Steven Wallace
Is either right?
In 21st century America, there are generally three ways to be “successful,” with success being defined as having considerable wealth and/or having a lot of influence. These ways are (1) being unusually talented, such as a professional athlete, singer, musician, actor, author, etc., (2) acquire a certain amount of knowledge, as a doctor, lawyer, engineer, etc. or (3) get people to talk about what you’re doing or what you did, i.e., model, specific accomplishment, etc.
The data on career earning potential for college graduates is undisputable: college graduates will out earn their non-graduate colleagues by up to $4 million over a lifetime. No matter who you are, that is a lot of money. (Then again, if you are the number one pick in the NFL draft, you’ll make at least $58 million in one contract!)
Education happens in a lot of places. For those that are ready for it, America has the best colleges and universities in the world. For others, it may be apprenticeship programs or technical schools.
And for others? Maybe the military, boxing ring, camera and trip to faraway places, or, for many of us, direct entry into the working world. For the folks that choose either of these routes, I submit to you that you still need to continue your education.
I was fortunate while in the Marine Corps. I met a mentor that helped me to see the value of continued education. I started my first college course in November 1992; 20 years later, I am six courses away from my MBA in project management and graduate-level certificate in finance. It has been a long road, but looking back, I am thankful for the education I have obtained.
So how do I wrap my ramblings up into one succinct point? Well, it is to say anybody can be successful by gaining knowledge. College is the most talked about avenue that people choose to gain education, but there are also other paths to take.
Regardless of your route, keep learning, always take advantages of opportunities to better yourself, and keep a can-do attitude. While all of these things together cannot guarantee your success, they give you a much better shot.
After all … life is tough.
UPCOMING EVENTS: The Chamber Regional Luncheon with Greg Dugal, executive director of the Maine Innkeepers Association, is May 9, 11:30 to 1 p.m., at the Kennebec Tavern in Bath. Learn how Maine’s hospitality industry is doing and what you can expect this tourism season.
Learn how to make QR codes and mobile technology work for your business at Mid-Day Chambers on May 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The presenter is Matthew Carr, of Original Computing. Learn about major mobile technology platforms, see an overview of Google Apps integration, understand those little square bar codes you see everywhere and see how a QR code is made. The program is free and takes place at the Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road.
Chamber After Hours at Maine Pines Racquet & Fitness is May 23, 5 to 7 p.m., located at 120 Harpswell Road in Brunswick.
Businesspeople are encouraged to make use of the networking power of the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber and enjoy the camaraderie of other businesspeople. Meet the staff and learn about the facilities and programs offered by Maine Pines Racquet & Fitness, and Select Physical Therapy. Door prizes include gift certificates, a “Spotlight on Members” column, a creative floral display from Flowers Etc. and more.
This event is free to attend. Please register for this event no later than May 22. Call 725-8797 or register at www.midcoastmaine.com.
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS: SMMC welcomes Payroll Management, Inc. (based in Auburn) and Smart Eye Care Center (Bath) to its membership.
The chamber proudly serves 660 businesses and organizations in the following communities in the Midcoast region: Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Dresden, Edgecomb, Georgetown, Harpswell, Phippsburg, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath, Westport Island, Wiscasset and Woolwich.
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