A University President’s Advice at the End of Student Life

Heo Nam-o was born in Jinju and earned a doctorate in law at Dong-A University. His career took him from public service and police leadership to the presidency of Jinju International University. His other books range from Korean police institutions to the painter Kim Hong-do.

I came across his book near the end of college. I had been studying for exams, applying for work and reading about the company where I had just had my last interview. While I waited to hear back, I wanted to read something that would clear my head.

A University President’s Advice to Students

It turned out to be a good book to have in hand as college was ending. I would stop being a student soon, and I was beginning to imagine what it would be like to go to work every morning.

Heo writes from his experience as a university president. His readers are the young people about to leave school and start making a life beyond it.

Challenge, Effort and Gratitude

Some of the advice will be familiar from other books: be ready for an opportunity, take on difficult work and give the day in front of you your attention.

The warmth of the advice makes it easy to stay with. In between the general principles are some observations worth carrying away.

Ten Qualities a Recruiter Looks For

Heo includes a recruiter’s short list of qualities that make someone stand out. Here is how I read the list.

1. Keep learning over time.
2. Be someone people are glad to have beside them.
3. Expect that opportunities can come your way.
4. Take pleasure in doing well.
5. Feel an urge to get started.
6. Find the issue that matters.
7. Bring others along with an idea.
8. Draw in other people who are good at what they do.
9. Make a path where there was none.
10. Think ahead and listen carefully.

Eight Habits

Heo also adds a habit of his own to the familiar seven associated with Stephen Covey.

1. Take the initiative.
2. Begin with an aim in mind.
3. Give the important things your time first.
4. Look for a result that works for both sides.
5. Listen before asking to be understood.
6. Work together to achieve more.
7. Keep renewing your skills and outlook.
8. Develop an enthusiasm you can pass on to other people.

Most of the book sounds like an older colleague offering advice in good faith. You can take what fits the situation you are in.

Heo treats keeping up relationships as a skill. He also wants readers to take a chance on work they might otherwise be too cautious to try.

I happened to read it as a student about to graduate. The book made me think about the time I still had at college and how I wanted to use it. After graduation the question does not go away. It simply applies to a different day.

Book Information

A University President’s Advice to Students

Author

Heo Nam-o

Publication date

May 25, 2007

ISBN-13

9788970064093

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