Here’s a rather unconventional commencement address from Mike Rowe:

I like both his gentle irreverence and the simple truths of his points.

How do you succeed professionally? Mr. Rowe makes some suggestions:

  • Practice your craft everyday.
  • Become indispensable to your employer.
  • Show up early.
  • Stay late.
  • Distinguish yourself on the job at every opportunity.

No matter what your child does after high school, these are solid points to be successful.

If you’re a skilled tradesperson with an entrepreneurial spirit, a willingness to get dirty, a disposition to travel, and a burning curiosity to learn all that you can…I’m telling you, your opportunity to prosper has never been better.

Mike Rowe

I think it’s great that he references an “entrepreneurial spirit”…I wish he would have repeated that point a few more times. It shouldn’t be a given that we all must toil for an employer, when there are opportunities to be your own. Along with equally giving voice to the trades, it would be great if our educational institutions would give ample voice to entrepreneurship, as well.