How to Succeed After Graduation

What's the secret to success after graduation? We asked a collegiate career counselor at one of our Best Colleges for Your Money.

"Think about where you're headed," says Paul Pausky, assistant director of Former Student Services at Texas A&M University's Career Center. Pausky helps Aggies with their post-college work, but his career advice is good for everyone.

"Take out the earbuds." When you're meeting with people, take the time to interact and engage with them; you never know who you're going to meet.

"Know thy customer." You get paid for satisfying someone else's need: "That is rule one in business," he says. Focus on what the other person needs and make sure you connect with them. That's the key to a successful career.