Clinton Kelly (class of ’91) came back to BC this past Friday, Oct. 23 for a “Careers Reimagined” series and a coffee chat with roughly 20 students. Having attended both, it is safe to say that Kelly offered inspiration, motivation, and wisdom to those in attendance. One of the most refreshing things about Kelly, he was aware that much of his advice could come off as cliché, but he stood by it because he meant every word. His positivity and sincerity were contagious offering students advice and reassurance. Here are some notable pieces of advice he gave:
Clinton Kelly at Boston College in 2011
1. Visualize
Clinton Kelly urged students to visualize their futures to discover what kind of lives they want to live. From there he advised to find a career path that could fit well with those lives. He also said that visualization helped him to make his dreams realities.
2. Prioritize
Kelly stated that he has consciously ordered his priorities: family, health, financial stability, and career respectively. He said that doing so allowed him to keep balanced and make decisions accordingly. He offered the example of canceling a $50,000 speaking engagement if a family member needed him because he prioritizes family before financial stability. This keeps him grounded and focused on what is really important.
3. Be smart, work hard, and make people like you
These three things are what Kelly claimed bring success. He assured students that attending BC already took care of the “be smart” category and that all was left was to work hard and make people like you by finding common ground and being a kind person.
4.Be free in job transitions
Kelly emphasized that people are always free to change jobs. He said that if you are unhappy where you are or what you are doing, change it. He stressed that you are never stuck in a particular job and should never convince yourself that you are.
5. Ask for help
In terms of connecting with coworkers and friends, Kelly said not to be afraid of reaching out for help or advice. He said that people are always looking to fill positions or change positions and everyone can help each other out in this way.
6. Live in the present
Kelly said he found it important to live in the present with a foot just slightly in the future. He considered this middle ground important because he does not believe in focusing too much in the past, as it is already over, and argues against letting a focus on the future be all-consuming or anxiety-provoking.
7. Find alternate ways to succeed
Despite popular belief, you don’t always have to follow the conventional path to the career you want. Kelly offered the advice to find creative and innovative ways to make your way to the top in a way that isn’t miserable for you.
8. Forget fear
Perhaps one of Kelly’s biggest pieces of advice, he urged students to forget about fear and avoid making decisions based in fear. He advised against staying in a job you don’t enjoy or taking a job you don’t feel is right, all for the sake of looking good on resumes or to employers. He thinks that it is important to make decisions that are fulfilling and feel right for you.
Having Clinton Kelly on campus was an exciting and insightful experience. From magazine editor to TV personality, author and more, Kelly’s unique perspective and career experiences captured the attention of many interested BC students.
Sources:
https://bccareer.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/clinton-kelly-visits-boston-co…