Naterce Santos, Commercial Director of Grupo Luís Vicente and an alumna of The Lisbon MBA Católica|Nova, wrote an insightful article for Mais Superior reflecting on a sentiment that holds a universal resonance: the desire to revisit the age of 20, endowed with the profound wisdom and knowledge accrued throughout the years.

 

How many of us have said, ‘I wish I were 20 years old and knew what I know today!’ Many times, I’ve uttered this phrase casually. However, there have been few occasions when I’ve truly reflected on it. I greatly enjoyed my university life. Perhaps that’s why I returned to university several times after earning my undergraduate degree: first for a postgraduate program, later for an executive master’s degree, and recently for an MBA.

 

I miss those train journeys to the university. I remember they were the stage for countless conversations among college friends. We all had a hunger for adventure and were focused on the future, filled with (un)certainties. After my university experiences, I wonder what I know today that I didn’t know 20 years ago? What would I say to these young people on the train today?

 

First, I would tell them not to worry too much about the course they will study and their future career prospects. Over time, I realized it’s better to choose something we genuinely enjoy because 3 or 5 years is a long time to study something just because “there are many job opportunities in that field.” We can do something we don’t like well, but doing something we enjoy makes us much better! Furthermore, in the next 5 years, the world will change more rapidly than in the last 20. Many professions will disappear, and many have not even been invented yet.

 

Invest time in choosing the university where you want to study. That, indeed, will make a significant difference in your learning. Today, I would opt for an institution in constant collaboration with the job market, where students are challenged and encouraged to question everything, including education. Who are the professors: pure academics? Active professionals? Entrepreneurs? Who are the institution’s alumni, and what relationships do they maintain?

 

Also, regardless of what you may do in the future or your path to college, do not avoid subjects involving mathematics, calculus, or finance. Maintaining or acquiring some mathematical agility and logic is fundamental. There is a strong likelihood that even in social areas, you will talk about budgets, costs, and investments. On the other hand, financial literacy will help you greatly in your personal life. Seize every opportunity to learn how to manage and deal with money, whether it’s the result of small temporary jobs or because you are the treasurer of a small association. Diversify your experiences as much as possible!

 

Finally, enjoy getting to know people, both inside and outside your class, university, new city, or, if you have the opportunity, beyond borders. Dedicate time to create quality relationships where diversity is the theme. Meeting people with different experiences, realities, and tastes makes us grow and makes us better, both personally and professionally. We learn to be more flexible, tolerant, and confident. This ability to connect with others will build the foundation of the crucial networking.

 

In the end, I would say that it’s worth letting life surprise us and shatter our absolute truths because that makes us grow and adds color to life. And for this, there is no age limit!

 

Read the full article (original) in Portuguese here.

 

Source: Mais Superior