to communicate through e-mail and text messaging rather than face-to-face contact and prefers webinars and online technology to traditional lecture-based presentations.
Family plays a larger role with these young graduates as they are willing to trade high paying jobs for flexible schedules and a better work/life balance. While older generations may view this attitude as narcissistic or lacking commitment, discipline and drive, Generation Ys have a different vision of their workplace, expectations and prioritize family over work.
Studies indicate that these young graduates are confident, ambitious and achievement-oriented. They have high expectations of their employers, seek out new challenges and are not afraid to question authority.
The Long and Winding Road Maybe the Beatles said it best ...
Many times I've been alone
And many times I've cried
Any way you'll never know
The many ways I've tried
But still they lead me back
To the long winding road
You left me standing here
A long long time ago
Don't leave me waiting here
Lead me to your door
Whatever the pursuits, goals or vocational options I'm sure we all wish these young graduates success, health and happiness for careers as enlightened as our own.
Don't forget your roots and simple lessons learned. Wherever the roads leads, you are always welcome home.
All the best!!
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