A former student from Wharton gave me a call, and asked for a few pointers on what to focus on.

My initial thoughts were:
Communication skills
Finding a field/sector of expertise

Being someone who can be valuable right now, and preparing the groundwork for a future career.

What can you do right now for your shop? What holes exists in the team, and which areas can you fill immediately.

Which areas did I suggest?
Same as before:
China/India - emerging markets
Water
Elder/Health care

Also, don't forget Africa. It's ignored for now, but there is opportunity.


But what I did not end up suggesting because I forgot was:
Establish an Identity.

Something that co-workers, companions and others in the industry can recognize you as.

This is part PR/Marketing for yourself, but it is something important to do.

Look at the landscape, and put a few flags out there. Some will fail, but few will remember those. The early bets you make that pay out will reward you in the future.