Ask the Dean is a weekly column by MTU’s Dean of Students, Dr. Wallace Southerland III, where students can submit questions for him to answer. To submit a question, email [email protected] or fill out our Google Form.

Question: What advice do you have for students about to graduate?

Dear Submitter,

First, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates. I wish them well and hope they are confident that Michigan Tech has prepared them for what’s to come. I want them to go out into the world and create positive social change wherever they are. I want them to be the most exceptional and confident employees. I want them to be responsible citizens and kind to others. I pray that the graduates will be great and grateful, resilient and resourceful, competent and compassionate, ethical and just, and formidable.

My advice:

•       Don’t be so serious. Laugh. Have fun.
•       Trust yourself and take a leap of faith sometimes.
•       Enter and exit your new workplace or graduate school with grace and humility.
•       Learn to listen more than you talk. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason.
•       Solve conflict by “seeking first to understand then to be understood.”
•       Take responsibility for your actions.
•       Don’t be afraid of accountability.
•       Don’t rely on others to motivate you. You must be self-motivated to achieve your goals.
•       Be responsible for your own morale.
•       Husky UP – get it done!

Your Dean of Huskies,

Dr. S.