SMARTER STRATEGIES

Smarter Technology Commencement: Tweets for the Class of 2010

Joe Maglitta | Date: 06-01-10 | Comments

Simplify, volunteer, innovate, leave if you don�t love IT and other wisdom from graduation at the MacGruber Institute of Technology.

Thanks and hello, young computer scientists, engineers, future IT leaders, game designers, parents, teachers and friends. When I became a tech journalist in 1985, I never dreamed I would someday be delivering a commencement speech at MIT. Yet I stand here today, privileged and honored to address the first graduating class at the MacGruber Institute of Technology.

Who am I? Nobody, really. But then, neither are you, which makes us a perfect match. Now because, as your founder teaches us, time is always short, let me waste none dispensing the obligatory nuggets of wisdom, so we that we may proceed promptly to the BBQ. Your instructors tell me that many of you are essentially incapable of extended concentration, so I will be tweeting my remarks. Let�s begin.

Hang in. Tough times always get better�eventually. Really.
Meanwhile �

Volunteer. No job yet? Keep your chops and spirits up. Many worthy nonprofits need IT aid. Google �IT volunteer,� check www.idealist.org, www.volunteermatch.org.

Strive for simplicity. Everyone today is way stressed and overwhelmed. Give us a break. Show your smarts by killing complexity.

Don�t be skeevy. One reason jobs are scarce? Many convinced themselves that sketchy was OK, sinking the global economy. As with beer: If it stinks, don�t drink.

Guide the morons. Users do very stupid things, often with security. IT should stand for �Inspiring Teacher� not �Idiot Troublemaker.�

Never stop improvising. �Doing more with less� is law. To quote a smart dog, think outside the bun. Ask, �What would MacGruber do?�

Innovate while you have free room and board and covered under your parent�s health insurance. That killer iPhone app or online business? Do it now. It just gets harder later.

Don�t be an a**hole. It seems cool, but doing so eventually tanks your job prospects and future. Read the book.

Dress like a big boy/girl. College is over. No ball caps. Especially indoors. No lingerie tops. Shoes stay on feet. Backpacks? Nah �

Once in awhile, go deep. Nicholas Carr�s new book claims Google is making us shallow. For fun, put down the Xbox, close Facebook and dive.

If you don�t love IT, leave. Years fly, but days drag when you hate your job. Lukewarm or worse? Do everyone a favor and leave now.

Well, that�s about it. You, most of you anyway, are good kids. Many of you believe you are smarter than your parents (admittedly a low bar). Show them, and us. We�re all pulling for you.