Stanford is a fast paced, challenging environment that presents endless opportunities. There’s no reason your professional environment should be any different. Now that I’ve started my post-Stanford life, I have a perspective you might find useful.

I graduated in 2005 with BA in International Relations and an MA in Communications. During school, I worked for a nonprofit, the government, and for an NGO. I am now an Account Director for SNP Communications. We provide Fortune 500 companies like Google, Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle and Yahoo with consulting, training, and executive communications services.

Exposure

When pursuing a career, the first thing you should think about is exposure. College is specific and focused – major, minor, thesis, etc. Your first job out of college shouldn’t be. I wouldn’t recommend you be overly attached to a specific industry or position. Instead, think of the exposure you will have to leaders, organizations, and business models. The more you’re exposed to, the better prepared you will be to narrow your focus in the future.

Skills

Before pursuing any job, think of the skills you would like to develop. Some of the most valuable skills I would highlight are:

• Oral and Written Communication Skills – Everyone at Stanford thinks they can write. But there’s a difference between writing an A+ research paper and delivering concise, compelling content that motivates others to action. To be able to tailor content to specific audiences, use dialogue skills to uncover hidden motivators, and command a room is essential.

• Leadership – At Stanford, you may have led student body groups, now translate it to business. Whether you’re directing cross-functional teams, managing internal groups, or building the trust of your customers, leadership matters. Being solution oriented and acting with a sense of urgency will differentiate you from the crowd.

Learning Style

Lastly, think of your learning style. Are you looking for hands on management and formal training or do you prefer to learn through observation and experimentation?

In college, I learned as much through internships and exchange programs as I did in my classes. Now I learn from my peers and thought leaders I work with every day. Each project I tackle is like a new case study. Each organization I work with presents another model to analyze. It works for me, not for others. Know what works for you.

Also think about whether you want a big or a small company. In smaller companies, you assume a variety of roles and responsibilities and quickly realize the importance of accountability and ownership. At the same time, big companies can present more opportunity or resume recognition. But you may risk getting lost or just plain frustrated by corporate bureaucracies. I’ve found a balance between the two. I work for a small firm but serve Fortune 500 companies. Again, it’s what works for me.

Congratulations for making it through Stanford. Enjoy this next step into the world of work. You’ll love it.