Don't Be in a Hurry: A Career Guide for Students in Graduation via Goldman Sachs CEO
Don't Be in a Hurry: A Career Guide for Students in Graduation
One piece of advice has stood the test of time:"Don't be in a hurry." Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon says this was the most valuable career advice he received from his grandmother when he was in his twenties. The message is simple: meaningful careers are built over years, not months. He also emphasizes that time is irreplaceable and should be used deliberately. [Don't be i...eer advice]
For today's graduation students, this advice is more relevant than ever. Social media can make it seem like everyone is becoming a founder, manager, or millionaire overnight. In reality, most successful professionals spend years learning, making mistakes, and building expertise.
What "Don't Be in a Hurry" Means
- Don't choose a career only because it pays well today.
- Don't panic if your classmates get jobs before you.
- Don't expect leadership positions in your first few years.
- Focus on learning, building skills, and creating long-term value.
- Treat your twenties as a period of exploration and growth.
Example 1: Technology Industry
Rahul's Story
Rahul graduated with a computer science degree in 2026.
Many of his friends chased high-paying AI jobs immediately. Rahul started as a junior software tester in a midsize company. The salary was modest, and some relatives questioned his choice.
Instead of switching companies every six months, he:
- Learned software testing deeply.
- Studied cloud computing after work.
- Built small AI projects on weekends.
- Improved communication skills.
After five years:
- He became a Cloud Solutions Architect.
- His income was several times higher than when he started.
- Companies valued his broad experience.
Lesson: The first job is not your final destination. Skills compound over time.
Example 2: Healthcare Industry
Priya's Story
Priya completed a pharmacy degree.
Many classmates wanted immediate managerial roles. Priya accepted a position in a hospital pharmacy where most of her work involved inventory management and supporting senior pharmacists.
For three years she:
- Learned medication safety practices.
- Understood hospital operations.
- Built relationships with doctors and administrators.
- Earned additional certifications.
Ten years later:
- She became Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services at a large healthcare network.
- Her early operational knowledge made her an effective leader.
Lesson: Foundational experience often looks ordinary but becomes valuable later.
Example 3: Manufacturing Industry
Arjun's Story
Arjun graduated in mechanical engineering.
He dreamed of becoming a plant manager immediately. Instead, he joined a manufacturing company as a trainee engineer.
His first responsibilities included:
- Monitoring machine performance.
- Documenting production issues.
- Working night shifts.
- Learning quality-control processes.
Many peers left because the work seemed repetitive.
Arjun stayed focused on learning:
- Lean manufacturing
- Automation systems
- Team leadership
- Supply-chain basics
Eight years later:
- He led a major factory modernization project.
- He managed hundreds of employees.
- His practical knowledge earned him credibility with both workers and executives.
Lesson: Leadership grows from understanding the work at ground level.
Five Rules for New Graduates
1. Play the Long Game
Think in terms of 10-year growth, not 10-month results.
2. Invest in Skills, Not Titles
A strong skill set creates opportunities. A fancy title without capability does not.
3. Use Time Deliberately
As David Solomon noted, time is the one thing you cannot get back. Spend it learning, networking, and improving. [Don't be i...eer advice]
4. Be Curious
Try projects, internships, certifications, and side learning. Exploration is not wasting time.
5. Compare Less
Your journey will be different from your classmates'. A slower start can lead to greater long-term success.
Final Thought
When you graduate, it may feel like you need to have everything figured out immediately. You don't. The most successful professionals rarely follow a straight line. They learn, adapt, and stay patient.
Your first job is not your career. Your first salary is not your future income. Your first setback is not your final outcome.
As the advice goes: Don't be in a hurry. Focus on becoming valuable, and success will often arrive as a by-product of that journey. [Don't be i...eer advice]
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