Note to Prospective Graduates:
The Spring 2015 Commencement Ceremony for Grambling State University will take place on May 8. Congratulations to our graduating seniors! You have worked hard to achieve this honor, and I’ve got news for you; there is more work ahead. Celebrate your accomplishments but plan now for your future. The GSU Career Services department has a new leader, Dr. Sheila Fobbs. Dr. Fobbs brings many years of expertise to this role and her team is willing and able to assist GSU students with employment and internship applications, interview skills, and appropriate attire. We have a Career Closet that is stocked with clothing (suits, dresses, shirts, etc.); new and slightly used that has been donated by Alumni and the Links, Inc. in Dallas and Grambling. Our partners at CenturyLink have also expressed their willingness to contribute toward the professional work attire for GSU students.
Throughout my career, I’ve been an avid reader, but my favorite books are non-fiction related to professional development. I was looking at my home office bookcase last week, and I noticed there were a number of books I no longer need; so I will be donating books to Career Services. Most of the titles focus on time management, cover letters, resume style, and leadership. I strongly recommend that all students read the following books to prepare for the world of work.
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- How Successful People Think: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life by John Maxwell
- Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
- Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Jonson & Kenneth Blanchard
- Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success by Steve Harvey
- Great by Choice by Jim Collins & Morten Hansen
- Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins & Jerry Porras
- The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
- Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? By Reginald Lewis & Blair Walker