UMUC Commencement Speaker: Ignite Your Career with Passion

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

At UMUC’s Commencement ceremony in Tokyo earlier this month, a Booz Allen Hamilton executive and accomplished UMUC alumnus challenged new graduates to re-imagine paths to the future and ignite passion in their careers.

Mark J. Gerencser, a graduate of the inaugural class of the Executive Master of Science in Technology Management in 1992, now serves as executive vice president of Booz Allen Hamilton, a $6 billion global strategy and technology consulting firm with more than 25,000 employees

Reflecting on his father’s legacy and his own career path, Gerencser remarked that life often gets in the way of your plans and dreams. The ability to embrace change, find a new path and redirect your passion will ultimately lead to success.

Gerencser acknowledged that UMUC graduates no doubt possess brains and talent, but the biggest predictor of future happiness and success is not knowledge or skills—it’s having fire in your heart.

“Will you follow [the fire in your heart] closely, and bring this fire to your life’s work, personally and professionally?” he asked. “Brains get you in the door, but that fire in your heart determines the degree to which the world around you will be a better place as a result of your efforts.”

Read the entire commencement address.

5 Ways to Keep Up

Monday, April 16, 2012

To handle the multitasking and juggling that comes with the life of a student, it’s important to stay sharp — mentally and physically. Here are a few ways to help you stay on your toes and be ready for whatever comes your way.

1) Get your sleep. Most individuals require an average of 8 hours of sleep, but some require up to 10 hours and others function fine at 6. Know the amount of rest you need and make time for it so you have the energy to take on the day!

2) Exercise. It may be difficult to fit into a busy schedule, but not only will exercise help you relieve stress, it can also provide you with the stamina to keep up with your every day demands. Not to mention 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity every day can help prevent memory loss.

3) Relax. It can be easy to get overwhelmed when you have a lot on your plate, so it’s important to take the time to unwind and prevent yourself from burning out.

4) Eat Well. As unimportant as diet may seem in the scheme of things, studies show a balanced, healthy diet can improve moods and boost energy, allowing you to better tend to the things you consider most important. So stock up on healthy snacks and remember to make smart choices because ultimately they’ll provide you with the fuel you need to keep going.

5) Stay Hydrated. Because dehydration can cause fatigue, be sure to drink plenty of fluids regularly. It’s said most should try to drink 6-8 8 oz. glasses of water a day, so try to carry a bottle of water with you and keep track of how much you take in to make sure you meet your requirements.