A collection of inspirational career stories from industry professionals — sharing hard-won wisdom on real life, relationships, risk-taking, and reaching your full potential.
Each chapter features stories from industry professionals across generations, plus a hands-on activity to apply what you've learned.
Ten Secrets to Success After Graduation is a collection of inspirational career stories from industry professionals designed to empower new graduates. Many early career professionals experience challenging and tumultuous times after graduation. The stories and activities are designed to help individuals navigate and thrive during this period of life after school.
The book can be read as independent chapters or cover to cover. Utilize the activities at the end of each chapter to bring the lessons to life. Many contributors also provided their contact information if you would like to connect about their moments of success, failure, and perseverance.
Nick Wagner Sr. is a husband, father, and son whose passion for people drives his corporate work at Cigna as a human resources professional and his nonprofit, CITE Inc., which he launched with his wife.
As a lifelong entrepreneur, Nick is always starting new initiatives and giving back to the community. He created the Full Potential Movement to assist people with their careers. Ten Secrets is the first book in his Full Potential book series.
Life post-school has no syllabus, no teacher, and no structure. This chapter sets the stage for what it really means to navigate adulthood — bills, relationships, health, career, and everything in between.
Document your defining post-school moments
The people you surround yourself with can make or break your journey. Learn how to intentionally build a network of family, friends, mentors, and professionals who give real, timely advice.
Map and document your own support system
Career advancement can come at a cost. Two professionals share how they learned — sometimes painfully — that prioritizing people over promotions leads to a more fulfilled life.
Create a family & friends bucket list
Success is everywhere — and the biggest obstacle is often ourselves. Learn how authentic relationship-building separates those who thrive from those who struggle in their careers.
Deepen 5 connections and find 5 new ones
Asking for help is not weakness — it's strength. Two entrepreneurs share how learning to ask for help transformed their careers and led to bigger outcomes than going it alone.
Identify fears about asking for help & overcome them
Graduation is not the finish line — it's the starting gun. Discover why unlearning outdated beliefs and cultivating curiosity may be the most important investments you can make in yourself.
Complete an empathy map for self-awareness
There is no right or wrong career path. Hear from two executives who navigated winding roads — and share why your daily actions, not your title, determine your trajectory.
Create your personal career map
The greatest risk is not taking one. Two professionals who bet on themselves in their twenties explain why youth is your biggest asset — and how to leverage it before life adds constraints.
Identify one career risk to take in your twenties
You are a brand. Whether you build it intentionally or not, your reputation is being shaped every day. Learn the practical steps to define, launch, and protect the brand that is uniquely you.
Write your personal brand mission statement
Giving back is not just about money — it's about time, talent, and treasure. This closing chapter challenges you to find a cause that aligns with your passion and become a silent hero in your community.
Document how you can give your time, talent & treasure