Living in the big apple taught me a lot about having a strong ethic. There are so many lessons hidden in the beautiful city that are dying to be unleashed, and once you hear them, you are changed forever. I am so lucky to have lived there for three months and I know the lessons will stay with me forever.

Unapologetically like what you like

Don’t be afraid to be the one person in the office who is obsessed with something different. This piece of advice is along the lines of “be yourself”. In the real world, you are encouraged to be unique. Don’t ever apologize for being you.

It takes talent to get somewhere, but ambition to stay there

Sure, you can have a ten-paged resume, (another thing I’ve learned- keep it to a page) but it’s not the talent that keeps you at a job. Talent is obviously an important factor in deciding who gets hired, however ambition is what keeps your direct deposit. It’s the day to day ambition you put into it. It’s your determination to get a task done which employers crave.

Value the people in your life

Appreciate all the people who helped you get to where you are today. Whether it’s your family members, friends or your random neighbor from when you were 7, keep in touch with them and thank them for their help. Send them a quick thank you note every once in awhile, pick up the phone and update them on your life, or shoot them a quick text to let them know you’re thinking about them! Never burn bridges with people from your past.

Get outside

Living in the concrete jungle teaches you the beauty of going outside to a beach, a park, or just simply outside your office doors. You never realize how important fresh air is until you’re stuck in a cubicle from 9-5 everyday. Get outside, read a book, and enjoy this beautiful world we live in.

Swallow your pride and ask for advice

Don’t be the office know-it-all. It’s OK to admit that you don’t know everything. Step back and ask those around you for advice. People love to talk about themselves, so I guarantee every person is more than willing to help you better yourself. You can never learn enough and every day is a new opportunity for self-growth.

Don’t be afraid to meet new people

Step out of your comfort zone. Meet new people! You never know who you might meet- maybe he or she will have a job opportunity that you can’t miss or, if you’re lucky your spouse one day! Communication is key. It’s the entire reason that our world functions. Across the board, every employer is looking for employees who have great interpersonal skills and are extremely communicative. By meeting someone new, you are sharpening those skills and building to your network!

Talk on the phone more often—instead of emailing/texting

On the same note, when keeping in touch, talk on the phone more often. This whole idea of us hiding behind our screens isn’t doing us any good. Besides in person, the most effective way to communicate with others is via calling someone. So many of our words get misconstrued through typed words. In order to get your point across in the best way, pick up the phone and dial their number.